bee inspired

One of the trends this year is inspired by those buzzing honey makers…and their honeycomb shaped hive. I have to say, I like it. I first fell for the ‘look’ when working with the fabulous ladies of Eclectic Hive. And, I’m an avid Project Runway fan, and I love what they did with the workroom this year – have you noticed the colorful honeycomb pattern on the walls? I love.

Today, after seeing the inspiration below, maybe you will fall for the honey too?!

Mandi at Vintage Revivals is REALLY talented and wows with this honeycomb, colorful wall. See how she did it here.

VosgesParis shares a unique, industrial white home with a very interesting floor – it’s worth checking out.

Add some honeycomb to any space with these beautiful West Elm vases.

We love these honeycomb shaped mirrors from Ikea, and for just $15, we love even more. Just think of the potential. The Curious Reserve has some wonderful ideas.

I want to go to this sweet party found at Sweetopia.

Buzz your way through the kitchen with this Nordic Ware Honeycomb Cake Pan from Williams-Sonoma.

These DIY modern honeycomb shelves impress and make a statement. Find out how to make at A Beautiful Mess.

The Every Last Detail featured a charming and beautiful honeycomb-inspired wedding. Very creative – you must see the rest of it here.

Here’s some more event inspiration from the ladies at Eclectic Hive. So pretty. Check out more gorgeousness from their opening house here.

{images via Vintage RevivalsVosgesParis, West Elm, The Curious Reserve, Sweetopia, Williams-Sonoma, A Beautiful Mess, The Every Last Detail and Jensen Sutta Photography}

coffee date

My routine has been to pour a cup of coffee every morning, cream and sugar of course, and with the morning mayhem and three kiddos running around, I maybe finish half of it, microwave it a couple times…and when my hubby comes home at 6 pm it’s still in the microwave, half-full. But I’ve switched from coffee to espresso…and I’m addicted. So addicted that I actually finish my cup of joe! I absolutely love it. It reminds me of Italy and it’s just so good. So, this morning, join me for a coffee date…and add these must-haves to your list for your next coffee date.

Custom Wooden Drink Stirrer, Tulle & Twig

The perfect, better-for-you-than-sugar, sweetener, Agave Nectar

Custom Coffee Spoons, Milk and Honey Luxuries

Make The Best Blueberry Coffee Cake You’ll Ever Have by A Cup of Joe to accompany your coffee.

State Heart Mugs, Grey Skies Blue
{such a cute going-away gift, wedding gift and moving away gift}

Create a little ambiance with coffee filter flowers like A Pumpkin and A Princess did. So cute!

{images via Tulle & Twig, Milk and Honey Luxuries, A Pumpkin and A Princess, MadHava, A Cup of Joe, Grey Skies Blue}

gf cashew hummus {recipe}


My dad loves cashews. As for me, they are ok. But, Cashew Hummus. Sign me up. Seriously, it’s so good. My lovely neighbor made some for me, and I recently attempted the recipe. Easy, delish and so healthy. Not only are cashews are full copper, magnesium, zinc and manganese, but they also contain Omega 3 fatty acids and Argenine {a non-essential amino acid good for heart health}. On top of all that, lemon juice also boasts healthy essentials such as vitamin c, calcium and phosphorus, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a win-win.

This dish would be a lovely hostess gift served with crackers and fresh veggies in a basket, it will impress the pickiest of eaters {I know because my son is picky, and he loved it}, and one of the reasons I LOVED IT SO MUCH is because it’s the perfect appetizer for your vegan and gluten-free friends coming over for dinner. I love healthy people, but sometimes it’s hard to find a yummy recipe that will please everyone, and fit into everyone’s dietary needs. Unless you or a guest is allergic to cashews, this recipe is for you!

Gluten Free Cashew Hummus
recipe adapted from Sunfood Recipes
makes 3-4 cups homemade hummus {in other words, plenty to serve at a party…and to share with a neighbor}

Ingredients
3 cups raw cashews
3/4 cup tahini {my neighbor just roasted sesame seeds and used in place of actual tahini}
3/4 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
6 garlic cloves
1.5 tsp fine Sea Salt
1.5 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp chili powder {my neighbor omitted this, and it was still delish}
1.5 tsp paprika

How To
Soak cashews for 3 hours.
Rinse and Drain the water several times.
Place cashews and all other ingredients in a food processor.
Puree until well blended.
It will probably be thick, so add water 1/4 cup at a time until you reach desired consistency.

{images via Tutto Bella}

sweet peony

We’re obsessed with peonies, so when we saw these pretty images by Becky Young Photography from her sister’s bridal shower, and peonies were in the details, we were in love.

The soft colors, ribbon backdrop, sweet peony arrangements by the one and only Cori Cook and desserts made for one lovely bridal shower. And according to Cori, the bride, Jenny, is as sweet as pie. We want to meet her…and see her August wedding!


VENDOR LOVE
photography: Becky Young Photography
florist: Cori Cook 

{images via Becky Young Photography}

today 12 years ago …

9/11

We remember.

9/11 memorial

9/11 memorial

9/11 memorial

{images via Tutto Bella}