DIY Feature: 20 Minute Tote Tutorial

(Purl Bee Tote Tutorial via Little Lovely)

This tutorial is SO simple,that whether you have ever touched a sewing machine or not, you will think to yourself, I can do that! The Purl Bee is always loaded with DIY inspiration, and this one is too cute not to try. It would help if I could find fabric as cute as this nearby though right?

I have some amazing guest post visitors lined up for when baby comes! (My guess is still early next week). Excited to introduce them to you! Stay tuned!

Read and Revel! Styled Magazine Launch

I always feel it a MUST to share with you a new creative launch .....especially when it is a treasure trove of party inspiration and easy DIY's! Oh my goodness did I go crazy over this one!

Have you seen it?! Go Now! You will eat it up!

STYLED MAGAZINE

Brought to you by the lovely Victoria of A Subtle Revelry with features in the launch issue from a few of my favorite ladies such as: Melanie of You are My Fave, Liz of Say Yes to Hoboken, and Kim of The Tomkat Studio to name just a few...

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!

*CLOSED* Giveaway: Elliven Studio Sequins & Ruffle Clutch!

Isn't it a beauty?!! I bought one of these a few weeks back as a gift and just want to keep it because its perfect! Julie is the talented mama behind Elliven Studio. I could rave and rave about this girl! She is so genuinely kind, a talented designer, and her product from package to detail is flawless!

She is offering one of my favorite products to one of you readers! The sequin and ruffle clutch! Read about it here. Ready to win?

Here's how you can enter (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

- Visit Elliven Shop and tell us your favorite item!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each) :

-Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway!

example tweet (you can copy/paste): Just entered the #giveaway @inhonorofdesign for a sequin ruffle clutch from @ellivenstudio!! http://bit.ly/fGRsCC

- Follow Julie of Elliven on Twitter

*Open to International Readers! Best of luck my friends!

Packages tied up in fabric.

(Wedfully via Pinterest)

There are lots of birthdays, births, and weddings going on lately which I love....it means its spring time. Since I am always looking for creative ways to package and gift, this idea immediately had my attention! Aren't they lovely? Such a simple way to take your gift to the next level:)

Room to Inspire: Zara Home

(Zara home via Lifestyle Bohemia)

I don't know about you, but when I saw these rooms, I felt like I suddenly needed to open the windows, toss out the dull winter hues in my home, and start layering bright pieces of fabric all over the place. If only it were that simple. These rooms are completely my style. The bright colors, the modern textures and prints, and the unexpected combinations have me swooning. 

Hope each of you had a great weekend. My UK basketball team upset two of the top teams to win a spot in the final four, so I am a happy girl:) I am getting to the bottom of my pre-baby to-do list and can finally say I am ready now! My guess is one week from today. We shall see.

*Stay tuned for tomorrow's giveaway. You are going to LOVE what we have for you.

Color File: Neon + Coral

1. - Kate Spade, 2. DVF, 3. Marc Jacobs, 4. Kate Spade, 5. Kate Spade 

6. Zimmerman 7. DVF via Postcards & Pretties, 8. Philosophy

Raise your hand if....

Your favorite crayon in grade school was a neon color!....Yep, that would be me. To be perfectly correct, "Shocking Pink" was my favorite crayon in first grade. Thus, I am happy to see the neons hit the mainstream lately. Its fun! I love it even more paired with neutrals and corals:) 

Round up of a few fantastic posts from this week:

Spring Stripes post via Creative Index

Mara's look incorporating the Dance in Curacao Headband.

Lyrics + Prints Posters on Little Reminders of Love.

Strawberry Party on You are My Fave.

Bloggers are just like you post via Aspiring Kennedy. Laugh out loud.

 Desiree is hosting an auction to raise money for an adoption from ethiopia. Several artists including Olive Manna, Emersonmade, and Oh Hello Friend have donated fantastic items. Please consider stopping by! 

Happy weekend!

Small Business Guide: Marketing Advice featuring Jess Constable

I will say that my advice comes from my experience. In 2008 I was running Jess LC almost completely through wholesale accounts with stores via a team of sales reps. This meant that Jess LC was sold in over 100 stores across the country, and we also had a basic but functioning website. Our lack of online effort reflected in our bottom line. In fact, we only had 40 online orders in 2008 — 20 of which came in December alone.

