The Pink and Blue Blog

My One and Only Resolution

2012-01-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

I've never been very big on New Year's Resolutions, however I've always been very goal oriented year around, a trait I'm pretty proud of. This year I decided to change it up a bit and make a concrete resolution: FOCUS ON WHAT'S IMPORTANT. It seems easy enough right? I hope so! I spent the last several days prioritizing my obligations, hobbies and buisness and feel as if I have a clear grasp of the projects etc that need the most attention (and it all very exciting). I'll keep you posted about how all of this goes! Have a great weekend, hopefully I'll see you at Brunch tomorrow!

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Wednesday Word Play: Gentle Reminders

2012-01-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to...

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Room Show Stoppers: The Bar Cart

2012-01-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

There is something really magical about the old fashion bar carts from the 60's that have made a comeback over the last several years. We have a antique wooden bar the Blue's Father brought back from China years ago, so I thought I'd share the staples we stock our bar with when we have guest over... let me know if I'm leaving any essential out.

Fresh flowers (usually something big and bright makes the bar feel inviting).
A decanter our favorite drink.
Variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic bottles, to offer different drink options.
A small bowl of ice.
At least two tumblers on top, and extra glassware of different sizes on bottom.
Festive cocktail napkins.
Small arrangement of books (I prefer vintage books, since it matches the vibe of the chart we have) to create a balance of height and variety with the other items on the cart.
Stowed away below in the cart I have a stack of small plates of appetizers we might serve, a old deck of cards, and some back up bottles of booze.

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The Best Of The Pink and Blue Blog 2011

2012-01-02T16:23:00.000-08:00

WOW! 2011 was quite a year for the both of us and we can not wait to see what 2012 has in store. After much preparation, I give you {what we consider to be} the Best of The Pink and Blue Blog 2011! We hope you enjoy a trip down memory lane and if you are new to the blog, you can play a bit of catch-up!

1. Moroccan decor / 2. Outdoor movie night / 3. Re-purposed pallet furniture / 4. Outdoor getaways / 5. Home styling via Teri Lyn Fisher / 6. Light and bright living room / 7. Tree house retreat / 8. Curb appeal / 9. Backyard nest firepit

1. Friendship Bracelets / 2. Pretty in Pink / 3. Fashion Quote / 4. Closet / 5. Pink and Green Top / 6. Polka dot dress / 7. Metallic! / 8. California Casual / 9. J. Crew / 10. Spring Please / 11. Tee-Shirt / 12. Lace

1. Love / 2. Somewhere over the rainbow / 3. Only thing worse / 4. We are eachother / 5. FABULOUS / 6. Darren Booth / 7. You Me and the Dog / 8. Lets Make Mistakes / 9. Real girls aren't perfect / 10. French Kissing / 11. Anatomy of Breathing / 12. Wing it / 13. Control Z / 14. Kissing Checklist


1. His and Hers Vacations / 2. Day Date / 3. All packed up / 4. Bedroom Style / 5. Thanksgiving meet the parents / 6. Man cave and Lady Lair

1. Whats on your bookshelf / 2. Show Off / 3. Bobbed and Weaved / 4. Show Stoppers / 5. Blog Brunch Surprise Party! / 6. Camera Coozies

Well Hello New Year, You Look Marvelous

2011-12-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

Hurray, it's here! I don't think Blue and I have ever been more excited to ring in the new year! We can't wait to see you all in 2012 and reveal some exciting news! Happy New Year!!

vase / 2012 card / collar / mirror / skirt / table / party hat / rum truffles / streamers

Wednesday Word Play: Chris Piascik

2011-12-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had the pleasure of stumbling on Chris Piascik's on his kickstrarter page, where he is raising funds to self publish his book and we fell in love! Take some time to go click thru some of his drawings and enjoy :)

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T08:16:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends! We want to wish you the happiest of holidays and hope where ever you are, you are warm, full and with the ones you love!

xoxo

His and Hers: Leaving on a Jet Plane

2011-12-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

We are the first people to admit that we are not the best packers. There is always one too many suitcases and more times than not they are filled to the brim with things that never see that light of day during the trip- but we can confidently say that we have gotten way better at packing over the years... so much so that as we are walking out the door we start naming off a laundry list of things that the other usually forgets, "Did you get your phone charger, how about a book to read?" and then there is Blue's favorite, "what about snacks?!"

