creative index

artist love: david mramor

2012-02-23T12:21:00.002-05:00

These gorgeous paintings by David Mramor are keeping me inspired this gloomy Thursday afternoon. I truly love mixed media work. He starts with a printed canvas and then adds layers of acrylic, oil, pencil, marker... even spray paint.

See more of his amazing work here.

(Images via David Mramor)

monday inspiration: stay positive

2012-02-20T11:20:00.005-05:00

Bright. Bold. Powerful.

Yep, I really needed this reminder today. This print really should be plastered everywhere for all to see. :)

(Image via Ira Cummings)

GIVEAWAY: WIN A TEMPLATE!

2012-02-18T08:50:00.006-05:00

Ready for the first giveaway of the year? :)

Yesterday I launched a line of pre-made blog templates! And what better way to celebrate a launch, than with a giveaway! So if you want to jazz your little bloggity blog, then get in on the fun! You can even customize your colors if you want!

There are 2 ways to enter, which means 2 chances to win, which means 2 winners!! :)

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Make sure you a Creative Index Follower through GFC or Bloglovin'. Visit this link and pick out your favorite design, then come back here and leave a comment below with your choice AND blog url or email address.

2. Hop on over to the Creative Index Facebook page! Become a fan and comment on the giveaway link that's posted on the wall with your choice AND blog url or email address.

Ready. Set. Go!! Good luck! I'll pick 2 lucky winners Tuesday morning! :)

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GIVEAWAY CLOSED: The lucky winners are Leigh and Brittney! I will email you soon! :)

currently adoring: the vault jewels

2012-02-15T14:10:00.003-05:00

I have to admit, when I saw this photo, it was love at first sight. First sight, I tell ya! I've been a big fan of Gaby's shop, The Vault Jewels, for awhile now, but these little beauties have me swooning. They're just so colorful, fun and affordable.... I knew I had to snag one (or two) for myself! :)

So, I thought it would be fun to put an outfit together inspired by my most recent purchase. My style is pretty laid back and casual... I like to be comfortable, and still stylish. So this is what I came up with....

go shopping: jeans // top // booties // beanie // bag // earrings // necklaces

What do you think? What's your favorite piece?
Make sure you check out Gaby's shop! It's loaded with lots of eye candy!

What I'm loving this Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T09:03:00.000-05:00

I LOVE DARK CHOCOLATE.
I LOVE LAZY DAYS.
I LOVE ART.
I LOVE MY SWEETHEART.
I LOVE MY POOCH.
I LOVE YUMMY SMELLING CANDLES.
I LOVE HANDWRITTEN NOTES.
I LOVE MY FAITH.
I LOVE THAT I'M FOLLOWING MY DREAMS.

AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON...

What are you LOVING today?

(photo: Karli Bonnie)

monday inspiration

2012-02-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

Indeed we should.
We get so wrapped up in everything else, that we have a tendency to forget what's important. Sometimes we just have to pause for a moment, take a deep breath and think of how truly blessed we are.

Have a wonderful Monday! xo

(photo: scott w. h. young)

friday link love

2012-02-10T11:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, friends!

I'm keepin' it short and sweet today, sharing a few lovely links for your Valentine's Day...

1/ Red Velvet Pancakes with Sweet Cream Cheese Topping! Yes, Please!
2/ Loving this Valentine's inspired mantel.
3/ Great Dinner for Two ideas from Miss Martha.
4/ Get soft and smooth lips with this sugar scrub.
5/ DIY: Super adorable paper flowers.

Have a great weekend! What are you up too? Are you all set for V-day? Spill it. :)

(image via max wanger)

color crush: gold

2012-02-09T10:11:00.002-05:00

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Now, most of these items are out of my price range, but hey, a girl can dream right?! :)
I've been crushing on gold a lot lately! Since we're moving soon, I definitely want to incorporate some gold accents in the new place... it instantly adds interest (and glamour!) to any room. Seriously, how gorg is that table... and that flatware?!

Are you loving gold as much as I am?
Happy almost Friday!! :)

recent projects

2012-02-09T08:05:00.001-05:00

visit the blogs: 1 // 2

I've been quite busy with projects lately... I just wanted to share a peek at a few blog designs I wrapped up last week.
Hop on over, take a peek and let us know what you think... :)

shop i heart: bark decor

2012-02-08T09:25:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I'm pretty much obsessed with this shop! I love everything. EVERYTHING!

Bark Decor is a cute little shop founded Sara Barrett and her sister Shana, that offers a variety of clothing, accessories, and houseware items. Besides their whimsical, but still edgy and modern designs, I love how eco-concious they are. Their products are handmade, they print with eco-friendly inks and solvents and they use recycled paper and packaging!

