{ road trippin' }

Imagine if you will, two parents, their 5 year-old daughter, 1 year-old son, and brand new puppy traveling across the country for 8 weeks in their bright orange 1970s Volkswagen van. Did I mention that the camper had no stereo or air conditioning, and that the children both ended up with chicken pox? If it sounds like a scene straight out of Little Miss Sunshine, you're not far off, but in fact, it is how my family and I spent one (very) memorable summer of my childhood. My happy, carefree memories of it, I'm certain, are quite different than my mom's. How she survived that one with her sanity still intact, I'll never know. 

As you might imagine, cross country road travel in my adult life has never really appealed to me. My feelings were: Been there. Done that...would prefer to collect cool hotel samples instead.  This summer, however, I've spotted several of these adorable caravans on the road--some new, some refurbished--and suddenly I have road trip envy. The thought of fixing up one of these little homes away from home, hitting the open road, and rediscovering the U.S. with my own family is sooo enticing. What do you think...could you sacrifice a few modern conveniences and do it?

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend filled with new discoveries of your own!

image via Lynsey Fryers

{ thursday thoughts }

Creating Yourself by Valentina Design

{ wedding sneak peek... }

Yesterday, I featured the gorgeous handmade bridal bouquets by Lisa Brown, which she designed for her own wedding, recently held in San Diego at Point Loma Nazarene University. As promised, I have pictures of Lisa and Derren's amazing wedding to share with you all today.  Every detail was so well done and I love that the couple personalized it and created many of the unique elements themselves. I've found much inspiration for future special events of my own. Enjoy...  

Karrie Pyke of Posh Paperie designed the custom invitations

I love their centerpieces!

The couple creatively used sheet music to incorporate Derren's 

love of music into the wedding (he's also a talented musician himself) 

Silhouettes of the guests were created on the spot at the wedding

Don't you love this? Check out Artist on the Go for more details on the Silhouettes

Derren made each of the signs on display at the wedding

Cupcakes by Sprinkles

Psst: There's talk that Lisa will be opening an etsy shop soon. Follow Lisa's  lovely blog, ink & button for more details. 

Thank you Lisa for sharing your photos with us! 

For additional photos and wedding details, visit: He & She Photography

{ love at first sight: handmade felt wedding bouquets }

Last evening, a friend of mine sent me the sweetest email tip for a S.HOPtalk blog post. She alerted me to her friend's recent wedding and the incredible handmade details that went into it, including the wedding bouquets which were all handmade--by the bride--with felt, vintage buttons, broaches, and special family mementos. I literally got goose bumps upon seeing the photos and the detailing that went into each of these little masterpieces. They are currently being featured on the Martha Stewart Weddings website--here and here--as part of a DIY craft contest being hosted in partnership with Etsy. I couldn't resist adding my comments of support and 5 star rating--I invite you to do the same.

As you might imagine with such a talented, creative bride, no wedding detail went unnoticed. Tune in here tomorrow as I share more of her custom wedding details including, her delicious cupcake table, guest silhouettes, and bird cage floral centerpieces...not to be missed!

Thank you Lesley for the tip. All images courtesy of He & She Photography and Micah Dahlberg Photography

{ shhhh... }

I have a little secret...we took a road trip up to the mountains over the weekend and had such a good time that we decided to extend it for an extra day. I'll meet you back here on Tuesday.

photo from the lovely, lovely portfolio of Tara Donne

{ idyllic }

Just a little slice of paradise to share with you all as we kick off a new weekend. I spotted this little gem during our recent holiday in Alberta, Canada. It's a private guest cabin--one of several--perched along the river on the grounds of  The Post Hotel & Spa--a historic log lodge that dates back to the 1940s. It's breathtaking location in the village of Lake Louise and  close proximity to one of the Canadian Pacific Railway stations, made it a popular summer destination for couples and families traveling by train. *Sigh*...how utterly romantic. I've already started saving my pennies for next time...

Have a beautiful summer weekend!

{ thursday thoughts }

ali coate via mary ruffle

{ interior inspiration: rummage }

I can't believe I'm just now discovering the lovely blog, Rummage and Curds n Whey flickr stream. Holly featured both this week and I'm smitten. I love cozy, well lived in {yet still stylish} interiors. One gets the sense that each of the pieces in this fun, colorful home has it's own story to tell--I love that!

