Check it Out: The Bright Side Project Blog

This beautiful blog's goal is to remind its readers of the simple beauties in life by bringing them a little sliver of sunshine each day.  During the month of May, they've been featuring their favorite bloggers with guest posts that highlight their favorite things.  I love the style of the Bright Side: their fresh color palette and collage-like layout for each post. Here are a few bits of sunshine to get you to check it out.  Oh-so inspirational!

1. Guest blogger Anne from the City Sage's favorite things post
2. The Bright Side's trademark finger pointing out specific parts of the post
3. The Bright Side's fresh, cool blog background
4. The Bright Side's blog header
5. Photograph by Myan Campbell-Zurek
6. Guest blogger Dionne from City of Dionne's favorite things post

Check it Out: Urban Grace Interiors

This week I'll be featuring highlights and summaries of different blogs I've discovered.  Be sure to go check them out yourself, and if there is a blog you've found that you love, let me know!

Urban Grace is a blog featuring beautiful little finds: gardening photos, interiors, shopping and style, etc.  It was created by Erika, who is an interior designer and mom of an adorable little girl.  Check out her about me page, as well as her interiors website. Here's a sneak peak of her blog...

1. Urban Grace Blog Logo

2. Trina

3. Trina's adorable daughter

4. Interior of Deborah Needleman's apartment

5. Trina's living room chairs

6. Photograph looking south

Real Wedding Inspiration {Rory & Nick}

As I mentioned before, my friend Rory got married last weekend in a beautiful hotel in downtown Staunton.  I just wanted to share a few pictures of the weekend with you, and show off all the hard work she put into creating such a beautiful night.  It was like a whirlwind, here and gone before you could even snap a photograph!

The reception venue Rory chose had vintage exposed brick, beautiful wooden floors, and high ceilings.  Here a few images of the room the day before when we were setting up.

We wrapped white twinkle lights around the upstairs banister to make the upstairs seem warm and inviting.

Rory found the neatest little white chinese lanterns that we strung around the first floor ceiling.

Her centerpieces were contemporary glass vases filled with pebbles, with a lily and floating candle on top.  And remember the post about table number inspiration?  She found inexpensive, chic frames and made her own table numbers using the same font used on her invitations.  They turned out so beautiful.

Here's the bride with her sister/maid of honor while they were getting ready.

And here's the wedding party with the happy couple at the church after the ceremony. Rory chose pink and sage green for her colors.  The bright lilies and roses just popped next to the green.

She was stunning in her dress.  This is the couple during the first dance.

Nick and Rory at the reception with the gorgeous cake in the background!

And the couple with Jackie!  She was a match maker and she didn't even know it!

It was such a beautiful night...everyone had such a good time and everyone loved the colors, the flowers, the cake, the music, the dancing, everything!

10 Things that Make me Happy {Kristi}

Today's post wraps up the guest blogging week.  I've really enjoyed seeing everyone's ten things that make them happy, and I hope you have too!  Our final post will be from Kristi, who is a creative, kind, and caring friend who took time out of her busy summer schedule to post.  Thanks Kristi!

1. Coffee- I didn't start drinking coffee until college, but wow, what I have missed out on in those years before. It really starts my day off right and definitely puts a smile on my face :)

2. Working out- Okay, maybe not the best picture, but working out is one of my favorite things to do. It's a great way to relieve stress and nothing can compare to an endorphin high!

3. Puppies, particularly Golden Retriever puppies- I've always had a golden retriever in my life until a few months ago. They are the cutest puppies ever and the best dogs. I've been begging my parents to get another one!

4. Baking- When I have the time, I love to bake! Christmas time is the best because it is full of baking. I love the smell that lingers in your house.

5. Family- Nothing is better than spending some quality time with your family. Last April, my mom and I were able to go to the men's final four in Indianapolis. It was so much fun and something I will never forget.

6. Food- It doesn't really matter the kind, I love food. It's even better when presented in a dish like this.

7. Black and white photos- There's something a about a black and white photo that I love. This one is a beautiful picture of the great Central Park.

8. Virginia Tech- Okay, it may seem cliche, but I love this place. I absolutely love the people i've met here and the memories i've made. I'm not looking forward to leaving next spring!

9. Clothes- LOVE them, now only if they were free!

10. Shoes- Although they go along with clothes above, it still gets its own category. My recent love of shoes has definitely hurt my wallet! Whether cute flats or sophisticated heels, shoes can really change your mood!

It seems like there were a few common threads throughout everyone's ten things, including clothing, shoes, sweet tea, our pets, and our families.  I'm so glad these ladies shared a few things that make them happy, and I had so much sharing these with all of you!  Enjoy the weekend!

10 Things that Make me Happy {Jessie}

Jessie is our guest blogger today for 10 Things that Make me Happy.  She picked some great things, my favorite is #4, sweet tea of course!

1. Music: Music makes the grass greener and sky bluer. It allows you to escape into a different world and leave all your worries behind. I particularly like to listen to jazz while I'm cleaning or studying.

2. Weddings: Although I'm very far off from getting married, It's always fun to imagine what my wedding may be like. One of my guilty pleasures is going to Barnes and Noble to look through wedding magazines.

3. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream is the perfect dessert--the best way to finish off any meal!

