Month of March

When my schedule got so crazy around the Christmas holidays, I did something I would never do. I purchased a dry erase board for my fridge. I cannot explain to you how much I hate those things. Half tacky, half just plain yucky, I do not like them. There was literally no room in my kitchen to hang a cute calendar where I could write notes.  So now, I am one a person with a dry erase board on my fridge. To help a bit, the hubby took me on a date to Michael's where I purchased all sorts of fun colored dry erase markers. They make it a tad bit better.  

I stumbled across this calendar on Pinterest. No, you cannot make notes on it, but it would be perfect in a frame on a counter or desk. Click here to go to the website for a free printable version.

 

Speaking of believing, these are some things I believe in...

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I'm beyond giddy with excitement that tomorrow night I am taking a class on how to make the perfect French Macaron. I've wanted to learn for such a long time and it is finally happening! The University of Utah offers tons of classes on everything from the art of tea to how to grow herbs. 

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Even more exciting, my best friend and her hubby are coming to visit this month...and then a week later my sister is coming to visit!! March is by far the best month that has happened in a while. I'm looking forward to lots of girl time spent giggling and sipping on fruity drinks.

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March is also the perfect time to add spring flowers to your table. If it were up to me, there would continuously be fresh flowers on our table at home. My Valentine's Day flowers have just about had it. I've got to remind myself to pick up new ones at the grocery store.

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Anything you are looking forward to this month? My dry erase calendar is full of fun events!

Easter + Spring Wreaths

Good morning! I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter weekend. Bryan had Friday off from work, so we enjoyed an extra long weekend at my parents' house. We were very thankful to have both of them home this Easter, with only baby sister missing. She hosted a brunch with girlfriends and will be home in two weeks, so that makes it semi-ok with me. We opted to do the unusual and went to church at a little country church about half a mile from our house. There is nothing like singing the old time gospel hymns on Easter morning. After smoked brisket and colorful devil eggs, everyone settled into a restful afternoon with light rain falling on the tin roof. Mid-day I made chocolate molten lava cakes, which were perfect after they got dusted with powdered sugar. How did you spend your {long} weekend?

One of my tasks for the week is to make a front door wreath or swag or something springy to put on it. Normally there is always something seasonal hanging from our front door, but after Christmas my nail kept falling out it's hole, thus making it a real pain when hanging something.

I like the idea of this pretty burlap wreath, but the burlap is not quite the style I am going for right now.

Click here to see more about this wreath.

I like the idea of a clump of flowers or greenery gathered to one side of a grapevine wreath, sans the wooden letter.

Lemons add a nice cheery touch to this one. It would transition nicely into the summer, too.

Click here to see how to make this wreath.

This wreath can be purchased at West Elm, but I think it could easily be recreated with supplies from a local craft store.

One of my favorites is this one made up of berry swags or garlands. Something simple yet lovely. Add a pretty bow to the top and it would be perfect.

I saw a wreath somewhere in the past two weeks that was made out of grapevine and had moss along the bottom with a few spring sprigs sticking out. It was by far my favorite one that I have found, but somehow I have managed to tuck the image away from myself. I cannot find it in my pictures, favorites or pins. You know how much I love monograms, so this might be what I end up making.

This one is available for purchase on Etsy.

After going back over and seeing all of the pictures that I have shared, it seems as though I am in a much more earthy spring state right now. Something simple and not too bright, right? Hum...I'll be sure to let you see what I come up with to hang on the front door. Any thoughts or ideas? Post a link in the comments section if you have shared what is on your front door for spring.

Southern Belle Saturday

Recently there have been numerous quint books that I have seen on the subject of being a Southern Belle. {Yes, I did mean to capitalize those two words.} During my recent Kappa Trainer weekend, I spied a little book called A Southern Belle Primer: Or Why Princess Margaret Will Never Be A Kappa Kappa Gamma. I actually think that I saw it a few years ago, but my interest in it was reignited. It is an adorable book about the social graces of living in the South.

Top Tips For Channeling Southern Charm

1. Entertain as much as possible. There is never too small a cause for a celebration.

2. Treat everyone as a dear friend. Chances are their mother has tea with your boyfriend's very opinionated aunt.

3. Expect a gentleman to open your door, order your drink, hail your cab and pull out your chair.

4. Use your fine china on weekdays, even if it can't go in the dishwasher.

5. Be a gracious and lively guest. Hostess gifts, genuine conversation and thank you notes are a must.

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I am in the mood to throw a fabulous garden party. The only problem is that my back  yard doesn't grow grass and my kitchen table only seats four people. Those aren't good enough reasons for me to not have a party though, nothing can stop me from wanting to have a good time. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?

Doesn't this picture alone make you want to have a spring soiree? Click here to find these colorful Jill Rosenwald vases.

It's Almost Here

With the unseasonably warm weather, it already feels like spring to me. The official first day is next Tuesday, the 20th, but I have already broken out the sandals and short-sleeved shirts. I have a feeling that maxi skirts are going to be my go-to item this spring. What is going to be yours? I am counting down the days until our farmers' market opens. Who doesn't love fresh flowers and produce?

I'm out of town for a Kappa leadership training weekend, and I already have stories to share from the past 24 hours. See you back here on Monday. :)