New Year Intention: Visit Two New States - Colorado

Last weekend, we drove to Colorado Springs to visit my sister, bro-in-law (he wrestles for the army - watch for him at the next Olympics!), and their new little peanut. I am telling you, I know I may be partial, but he is THE CUTEST little man. I am blessed to have many brothers and sisters, and we are all very close. So, it was an awesome experience for me to see my sister as a new mother. We all knew she would make an incredible one. We had so much fun  catching up over some authentic Italian food, walking through the Rockies, and just hanging out. Wish they were neighbors:) Little G was enthralled with the new baby and wanted to give him all his trains (which is a big sign of friendship in his world). Although, he did get jealous when I was holding little JP so it was good practice for the new baby.

This also hits one of my New Year Resolutions (which I like to refer to as goals or intentions) which is visiting two new states! Colorado is breathtaking-if you have been there, you know what I am talking about! Who knows what the next new state will be! 

P.S. Its the last day to vote on the Lovelies Award for IHOD! Would greatly appreciate your vote!!

Style Files: Stripe Love Favorites

(Sources: Top Left, Top Right, Bag, Cardi, Scarf)

Everything seems cuter in nautical stripes:) And the best part is? You can add them as staples to your wardrobe because navy and white is classic and will not be going out of style any time soon! With a fresh blanket of snow on the ground in the last week of February, I am DYING for spring to get PRONTO! 

Links you should know about:

What goes around comes around! I won this amazing handbag from LisaRoy's blog last week (Thank you Lisa!). Her shop and blog are fantastic!... So now I am giving a few things away! You can check out Ashley's blog or the IHOD facebook page to win some cute headbands:)

IHOD blog made it to the top 10 Design blogs on the Lovelies Awards! Thank you so much for those of you who voted already! Seriously, you guys are fantastic. Still need your help- It ends the 28th! Would love to have your support! Go vote here!

Last but not least, so thankful to Michelle for the feature in her things she's loving post.  You are a dear!

That's all for now! Hope you have a wonderful long and restful weekend:)

Tips 2 Take With You: Branding Your Business

Whether you are a major corporation or a small indie business, you realize how important it is to have strong visuals to represent your company. When I first started IHOD, I knew I needed a logo, business card, and etsy banner that were consistent to my brand. I have since then branded and re-branded until I finally came to a look and feel that I felt best represented my business. I want to show you TWO examples that I feel are excellent guides for an overall consistent, clean, and attractive business branding schemes that have been largely successful in their fields! I will be going more into depth in the coming weeks on logos, business cards, fan pages, etc.! So stay tuned.

If you know Danni, you love her and her work! She runs the very successful inspiration blog: Hello, Friend. You can see that each part of her business has a beautiful and consistent aesthetic which gives you a taste of what her business is about. Her blog, shop, and business cards are just a few examples of this.  

What she says about her blog: welcome to oh, hello friend: an inspiration blog. i love to create and design. i originally started this blog for myself to have a creative outlet to post about design, crafts, etc. my hope for you is to be encouraged, inspired, motivated to create for yourself.

(You can see through her work, Danni successfully carries this out in everything she does!)

Read the full post --->

Photography Spotlight: Andrea Dozier's Vintage Winter Wedding Shoot

 
 
 
 

I have been receiving quite a few custom wedding accessory requests lately in the shop, and so I think wedding season is in full swing. When I saw this shoot, my jaw was on the floor! EVERY detail was beautifully carried out, and each and every photo was magical. Andrea Dozier has quite the range of talents! DIY props, outfit arrangement, composition of place, and of course photography brilliance. And can't forget to mention she is from OH. (Where I grew up;))

This Vintage Inspired Wedding Shoot was immediately a of the year.

You can find out all the details of how to make these DIY details, Vegan dessert recipes, and place to find all the props over on Andrea's blog. For more of her photo genius:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Seeing Pairs: Fine Black Lines

(Feather Bangle, Salt and Pepper Cellars, Triple Hoot T, Faceted Ochre Necklace)

These were the pairings I saw developed in my pinterest boards this week:) 

I think I have a thing for fine black lines right now...

I am just 7 weeks away from my due date! Time is flying! It hit me that in a short time I will have this sweet little soul entrusted to me, who will make my heart grow twice as large, and only bring more joy in my life. I know it will be a transition from one to two, but I welcome the challenge with open arms. My husband and I are most excited for Little G to be a big brother. He is going to be a great one:) We are keeping the gender of the little one a surprise until then so stay tuned! 