4. Sweet Tea: Whenever I go out to eat, this is my drink of choice. If a restaurant does not have sweet tea, I am thouroughly disappointed. I think I would have a hard time living up North because of this.

5. Poppies: I like poppies because they aren't a flower that you will find at your local grocery store. I enjoy the delicacy of their tissue-paper-like petals and believe they are one of nature's true beauties.

6. The First Snow: Nothing is as pure as the first snow of winter. I remember the excitement of a potential snow day when I was little and now appreciate the peacefulness of a snow-covered landscape.

 

7. Floral Patterns: Floral patterns are fun, bright, and give any item personality. I espcially like the Liberty of London patterns found at Target or this floral duvet cover from Pottery Barn. 

8. Board Games: To me, there's nothing better to do on a Friday night than to stay in and have a game night! Not only are board games fun, but they allow you to be creative and get together with the people who mean the most to you.

9. Kids: Kids never fail to put a smile on my face. I love their endless imaginations and how they don't have a care in the world--what an easy life they lead!

10. My dog, Odi: Any of my friends know that Odi is my little man, my bundle of joy. He makes me happy no matter what is going on in my life. Even if he just finished demolishing one of my shoes, there is no way I can stay mad at the little guy. This is a picture of how he likes to sleep--how silly!

{Images courtesy of A Free Singing Voice, Jodi Miller Photography, amazingranda on flickr, aphexafx on Flickr, doshancik on Flickr, jennipenni on Flickr, Pottery Barn, alibubba on Flickr, & LBH Photography}

Watercolor Wednesday

This semester I took a watercolor class, so I figured I'd show off my final project.  We had to choose a building or an object to do an analytical study of.  I chose Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim Museum in New York.  We had to include a floor plan, section, and an interior or exterior view.  I learned a lot, especially how difficult it is to do a painting on a large scale as 20"x30"!

10 Things that Make me Happy {Farihah}

Today's guest post is from Farihah, who is as creative as she is sweet.  Thanks so much for creating an awesome post!

1. Cheesecake
I absolutely LOVE cheesecake! My favorite one is Brownie Sundae Cheesecake followed by a close second with the White Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Nut Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory.  They both have a very rich delicious flavor that melts in your mouth. MMMMM.

2. Presents
You do not need an occasion to bring out presents.  The excitement created by guessing what may be inside a little perfectly wrapped present is better than actually knowing what it is.

3. Sun
With the summer being very slow to arrive this year, the few rays of sun that actually touch my skin brighten my day.  I love to spend a Sunday sitting outside in the sun doing absolutely nothing but relaxing.

4. Babies
A cute baby can instantly bring a smile to my face no matter what the situation. With their big eyes and innocent look, it is hard to be anything but happy in their presence.

5. Shoes
Shoes and I go back a long long long time.  I good pair of gorgeous shoes can always make a girl feel better.  Not only do shoes make you feel good but they make you look amazing, what's not to like?

6. Bright Colors
Don't be afraid of color! Color is always delightful in small and sometimes large doses.  I love to have a pop of color in my outfits and spaces that I design.  I feel like it is a great way to bring a sense of liveliness, positive energy and character to anything.

7. Beads
In the past few years I have developed an interest in making jewelry.  I love to walk through a bead store and pick out unique beads and then sit down undisturbed to make a my creation.  It is a very soothing activity for me and plus, they always look good on.

8. Street Cafes
People watching is something that everyone has a secret passion for.  What better place to do so than a cute street cafe with a delicious dessert and ice cold drink to enjoy.

9. Sand
The best part of going to the beach in the summer is taking long walks in the sand.  I love to feel the sand between my toes and have the water sneak up on you.

10. Driving with the windows down
Who needs air conditioning when you have the cool breeze on a warm summer day to rush through your hair.  It's nothing but happiness. (Unless you don't want your hair to get messed up)

10 Things that Make me Happy {Mary}

This week I'll be featuring guest posts from some of my best friends on what makes them happy.  Today's post is from Mary.  Feel free to leave comments and feedback!  Thanks again Mary for putting this awesome post together!

1. One day I would love to have my own farm, I melt ever time I see baby animals. I think baby pigs are particularly adorable…

2. Gardening and learning about plants is one of my favorite past times. I love being outside and getting my hands in the dirt…

3. The newest addition to my family, Jake, is the cutest white boxer in the world! He loves to cuddle, sleep, and play…

4. I love to nap, therefore, I love a comfortable couch. Pottery Barn has the best couches; they have wide seats and deep cushions. Every time I go to Pottery Barn I make sure to sit down and daydream about when I will be able to afford my own…

5. My family is the most important thing in my life and nothing makes me happier than just spending time with them…

6. Nothing says summer to me more than good thunderstorm. I love to turn the lights off during a storm and listen to the rain and thunder…

7. My favorite vacation spot is the beach. I always get up early and read on the beach before everyone wakes up, it is so peaceful…

8. You can’t beat a good barbeque. A juicy rack of ribs, vegetables, and a cold glass of lemonade are the ingredients to good summer…

9. The best way to end a long day is a hot shower. These bathrooms seem very inviting and places I would want to spend a lot of time…

10. Christmas is the best time of the year! Everyone seems like they are in a better mood! I look forward to Christmas every year when my family is all home...