Inspiration: Calm Farmhouse Christmas

It's one of our family traditions to begin decorating our home for Christmas in the days after Thanksgiving - as a teacher and a salesman, the long weekend is the last breath of fresh air we'll get before winter break! This year, as I started to collect inspiration, I had way too many ideas for "themes" - everything from White Christmas style ski lodge to Wes Anderson influenced vintage. Somewhere in between these extremes, I kept coming back to soft, calming images of farmhouse entryways and trees decked in burlap and gold. When I put them together, I was in love. 

Last year, I chose world peace as the theme for our Christmas decor, and I'm back to neutrals again this year. Along with a festive touch of weathered Stewart tartan (Target calls it "Sour Cream Plaid,") rustic burlap and aged gold are inspiring me to make my home a comforting haven during this Christmas. This afternoon, as Mr. Q digs our favorite decorations collected over the past five years out of storage, I'm listening to one of my favorite hymns and looking forward to the opportunity to find calm in a busy season.

As the deer panteth for the water

So my soul longs after You

You alone are my heart's desire

And I long to worship You

You alone are my strength, my shield

To You alone may my spirit yield

You alone are my heart's desire

And I long to worship You

I want You more than gold or silver

Only You can satisfy

You alone are the real joy-giver

And the apple of my eye

You're my Friend and You are my Brother

Even though You are a King

I love You more than any other

So much more than anything

- by Martin J. Nystrom

Do you and your family have any special traditions to get ready for the holidays? When do you put up your Christmas tree - are you a Black Friday decorator like me, or do you wait until December?

sunday simplicity

Larissa Cleveland via Style Me Pretty

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

thanksgiving pin-spiration.

"Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel 
to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge 
you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” 
- Maya Angelou

sunday simplicity

Robyn Van Dyke Photography via Southern Weddings

“Take into account that great love

and great achievements involve great risk.

And that a loving atmosphere in your home

is the foundation for your life."

- from "Instructions for Life in the New Millenium" by the Dalai Lama

sunday simplicity: share it...

Canary Grey Photography via Style Me Pretty | The Edges Wedding Photography via Style Me Pretty

"All who joy would win

Must share it -- 

Happiness was born a twin.”

― Lord Byron

clicks of note: days of you and me...

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

• I've been a Pearl Jam fan since high school, and I love that they keep coming out with consistently amazing music.  Eddie Vedder's songwriting is powerful and subtle at the same time, and when I heard "Future Days" on the radio the other day I fell in love.  I also love what he told Huffington Post about these kinds of Pearl Jam songs:

"There's an interesting thing that happens when being in a band: you write these songs and then you go out and play them live, sometimes for 20 years. You end up repeating these messages really to yourself, because you're saying them on a sometimes nightly basis. So when there's something positive, it's not really even for others: It ends up being this mantra for yourself in a way."

 I'm linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

SWOON.

Jose Villa Photographer via 100 Layer Cake

• 100 Layer Cake features a French-inspired wedding with a unique color scheme.
• Emmaline Bride shows off the dreamiest blush pink and gold Louisiana wedding.
• Green Wedding shoes shares the most creative and colorful beach wedding shoot.
• Katelyn James captures a purple backyard wedding in Virginia that has it all!

SMILE.

• Your new favorite Internet celebs: this baby and her BFF pit bull puppy.
• Loving these giant abstract floral paintings from J. Crew's Tracy Morgan.
• Made me laugh: this piece about Instagram photos vs. Real Life on Bustle.
• What we learned from SDCC: Mark Ruffalo loves Paul Rudd as much as we do.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I participated in a Sunday Social all about the things I can't live without, shared coral and lemon transitional wardrobe inspiration.
• Two years ago, I shared recipes for yummy pan-fried herbed pork chops, a hearts of palm and avocado salad, and a creamy avocado-coconut milkshake, posted a round-up of Brazilian-inspired recipe ideas, created an Olympics Ring tie-dyed shirt, put together a Closing Ceremonies playlist, Brazilian recipes and party ideas worthy of a throwdown in London, and shared my favorite ways to stay active.  
• Three years ago, I shared orange wardrobe and home decor inspiration, as well as rustic and modern fall wedding ideas.

paper chase: the best mint wedding invitations

Yesterday, I pictured a dreamy spring wedding with lots of mint.  But let's just

say the girly pastel thing isn't quite right for you.  Mint is one of the most popular

hues for weddings this season, and it's easy to find an invitation that suits

your style - whether you want to save yourself the fuss, support independent 

designers, or DIY by printing your own invites at home.