Happy Tuesday friends:)

Meet the Blogger: Melanie Blodgett of You Are My Fave

Your favorite aspect of blogging?

The friends I've made online. That kind of sounds like I went to a chat room and met some sketchy dude and now we're getting married! But tell me, when you meet someone for the first time, what's the topic of conversation? Your similarities and interests. Relating to someone's blog and getting to know them online is just the initial step of becoming a friend. 

I went to a conference a couple weeks ago and met several bloggers that I've read for a couple years now. I even roomed with one that I had never met in person - and you know what? When we met we instantly embraced and felt like old friends. My mouth hurt from talking and laughing so much. I came home wanting all of them to become my next door neighbors. 

(Pinwheel Party - more here)

Read the full post --->

Meet Mara: IHOD Modelista:)

Model: Mara of M Loves M

Accessories: Sweet Surrender Bow Headband, Coral Craze Necklace

I got to meet Mara in L.A. over Christmas if you remember this post. She is as sweet as she looks. Such a gem! She has this fabulous blog called M Loves M....oh and and is getting married in a few short months! Mara agreed to be one of my lovely models for the IHOD Spring Accessories line. I love her taste and new that she + IHOD accessories would be a beautiful partnership;) 

A little about Mara:

5 words to describe you? sweet, loving, playful, feminine, and classic

Where do you go for inspiration? I am constantly inspired by interior design. I'll see colors and textures paired together in a living room or bedroom and want to recreate it, not only in my home but also in my wardrobe.

Stay tuned on both of our blogs for more fun on this look book collaboration:)

Happy Friday friends! I am heading out to Colorado to meet my sweet new little nephew! He has quite the set of dimples. I cannot wait! Also, just wanted to say thank you to each of you who voted for me on the lovelies. You all are wonderful!!

One Room to Inspire: Mudroom

(found via)

I have many dream rooms for when we actually own a house I can decorate:) This is one of them. Organization, bins, and lined with Hunter Wellies of course!

I am on my last few spreads for the Spring issue of Radiant Magazine. YAY! So much inspiration in this issue. Its gonna be good. K back to work....little G's nap time is almost up:)

The cutest little shoes you ever did see.

(ithinkisew.com found via pinterest)

Are these not the CUTEST little baby shoes you ever did see??!  If these don't make me want to break out the sewing machine I don't know what will. They remind me of my goddaughter who has the cutest little feet:) 

I am juggling about 5 million projects right now (as usual) and wish I had more time to catch up on my favorite blogs, but until then...its focus time! Happy almost weekend! (yay hooray!)

High Gloss Magazine

You know I love a new magazine find! High Gloss Magazine launched their premier issue recently and it is loaded with color, home, and design inspiration. These are a few of my favorite spreads. Check it out! I am sure you will <3.

 Magazine | Facebook | Twitter

Happy Birthday Husband:)

(This photo makes me laugh every time- dressed up as Crocodile Dundee for an event)

Its husband's birthday today:) Wanna know just how much I love him? You can take a peek at last years birthday dedication post:) He doesn't usually like to celebrate his birthday so since we have been married I have made it my point to make the day extra special and fun for him. 

(So little G and I have some little surprises to rain down on him;) photo via)

(...and we are heading to CO this weekend to visit fam and celebrate. Photo via)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUSBAND! You are still my most favorite person in the world:)

A Be Mine Box for Husband

So if you may remember, husband and I like to hand make each other cards and such:) Its something I really look forward to. There is nothing more personal than a handmade or handwritten Valentine. Last night, he came out of our room where he had been secretly working on something for quite a while, and said with the saddest face I ever did see "I broke your Valentine"...it was so cute I had a hard time not giggling at him. My heart melted right then and there. He is trying hard!

Read the full post --->

Style Watch: The 70's are back in Bluebell Denim

(via Emersonmade, The Satorialist,  TheDaybook)

That's right friends, the 70's are back in full swing;) High rise bell denim is quite the hot trend right now, and to be honest, I'm LOVING it. Of course, I can't imagine myself squeezing into a pair of these this summer after having a baby. Lets call that a goal:D

Um and GUESS WHAT?! Chris pointed out to me yesterday that my little blog has been nominated over on the Lovelies Awards for best Design Blog!! Oh my gosh!!!  If you have a minute will you go check it out? I am just humbled to be among so many amazing blogs! Please vote for your fave and while you are there, you can nominate some of your favorite shops and blogs:) So many good ones!