You can see more of their products here.

(images via bark decor)

style files: super bowl edition

2012-02-06T08:51:00.001-05:00

jeans // blazer // tank // bag // shoes // necklace // bracelet // watch // nails

Happy Monday, friends! What did you think of the Super Bowl?

I really didn't care for the halftime show. I know Madonna might be a "legend" and all, but I wasn't a fan.... I liked most of the commercials and more importantly, the Patriots LOST!! :) I am and always will be Bills fan, but I was definitely hoping for a Giants win! So, I thought it was only appropriate that I celebrate with a Giants themed outfit. :)

What do you think of the items I picked? Would you wear it?
Did you watch the Super Bowl? Did you like the halftime show?

Hope you all have a great start to your week! xo

friday link love

2012-02-03T10:05:00.002-05:00

Happy, Happy Friday!!

I'm really loving that it's almost the weekend. I have been counting down the days until Saturday, which is reserved for a work meeting (and cupcakes from Swirls!) with Kristen.

And now, a random collection of links I happen to be loving....

1/ A great post about value and worth.
2/ Refinery 29's Guide to Working from Home.
3/ These are the prettiest pens I've ever seen!
4/ The perfect mobile for any little nursery.
5/ How awesome (and cute!) is this mug?
6/ Sephora and Pantone are collaborating on a makeup line (launching in March)!
7/ I’m totally in love with this packaging.
8/ Such a great little reminder.
9/ Just might have to make this yummy treat this weekend.
10/ A few new blog discoveries: Allister Bee, Stripes and Polka Dots and Tulip Louise

I'm off to run some errands and pay some bills...

Got any plans for the weekend? Whatever you are up to, I hope it's great!!
And hopefully the Patriots lose! Sorry... NOT. A. FAN! haha

(image via eric cahan)

i'd love your vote!

2012-02-02T16:15:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone!

The super sweet Janette of Janette the Jongleur is hosting the "Blogscars" (blogging Oscars) and I've been NOMINATED for BEST ARTISTIC DIRECTION! I'm so honored and amazed that Janette even thought to nominate me!

I would love (and really appreciate) your vote! I'm up against some stiff competition, so if you think I deserve to win, hop on over and vote for Creative Index! :)

february goals

2012-02-01T11:35:00.003-05:00

Whoa. It’s February already!? So, a new month means new goals!
Here's a few things I'd like to accomplish in the upcoming weeks...

- Try and disconnect from the computer at a reasonable hour.
- Keep my email inbox in check. It's getting pretty ridiculous.
- Work-out 1-2 times a week. Baby steps people!
- Drink less coffee. This one's going to be a toughie.
- Save money instead of spend money!!

Let’s hear about your goals for February... I’d love to know what things you'll be aiming for this month! And can someone please tell me where January went?!

PS: I realize that photo really has nothing to do with this post... I just thought it was pretty! ;)

(image via style me pretty/mi belle inc.)

snapshots

2012-01-30T10:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!! These 6 snapshots pretty much sum up my week last week.... design projects, furry faces and dreary weather! Oh, and LOTS of coffee! ;)

This week is probably going to be filled with much of the same... I'm finishing up a few new blog designs (will be sharing soon) and we have a few new projects in the works for Hello Monday! Mr. B and I will be moving soon... FINALLY! The whole process has been much slower than we thought, but none the less, we're excited! Trying to find a decent home to rent 600+ miles away is really hard to do. Just sayin'.

So what's been going on in your life lately?
Are you liking the new look over here? Or not so much??

artist love: Claire Desjardins

2012-01-26T10:30:00.015-05:00

Okay. How gorgeous is this artwork?!

I stumbled across Claire Desjardins' artwork while browsing Anthro over the holidays, and fell in L-O-V-E! Her work is beautiful and modern and I love how she draws influences from graffiti, street art, and abstract expressionism. My favorite piece by far is Look Delicious (first image). Between the thick layers of paint and her use of color... I'm completely smitten!

