Spring Is Sprouting

Azaleas are in full bloom. The magnolias are on the verge. Oak trees are lush with new foliage. I just can't get enough of Spring! My birthday was last Friday, and my AWESOME parents gifted me with a new Canon T2i DSLR camera. I absolutely LOVE it. See more of my Spring pics below!

Project Tutorial: Easter Tree

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. I'm a Spring baby, so Easter was always near and dear to my heart as it evoked wonderful birthday memories. For years I've collected little easter knick-knacks, but the one thing I've been missing is an Easter Tree. Inspired by beautiful mercury glass egg ornaments from Pottery Barn, I decided to make one for myself this year. See the full process below!

Supplies:
Basket
Foam
Grass
Egg picks
Egg ornaments
Floral wire
Floral Tape
Curly branches

1. Cut the tops of the branches and attach them to floral wire to make them pliable. Cover with floral tape.

2. Place the foam inside of the basket, and insert your tree form into the foam.

3. Add the grass to cover the foam and base of the tree, along with an assortment of egg picks and eggs.

4. Use floral wire to attach your ornaments.

Enjoy!

More Easter decor shots coming this week. How are you celebrating the holiday?

Pretty Petunias: Pre-Spring Planting

My Hanging Baskets: Petunias and Fuchsia

Spring officially starts tomorrow, but I couldn't wait! I spent this past weekend on a first for me: planting hanging baskets. I used petunias in my garden last year and really liked the blooms, so I decided to include them in my initial basket projects. While we were out picking up supplies, my husband helped a woman and her mother lift some oversized soil bags. She noticed the petunias and baskets in our cart and recommended another beautiful plant for hanging--Fuchsia. Its pinkish-red and purple flowers are something to behold. It is amazing how a few hanging baskets with beautiful blooms can brighten your home. I put a few baskets out on my front porch, and a couple on shepherds hooks in the backyard. I just love Spring!

Current Obsession: Herb Gardens

With Spring weather in full swing here in Atlanta, I'm hankering to start gardening. My pansies and tulips are still in bloom in the front yard, so my focus has turned to our clean slate of a backyard. First on my list of tasks to tackle is an herb garden. I use cilantro most frequently, but I'd also love to grow basil, dill, thyme and sage. I'm still in the process of deciding the best route to take -- one large planter vs. multiple pots vs. planting bed -- but below are a few items I've been drawn to while planning my new project:

1. Seed Bombs, $6, Anthropologie
2. Herb Garden Stakes / Markers, $20, Etsy
3. Antique Grape Lug, $28, terrain
4. Herb Kitchen Scissors, $24, terrain
5. Effortlessly Sown Herb Kit, $16, Anthropologie

I'll keep you posted on how my herb garden progresses. Have any of you started your own? Any tips? 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope everyone feels the love today!

Inspiration Board: Tangerine Tango

I've been loving and wearing this spiced orange color for years -- on sweaters, bags, nails. And recently, Pantone has vindicated my taste by making Tangerine Tango the color of the year for 2012. These are some of my favorite pieces in the energetic color. I'm really loving this hue paired with shades of blue. Are you planning to incorporate Tangerine Tango into your 2012 wardrobe?

1. Chloe Eden Small Crossbody Bag, Nordstrom
2. Jonathan Adler Mod Dot Four-Piece Setting
3. Vince Caumuto Ladell Wedge, Nordstrom
4. Crystal Petal Post Earring, Anthropologie
5. Flowers by EmersonMerrick
6. Pentanque Necklace, Anthropologie
7. blanknyc skinny jeans, Madewell
8. DL Rhein Zig Zag Orange Embroidered Linen Pillow, ZincDoor
9. Something Else by Natalie Wood Dream Dress, Madewell

Happy New Year! I'm back!

Almond Family Chrismtas: Two trees and lots of love!

It's a new year, and while I didn't accomplish everything I had set out to do in 2011, I must say I'm pretty pleased with my progress. 2011 was great for me in many ways -- filled with new beginnings and marked by a new spirit. The year also marked the closing of a few chapters -- I said goodbye to my great-grandmother after her rapid health decline. From Thanksgiving on, my life has been a cluster. But, I must say that I had the most joyful Christmas ever with my family. And, after that, I took the rest of my holiday to recoup from the tiring recent months. Feeling refreshed I started work on Tuesday, only to return home with a head cold. Ah, the irony. However, even with the head cold and my just-late Rudolph red nose, I'm more than excited to see what this new year brings. And, I can't wait to share the great inspiration I find.

Here's to a fantastic 2011!

Much Love,

Follow my blog with Bloglovin