Swoon!

Make it: Neon & wood magnets

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Have you been noticing neon EVERYWHERE lately? I've been inspired by this look, this necklace, and these lovely mouse pads. It seems to play especially nice when paired with neutrals or otherwise natural pieces. We're trying to improve on the 80's here, people.

If you're looking for a small way to inject some neon into your life, how about something bright for your fridge? It's a very noncommittal way to participate in the latest trend :)

These are so easy to make, you might find yourself making more than you need, like I did. My girls have been hanging so many papers on the fridge that it's getting hard to open!

If you want to make your own, here's what you need:

Wooden nickels

Acrylic paint (I used Martha Stewart craft paint in wedding cake, granny smith, yellow gold, party streamer, and beach glass)

Small, round magnets

Paint brush

Glue gun/glue

Painter's, masking, or washi tape

Tape off your design (sticking with simple lines will look best!) and paint. The coats of paint dry very quickly. I did about three coats per magnet. Once you're satisfied with the color, let the last coat dry, then remove your tape.

Flip your wooden nickel over and use your glue gun to attach a magnet to the center of the back. Done!

Feel free to crank up the David Bowie. I won't tell :)

Color Story No. 5

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I'm head over heels in love with this dishtowel by Lisa Rupp! I love the fresh color scheme and am considering it for our nursery if we have another girl (we find out in a month!).

P.S. I hope you've been enjoying these color stories as much as I have!

Moss table numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Are you looking for a pretty and affordable idea for the table numbers at your wedding or event? I think these would be cute as letters too!

These are so cheap and easy to make, I'm looking for a way to use them at my next party!

Here's what you need to make your own moss table numbers:

Numbers in your favorite font, printed on card stock, and cut to 4x6 size
Hot glue gun/glue
Bag of moss (found at most craft stores. You want the fluffy stuff, not the kind with dirt underneath!)
Wooden skewers
Tape (I used washi for a pretty touch)
Scissors
Small bowl or container

And you're done! Easy, right? Stick your skewer into a jar with flowers or even the soil of a potted plant and place on the table.

Highlights from a productive weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:03:00 +0000

I've been so caught up in my weekend here, that I almost took today off! I decided I would throw some pictures up for you.

I loved everything about this past weekend. It's something you can't plan, but sometimes things just come together and everything works.

We squeezed in a few walks to the store,

and I lugged my sewing machine out of the closet to make some bedding for our well-used doll bed (Ellie picked out that great fabric!).

We received a package my Mom sent when she was visiting my sister in Korea. She included some fun little slippers for the girls. Ellie was so excited, she exclaimed, "my own house shoes, I'm so impressed!" They even sleep in them at night.

This sweet girl is talking a mile a minute now and had us laughing all weekend!

We took a day trip to Napa on Saturday to buy a chair (but, really we just needed to get out). The weather was perfect and little yellow flowers were blooming along the road everywhere. We walked along the water and then found a local coffee shop/coffee roaster that was excellent. We're planning to look for their roast at Whole Foods this week!

We also spent some time hiking, crafting, organizing, and eating lots of good food thrown together by Mr. Edwards.

I also discovered this blog, and decided that I can't live without this print.

Hope your week is off to a good start!

A Wedding Suite for Mindy & Pat

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I wrapped up work on a very special invitation last week. My dear friend Mindy is marrying another friend, Pat, in March. I met Mindy back in the carefree days of early high school and the friendship stuck. We stayed in touch through college and after, and ended up living in the same neighborhood in Seattle a few years ago.

Have I ever told you my husband used to be in a band? Ahh, yeah. Around the time we met he was traveling and performing with Foolish Souls. Scroll to the bottom of this post for a fun little picture that could get me killed...

Anyway, Pat was also a member of this fabulous band. He and Jeremy are still good friends (he was even in our wedding). Long story short, Mindy and Pat met one time at our house and then ended up meeting by chance again last year. They hit it off and now two of our good friends are marrying each other. So fun!

Mindy loves all things pink and Pat is a kind man, so we went all out. The handmade sleeve features a floral pattern. We kept the invite clean and simple to complement all the floral details.