Woodland Kraft invitations by Olivia Raufman for Elli

Woodland themes have been gaining popularity over the last few years, 

and this invitation would be perfect for a March or April wedding at a 

little chapel in the forest or a summer camp setting.

Chalkboard Invitations by Alethea and Ruth for Minted

As you know, chalkboard details are a favorite of mine - so I 

absolutely love this design's totally modern take on chalk art.

Boxwood Invitations by Penelope Poppy for Minted

It doesn't get much more classic than a boxwood wreath tied

with ribbon, and the rest of this design is simple and sophisticated.

Floral Invitation by Behold Designz on Etsy

This floral invitation pairs a mint-infused jade green with this spring's

popular orchid for a fresh, feminine design.  This is one of my all-time

favorite wedding color palettes.

Oldani Photography via Style Me Pretty

You have to check out this wedding on Style Me Pretty - the bride

is a DIY queen who designed most of her wedding decor herself.

I love the banner design on these modern pastel invitations.

Forever at Last Invitation by Rio Grange for Minted

This design is one part dreamy and whimsical, one part sophisticated - 

perfect for a city or destination wedding.

Celebration of Love invitation by Miranda Lyn for Minted

This pretty, retro-inspired design is definitely eye-catching and

sets the scene for a wedding day that isn't too serious.

California Dreamin' invitation by Cadence Paige Design for Minted

This invitation's postmark-inspired design would be perfect for a

destination wedding, and I love the confetti-inspired details and

modern text.

Hearts and Polka Dots printable save-the-date from Wedding Chicks

For the DIY bride, it doesn't get much better than the cute

polka dot and interlocking hearts in this design - and the design

can be customized to suit any wedding's color palette.

Confetti wedding invitation by SuitePaper on Etsy

Finally, I'm loving everything about this design from SuitePaper - 

it's got confetti, it's got retro-inspired typesetting, and it's got

arrows!  The perfect invitation to set the scene for a fun wedding.

Which of these designs is your favorite?

clicks of note: race you back home...

get your week off to a colorful start...
SWOON.

Katie Stoops Photography

• Take time to pore over this lovely garden wedding from Katie Stoops Photography.
• Elizabeth Anne Designs features a romantic garden wedding shoot in Virginia.
• Southern Living features a traditional Savannah wedding with colorful DIY details.
• This romantic Paris-inspired shoot at Swooned had me at sequin tablecloth.

SMILE.

• DIY Calligraphy tips from Michael's Arts and Crafts Glue String blog...
• and tips for improving your natural handwriting from Melissa Esplin.
• Check out Orla Kiely's Moonrise Kingdom inspired spring collection.
• Pretty March desktop calendars from Geninne, Oana Befort, and Ruche.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I featured a teal, pink, and red Sunday Simplicity, a Sunday Social all about the 5's, a round-up of emerald and jade wardrobe inspiration (Pantone's Color of the Year for 2013)
• Two years ago, I did a #FebPhotoADay photodump, made chocolate cupcakes with marshmallow frosting and shared ideas for incorporating gray and hushed blues into home decor.
• Three years ago, I recapped my wedding planning thrift store adventures, and found my bridesmaids' dresses.

inspiration for a pink flambe vineyard-style wedding

Vineyards have become a very popular venue, especially for fall and winter weddings.  I love the idea of using an unexpected color for the season - like bright pink - to surprise and enchant guests.

 

Style Me Pretty

I love this bride's vintage-inspired look!

Easton Events

Style Me Pretty

clicks of note: more than just a dream...

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

• Fitz and the Tantrums' new song, "Out of My League," is 80's-inspired summer fun.  LOVE this band.

SWOON.

Rustic White Photography via Style Me Pretty Georgia

• Purple Wedding of the Week: a rustic meets elegant wedding with nerdy details, a sweet first look, and a lovely bridal gown at SMP Georgia.
• Elizabeth Anne Designs shares cute honey bee wedding inspiration.
• Southern State of Mind's Lilly Pulitzer-inspired summer DIY linkup is now open!
• The Sweetest Occasion features the cutest summer party essentials.
• Wedding Chicks features a jewel toned Seattle wedding with lots of DIY and rustic touches.

