big, bold DIY flowers that will make someone smile…

Hi friends. Do you ever see something that immediately catches your attention and makes you want it, even though you have absolutely no idea what you'd actually do with it? 

Well, file this post under Random Pretty Things that Inspire Me to Do Gosh-Knows-What. ..

When I saw this DIY project on The Design Sponge, so many possibilities came to my mind. A whimsical garden party. A mother’s day luncheon. A baby shower. A little girl’s birthday party. These gigantic flowers would even look wonderful on a school stage. Any stage hands out there looking for some cheap ideas?

Apparently a contributor for the Design Sponge came up with these flowers for her very own wedding and they were such a hit that she began selling them at her shop. Click HERE to order them.

Or, you can go to the website to see the DIY instructions for these tissue flowers and make them yourself.

Meanwhile, these are the papers I’m working with right now for my current French Country event.

I’m working on my invitations. Stay tuned for more French Country details!

Bye for now,

Leslie

from one friend to another…

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my dear friend. Please stop trying to make everything seem perfect…

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and please stop trying to hide your important feelings. Because feelings that are not perky and sunny and “great!” are normal feelings. Really. And they deserve to be heard.

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so please, stop working so hard to deny

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life’s normal craziness. Problems. Anger. Worry. typical messy stuff that happens in an imperfect world.

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because life is not matchy-matchy perfect. And real friends know this and…

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they will stop whatever they are doing to listen, because true friends share stuff that matters and they never judge. They will talk about the-deep-inside-stuff that other people can’t see because it helps…

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to know that there are others who really KNOW you. And love you with all your clunky flaws and your untidy, disorderly, lopsided struggles because we all have our own craziness. That’s the truth.

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and there is a bond that happens when you dare to be vulnerable.

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only, I wish you knew this one thing: that honest-to-god sharing will lighten your load. And it will make you begin to feel whole…

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because truth always matters. But especially with real and loving friends… truth is essential.

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just a few of my thoughts…

because you deserve more.

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: real friendship

the illusion of multi-tasking

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It’s late at night and I’m tired. Today was one of those busy days where I felt pulled in so many directions that even though I ended up accomplishing a lot of stuff, the details belonged to different parts of my life. So in the end, instead of feeling a sense of satisfaction, tonight my eyes glance over at the laundry that I never got around to, and the work project that’s still sitting on my desk, untouched.

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And I shake my head. Because honestly, it’s hard to feel pleased about what I did get done, when there are   so many things still unfinished under those scattered categories in my head.

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Yes, I made progress on my event’s budget, board member gifts, favors and invites. But I didn’t get to my marketing project. Yes I went grocery shopping and cooked for my sick son, but I didn’t have time to write a post. Yes, I cleaned my guest bathroom, but I never had time to exercise. The trades off are everywhere. So I end up feeling frustrated, and I wonder, would it be different if I could focus on ONE thing? Would I finally attain that elusive sense of catching up?

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Because I remember those BK (Before-Kids) days when my career was my central focus, but I also remember having luxurious stretches of ME time, so that I could meander for hours in stylish boutiques in my quest for the perfect outfit. And I used to have nails that were always done; and I remember how easy it was to shrug away tension on a Friday night over dinner and wine, when I didn’t have a household to manage and kids and sports schedules on my mind and a school calendar on my desk. 

Multi-tasking. It’s so over-rated.

I’m aware that it’s now become a complimentary label for today’s high-functioning woman; a description for that successful female juggler of career and family life, a woman who is gloriously “having it all” while appearing calm and fit, because of course, she got her run in this morning. 

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But I don’t believe it. In fact, multi-tasking simply leaves me feeling like I’m under-performing in a lot of different areas. All at once.

Instead of being an “A” student in all my subjects, I feel chronically average in my multiple-jobs. And sometimes there are moments when I feel like a downright failure, a harried student getting a big fat “F” in my scrambling attempts to do it all.

Do you ever feel this way?

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This is the illusion of multi-tasking. It’s the idea that we can “have it all.”

It’s the faulty belief that we can do everything at an “A” quality when of course, it’s impossible. Because the truth is, Life is one big bargaining act, of weighing one thing against another and then making a choice. And the older I get, the more I realize that every breath I inhale will lead me to a decision about how I want to spend my precious, diamond-like moments.

