Darcie threw this sweet French themed first birthday party for her darling little girl Noelle. Can you handle the cuteness of the striped awning and those mini cakes? It’s almost convincing me to join the Francophile blogger support group but my Italian roots are holding strong.

photos from Heather Mildenstein

Mariah introduced me to the Freunde von Freunden (Ryan interpreted for me and it means Joy From Friends, isn’t that sweet?) and I spent the majority of my Saturday night looking at every single home tour  (this whole Ryan is studying for the bar thing has completely destroyed anything resembling a date night). I found myself swooning over all of the herringbone wood floors. Why don’t I see amazing details like this in more American homes? I’m going to have to go custom built. Hear that Ryan? I’ve already found ways to spend money for the next 20 + years.

All images photographed by Alline Liefeld for Freunde Von Ferunden – Malin Elmlid’s home – this is my fave one, Kirsten Hermann’s home, Alex Flach’s home, Ines and Andre’s home, Olaf’s Hajek’s home

A look I’m loving – chambray shirts with high waisted skirts (especially when they’re mustard yellow).

images: Kendie Everyday and JCrew

Several of you asked for a tutorial after posting these handmade cake stands from the baby shower (I’m not just making this up to appear cool, it’s true). When I said they were handmade I didn’t mention that most of the handmade process was done by a friend and not by me. I was in charge of the painting while she did the wood cutting and detailing. Yeah, I got the long end of the stick in that deal. To see details on how to make your own, I refer you to this tutorial on Bee in Our Bonnet. If you don’t know a wood cutter, sometimes the guys at Home Depot are pretty handy.

Is this a lazy cop-out? You bet.

Shana Faust and the Eunice and Sabrina Moyle (the sisters behind Hello Lucky ) teamed up to create an instant fave, Handmade Weddings.  I’ve loved a lot of cupcake liner garlands in my time but that one wins the prize.

My home library and local craft store thank you ladies. Ryan and my overcrowded craft corner do not.

collage from 100 Layer Cake

When I can afford custom framing, my polaroids will get a special home spotted on Pinterest

The cool girls of the Selby spotted on Design Mom

Hand painted herringbone spotted on Wit and Whistle

Love the top and skirt, ditch the socks spotted on Wit and Delight

You Are (by far) My Favorite spotted by Heidi

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I don’t really have the desire to learn how to quilt, I’m not careful enough. I do, however, have the desire for people to quilt for me. One of each please.

Hi + Lo, Sally Bennett Jones (the entire site is a land mine), Carson Converse Studio

I was asked what shelter magazines I like now that the beloved Domino is no longer. Let’s be honest, I will never get over the short-lived-ness of my favorite publication. I looked through some issues the other day and teared up. But to answer the question, I said Sunset and Better Homes and Gardens. Are you surprised by this? I kind of am too but they’ve both stepped up their game lately and I’ve kind of come to love them. Don’t believe me? Fork over the six bucks and prepare to owe me dinner. We were betting on this, right?

images: DIY makeover from Sunset, Meg and Marvin’s home from Sunset, Amy Meier’s entryway from BH&G,Alec Hemer featured in BH&G

If there were one photo that best described my style, this would be it spotted on Creature Comforts

Make your shoes sparkle spotted on Say Yes to Hoboken

I still haven’t purchased a calendar for 2011 spotted on Dream Everyday

Saving this NYE party inspiration for a more deserving holiday spotted on Cupcakes and Cutlery

Celine is a fellow confetti addict spotted on Bonjour

I’m knee deep in Alt Summit planning (see, I work for Gabby – if you’re wondering how a small fry like me got involved) and I’m so excited but also slightly nervous. Excited about the fact that I’ll meet some friends and be endlessly inspired, nervous that I’ll stumble over my words and have spinach stuck in my teeth.

I was chatting (read: blabbing about my insecurities) with Susan and asked her for advice on how to be awesome during Alt. Here’s what she’s given me so far:
1. Be really really unaware + also, let your son eat a whole bag of M&M’s for lunch.
2. Make sure and ALWAYS spill things on your shirt while eating.

I’m such a blogger – worrying that people will actually be paying attention to me. Eh.

So are you going to Alt? Or after reading this are you completely confused? Learn more about Alt Design Summit here (including the amazing speaker list!) and book your tickets. I’m offering a suitcase full of Swedish Fish and late night dance parties.