Then in January of 2009 I started MML and dove into the world of online marketing for Jess LC. Since I was spending so much time with MML networking, writing, and blog reading, it made perfect sense to bring Jess LC to the internet as well. What I’ve done is certainly no secret, but it has radically changed my business. Today, over 80% of our business comes from online orders worldwide and we couldn’t be happier. It took years of trial (and error) and dogged determination to get it to this level. But it was worth every second and penny I spent to make this shop an online reality.

Here are the key steps that I took to make it all happen:

Read the full post --->

Take 3: Mason Jar Love Continued

(sources all found via Symphanie)

Continuing my love for mason jars and their endless amount of party possibilities:) Hobby Lobby has some fantastic lidded jars in all shapes and sizes for these kinds of purposes. Or just buy a case of empty mason jars which you can sometimes find at your grocery store.

I am in the middle of a major nesting phase....lots of cleaning and hanging pictures and other random things that seem to be super important to get done before the baby comes;)  Do have any crazy nesting stories??


P.S. Stay tuned for tomorrow's Small Business Guide post! REALLY good tips you won't want to miss featuring Miss Jess Constable!

Featured DIY Blogger: Sarah of The Good Life

Burberry Pleated Dress DIY

(Anthro Squeezebox Top DIY)

(Anthro Marjorelle Necklace DIY)

I discovered this very talented mama blogger via pinterest, and have become addicted to her DIY posts!

I had to share the love! Sarah takes ordinary frugal findings and turns them into incredible fashion. Find more of her work over on her blog, JaynSarah.

P.S. Nuha kindly had me on her lovely blog to share my top fave favorite trends right now. Come say hello!

Well, for all you Emersonmade fans who have been crossing their fingers....., I know you have been anxiously awaiting the giveaway winner announcement. I wish I had ten gift cards to give out! Okay Drumroll....... 

The lucky number this round was #320, Koko! Email me to claim your prize! 

I had so much fun hearing from new visitors and friends, and what items you were loving.  THANK YOU to each of you for entering! 

Party Inspiration: Lemonade + Fringe Details

(Oh Happy Day via Eclat Events, Pottery Barn, Shop Sweet LuLu)

I think a burst of color and party inspiration is what we all need on a Monday morning:)

These are a few fun party details that are screaming spring!

With a birthday, baptism, and Easter next month, I have been gathering some inspiration. Although, after having a baby I might just lump all three events into one have some cake and call it a day! ;)

Happy First Week of Spring! We made it!!

P.S. I have a sponsor spot available.... So if you would like the spring special rates and stats info just send me an email! 

*Today is the last day to enter the 200$ Emersonmade Giveaway!

For Japan With Love

We’ve all seen the images and videos rolling in of the devastation from the Japan earthquake and tsunamis.  While aftershocks and tsunami scares are still happening days later, the nation is in for a long long road of recovery.  So far, the death toll is estimated to be 2,000.  In just one town, 9,500 are missing.  I have come to realize how strong the blogging community is over the last year. This is a perfect example. With just two girls initiatives, there has been thousands of dollars raised for an amazing cause:

ForJapanWithLove.com

Ever Ours has teamed up with Utterly Engaged and handpicked ShelterBox as the organization to donate to, where there are volunteers are already there in Japan helping, so please be assured that your donations are being put to good use. ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items.

Also, if you are a blogger, you an also participate.

This Friday, March 18th, my blog will be silent as in no posts in honor and respect for 

what has happened in Japan. If you are interested in participating:

please e-mail: lydia@ever-ours.com or info@utterlyengaged.com for more information.

Take 3: St. Patrick's Day Eats!

(via One Charming Party)

(via Twig and Thistle)

(via Skip to My Lou)

I may not be Irish, but my husband and son are so I would say I am by default, right? How are you celebrating? Teh story of St. Patrick is awesome, and I think he deserves at least some good party food or drink in his honor! Here are a few I found that I wanted to share with you!

Thanks to each and every one of you for your kind words, prayers, and support yesterday! It means the world to me, because I believe prayer is powerful! Also, a huge welcome to all the new readers this week! I hope to be able to keep in touch with you! 

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!! 