Recently, as we prepare for several big vacations coming up, we started talking about the "staples" that go into our packing experience... the things that come with us no matter where we are traveling.

His:

A scent you and your traveling partner enjoy, there is nothing worse that being stuck on a plane with someone that makes you sneeze for hours on end.
A warm sweater or cardigan.
A gadget to entertain yourself. We are glued to our iPad, so this case that doubles as a keyboard is perfect for traveling.
Casual shoes.
A bag to take exploring, large enough to hold both of your daily adventure needs but is compact enough to bring as a carry on.
A camera!
A nice jacket that can transition from day to night.
A fine razor.
Soap, face wash or facial product that your skin is used to- you don’t want to dry out or shock your skin while on your trip.

Hers:

The perfect traveling case that you can pull out of your carry on and use your entire flight so don’t have to keep digging around your bag.
A warm coat.
Earbuds for your favorite playlist.
What’s a girl without her hair products, right?!
... not to mention her cosmetics.
The perfect pair of comfy jeans for when you explore your new city.
A medium sized tote.
Some sexy under-roos.
Flats for whatever may come up.
A travel case for your computer.
Sketching supplies for if you suddenly feel inspired!

A Lil' Funk

2011-12-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you- but I'm a bit Christmas Post-ed out! So here's a touch of funk and bright colors from Bright, Bold and Beautiful that should give you a break from all things red and green :)

A Holiday Party

2011-12-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

Holiday parties are great for two reasons: 1) You get to see your co-workers/friends/family all dressed up and fancy free 2) Everything appeals to your senses, from the sequin dresses to the bright lights... not to mention the yummy smells of food and drinks (but this goes unsaid though, right?!)

The holidays parties we go to always result in a great story that we end up using as a cautionary tale/family blackmail years later, but they are always entertaining if anything (this is me winking at my brother-in-law). In my opinion, the best holiday parties are always the ones hosted by a family member or friends - especially when they two worlds can come together for one night. With just the right amount of cocktails, decor and holiday cookies your space instantly becomes more intimate and entertaining than any bar or restaurant, don't you think?! Also I will say that Blue and I not-so-secretly use our holiday parties as opportunities to fix people up... next year when we have a bigger space your all invited! ;)

her / his / tree / nails / cookies / house / drinks

for the love of photography: alexandra grecco

2011-12-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

These photos are the reason I was house hunting in Montana this morning... don't they make you just wanna quit your job, buy a farm and move out to the country for THIS kinda view?!

(I'll go if you go) Thanks Alexandra Grecco for a peek inside your adventure in Montana!

Nothing to See Here...

2011-12-13T09:27:00.000-08:00

I finished my last final last night and now I am truly enjoying a stress free morning... looks a lot like this.

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Faceless Fashion

2011-12-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the clothes can make the man or woman...

For as long as I can remember I have be utterly captivated by the "little things" of fashion; the messy bun she wears, the vintage shoes he pairs... you know what I'm talking about, it’s the close-up! Lately I've been especially taken with the fine details of a photograph and feel as if I am dissecting step-by-step what the person is wearing in order to achieve their look (for myself or for my hubs). Some of the best representations of capturing the brilliant minute details are in Street Style blogs, and I can’t help but bookmark every single shot that I want to go reenact/recreate! Maybe it’s because the photos feel so accessible, or the outfits are broken down piece-by-piece but when you see one of these posts – suddenly fashion feels easier, don’t you think?

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Less is More.

2011-12-08T07:45:00.001-08:00

Lately I'm finding the beauty of simplicity. Our life right now is a bit chaotic, both of us a bit overworked, under-appreciated and overly stressed... but it's little simple moments like tea in the morning, long walks at night and warm meals that ground us and make us see how lucky we are to have what we have.

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Wednesay Word Play: But I Love Her Anyway

2011-12-07T07:49:00.001-08:00

I stumbled across these grandmother tips, and it got me thinking... are these the things we will be advising our grandchildren on?! And then I laughed even harder, hope you enjoy!

Cozy Girls Night In

2011-12-04T21:38:00.001-08:00

Don’t get me wrong, a night out on the town is sometimes just what the doctor ordered, but sometimes a girls just gotta stay in! You know what I’m talking about; it’s those nights when you just want to curl up with a good movie or book, hunker down with your softest blanket and enjoy the hours slowly creeping by. For me these types of night are few and far between, but with the weather getting colder and the holiday so near I find myself craving a good ole’ girls night in.

