friday favorites...

A little yellow & gray for Friday...
Lovely open shelving.
I'm not a big jewelry person, but these are so pretty.
A beautiful photo.
Confetti painting from a talented Canadian artist.

I'm looking forward to this weekend, my brother is finally visiting and we're getting these cupcakes for my birthday (I turned 25 yesterday!). Have a great end of October.

my sister's wedding.

Remember these plans for a bright, fall wedding? Well, it turned out beautiful and since it was for my sweet sister in-law (and friend since high school), I thought I'd share a few quick snapshots/thoughts from the day...

1. Us before the ceremony, she was beautiful and so relaxed!
2. Painted wine bottles with daisies as table centerpieces (we filled the hall with tall cocktail tables for a greet & mingle style dessert reception).
3. Cupcakes galore... and not pictured, the best ever ice cream cupcakes too.
4. Drinks table. We also had stations for specialty cheeses and fresh fruit. It was simple, casual, the real focus on spending time with family & friends. An awesome way to celebrate with 200 people!

handmade faves: south jenni books

Incredibly beautiful, unique work worth checking out from this handmade journal shop (shown above: black leather journal, travel sketchbook, & peppermint stripe album).

black and white halloween.

photos by andrea dozier

There's something so exciting about all of the decorating possibilities this time of year (fall through New Years!). Last year Andrea and I did this little series of table settings for the holidays, trying to use the same neutral basics for each setting and adding in a few seasonal items. It was fun to do a twist on Halloween - a black and white party with polka dot fabrics, mini pumpkins, and little touches of gold.

friday favorites...

It's downright chilly here! Here's to a weekend of keeping warm...
A sweet fall card.*
These apple candles look so darn cozy. (via)
How-to make origami paper boxes.
Soup recipes from Martha (soup & bread is our go-to meal lately).

(*I like the card's description too - give: to say hello/ when the leaves start to change/ for no reason at all.)

cozy hats.

Plenty of cute, inexpensive hat options over at H&M right now (I picked up one of their navy striped caps this weekend and love it - I wear it around the house at night, too :).

floating centerpiece.

(images: little green notebook)

I know this is already making the internet rounds, but I like this thrifty table setting that Jenny from Little Green Notebook put together for a rooftop dinner party. Such a great use of cheap balloons! She even painted the pattern on the tablecloth.

handmade faves: mengsel

Fun, geometric illustrations & silkscreen prints by artist Luzelle for this Scandinavian-inspired shop.

a new favorite . . .

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Made in 20 minutes, packed along with us for the weekend, and enjoyed until the last chocolate chip crumb (I wish I could have one right now!). The pumpkin flavor isn't too strong, but it makes them extra soft, and possibly my favorite chocolate chip cookie ever.

friday favorites...

A few of my favorites from around the web lately... (enjoy your weekend!).
Appreciating the little things in life.
Facing your fear.
Perfect everyday outfit (found via).
Homemade pumpkin treats.
And, not pictured - these pumpkin cookies we'll be eating all weekend.

lessons from an innovator.

Thoughts and prayers for Steve Jobs' family... more lessons & thoughts on creativity from him here. (While putting together this post Wednesday night, I was listening to this song, and it seemed fitting - you can listen below.)

the dune.

Kimia's artist residency at The Dune looks so incredible... (If you're not already following along on her adventures in India, they are hilarious, real, and inspiring.)

weekend happenings...

Welcomed October this past weekend with some leisurely time at home before a busy month ahead... errands Saturday morning in downtown Ann Arbor, lunch from the deli at Plum Market (that place always makes me want to buy things), house cleaning, big sports games (go Tigers and Lions!), and pumpkin buying from the farmer's market on Sunday.

(Also, not pictured: this action movie, homemade take-out night, and the half bag of mini halloween candy that was consumed... no wonder October is a favorite).

monday inspiration...

Breanne Düren // "No One Else" video. (images by Collin Hughes).

She is one of my favorites - an adorable singer with sweet, upbeat music and a great sense of style...