{ constant cravings: simple fall blooms }

Fresh Fall blooms in mismatched jars + vases...so simple, yet so stunning.

Run to T.J.'s this weekend and try it yourself.

What do you all have planned for the weekend?

We have a sunny, relaxing couple of days ahead of us...I can't wait.

see you Monday xo ~Suzanne

Sources:

top & bottom photo: mary ruffle

middle (top row): chelsea and kate headley

middle (bottom row) kate headley, max wagner (spotted here), kate headley

{ 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?

{ take it outside }

I'm going off line  ~ my little one and I plan to spend as much time as possible outdoors today.  Thank you for all of your sweet comments on yesterday's post ~ have a wonderful weekend everyone!

inspiration courtesy of Country Living

{ the comment curator }

Today I'm starting a new feature, The Comment Curator, in which I plan to start and share a collection of fabulous finds and ideas I've discovered via comments left here on little ole S.HOPtalk. Today's fabulous little discovery was spotted on Blondie 'N' SC after Tara left a comment on this post.

 

I followed her link and discovered  these cheerful party centerpieces Tara created with daffodils and peach jars from Traders Joe's.

She had me at the burlap and green ribbon, but when I saw the limes at the bottom of the jars, I couldn't resist sharing the idea with you all. I can't wait to try this for a little soiree we're hosting in a couple of weeks. Thank you Tara for your lovely comment and your inspiring ideas.

Who will be featured next  in the Comment Curator? Who knows...leave a comment and it might be you!

{all images via Blondie 'n' SC}

{ spring forward }

It was beautiful outside yesterday afternoon, so beautiful that I took a little rendezvous to the backyard and started some early Spring cleaning. Before I knew it, pulling a few weeds turned into two hours of laborious yard work. With my flower beds all ready for new pretties to arrive, I find myself daydreaming of outdoor Spring gatherings...oh, and fresh accoutrements for our patio. These favorites from VivaTerra would be perfect!

Details:

flowered enamel picnicware 

   {the cups would look adorable filled with your favorite blooms}

organic meyer lemon tree

pedestal beverage dispenser

garden message 

   {crafted of repurposed soda & soup can metal...& saved from going to landfills}

What are you most looking forward to about Spring?

{ new discoveries }

Oh how I wish I was outside enjoying this lovely Fall day...but, alas, I am swamped with projects–thus the belated posting today. 

These photos were taken during a recent morning stroll in the historic city cemetery, located close to my home. It might sound a bit odd, but this is my new favorite {and secret} escape spot. 

 

Ten acres of lush gardens, gorgeous architectural elements, and rich California history create the ideal outdoor museum for one to explore leisurely. 

And just so you don't think I'm too out there, the public is encouraged and welcome to visit anytime–either through a self-guided tour or via the many tours and events that are hosted at the cemetery nearly every weekend. Check a city guide for a historic cemetery in your area...you might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

{all images by moi–thank you again Steve for letting me borrow your camera}

{ take it outside... }

I love the simplicity of dining al fresco in early Fall. The cooler, crisp evenings make for perfect gatherings in our backyard. A casual dinner on the patio, followed by silly chatter and shared stories around our beloved, no frills fireplace, and I'm in heaven.

The simple elegance featured in these images is a reminder that a well edited mix of elements, accented by the magic of candlelight, is all it takes to instantly transform one's space into a fresh, welcoming retreat for friends and family. Well, yes...there are the weeds and wild ivy I should tend to first. {I guess you know what I'll be doing this weekend}. 

I hope you all have fabulous plans for the weekend! Thanks for sharing a bit of your week with me here. 

~Suzanne

Images found via my latest discovery {and obsession}, House Doctor.

{ inspired by: ink & peat floral }

There's never a shortage of inspiration on house martin or in Pam's gorgeous ink & peat floral arrangements, but I find her recent Peonies & Pearls postings truly irresistible. 

Typically, I'm not a huge fan of dusty miller, but Pam's exquisite eye for design has given me a new perspective. I just love the lacework effect she's created with it and her distinctive mix of creams, soft greys, and pinks is absolutely stunning.

I adore this little nook

Be on the look out--in the coming weeks--for the much anticipated opening of Pam's Portland, OR based, ink & peat retail  shop. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us!

