Blogger's Favorites -- Sara of Party Perfect

Whenever I'm planning a party, thinking about planning a party or just wanting to see what kind of parties other people are planning, (which is pretty much every day...I love a good party!) I visit Sara's brilliant blog, Party Perfect... She manages to capture all the absolute most clever, creative, interesting, cool ideas + she's an insanely talented lady herself -- i.e. former art director for Martha Stewart Baby and Kids, now designs gorgeous stationary and paper goods...oh and check out her painting below! So of course, Sara's list is rather perfect.

Herewith Sara's favorites. Enjoy and happy week-end!

Big Black Scrapbooks (artist sketchbooks found at Michael's) -- I've been 'scrapbooking' since my senior year of college, so I have oodles and oodles of these big black notebooks full of images that inspire me. I paste cut-outs of anything that moves me- whether it is a beautifully set table, a well-styled fashion-y shot, or an inspirational room. Over the years, I have found that I edit a lot more out then I once did, as I guess my style is becoming more refined. I turn to my books whenever I am looking for help in some creative endeavor, such as decorating my house (a constant work in progress!). I often feel as though my style is all over the place, but it's interesting to look back and see what things have maintained my interest over the years.

Fruit Tea -- I'm convinced Nashville-based Bread & Company's fruit tea (a Southern concoction) is laced with crack, because it is totally addictive. It is a blend of un-sweet tea and various fruit juices. Almost every place in town has their own version of fruit tea. I personally think Bread and Company's is the best, particularly if I add a sprig of mint. It was an un-kept New Year's resolution to phase this beverage out of my life, though I am still trying to cut back.

Fabric -- I don't know why I collect fabric, but I do without meaning to. I guess I'm in love with pattern and the 'possibility' that comes with fabric...will it be a pillow? a shower curtain? the perfect finishing touch on a room? I don't know. I don't sew (though I have tried), so my addiction is totally unwarranted. I have spent way too much money on scraps on eBay and from various other online sources. I give a lot of it away, because often the color won't be exactly what I had envisioned.

Creative Time Away from the Computer -- Almost all of my work is based around the computer, so I really have to force myself away from the screen to get some hands-on creative time. Often it is in the middle of the night when I can't sleep or my son can't sleep. I am almost always surprised by how happy it makes me, even if the end result is not something particularly beautiful. The other weekend I painted this treetop- it was a great creative release.

Hello Naomi -- Anyone that reads my blog is probably familiar with this Australian- based cupcake maker, since I can't get enough of her. I'm pretty much obsessed with anything she does- all of her creations are brilliant.

Vintage Serving/Entertaining Pieces -- I don't have a large collection of vintage pieces, but if I allowed myself to run amuck, I would have closets full of the stuff.
Fortunately- or unfortunately, I have very limited closet space so it helps curb my buying behavior. I fell in love with this teal serving piece in an antiques mall a couple of years ago, and don't regret the money I spent on it one bit, except that it sits in my closet more then I wish it did.


Magazines! -- I've been a magazine hoarder since I can remember. I used to save all my Sassy, Victoria, and Home mags back in the day and store them in big plastic bins under my bed. While I've long gotten rid of those, I'm currently hoarding my old Blueprints, Domino's, Donna Hay's, and select Martha Stewart Weddings. Nothing beats curling up with a magazine in bed. My husband doesn't get it- he wants to know how I can look at the same magazine more than once- but it's like a good chick flick, it never disappoints!

Fresh Flowers -- This is a clichéd favorite, but with spring upon us in Nashville, my yard is blooming, and I can't get enough of all the pretty colors. The buds on the trees and the blooms in the yard always make me giddy.

SLEEP!!! -- I wish my 15-month old had gotten the memo that I am a mom that L-O-V- E-S to sleep. If I could sleep 10 hours every night, I would. Unfortunately- that- or anything remotely close- hasn't been part of his agenda. He didn't sleep through the night for the first time until he was about 10 months old, and still usually wakes up at least once a night. My dear husband lets me sleep in on the weekends, though- so I can still remember how sweet it is. I guess the positive spin is that sometimes it makes me more productive- I prefer just staying up and working, rather than being woken up after just falling asleep.