My Picks for a Ladies Night In:

An oversized tee-shirt: preferably with something semi-adorable branded on the front, (I’d also suggest something like “Frankie Says Relax”, or what I like to call OLD Faithful... your alumni shirt- always does the trick)
One extra large blanket that burritos, bundles or drapes any which way. For me, I have several handmade ones that do the trick and have the nostalgia factor.
Something to sip on. Depending on the night it could be tea, or heck maybe a glass of wine, whatever your craving I’d have it side-table-handy.
A place to plop! We all have our fave spot to cuddle up in our homes... on nights like these I set up shop in my most comfortable chair and enjoy.
I am a candle fiend, so any excuse to light a couple of my favorite scents is perfect. I have just got into buying random candles like “toast” and “christmas cookie” to set the mood and I have to admit, I am a big fan so far (although be warned that you will get cravings).
The trusty log-johns, sweat pant, leggings (call them what you wanna call them). These are self explanatory- we all have them and they are like security blankets, just being in them can brighten a mood!
Soft slippers top off my girls night in, especially with the weather cooling off... as my Grandma would say you don’t want to catch a cold. :)

December Blog Brunch and Giveaway!

2011-12-02T16:26:00.001-08:00

Hurray Blog Brunch is tomorrow! AND I couldn't be more excited to talk about my favorite Social Media platform, TWITTER. This Brunch will be great for bloggers of all types, whether you are a master tweeter or a first-timer :)

Here is what we are serving up for Brunch:

1. Twitter for business or pleasure? Do you separate them? Have different handles?

2. What’s the best way to gain new followers?

3. TMI? What will you or wont you share on twitter?

4. What are some of your favorite twitter apps? Or ways to manage your friends and followers? What about tweet tracking?

5. Who are your must follows on twitter for blogging, inspiration or just for fun?!

Megan and I have been really excited to announce that we are doing a giveaway this month with Blog Brunch. One of our fellow brunchers, Natalie owns an adorable online boutique called Calliope. If you have not checked it out get on over and let us know what your favorite things are in her shop. She was so wonderful to let us give away this Lovebird Necklace over the Brunching weekend.

So how do you win this fun necklace?!

- Participate in brunch by commenting on questions and using the hashtag #blogbrunch

For extra credit:

- Like and follow Blog Brunch on Facebook and Twitter

- Like and follow Calliope Boutique on Facebook and Twitter

We cannot wait to see you all tomorrow and to talk all about Twitter!! Don’t forget your mimosa!

Favorite Things Friday: Lee Tracy

2011-12-02T10:04:00.001-08:00

While taking a break from the torture that IS Ms. Pink’s DVR line up last night, I ran across the work of Lee Tracy and her very cool light-boxes to say that her work is awesome would be an understatement. Tracy’s latest exhibit sprung from her personal medical experiences when she received an MRI. She journaled her trials, and turned something scary (photos of someones brain) into something beautiful by writing insightful notes on top of the film (and suddenly you’ve got some really interesting art!).

At first I wondered if she meant to place the comments in the specific areas. After thinking about a few of them I really think she is on to something. The comments give insight to the location of the brain they are located over. For example, in the one about creativity the scratched out part is in the frontal cortex, a major component creativity... the same can be said for the slides about fear and stepping out of her comfort zone.

I hope you enjoyed my Dr. Geek Out-Moment! Pink and I are curious to know if you would like to see some more random appearances from me on the blog? Let us know!

-Mr. Blue

For the Bookworms

2011-12-01T08:03:00.001-08:00

Blue and I both love giving and receiving books as gifts (who doesn't?!), these picks are currently topping off our wishlist!

Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones / Fried Chicken & Champagne / Pulled / The Small Stakes: Music Posters / Etcetera: Creating Beautiful Interiors With The Things You Love

When I Grow Up...

2011-11-30T08:17:00.001-08:00

I wanna be her. Just sayin'. And I would run around singing "Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na, Batgirl!"

via Bodie and Fou

Snug as a Bug.

2011-11-28T21:30:00.001-08:00

It's a just so perfect...

via Souled Objects.