What are your plans for V-Day?! Celebrating singlehood? Going out with your love? Or maybe ignoring it all together? he he. I have some surprises for husband up my sleeve:) He usually out does me with sweet and romantic little things so I am trying to beat him this year!

DIY of note: Be Mine Tea Bags

Just another favorite of mine that Ez created over on Creature Comforts. Brilliant right?

Free download and DIY here.

Will be back soon to bring you more fun DIYs to do from home for V-day. The majority of Americans are in bad weather right now and don't want to leave the home! ;)

Seeing Pairs: The People's Wine + Spec Chart

(source 1, 2)

Its fun when a few pieces of artwork work together without even being by the same artist.

Pinterest has been such a great way to see these parallels.

I am in the middle of designing the Spring issue of Radiant so its crunch time for me this week.

Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday!

Guest Post over at Lilac Saloon

(via)

Just popping in to let you know I am guest posting today at Lilac Saloon! Stop by and say hello! I am catching up on work and enjoying the day with my husband home (snow day!! yipee!) One of the perks of having a teacher hubby:)

Kate Spade NY: Looks to ♥

Kate Spade NY is one of my inspirations when it comes to branding your business successfully. They always nail it with color, styling, and product appeal. Looking at their Spring looks puts you in the perfect mood for February:) Oh and there's a new Kate Spade tumblr blog!

I can't thank you all enough for your feedback on the launch of the IHOD Spring Line! It really means the world to me and I hope to return the favor somehow! Happy Monday!

**Also, I have just a few ad spots available with starter specials for just 10$. If you are interested, please email me for the sponsor package info or to reserve your spot!**

IHOD Spring 2011 Line Premier

So its time to officially announce the launch of the new IHOD Spring line!! A long work in progress that is finally ready! I created a look guide using some of the pieces and color inspirations of the line. With all this snow and cold weather across the nation, I had to bring a little color into the blogosphere:)

The entire collection will be in my shop in the next few weeks! The majority of the above are already available. I have some amazing fashion bloggers lined up to model the accessories and will be posting those soon as well. This is a milestone for my business as it is my first complete line of seasonal accessories! I started from scratch with a design and color inspiration board that was a helpful guide in staying on board! From there it was the actual design process, supply purchasing in L.A., production, photography, photo editing, and look book! I think all of you fellow small business owners can relate to the amount of work involved! Tell me how you design your items. I would love to hear!

So please tell me which are your favorites, what colors stand out to you, and what type of accessories you would wear most! It will be of so much help to me in moving forward! Your feedback means so much!  Happy weekend friends!

IHOD Spring 2011 Accessories Guide

Color Files: Silver Cloud

Clockwise: (J.Crew Dress, Anthro Earrings, UO Shoes, Shop Terrain Vase, All Modern Pillows, F21 HandBag, Shop Terrain Mug)

I go in phases between gold and silver. Right now, this shade of Silver Grey is all I wear and shop:) The best thing about this color? It goes with everything!

I can't believe its the weekend already....but hey I am not complaining! TGIF!

I'll be back later with a fun post/announcement:)

DIY: Wordless Tutorials from Pilli Pilli

Heart Toppers, Cork Bunting

I recently discovered Pilli Pilli and ate my heart out of these Wordless Tutorials...

I had to share with you! If you haven't tried a DIY before, now is the time....you can't get any simpler/cuter than these! 

I have a few more super sweet DIY's to share with you before V-day so grab your crafty hat friends:) 

P.S. I am giving away a little Valentine's Day goodie on the facebook page today:)

Take 3: Welcome February

(via 1, 2, 3)

I happily welcome February....one step closer to Spring:) Plus I will get to celebrate husband's birthday which is the day after Valentine's day! I have some planning to do...

A few announcements....

I am honored to be RikRak Studio's featured blogger this week! Stop on by - she had some fun questions for me.... and I am offering readers a 40$ gift certificate giveaway!

Also, I have a few ad spots opening up for this month with starter special rates beginning at just 10$ so if you would like to request the package info just shoot me an email!