P.S. I got to be a part of a very fun interview over on Amma's Blog if you have the chance to come visit!

For the Candied Popcorn recipe, Read more below!

Read the full post --->

Saying goodbye to an Angel on Earth.

(via etsy artist sgmtucker)

(via pretty swell)

Have you ever lost a loved one to cancer??

We lost an angel yesterday....my Aunt Amy had been battling skin cancer for a few years now and we all hoped and prayed for a miracle. You never want your family member to be the one that loses the battle...especially someone like her. She was the oldest of ten in my mom's family, who are all very close to each other. She had the voice of an angel, and the spirit of  a saint. She sang many weekends for weddings. And when she sang on my wedding day... she made the Wedding Mass a heavenly experience. It was her gift to her family...to ALL of us nieces and nephews. In fact, one of my favorite memories of my wedding day was when I heard her sing the Deer's Cry right before I went to walk down the aisle. It is hard to know how much her children and husband will suffer in having her gone, and selfishly, I think we all wish she could have cheated death. Don't you HATE CANCER?!! ....But in reality, we all have a time that only God knows on earth, and  she can finally rest pain free in the arms of her creator.

I am having a hard time being miles and miles away from all my family and being VERY pregnant and unable to fly anywhere. I don't know how I will get to the funeral.... My eyes are a little swollen today. She was such an incredible person, and we loved her very much. Please if you have a moment, lift a prayer up for all of our family today!

If I could, I would be sending these bouquets of flowers to heaven(purple was her favorite color :) ...And the gift of song she gave to me on my wedding day, I want to give back to her:

The Deer's Cry:

I arise today
 

Through the strength of heaven:


Light of sun,


Radiance of moon,


Splendour of fire,


Speed of lightning,


Swiftness of wind,


Depth of sea,


Stability of earth,


Firmness of rock.

I arise to-day
Through God's strength to pilot me:

God's eyes to look before me,


God's wisdom to guide me,


God's way to lie before me,


God's shield to protect me,


From all who shall wish me ill,


Afar and anear,


Alone and in a multitude.

Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,


Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me....

*CLOSED* My Favorite Things Giveaway Series: 200$ Emersonmade Giveaway!

I know I know!!! SERIOUSLY?! I told you all you were going to go crazy over this one! So wishing I could enter this giveaway right about now. Emersonmade is definately a favorite shop of mine, and I am sure several of yours as well! They are generously offering a 200$ gift card to the lucky winner.

Here's how you can enter (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

- Visit Emersonmade and tell us your current favorite must have.

- Like Emersonmade of Facebook

(Leave a comment letting us know you did both!)

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each) :

- Follow Emersonmade on Twitter

-Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway!

example tweet (you can copy/paste): Just entered the #giveaway @inhonorofdesign for a 200$ gift card from @EmersonMade! http://bit.ly/elGQJC

*Open to International Readers! Best of luck my friends!

Now I get to announce the winner to the Odyssa Travel Bag Winner! YAY! # 52 - Jenna! .....

And guess what?! If you didn't win, I still have good news! Odyssa is offering a 25% discount for IHOD readers if you would like to take advantage! I certainly am. I know a few Bride to be's that will love these! Here is the link for the coupon! Valid for the next week only!

Organization Inspiration: Dresser and Jewelry Storage

(via Making It Lovely, Pottery Barn, Lavender & Lillies, Tie Me a Bow)

I have always been a girl who loves pockets, drawers, and secret compartments:) Every trim and notion in my works studio has a spot in a jar or basket. I just love organization! Makes your life easier, right? However, I could use some help on my dresser top! A complete mess of jewelry, lotions, pictures, etc. So these photos were motivating me to get working on it. Can you tell I am in nesting mode? ;) 

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

*Don't miss your chance to win an Odyssa Travel Shoe or Lingerie Bag! And tune in tomorrow for Week #3 of my Favorite Things Giveaway Series. TRUST ME, you won't want to miss this one!

Style Files: What 2 Wear 2 a Spring Wedding

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

We finished up the Spring Issue of Radiant Magazine which launched online this week!  I enjoy designing every issue because it is loaded with incredible content and inspirational contributors...I am always learning something new. There is quite enough For instance, this issue features Bethany Hamilton (the movie Soul Surfer is based off of), Jennifer Miller on bioethics, Reality check on Happily Ever After, etc. etc.  I feel blessed that part of my job is being able to do something positive for young women today. There is enough negative and depressing media out there to go around!