The front of the RSVP post card has an over sized flower and diagonal stripes. The back of the postcard (pictured above) matches the invite. The portion to the right is perforated so guests can keep the additional information when they send back their post cards.

I LOVED making these invites for you Mindy and Pat! I can't wait to go home in March and be in this wedding. Stay tuned next week for a peek at the save the dates we sent out back in January (out of order I know).

Without further ado, I give you Foolish Souls (sorry Jeremy & Pat!):

Yes, those pants are leather...

Pinterest picks: A Spring fete

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:09:00 +0000

1. Lovely Easter idea by Fleuretica via Cyd's pin 2. Bright streamers + rustic wood by 100layercake via my original pin 3. Darling + simple favors and drinks by Amy Atlas via Martie's pin 4. Pink Meteorite pinata by Confetti System via Amanda's pin 5. Bi-Rite always gets it right! via Suann's pin

Dear Jeremy,

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:12:00 +0000

Thank you. Thank you for waking up with the girls when I'm tired, and for washing the dishes 90% of the time (you know I hate it). Thank you for being consistently level-headed and kind, even while working full time and going to school.

Thank you for wanting an adventurous life (like me), and for believing in what we can accomplish together. Thank you for not pointing out my obvious mistakes and for rocking our babies to sleep in the middle of the night.

Thank you for adoring our girls. I recognize that look in your eye and I know they've got you wrapped around their little fingers (as you should be). Thank you for being a better cook than me, but never rubbing it in. I get to eat good food, but still feel good about myself :).

Thank you for still being my friend after all these years. Yet we have become family too. I'm sorry I stay up so late at night and start crazy projects all over the house. Thanks for overlooking that too. Thanks for always showing up for everything in our lives. Looking forward to the new adventures ahead.

You're still my favorite.

Love,

Randi

Color story #4

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Are you pining for Spring as much as I am? I think I caught my first glimpse this weekend and can't wait for more. Bring on the blooming trees and sun drenched days!

Photo from An Apple a Day (Amy Merrick's lovely blog)

Mini molten chocolate cakes

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I would share my all-time favorite dessert with you. Molten chocolate cake is good every time. Perhaps you're staying in for a date and looking for a decadent dessert to share?

As if the soft, sweetness of the cake weren't enough, a warm and gooey chocolate filling is hidden inside. Drooling yet?

If you'd like to make your own, click on the photo below, download the recipe, and print.

Recipe is adapted from the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook.

A Valentine fit for a Superstar.

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

This year marks the first year that Ellie gets to celebrate Valentine's Day with her friends at school. She was so excited when I told her that people bring their friends candy and prizes every year on this day. Last week, we loaded up the car, Target bound, to find some prizes to add to her valentines. It wasn't until we arrived at the store that I realized she thought I was going to go through the toy aisle and pick out a birthday-sized present for each kid in her class. Oops.

I steered her toward the stationary and party aisles, hoping for something that we both would like. I envisioned striped pencils or adorable erasers, but her eyes totally lit up when she saw the packs of brightly colored superstar glasses (with a Kanye twist).

I knew there was no turning back, and luckily a pack of 4 was only $2. At that price I was able to buy a pair for every kid in class for $10.

We went home and looked through my packaging/paper stash and came up with a simple solution. We packaged each pair of glasses in see-through glassine envelopes and made a little wrap around label to complete the look.

Ellie signed her name on the back part of the wrap around labels and we added a little striped tape to the flap as well.

Not bad for a newbie with $10!

2012 Month-by-month

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

As a little challenge, I've decided to embark on a year-long project. I have a growing interest in prop/photo styling and photography and wanted to start something that would stretch me in both areas.

At the start of each month, I will make the corresponding number for the month out of something that represents that month to me. The only rule is everything must fit on a letter sized sheet of paper. Fun, no? Hopefully a more clever name for the project will unearth itself as we go.

So, here's February for you, a little expected, but sweet nonetheless :) Happy February to you!

Valentine Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:44:00 +0000

I'm giving away a map valentine today over at Urban Scarlet! The valentine is part of a larger giveaway including a Lifestyle Letterpress epic combo kit.

Hop over and check it out!

