Happy Friday + Weekend Inspiration

July literally flew by. I can't even believe we're almost into August. It has been a good week for me. How did your week go? The photos above make me think of August. All you want to wear is anything that is light + breezy to escape the heat.

For the weekend, here are a few links to browse through + enjoy:

* Ever wonder what is in all the packages in your freezer? Never again.

* Love this home + lifestyle blog.

* Beautiful invitations for a day-after wedding brunch

* How-to create beachy, curly waves in your hair

[Photo credits: 1, 2]

Chocolate Wedding Invitation

This is about the greatest thing I've heard all week: a box of chocolates delivered with the wedding invitation! I wish I had been one of the lucky recipients!



The details on the packaging are gorgeous, don't you think? The Victorian inspired print, pink + brown, and my favorite part is the wax seal.

xo, Alicia

[Found via Lovely Package]

World's Best Hotels 2010: Inn at Palmetto Bluff

So I found the PERFECT little vacation spot for next year's anniversary trip in the great state of South Carolina. This little gem, voted as one of the world's best hotels (coming in at no. 41), is nestled in the low country region close to Hilton Head and Savannah in Bluffton, SC. It is perfect: romantic and scenic with lots of things to do, like horseback riding, boating, and fishing. What could be better than spending the morning out on the water, coming in for a spa treatment in the couple's spa room in the afternoon, and finishing the day gorging ourselves at one of the many exquisite restaurants that the Inn boasts.


Perfect, right? Well, a girl can dream!
xo, Alicia

[Photo credits via Inn's website]

Great Outdoors

The weather here in the midwest has calmed down a bit + given us a respite from the almost-unbearable humidity. It's still nice + hot though, so let's explore some outdoor spaces that we could sit in, catch up, + have a nice tall glass of freshly-squeezed lemonade.


Have a happy Tuesday! xo, Alicia
[Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

What to Wear

Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was good. I spent a little time over the weekend trying to find a dress online for an upcoming wedding I'm attending. It's an afternoon wedding, so I want something light + summery but still a little dressy. What do you think of these options?


The best part is that they are all $50 + under. I really like all of them, now if I had a virtual fitting room maybe I could tell which one I should choose! What do you think?

Have a great week ahead!
xo, Alicia

[Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Happy Weekend!

Hi! Hope your week has been fantastic. Mine was full of Chicago + then coming home to lots of family, which can only make for a good week. Here are a few photos from my recent anniversary trip to Chicagoland.


We had such a great time getting away and just spending time focusing on each other! And now for a few links to browse through this weekend:

* Reese Witherspoon's great style summed up

* Cupcake in a jar?? Yes, PLEASE!

* Gorgeous paper flowers you can make yourself

Have a great summer weekend! xo, Alicia

Flirty Style

Since I got back from Chicago, I am in the mood for some urban chic. And so I am loving these looks from Urban Outfitters!


I love the cuffed shorts + the pop of red from her socks (paired with such darling shoes) in the first photo. And in the second photo, I am always up for a pretty, flirty little skirt topped with a ruffly shirt. Next, don't you just love the leggings underneath that gorgeous shirt + the high heels in the third photo! Fabulous! And the dress in that last photo...love the deep blue + the exposed back!

[All photos via Urban Outfitters]

Rebecca Thuss: Photography

Rebecca Thuss's website is chock full of eye candy. Her photos are bright, inspiring, and well, pretty much perfection. And no wonder, she has worked with Martha Stewart!


She is an award winning photo-stylist, a creative director, wedding designer and crafter. So much inspiration lies within these photos.



Now go be inspired and have a lovely day! xo, Alicia

Anniversary Day + Happy Monday

Happy Monday to you! I hope your weekend was fabulous. Today I am in Chicago and am celebrating my second wedding anniversary with my best friend! In commemoration of this day two years ago, here are a few of my favorite photos.

I have never met anyone like Patrick. He is so good to me and so sweet + thoughtful. There truly is no one else better for me than him--he is the perfect complement for me. I love you so much, Patrick + here's to many more years together!

Happy Friday!

I really hope your week was great! Mine was because my sweet nephew (whom I hadn't seen in months) and my sweet sister are here from South Carolina until next Tuesday. I love getting to spend time with them. More company comes to my parents' house this weekend too. It will be a fun and busy week next week too. And! like I wrote about on Wednesday, I'm going to Chicago this weekend! But first I'm going to a wedding of a dear friend from college tomorrow. Very excited to see everyone again.


In the meantime, here are some links to browse through over the weekend:

* g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s. lasercut wedding invitations

* canning party [free] printables

* how-to on organizing your closet

* hooray design launched a new shop website this week

Thanks for stopping in! Have a lovely weekend.
xo, Alicia

[Photo credit]

Custom Baby Shower Invitations

These baby shower invitations I just shipped out yesterday were based on a mural that the momma-to-be has painted in her new nursery, which they wanted to incorporate into the invitation.

xo, Alicia

The Windy City: A Good Place to Visit During Summer?

With a nickname like the Windy City, hopefully Chicago will be amazing this time of year with just right temperatures and maybe some breezes, because my husband and I are celebrating our second wedding anniversary there this weekend!


I am so excited. Patrick has only driven through it, stopping in south Chicago for a White Sox game. I have only been there to pick up a visa from the spanish consulate...driving the six hours from Cincinnati there and back again all in one day. Needless to say neither of us saw very much of the city. So we are excited to be visiting the midwest's largest city.


We have gathered information from anyone and everyone and put together a plan of the sights and sounds we'd like to explore. I'll take some photos and share them with you when I get back.

In the meantime, do you have any suggestions of must-do things in Chicago?

xo, Alicia
[Photo credits: 1, 2, 3]

Spotlight on Bagatelles + Co.

I haven't bought a new purse in ages, and when I found Bagatelles and Co., I was delighted with the beautiful options. There are so many to choose from!


Aren't they all fabulous? The last two are limited edition pieces, so get them while you can!

xo, Alicia
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]