Happy Thursday everyone! xox

(images via claire desjardins)

michaela noelle e-design services

2012-01-24T10:15:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for a fresh, new look for any room in your home? Well look no further! My girl Michaela from Michaela Noelle Designs would be more than happy to help you put something together. Besides being so darn sweet and totally gorgeous, she has an amazing eye and passion for design. Just take a look at a few of her recent design boards:

Pretty lovely, huh? So, if you need a little help bringing a room together, make sure you check out her e-design services and contact her for more info.... And make sure you mention Creative Index in your inquiry, you'll save 15%! Told ya she was sweet! ;)

valentine's day printables

2012-01-23T12:15:00.000-05:00

Hello lovelies! Are you ready for a little sweetness? Head on over to the Hello Monday blog for some fun freebies that Kristen and I created for you all... xox

keeping cozy

2012-01-16T10:10:00.001-05:00

How was your weekend? Hope you all had a great one. Winter FINALLY arrived in Western NY this weekend. Grey, cold, slushy. We've been really spoiled these past few months, but the blanket of snow and blustery winds call for kicking up the heater a few notches, longer snuggles with the hubs and a steady supply of hot cocoa!! :)

Hope you all have a warm and cozy Monday! xo

(photos via laura evans, nadia bolshakova and bianca)

make it happen

2012-01-12T12:05:00.003-05:00

Just a little inspiration to help get you through the day.... :)

(image via here)

snapshots

2012-01-09T11:12:00.004-05:00

(follow me on instagram @creative_index)

Happy Monday! Here are a few random snapshots that made me smile this week:

Sipping coffee out of my new fave mug! HM is official now! ;) // My sweet pooch always makes my heart melt. // The beautiful sunsets we've been having. // Mmmmm... Chicken Teriyaki // A very determined cat! She wants lunch! // Photoshoot with the Hubs! // Amazing new necklace from F21! // A good reminder! :)

So what have you been up to? What's made you smile this week? Do tell.

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PS: I'm also over at Habibi sharing a super easy, cheesecake inspired recipe! You don't want to miss this one...
it's a huge family hit! :)

Style Files: Spring Essentials

2012-01-05T10:10:00.000-05:00

I’m in love with the J.Crew Spring collection. All the bright colors are something to look forward to! Have you checked out their 12 essentials for Spring? These are just a few things on my must-have list...

Colored Denim: There's always room in your closet for a new pair of denim, especially when they're so cheerfully colored. I've been wanting a red pair for a while now, but those cobalt blue ones have me smitten!

Statement Necklaces: Punch up any outfit this Spring with a bold, dramatic statement necklace... These are a must-have accessory year round in my opinion. :)

Breezy Blouses: Perfect for that effortless, chic look. Dress them up with a sleek pencil skirt or down with a pair of skinnies and flat.

Sperry Sliders: A true American original and a favorite is back and better than ever. I have a similar metallic gold Payless pair from last summer that I just love... but I'm definitely obsessing over these! I think Navy and Red ones are my faves...

On a side note, how awesome are these photos? The styling, the font choices, the colors. Pure perfection! ;)

What trends are you looking forward to this Spring? What are your must-haves?

(images via j. crew)

artist love: leigh viner

2012-01-04T08:45:00.006-05:00

Hello there! It feels good to be back from being somewhat disconnected for a few days. I hope everyone enjoyed the Holidays! Let's get right back into the swing of things, shall we? It's been awhile since I've done an art feature, so what better way to kick off the new year, than with one of my FAVORITE artists at the moment, Leigh Viner. I discovered her work about a year ago and fell in LOVE! Hard. (I'm the proud owner of 2 of her prints and I can't wait to add more to my collection!) :)

If you need some new artwork to glam up your space, Leigh's etsy shop is great place to check out. Every piece is modern and feminine and I love her awesome mix of different mediums.

Visit Leigh's blog for even more inspiration or purchase your very own print here.

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PS: You can also find me over at Michaela Noelle Designs sharing my current Loves...
and the things I'm loving not so much! :)

blog design: habibi

2012-01-03T13:42:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to share a recent blog design I just finished up.

Nuha has become a dear friend of mine, and I was so honored to help give her blog a little face-lift. We kept it simple and classy with the color palette, clean lines and glitter accents... she wanted the new design to sparkle!!

Be sure to stop over and take a closer look! We'd loved to hear your feedback! ;)

hello 2012

2012-01-01T12:47:00.005-05:00

(follow me on instagram @creative_index)

Hello, friends and Happy New Year! I can't believe how fast 2011 has gone by!

Wishing the new year brings you lots of happiness and joy, sweet memories and peaceful times.
Cheers to 2012! xo

DIY: creative gift wrapping

2011-12-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

Hi there and Happy Friday!! I wasn't planning on doing a post today, but the super adorable Aarean from Color Issue had this really cute packaging idea inspired by Anthropolgie's gift wrapping garland. If you're like me and still have wrapping to do, maybe this will inspire you a little.... It's super easy, fun and of course colorful!

