Happy Things~Guest: Lilac & Ivy

Today I have a guest!  

I find it so interesting and fun to learn about and learn from other people, 

so I am starting a series that I'm calling "Happy Things."  

Periodically I am going to have a guest from another blog that I love answer some questions.  

I hope you enjoy this!  If you have any feedback or comments, I 'd love to hear them!

Guest: Sarah Bradley from Lilac & Ivy. 

Sarah and I became friends at the Alt Conf. in Salt Lake City that I went to a few weeks back. 

Not only does she have a great blog, she has an event planning company too.  

I'm super jealous!  What a fun job!  

She is very creative and talented and I hope you enjoy getting to know her better.

What is your dream job? I love everything online related. I graduated college with a journalism degree and wish I’d emphasized in online/new media instead of magazines. So with that said, if I didn’t have to go back to school to get reeducated I’d love to be involved in the cutting edge of online media. I’m obsessed with blogging and twittering and I foresee online media only growing in market share. But, since I have little interest in going back to school, I’ve recently launched my event planning company, Lilac & Ivy, which has also always been a dream. I love design, organization and parties so this is a perfect fit!

What is a product you can't live without?

I’m absolutely in love with Origins Checks and Balances face wash and their organic Tonic. In fact, I love their mask and scrub for oily skin too.  
Favorite place you've been?

I absolutely adore new cities. Last fall my husband and I took a trip to Greece and I fell in love with the islands. It was so relaxing and I foresee us visiting again. But in general, each new city I visit becomes a favorite for different things whether it is for the shopping, architecture, people, or restaurants.  
Dream vacation?

A month long vacation around Italy.
Favorite Restaurant?

I have several. In Arizona where I grew up it’s Serrano’s which has the best Sonoran Mexican food and Z’Tejas which has amazing Southwestern fare. In my new hometown, Charlotte, I love Alexander Michael’s which is Southern food with a Cajun twist. 

Favorite TV Show?

Right now I’m loving Damages of FX. It’s a smart drama with some fanatic acting by Glenn Close.
Favorite Movie?

Life is Beautiful. It’s an amazing love story.
Favorite Treat?

Warm baked goods are always right at the top of my list.
What do you love about blogging?

I love the amazing people it has allowed me to “meet” and the unlimited amounts of inspiration I discover on a daily basis. Some days my head is so full of inspiration and I feel so excited that it seems my head might explode!

What is your secret to balancing life?

This is a constant battle that I face everyday. But one thing that I’ve learned is to say no to things that I don’t want to do. If I get talked into doing something I’ll dread it and won’t give 100% which isn’t fair for the person I said yes to or me.

What do you love to do?

I love reading and could spend hours getting lost in pages. I also enjoy a great movie to just veg out for a few hours.
5 Loves

My family, Sweets, Blogging, The Internet, Traveling

5 Hates

Racism, Apathy, Laziness, A dirty house, Arguing

Thanks Sarah!  I loved getting to know you better and love your answers!

Coastal Living February Issue

I'm Dreaming of a tropical place right now!  Could I  go here? Please! 

My bags could be packed in 10 min.'s. Serious....

When I first saw these pics on Two Ellie, I immediately fell in love. 

It doesn't take a lot for me to fall in love with a beautiful home, 

but add a little sun and palm trees and I'm all yours.  

I just adore this house featured in the Coastal Living February issue.

 

 

images found via two ellie via Coastal Living.

Super Bowl 7 Layer Bean Dip

I don't have a photo of this recipe yet.  That will come tomorrow.  Until then, this from Real Simple will do.
I also don't know if all 7 layer dips are the same or what, I just know this is the best I have had and that is why I never stray and try new recipes.  This  is what I am making tomorrow for the Super Bowl party we are going to.  Yea! Can't wait!

7 Layer Bean Dip
Layer ingredients in 11x7 pan or some pretty dish.

1st layer:
1 can refried beans

2nd layer:
2 large avacados mashed
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. lemon juice
mix together and spread over beans

3rd layer:
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 pkg taco seasoning
mix together and spread over avacados

Rest of Layers:
Chopped tomatoes, green onions, sliced olives, grated cheddar cheese
Sprinkle these over each other and dive in with some yummy tortilla chips or baked pita chips.

Go! Fight! Win!

Twig and Thistle: DIY V-day Bags

I just ordered these white bags so I can do this fun DIY project/gift for Valentines.

You can download this design and print it onto bags, then fill with 

cookies, muffins, a handmade card, or whatever!  

Isn't that a fun idea? I love it!  I found this on the Twig and Thistle blog.  

Alma Loveland: Free Backgrounds

The talented Alma Loveland has created some Valentine's Day patterns that you can download 

for free to use as backgrounds for Twitter, your blog, or whatever! Sweet Alma!  

Photo Love

 

via Things Like This

Plitvicka Jezera National Park is one of Earth’s jewels. This mountain valley holds many large emerald lakes, each of which drains into the next in spectacular series of waterfalls.

Amy Atlas and her Sweet Designs

I love taking a little visit to the Sweet Designs blog and adore the work of Amy Atlas.  

Seriously.  

She is incredibly talented and amazing.  

Just check out these Valentine themed dessert tables she did for Better TV. 

Photographs by Belathee Photography

 

are you in love with her yet?  

I'm sure I would love these desserts.... 

but, I'm also lovin' this darling airplane themed party she planned.  