MAKE.

• EAD features a pretty monogram embroidery hoop wedding craft that could double as home decor.
• For all you crafty types, Ella Claire rounded up the prettiest dingbat fonts with free downloads.
• Moomah features a great tutorial on building a single-bloom bouquet.
• At House of Earnest, there's advice for creating a beautiful arrangement with grocery-store blooms.
• A round-up of nonalcoholic summer drinks for entertaining at Oh the Lovely Things.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I shared an Instagram round-up from my small town life, inspiration for a library-themed wedding, and Scottish wedding ideas inspired by Brave.  Two years ago, I shared our plans for a sparkler send-off and reception sweetheart table.

This week I'm linking up to the Lovin' the Weekends, Weekend Blog Block Party and Let's Be Friends blog hops.  Thanks to all of the hostesses!

clicks of note: can i come home for the summer... [call for guest bloggers!]

get your week off to a colorful start...

Today is one of the most exciting days of the school year for me - I am the eighth grade talent show sponsor and today is the day!  Please keep your fingers crossed that we can keep the stage curtains open, the spotlights bright, and the music loud - and that all of my young performers feel like the stars they are inside.  A few of my performers have been victims of bullying this year, and participating in the talent show is a brave, scary thing for them especially.  This is my fifth talent show and working with the performers is by far one of the most rewarding things I do as a middle school teacher.

LISTEN.

• Ray LaMontagne created a piece of genius with "For the Summer," one of my favorite tracks of his that really does feel like summer in the country, rolling hills and dusty roads.  

SWOON.

Lee Ann Ritch Photography via Style Me Pretty Georgia

• Style Me Pretty Georgia features a pretty, traditional Southern wedding with a sweet love story.
• I've fallen for Assortment, a blog about a family's simple life with less in a 665 square foot cabin.
• Elizabeth Anne Designs proves that blush stripes should be the next big wedding design trend.
• Project Wedding features a sweet, vintage-inspired Tennessee wedding.
• I am a total font nerd - Snippet and Ink rounded up the best free typefaces for wedding invitations.

SMILE.

• Disney Princesses drawn in historically accurate versions of their costumes by artist Claire Hummel.
• From Vulture, how to use Instagram to copy your favorite movie directors' styles.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I shared my wish to be more considerate and musings on Father's Day (and my awesome father-in-law).

CALL FOR GUEST BLOGGERS!

• Next month, we're going on a family trip to Nashville!  Last year when I was out of town, I featured Beyond the Aisle's first guest post (from Micah of Unabashedly Me) and would love to be able to spotlight some fellow bloggers' work again this summer!

I would love to feature your:

• Wedding/party DIY tutorials
• Wedding/party planning advice (especially what you learned or things you wish you had done differently!)
• Inspiration for a particular wedding or party theme
• Favorite memory from the day of your wedding or other event
• Home/holiday decor DIY or home improvement tutorials
• Home tours (especially apartments, condos, townhouses and other small spaces!)
• Favorite thing in or about your home

If you're interested in guest blogging for me, please send a message to heatherbird at gmail dot com explaining what you'd like to post about and including a link to your own blog if you have one.  I would prefer that guest posts be NEW, ORIGINAL content, not a re-post of something that has already appeared on your blog or another website.

wedding trend: bridesmaids in white

When Kate Middleton's sister Pippa wore a white dress as Kate's bridesmaid in April 2011, it was a little bit controversial - after all, most of us have heard the conventional wisdom that wedding guests shouldn't wear white and probably assumed that extended to the bridesmaids as well, and some people said Pippa's fitted dress upstaged Kate's Sarah Burton gown.  Bridesmaids wearing white is actually traditional in the UK, and goes back to an ancient Roman pratice of having the bride's attendants dress to match her so that evil spirits (or, some say, actual potential kidnappers) can't pick her out in the crowd.  White bridesmaids' dresses are becoming more popular in the United States as well.

White Azalea Bridesmaid Dresses

Many brides who choose white for their bridesmaids choose a short 

dress for their 'maids to contrast with a longer bridal gown.  This helps 

the bridesmaids stand out while also letting the bride's dress shine.