I focused the Style Watch spread this issue on Wedding Wear since wedding season has begun!

You can find some of these fun essentials here: 

Modcloth, Ruche, Emersonmade, IHOD

What have you got on tap for the weekend? I am pretty stoked its Friday. WOO HOO! It will be a warm 65 degrees today which means you might see this preggo mama belly side up sun bathing on her porch;p

DIY: Hair + Spring Scarves

(via Hair Romance via Kendi Everyday)

So simple right? Inspiration for me to actually do my hair once in a while. The majority of the time its in a messy pony or bun. Scarves for spring is a very fun trend in hair right now that I am thankful for. It almost equals my love for headbands as a bad hair day quick fix;)

Btw, its Thursday, that means its okay for you to have a good cup o' joe today to get you through till Friday:)

Take 3: Handmade Goods For You to Love

 Allisa Jacobs

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Blog | Shop

Katheyl Jewelry

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Shop | Facebook

Spool No. 72

------------------------

Shop | Blog | Facebook

I am sure you can agree that these lovelies leave you itching for spring! These are a few favorite shops loaded with goodness for you to check out! ....We got snow today, but I am hopeful its the last spell. This girl needs some sunshine ASAP!

In case you missed the facebook announcement, I have put all the Little Miss items on Spring Clearance! Also, I am giving away one of the Spring Line items on Pretty Life Anonymous:) Check out these fabulous fashionistas.

For those who observe the 40 days of Lent, Happy Ash Wednedsay! My little boy looks might cute in his ashes cross;)

*Closed* My Favorite Things Giveaway Series Week 2 - Odyssa Travel Bag Giveaway!

*

The first time I saw this shop, it immediately became a new favorite thing:) This is what I will be giving as bridal shower gifts this year! Shoe bags, laundry bags, lingerie bags, etc....and the Odyssa shop even offers personalization of products! So, I knew I had to include these in the My Favorite Things Giveaway series:) Ready to win one for yourself for summer traveling??

Odyssa is offering YOUR CHOICE of shoe or lingerie bag!

TO ENTER (please make sure you are a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

1) Visit Odyssa and let us know your favorite Travel Luxury bag design.

Additional Entries (Leave separate comment for each):

2) Fan Odyssa Bags on Facebook

3) Follow Odyssa on Twitter

4) Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway and let us know which you did!

example tweet: Just entered the #giveaway @inhonorofdesign for a luxury bag from @shopodyssa! http://bit.ly/eJLqgB

*Giveaway is open to international readers and will end next Monday, the 14th!

And I love the part when I get to announce a winner:) The lucky girl who wins the Veggie Patch Clutch from Spool No. 72 is.....#137 - Monik! Will be contacting you to get your address!

Ice Cream Theme Party! Featuring guest Brittany Egbert of One Charming Party

(photos courtesy of One Charming Party)

Prepare to get hooked on One Charming Party's inspirational party blog! It is full of the most adorable party ideas with easy DIY's, free printables, and creative solutions to making a memorable event. Brittany graciously agreed to being a guest here and sharing a little more about their latest theme..

What was the inspiration behind this party? And how can we get the scoop on the details?!

Ice cream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. It's still a little chilly outside, but for kids it's never too cold for ice cream. We designed this party for a seven year old girl who loves pink and wanted an ice cream party for her birthday. Mint chocolate chip and strawberry ice cream were the inspiration behind this party as I'm sure you can see in all of the details. If you'd like to have your own ice cream party you can download the invites on our blog or check out the ice cream cone hat tutorial! 

Okay seriously, the headband?! Its way too cute for words! I honestly get excited every time One Charming Party releases a new theme. What can I say? I love a good theme party! Thank you Brittany for letting us in on this one! I keep up with all their fun party themes through their facebook page:)

P.S. Ladies, its the last day to enter the Spool No. 72 Giveaway for the Veggie Patch Clutch!

