Spring fashion is in the air!

Wow, what a wonderful day we had today at the Colleyville Woman's Club 2010 Fashion Show.  The theme was "Rhythm and Hues" and it was definitely that and way more.  This was their 25th fashion show so it was so incredible. Jan Strimple Productions did such a beautiful job with the models and the production itself with the music and lighting rocked the place down.    The clothing was from Saks Fifth Avenue Galleria store.  I'm definitely going to visit their store because I LOVED all their ideas for Spring.  Very sophisticated, colorful and classy!  Below are some of my snapshots, sorry for any heads that are in the way!


The amazing and fun part is that usually what is going on in the fashion runway world is what comes into home design as well (colors, textures, fabrics, accessories, etc.). Today we saw lots of vibrant colors! Makes me happy because that is what I love!

What little cuties! 
The table centerpieces were donated by "Out of the Garden" in Grapevine
and they did a beautiful job as usual with their floral designs.
We had a saxophone player that did an outstanding job!!!
The silent auction went well and all the tables that I decorated really turned out fun!

Since our colors were red, I draped this red fabric on the tables and it coordinated so well with the carpet.  Lucked out on that one!
Don't you LOVE this little golf cart donated by Lexus.  Some child is going to have so much fun on this!!
I added lots of diamond sparkles to make the tables look more festive.  They looked stunning up against the black tablecloths.
We had some great baskets and lots of decorating items to bid on too! 
It was such a fun few days.  Lots of hard work done by SO many.  I met some new friends and was so happy to volunteer my time.  The best part was that all the money that this organization raises goes towards charities and scholarships for many that are in need.
Thanks to all you ladies that welcomed me in and made me feel a part of CWC!
I decided to have some fun with the whole fashion theme and come up with some Fashion Show Centerpieces that I thought would be amazing "using what I have."  What do you think??
Happy weekend!  Shop til you drop then crawl!!
Ruthie

Anthropologie's 2010 Spring Windows

I was out and about today and drove by Anthropologie (one of my favorite stores).  Their window took my breath away!!!  I got so excited when I realized that these flowers are all made of recycled plastic bottles.  Scroll down below to see how they made them. 

I'm so impressed and would love to be on their design team, you know they have so much fun figuring out the window for each season, etc.  The pictures below are a gathering of windows from all over.  Each one is similar but not identical (as my daughter use to say when she was 5). 

Enjoy!

Look at the detail and color!!!
These are my favorite!
 
Love the ribbon that they included with the flowers!  It makes it so whimsical!
So like spring!

Here is how they made them!  So clever.

A sensory shopping experience for connoisseurs of unique beauty.
You've done it again Anthropologie, unique beauty indeed! 

Painted Egg Anyone?

It's pretty much common knowledge that Easter is a Christian celebration of Christ's rising, but this holiday also has pagan origins. Where did the colored eggs, cute little bunnies, baby chicks, leg of lamb dinners, and lilies come from?
 They are all symbols of rebirth and the lamb was a traditional religious sacrifice.

Easter falls in the spring, the yearly time of renewal, when the earth renews itself after a long, cold winter. The Easter Bunny arose originally as a symbol of fertility, due to the rapid reproduction habits of the hare and rabbit.

As a child, each Easter we would all get a hollow chocolate Easter bunny.  I have carried that tradition on with my kiddos and they love it!

I thought this was so cute~
I am fascinated by the amazing art that egg artist can create.  The International Egg Art Guild (IEAG) is a non-profit association of artists, artisans, and craftspeople who work with natural eggs (yes, real eggs) as an art or folk art medium.

Here are a few of my favorite designs!

Aren't they fabulous!
Now I'm really motivated to make my dipped eggs that I do with the kids each year! 
I've ordered this book so we can really have some fun.
By Gabriella Szutor

Happy dipping!
Ruthie

"All Natural" Spring Break

We went to the Hill Country close to Austin for Spring Break and really enjoyed it!  We traveled with family so that made the trip even better.  The kids got to hang out with their cousins and that was extremely fun for them!
We experienced hikes, the kids got to use our canoe on the lakes and rivers and the weather was divine!  Only one day of rain.
This beautiful swimming hole was on one of our hikes.
Here are some highlights from the trip. I love photography and on the hikes we took, I was always way behind everyone taking pictures and thinking about all the natural elements that  make such great design.
This was a great tower that everyone climbed.  Of course, I loved the modern wrought iron work along with the stone work.  The blue sky was spectacular. 