Color story #3

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

This morning I'm loving this bold painting by Tina Steele Lindsey. This time of year I can unashamedly admit my love for feminine colors, right?

via nicole's pin

My heart skips a beat.

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:53:00 +0000

Happy Friday, dear ones. This week got away from me in many ways, but I'm happy to report everyone in our house is finally strong and healthy!

Meet me back here next week for five days worth of Valentine's inspiration (everything I've been saving up!)? I hope your week was a little more cheerful than mine and that your weekend is even better!

XOXO

Randi

one via a little love / two (source unknown) via / three via kammy / four via design sponge

Styled Issue 4

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:26:00 +0000

Have you been following Victoria's lovely online magazine Styled? She does such a fabulous job putting together ideas and projects for merry making! I was happy to contribute to issue 4 (you can find my project on page 27) alongside many talented people.

Read the whole thing over here.

Some thoughts on happiness (adapted from Gretchen Rubin)

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:20:00 +0000

Okay, I promise this is the last time I will mention Alt Summit. For a while.

I've struggled to decide what information from Alt to share and pass on to you. I want it to be useful and meaningful, even if you're not a blogger, or even the creative type.

In the last week, I guess the answer has presented itself, because among the amazing eye-opening advice I sat through (and furiously scribbled in my notebook), the things that have popped in my head the most have come from the final keynote speech by Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project. This is not to downplay the rest of the Alt-ness floating in there too, I have food for thought to last until next year :).

I know the reason a few of Gretchen's points resonated with me has to do with the fact that I have reached similar conclusions on points and it was gratifying to hear them spoken out loud by someone else. My embarrassing confession is that I haven't read her book (yet). For all I know, everything I'm about to say is contained in those pages, but nevertheless. It meant something to me, and I hope it will mean something to you too.

Her keynote was peppered with great humor, insight, and advice, but mainly it was about her own quest to be happier. From her own journey, as detailed in her book, we can pull out certain truths about humanity and happiness.

The first thing that resonated with me was the fact that making others happy, makes us happy. Everytime. The funny thing about it is this: it's easier to make others happy when we are ourselves happy, but the return is always the same when you make others happy: happiness!

Secondly, outer order contributes to inner calm. Yes, it's somewhat of an allusion, but not necessarily a bad one. The need to settle my daily life/work balance has moved to the forefront of my list lately because I notice little things that make my life harder in small ways that could easily be taken care of with a bit more organization (ouch).

Alright, here's the big one. The one I've spent the most time thinking about this week...You can only build your life on your nature and your values. Own who you are and you will be more happy. Admit your limits. Gretchen told a story about music. She had wanted to be a lover of music and had spent a lot of time and energy in her life trying to muster up a love for music that just wasn't there. It was sad, but freeing to admit that she just didn't really care about music. How many things have we been spending our time and energy on that we just want to like, or want to be good at, but really aren't? Knowing yourself is actually really hard, but we can start by eliminating the things that we know deep down in our hearts really aren't us.

And lastly, the most important things in life can't be measured. Sounds like a Hallmark card, but the point is we are drawn to things we can measure such as money, health, blog stats (ahem!). We spend a lot of time on these things because they equate to a physical number. The things that will make us the most happy though, can't be found on the list of things that equate to a number (building relationships, spirituality, relaxation, etc.). Gretchen suggested finding what those immeasurable things are for you and making an actual appointment to do them.

A lot to think about, right? I would love to hear your thoughts on Gretchen's insights as presented (rather sloppily!) here, or from the book.

Three cheers for more happiness!

P.S. Find the book here.

photo credits: one / two / three

Color story #2

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:45:00 +0000

Happy Monday! I'm recovering from the flu, but that doesn't stop me from thinking of hearts and valentines. This colorful plate of cookies is part of a baby shower by Brooke Reynolds of Inchmark. Darling, no? See the other details here. It's a sure way to get your valentine juices flowing!

A special dinner for Addie

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:30:00 +0000

My sweet little Addie turned two last week. Thanks to Alt and a crazy schedule, I didn't plan much in the way of a party. I was thinking we might take her to the zoo later this week, but my oldest made it very clear that everyone in this family needs a party on their birthday! I blame myself for this line of thinking :)

So after attending a friends birthday party on Sunday, Jeremy and I ran out for a few things, and came up with a little party for Ads.

