Packing Advice

 

   

When Justin and I went on our mini-moon last fall 

I had an easy time packing:

sweaters, scarves, and boots.  

This trip is a little trickier...

The weather looks mixed and its for two weeks.

I've been collecting a lot of advice and thought I'd share!  

Below are the pieces of wisdom that 

I will definitely be using this week as I start packing for Italy:

This is my favorite piece of advice.  I'm definitely going to pack 

a lot neutral colors and fun accessories.

I want Cup of Jo to do a Fall version of this post.  I would wear it all!

This article is super helpful and the outfit layouts are just too-cute!

Thank you Nordstrom and Eileen Fisher for this great video!

Rolling vs. Folding... very interesting.

And for the men, this is how to fold and pack a dress shirt.

A beautiful post on fall fashion.  This girl knows her stuff!

Have you been to Italy in October or have any genius packing advice?

I'd love to hear it all!

xo

{Photo by Simply Hue}

Flower School: Hops

Hops have a near and dear place in my heart.  

My husband is a brewer at a local craft brewery in Seattle  

and the smell of hops will always remind me of my husband coming home 

from work in our first year of marriage.
We also incorporated hops into our own wedding.  

Hop season in Washington starts in mid-August and goes through September.  

Hops grow on vines best in moist climates.  

Their prime harvest is at the end of summer here in Washington.  

You can learn more about hops here.

Below are some of my favorite hop ideas (aside from beer).

This gorgeous hop arch.  So romantic!

I would love to find some hop vines and make this incredible wreath.

Pretty hop vine draped reception chandeliers

This and This are gorgeous bouquets with hops

You can purchase hops here

{Photos from Bohemian Bouquets & Ruffled}

Just Do It

 

This Sunday I'm running in my first race.

I'm terrified.  Sure, its only two miles and I can 

definitely run three but I am slow.  

Oh so slow.

I love the cause its for and cannot wait to fill you all in on it later. 

In the mean time wish me luck!

Below is a song that has helped me gain a little confidence and helped me keep stride.  

Its a guarantee on my race day playlist.  Enjoy!

 

{top photo above found here}

That Piece

 

Every so often I come across a piece of clothing that I can't get out of my head.

This jacket by Paper Crown is one of those pieces.

 It just looks so soft and perfect for a dressy chilly date night.

Do you have any pieces for fall/winter that you want to splurge on?

Please share xo

**Also, as a Rifle Paper Co. and Paper Crown fan 

this news could not get any better.

All About Apples

I am all about apple accents.  They add a simple and elegant touch of fall 

to cakes, invites, centerpieces, and event escort cards.  The above are some of 

my favorite examples for events but below are some apple links from around the web.

Have a great weekend xo

* This thin apple tart looks incredible 

* Apple votives look beautiful especially outside at night. 

See how to make them here.

* Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops - yum! Definitely added to

this week's meal planning. 

* I'm craving a day of apple picking here.

* Five Health Benefits of Apples can be found here.

{  Photos Above   1   2   3   4   }

Mini Celebrations

Justin and I are celebrating our one year wedding 

anniversary in a month.  

On our anniversary we will be having a romantic date day in Rome.  

It can't get much better than that!

How have you celebrated important milestones in your life?

I wish you all a wonderful weekend xo

{photo by Colin Cowie}

Save Your Hair

 

When Fall begins my hair feels less than shiny and healthy.

The sunny days and social nights take their toll on my tresses 

and my fall hair therapy becomes absolutely necessary.  

The products below help bring back the shine, strength, and style-ability to my locks.

1. Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo & Conditioner - worth the money.  

Its one of the only shampoos that I can use over and over and be as 

happy with the 100th use as I was the 1st!

2. Moroccan Oil - my favorite hair product out there.  

It keeps the frizz at ease and brings shine to my otherwise 

blah strands.

3. Palmer's Coconut Protein Mask - this is a steal! 

My hair always feels stronger after using this mask 

and my hair smells like heaven for at least two days after.

4. CHI Heat Protection Spray - this smells like 

getting off the airplane somewhere tropical!  

And it stops my split ends after straightening my 

hair far too often.

Do you have any products you can't get enough of?

{photo found on Here}

On Being Thankful

 

A very close friend did a post on thankfulness and 

finding gratitude in the not-so-great moments.   

She included a list and I couldn't help but think of my own.  

I am thankful for:

My sink that is full of dishes and bottles because 

that means I had a house full of friends that I love

The fridge that won't shut completely
because we have it stocked with food

My favorite work dresses shrinking in the wash because 

I have a sweet husband who likes to help out and has a heart of gold

The grumpy bus driver and his crazy driving because 

without him my life would be a lot more difficult

Football games that are boring because
that means the Seahawks are winning... by a lot.

The blisters on my feet from working out because 

that means I am active and healthy 

 You can see her inspiring post here.

What are some things that you are thankful for?

Have a great weekend!

{Dishes in the Sink photo by me}

Peach Cobbler

   

Confession: in the past month I have made cobbler three times.  

One time with blueberries and blackberries (remember this post?) 

and twice with peaches and nectarines.  Peach-Nectarine is definitely my favorite.  

When were were dating, Justin told me his family's 

go-to cobbler ingredient: yellow cake mix.  

Its definitely a cobbler must!

Do you have any secret ingredients that you like to bake with?  

Please share!

Also, I want to try this Mango Cobbler recipe.  YUM!

{photo by Everyday Occasions}

Fall

 I get excited for Fall right after the fourth of July 

but I tame my public excitement for my favorite season until 

after Labor Day Weekend.  So now I can officially be excited.

I love the changing of seasons and the quick chill that makes 

cuddling not unbearable and sweaters socially acceptable.  

Its always been a time for change in my life: going to school, 

moving to the city for college, the start of a new career, and last year marriage.  

I can't wait to see what this fall brings.  

I'm looking forward to sharing some of my favorite fall 

recipes, wish lists, and flowers soon.

xo

{photo by nealyblau}

Honeymoon

 

36 Days until my husband and I take our long awaited 

honeymoon in Italy.  Its practically all I can think about. 

Have you ever been?

We are lucky to have two weeks to explore this romantic country.  

Three of my favorite things will be in one place: pizza, wine, and Justin. 

Does it get any better?

Readers we'd love to hear your tips and advice! xo

{photos by Rochelle Cheever}

Cinnamon Roll Tower

 

For Justin's birthday he requested Cinnamon Rolls.  No Cake.

I needed to make them look special so I came up with this drizzled and sprinkled

Birthday Cinnamon Roll Tower.  

Do you have any fun ideas to turn an everyday baked good into something special?

I would love to hear your ideas!

Flower School: Leucadendron (Blushing Bride)

 

Leucadendron are such beautiful flowers for such a weird name.  

They also go by Blushing Bride.  They are eye catching and romantic.  

Leucadendron are related to Proteas which are full of color and can be huge!  

But we'll give Proteas their own post sometime soon.

{Photo Credit: Coriander Girl & United with Love}