{ playtime }

It's no surprise to me that I instantly fell head over heels for this adorable children's fashion/play collection by Wovenplay. Countless hours of my childhood were spent playing dress-up and creating imaginary games of adventure with my neighborhood pals. Capes were among the most coveted items in our dress-up arsenal--instantly transforming us into our favorite super heroes**--mine being Bat Girl. If these came in adult sizes, I'd be tempted. {thank you shannon for the intro}

**P.S. They really did help us to fly, right?

{ still savoring sunday

Sunday morning we made a quick visit to the nursery in search of some shade trees for our backyard. I love weekend mornings spent strolling the rows of flowers, plants, and other garden goods--regardless if we take anything home with us, it's always fun to browse and dream about future garden projects.

Did you do have the opportunity to do some of your favorite things this weekend?

{ canada in full bloom }

One of the things that impressed me most during our visit to Canada 

was the abundance of gorgeous blooms in hanging 

baskets and window boxes. These are but a few of the ones we spotted--

they literally lined the streets of every town we visited. 

Still catching up...have a great weekend everyone!

{ we're back! }

We spent the last few days exploring Banff and Lake Louise. The weather could have been better--we ran into lots of rain and fog--but it didn't stop us from taking in the stunning beauty and wonder surrounding us. I will have some pretties to share with you once we're unpacked and settled back into our routine. For now, I wanted to share this little treasure I spotted near the lake just as we were leaving--I think it's the part of my heart that was forever captured by this magical little corner of the world.

{ highlights: calgary stampede }

I was skeptical, but we had a blast!

Midway rides, junk food, & fabulous people watching...what more could one ask for? 

Honestly though, the Stampede is an impressive production and quite the experience.

Today, we wrap up our stay in Banff and head back to Calgary before going home tomorrow. I miss you all and can't wait to catch up! Lots more to share...

{ howdy }

We've arrived in Calgary and settled into our digs for the next few days. Little one and I are navigating the City on our own while poor hubby sits in conference meetings and events over the next couple of days. Did I mention that we're here during Calgary's biggest event, Stampede? Everywhere we go, we're surrounded by a sea of cowboy hats and boots--not my typical scene, but if dear Audrey can do it, I figure I can give it a shot. 

Today, our real adventures begin--first, the Zoo; tomorrow, a little Stampede action, and Sunday we're off to Banff and Lake Louise--I'll try to post some photos.

 Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

P.S. While the chuck wagon races and rodeo sound absolutely fascinating, I printed and packed this just in case.

{ thursday thoughts }

twenty lovely things to do* by dazey chic

{ be back soon... }

image via Carol Texas Ranger

Busy today packing and finalizing last minute details before we leave for a little family adventure tomorrow--more details to follow in the coming days. In the meantime, treat yourself to a little Parisian excursion via this lovely photo stream.

{ inspired by: the MARFA [trip] }

What do you get when you gather 13 women photographers 

--from all over the U.S. -- for 5 days in a remote, Texas town?

An amazing adventure + incredible photography documenting it all.

{Looks like an amazing experience--hope there's a book deal in the works}

all images via the MARFA blog

Quick links:

The MARFA [trip] blog

Prepare to lose yourself for a few hours exploring these links.

Did you all have a lovely weekend? Ours was packed with 4th of July fun...still recovering. :)

{ i pledge allegiance... }

Off to celebrate America the Beautiful and all of the 

amazing things in my life for which I'm so, so grateful.

Cheers to all!

{ inspired by: abby try again }

Oh how I adore Abby's photos--the color, texture & charming captures are so endearing. 

Grab 1 {or 2} for yourself and do your part to help send lovely Abby to Second Storie Indie. 

I'm in Abby...I can't wait to adorn my office walls with these little beauties. Good luck!

{ wednesday unplugged... }

If I can't convince hubby that we need this Cath Kidston tent for our camping 

trip later this summer, I'm thinking it would make a perfect backyard reading retreat.

Do you think he'll go for it?

image via country living