Life, is constantly requiring that I define my values in a hundred little decisions each day. And when I choose which ‘task’ I want to love and embrace with all my attention, I am answering back: this is Me.

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Technically, we can “have it all,” but we decide what’s really important. We prioritize and decide which items to toss off our list.

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Because it comes down to, “What do we value more, is it A or B?” And then we juggle.

I know this fact, deep down. And I get mad at myself when I forget this truth and I’m rushing around at full speed trying to ‘have it all’ in some glossy-perfect-magazine-looking way. Which is of course, is an illusion. Because the simple truth is, there is only one ME.

And I can’t be in two places at the same time. So I make choices that are based on my values. 

So yes, I leave the dirty dinner dishes in the sink so I can watch a re-run of “The Office” with the family, or I skip my walk, so that I can get groceries in time for dinner…

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But here’s the interesting part about multi-tasking.

It’s constantly telling us about who we are, about what we value, and what we want our lives to be about. And some of the quickest-on-the-spot choices we make with our time will tell us about our wisdom.

And If you’re like me, you will keep learning about yourself.

Because in the end, I think that  ‘knowing myself’ is the subject that I really need to excel in… 

What do you think?

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Can you relate to this post? I would love to hear your views about “having it all.” Email me or leave a comment here, I love getting feedback!

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you make wise decisions with your time this weekend and that you’re happy.

Leslie

Technorati Tags: women and multi-tasking,illusion of having it all,super-woman struggles

 

 

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In search of a French Country tablescape…

 

via a dose of pretty

I’ve got the French Countryside on my mind.

Only, there aren’t any breathtaking, European travel plans in my future. Although, I am in the midst of working on an exciting event with a French Country theme, does that count? Because it feels like a satisfying replacement for now. Plus, it’s making me crave lots of crusty bread, fattening soft cheeses and red wine.

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Ok. Not true. I’ve loved these foods for a long time ago…

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But my latest project is responsible for my latest obsessive “eye” I’ve developed, for that certain rustic and romantic look that I’m contemplating. And one thing I’ve been noticing, is that burlap is still very popular out there in the tablescape world.

Three table looks that can be created with burlap

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The reason why burlap remains such a ‘go-to’ look at weddings and events is because it can be used to create a casual, French look or a simple, country table . Do you like the pretty script on the burlap runner?  

DIY Burlap Projects

I haven’t tried it yet, but burlap is supposed to be fairly easy to stencil. You can see how adorable burlap placemats look with stenciled words by clicking HERE. Or you can see these stenciled burlap bags that were used for clever party invitations by Brooklyn Limestone HERE.

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Look how easily burlap blends into a garden setting. But personally, I happen to like burlap when it’s contrasted with feminine elements.

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For example, I like burlap with lace…doesn’t this paper doily make a pretty place setting?

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And here are some jute napkin rings with a touch of bling…

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And I like burlap when it’s used as a runner and paired with silver…

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I even like it when it’s used in unusual ways, like these burlap sashes tied around these chairs. In this photo, a mix of old thrift store candle holders were collected and then sprayed white. How clever. The actual candles have lace and brooches tied around them to make this wedding table a tad more formal.

But, if you’re still not sure about burlap, there are other…

rustic touches you can add to your table to make a statement

Here are twig placemats and mason jars used as vases for a perfect spring brunch table setting.

And toile napkins and glassware in my favorite color blue will add a feeling of European countryside to your table.

And what do you think about placing a rough plank in the middle of a pristine, white tablecloth? I’m especially smitten with this because of the old silver teapots and interesting flower arrangements on top.

And old galvanized buckets look great when they’re filled them with bunches of fresh flowers.

But back to burlap. Let’s face it. Burlap is pretty inexpensive. But it’s also rough and a bit scratchy for some people. So what can you use instead of burlap for a similar look?

My latest French country discovery

I recently stumbled upon this very talented blogger who created this romantic garden table using none other, than painter’s drop cloth from Lowe’s Hardware Store. Isn’t this clever?

Please check out this wonderful tutorial to learn how she used this inexpensive hardware store item to make this ruffled table linen. The blog is The French Country Cottage, and you really should visit it if you’re a lover of anything French Country.

And let me know if you use any of these ideas. You know how I get tingles of nerdy excitement whenever I hear about creative projects that turned out well.