Weekend Recap: Waking up the Soul

 (Lovely Clusters via Leigh Ellexon)

I kind of felt like this image all weekend:) Getting away for some time with God has really left me feeling like a new person. My sister and I went together to a beautiful retreat house where we had all weekend to hear inspirational talks, reflect, write, read, walk, etc.... (and eat really good food!). All these things combined left me with so much inspiration to LOVE more, fear LESS, and live next to HIM. This quote really struck a chord with me ....

"Don't waste your life waiting for great opportunities to love Christ. Love him now in all of the small, humble things so that you will be able to love him when those big opportunities arrive."

In a nutshell, I felt like my soul was sleeping and now is woken up and ready to run!
Hope you all had a great weekend. Will be sharing a really fun party post soon!

Meet Jenny May: IHOD Modelista

(All accessories from the IHOD Spring '11 Line)

Meet Jenny May. She is a California girl, who married her Swedish sweetheart. She writes screenplays, has an incredible voice, and oh yeah.... she is my good friend from Freshmen Year in college:) We used to drag ourselves to 8am Political Science class with Dr. Krason. I don't know how we made it out with passing grades to be honest! Love this girl!... and so happy she agreed to model some IHOD accessories for me. A little more about Jenny....

Your current favorite color to work into your wardrobe: Red! red lips...red shoes...red dresses...I can't get enough :-)
5 words to describe you: spontaneous, passionate, outgoing, adventurous, caring 
Where you go for daily inspiration?: I really enjoy reading The Daily Love on twitter.  He writes inspirational quotes and sayings everyday that really motivate me in my life.  

Find more of this lovely lady here:

The Swede Records | Twitter

I am heading out today to a 3 day spiritual retreat, where I get to do nothing but focus on prayer and peace. 30 women are gathering for inspirational talks, time to write and reflect, time for prayer, (and of course eating;) etc.....and ALL in complete silence! The last time I did one of these, it was life changing. How can it not be?! Silence is where God speaks. My hunk of a husband is going to hold down the fort and watch little G for me. I am looking forward to UNPLUGGING from the world and using the time to re-focus. 

Hope you each enjoy this March weekend:)

DIY Feature: Braided Bolt Bracelet

(found via pinterest)

Talk about being resourceful! I absolutely love the look of this bracelet, and hey! It cost pennies! And what a fun gift to give in a set of different colors!

I think I will be digging in my husband's tool box....

Oh and hey! Look over to the right in the sidebar:) Since I am less than 6 weeks away from baby's arrival I thought it would be fun to add a poll. Can you guess what I will be having? If you need to see a belly pic, just refer to this post:D  Keeping this secret is tough! 

Take 3: Stripes + Color

(source: 1, 2, 3)

Continuing my love for stripes week;) And I can never get enough of bold colors!

Wanted to give a shout out to Tamara for featuring her recent IHOD accessory purchase in this post. She is such a fun girl so definately stop by her bloggity blog.

And guess what?? Thanks to your help, IHOD won 2nd place (and even almost caught 1st!) in "Best Design Blog" category on the Lovelies Awards! I am so humbled by all of your love and support. I really am. So THANK YOU for making that such a fun contest to be a part of! 

Wishing you all a happy Wendesday! <3

*Closed* My Favorite Things Giveaway Series: Week 1 - Spool No. 72

ARE YOU GUYS READY FOR THIS?? I have a pretty sweet lineup of giveaways coming up here on IHOD!!  I want to share with you some of my favorite things and offer you a chance to win them!!

Let's. Get. Started.

One of my favorite clothing/accessory shops - Spool No. 72 (you can see me wearing the Macintosh Dress in this post) is offering this brand spanking new "Veggie Patch Clutch" to one lucky chica. Isn't it amazing?!! I totally swooned when I saw it. Its the perfect follow up to my love for stripes post...and in a fun and trendy color for summer - red. Ready to win or what?!

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

1) Visit Spool No. 72 and let us know what your favorite new arrival is!

Additional Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

1) Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway and let us know you did!
example tweet: Just entered the #giveaway over @inhonorofdesign for a fabulous clutch from @spoolNo72! http://bit.ly/feuAsB

2) Like Spool No. 72 on Facebook

3) Follow Spool No. 72 on Twitter

Open to International Readers. Giveaway will close next Monday! 

*Important! PLEASE if your profile is does not have an email address or is blocked PLEASE leave your email address so there is a way of contacting you if you win!!

Good luck loves!