Re-Inventing the Advent Calendar

2011-11-28T07:27:00.001-08:00

There is something really special about the holidays. It's not just the fact that you shop for months or you eat til' you drop- but half the fun is the build up, the anticipation! Traditionally the Advent Calendar is used to count down the days until Christmas ex: "We'll watch A Christmas Story this night, get the tree this day... reflect on our year here or there"- but I think they can be a huge source of holiday decor as well! Check out these unique ways to make a calendar :)

Calendar: 1 / 2 / 3

Submit to the Turkey Day Parade!

2011-11-22T08:05:00.001-08:00

Last year I had so much fun compiling your photos and recipes that you shared from your Thanksgiving table, I have decided to do it all over again! (I just love starting traditions, don't you?!)

How it works:

1. Pick your favorite part of your holiday meal; it can be anything from the centerpieces to green bean casserole- even the adorable outfit you plan on wearing!
2. Snap a photo!
3. Email, tweet or Facebook me the photo- and if you would like to share, attach the recipe, what you're wearing, or the DIY steps you took to make your craft.
4. Be featured on our "Turkey Day Parade!" post this Friday!

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Dear Ms Pink and Mr Blue: Thanksgiving Edition.

2011-11-20T22:45:00.001-08:00

Not too long ago I got my first “Dear Ms. Pink” email, asking me for advice!

The Email:

Dear Ms. Pink,

My longtime boyfriend invited me to spend the holidays with his family for the first time, and I'm documenting my experience- from what to wear, what to bring, to conversation starters and such. I would love if you could provide some input...

xo
Kate

I flew from my office chair and did a happy dance, and then promptly text Blue “Plp actually care what we talk abt!” He laughed and then I continued to tell him about how I wanted to write a post about The Essentials for Spending the Holiday with your Other Half’s Family!

Tomorrow’s breakfast: They took all day to cook for you... so you pre-plan their Friday morning brunch, make a casserole they can pop in the over in the morning or fresh bagels and croissants.
Bring a nice bouquet of flowers for the dinner table.
When helping out in the kitchen or setting the table, you have an opportunity to connect with family members on a one on one with conversation.
What to wear: Something conservative- but also something you feel like yourself in. If you don't like what you are wearing, it may show... so I suggest you dress to impress in something that makes you feel confident. For me thats a nice dress, a cardigan, a cute pair of leggings and just a little sparkle. I always say its better to be over dressed and typically I would add to gage what you are wearing by what your significant other is sporting.
I think people appreciate anytime you can offer something from your table to theirs, so something baked or a side dish may be greatly appreciated!

Ms. Pink

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Don’t Look Homeless: Look Sharp. It’s easy as a man to get really overdressed for any occasion- just wear a suit, right? But I suggest a nice, clean layered look that doesn’t try too hard but still looks well put together.
Bring Your A-Game Dip: Every year I hit a home run with my guacamole recipe at Pink’s Parents house for the holidays, and I am pretty sure it has earned me respect in the kitchen... so don’t be afraid to make something your good at.
Play Family Games: Whatever they are into be it cards, football in the backyard or a rousing game of Monopoly, participate. DONT be too competitive and make sure that your date is having a good time.
Bring wine!
Gift a homemade holiday ornament: It may sound cheesy but families love that you have a softer side, and if you and your date spend the time to make their family something special that they will have forever, it sends a good message.

Mr. Blue

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Conversation Starters:

Our style is to sort of sit back and observe at first, get the feel of the family and then bring up topics that feel organic. We would always avoid politics and religion as topics, but focus on the great things you and your date do together, like "The other day we went to here..." "I finally got him to try..." The one thing you all have in common is your date, so if you start with subjects about him/her it will open lots of towards and have them gravitate to questions about you.

We hope you enjoy your holiday this year with all your loved ones, and if you have a Dear Ms. Pink or Mr. Blue question- don't hesitate to ask!

Favorite Things Friday 11 |18 | 11

2011-11-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

{foodie find}

grown up hot chocolate

{for the home}

wood credenza

{fabulous design}

mr. and mrs.

{for the love of typography}

collect moments // not things

{fave photo}

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Kablammy! It's Friday and I didn't even see it coming (I love that feeling)...

If you're like me you'll be dragging your husband to see Breaking Dawn, cooking some new recipes, and starting your Christmas shopping this weekend. In addition to playing Santa, I am also looking for the perfect Two Year Wedding Anniversay gift for Mr. Blue... I am really lost on this one people- I feel like he has everything a guy could want already, so if you have any suggestions or advice please let me know :) Have a great weekend!