Graphic Design Heaven: Pugly Pixel

I have featured the lovely Katrina before. You can read her "meet the blogger" interview here. She has filled my little graphic design world with lots of beautiful free surprises and clip art. I am so grateful to her as a designer. I am in the middle of designing the Holiday issue of Radiant Magazine and this set was a site for weary eyes....

You will see these put to good use here:) 

You can download your own over at Pugly Pixel along with oodles of other freebies!

The launch of RUE Magazine

I finally got the chance to dive and soak up the genius content of RUE magazine :) This brand new online mag is loaded with all of my favorite topics... design, decor, fashion, recipes, etc. etc. etc.

In its first issue, the much hyped RUE did not fail to disappoint. ...

Remember the Meet the Blogger interview with Crystal of Plush Palate? She is the fabulous editor in chief and stands beside a great crew in the development of  Rue mag:) These are just a few of the fabulous spreads. You will have to see the rest yourself!

RUE Magazine

Meet the Blogger: Alli of Hooray Design

Hooray is one of my favorite resources for lifestyle inspiration. How did you determine your blog content and direction?

There are tons of blogs out there and I try not to take mine too seriously or let my life surround it, but I am passionate about things like parties, decorating, and discovering shops, so that's what I blog about. I named it Hooray in honor of celebrating fun, creative things. Plus I wanted an excuse to say my favorite word more :)

What came first- business or blog?

Blogging came first. I kind of fell into it after discovering blogs through a friend who had one. I started following her links and before I knew it I was reading a list of design blogs regularly. It was amazing to find so much inspiration on everything from decorating to cooking. I'd always been a big magazine person, so it helped fill the void left behind from good mags like Domino folding.

Your Hooray shop is filled with stationary and print goodies. What is your favorite aspect of being a small business owner?

I've been interested in owning a shop since I was little, so my small online store is just the first step in reaching that goal. I love the creativity involved with designing your own business, as well as being able to work with customers who share the same enthusiasm for design. 

(all items via Hooray shop)

Where are your top places to go for inspiration? 

Oh, there are so many...Rachel and Mariah for cute finds, Natalie for business advice, Krystle for healthy living, Melanie for party ideas. And offline - books, nature, and travel for endless sources of inspiration. 
Just for fun - must have items for fall??

I'm loyal to this combination: trench coat, great pair of boots, and a cute scarf. Perfect with any outfit!

(photo sources can be found via Hooray blog)

Thank you Alli for being a part of the series! Alli was one of my first blogger friends:) 

You will LOVE her blog and shop. Find more here:

Blog | Shop | Facebook

Happy Fall Weekend...

First weekend of fall! Time for road trips, baking, and pumpkin picking:)

1) blissful b via pinterest 2) you are my fave via pinterest

 Need I say anything? It is probably a good thing I don't have a little girl ....yet.

(Zara Kids via pinterest)

Enjoy the first weekend of FALL!!!

They Draw and Cook

Have you seen this site? I am hoping they compile all these into a book so I can have them in print!

Its a brilliant way to promote artistry and combine it with cooking!

They Draw and Cook

Oh wait! They also have a Kids Draw and Cook Website!

Anthology Magazine

With the rise of so many online magazines, I thought it would be fun to share Anthology Magazine with you. Proof that print is not dead! I personally prefer to read my magazines in my hand. 

This one is loaded with design fun. See more of the preview issue here!

ABC Baby Shower Celebration

(Above: Mary, my sister Maria, Mama to be, and me)

(baby shower invite with info changed;)

The very talented Mary (Room Polish) and I put together an ABC baby shower for my friend Grace (old college roomie!). We had so much fun planning the details. The celebrations were just in time, because her little girl arrived yesterday morning!! Can't wait to meet her! Here were just a few of the details.

Will hopefully post the DIY cupcake toppers this week. I am hoping Mary will share the how-to's for her fabulous bunting and baby sign!

Congratulations Grace and welcome baby Julia!!!!

Style Files: September Details

(1- via Fuji Files, 2 - via Pinterest, 3) via EverythingFab)

Its all in the details. I am a huge believer that if you buy the right accessories, 

you can turn your wardrobe around. 

Case in point: Fashionista 1) The scarf and sunglasses make this outfit flawless. Reminds me of Audrey Hepburn. Fashionista 2) Do you think her outfit would be the same without the Fedora and killer boots?

I think not. I buy a lot of basics in layers because I have always been an accessories girl. It gives you the freedom to create new looks depending on the day:)

On a more significant note ;) ....I get to hear my baby's heartbeat today!! 

The sweetest sound in the world. I cannot wait :) 

Happy Weekend!

Its time I share the news.

I have a good excuse for being a little sporadic and inconsistent here on the blog:) ...

My husband and I are praising God for giving us a new little life in our family! I am expecting a miracle to enter our world in April! EEE!!! 2 months preggo! I think I may be even MORE excited for this one, because now I fully understand what incredible joy comes with a new baby. I cannot wait for Little G to be a big brother!! He absolutely loves babies. So, keep me in your prayers please!

This is how Little G and I told my husband he was going to be a daddy again...

I had him bring him a little gift wearing this t-shirt. My husband had quite the look on his face. I think a woman falls more in love with her husband when they see them become a father. Nothing like it.

I get to hear the heartbeat next week! I can hardly wait!

I am starting art lessons next week, have a big Holiday fair to prepare for, and trying to keep up with my graphic design jobs, so I may be taking a little blogging break. Will be in touch!

DIY Feature: Jamaica's Binding

( via Jamaica Makes)

(via ali edwards)

After seeing these projects (which Jamaica makes them look easy) I have the sudden urge to binder ring my life away....What fun gift ideas!

You will have to see more of Jamaica Edgell's Work!

Taylor House Cowls - Fall 2010

I fell in love with the Taylor House Cowl Collection! 

Thank you Chaucee for sharing your beautiful handmade work!

Taylor House

Etsy Shop | Blog

Style Files: Layers to Love

I have the fun of getting to do the style spreads when designing Radiant Magazine.  Made a few new shop discoveries in the process:) This is the spread for the Fall Issue:

    

Spottedmoth.com

modcloth.com

shopelodie.com

shopruche.com

My whole family + a few cousins are coming to visit for the weekend:) I couldn't be more excited! My brothers and sisters are such a big part of our lives, and we are on cloud nine when we can all be together. Lots of eating and outdoor fun is in store. I hope you all enjoy the long weekend!

DIY Feature: Printable Apple Cards + Tape Bags

Ez always has the CUTEST free printables. These can be used in multiple ways.

(Printable note tags via Creature Comforts)

Easy and adorable!

(DIY Pretty Tape Bags via How About Orange)

So many creative minds out there! I have quite a list of must-do DIY's!

Summer dayz gone by...

(1. via Brown Eyed Belle 2. via Room Polish 3. via Not Your Average Ordinary)

The transition from summer to fall is a beautiful time of year. These are a few favorite photos I have come across that are a perfect tribute to summer. Cheers to a fabulous one!