Sponsor Faves: Greige Design

Honestly, I have the coolest sponsors. I cannot get over the incredible product styling and products over at Greige. These are a round up of some of my favorites:) You have to head over and see more for yourself! Christina also has a fantastic blog, that I am adding to my daily reads! 

Do you spy any favorites??

Greige Design

Shop | Blog | Facebook

*Please Note: If you would like to sponsor IHOD, there are only a few more spots available for September. The three month package deal starting now will take your blog or shop ad through the holiday season! Email me for the package info.

Lookbook: Sister Visit

I asked my sister to make an appearance in this week's outfit post:) She is 5 months preggo. Isn't she beautiful?

Top: United Colors of Benetton, Layering Tank: J.Crew Pants: Old Navy, Shoes: Dress Up Boutique Belt: Thrifted

Sister: Dress: Kohl's Maternity

(me, Veronica, and Tricia)

She came in for the weekend and we had such a fun time catching up with friends, talking about our babies, and eating great food of course. She is due in January with her 2nd baby and I am so excited for Veronica to have another little cousin. I love sharing motherhood with my sisters:)

P.S. If you follow me on twitter, you probably saw that I was tweeting Old Navy praises the other day. They have really stepped up their game this year! I visited the local one recently and was amazed at the set up of the store and the style of the Fall pieces. I definately snatched up a few items! And their prices are even better than Target sometimes!

Lastly, so excited to announce the winner of the Viva la Violette Blog Design Package Giveaway!! 

Congratulations to #18 Erin Lauray! Will email you shortly:)

One Room to Inspire: Bold and Curved Frames

It was instant love when I saw this on Sandy's blog. I can track where the original photo came from although its by Polka Dot Umbrella Photography.

So readers, I need your help.  Any ideas where I can get frames like these?!!  Dying to get a hold of some for Veronica's room! Thanks friends!

******

UPDATE: Thanks to some fabulous blog readers and twitter friends, I have found a few places to find these! THANK YOU! ...The Lollywood Shop (thanks Laura and Tracy), The Organic Bloom (thanks Megan), The Orange Blossom Shop (thanks Megan), A sticker version (thanks Vicki!), and a tutorial version (thanks Julie!)

I had a blast with my sister over the weekend. Will post a pic later!

Have a great start to your week!

Style Files: Grace Kelly

(via)

“I would like to be remembered as someone who accomplished useful deeds, and who was a kind and loving person. I would like to leave the memory of a human being with a correct attitude and who did her best to help others.” 

Grace Kelly- such a classy lady. Her confidence, elegance, and dignity were what made her such a style icon. I would love to have coffee with her and Audrey Hepburn one day. I have lots of questions for them:)

 I will be catching up on the shop closing orders today, and then kicking back to enjoy my sister who is coming to visit. Nothing better than sister time!

P.S. Don't forget to check out the blog design giveaway!

DIY Sequin Striped Tote

I recently saw this bag, and did a little ooh-ing and ahh-ing over it, but for $175 it wasn't an option. When I was at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago, I discovered a plain canvas tote I knew I had to put to use! I came up with this...

Using the same steps as the DIY Sequin Clutch, and similar supplies, this tote was a breeze to make!

Total Time: 10 minutes

Total Cost: 6$! 

(use your 40% off single item coupon on tote or trim!)

You can't beat that! I made this for a dear friend of mine and can't wait to send it to her.

 

 

 

Supplies:

This canvas tote or similar.

Sequin Trim (lots of colors available)

Hem Tape OR Glue Gun

I hope you get a chance to make one!

Also, I announced yesterday on the fan page that I am taking a step back from the IHOD shop, to focus more time on my kids. I am so blessed I got to do what I love for a living, but the crazy hours were wearing on me! I am going to be focusing on graphic design. Will continue blogging and bringing you lots of fun and inspiration:) Thanks to each of you who supported the business and made it successful! I am having a 25% OFF Sale on everything in the shop with code: FINAL SALE

While supplies last. Many items already sold out!

