a-tisket a-tasket - not your everyday basket

via country living

summer is here and the more time spent outside the better. so why not grab one of these deluxe picnic baskets and head out to your favorite spot.

fabric and blog obession

anna spiro is a very talented interior designer located in brisbane australia. not only is she the creator of a divine blog called absolutely beautiful things. she also creates wonderful spaces for clients and owns a lovely shop called black & spiro. 

she posts beautiful painted portraits when she adds them to her collection, floral arrangements to make anyone smile and has a fantastic knack for selecting fresh fabric shown below from her blog. i have been an faithful follower of her blog for over a year and have enjoyed every minute...stop by her page sometime and check out her talents!

bubbly bellini

i am picking these ingredients up today and trying this one! sounds delish!!

will let you know how it tastes...just in case the picture text is too small to read here are the ingredients/directions:

1. looza sweet mango nectar
2. ice kabobs to pour the juice in to creat swizzle sticks
3. pop the swizzle stick into a glass of sparkling white pine. santa margherita prosecco is recommended

- then you have got a bellini that makes itself as the ice melts-impressing guest in the process!

image via country living

outdoor envy

who wouldn't want to lounge around this pool in style...what a great place to have a cocktail party for any occasion.

happening hostess gifts

via french bull
via target (psst..only $16.99)

via country living or lilly pulitzer

wanna spoil the hostess who thinks of everything for her get-togethers then take one of these unique gifts to show her how much you appreciate her invitation.

summer lovin'

via country living

fill glass halfway with pomegranate, cherry or raspberry

sparkling soda then add a scoop of lemon sorbet

and garnish with a lemon slice or two.

a cool drink that will refresh you during a hot summer evening!

simply devine

via michael devine home

what an amazing company...these fabrics are gorgeous! michael devine is a well known fabric designer with a showroom in kniderhook, ny. he has over six years of experience as the style and party editor for hfn magazine. and now has great success designing innovative fabric patterns with lots of natural handmade appeal.

they aren't currently represented in a texas showroom but the images are very clear on his website...so check them out!!

love list

ok...so i can't conceal my excitement for another amazing season of "so you think you can dance" katy's roomate that didn't make it through last year is already going to vegas and has my vote!!

park place

via absolutely beautiful things

via megan park

this lovely pillows from megan park are something special. the closest shop that cares some of her pieces (she also has women/girl clothing) is by george in austin, texas. 

passion for patisserie

via tart bakery

love desserts and love this backery...they provided all the food for our wedding reception. everything was precious and delicious. stop by there if you're ever near lovers and the toll road.

via cupcake courier

so i don't own one yet but hope to someday. i love making, decorating and eating cupcakes and really what's not to love!

via rosanna

i am always in search of new and pretty ways to display food for showers. these seem so sweet and perfect for such an occasion and the prices are reasonable too (ranging from $39 to $65)

laquer luster

via not neutral

yummy set of trays that i would love to adorn my coffee table or accessorize my jewelry storage with. check out this site for more interesting finds...and love the name of their site b/c neutrals are so expected so step out of the box!

cute as a button

via country living

ok so i am not usually craft crazy but for some reason this project seemed easy enough and the end product isn't too forced. i am pretty happy with the way mine turned out. looks a little vintage and could possibility be sold in anthro. i rummaged through my mom's button collection, purchased a linked bracelet, 60-9mm jump rings and toggle clasps at Micheal's. completed project took about 30 minutes to put together with two needle nose pliers and cost was under $10.00. i am pretty pleased...what are your thoughts? something you would do or only buy completed?

tracey reese via eluxury

japer conran via wedgewood

this frock is a perfect pairing for your flora and fauna dinnerware.

this chinoiserie patttern features beautiful jewel tones

and exotic bird designs that are sure to impress your guests.

special delivery

my sweet and amazing, talented designer friend, kelli frantzen, 

has pulled together a precious room 

that any kiddo would be lucky to have. 

this mix of vintage pieces and modern color scheme, 

perfect for their mid-century home, 

makes this room a definite stand out. 

their little one will be welcomed into the world tomorrow morning 

and i wanted to honor his birth with this posting 

until i can meet him face to face! 

congrats on your new addition frantzen family 

and a well designed room to boot!

banana leaf bonanza

via trina turk


via rosanna

this swimwear and dinnerware would be a

fabulous ensemble for your next pool side bash

and a portion of your china purchase goes to Doctors Without Borders...

good looking products with a good cause too!!

city block

narciso rodriguez's color block dress via eluxury

city plates via not neutral
this one is of london but they have lots of other cities sold as individuals or collections
Chicago, Montreal, Paris and Mumbai just to name a few.
fun for everyone to find thier favorite landmark but also give an interesting pattern to your cuisine.

floral de jours

with their delicate floral designs and one of kind appeal both this nanette lepore jacket and handmade bowl from South Africa will leave a lasting impression on your dinner guests.

everything but water

via macy's

via old navy

(it's on sale for $8.00)

via trina turk

via payless

(for $12.99 - what a deal!)

via echo design

not that i am ready to don a swim suit but these colorful accessories would make it a lot easier.