HOW TO: Make a Fun Rehearsal Bouquet

It's traditional, at least around here, to make a bouquet out of bows from the bridal shower for the bride to carry at the rehearsal.  As the Maid of Honor, I got tasked to make one for my friend Jessica.  It's a pretty goofy, not-supposed-to-be-glamourous tradition, but I still wanted to try to make something cute. 

Finding Gems in Chain Stores: Decorating with Pottery Barn Kids and Land of Nod // Land of Nod edition

So, I don't have children and I'm not planning on it.  I'm also not one of those women who loves to ooh and ahh over cute kid stuff.  However, every time we're at the mall, I can't help going into Pottery Barn Kids.  They have some really good stuff, that I could easily see working in an adult space.  It's not always possible to have the time/money/resources to find unique pieces, so it can be super helpful to know where to find good stuff at the big box and chain stores.

Emily Henderson is a great inspiration for using cute big box kids' stuff in not so cutesy ways.  She uses Pottery Barn Kids as a good resource for affordable draperies.  She also did a really great room with the similar Land of Nod. Granted, this room is for nine year old, but most of the stuff I want for myself.

Style by Emily Henderson

When the season of life is changing...

I've been in a somewhat melancholy contemplative mood today, as I have been, like many, saddened by the passing of actor Robin Williams.  I always felt a kinship with this man that shared my name and brought such joy to so many people.  People and things all have their seasons of life and sometimes they leave us before we're ready.

I recently started a new job and while new beginnings are exciting and hopeful, it often means that with this same cycle of life, some people and things reach their end.  I was thinking along these same lines a few weeks ago, when I heard that Chalet Suzanne, a local restaurant and inn that had been open for 83 years, was closing.  It was a quirky family-run landmark that had a special place in many people's hearts.  I always feel change very acutely and it makes me sad when the vintage places that I love close and are so often torn down.

B and I went out to Chalet Suzanne a few weeks ago for a final meal.  We brought the camera and got some great pictures of this awesome old place.  It is obviously in need of some maintenance, but you can still see the greatness of what was there.