You'll Need:
- simple wrapping paper (use the back of one if you don't want any designs)
- scissors
- felt (three or four colors)
- thin ribbon... preferably with some sparkle to it ;-)
- small hold punch if you have one... if not scissors will do

Cut out a bunch of circles from leftover felt...

Punch two holes in each circle...

Then string the circles onto the long side of the ribbon...

Scrunch them nice and close together (the more circles you have the closer you'll have to scrunch them together... and personally I think the more the better!)

Once I knew they would meet in the middle I took both sides of the ribbon...

tied it in a knot and then for the middle (where you'd normally put a bow) I strung two felt circles on top of each other....

and tied another knot (so they'd scrunch together-- lots of scrunching in this project! ha!) to create a little flower :-)

I tied on a little bell (gives it a little ringy-blingy touch *ha) and slapped on a little gold round tag that I cut out from some paper I had... (I wanted to keep with the whole circular theme)

And there she sits, under the tree... waiting to be opened on Christmas day :-)

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Aarean's blog is on of my favorite reads. You really don't want to pass up her blog... it's full of colorful inspiration! And right now, she also has and extra soft Christmas giveaway going on... so don't miss out on that!

What's the status on your wrapping? Are you done?

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas filled with lots of love and laughter. Savor these moments and remember the REAL reason and meaning of Christmas! :-)

snapshots

2011-12-22T10:25:00.004-05:00

Hello there! Just wanted to share a few very random pics of what's been happening with me lately.

I was in NC this past week for Brandon's graduation! Yippee! Our lives can finally start getting back to normal. I'm so proud of him! And he even got an award.... the "Top Gun" award for having the best shooting average!

Bosco hates is Santa hat, and those pre-made gingerbread houses are not the easiest things to put together. It's not the prettiest, but we had fun putting it together. And this is completely not related to anything, but Five Guys seriously has the best burgers! I don't even eat a lot of red meat, but if you're craving a burger, this is the place to go! Mmmmmm.. my mouth is watering just thinking about them! :-)

Told you this post was pretty random! :-)
So what's been going on in your life lately? Are you all ready for Christmas? I'm not! I'm going out in a little bit to finish.... so wish me luck! :-)

PS: Thanks to my wonderful guest bloggers! Love you ladies! :-) If you missed any of their posts, please make sure check them out and leave them some love!

christmas decor meets holiday fashion

2011-12-20T10:00:00.006-05:00

Hello luvies! My name is Lauren, and I blog over at the lifestyle & fashion blog, L.A. in the bay. While Jessica is gone, she asked me to share with you all something lovely, so this is what I dreamed up for you all today!

I have been so inspired lately by all the gorgeous Christmas and Holiday decorations that I have seen around the blogosphere and on pinterest {mynotsosecretaddiction}! I am totally loving the mix of reds and metallics.

*all images via my pinterest

There are so many fun things to do with your home, the possibilities are endless. For instance, filling a large glass container with Christmas ornaments. How genius right?! I loved it so much, I decided to do it in my own home. I especially love the way Holiday decorating is translated into fashion, and how the two go hand-in-hand perfectly. Do you spot a similar color palette? ;)

This Holiday season, I plan to rock a lot of bling, lots of metallics, and a whole lot of sparkle! Thanks so much to Jessica for having me today! This was fun! Happy Holidays everyone!

xoxo

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Thanks Lauren! Loving all this inspiration! I love all things shiny and glittery... You can never have enough sparkle! How about you? What will you be wearing? Are you obsessed with glitter and bling as much as we are?! :)

a very girly dessert

2011-12-19T10:00:00.002-05:00

Hello there! I'm Nuha from the blog Habibi. I've been a long-time fan of Jessica's blog and I am so honored to be back again guest posting! Besides being an incredible blog designer and having an eye for the most amazing Etsy shops, Jess has become a good friend. When she asked me to guest post I knew I wanted to do a baking or DIY post. If you know me, you know that I absolutely adore anything mini, pink, gold, and glittery. (What girl doesn't?!) If you combine those 4 things you basically end up with the most girlish dessert ever- petit fours. And what better time to make them than the holiday season. Your guests will think you're pretty awesome when you offer them these. And trust me, they're easy :-)

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

- 1 box cake mix of your choice (and the ingredients needed to bake it)
- Cookie sheet pan (or you may call it a jelly roll pan)
- Your choice of fruit preserve
- Cooling Rack

OPTIONAL:
- Gum Paste or Fondant (tastes better than gum paste!)
- Non-pariels
- Luster dust

FONDANT ICING:
- 2 lb. Bag of powdered sugar
- 3/4 Cup water
- 3 tbs Karo Syrup
- Extract flavoring of your choice (I used lemon)

DIRECTIONS:

Bake your cake as directed in your cookie sheet pan. Let it cool. Invert it on a flat surface and cut off the edges. Cut your cake in half so that you half so that you now have two, roughly, 5x7 pieces.

