Style Files: Effortless Chic

This girl nailed it on the head. Totally my style....comfortable and chic. 

What would you say best descrobes your style?

(cupcakes and cashmere found via pinterest)

I am working hard to meet the print deadline this weekend for the Fall Issue of Radiant. 

Its all coming together beautifully, thanks to having a pretty fantastic partner in crime to work with:)

In between layouts, I will be hitting up the county fair! :D

Happy Weekend!

DIY- Pig Roast Engagement Party

One of my good friends from high school, Lauren, emailed me recently to share this event. Along with Jess (the engaged) and another friend, they planned detail for detail this "Tom and Jess Fest". Being a bunch of design majors, it is no surprise it turned out to be SPECTACULAR....not to mention it was just featured on Design Sponge last week! So, if you are planning an important event, let this inspire you to get creative! It's all in the details!

In Lauren's words, "Jess and I discussed concept and vision from the beginning, along with our close friend (and Jess' MOH) Amanda. Our color palette was soft peach/pink and craft paper brown...with accents of hot/neon pink and gold. "......

"From gorgeous screen printed invitations on chip board in hot pink lettering with a vellum overlay in gold/peach to homemade bunting, routed out pieces of old lumber for floral centerpieces, laser cut wooden signs with vinyl lettering applied, wrapping tables in craft paper, a magnetic chalkboard painted door to display their lovely engagement photos taken in L.A. (where they used to live) and a place for guests to write clever comments for the couple. The list goes on and on! "....

"We made some homemade summer cocktails (entitled 'piggy punch' and 'porch swing' to celebrate summer), each glass adorned with those adorable striped straws. Of course, with that much love and care poured into everything, how could you not dance the night away in celebration??" 

(All photos via Stacy Newgent Photography)

Aren't these details perfect?! The photography is just incredible. You can see more of the photos on Swell Photography Blog! If you have any questions, email me, and I will be sure to pass them on to Lauren! Thank you dear friend for sharing your talent with us!

Artistry Feature: Alex D'ori of Wallstale

I always get excited when someone submits their artwork to IHOD. If it is a good fit, I happily feature them. Alex creates these fantastic wall decals that I thought would be a good follow up from yesterday's post. Custom designs are now also accepted! Here are a few I would love to see in a child's room...

And for my favorite....these are too funny not to share. What a good surprise for your guests, right?!

You can Visit Alex Here:

Website | Etsy Shop

P.S. I am guest posting today over at So About What I Said! Come on over and say hello:) Topic: Accessories of course!

Chalkboard Wall Decals Review + Giveaway Winner

I am excited to share this review with you! If you remember, I was asked to review any product from any of CSN's 200 stores. I went with these chalkboard wall decals from All Modern. I thought this was a product that would be fun to try and interesting to each of you readers! Read on for my review..

Here is what I loved about this product:
1) Comes with FOUR decals! I have put one in our kitchen, in my son's room, and in my work room:)
2) So EASY to apply. Its really as easy as peeling off the back, sticking where you want it, and pressing it out... and the corners don't peel up like I would have expected.
3) REMOVEABLE and RE-USABLE! When you want to place it somewhere else, you simply peel it off and re-stick! I thought the texture might be grainy, but it is actually really smooth. 
4) It comes with chalk, is fun and easy to draw on, as well as easy to erase! My son has already created some pretty interesting artwork on his;)


I was nervous to do a review in case I was disappointed with the product, but luckily, I was really impressed! You can find these chalkboard wall decals here. If you want to just try the mini version they have those too!

Also, I chose a lucky winner last night for the Vadjutka Jewelry Giveaway! #17 - Yay! The lovely Sandy! Email me your adress:)

Meet the Blogger: Liz Stanley - Say Yes to Hoboken

Tell us how you got started blogging, and what has been the best part about it?

I started blogging as more of a family blog, documenting our adventures living in Hoboken, NJ.  Inspired my sister in law, Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day, I started using it as a way to archive products and diy projects I was working on and it just kind of blossomed from there. My favorite part is what a creative outlet it's been for me and the sense of community bloggers have. I love blogging, look forward to doing it everyday and even if I were making nothing, I'd still be doing it. It's one of my very favorite hobbies.

(Cloud Rug Tutorial  featured here)

As a mother, small business owner, and blogger, how do you juggle it all?

I'm someone that really likes to be busy. I'm pretty efficient in my time use and love to have a schedule and plan out my day. With only one child now, it seems to work out fine. I set aside time during the day (usually during naps or in the evening) to deal with blogging/advertising issues/answering emails and then make sure to shut the laptop quickly and go do something fun with my son. It's a nice balance right now.  

(Big Bow Pencil Skirt)

Where do you go for creative inspiration? 

I'm embarrassed to tell you how many blogs I subscribe to but it is A LOT. I don't read them all every day, or even every week, but when I am looking for inspiration it's a great place to start. I also love old issues of domino and martha stewart kids.  