{all images via House Martin}

{ monday making me smile: les fifoles }

I am completely enamored with the gorgeous photos found on Les Fifoles, a blog based in Switzerland and written in French. Weathered cafe tables and chairs, vintage enamelware, white on white with a dash of silver, fresh blooms, and perfect little pitchers–all of my favorites captured in Les Fifoles fabulously styled photos. 

I hope they make you all smile as well on this lovely Monday.

Inspired? Discover more delights here.

{ All images via Les Fifoles }

{ no fuss flowers, part deux }

image: MarthaStewart.com

It's been a busy, busy day today, but I wanted to make sure I shared with everyone the beautiful photos I received from a couple of lovely readers who decided to partake in my little no fuss flowers project. I hope you find their creations as clever and inspiring as I do. Oh...and I decided to give it a try myself and have included a couple of those photos as well...enjoy.

Cindy of Quaint Handmade always has something wonderfully creative to offer and her flower arrangements don't disappoint. I love how simple yet distinctive each one is. 

I love her tea tin and filled with fresh herbs

Cindy borrowed this statue from her father-in-law and combined some of his raspberries with her pansies. Isn't it sweet?

Lovely bottles. See more photos in Cindy's flickr stream

Reader Tissy took a different approach and shared special corners of her garden that incorporate vintage and found objects–love it!

 

An antique baby crib now cradling wild strawberry-so cute!

impatiens planted in a darling vintage bucket

And here, dear readers, are my little creations...

I filled my beloved enamelware matches holder from the Paris flea market with snips from my garden.

Pieces from my mini milk glass collection dressed up with some of our hydrangeas.

I had so much fun brainstorming for this project and hope we have inspired a few of you to find some hidden treasures that perhaps you can repurpose to show off some sweet Spring blooms. Be sure to check out this article which elaborates on unusual flower-ready vessels. (Thanks again for sharing this article with me Cindy!) 

Have a fabulous weekend everyone and thank you for your generous and thoughtful comments this week. Your visits and notes fill me with joy.

{ garden inspired: no fuss flowers }

look for a lovely thing and you will find it   

                                                                         ~ sara teasdale

image: Better Homes & Garden

I just read and was inspired by a brief article in this month's Country Living magazine in which they suggest, Dressing Up Your Collections with Flowers. I just love this concept of repurposing unexpected containers to create distinctive arrangements. You might remember this previous post which touched on the concept as well.

image: Country Living 

And then, I stumbled upon this UK based florist via the always inspiring {frolic!} and I had to share. I haven't been able to stop myself from going back to the Scarlet & Violet web site again and again. I just adore the styling of the photos and the simple, clever arrangements.

three center images: Scarlet & Violet

Your mission–on this long weekend ahead–is to use these photos as inspiration and then scour flea markets, tag sales, and your own cupboards for overlooked treasures to hold your lovely Spring cuttings. I plan to do the same.

 

image via: snippet & ink

I would be most appreciative if you would take a snapshot(s) of your creation and email it to me so I can add it to a photo gallery I plan to post next week showing off your creativity {with links to all of your fabulous blogs and shops of course}. email: shoptalkbuzz at gmail dot com.

I hope you all have a spectacular three day weekend {in the U.S.}. What are your plans?

{ a mixed bag of friday fun... }

I snuck out this morning to join my daughter and her 1st grade class on their field trip to see a live performance of Winnie the Pooh at this amazing theater. There's nothing cuter than six and seven year olds holding each others' little hands and bursting with excitement in anticipation of escaping from their classroom routine for a couple of hours. School bus jingles, grade school chatter, and lots and lots of giggles made for a memorable, fun-filled morning. 

image by flickr fave millie motts

This is also a long way of saying I'm a little behind on the blog posts I had planned for today. I'm working feverishly to catch up...but then I keep glancing out at our picture perfect weather and seem to get distracted with thoughts of being in the garden. So...I have a deal for you. How about I leave you with some garden-inspired eye candy for now and catch up with your Weekend Getaway Guide by Saturday morning...deal?

Lucyina Moodie*

Shoot Factory

Country Living

House Beautiful

Lucyina Moodie

Cottage Living

House Beautiful

Country Living

Marie Claire Maison

Thanks to all of you for spending a bit of your day here with me and a special shout out to all of the new friends who have stopped by this week. I've enjoyed *meeting* you all and visiting your own little corners of the world.

*found via desire to inspire