One room to inspire: Styled Studio

This is another favorite studio space I found via decor8 blog. Its similar style to my own office space (will be sharing mine soon!) I also found some fun office products I would have to throw in with it!...

(Clothespins, pencils, notebook)

How was your long weekend?! I have to catch up with many of you! 

So happy summer is just about here! Its going to be a good one! :)

Style Files: Color Block Success

Sterling Style via Glitter Guide

Now this is successful colorblocking:)

I am well on my way to NYC to see my best friend marry the love of her life!! 

I couldn't be more excited for her!

I have to catch up with many of you so will do so soon!

Hope you enjoy the long weekend!

<3

DIY: Jewelry Hanging

Because I can never get enough of jewelry storage ideas.....

BHG via Pinterest

A pretty simple yet brilliant DIY I am adding to my list of faves.

One of my best friends from college is getting married this weekend in NYC!! So, we are heading up tomorrow morning and I can hardly contain the excitement. Nothing better than seeing your loved ones find true happiness....and getting to celebrate!! Lots of dancing is on the menu:)

Will squeeze in one more post tomorrow and then its a long weekend for me!

Hope you all enjoy yours as well!!

Sponsor Faves: Call Me Blessed

Jami is the beautiful mama behind Call Me Blessed- a hand crafted card shop. I got to experience some of these beauties first hand, and I was AMAZED at the detail and high quality of the cards....they would be like a gift in itself!!.... and my favorite part? The envelopes match!! 

Jami also has a fantabulous blog - Call Me Blessed that I encourage you to check out for yourself!

I always get excited to meet other mom business owners and bloggers:D 

Find Jami Here:

Blog | Shop | Twitter

You have to check out the other goodies she has in her shop! 

Hope you all are having a great week and not getting drowned in rain like we are here in the midwest!

May is my favorite month....

(photos: 1, 2, 3)

May is my favorite month of the year (October being a close second)..

Why you ask?? ;)

The turn of the seasons is beautiful....new life is on every corner....

Summer is just around the corner...

My teacher hubbs finishes the school year, which feels like I hit summer vacation!

Bike rides, a good read, poolside fun, BBQ's, and so much more....:)

How was your weekend?

As promised, you can head over to the fan page and see a photo of my sister and I in our 20's wear for the murder mystery party. It was such a fun evening!

**I am hosting a giveaway over at Michaela's blog if you want to check it out! :)

Color File: Shades of Jade

My favorite shade of green is Jade. Had to round up some faves I have spotted lately.....

1. Topshop 2. Smythson via Pinterest 3. Nico Necklaces 4. Old Navy 

5. Hunters (similar) 6. Max and Chloe 7. J. Crew

Inspired by.....

I miss the timeless style and classic beauty that inspired this photo. Women knew how to dress and Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn were the style icons you looked up to. I tend to think fashion peaked in their era. It seems a lot LESS fabric is worn now a days if you know what I mean.

I will be donning some 1920's wear this weekend for a murder mystery surprise. Will make sure a share the photo on the fan page ;) Happy Weekend!

DIY Welcome Baby Candy Bar Wrappers - Free Printable

I saw this wonderful idea originally from my friend Natalie over at The Busy Budgeting Mama. You can see her version here. I wanted to have something for the nurses, doctor, and visitors to take as a small thank you for their time with baby Veronica when she arrived. I created these wrappers to use on some Hershey chocolate + almond bars(mmm my fave). They were so easy and just about everyone loves chocolate!

Welcome Baby Candy Bar Wrappers 

Download Here

I created a document that you can download and use if you would like! (Background dot texture courtesy of Creature Comforts.) I just added a little navy ribbon tie at the top for a nice finish. I realize this will only help you mamas to be who are expecting little girls!  So, if you have photoshop, feel free to email me for the working file to make your own adjustments!

Hope some of you can use this come baby time! 

Take 3: Prints by Judy Kaufmann

(Blue Tree Print, Houses and Birds, Identical Twins)

I love finding a new artist and illustrator! It can be difficult to establish your own style in illustration. Judy is from Barcelona, Spain. Her style is fantastic and the colors are brilliant! I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do:)

Judy Kaufmann Illustration:

Website | Etsy 

** I have been asking for feedback on twitter and facebook for your go to accessory of choice. Come take the poll if you have a second! This will really help in the direction of my shop! Thank you:)**

One Room to Inspire: Lounging Work Space

(via Lavender and Lilies)

I have a folder in pinterest of dream rooms that inspire me. This is one of them. Such a fun space you could lounge, work, or play in. I would take this room in just about any color:)

 P.S. Lovely Diana of One Crafty Fox had me as a guest today in her Yummy Mommy feature. It is a fun post with fashion for less tips!

And for the winner of the Cameo Nouveau Giveaway.....  #55 Debby!!

Will be contacting you for information. Thank you for all who entered!

  Cameo Nouveau is still offering a discount with mailing list sign up AND free shipping in May!! 