What do you see yourself doing 5 years from now?

I have no idea! I love working from home and hope to be able to keep doing it even when our family grows. It's very fulfilling for me and a great creative outlet.

(Beach Tote Bag)

Just for fun- what are your weekend guilty pleasures? 

I love running, camping, hiking  and sewing. I also love checking out local thrift stores and eating out at a new restaurant here in San Francisco. 

Find Liz Stanley Here:

Blog | Shop | Twitter

*So happy to welcome Liz Stanley here on IHOD! She has been one of my favorite bloggers since I entered the blogosphere... Say Yes to Hoboken is overflowing with creative inspiration...I hope you will visit! Thank you Liz for taking the time to be a part of this series!

Style Color File: Charcoal and Grey Hues

Top left Clockwise: 

F21 Mesh Ruffle Trimmed Top 

Fluxus Jersey Zip Vest

Erin Kleinberg Pocket Tee

Madewell Scholar Cardigan

F21 Knotted Ankle Booties

Derek Lam Elsa Clutch

I have just about every type of clothing in grey. Its a color that pairs well with anything, is great for layers, and can is a perfect compliment to just about any color:) 

It has been quite a crazy week for me! Trying to catch up from being a under the weather. Looking forward to the weekend! P.S. Don't forget to enter the Vadjutka Jewelry giveaway :) Happy weekend!

Artistry Feature: Lemon and Lavender Designs

I have had bicycle fever this year...on shirts, in photographs, and now these paper goods!! I was so happy Ashley introduced her shop to me. I was immediately smitten by these...

Oh and wait, thats not all! Ashley also has a beautiful blog loaded with inspiration such as this flower girl board for a fall wedding...

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to visit!

Lemon and Lavender:

Blog | Shop

Vadjutka Jewelry Giveaway!

You may remember Vadjutka Jewelry from this post. Or maybe from this Storque article on photography...I am so honored to have Judit offer one of her gorgeous designs today for a giveaway!!

To Enter (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

Leave a separate comment for each please!

1) Visit Vadjutka Jewelry and leave a comment about which piece catches your eye!

2) Blog, tweet, or facebook about the giveaway.

3) Sign up for Judit's newsletter here for fun shop news!

* Good luck to all! You have until Monday night, July 26th to enter! Thank you Judit for hosting!

Inspirational Spaces: Textiles in your Studio Space

I am going to be adding some new inspirational topics in between the meet the blogger posts! 
I draw so much inspiration from the home from some of my favorite interior design blogs, flickr, and magazines. I thought you readers would also enjoy viewing some noteworthy creative spaces! So...introducing.....Inspirational Spaces! 

Studio Spaces via Design Sponge

Everything about these studio spaces make me smile....fabric textiles such as wall boards and bunting add such a  personal and fun touch to your creative space!

*If you have a creative space that you would like featured, email me!*

Stay tuned for tomorrow's giveaway! You will swoon over it!

Up and Coming...Product Review!

I was contacted by a lovely lady from CSN stores to see if I would review a product for them. I am really looking forward to my first review! CSN has over 200 online stores, which includes everything from vanity to wall decor, housewares to bags and luggage! 


So....I am going to review something I know you readers would love, and hopefully it will be helpful to you! Here's a hint: It can be used in just about every room, and is from allmodern.com :)

Stay tuned! And you won't want to miss this week's giveaway! It is gorgeous! :D 

Happy Weekend!

Style Color File: Golden Yellow + Stripes

My golden yellow craze and love for stripes continues....

Diane Von Furstenberg Dress

Tory Burch Tote

Eugena Kim Fedora

Retro Sunglasses

Tocs Yellow Watch

I love everything about this photo via everything fab

 **Remember, If you have something new to share, please email me for a chance to be featured:)

Also, are you on pinterest? If so let me know and I will look you up! It is kind of addicting! Great, another distraction...he he.

Have a wonderful summer weekend!

DIY: Baby Girl's Nursery + Labor Day Supplies

So thankful to Jess from Small Change Big Changes for submitting this baby girl's room she designed on a low cost budget! Isn't it adorable?! I don't think she spent over 30$! So I had to share for you mom's to be! You can read more on how she pulled of this sweet nursery on a tight budget!

Also, for those of you preparing for the hospital.....

My friend Natalie over at The Busy Budgeting Mama has come up with the CUTEST tutorials/printables for her up and coming delivery. I am so excited to see her next little girl!

Find these and more fantastic ideas on her blog!

Lastly, SO thankful to Melanie Reyes Photography for sending me yet another adorable photo of this little IHOD model! Melanie-you have such a talent! Isn't she beautiful??

Artist Feature: Giovanna of Boho Market

Isn't Giovanna a beautiful name?? Well this girl also creates beautiful work. Her illustrations have a very distinct style. The colors and details are noteworthy! Have a look...

She also runs a fabulous blog called Boho Market. You will love what you find! 

I asked Giovanna what her favorite illustrations were. These were a few...