Have a wonderful day friends,

Leslie

 

Technorati Tags: French Country tablescapes,DIY,burlap

The BIG thing Stephen King and I have in common

 

Stephen King calls it a “gorgeous read.”

I call it a bona fide book crush. Because, yes, I’m madly in love with this book

Only, no one gets a crush on a book, because books of course, are merely a pile of dull paper and ink held together by glue and binding...

…but every once in a while, a book is not a book.

Every once in while, a book will possess the mystical power to carry you off on a galloping white horse to an exciting, foreign land that’s filled with mystery and intrigue. Every so often, you open up the first page of a book and you are flooded with every warm, gushing feeling you have about books and reading.

Every once in a while you become enchanted by a story.

Because there in front of you are words that possess aphrodisiac powers; there are words that magically transform into a rich, sprawling, plot; a storyline with thick onion-like layers that must be peeled back and savored like the tantalizing scent of a musky, aged Brandy in a crystal glass.

And after you read the very last page, you’re left in a breathless, starry-eyed state to ponder the characters and to wonder about the author. And if you’re like me, you’re filled with writer-envy and you wonder, “How did Carlos Ruiz Zafon do THAT?”

Carlos Ruiz Zafon is the author of The Shadow of the Wind; a man who possesses the power to sweep me off my feet with his mere imagination. Based on his way with words, I’m pretty sure he must look like this.

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The year is 1945. The place is post-war Barcelona. And a ten year old boy named Daniel Sempere is ushered through the misty streets at dawn because according to his father, “some things can only be seen in the shadows.”

So begins the engrossing story. Daniel is taken to the secret location of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, where he is allowed to wander among the winding labyrinth of bookshelves so that he can adopt one book that he must keep alive. For life.

I fell in love with this powerful description of books.

Daniel chooses a book called, (guess what?) The Shadows of the Wind, a book that Daniel feels has “been waiting for me there for years, probably since before I was born.” The book’s author is a man named Julian Carax.

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Bibliophiles will love this twist; because it’s a book about a book, one that’s packed with rich literary references and a parallel story between Daniel and his book’s enigmatic author, Julian Carax. After Daniel learns that somebody is trying to burn all of the missing author’s books, he embarks on an adventure to find answers.

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There is murder, heartbreak, and danger told against a backdrop of a gritty war. There are engrossing characters with a hint of mischievous fantasy.

There are strange coincidences in a coming- of-age story that somehow unfolds with nail-biting suspense.

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Dear Carlos, you had me at Hello.

 

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What book are you reading?

Did you read this book? Tell me what you thought…

Leslie

 

 

Technorati Tags: book club,the shadow of the wind,carlos ruiz zafon

 

 

 

 

 

 

White Kitchens I love…

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Hello friends. Today is a show-and-tell day. Are you planning a kitchen remodel sometime in the future? Well, if you’re like me, you like to collect pictures that you love, just in case….hopefully, someday? Anyway, here are some of my favorite photos at the moment.

Obviously, I love white kitchens with lots of windows… but who doesn’t? 

I like the mix of rustic wood in white kitchens. Isn’t this custom hood beautiful? And of course, you can’t forget the framed picture perched on the shelf.

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I absolutely love the look of marble with white cabinets, but I'm aware that they stain. Are you struggling with the decision to use marble in your kitchen? Click on Cote de Texas, for some pros and cons of using this material in your kitchen. But If you already have marble, I would love to know what you think.

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Do you like an island that looks like a piece of furniture?  This one would work well in a gallery kitchen.

These red knobs make such a statement…

Look at this rustic ceiling. I love it. And I think the black shades add a touch of chic with all the white.

The floors. The distressed finish on the cabinets. The beautiful woodwork. The backsplash. The color of the wood counters. The chandelier. Where do your eyes go?

I like the custom box behind the stove…a perfect place for storage.

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I like the contrast of the old beams and the stainless steel. And of course, look at these walls…

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In my next kitchen I want wood floors…

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and I want a wall of windows….

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And I want an island with storage….

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Wow. So many decisions.

Luckily, I don’t have to decide anything today. But, I never get tired of looking at beautiful pictures…and dreaming!!

Bye for now.

Les

 

Technorati Tags: white kitchens