Happy Spring!

Happy first day of Spring... the happiest day ever!

Get this look at {Canvas} by Lands' End!

1 Week Until Mexico...

A trip that we have been talking about for months and months is finally here - well, in 1 week!  I started thinking about what I was going to pack today (just thinking, not actually packing)!  One would think I would be a great packer as I am normally super organized and efficient (also, I have taken 5,432,786 trips in my life, so you would think I am a "pro") - however, I am absolutely horrible at packing!  It always starts the same way - about a week out I start thinking about what I want to bring; the organizer in me  makes a list, shops for essentials, does some laundry, tries on some cute outfits... but then, I don't know what happens!  Every single trip I am scrambling about an hour before my flight to throw anything and everything into a suitcase!  I either (usually) bring way too much (aka, my entire wardrobe) or I pack so randomly that I am lucky to have a top go with a bottom!  I've decided that this trip is going to be different -- I am going to be packed by Wednesday (a whole 3 days early)!  It shouldn't be too hard... I mean, what do I really need to bring?  A few bathing suits - check.  A couple dresses - check.  Flip flops - check.  I wish it was that easy :) Obviously, the most important bag to pack is the beach bag - here are my picks (pre- packing disaster)! 

polyvore created by {ashley gale}

Note: I haven't been an iPad fan... until this week!  I didn't understand the purpose of it since I have my iPhone and I have my laptop - but then, I thought - how fun would it be for the plane as well as in Mexico.  I could have all my music, books and magazines already stored on it - and I could still check out all of my favorite blogs :)  ... But I definitely will NOT be checking work email!  Oh, and that super cute Marc Jacobs beach ball inspired iPad case kind of sold me on the whole package!  :)

For Japan with Love

Today, I am so happy to be a blogger because I am able to participate in {For Japan with Love}, an amazing effort put together by {ever-ours} and {Utterly Engaged}.  I never realized how connected and supportive the blogging community is until I saw that at least {500 blogs} are participating.  Wow!  Tomorrow (March 18th) there will be a blogger day of silence as well as a {fundraiser} that you can also participate in!  See below for details.

Money Raised will be donated to {ShelterBox}

I know we have all seen many photos that have made our hearts drop. The one below is the  most unforgettable picture that I have seen since the tragedy happened last week.  I couldn't even imagine sitting upon the remains of my home and life -- my heart truly goes out to everyone in Japan! 

{National Geographic}

I hope you will take a moment and think about everyone in Japan.  If you haven't already donated to an organization supporting Japan, or you have been looking for a way to help - please consider donating {here}!  Every dollar helps and whatever anyone can contribute will be greatly appreciated!  Thank you!

Pairing Kelly Green...

with yellow! In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I put together some looks of my newest favorite color combination.  How fun is kelly green with a splash of bright yellow?  I've been enjoying this color combination for some time now -- I actually almost used this palette as my blog design inspiration!! Enjoy your day and I hope you are wearing green (and potentially, yellow!)  xxoo :)

Images found on {Pinterest} and {Design*Sponge}

Pantone 18-2120

Pantone is the global color authority for the fashion and home industry! They have been around for over 45 years, but I feel like there is a pantone color frenzy out there right now! I have seen everything from {coffee cups}, to {credit cards} to {cookies} in popular pantone colors!  

{Yummy Cookies}

And for those of you who don't already know (my non-blogger friends) - below are the top 10 Pantone Colors for Women's Fashion in Spring 2011!  Aren't all of these colors so pretty?

{Pantone}

The #1 color of the season is Honeysuckle: Pantone 18-2120! Hurry! Spring 2011 is quickly approaching, make sure you run out and grab your honeysuckle garments today!

{Pantone}

Look! Even the stars are already wearing honeysuckle!  What are you waiting for? 

{Image Credit}

Here is some guidance on how to mix honeysuckle!  This color is pretty versatile - it goes with almost anything!  What is your favorite color combination?  

{Elements of Style}

Mine is honeysuckle and navy (of course)!  I think it would look sharp together in clothing as well as in home decor!  I love how the pillows and flowers in the room below makes everything pop!

{Image Credit}

Don't be afraid to stock up on Honeysuckle - we are going to see it through Fall 2011 as well! Enjoy!  

{Pantone}

Basketball and a Great Cause!