Lookbook: Oxford and Lace

(Blouse Top: Izod Thrifted, Striped layering tank: Forever21, Lace Skirt: Forever 21, Shoes: Dress Up Boutique, Necklace: made by me, Bracelets/Cuff: made by me, F21, Watch: Fossil)

I really cherish Sundays with my little family. After church we hit up a new gourmet donut shop we discovered. Let me tell ya - these mouth watering donuts were the size of my face!... and tasted a little like heaven:) Little Gabriel was a sticky mess afterwards but I enjoyed watching his sweet little cheeks and hands as he savored every bite. Little miss Veronica snoozed her way through our hang out time. My husband took most of these photos..... such a good sport he is. I kind of love him a lot:) He jokes about making an appearance on my blog, so I snuck one of him in:) he he...

As you can tell, I am enjoying some new thrift finds. And this lace skirt will be making a recurring appearance. So versatile. Have you dared your local thrift store yet? 

Hope you are enjoying your week! 

Blog Design Package Giveaway from Viva la Violette!

One of my design star sponsors, Heather from Viva la Violette is here today to offer an IHOD reader a new and improved blog makeover:) Excited?! I would be considering her design skills and aesthetics are spot on!!

What the package will include:

• Custom Header
• Background Image
• Font & Color Customization
• Your choice of 2 or 3 Column Layout
• Installation of blog design
• 2 Design Elements (see from list)

To Enter (must be an IHOD subscriber or follower via GFC or Bloglovin'):

1) Visit Viva la Violette and let us know which style or layout you are hoping for:)

Additional Entries (leave a seperate comment for each):

1) Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway

example tweet: Just entered the giveaway over @inhonorofdesign for a blog design package from @vivalaviolette! http://bit.ly/nBu9p3

2) Like Viva la Violette on Facebook

Giveaway will run till next Monday night! Best of luck my friends!! Can't wait to see who the lucky one is!

House to Home Spread for Radiant Mag

(via Ikea, Crate and Barrel, Pappelina)

I finished designing the Fall Issue of RADIANT magazine, and really enjoyed doing this issue's House to Home spread. These are some fantastic items of color to add to a room without too big of a commitment:) And I kind of have home goods on the brain since I spent all day Saturday hunting down rugs, making curtains, and thrifting:)

Could you go for any of these items??

P.S. If you have been in need of a blog design re-do, come back tomorrow for an exciting giveaway!!

Style File: Fall Trends 2011.

I actually avoid in your face trends, because its much more fun to be original :) However, these are some  fall trends that have me swooning. They offer versatility, endless opportunity, and the chance to be creative! 

(via JCrew, Asos, JCrew)

Will you be daring one of these trends this fall?

By the way, Hoorah for the weekend! 

In cased you missed it this week on IHOD:

Cocoa and Donuts for my readers, Veronica Rose at 4 months, Katie's Front Yard Wedding, In the Kitchen sharing my fave recipe, and a 3 supplies + 3 steps DIY Sequin clutch

3 Steps DIY Sequin Clutch

This is for you gals out there who don't think you can do DIY. These fun and fancy clutches only involve THREE items and THREE steps. Not kidding! Ready?

 First things first, if you are near a Hobby Lobby, RUN your little bottom over there and pick yourself up one or two of these dandy linen clutches. They are ripe for the picking at only $3.99! And use their weekly 40% off an item coupon to get it for less than $2.50! If you are not near one, never fear! You can buy one online here or here. They have both colors available. I bought both the dark charcoal grey and the natural linen. Then head over to the ribbon and trims section and pick out a fun trim to embellish them in. I picked up this gold sequin trim (they usually have trim on sale for 50% off) for $2.50. Sorry the Charcoal trim I bought in the LA fabric district for my shop, so I already had that in stock. For the adhesive you can use hem tape OR glue gun. Easy as that!

In summary, your supplies:

Linen Clutch

Sequin trim (any kind of preference)

Hem tape OR Glue Gun

The Steps:

1) Measure out the trim to fit the length of the clutch(es)

2) Measure out the hem tape

3)Place hem tape between trim and clutch, and hold down your iron on the INSIDE of the clutch for a few seconds on each section of the trim to get them to stick together.

OR

3) Simply heat up your glue gun and use small amounts along the trim where you would like it placed.

*You can use one or two strips of trim on the back depending on the look you want.

....and Voila!! I told you it was simple:)

I hope you go treat yourself or a friend to this $5.00 glam clutch! And if you do, you will have to share the pics and let me know how it goes!

