I thought it was time to update the birthday in a box since the birthday season in my family is quickly approaching. I started with a box with one of those magnetized lids. It originally had the word Accessorize! on the front with flourishes and a cheesy illustration of a pearl necklace, high heels and clutch. (I know you’re wondering why I would cover that up since it sounds purely awesome. Don’t worry, I bought a second one to display on my non-existant coffee table.) I spray painted the box and covered the lid with a piece of polka dot paper and a mini happy birthday garland. Then I filled it with all the goodies.

The contents:
- a birthday crown (the classic Burger King one covered with paper)
- big round balloons
- felt ball garland
- yellow polka dot mini plates (found at Target last year)
- wooden forks
- party invites from Rifle Paper Company
- beeswax candles
- handmade cupcake toppers
- cupcake liners
- jimmies
- repackaged cake mix
- felt number flags
- glassine bags of confetti
- muslin favor bags

I feel like ending the post with a stir the pot dance move but the word equivalent to that would be boomshakalaka and that’s kind of embarrassing. But not embarrassing enough that I didn’t just write it. Boomshakalaka my friends, boomshakalaka.

photos: Leslie Tippetts

S&H is decidedly springy today.

Wildflower bouquet spotted on Frolic
image: Chelsea Fuss

It was love at first site with this picnic bike basket spotted on Craft

Ombre is the new black spotted on Freshly Picked

A wedding party bike ride (there was also mini golf included, so officially the coolest wedding ever) spotted onOh Happy Day
images: Rachel Thurston

A study in wildflowers spotted on Loveliness
image: Teri Dimalanta

Today, I can’t quite get over how amazing these textured wall coverings from Tracy Kendall are. I cannot imagine how much time it takes to create these. I also cannot imagine how long it would take me to convince Ryan to let me put a wall of giant sequins in our place. Maybe in my personal dressing room? Because that’s a reasonable request for something we need in our first home.

images: Tracy Kendall

I”m not Irish, but my best friend Kelly is so this little St Patrick’s Day project is dedicated to her.

Materials:
a tin can (mine originally housed lite manderian oranges that were disgusting – word of advice, get the fully sweetened stuff)
a little quarter of fabric
Mod Podge
paint brush

Cover the can with Mod Podge, then place at one end of the fabric. Roll the can across the fabric until the entire can is covered. Hold until fully stuck. Trim the extra fabric around the bottom of the can. Stuff the extra fabric at the top inside the can. Make a little bow by folding over an extra strip of fabric and knotting it in the middle with another little strip of fabric. Attach with hot glue. Plant shamrocks, clover, herbs, or flowers in the can to complete.

These would be fun to put on people’s door steps. Either that or corned beef – your choice.

I’m kind of picky when it comes to pushing the magical button that makes an Etsy shop a favorite but I didn’t hesitate when I came across Humunuku Shoppe. Have you ever seen kraft paper look so good?

Shop owner, Alana, also has a really inspiring blog. When I saw her photo of homemade peanut butter cups the other day, I promptly ate a spoonful of peanut butter sprinkled with chocolate chips. If that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is.

PS I’m thinking about purchasing those bunny bags for Easter. Who wants to come celebrate with me?

Scarves have become my go-to accessory spotted on Bklyn Stitch

Saving my pennies for a painting by Yolanda Sanchez (or maybe I’ll add it to my birthday list) spotted on Black Eiffel

Leah Duncan, I sure like you spotted on A Desert Fete

Collaged invitations spotted on Design Work Life

A bike ride in watercolor spotted on A Subtle Revelry

I could never love anyone more than I love my sisters. – Jo March, Little Women

I’m so happy I grew up with six sisters. Some people ask if I wish I had a brother and I don’t, sisters are the very best. Yes, we had our share of fights like typical siblings but we also shared clothes, had beauty talks (my sisters tried to help me avoid an ugly faze with no luck), cheered each other along and are now great friends. I love nothing more than to be with my sisters. I would be so happy if I were blessed with daughters.

Aren’t Jennifer Altman’s daughters so beautiful? I love the photographs from her sister series. They’re wild curly hair and sweet embraces melt my heart.

Images: Jen Altman

I’m not sure where to begin with this apartment. Maybe the Orla Kiely wallpaper, the wall of mirrors or the patterned dining chairs? And did I mention it’s in Paris? I’m pretty sure there would be a fight to the death for all bloggers/designers/hipsters if it was ever on the market.

images: Jean-Marc Wullschleger – who’s site, Living Agency, was a giant time suck this weekend thanks toMerchant Design

I’ve become fascinated with the idea of pop-up shops. I like the idea of occupying a space and making it awesomely yours without worrying about permanently holding down fort. Plus, it adds the element of surprise and a bit of the feeling of, “Oh my gosh, I have to go!” I’m not sure if I actually want to do all of the work to do my own pop-up shop, I more just want to plan the grand opening party.

I sadly have never been to one but there have been several that have caught my eye – Kate Spade’s London pop-up shop, Etsy pop-up shop (organized by Abby), pop-up general store, and I’m looking forward to the return of Yes Please More in Denver. One of the lovliest ones I’ve come across is The New General Store organized by Tricia Foley. A seasonal outdoor shop! In the Hamptons! With white tents and brown papered packages! So perfectly charming.

I’m printing new business cards – Melanie: pop-up shop grand opening party planner, balloon enthusiast.

images: Tricia Foley for The New General Store

Holy bikes! spotted on Oh Hello Friend

You + Me Styling put together a how to for furoshiki wrapping spotted on Brooklyn Bride

Neon is the new metallic pinned by Katie

Spring bulbs in pretty tins spotted on Once Wed

Don’t forget pinned by Jenny