{*Note: Don't confuse this with slicing your cake in half in the center (as you would a normal, thicker cake) since this cake is already so thin, you cut the overall cake into smaller portions to stack*}

Stack the two pieces on top of each other, adding a layer of preserves in between. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze overnight. {Freezing the cake helps reduce the amount of crumbs :-)}

When you're ready to ice your cakes, pull the cake out of the freezer and cut into your desired size and shape. I used square and circle cookie cut-outs to ensure that each piece came out the same size.

Place a cooling rack over your cookie sheet pan (or any pan that's as large as the cooling rack). Next, place the individual cakes on the cooling rack-making sure the sides aren't touching. I'd suggest only doing a few at a time (about 6-7) just to make things easier. That way you won't worry about not being able to fully cover each individual cake.

Next up, make your icing. Start off by mixing your Karo syrup into your water. This helps to make sure you don't just end up with a blob of Karo syrup in your powdered sugar. Then, using your stove, combine your water mixture with your powdered sugar on a LOW heat. We're talking so low that you can still comfortably put your hand on the pot. Stir frequently. Whenever everything has melted and you're ready to pour your fondant add your extract.

I found that the easiest way to pour was straight from the pot. Don't worry about "wasting" the fondant, because anything that the bottom pan catches, you can re-heat and re-use. Plus, the cakes look better with a thicker coating of icing :-) How you ice these is up to you. I find that pouring in the center of each cake and circling around the sides is the best way to make sure the whole cake gets covered. Then, move on to the next cake and repeat. Like I said, be liberal with the icing- you can re-use what falls into the underlying cake pan. Also, when re-heating the icing, if it gets too thick you can add a tbsp of water to thin it out. A little water goes a long way!

I ended up going over these and covering them with another coat of icing to make sure the sides were covered too.

To glam these up a little bit I cut out some sugar paste flowers and dry painted gold luster dust on them. When the icing dried I dry painted luster dust on those too. I'm pretty much obsess with gold luster dust. I should also mention that I keep a few paint brushes set aside specifically for baking.

This is probably the best picture that captures how gorgeous the gold luster dust is. Trust me, it's even prettier in person!

And for some extra color, I added green non-pariels. My tip for non-pariels is buying them in a plain white color and using either food coloring or luster dust to dye them the color of your choice. Just put some non-pariels in a sandwich bag, add the coloring, mix, and voila- Your own custom shade :-)

Thanks again Jess for having me! I really hope you all try to make these- I'd love to see pictures if you do! They are so easy to make and so pretty to look at!

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Thanks Nuha! These little desserts look so cute... and easy to make! They would be perfect for an upcoming Holiday party or bridal/baby shower... I definitely have to keep these in mind next time I want to impress my family & friends! :)

holiday inspired beverages

2011-12-16T10:00:00.006-05:00

Hello Creative Index readers! I'm Anna and I'm so excited to hold down the fort today while Jessica is AFK. I feel so honored to be blogging at one of my favorite blogs.

If you're like me, getting this close to Christmas with lots left to do can be a little stressful. I might have just the remedy you need to calm those Holiday nerves. I've been rounding up some of my favorite holiday inspired beverages and I get to share them with you today! If you're hosting a Christmas party one or two or ALL of these drinks should be added to your menu. Nothing says Merry Christmas like a little bubbly. I wish I could top everything off with champagne. Wouldn't that be awesome? Like, my coffee, my water, my diet cream soda… mmmmmm. Ok, maybe that's a little too far, but you get the idea. I love me some champagne.

root beer float // spicy blood orange champagne punch // holiday punch // apple cider margarita

Ok, not gonna lie. The spicy blood orange champagne punch sounds a little hard to make, but I'm willing to bet that it's worth it. Thanks again, Jessica, for having me today on your fabulous blog!

What's your favorite adult beverage to get you in the holiday spirit?

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Thanks to Anna for hijacking the blog today and for sharing these super festive drinks.
Don't they all sound delish? I want to try them all! ;)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! xo

crave: cinnamon twists

2011-12-15T10:00:00.008-05:00

Hello! My name is Lindsay and I am the author of the blog Delighted Momma. On my blog I share skin care tips (I am a licensed Esthetician), jewelry diys, little tid bits about my family, things that make me happy and EASY recipes.

