feeling a bit pensive today...

I came across this quote and photo, and wanted to share. I don't do many of these, but I think I may start to fold them into my regular blog routine. A big thanks to all of the amazing artists and talented photographers on flickr. To see some of my favorite photos, visit: DelightedStudio on flickr.

flickr: yvette inufio

Fourth of July Cakes

Headed to a Fourth of July party this weekend and unsure of what to bring? Hosting your family and friends over and want a special, festive dessert? If you answered yes to either of these, you must check out this Fourth of July Cake, from Glorious Treats, which was recently featured on The Finer Things blog.

Isn't it gorgeous? If you want the step-by-step tutorial for this cake, 

click HERE to visit Glorious Treats.

Or, if you're looking for a take-home treat for guests, Glorious Treats suggests you try making Fourth of July cupcakes in a jar from The Tomkat Studio.

For the step-by-step tutorial for this cake, click HERE to visit The Tomkat Studio.

DS Printables: Fire Up the Grill

It's officially summer, which means - it's time for a summer barbecue! As the July Fourth holiday approaches, I'm sure many will be throwing, or attending, a barbecue to celebrate the holiday. With that in mind, the latest DS Printable is a Summer BBQ invitation. It's a great reason to have friends over and cook out -- just print and fill in the blanks. Happy barbecuing, everyone!

Click here, or on the photo, to download the PDF.

A fun, family-filled weekend!

This past Saturday I got to spend some time with my parent and my sweet nephew, Teddy. My Mom and Dad were having their first Grandparents sleepover, while brother and his wife attended an out-of-town wedding. It was a blast spending the day with this little guy. I love each and every cute face he makes. Teddy is such a happy baby!

A gift for grads

{flickr: carpeicthus; blog: bakerella; flickr: betty sue}

June is graduation month for many high school seniors, and if you're looking for something different to give the new grad, consider these Graduation Sets!

Sets include monogrammed note cards, calling cards + mailing labels, a perfect gift for the college-bound graduate. Each set is custom designed with the grad's name, initials and University colors. Calling cards can include contact information, such as a college mailing address and email address, so family and friends can keep in touch!

As I mentioned in the Chevrons and Flags post, I love this design combo! Here are a few examples:

MONOGRAMMED FLAT NOTE CARDS WITH MATCHING ENVELOPE & CALLING CARDS

ADHESIVE MAILING LABELS AND MONOGRAMMED STICKERS

CHOOSE YOUR OWN COLOR COMBINATION

SCHOOLS SHOWN: JMU/LSU, UVA/SYR, UNC AND VA TECH

EACH NOTE PAIRED WITH MAILING LABEL AND STICKER

Chevrons and Flags

If there is one trend I see consistently among stationery, design and home decor blogs it's chevrons and flags. This combo is used on everything from note cards, invitations, party favors to home decor, paintings, and in web design. I've used both in stationery design, and used elements in my web design because I love the combo so much. It's been around for a while, and I certainly don't see this trend fading any time soon.

Here are just a few of the many inspiring designs I've found along the way:

Chevron Paintings from Make Under My Life

FIG. 2 Design Studio

Chevron Wallpaper:  Design Sponge/Kimberly Lewis

Gift Tags: Sweetbeaker

Simple Flag Cards: Satsuma Press

Chevron Waves Stationery: Minted

Flag Save the Dates: Minted

See what I mean? There are so, so many more amazing chevron + flag designs out there!

Oh, happy day...

A very happy birthday to my boyfriend, Adam. Thank you for all of your support and for being such a wonderful person. I hope today is a great day!

{like these images? find these and more by: blonde+blue; flickr: debbie wibowo}

Pretty Little Finds: B&B

{bows: Trapeze beach dress, ASOS; Sterling Silver bow necklace, etsy;  QT canvas tote, etsy;
Gold bow ring, ASOS (soldout); Baker's twine stationery, Minted}
{boughs: Silver branch pendant, etsy; Tiny twig hair pins, etsy; Olive branch Thank Yous, Minted;
Coral Seas Ring, Marc Jacobs; Blossom Tee, Jedidiah}

Hello, June.

{find these and more on flickr: jermaister; mariakallin; raehein; joyhey}

June is my favorite month of the year. As a child it meant the start of summer break, and as an adult, the warm weather means trips to the beach and visits to the pool. Farmers markets are in full swing, which means great local produce and beautiful fresh cut flowers. Dinners cooked on the grill, paired with cool, refreshing cocktails. I'm so, so happy summer is here!

One of those days...

{photo by paula deen; beautydepartment}

Some days are better than others, and I was having an everything-that-can-go-wrong-will-go-wrong day yesterday. Luckily the wonderful people at the beautydepartment.com have a great suggestion for what to do when life hands you lemons. Not to sound greedy, but I wouldn't mind this salt scrub AND a glass of lemonade. Why not, right?

What you will need:
5 tablespoons sea salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon

First mix the olive oil and sea salt together. Once the salt gets coated by the oil, the lemon won’t dissolve it! Next cut the lemon in half and squeeze over the salt + oil. Mix and mash. (Feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking.) Then scrub away!!

To read the full post at beautydepartment.com click HERE.