WEDDING INVITES :: lacey shaffer howell

It is about time I am sharing these invitations! I did these last summer for a close friend, Lacey, for her wedding on lake martin. Her theme for the August wedding included lemons and limes. I decided to play off of the fruit and try my hand at the vibrant watercolor that has been so popular lately. I have posted about watercolor art here and here. I also decided to incorporate some of my own calligraphy, but keeping it simple and refined. I thought it was a nice contrast against the loose brushstrokes. Here is the final suite ...

We decided to do a fan for the program to provide the guests with a little breeze. They were awesome in heat of the summer! We also designed a custom embosser to match the invites that was used on the outer envelopes. I was quite happy with how they turned out. 

GUEST BLOGGING!

Jump on over to my good friend Laurel-Dawn's blog,abode love, and read my guest post sharing my wedding photos and details! You won't want to miss it. She is featuring some fabulous weddings, photos, and invitations for the month of April in honor of her anniversary. So go, check it out! 

HONEYMOON PART II: the resort

I know I have all ready featured the jalousie plantation, but I wanted to share some up close & personal pictures that I took. The resort was truly beautiful and the decor totally engulfed me everywhere we went.

clawfoot tub

bathroom

den

view from back deck

infinity pool

the late night spot :: cane bar. definitely my favorite room at the resort.

LOVE the barware :: I wanted to take each piece home

gold! I asked if I could take this home in my suitcase.

couples massage tiki hut

formal dining :: the great room

the beachside restaurant :: the bayside

fire burning brick pizza oven!

pool with swinging beds

And, one of my favorite aspects of touring the resort -- seeing the fabulous artwork. 

WORLD MARKET FINDS

Now that the wedding crafts are over I can return to focusing on Melrose. There are a few surprises on their way that I will share, but for now I wanted post a few products that I recently saw at World Market.

I like to stop in every and now then to check out their new items (and burn my lunch hour). They typically have some trendy items that are reasonably priced. On today's visit lots of items caught my attention and I just had to share. I apologize in advance for the crummy iphone photos.

Remember my post about searching for the most efficient 'x' back chair? Well, look at that - bent oak dining chairs for $130 each. I think they are definitely worth the purchase. 

This metal chair is definitely in the same family as my two metal dining chairs. Love the rounded back and arms. Would be great as end chairs and you can't beat $100 with a stick. 

This wicker chair and price has caught my eye before. I love its petite shape and the weathered gray wicker is gorgeous. I wish I could use it outdoors on my patio!? 

This picture does not do this dining set justice - it is a weathered taupe with just the right about of "shabby chic" to it.  And, I love that you have the option to add a bench.

Campaign bookshelf. Enough said. Would be a fabulous addition to Melrose. 

Um ... gray, linen, tufted, can I say more? I believe she will be meeting our study pretty soon! Beautiful.

I really like all of these stools pictured - the solid metal ones remind me of the ones I purchased on Overstock and paired with my breakfast bistro table in the kitchen. But, this drafting swivel stool - wow! I have been looking for one to go with my drafting easel but they are all too expensive. This one is perfect - rustic, industrial, adjusts up and down for my painting, and efficiently priced. Yes, she came home with me today. 

Here are some more new items for the website that are definitely worth a peek:

aiden etagere rolling bookshelf

charles slanted shelves

And to match your campaign bookshelf ...

campaign desk She ties with my sawhorse desk.

laguna dining collection

Any specific pieces that catch your eye?

FOR ALL YOU DSLR LOVERS ...

I found this awesome product on a blog recently and I knew some of you would be interested in it as well. I had yet to purchase a camera bag for my Canon DSLR because they all seem so bulky and masculine. I know they are vital to your camera's life, but I just had not taken the plunge yet. I would rather stuff it in my purse  -- with the lens cap on, of course!

So, I introduce to you the 'ONA' bag insert. It fits into your bag, purse, suitcase, etc. and provides ample protection for your camera and lens. The canvas bag itself is pretty stylish in my opinion, and is waterproof! It also has plenty of pockets and dividers to fit all you may need. Check out these images from the site:

tucks neatly inside of your purse

Mine is on the way so I will try to update ya'll with my review. Do you have a stylish camera bag that you would recommend? Please share!