Retro Girl (featured on free people blog)

"I received such lovely comments and emails telling me that they love my illustration, those comments made my day! :)"

I absolutely love her fashion illustrations. Here is a peak at the Fall 2010 set:)

Thank you Giovanna for sharing your work and talent with us! 

You can find more of Giovanna here:

Blog | Twitter | Portfolio

P.S. I am guest posting today over at Imagine. Please stop by and say hello if you can!

New Look Reveal + Gulf Shore Support

Thank you thank you thank you to all those who helped vote on the new header! It was pretty much a dead tie between #2 and #3! So, I have incorporated both into the new brand scheme! Also, stay tuned for a new website launch! Lots of fun changes...and the bolder fun colors seem to match my style much better! You can grab the new buttons here.

Also, on a totally different topic....last week I had a reader comment the following:

"I have been reading your blog now for quite some time and really like it. I don't know if it's your style or not , but do you think you could do a post on the oil spill in the gulf? I love your thoughts and opinions, and would love to see your comments on this tragedy." 

I don't consider myself well versed enough to discuss politics here, but I did want to address your comment! think we have all been feeling a little disgusted with the situation on the Gulf... This is a problem I wish would go away considering there are so many important issues being put on hold because of it. Soooooo,Thank you dear reader who make me stop and do some research as to how we can help this situation!! I don't know how I missed this, but Flapperdoodle (who I have featured before) started a shop where all the items are donated to sell and 100%  of the proceeds are being given to OxFam America and National Wildlife Association. You can read the details here! I am hoping this is a small way I can help!

Meet the Blogger: Melissa from So About What I Said

In 5 words describe Melissa: 

Honest, loyal, determined, funny, quirky
What brought you to start "So About What I Said?" 
I began my blog in November 2008. As a writer, I wanted to have a central body for my work, and a blog seemed like the perfect fit - an electronic portfolio of my writing. Also, no one seems to talk much about looking for love with a physical disability, and I felt that was an area that needed a voice - a frank and honest chronicle of my journey. Also, I love to mix in little gems that aren't necessarily disability related, but are just fun because in life, I've learned to not take myself too seriously. You have to enjoy the fun and awesome things along the way.

You write incredibly well. Do you have a big dream/goal to accomplish for writing in the future? 
Why thank you - that really means a lot to me! I wrote a piece about my disability for Redbook magazine a few years ago, and writing for magazines full-time would definitely be my ultimate goal!




What has been the best part of blogging for you? 
Oh, the best part of blogging for me has been the ability to connect with such amazing people. There are so many wonderful blogs out there, and sometimes I just want to take entire weekends and do nothing but read blogs. Give me a root beer and I could read read blogs all day.

(all image sources via So About What I Said)

Some of my favorite posts of yours are "letters to your future husband." I laugh or cry every time I read them. Your vulnerability is inspiring. What is your motivation behind them? 
Those letters are actually my favorite part of my blog. When I started my blog, I knew that those letters would be a recurring feature. I like the idea of capturing a moment in time for someone you haven't met yet. It's another interesting way to document my journey, and writing has always been very therapeutic for me. Even if Mr. Melissa Blake doesn't come along, it'll still be fun to look back at these letters in 10 years and see just how far I've come.

Find more of Melissa Here!:

Blog | Facebook | Twitter

*Thank you sooo much Melissa! If you can't already tell, Melissa is a pretty incredible gal. I have learned so much from her already:) Please make sure and head over and stay hello!

Design Feature: Small Magazine

I promise when I am back from traveling I will post some new fun DIY's. Until then, please check out Small Magazine. It is irresistibly cute in every way. The layout is extremely well done, and their selections on features are excellent! 

(via Small Magazine)

Loving it already?!

Artistry Feature: Mariska Meijers

As an artist, it can be very difficult to develop your own style and make it translate well into different types of media. Mariska Meijers does this flawlessly. I was so happy she shared her work with me, because I don't often get to see such a well developed product line from a painter!

Check out her website. You will be amazed and inspired by her work:)

Mariska Meijers:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

**P.S. - If you have the chance, I am being featured in Lana's Wishlist series and would love for you to stop by Lanalou! **

Help me vote on the new blog design! + Giveaway winner!

Hope you all had a fun Fourth of July! Such a great time to be with family and friends:)Saying hi from Milwaukee today (where my husband is from). Will be taking advantage of this beautiful city....


So I need your help! I am in the process of some new changes for IHOD (both shop and blog) and adding a new design to go with! I have loved peaches and pinks but bright and bold colors have always been my fave. I CANNOT decide on which header to go with! Will you help me choose? Please vote on the right side poll! The header will determine the background. If you have time, leave a comment and let me know what you like and don't like. THANK YOU!!!

Also........we have a SUMMER SURVIVAL KIT WINNER!!! Congratulations to Kayla!!

If you didn't win this round, wait for next weeks giveaway! It is what every girl loves!! :)

Happy Tuesday!