Great view at the top too!
Love the variation in each stone.
These texture and colors are so naturally handsome.
The sunshine on the green leaves were so eye catching.  Especially since we haven't seen sunshine like this in so long.  Spring is here!  Great vibrant colors to look forward to.
The small streams were so soothing and the sound of water pouring over the rocks is therapeutic
This log looked as if it had a soul because of the eye that stared back at me.  Do you see it?

This would make a great architectural piece
The reflection of the light on the water is so fresh and clean!  It felt great on my toes.
How could I decorate with these logs?  Would my husband let me drag them home?  I've been known to request these things you know.
So restful....  I especially love the way the rocks change color when they are wet.
Flowering trees were starting to bloom.
True picture of Texas landscape.
I'd like a little bridge like this in my backyard.  Simple, rustic but the natural elements are what I love.  No horse allowed though!
Taking time away from all the daily routines of life is a MUST.  I've found that when I'm out in nature camping in our RV, traveling from place to place with our kids and family, it's the time that I feel the most rested.    So much to see and all of God's nature is there to renew our souls. 
Here are a few ideas that inspired me along the lines of "all natural" furniture and decor.
 
See I could have brought home some nature to decorate with.  I LOVE THIS VIGNETTE!
Great centerpiece! The wooden plates are simply perfect.  How easy is this to do?
Want to hang your hat anyone?  Cute as can be!  This might be my spring project!
I know my husband would love this!  Wouldn't it be great if you stained these branches in a dark "espresso" or "walnut"?  It would make the room feel a little less cold.  The natural elements in the room are so pleasing to the eye.
I've used this idea before for draperies.  Think outside the box when it comes to your drapery hardware in your bedrooms, studies, etc.
Spray painted tree branches used as decorative artwork for a wedding arch. Pretty awesome.
Fun way to showcase jewelry or what about hanging different seashells?  I've done this for a curtain rod too.
Might use this idea for my outdoor patio party!  Fun wallpaper in the background.  The moss around the branches is what makes it look so finished and polished.
These are actual statues that are for sale.  See, I'm not loosing my mind!
The problem with vacation is there is always the day you have to come home.  Home is a good place but it means we get back to the routine of "busyness."  This vacation I have been reminded to slow down and enjoy family and friends more!  Life is too short to always be "busy"
Can you believe that we came home from Spring Break to snow. 
Texas weather is so unpredictable.
The day before we were sitting outside watching our kids in the canoe in 70 degree weather (2 hours away, I might add)  and now we are home and  have 2 inches of snow in our backyard! 
Crazy Texas Weather.
Life is beautiful... hope you take time to enjoy it!
Ruthie

Springtime backyard parties.

We are making great progress on our gazebo! 

I left the house on Saturday with three 13 year old girls to go shopping at the mall.  My youngest daughter (11 yrs old) wouldn't hear of shopping (yuck) and I left her with my husband in the garage with a pencil behind her ear, tape measure and the drill in her hand.
It made ME smile!!
I glanced at her finger and it was bleeding...I asked her what happened and she said "Oh, just a small flesh wound."  It was all wrapped up with a paper towel and duct tape.  She didn't even want to waste the time to get a band aid she was having so much fun helping her daddy using all the tools.
I later asked my husband what she did and he said it actually really looked like it hurt but she was tough.  This made HIM smile!
Cutest thing ever to watch their relationship grow while building something we can ALL enjoy.
The roof has to be added after Spring Break and then we'll add all the finishing touches like stain, lighting, curtains and furniture!
In the meantime, I'm planning a party!!! 
We have one each summer and it's time for another!
Friends and family 2008
Friends and family 2008
Here's the menu I'm thinking of...
Wine (good bottle of Spanish Wine) and beautifully displayed cheese tray to start the evening.
Shish Kabobs and fresh vege's on the grill.  Who doesn't like this in Spring/Summertime.
Fresh salad with Avocado (my favorite).  I have a wonderful "girlie" dressing that I love to make with Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar and Sugar!  It's divine.
or
Tomato and Mozzarella Cheese salad with basil leaves.  Yum!
Key Lime Pie for dessert.
Wow!  Wouldn't you love to be a guest at this party!  Simple thing like lights in the trees make this garden gorgeous at night.  Of course all the other landscaping and pool lights create the ambiance too.
Planning a fun backyard party is a great way to get you motivated for Spring and Summer.
It brings great joy when you have something to look forward to and it really does get you going on your backyard "to do" list.  It doesn't have to be a great big party.  A few friends over to sit and enjoy your patio is great fun too! 
This is my favorite time of year!
Happy Spring Break Everybody. 
I'm going to take a week off to enjoy my family!

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