Veronica Rose: Newborn Photos

 (All photos courtesy of Andrea Wiles Photography)

Some of you saw the sneak preview on facebook, and as promised, here are the rest of Veronica's newborn pictures:) Of course I couldn't help but accessorize her. I have made probably one to many headbands for her since she has arrived! I am so thankful to Andrea for capturing some of Veronica's precious hand movements and expressions. Her cheeks are delicious:) The last two photos are my very favorite because it captures the love and pride my son has for his little sister. It melts my heart.

I can't wait to see who these little ones become. I just love them to pieces. They bring my husband and I so much joy. We often talk about what a great gift and responsibility it is to have children and to raise them to be children of God. We are so grateful to have this as our most important mission in life:)

Hope you all had a great weekend!!

*Last day to enter the giveaway for 100$ gift card to Cameo Nouveau*

Style Files: Mid Range

(via Ohhellofriend, Scout and Catalogue, Oui Petite)

Crushing on these mid-range style elements:)

Blogger crashed and seems to have lost many bloggers' recent posts....including yesterday's small business post. Will work on getting that back up. So sad:(

Hope you all have a lovely May weekend- my very favorite month!

And don't miss your chance to win 100$ gift card to Cameo Nouveau!

Small business guide: Tips 2 Take with You featuring Allisa Jacobs

*edit: This post was deleted when blogger crashed and erased all previous comments, so if you no longer see yours there that is why:( Sorry for the inconvenience!

Oh how I love online shopping. It means that in the wee hours of the morning, before the house awakes,  I can browse, wish, and purchase. I can shop in my slippers & eat cereal from my mug. It also means I don't need to cart around the little one, braving the rain and crazy parking lots.  I'm actually not really a big shopper to begin with, I'd rather make or do....but this week I've done lots of browsing for gifts, baby showers items, and supplies.  What I found gave me lots of inspiration...but also taught me a lot about my own shop in terms of thinking like a buyer. 

Here's a few lessons learned while buying:

• Welcome Me:  I love shopping on sites where I feel welcomed- maybe it's the phrases, the story, the images, the extra services.... something to make me feel like I'm not just sitting at home in my kitty pajamas at 4:30 in the morning, but the little bits to make me want to stick around and browse. 
• Spell it out:  All those details are important...and I need to find them fast & quick. Please don't make me search & hunt around to find shipping costs, measurements, and ingredients. Think about your specific items and what shoppers would most likely ask about (e.g. do you sell delicious jelly candies? Please tell me the ingredients, a bit about the kitchen they are made in, and how they ship...)
• Short & Sweet: I love clever descriptions and catchy lines to rope me in... buuuuttt...please avoid going on & on and telling the story before even getting to the good stuff- the product! 
• Explain Yourself:  I ran across a few items that seemed to have mysteries attached...one had crazy high shipping - which I am ok with, IF you tell me why (priority rates, large sturdy box, heavy weight). 
• Show off the Goods: Many items I perused were marketed as gifts...however, only a a few showed the packaging. This makes a big difference- I'm more likely to purchase something that arrives all cute with a tag and tied in ribbon than just a tossed in a mailer.  

I really hope to take some time and apply these lessons to my own shop soon.  

Have something to add to this list? Do tell! 

Thank you so much Allisa for sharing your fantastic advice!!

You can find a wealth of information on Allisa's blog about running a successful business. She is even coming out with an e-book soon on this topic! YAY! Take a moment to visit!

Storing your Jewelry and Packing it Pretty

As you know, I am crazy about organization ideas. These are two that were inspiring me this week....

(via The Vault Files)

(pinterest via A Creative Mint)

I think I will work on packing a little more neatly for my upcoming NYC trip! :)

Do you have any travel plans for the summer?

P.S. I am guest posting today over at Michaela's.....I just love this girl! SO sweet.

And the theme- She Loves Me, She Loves Me not.....head over to see the things I am loving and the things that rub me the wrong way! :D

Sponsor Feature + Giveaway: Cameo Nouveau

Cameo Nouveau is an online boutique filled with a variety of goodies ranging in style and price range! I love the styles they are highlighting for spring/summer. So much fun! There is a wide variety of items ranging from Vintage to home and decor to beauty and accessories. Here is one of my favorite items:) I am so excited because Cameo Nouveau is generously offering a 100$ gift certificate to one lucky reader! Woo hoo! Shopping spree anyone?! Read on for how to win!...

HOW TO ENTER (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

1. Visit Cameo Nouveau and leave a comment telling us what you would purchase if you won!

AND Like Cameo Nouveau on facebook!

ADDITONAL ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

2. Blog, tweet, or facebook about the giveaway (if you do all three, leave three comments)

3. Subscribe to Cameo Nouveau's mailing list (and receive 15% off your first order!)

Example tweet: Just entered the #giveaway over @inhonorofdesign for a 100$ gift card to Cameo Nouveau! http://bit.ly/itxHJ2

*This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be announced next Tuesday! 

