Thứ Năm, 3 tháng 3, 2011

Modern Romance

All of you rose lovers are about to be in hog heaven with this beautiful décor. Basically, no matter what your own personal preference might be, this is a wedding style that anyone can agree is pretty close to perfect. 





From beautiful ballroom affairs to elegant backyard celebrations this reception décor is the epitome of classic style. It is sophisticated, graceful and totally timeless; but still keeping up with the contemporary approach. In my opinion, what the El Paso – Las Cruces brides prefer. Do you agree?
From the centerpieces to the chandeliers, this romantic paradise is pure pink-glam eye-candy. It’s what I define as Modern Romance!

The gorgeous chandeliers and long tables…I heart it all!! Head on over to Hostess With The Mostess to see the rest…

White Flower Farmhouse Interview and a $200 White Flower Farmhouse Gift Card Giveaway


Hello everyone, I hope you are all having a great week.
I have a special interview with Lori, from White Flower Farmhouse.... and a giveaway....
I asked Lori, if I could purchase a gift card to her beautiful shop to go along with her interview,
I love Lori's Shop... and I think you will too...
Lori was so generous to go in on the gift card with me.
Thank you Lori!
Giveaway information will be at the bottom of this post...


I wanted to feature Lori today, not only because I love her designs, but also because Lori
is the person responsible for introducing me to the world of blogging.
I remember the day I discovered Lori's site.
I spent the evening going through her blogs, Frugal Farmhouse Design and White Flower Farmhouse Blog....
I was immediately drawn to her style. 
Lori can turn any house on a very tight budget into a beautiful farmhouse....

I hope you enjoy my interview with Lori, and get a chance to visit her website....
I will let Lori take it from here....



First off I want to congratulate you on the first year anniversary of your blog.   I cannot believe that it was just one year ago that we were having the conversation about you possibly starting a blog, and look at what you have achieved in only one year.  You have a true passion for what you do and it shows through you words and the camera lens.
You have done an incredible job with your blog and have achieved so much in this short of time.
Most of all you have become and inspiration to your readers.  Keep up the great work inspiring us.
I am looking forward to all the exciting moments the future will bring.
Happy one year blogging anniversary!
Maria asked me to say a little about myself and shop, even though this post really should be about her.
I will share a few things that she asked me to.

A picture of Lori's kitchen

What inspired you to start a blog (Frugal Farmhouse Design)?
I have always had a passion for creativity and design- especially on a budget.  Megan encouraged me to share it through a blog.   At the time I did not even know what a blog was!  I had no idea it would turn into what it has become today and I am forever grateful.
Lori's blog is called Frugal Farmhouse Design

Lori's kitchen was featured in Country Living 

How do you hope to inspire others with your blog, Frugal Farmhouse Design?
I want to get the message out that it does not take tons or even money to have a beautiful and classic home with great style.  I think that there is a lot of pressure out there in the design world to spend, spend, spend!  The trends are constantly changing, which keeps the consumer spending money.  My personal thoughts are that consumerism is at an all time high.  Some of these design trends are ridiculous, expensive, and wasteful.  Do you really think that a chair that looks like an airplane cockpit, or that bright orange graphic sofa is a good investment?   Will it still be in style 10 years from now?  Just something to ponder.

A Beach Cottage Porch Makeover...
I love how Lori paints so many of the floors in her makeovers gray....

How did you get started as an interior designer?
I left my career as a graphic designer 16 years ago to stay at home with my babies.   We had to live on my  husbands salary alonge, which is not easy to do on Long Island ( a wonderful but very expensive place to live unfortunately) I furnished almost my entire home with yard sale finds and thrift shop caste offs that I re-furbished or painted.  To make a long story short, friends and family saw what I was doing.  They would not believe what I could do with some old piece of "junk"  I started to get requests for certain items for other people and it just escalated from there.


How would you describe your design style?
My personal style is simple, calming, comfortable, clutter free, creamy whites and soft beige paint colors, lots of natural materials and textures.  I like to mix in vintage and a few unusual accessories too.


Where do you look for inspiration?
I can find inspiration in many different ways.  It might be an object or a color that sets the tone for a new room design.  If I had to choose a designer it would be Tricia Foley.   I love everything about her classic and simple style.


What is your favorite room to design in a home and why?
I love kitchens, to me they are the heart of the home.  I know that this is where I spend most of my time with my family.

click on the link above if you would like to read more about this makeover

What has been your biggest design challenge?
I am currently working on a project for New York Newsday, where I have to re-do a room with NO MONEY.
I can use what ever I can that is already in the home- Nothing else.  I am finding this one to be the biggest challenge.  I am loving it at the same time.

Click on the link above if you would like to read more about Lori's Beach Cottage Makeover

Do you have a favorite color of white paint that you like to use?  
It is a creamy white called, Ballet White by Benjamin Moore.

How does one go about achieving a farmhouse look in their own home?
Farmhouse style has been around for such a long time, it really has stood the test of time.  It amazes me that there are photos of old farmhouses in America taken almost 100 years ago and there are many things that not changed.  Classic pieces are always old pine tables, simple (often painted) furniture, wood floors, homespun linen, simple window treatments or shutters, ticking fabric, utilitarian collections.  Farmhouse style to me exudes an overall feeling of warmth and comfort.  A cozy and safe haven from the sometimes harsh world outside.


I love the name of your shop, White Flower Farmhouse, is there a story behind the name?
I love the color white, so I wanted to incorporate that into the name.  Farmhouse is the basic style of the shop.   I wanted to make sure that the shop would be an affordable place to buy from.  I made a rule when I first opened the doors that I would have the merchandise that would range from $1 and go no higher then $500.00  That is what has kept me going strong for over eight years.



