Happy Saturday, lovies!

An Ashley Brooke Designs Holiday Giveaway

Today I am grateful for twitter for connecting me to the Blueeyedbride.com because it was on her site that I learned about this wonderful giveaway she is doing with AccordingtoNina. I first stumbled upon Ashley Brooke Design stationery, cards, customized pieces etc on KAG's blog awhile back and have been obsessed ever since.

Check out ABD here to look at all of the cute stuff her site has to offer and definitely enter to win this amazing giveaway!

I also heart these:

NYC's Latest Gem-C.Wonder

A New Retailer to Love

It’s another busy Tuesday, so we jump right in with word of a new emporium offering SSP (serious shopping potential). Behold, the just-opened C. Wonder.

Kyle Ericksen/Women's Wear Daily

Located in Soho, the boutique is the brainchild of venture capitalist and retail whiz Christopher Burch. Sometimes known as the former husband of Tory Burch, he has been one of the primary contributors to that brand’s success. Below we see Maria Menounos (large photo), Kelly Ripa and Chris Burch, and Kelly Rutherford, all at the store’s grand opening.

Via PopSugar NY

We have been reading about the new shop for some time, it looks simply delightful. One aspect we particularly appreciate? It seems to have a touch of whimsy, much like that found at Kate Spade, an appealing characteristic for a retailer.

Via Design Wire

The boutique carries all manner of merchandise, including apparel and accessories.

Courtesy Photos

C. Wonder also offers homegoods.

Via Racked NYC

A montage of the housewares from HGTV.

Via HGTV

Most prices are less than $100, making this a fiscally friendly place to shop, always a bonus. Mr. Burch has aggressive plans for expansion, more from theJournal:

Three additional C. Wonder stores will open this year at the Westchester, Garden State Plaza and Roosevelt Field. Approximately 20 more will open in 2012 across the country.

Ultimately Mr. Burch hopes to have as many as 300 stores. Nor is this the only store being launched by the financier, the recently opened Monika Chiang in Los Angeles is one of his endeavors, he has several other brands in the works as well. The always fabulous Saving the Best for Last blog was on hand this weekend for the grand openin and says we’ll love the place, below we share a few of her photos. (Click here to read her post on the shop.)

Via Saving the Best for Last

We like what we have seen and heard about the store and its merchandise, not to mention the cute pink and green shopping bags!

Via PopSugar NYC

The brand’s strongest online presence right now is its Facebook page, probably the best bet for those of us not within visiting distance at the moment, at least until a more robust website is up and running. You can also follow C. Wonder on Twitter if so inclined.

~~~

I'm surprised that I haven't seen more bloggers posting about the new hot spot in NYC, C. Wonder. Created by Tory Burch's ex, this place looks like it has not only the most adorable wall paper and decorative pieces to lure it people off the streets but the cutest stuff that is reasonable too. The cozy slippers below, the ikat mugs, the bright colors, the preppy items, even home goods...I want it all! How cute is their logo-check out their website here.

My mom just so happens to be going into the city today with my dad for a business trip and she said she is going to give me the inside scoop on the store. I can't WaiT! Too bad I'm on the opposite coast or I'd insist that she pack me in her suitcase. This place has me drooling and oh so curious. Check it out! Heck, I'd go just to get one of those fabulous pink and green bags with their wonderful logo on it...and no I'm not kidding :)
{images and article courtesy of thepreppyprincess.wordpress.com}

i think this would be my favorite section of the store, I am obsessed w/ homegoods.

{store interior shots courtesy of facebook}

Stop and Smell the Roses

Every once in awhile you have to take a step back and smell the roses, even little Louie does :) I think it is important from time to time, to stop and take in your surroundings, remember all that you are grateful for and be in the moment. Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Monday Birthday-Party Inspiration

(the happy couple dressed up as a bottle of champagne and an Indian)

One of my besties, Lauren, lives in Jacksonville and I miss her every day! She is one of the sweetest people you have ever met (and no I'm not saying this..her personality will melt your heart) and she recently planned a 30th Halloween Party for her hubby, Michael. Lauren is such a great multi-tasker, she had a big gala fundraiser going on at work but managed to plan this wonderful affair for her honey and then a few days later they jetted off to Paris and London for some down time. You deserve it, girl!

I wanted to share some photos she snapped of the event:

their adorable bumble bee, I mean dog, Lucy :)

I love that she got into the full theme of Halloween for Michael's party. From the personalized dinner plates with images of Michael, to the thoughtful details of ghosts, pumpkins and skeletons...I loved it all. Especially the hollowed out pumpkins used for dips (what a creative spin on things!) and the goody bags for everyone to take home at the end of a fun-filled night.

~You did a fabulous job, Lauren. The event sure reflects how wonderful you are too. You leave your caring imprint on every single thing that you touch. xoxo~

still working on it....

My mom was the first to provide feedback this morning and said the dark blue, green color made the blog too hard to read. I lightened it to grey...there was a rose color I liked too. Thoughts? xo

Blog Face Lift-feedback wanted!

I was so tired of my boring white background and decided to do a darker grey, green, blue shade and fooled around with my fonts as well. What do you think? I need feedback. too much? too dark? too much going on so one is distracted by eye candy overload? I have been wanting to do this change for months but didn't quite know how to do anything until I started hitting some buttons and wala, magic!

I needed some color and fun in there but I'm not so sure right now. I think my eyes are still getting use to it. I'm trying not to be so afraid of change, as it can definitely be a good thing.

Feedback, please?! :)