I am SO happy to be here today. I adore Jessica and her creative (no pun intended) blog. Today I am going to share a super yummy recipe that has quickly become one of my family's favorites.

If I could eat pastries coated with cinnamon and sugar on a daily basis (and my butt remained unaffected by the overload of carbs) I would. BUT I am too vain and type 1 diabetic, so this is not possible.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

- 1 package of ready made whole wheat dough. (I got mine at Trader Joes.)
- 1/2 cup of organic coconut sugar. (Coconut sugar is a delicious alternative to regular sugar because it is low-glycemic and it wont cause that energy crash that you get from ordinary sugar.)
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Roll out the dough into a long rectangle.
- Slice the dough into long strips
- Place each strip into the butter.
- Place each butter coated strip onto the plate with the cinnamon and sugar. Roll it around until in is evenly coated.
- Twist each end of the stripes in opposite directions.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes.

The only problem I have when making these is refraining myself from eating the whole batch! So gooey and delicious! Hope you all enjoyed this recipe and thank you Jessica for having me over today!

(Recipe slightly adapted from here)

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I too wish I could eat pastries on a daily basis!
Thanks Lindsay for hanging out over here today and for sharing this yummy recipe.
I can't wait to make these! :)

gifts in a jar

2011-12-14T10:20:00.008-05:00

Still in need of some inexpensive Christmas gifts? Just thought I would share a few adorable ideas that are pretty easy and quick to make!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bread: The holidays are all about baking. So why not give a friend a head start?

Citrus Body Salt Scrub: Give a spa "experience" with this yummy exfoliant and moisturizer.

The Perfect Mix: Lovers of coziness and sweetness that Christmas time brings, this one's for you!

Christmas in a Bottle: What an incredibly sweet way to welcome in the season.

Such cute and personal gifts! I hope this gives you some fun ideas and sparks your creativity. :)

Would like to receive something like this? Have any other gift jar ideas?

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On a side note, I'm off to NC for a few days to see my honey! I have a few fabulous guest bloggers scheduled, so be sure to come back for a visit and show these wonderful ladies some love! Pretty please with sugar on top?! :)

2012 calendar round-up

2011-12-13T16:20:00.001-05:00

go shopping: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Well, my fellow paper lovers, it’s calendar season! I’d be lost without the giant wall calendar hanging in my office. Since January 1st is creeping ever so close, I thought I'd share some of my very favorite calendar picks for the new year.

Do you have your new calendar yet? Do you even use a calendar?! Or do you keep everything on your phone?

beautiful books

2011-12-08T09:55:00.003-05:00

I’m a sucker for coffee table books. With great covers.
That are full of beautiful images and great inspiration.

Yes, some can be pretty expensive, but you can't go wrong with gifting a fabulous book for the holidays or for a birthday... or splurging on one for yourself every now and then! :)

These are just a few that I currently have on my wishlist:
1/ Design Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney
2/ Vogue: The Covers by by Hamish Bowles & Dodie Kazanjian
3/ Andy Warhol: The Early Sixties by Sebastian Egenhofer
4/ Christian Louboutin by Christian Louboutin
5/ Peter Max by Charles A. Riley
6/ Downtown Chic by Robert & Cortney Novogratz

Do you have any of these books? What books are on your wishlist?

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And the winner of the cozy giveaway is #32 Natasha from Schue Love!!
Congrats girl! I'll email you shortly to get your info! :)

artist love: heath killen

2011-12-06T10:20:00.003-05:00

Looking back, I noticed I hadn't done an artist feature in over a month! So what better way to get back in the swing of things than to share one of my fave Aussie designers, Heath Killen. I actually stumbled across is work on Flickr a few months back, and boy am I glad I did! I really love his style... his collage of art and illustration, and the use of abstract shapes, textures, color and typography.

See more of his amazing work here.

Hope you're all a little more inspired today. I know I am! :)

(images: heath killen)

a cozy GIVEAWAY!

2011-12-05T09:35:00.005-05:00

Good Monday morning! How about a giveaway to start the week off right?! :)

I love being snuggled up in cozy, fuzzy knits all winter long, just like the ones in today's giveaway. Accessorise, is a mother and daughter team that designs and handcrafts beautiful knit creations of all kinds.