Also, FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed in May at Cameo Nouveau!!

Coming soon....1000 Celebration!

Stay tuned...

(photo found via glitter guide, edited by me)

Since I hit some big milestones recently with IHOD blog and shop, I have some pretty cool things coming up for you!.....and you are invited to celebrate with me:) 

How was your Mother's Day weekend?!

I was pretty spoiled yesterday.... I woke up to breakfast cooked by my husband, went to church, and then headed to the zoo with the kids for the afternoon. It was so wonderful to see my little boy react to all the different animals. SO precious. I absolutely love being a mother. It has brought me the greatest joys in life! We finished the day with a little shopping and Margaritas and mexican food. You can say I was one exhausted but happy chica:) Just spending the day with my little family was all I wanted!

Style File: Fedoras, Scarves, and Skinny Belts

(Source: 1, 2, 3)

Some fashion inspiration for your weekend? 

I am looking for a good Fedora for the summer to keep my freckles from doubling in number:)

May has been a beautiful month so far, and I am excited to spend this weekend with friends and family.

Wishing you a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!

xo

Simple ways to celebrate: Cinco de Mayo

(Drink Flags, DIY Ruffle Lantern, paper bunting)

You gotta love how American's come up with at least a few holiday's (aka excuses to celebrate) every month. This we we have Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day in one week:D

My dad is Hispanic, so I feel in some way its legitimate to celebrate if you are at all Latina, right?  Regardless, who doesn't love a reason to have a margarita! Here are a few easy ways to celebrate and show your festiveness! Will you be celebrating?! 

P.S. Last day for votes for IHOD over at the Circle of Moms Top 25 Stylish Mama Bloggers! You can vote again if you have already, and you can vote from all your devices:) Thanks so much for your support! 

My New Favorite Flower...

(Source 1, 2, 3)

Next to Roses and Peonies,  these fresh spring beauties are a new favorite this season: 

Garden Roses and Ranunculus

I mentioned this to my husband and he went out and bought Ranunculus bulbs the same day to plant in our yard! #396,000,001 reasons why I love him;) 

What is your favorite bloom?

P.S. Hosting a giveaway over at MeetVirginia! Head on over:)

** There are a few spots that will be opening for advertising on IHOD. Email me to request the sponsor info or to reserve your spot! **

Meet the Blogger: Ashley LeMieux of The Shine Project

It so encouraging to see a blogger working torwards positive change in society. Tell us what inspired The Shine Project? 

At the beginning of the year, I felt an extra PUSH to make my goal of getting a novel published by the time I turned 25. Not to reveal my ripe old age (ha) but I turn 25 at the end of this year, and I realized the time is NOW. With this motivation, I realized that there are millions out there, like me, who just need an extra push. I chose the word SHINE to represent what I wanted to accomplish, and wanted to inspire others to do the same in their lives. There's no time for unhappiness and unmet dreams!
How do you go about starting a project and making it successful? 

Starting a SHINE project is easy! I post weekly challenges that push all of us out of our comfort zones to SHINE. This could be anything from writing letters to support cancer patients, to accomplishing something you've never done. You can also start a SHINE SERVICE PROJECT. Brainstorm ideas of how you can help in your community, and get a group together. To make it successful, you just have to have faith in what you're capable in accomplishing.

What do you love most about your work/and or blogging? 

On May 6th, I will officially be SELF-EMPLOYED with the Shine Project. I am so thrilled I have to pinch myself everyday. I LOVE making a difference in people's lives. I love putting all of my energy into something that has a bigger purpose, and seeing the happiness that comes to others because of it.
Where do you turn to get your inspiration? 

I get my inspiration from my every day life. I've been working at an inner city school, and I see the love and encouragement that they need. They inspire me to make a change in the world. Finding joy in every day life, little things, gives me so many ideas to write about as well. As wierd as it might seem, I get floods of ideas while driving in the car. It's my thinking time.
If you were given the opportunity to make one major change in the world, what would it be? If I could make one change, I would change attitudes. If their was more positivity, there would be more LOVE, determination, hope, and courage. It's easy to get weighed down in this crazy world, and we forget what our potential is. Just think, if everyone believed in themselves, and cared about how their neighbor was doing...THIS WORLD WOULD BE AMAZING!

Just for fun, what are your top 5 day to day must haves??

1.Smooches from hubby

2.Time to write

3. Pink lipgloss. I seriously HAVE to have it on. Addicted, perhaps

4. 4-9 miles of running. However, this must have has been highly impacted because I tore my knee a month ago doing it. I'm in physical therapy and have some recovery time to go through!

5.Prayer

Her positive attitude is contagious isn't it?!  Thank you for being here Ashley!

Find more about Ashley and The Shine Project here:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

P.S. Just a reminder to put in your daily vote for IHOD over at the Top25 Circle of Moms nomination. Thank you so much!