Welcome Spring

I'm so thrilled to report that it's the first week of spring!  Those cold snowy days of winter are finally behind us!  I swear, each year they feel colder and colder and make me yearn for warm spring days to hurry up and arrive. 

One sure fire sign of spring in the south is when the daffodils begin to bloom.  My lovely little bulbs began popping about two weeks ago, and this week were joined by their friends the tulips.  Oh what a welcome sign this is!

  
In other areas of the country, tulips are a sign of spring as well.  In the Seattle area, the Pacific Northwest celebrates the first signs of spring with the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.  This festival is held each year in the month of April and is a sight to see for sure! 

The month long event includes a festival, field tours, wine tastings and all sorts of lovely outdoor events to put a little spring in your step!  Even if you aren't in the region, you can enjoy some of the lovely sights online and add sunshine to your day!  These pics are from local photographers of the event and just screaming "welcome spring!"

~charmed b

Chalk It Up

I just can't help but gush over this little gem of a find!  As a frequent etsy window shopper, I've seen some of the most adorable handmade and vintage items around. On the hunt for a cute little chalkboard that I could use as a menu card, I came across this little one that was perfectly precious and exactly what I needed!   

Etsy's Interiors by Mieke is the creator of this fabulous chalkboard, and it's magnetic to boot! 

 

This weekend, she made her debut as the menu card for my perfectly southern "Georgia On My Mind" Brunch.  When the event was over, I just couldn't stand to put it away in a drawer ... so now she sits welcoming spring on my kitchen island!

~charmed b

Can I Ask You A Favor?

My friend K's daughter was having an art birthday party to celebrate turning the big 5.  K asked for some ideas for ways to sass up the party and I jumped into motion.  The party was being held at a local pottery and art studio, so decor and other needs were minimal.  But ... of course, we MUST have favors.  K was on a tight budget for the party and asked that I be mindful that this wasn't a red carpet celebrity grab bag.  I had just the idea.  What could be more fitting and on a budget than a coloring book to go? 

The Dish (How To Pull It Off):

• Buy inexpensive coloring books - dollar stores have tons of these, I found adorable Sesame Street birthday ones for this party
• Add colored pencils - you can split a single box between multiple kids
• Add an adorable swirly twirly lollipop in coordinating bright colors
• Tie with ribbon or inexpensive tulle
• Top it off with a personalized tag for each child

A great way to tie it all together is to add a cute phrase on the personalized tag.  For this fabulous fete, I added a note reminding the guest to keep their creativity going.  It was a cute touch!

~charmed b

Sweets in Wonderland

Ya'll know I'm just a big fan of anything cupcake related; and add a dash of shopping, some too cute party ideas and a hint of entrepreneurial spirit and I'm sold!  About a year ago, I saw Allyson Ames, the adorable so sweet owner of Wonderland Bakery, on CNBC.  She shared the story of her business as part of a series on entrepreneurship.  Since that time, I've had the Wonderland Bakery on my must visit list when I am in Newport Beach, CA.

Well, I finally made it!  A few short minutes after arriving at the Orange County Airport, I convinced Dear Hubs that the first stop on vacation was a trip to this spot for a sweet treat.  Wonderland did not dissappoint.

This sugar rush is just over the top with pink sweetness.  The decor of the boutique is definitely an OMG moment for the girly set.  Wonderland offers a storefront with merchandise to round out your sweet experience; cake stands, napkins and adorable odds and ends for the perfect party!

Hubs and I dined on the fan favorite Turtle Brownie and of course, I couldn't resist a Southern Princess cupcake.  Southern Princess is affectionately known to us real Georgia Peaches as Red Velvet.  Nonetheless, it did our name proud!

Wonderland Bakery offers online ordering on the website in addition to their store fronts in sunny southern California.  Be sure to stop by for your own sweet surprise!

~charmed b

No Pinching

I’m a big fan of green in general, so St. Patrick’s Day is a welcome day to celebrate all things green.  There’s just something fresh, crisp and springy about the color green that takes me to my happy place.

Here’s a few adorable green finds that were just begging to be shared!

Tory Burch always knows how to do it right.  This cricket green bag is perfect for spring and will add a punch of color to any outfit.

This charm, from Charm Co, is a beautiful addition to a charm bracelet or worn solo.  Love it! 

Fantastic geometric pillows from Milk and Cookies on etsy will look adorable indoors or outdoors.

The littles can't be left out.  This adorable onesie with alligator applique, from The Pink Magnolias, will be a hit all spring and summer long.

Everyone knows I'm a big fan of HIGH high heels.  These Brian Atwood pumps at Saks are adorable and come in a bunch of colors. 

I have always loved Shel Silverstein and this book is a perfect addition for everyone's library, no matter your age!

This cuff bracelet is a darling piece that is perfect for jeans or any outfit for that matter!  Thanks Anthropologie for always having unique pieces to entertain our eyes!

This is my fave green find right now.  I love, love, LOVE this dress!  Thanks to A Savannah Redtop for introducing me to this great store, BleuBelle, in Savannah.

Happy Shopping!

~ charmed b

Lucky Charms

I’m not one to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day covered head to toe in green apparel (fear not ... I do play along and am sporting an adorable multi-strand green bead necklace, compliments of my bestie S), nor do I run person to person looking for those who forgot their green and pinching the blazes out of their arm; I am however a big fan of St. Patrick’s Day and love any excuse for a little celebration … and I love the color green!  I’m not sure what it is about St. Pat’s but it puts me in the mood for spring!  And today is the perfect spring day in Atlanta … so bring on the celebration!

There’s no big fete planned at my house this year, but I did manage to surprise dear Hubs with a funny treat to make it through his day in a festive way.  What more does a man need than Lucky Charms cereal and Guinness?  Of course, it’s perfectly displayed in the kitchen in a manner that would make my mama proud.

In years gone by, Hubs and I would venture 3 hours southeast to Savannah for a fantastic weekend celebrating all things Irish.  We didn’t make the trip this year, but I have fond memories and am keeping up with the blogs of a few fancy Savannah girls that were there for the parades and fun.  Come to think of it, St. Patrick’s Day is a bit of an anniversary for me and my American Idol, Paula Deen.  Back before there were tv shows, a huge multi-story restaurant and a line of country ham for Ms. Paula to endorse; I first visited her Lady and Sons restaurant St. Pat’s weekend over thirteen years ago.  My how time flies!

Coastal Find

Fresh off a trip to California, I have to rave about one of my fave shops in Laguna Beach.  Located in the downtown village area of Laguna, Tuvalu Home Furnishings & Accessories is a must shop each visit.  Their designs are absolutely to die for!  And… great news … they offer online shopping.  Your visit to my fave Cali haunt is closer than you think!

These gorgeous beauties could light up any room.

These frames have been calling my name for a while now (hint, hint for gift idea)!

I love this ladder and bought myself one … now to find the perfect spot for her!  A towel bar or magazine rack … it has tons of potential!

Sweet addition to any comfy chair

Pillows perfect for summer!  I'm eyeing these for my porch!

These trunks will make a great conversation piece (and table) stacked up.

These cubes are a brilliant alternative to a coffee table – and serve as functional overflow seating!

Happy Shopping!

~charmed b