When I see these pics, I am ashamed at my lack of motivation to plan such adorable events

for my adorable children.  

Amy, I think you've inspired me.  Now, could you come help me?

Porch Chairs + Sunshine Dreamin'

How cute is this homemade paper pizza that A girl made in preschool?

She has amazing teachers at Super Start preschool that we just love!

I went out on the porch today in the freezing cold, 

and was really missing summer, warmth, relaxing in my chairs, lemonade, the sun.......

(these pics were taken in the fall)

Precious Children Books by Sara Gillingham

 

I came across these darling children books.  

The are just precious!  

The little animal in the middle is actually a finger puppet!  

Baby G is in love with them too.  

And The Winner Is.............

Elizabeth Lollis 

from Lollipopz Photography

CONGRATS!  You win 50 darling Valentines Day Cards from MINTED! 

I'm so excited for you and hope that you have fun giving out the cutest cards on the block!

You'll have to let us know which card you choose. 

To everyone else, thanks for entering and thanks for reading!  

Have a fabulous start to a new week.

Designer Highlight: Kishani Perera

I am in love with designer Kishani Perera's work.  

AMAZING! Love it!  

She has a very sophisticated and traditional style, yet modern and eclectic.

 

Love this gallery of black mirrors.

Giada De Laurentiis at Target

 

 Giada De Laurentiis is Target's newest celebrity addition.  

She has an exclusive line of bakeware, cutlery, cookwear, utensils and gadgets. 

Go here to see her new line:  Target

She will also be having food products which include pasta varieties, pasta sauce, fresh pesto, and light vinaigrette's.  I'm excited because I love Target and I love Giada's show and recipes.  

I love anything Italian! Yummy!
  Click here to see her recipe for Gorgonzola Porchini Mushroom Rissoto.

LOVE LIST

 

"Taika" Dinnerware

Isn't this amazing?!?!

I love this whimsical enchanted-forest dinnerware and mugs.

Designed by Klaus Haapaniemi for iittala, this porcelain

dinnerware takes its name from the Finnish word for "magic."

If I had some extra money floating around, I would love to get a set...

for now, I'm just happy looking at these lovely designs.

Maddie Vintage Modern Yoyo Necklace 

from the Etsy shop: other lovely things

This is amazing.  I love how unique this is and love the colors!

Pom-Pom throw 

from Calypso St. Barth 

Love how fun, bright, frivolous and feminine these are!

Small Bird Vase

from the Etsy shop: Whitney Smith

This would be great for some beautiful flowers, or some pens for my office. 

She has some amazing pottery and designs on her site.  I'm in love with it all! 

There are darling serving plates, bowls, cake stands, and vases.

Here a favorite dessert plate:

Dogwood Flower Dessert Plate 

 Jungle Friends Mobile 

by Petit Collage

Where was this crazy cute mobile when I was in search for the perfect mobile for my cutie pie?

West Elm Organization + Storage

I dont know about you, but I have quite a few projects on the TO DO list. 

I feel overwhelmed with the many tasks that I want to accomplish in my home.  Organization is always at the top of the list.  I need to go through our toys and get rid of what we are not using; add bins to the closets for a more organized look; and take out the clothes that are too small and get out the storage bags. 

I really like the look of the storage baskets and bins at West Elm. 

Bonus: right now they are having a sale on their storage baskets.

 

I have canvas storage shelves like these in each of my children's closets. 

When we are putting away their clothes, they help choose their outfits for the week. 

It helps our mornings to run a little more smoothly.  Also, it is VERY handy when their

daddy is in charge of getting them ready.  If he puts an outfit together, you just never know what you'll get!!!

GIVEAWAY! For Valentines

I recently came across the cutest card company!

Minted

Serious! I am in love with their designs, and I have a feeling you'll be in love too.

They have a crazy amount of designs to choose from, and quite frankly, I love them all!

They also do custome wedding, baby, kids, showers, holiday, birthday parties, stationary......

I mean they have it all! Even letterpress!

Well, they are kind enough to provide

50 Valentine Cards 

for a lucky, lucky winner.

If you are like me, and didn't quite get out Christmas cards this year,

how fun would it be to send out Valentines cards instead,

and let everyone know how much you love them.

Or, you could use these cards for your children to give to their friends and

they would have the cutest cards on the block or in their class!

Or, a baby announcement for Valentines...how sweet.

Go Here 

and check out all the fun designs,

then enter bellow and let me know which cards you love,

here are a few of my FAVORITES!

Wow, who ever wins is going to have a hard choice!

Guidelines:

*You have up to 4 chances to enter

(let me know in the comments which entries you have completed)

1. Leave your name, favorite card, and email in the comment section. 
(example: Alisa at apinacoladablog@gmail  Love the Owl card)

2. Tell your friends (through Facebook, Twitter) to come on by! Or, post my button on your blog.
Then tell me you did (example: Alisa: twitter & facebook)

3. Become a subscriber (on sidebar), or Follower (link on top bar). (example: Alisa: became a follower)


4.Do a post on my giveaway on your blog and link over to my site letting your reading know about this fun giveaway.  (example: Alisa: did a post and linked to you)

*giveaway starts today, Jan. 26th,

and ends

Sunday night at midnight,

CST Jan. 31th,2009

*Winner will be announced Monday morning.
*Be sure to leave me your email.
If you'd rather not leave an email because of concerns with spam, shoot me an email telling me you entered so I can contact you easily.