The ladies of Accessorise have been so generous to offer up one of their lovely knits to one reader! You can pick from any of the 4 items pictured above... 1// Gray Earwarmer/Headband, 2// White Knit Fingerless Gloves, 3// Gray Fingerless Gloves, 4// Cream Earwarmer/Headband. I seriously love those gray mittens (#3)... those would be my choice! ;)

MANDATORY (1 entry):
Make sure you are a Creative Index follower either through GFC or Bloglovin'
THEN visit Accessorise and leave a comment telling me what you love.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
(please leave separate comments for each entry)

+ Follow me on Twitter.
+ Follow me on Facebook.
+ Heart their Etsy shop.
+ Tweet about giveaway. (tag with @creative_index)

. . . . . . . . .

Good Luck! Open to everyone! Winner announced on Thursday, December 8th.

friday favorites

2011-12-02T11:20:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday! Just a quick hello today, because I really have nothing exciting to report. I do however have Christmas on the brain, so I hope you enjoy this festive little roundup of my favorite links from around the web:

1/ Holiday FREEBIES to help fancy up those parcels under the tree.
2/ Inspiring ways to wrap your gifts this year.
3/ Pumpkin Pecan Waffles with cranberry syrup! Yes, please!
4/ Ideas for decorating with ornaments.
5/ DIY mason jar snow globes... just like the ones from Anthro!
6/ The are probably the cutest cupcakes EVER.
7/ Awesome gift guides for: the men .. jet setter .. hostess .. creatives .. little ones .. stocking stuffers

Hope you have a warm and cozy weekend! :)

current happenings

2011-11-29T12:34:00.002-05:00

Why hello there! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I really enjoyed my time away and spending time with my family and the Hubs. It was definitely hard to say goodbye and I'm already counting down the days until I get to see him again (he only has 2 1/2 weeks of academy left!!).... and we'll finally be able to get our lives back on track!

Over at Hello! Monday, Kristen and I are hard at work, designing some festive Holiday FREEBIES! (See that photo above... that's a sneak peek!) We have cards and gift tags in the works, so I'll keep you posted when they're ready! :) We also have some great discounts on design services going on, so make sure you check those out if you need a logo, invitations, website....

And finally, I decided to extend my blog design promo until Dec. 7th. I have a few spots left, so if you're in the market to jazz up your bloggy blog, click here to check out the packages I offer! I won't be able to start the design until the beginning of the year, but for only $25 down, you can lock in the discounted price!

Alrighty, that's it for now! Hope you all have a great day! I can't wait to catch up on all your wonderful blogs... it's been way too long! :)

happy thanksgiving!

2011-11-22T12:10:00.006-05:00

I know it's a couple days away still, but I'm signing off early! The Hubs is en route home (so excited!) and I'm so ready to relax, spend time with him and the family.... and eat a whole lot of goodness! :)

Hope you have a great day and a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Are you looking for some unique gift ideas? Then don't miss out on all the fun and festive ideas and discounts I posted a few days back. Let's support the handmade community and help spread the word about these wonderful businesses. Not to mention, the deals are expiring quickly! :)

(image via marykate mcdevitt)

Holiday Linkup Party

2011-11-18T08:30:00.005-05:00

Happy Friday friends! Christmas is creepin' up rather quickly and I'm pretty excited to share with you a super fun and festive Linkup party! Some of my favorite ladies have teamed up and are hosting the Christmas Cheer Linkup! They're going to showcase the spirit of Christmas through crafts, decor, and food!

And the best part is, you get to join in on the fun! Link up your holiday projects/inspiration, with these wonderful hosts:

:::: Cassie from Hi Sugarplum! gets the party started on November 29, and you can link up your holiday craft with her!

:::: The party continues on December 1 with Courtney from A Thoughtful Place with holiday vignettes.

:::: On December 6, join Michelle from Ten June to share your Christmas mantle.

:::: Link up your Christmas trees with Megan over at Honey We're Home on December 8.

:::: On December 13, visit Natasha from Schue Love to savor some delicious recipes.

:::: Michaela from Michaela Noelle Designs wraps up the party with holiday decor on December 15.

Feel free to grab a button and spread the word! And if you're wondering... yes, I did make that super cute and cheerful graphic! ;) I was so happy to work such nice and talented ladies, so I really hope you’ll join in on all of the holiday fun!

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Don't forget about all the wonderful gift ideas.... and DISCOUNTS!! Check my previous two posts for more info!

holiday roundup + discounts (part 2)

2011-11-17T11:15:00.004-05:00

I'm just gonna get straight to the point....

Are you ready for part 2?! Well here ya go:

15% off with discount code CIB15

Valid thru Nov. 27th

K. Slademade has stunning one-of-a kind clutches, totes, handbags & jewelry! I'm a BIG fan of her clutches... It was so hard to for me to pick just one favorite, because she has so many great pieces!