Note:  If you'd like to add any images from this post to your Pinterest

boards, please click on the link under the photo and pin from the source

so that the creators get full credit for their work!

Elizabeth Anne Designs

wedding trend: lace sleeves

We can probably thank Kate Middleton for the increased popularity of dresses with vintage-inspired lace sleeves.  Dresses with sleeves were basically nonexistent when I was wedding planning, but now they can be spotted in classically elegant celebrations.  I think lace sleeves give a dress a timeless glamour that is hard to beat!

Rebekah J. Murray via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Delphine Manivet || Reem Acra via Style.com

Lace dresses with sleeves aren't just for traditional weddings - they can fit right in at a bohemian wedding or at an art deco inspired celebration.

sunday simplicity: amaryllis

The Knot

Winter flowers don't get more elegant than the amaryllis.

Project Wedding

Wedding Elation

For more amaryllis inspiration visit last year's sunday simplicity.

shopping guide: the prettiest 2013 calendars

I am a little bit crazy about finding the perfect calendar every year.  If I have to look at the same thing every day, I want it to be beautiful, stylish, and functional.  Here are some of the prettiest 2013 calendars to suit almost every personality.

For the traveler...

  

Little Low Studio A New Tribe Calendar

Small Adventure Houses of the World Calendar || Rifle Paper Co. Cities Calendar from Paper Source

For the design junkie...

 

Paper Source Foil Embossed Desk Calendar || Modern Printed Matter Flora & Fauna Calendar

clicks of note: made for you.

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

• This month, as we celebrate gratitude, I want to share some of my favorite feel-good music.  "Made for You" by OneRepublic is the most played song on my iTunes- it's the first song on their Waking Up album, right before "All the Right Moves" on the album.  I think the piano is my favorite part of this one.

SWOON.

100 Layer Cake

• At 100 Layer Cake: hip farm to table party inspiration - these ideas would work great for a wedding, a dinner party, or even a Thanksgiving celebration.
• At The Bride's Cafe, Janie features a roundup of non-traditional altar decor.
• If you loved last week's anemone wedding inspiration, check out this Friday Flowers post at Elizabeth Anne Designs.
• Once Wed features a chic Parisian wedding.
• Did you see this pumpkin patch inspiration shoot from Style Me Pretty?

SMILE

• Keiko Lynn and Bobby basically won Halloween with their Moonrise Kingdom costumes.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year, I shared our indoor formal wedding portraits, recapped our guests' social hour, showed off our outdoor casual bridal party portraits, the ones of just me and Mr. Q.  I also posted about gratitude, shared my recipe for slow cooker baked apples and a peek at how we used cedar and teal as our main kitchen colors.

fall color: navy blue and honey gold home decor

Earlier this week I shared some of my favorite honey gold inspired wardrobe additions for fall; today, here's this fall's warm yellow paired with navy blue in some unique living rooms.

Houzz.com via Pinterest

The black and white chevron rug in this modern country living room complements the prints on the wall while providing interesting contrast with the yellow print curtains.  I think a glass coffee table was a great choice because it lets the chevron pattern show have more impact.

home decor trends: terrariums

You may have noticed in my feature on geometric-inspired items for the home that I'm a little obsessed with terrariums right now.  I hadn't caught on to this trend because more of the terrariums I'd seen in real life had weird fake mushrooms or gnomes in them, and I thought a terrarium had to be a little mini-landscape.  Having done some research and seen a few stunning examples online, I now know that a terrarium is a way to grow a plant in a contained mini-ecosystem, no gnomes required.  Unless gnomes are your thing.

Terrariums can be traditional, giving a room a conservatory look, or modern, adding a whimsical shape and pop of green to your space.

Better Homes and Gardens

West Elm Open-Face Terrariums

You can use terrariums to introduce a trend like geometric shapes into your home decor...

Urban Outfitters Turning Triangles Terrarium

Geodesic Terrarium from Restoration Hardware

or create a terrarium by repurposing items you already have around your home.

Lantern terrarium tutorial from One King's Lane

sunday simplicity #84 - orange crush

Santa Barbara Chic

Yes, they are alive and can have those colors,

But I, in my soul, am alive too.

I feel I must sing and dance, to tell

Of this in a way, that knowing you may be drawn to me.

- from "A Blessing in Disguise" by John Ashbery

Heavenly Blooms