halloween inspiration

after much back and forth, my detroit-born husband finally agreed upon a couple's halloween costume that we can pull off in a week-

jack and meg from the white stripes.

black long wig, red dress, white tights, shoes and a scarf and I'm set.

pics to follow..

and the pups did party..

kingsley's first birthday party was a huge success. we had a total of seven pups for the festivties. thank goodness it was nice out.

the event was complete with a kingsley slideshow, a scrapbook of his life (which he chewed up while home alone today), cake, doggy ice cream, homeade biscuits + dog-inspired human treats.

happy birthday little guy!

happy birthday to the king..

next week our little baby pup is going to be a 1-year-old!
 it sure doesn't seem like a year since we started the 8 week countdown to bring him home. but its been a great one and we're sooo lucky to have such a sweet little guy.

we're planning a small family gathering and its getting to be crunch time on pulling it together. i just ordered a cake from three dog bakery.. and it *almost* looks good enough for human consumption..

the gathering will feature a selection of mp3s including who let the dogs out, hound dog, atomic dog, and... you get the idea.

now maybe some human treats..

it's fall!

and its been forever since i've spiced up my wardrobe!

i treated myself to a mini shopping spree on sunday. eight sweaters and two dresses later i am still seeing things that would fit perfectly in my closet.

next- on the search for some new fall shoes. on the lookout for some great grey heels or boots.

honeymooners!

they're finishing up the last days of their honeymoon, but their first couple professional wedding pics have already been posted!

the photographer is one of my best friends, so it was such a blast having her there to capture all of the special moments.

love, love, love this one in a small wine shop in german village-

taking shelter from the rain!

great work kim, can't wait to see the rest!

something old, something new, something borrowed...

and lots of fun too!

it was a beautiful, albeit steamy wedding on saturday between my wonderful little brother and new sister-in-law, falon.

the park was so beautiful.. as were the bride and groom.

i can't wait to see all of the great shots from kimberly potterf photography. in the meantime, these are some great ones that my cousin took.

superb splashes of color

my husband has always had his heart set on a red dining room, but we've had concerns of it being too overpowering for larger rooms.

then i saw these great ways to use a bright spash of color with more subtle tones- brilliant!

from martha stewart home tours. find more at marthastewart.com

going to the chapel

just wrapped up bachelorette weekend with my future sister-in-law... 

and a great time was had by all!

lots of wine (white sangria, slushees + bottles), a flock of adorable little black dresses, beautiful flowers and these adorable signs handmade by my pop!

here are some of my favorite pics..

sangria mmmmm... click here for the recipe

little black dress vino- how appropriate!

can't wait for the wedding!

happy birthday usa!

its been a while since my last post partially because of the craziness that was june: amy's nuptuals in wooster, isaiah's baptism and eli's bday in new york, comfest, phish in baltimore and then planning for one incredible independence day weekend.

the weekend was jam-packed with a visit from vicky, a 30th birthday celebration with genny, plus ALL of the great 4th celebrations. here's just a sampling of the documentation:

red, white and BOOM! with the Diviertes

the whetstone july 4th pet parade

.. great times at the coleman house

 

.. and the whetstone fireworks!

{note my great etsy find- star shirt from two-string jane}

so much fun... now.. time to relax.

puppy's first pool

we've held off on cutting kingsley's blonde locks for the last couple weeks, and with the rising tempatures it was only fair that we give him a way to cool off, right?

the only problem is that the big guy keeps trying to swim and its way too shallow for his now 52 lb body.

hopefully the rain will let up and he can go on his first trip to antrum park.

happy memorial day (and beginning of summer) to all!

4th flair!

ok so it may be a little early to start getting excited for my 4th of july outfit, but i love, love, love the shirt that i just picked up on etsy.

thank you twostringjane! it will be the perfect complement to my red and white pin-striped vineyard vines skirt.

now i just need to figure out where i will put my antique pin.. maybe a mid-party wardrobe change is necessary.

espresso martinis!

these delicious drinks made quite the splash at my last summer cookout.. perfect to put a little pep in your party!

{recipe courtesy of Sandra Lee, Food Network.com}

Ingredients

1 1/2 shots vodka

1 shot coffee liqueur

1 shot coffee, cooled to room temperature

1 teaspoon instant espresso coffee granules

Ice cubes

Directions

In a martini shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, coffee, and instant espresso. Shake. Add ice cubes. Shake again. Strain into martini glass.

.. let me know what you think!

pretty spring insiration

airy dresses, lush and beautiful blooms, gentle breezes, pinwheels.. lemonade.

welcome spring!

these are some of my favorite things...

party flair for the 4th

yes... the 4th.... of july. i''m getting a little head start this year because we are planning our first indepenence day gathering in our house and i want it to be one to remember.

i got some great recipe and decor ideas from martha and a delicious recipe that i may have to test out for our signature cocktail.

not a bad start, right?

now onto planning out those party outfits... on the look out for a yankee doodle shirt for kingsley doodle.

happy weekend!