Fringe Benefits

I have to admit, I've never given much thought to tassels in the past. If you'd asked me what I associated tassels with two years ago- I probably would have said "strippers" and then moved on with my tassel-less life. Lately, however, I've been encountering tassels on just about everything, and I'm quickly learning, they're not just for pasties anymore. In fact, I've come to the enlightened conclusion that I love tassels. Here are some of my favorite tassel-adorned goodies:

Proud Mary Cirque Pillow, $125

Far Fetch Tassel Earrings, $31via MFAMB

Multi-tassel bracelets from A Little Hamster, $41.77 via Creature Comforts

Confetti System  12 ft Tassel Garlands, $130

B-Low the Belt Skinny Tassel Belt, $73.50

DIY Tassel-Trimmed Curtains via LoveMaegen

Lots of tassel-ey shoes, Top/Bottom

Fun, ethnic bags- Wayuu Taya Handmade bags, $130 each

And I could go on. As you can see, this is becoming a little bit of an issue for me. Happy Hump Day!                       

I Showered.

I've spent the past couple of days recovering from hosting what I would like to think was a very successful shower for my sister-in-law. Bravo and I spent many a late night together in the past few weeks, crafting away the evening in the company of Jeff Lewis and Patti Stranger. I must say, I was rather pleased with the final results, and it seems the bride was too- lots of my decor will be making it's second debut at the wedding! Here's a peek.....

 

There were pom-poms a plenty (made using this Martha Tutorial- but with more tissue- I hate to tell you this Martha, but 8 sheets just wasn't cuttin' the mustard!). You can't tell in the pic- but they were hung with a pale aqua tulle.

The pennant banner was a simple project using a canvas painters drop cloth from Home Depot (though I would recommend an actual linen or burlap because the crop cloth did not want to lay nicely), some twine and a permanent marker, and the fun fabric streamers were a project inspired by this creative Mama and made using fat quarters from Jo-ann's fabric and again, my handy twine. The tablecloth was a reasonable investment from Anthropologie.

The galvanized bucket turned vase with dahlias and other flowers from the farmer's market, was from Cost Plus, and the galvanized metal heart to the right , which has been sitting purposeless in my garage for many months, was a fun find at the Alameda Flea Market (first spotted here).

The "Eat, Drink & Be Married" sign, was my less sophisticated attempt at the version I saw here, originally on Style Me Pretty.  I swooped up the Mason jars at Target at just $12 for a 12 pack, since we were in need of some dnew low-key drinking glasses here at Casa HMD, and the adorable striped paper straws are from Shop Sweet Lulu.

Favors were mini homemade jars of strawberry-pineapple jam from Hope's Pantry on Etsy. I added the pink gingham fabric and again, my trusty twine. The cute little "Spread the Love" tags were from Etsy seller Miss Pickles Press.

The cupcakes were good old Duncan Hines and I made the little flags with lolli-pop sticks and my new favorite thing- Washi Tape!

I'm fairly certain that a good time was had by all. 

This guy was all partied-out. 

And clearly Miss Molly is the sweetest person around, because I don't drag my big pregnant butt out of bed and throw parties like this for just everyone :)

Lindsey & Lindsay.

By now, most of you should be well-acquainted with the fact that I am friends with two very talented Lindse/ays. Both former Haute Mamas of the month,  Lindsey Stafford is the creative master-mind behind the lens of Lindsey Stafford Photography & Lindsey Brier is the design genius and owner of Anyon Interior Design, and responsible for this amazing nursery that has been making quite a splash in the interwebs.

So, naturally, when these two ladies get together- you know it is going to result in something good. Lindsey with an "e" took some pics of a first birthday/Kentucky Derby party thrown by Linsday with an "a" in honor of her cutie pie son, Hawken. Here's a little sneak peek of both these ladies' handiwork. Check out Linsdey Stafford's blog for more pics, and for more sneak peeks of the rest of Lindsay Brier's gorgeous SF abode (and her little cherub, Hawken):

Back with a case of the Grabbies.

I'm back from a very last-minute, week long get-away with my boys to Twain Harte. I stepped on a scorpion (whom the boys insisted we keep for the week and name Steve) and woke up mid-week with a muscle spasm in my neck that's still lingering.Regardless, I somehow managed to have a pretty relaxing time. We were out in the boonies, so I was totally disconnected from my internets, but we had a  long and joyful reunion today, during which, I came across the following grabby-hand causers:

Noble House Designs via I Suwannee

 This may be TMI, but I pooped my pants a little bit when I saw this necklace. So, get out your Depends and check out the rest of the goodies over at Noble House Designs.  MUST HAVE THIS NECKLACE. I'm not even kidding about it. Moving on....

J.Crew Kelcey Calf hair ballet flates

 I think it's probably fairly obvious by now that I have a little bit of a leopard "thing". These are on sale for a slightly less outrageous price and considering I have been wearing my last pair of J.Crew flats for about 4 years now, I think I can justify the cost....

via peppermint bliss

via Design Mom

My boobs aren't the only thing around here in need of a little pick-me-up. Our once-red front door is looking a little chipped and neglected and is in dire need of some sprucing. I've been seeing lots of chartreuse doors out there in the webiverse- and it pleases me.

French Connection Maternity Maxi Dress

 Somebody has to squeeze their ginormous body into something presentable for her sister-in-law's wedding next month. I'm thinking this looks worth squeezing into- no?

via The Superficial

And lastly, and perhaps most grabby-hand inspiring has been the news of my favorite Swede finally ditching Kate Bosworth, who, if you ask me, just walked around looking like she thought she was a heck of a lot more important than someone whose best flicks were Win a date with Tad Hamilton and Blue Crush.

That's it for tonight lovelies.

Tuesday- let's do this thing.