I bought two bundles of flowers at the market and decided to tape them in four rows on the wall behind our table (I was inspired by this photo).

My husband surprised me by pulling this lovely little cake out of the freezer! He had made it while I was flying home on Saturday. Seriously, I love that man. And he's going to be making the cakes from now on! I decided to stick one of my wooden Hooray toppers in the cake (for good measure, of course).

Luckily, I have a growing stash of beeswax candles from Miette. I knew they would come in handy someday. Now I can justify buying a handful every time we visit the store :).

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

From the desk: New business cards

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:56:00 +0000

I just realized I never showed you my latest business cards! Business cards are kind of a big deal at Alt, so I knew I had to make something new for the occasion (no pressure, right?).

I love how a card can tell so much about someone in such a small space. It was a treat to receive so many gorgeous and creative cards this last week!

As for me, I stuck with a few of my old stand-bys: kraft paper, glassine envelopes, and pretty masking tape. I threw in some cute wooden flags for good measure. What do you think?

Life after Alt

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:48:00 +0000

I think I'm finally back in the swing of things after a fabulous time at Alt! I could really get used to fancy hotels, great advice, beautiful, creative people everywhere, and roommates who like to chat late into the night (and tell you when you have lipstick on your teeth!). Clearly, I want smilebooth to be in my life. everyday.

I'm still cleaning my house and gathering my thoughts, but in the meantime, here are a few pictures to look at:

And we're off!

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:09:00 +0000

I'm on my way to the airport to head to Alt! I'm excited as can be, but nervous too. Three cheers for trying something new, right?

If you want an insiders look at the conference, I will be updating my instagram all week. You can follow me at @randiedwards!

See you next week!

Happy Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:01:00 +0000

What are you up to this weekend? Mine is going to be filled with all sorts of preparations for my trip to Alt this coming week! I'm still freaking out a little bit over what to wear, so a little shopping may be in order. I'm also in the process of designing a wedding suite for a good friend, so our weekend may be spent close to home. We've found a new favorite breakfast cafe that serves the best bagels, so maybe we can sneak away on Saturday morning!

Did I mention Jeremy is in the middle of his pastry unit at culinary school? The apple tart pictured above is just one of the few amazing things he's brought home. His arrival home coincides with my midnight snack cravings perfectly! I could really get used to this.

Thank you for all of your sweet comments this week, I appreciate all of you so much! Anyone who has commented this week or who comments on anything for the rest of today-check your inbox on Monday!

Happy weekend to you!

Map Valentines in the shop!

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:54:00 +0000

As you may remember, I put together these map valentines last year. Well, I loved them so much that I decided to bring them back for a limited time!

You can find them in the shop right here. Each card is hand cut and comes with a vellum envelope and heart label.

Happy Valentine's Day! Get 'em while they're hot!

Wear this: Red pants

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

A while back, I pondered the bright-pants trend. I finally took the plunge and bought some red jeans after Christmas and I LOVE them!

They're the perfect blend of sassy and classy, plus there are a lot of affordable options out there. They look great paired with neutral colors or even stripes.

If you're in the market to try this trend, check these out:

1.Vero Moda super stretch skinny jeans/Asos $32.72
2. BDG Cigarette High-Rise Jean in red/UO $58
3. 1969 mid-weight legging jean/Gap $69.95
4. Toothpick jean in garment dyed twill/J.Crew $108

P.S. Mine are actually maternity jeans! Here they are in dark wash (I guess the red ones are only available in the store).

Photo one/two

Color your own cards (for the kids):

noreply@blogger.com (Randi) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:20:00 +0000

We're still finishing up our Christmas thank you's around here. I like my kids to participate in some way so they will (hopefully) start the habit of saying thank you from a young age.

Ellie had so much fun painting her own cards last year, that we decided to do it again.

I made a few simple-as-can-be designs and printed them out for the girls to color and paint.

As soon as the papers were dry, I turned them over and wrote a few words of thanks. I plan to send them off in pretty vellum envelopes.

If you'd like to print a few off for your own kids, you can find the file here.

Happy card making!