Where is your shop located?   
In a very cool and popular tourist destination.  The North Fork of eastern Long Island in a town called Peconic.  Want to know a secret....this fork has much of what that south fork offers on the Hampton side only for MUCH LESS MONEY!!!

A picture of Lori's Shop
Thank you Maria, for giving me the opportunity to answer these questions for you.
To me the most important and fantastic thing about blogging is the friendships that build and become part of your life.  I am happy and grateful for the opportunity to get to know you this past year.  Congratulations on your first year of this wonderful adventure. 
  Love Lori


Thank you so much Lori!
I can't thank you enough for what you did for me....
Really your act of kindness changed my life!
I will forever be grateful!


Giveaway Information......


What is in the giveaway.....


One $200.00 Gift Card to White Flower Farmhouse!
The winner will be chosen by using random number.




To enter the giveaway all you have to do is visit White Flower Farmhouse, and come back and let me know what you 
would like to use the gift card on if you won....


If you would like additional entries...
You can post the giveaway to any of your social networking sites.... 




Twitter
Blog
Facebook....

If you post the giveaway to any of your social networking sites, you must leave a separate comment stating which social networking site you posted the giveaway to, in order for your additional entries to be counted.


Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry.
GIVEAWAY ENDS MARCH 10th
Thank you Lori!


Lori's Shop~ White Flower Farmhouse
Lori's Blog~ Frugal Farmhouse Design
The Shop Blog~ White Flower Farmhouse Blog

Thứ Tư, 2 tháng 3, 2011

The Golden Factor


Inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow’s shimmering Calvin Klein gown at the Oscar’s, I put together this collection of over the top couture Wedding Gowns with a little bit (or maybe a lot) of shiny gold. Enjoy!








El Paso Pro-Musica Tablescapes


Last year my local event designer friends invited me to attend to my first Annual Tablescapes: An Extravaganza of Interior Design, a fundraiser event hosted by El Paso Pro-Musica and I was delighted with the abundance of gorgeousness. This bash is so beyond your everyday fundraiser. It’s a ton of fabulous inspiration all in one pretty spot. But most of all; it is perfect match for those brides looking for their florist or event designer. 
This year at the14th annual fundraiser for El Paso Pro-Musica you’ll find 25 themed tabletop displays and vignettes – sophisticated to the whimsical created by El Paso and Las Cruces’s leading floral shops, party planners and specialty shops.
The El Paso Country Club will serve as the perfect spot for their two signature events. The Ladies’ Nite Out Preview Party – Wine, Fruit & Cheese – tomorrow Thursday, March 3 from 5:30 – 7 p.m and the Luncheon on Friday, March 4.
These photos from last years Tablescapes are Dazzling with a capital D, and the perfect way to start your Wedding Wednesday I might add.


Credits from left to right, top to bottom:
1. Elite Events / 2. Fiori The Flower Studio / 3. Kern Place Florist / 4. Eventures / 5. Unknown / 6. Imagine Events / 7. Unknown / 8. Elite Events / 9. Flor Gallery / 10. Debbie's Bloomers / 11. Eventures
Photography by The French Vue

Thứ Ba, 1 tháng 3, 2011

Dress of the Week



From White by Vera Wang Bridal Collection, I present you this stunning piece. A princess cut gown (the dream of most brides) with modern and trendy influences, and best of all, with the magic touch of fashion goddess, Miss Vera Wang
In El Paso - Las Cruces area, you can find this dreamy wedding dress at David's Bridal for less than $1,500.


To preview the whole collection check out the link below!

{Wedding Day Beauty} : Inspiration from Bridal Collections

You know you want to look your best for your wedding day. Ignore old-school rules about wedding day beauty and try these fresh ideas instead.
Unlike what's shown on the spectacular fashion collections, the makeup worn by models in Bridal Collections can be easily translated for regular women. I capture my favorite looks for you. From chic contemporary to glamour goddess, get inspired to create your perfect wedding makeup style. Share them with your stylist and makeup artist.  This could be you, slightly Improved!


Alvina Valenta 2011 Spring Bridal Collection / Pepe Botella 2011 Bridal Collection/ Jim Hjelm 2011 Spring Bridal Collection
Simone Carvalli 2010 Bridal Collection / Manu Alvarez 2011 Bridal Collection/ Simone Carvalli 2010 Bridal Collection
Jesus Peiro 2011 Bridal Collection/ Rosa Clara 2011 Bridal Collection / via Fashion Bride's Weblog




Sponsored Post: Wiliams-Sonoma Giveaway!

You all know how much I love just about anything from Williams-Sonoma, so I am really excited to tell you about today's giveaway! Williams-Sonoma is kindly offering up a $150 gift card to one lucky reader to spend however you see fit.

The gift certificate is good towards absolutely anything in their stores or on their website, so it's the perfect chance to scoop up that registry item no one seems to be buying. Or maybe there is something you didn't register for but have always secretly wanted (hello, automatic yogurt maker). Either way, this is your chance to scoop up a wedding present just for the two of you!

The rules are simple:

1. Follow this link to the Williams-Sonoma registry page and create your own registry. Then come back to this post and leave a comment letting me know you're all set up, and what item you're most hoping to receive off your registry list. (Already have a registry set up? Great! Just add another item or two and then follow the same steps)

2. For an extra entry into the contest, you can leave a link to your public registry in your comment. I would love to see what you're all hoping to add to your kitchen!

3. Be sure to leave some contact information in your comment, so I can get a hold of you to let you know you're the winner (an email address or link to your blog with contact info is perfect).

4. That's it! The contest will be live until Tuesday, March 8th at Midnight (EST). After that I will randomly choose a winner and announce it here.

Good luck!