Good bye old friend

Sadly, I just read that Z Gallerie is closing the Scottsdale and Tempe stores. They are liquidating everything today and tomorrow. They always had fun pieces and great accessories-I feel like I have lost a dear friend.

Mood Lighting

Horchow.com is a great resource for unique lighting and decor. They have great floor lamps and chandeliers too!

Get Lucky

Feel the luck of the Irish and host your own St.Patrick's party! Check out thefinerthings.com for fun invites and ideas! Hide a pot of gold for the kids in a leprechaun treasure hunt! There's nothing like Guiness beer and Irish Whiskey for getting in the spirit. Try serving a traditional Irish dinner (my mom always used to make corned beef and cabbage) and enjoy the holiday.

So flippin' cute

I saw these flip flop cakes on Better Homes & Gardens and thought they would be perfect for a little girls luau party (yes N.H. I am thinking of you). And I love these ribbon flip flops for a party craft for the girls-really cute & simple to do! Aloha!

Groovy Baby!

While on Hostess with the Mostess blog, I found this colorful cake from the Omnomicon. I can't wait to make this for the kids in my son's art class! I think it would be fun to try with cupcakes too. It would also be great for an Austin Powers/60's theme or color party!

Eye candy

Amy Atlas creates the most amazing dessert bars. Check out her SWEET website at amyatlas.com.

Margaritas anyone?

I discovered this amazing wedding Guatemalan wedding reception on Brides.com. I love all the color, texture, and centerpieces. I can faintly hear a soft guitar playing in the background. I can almost taste the tamales and enchiladas and smell the garlic and fresh lime.....

Ahwatukee Residential Project

Working with my clients in Ahwatukee has been so much fun! I designed this swanky living room with gorgeous chairs and super sexy sofa. Don't you love the mink throw & crystal accents?

We have also been working on her dining room! The dining table we selected has this amazingly gorgeous inlay & added a little nailhead trim to help dress up the dining chairs! I brought in a few glass candlesticks to tie in from the living room.

Before & After

I thought I would share a recent project I am working on in Phoenix. This bachelor pad is somewhat contemporary & I can't wait to move on to the other rooms!

And the winner is.......

After seeing these invitations, I am thinking how fun it would be to have an Academy Awards party! Popcorn bar, movie size candy boxes, Oscar ballots, movie trivia-what a great way to watch the show!

It takes the cake

Check out these cupcake wrappers and cake wrap from Estilo Weddings! They are the perfect finishing touch for any event that you want to make special.

Sitting Pretty

While researching products for a contemporary project, I discovered these Nendo Ribbon Stools. The collection contains both low and high metal laser-cut plate stools, with the color choices of white, black, cherry red, yellow, turquoise and stainless steel. (Red is my fav, of course!)

The world is yours

These boxes from Kate's Paperie are the perfect way to wrap for the man in your life. I am thinking of using a map from our anniversary trip to Maui for my valentine this year. (Great for graduates and future explorers too!)

Hint, Hint

I just saw the CUTEST arrangement (on AZCentral style blog by Jamiee Rose) from Angelic Grove. The personalized initials are my favorite! Perfect gift for Valentine's, anniversary or centerpiece for bridal shower or wedding. LOVE IT!!

My mission (if I choose to accept it)

Our oldest son is fascinated by the Alex Rider series (think teenage spy) & has requested a "secret agent" theme for his birthday party in March. I have found the perfect invitations at finestationery.com for their "spy training mission" & thought it would be great for a James Bond/Casino night or surprise party as well!

What the blik?

I love the idea of using wall decals. They offer fun, bold graphics without the commitment of paint. The decals are incredibly easy to put up (my kids even helped me) and when they tire of it, you can create an entirely new look. We used the retro Mario Bros and Invader decals from Blik in their "hideout" under the stairs. I am also seriously considering using Blik's pattern, "Rococo Pop"(shown above) for my guest bedroom.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I am SOOOO excited-I have FINALLY started my blog! I am learning as I go so please be patient! I wanted a forum to show all the creative sides of our lives through design, entertaining, art, food, and pretty much anything that is fun and original! With Valentines Day only six days away, I have found cute & easy cupcakes from Martha Stewart to make for the boys "friendship parties" at school. However, I plan on substituting red & pink M & M's for the red hots or conversation hearts are another option!