(styled from this previous post)

P.S. I have another fun DIY Sequin tote coming next week:)

Also, I shared some fun maxi skirt love over on Mrs. Capretta's blog if you want to come visit!

House to Home: In the Kitchen+ Favorite Recipe

Thought I would show you a peek into my kitchen...where I spend a good amount of time feeding the boys in the family;) And while I am at it, I might as well share with you one of my family's favorite meals. Its the one my husband usually requests for his birthday dinner;) It's my mom's recipe so there is a lot of sentiment tied to it! And see I told you, shorts and tees and unkempt hair is my usual attire.

note: embarassed smile. This was impromptu....actually cooking Chicken Paprika here.

Chicken Paprika

(Recipe is for 2 lbs chiken but I often half it for 1 lb.)

2 lbs Chicken Breasts cut into strips

1 stick of butter

1 1/2 medium onions

1/3 c. sour cream

1 t. salt

1 t. pepper

2 t. paprika

1) Chop onion and place in a large cooking pot along with the stick of butter and cook over low heat until onions are clear.

2) Add salt, pepper, and paprika

3) Place the chicken around the bottom of the pot and let sit for two minutes on each side. Cover and let simmer for a good hour. Turn the chicken half way through. (The key to the flavor of this dish is letting it sit in the spices for a good long while!)

4) When the chicken is close to being finished, cook a pound of pasta of your choice. Cavatapi and Rotini are great ones.

4) When the chicken is ready, remove it from the pot and set aside. Add the sour cream to the sauce and whisk together. 

5) Pour the sauce and chicken over the noodles and enjoy every last bite:)

Let me know if you have any questions!

Katie's Front Yard Wedding

I just had to share with you all the images of this incredibly beautiful budget friendly wedding via Katie of The Bright Life. It all took place in her parents front yard! Katie shared with me that the her mom prepared all the food, a community of friends contributed flowers, and friends and family helped with the decor.That was what I loved most about this story. The most beautiful weddings don't have to be extravagant.

 

(all photos from Katie's blog via Ykvision)

Isn't is lovely? Makes you want to jump right in and join the party.

You can read more about the set up, the food, the flowers, and more on Katie's blog!

Thank you for sharing your story with us Katie.

P.S. I'm visiting Alisha today for an end of the summer blog party if you want to stop by;)

Veronica Rose: 4 months

 

Veronica Rose: 4 months old

This month, you have learned to roll over, reach and hold on to your toys, and do back bends:) I think you might be a gymnast one day.

This girl never stops smiling! She loves to be talked to, and she will talk right back! She adores her big brother, who never seems to be out of kisses for her....

What would I ever do without you two??!

Cocoa.

(Style Me Pretty via Melanie)

Dear Readers,

Want to come over for a chat?

I will provide the cocoa and donuts:)

Wouldn't that be swell?

Love, Anna

Happy August Weekend

(via)

I think this would be the perfect way to spend a summer evening:) We are headed to the lake today to enjoy some family time after a long week! Both Gabe and I started our teaching jobs so the start of the school year has begun. However, I am holding on to summer as long as I can.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend~

Lookbook: Summer Layering

 No need to wait for the cold weather for layering, right??  However, I highly recommend NOT wearing white jeans in 90 degree heat. I regretted it as soon as I walked out the door.  By the way, I promise I smile....a lot. Its just these outfit posts still feel a little awkward...so I'll work on it!

Blouse Top: H&M, Crop Top: Thrifted, Jeans: Polo Shoes: Dress Up Boutique, Necklaces: F21, Bracelets: Gifted from sister, Watch: Fossil, Clutch: Made by me (DIY coming soon:))

 I got to meet up last night with some good friends from college that I hadn't seen in a few years - it was so nice to catch up over some AWESOME guac and mexican food. Girls nights are so much fun:) 

And P.S. I usually only dress up for church and date nights......lets just get that out on the table. Every day attire for me? Comfy Tees and Flip flops! 

Whats your go to wears for day to day??

Happy weekend friends:)

Head Scarf Tutorial via Keiko Lynn

(via Keiko Lynn)

This girl seems to be one step ahead of the fame when it comes to hair and make-up. If you haven't yet seen this fun scarf tutorial for your hair, head on ova!

P.S. Another fun newly released site for hair & make-up tips is The Beauty Department.

What are your favorite sites for hair and make-up tips??