Awesome

Check it out!!!!! My friend Architect Design's apartment is being featured on Apartment TherapyDC.

Baby steps

My younger sister just moved into her first real apartment, (college doesn't count) and she had me over for dinner on Monday to check it out. I was very impressed, it's located in a prime location, in a hip new luxury building, and has lots of space (I'm jealous) However at the moment it still has that college feel and being the older "architect" sister I can't help myself but want to HELP her. I gave her a few suggestions on Monday but it was only received by the usual eye roll and whatever Laura, we don't want to do that much work. Ok... so that got me thinking, how can I help her without the work.... like painting and completely going over board. So I decided we will start small... with throw pillows. Her roommate has donated the couch, which is a forest green leather couch from the 60's, it's in great shape but it needs some attention. I think pillows are always a great way to start and help you define a color scheme. Here are few of my pics: Let me know which one is your favorite.

This pillow highlights fun and bright colors.

For a more monotoned and modern look I like the green one.

This one is more traditional in style but still gives her fun colors to work with.

White will help make the couch not look so dark and heavy, I'm loving this whimsical design.

A little retro but would compliment the forest green nicely.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I'm scottish not Irish but I still love this holiday. I hope everyone didn't forget to wear green!!! I wouldn't want you to get pinched. If you are going out tonight have fun and make sure you drink some good Irish beer none of that Miller Light stuff.

Craziness coming to an end

Wedding at Key Bridge Marriott

I could not have finished up this job without the help of my wonderful family.  First thank you to my parents for letting me make this huge mess in my dad's wood shop in the basement.... 

and second for all their actual manual labor...they all found it very comical how I had convinced a CPA and an Attorney to give up their weekend and help for free.  THANK YOU FAMILY, I LOVE Y OU.  (notice my husband is not shown, because he was at home working to help financially support this craziness)  

 My work station, my dad made me that special long table. 

 

I had to rent a van to transport everything.  Chris did a great job on making sure it all arrived unharmed, I think his secret was driving at 25 MPH. 

The brides cascading bouquet.  

Bridesmaid Bouquets

Wrist Corsages

Boutonnieres 

Here is everything just about to be put on the tables, I did half tall and half low. 

Last minute touch up

Thank you Ashley for all your help on the day of.  (I know I look like a dork in this photo) 

Craziness part 2

So if you couldn't figure out what that huge thing was, here is the answer, a walk in floral cooler. It all started when I received my first deposit for my first real wedding gig and I couldn't fall asleep because I was worrying about how I was going to keep the flowers fresh.  I put an add on my wholesalers forum stating I wanted a used walk in cooler and to my surprise 3 months later I got a response for a great deal I couldn't refuse. I knew I wanted and needed the cooler but I had no idea how I was going to convince Chris to drive an hour away load it on a truck and then set it up.  Chris was very reluctant but of course in the end agreed to help.  It took 2 full weekends to get it assembled and cleaned up before we could put flowers in it. 

My dad helped a lot and built me adjustable shelves as seen in this photo.  This also shows the start of the wedding weekend extravaganza.  I ordered tons of flowers which came in a total of 10 boxes.  

This is a box of 40 hydrangea stems. Can you believe they turned into the photo below just after a few hours in water.   

It took almost a whole afternoon to unload the boxes, trim the stems and place in "floral juice". The flowers stayed overnight in the cooler before I started arranging them the next day..... that was another whole adventure.... coming up. 

 

Craziness

I have been incredibly busy the past week and a half and I feel awful for not posting, so get ready for a big post coming up.  For now this hint will just have to do.  

Stay tuned for how this....... 

turned into THIS:

Getting Antsy

I've been getting very anxious about spring and planting flowers and today's snow storm was a gentle reminder that it is still a ways away.  

To get me in the mood for spring last month I went to American Meadows and ordered a whole bunch of spring bulbs.  While at the site they were having a huge sale on Paperwhite Narcissus Bulbs and I couldn't resist. They are now in full bloom and smell great! 

I also want to point out my cupcake calendar, which was a great birthday gift.  If I can make it to the store I might make the suggested mini baked cheesecakes. Yumm.