It's tournament time -- one of my favorite times of the year! :) Even though Spring doesn't officially start until next Monday, I feel like the first NCAA game is the kickoff to Spring (maybe because it was always during my spring break in college)!!  I was really excited this morning to fill out my bracket - but became even more excited when I came across this {post} on one of my daily reads coco+kelley.  Cassandra is hosting a bracket challenge where half of the entry fee will benefit the relief efforts in Japan!  Love.  The challenge is called the Blogger's Ball Pool, but is open to bloggers, readers, and friends of bloggers... which includes YOU!  Never filled out a bracket before?  Don't fret - it is easy (you can even have your bracket auto populate if you really want), it is fun and I have seen many first time brackets win!  But even if you don't win... you are helping out a great cause!  What do you say?  Are you ready for some college hoops?  Check out the challenge {here}! ...And check back Thursday for my bracket picks! xxoo! 

{coco+kelley}

{pinterest}

100 Followers!

WOW! All I can say is Thank You so, so much :)  Keep checking back for daily inspirations!  xxoo!

Exploded Florals

...and ditsy florals.  Actually, all florals!  A couple weeks ago, I talked about loving florals in {swimwear}, but now I'm obsessed with florals in dresses, skirts and tops as well!  I went shopping in Chicago this past weekend (of course) and when I got back to the hotel and pulled out my purchases, I immediately saw a common theme - florals!  Pretty spring florals in all scales -- but white grounded florals and ditsy florals are my favorite!  Is this trend going to be in your closet this spring?

You can get all of the above outfits {here}, {here} and {here}!  But below are some other inspirations I have for my closet! xxoo.

polyvore created by {ashley gale}

You can find me at {a hasty life}

 

My friend Ashley at A Hasty Life is starting a series of photoshop tutorials and asked me to write one on using  and creating 'Actions'.  Head on over to her {blog} to see my guest post!  Also, below is another photoshop tutorial she has on her blog - check back for more!

{Faking a White Background}

Amanda's Bachelorette Party!

Hi Friends! I just got back from a trip to the Windy City (and it sure was windy) celebrating my sister's bachelorette weekend with 20 fabulous ladies!  It was an absolute amazing trip and everything that I hoped it would be for her! I thought I would give you a little recap and share some fun details -- but there won't be too many photos, because like many bachelorette parties, most of the pictures should not be seen ;) What was your most fun bachelorette party event?

Four Page Invitations made by my friend Sarah at {You're Invited}

Amanda and I checked into The Wit. 2 girls. 2 bell men. No big deal! ;)

Part of our suite and goodie bags that included: itineraries, bar crawl tshirts, shamrock headbands, scratch a dare
cards, penis straws, beads, diamond ring pops, and little care baggies that had advil, mints, chex mix and a water bottle!

Thank you to my friend Christina for making Amanda a lingerie cake! Loved!

Before all of the guests arrived, Mom treated us to a day (yes, DAY) at the Spa! Thank you, Thank you! :)

Amanda all ready for her "classy" night on the town!  She even received shamrock pearls as "her first
wedding gift" from a stranger!  In the second photo - all smiles with my cousin (left) and sister (right)!

My Sister and My Best Friend. ♥

The green river in Chicago!

7:45 am bar departure AND our Aunt's came for the madness too! :)

No, Bon Jovi did not come to the party.  Amanda got me a present that included amazing seats at the Bon Jovi
concert in May as a Thank You for the wonderful weekend! I can't wait for my "boyfriend" to sing to me again! ;) 

In the Bedroom...

Hello! Just in case you missed my guest post on {cornflake dreams.} this past Wednesday, I thought I would share with you some of my bedroom ideas!  I am dying for a new bedroom design and I have been compiling all of my ideas... here are just a few.  What do you think?

All Photos found on {Pinterest}

Guest Post: {ten scenic drive}

Hi Guys! Since I am on vaca, I asked my good friend Kristin from {ten scenic drive} (and from real life :) if she would like to guest post for Fab 5 Friday!  She has picked some great items - check out her blog for more fun inspiration and fashion!! -ashley

Happy Friday friends! A big thanks to Ashley for letting me guest post while she is off partying it up in Chi-town! Here are a few of my favorite things of the moment..it was tough to choose only five: Bandaids that tell a story (and make you sound pretty awesome), backless dresses, the most incredible place on earth to enjoy a bath, perfect shoes for all of those April showers and of course one of my all-time favorite guilty pleasures...disco fries! Have a fabulous weekend!  xxKristin {ten scenic drive}

♥ what happened? band-aids

♥ backless summer dress

♥ bathtub with ocean view

♥ rainy day bow ballet flats

♥ disco fries

 Images {1} {2} {3} {4} {5}