20% off with discount code CREATIVEINDEX20

Valid thru Dec. 2nd

Lulu & Drew features original artwork by Stephanie Jean. I am completely smitten with her work. She creates gorgeous abstract paintings that are simple, modern and fun!

15% off with discount code THANKFUL

Valid thru Dec. 10th

Very Loveleigh has lots of handmade, cozy goodies! Chase those chills away with one of her oversized cowls or super cute bowbands! Doesn't Leigh have some amazing knitting skills?!

10% off with discount code THANKU10

Valid thru Dec. 16th

Lippincott Soap Co. is a small family-owned business that specializes in making old-fashioned, cold process lye soaps. Everything is made in small batches for quality and freshness and they produce beautiful, skin loving products.

10% off with discount code CONILAB01

Valid thru Dec. 15th

Coni Lab is filled with lovely screen-prints, sure to brighten your day. Each print is hand screened on archival paper and non-toxic water based inks. There are so many fun prints... and I've always loved the saying "Do what you love / Love what you do" so that was definitely my pick!

Wee Waldorf is sweet shop full of fun and natural gifts and toys. I love the muted colors... they're still so bright and cheerful. Who knew wood toys could be so cute!

Fuzzy Mug is the perfect shop for those of you who love animals. Their prints and designs will surely put a smile on anyone's face.

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I was so thrilled to share my Holiday roundup with you guys. I wanted to help promote some of my favorite handmade shops and I hope you join me in supporting their work. Feel free to share these links with family and friends... let's help spread the word about these wonderful handmade businesses.

Did you miss part 1? Check the previous post, or just click here.
I will also post all the discounts on my sidebar!

Do you have a favorite shop? Will you be supporting the handmade community?

holiday roundup + some discounts!

2011-11-16T09:25:00.003-05:00

Tis the season to shop so I thought I'd put together a little compilation of my favorite Etsy shops and gift ideas for everyone on your list! Most of the shop owners have even been so generous to offer up discount codes for my lovely readers, so be sure to check out their shops. Some of the codes don't last long, and if you see something you like, snatch it up before it expires!

Are you ready?! Time to get your shop on!! :)

25% off with discount code ELHOLIDAY

Valid thru Nov. 23rd

Edie's Lab is a small workshop which focuses on crafting nontoxic, sustainable and responsible products. Their products are made with reclaimed and recycled materials and they use paints with low VOC! I love anything related to typography, so this shop has been a favorite of my for awhile now!

10% off with discount code SMITTEN10

Valid thru Dec. 16th

Pretty Smitten specializes in personalized stationary, home accessories and gift items. Each item is created just for you. With so many color and pattern options, I just love how you can customize it to match your style.

The Vault Jewels is chock full of beauties! Everything is handmade with a lot of care, attention to detail and quality materials. It was so hard to for me to pick a fave, because there are so many fun pieces!

10% off with discount code CREATIVE1

Valid thru Dec. 10th

Peg and Awl has lots of unique treasures for the home, garden and body built from reclaimed materials. Their work is so distinctive and I love that they love to find old things and turn them into wonderful new creations.

10% off with discount code CreativeIndex10

Valid thru Nov. 23rd

Jessalin Beutler creates hand-painted fabric items that feature geometric prints for men, women and children. I was immediately smitten with the abstract lines and bright colors.

Beautiful Skin creates beautiful handmade leather accessories for all our favorite gadgets and more! Don't you just love all the patterns? These are truly one of a kind pieces anyone would love to get!

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So there ya have it! Part 1 of my round-up!
Yes, you read right... that was only part 1!

Part 2 will be coming at cha tomorrow!!
Feel free to spread the word! Sharing is caring! :)

thanksgiving tablescapes

2011-11-15T11:33:00.000-05:00

I definitely have Christmas on the brain (I'm finishing up my Holiday round-up!, so be sure to check back tomorrow), but I don't want to forget about Thanksgiving. So I have gathered some tablescape inspiration to get your gears turning for your holiday table! Can you believe that Thanksgiving is a little more than a week away?

Do you go casual or get fancy with your table for the turkey? Do Tell.

(images via 1 // 2 // 3 // 4)

a brand new week...

2011-11-14T10:20:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! I'm getting more and more excited as each day passes and we inch closer to Christmas. Has any put there tree up yet? Started on their shopping?? I've done neither. The tree usually goes up a day or two after Thanksgiving. And as for shopping, I really want to start on that A-SAP!

We also have a winner in the My Memories giveaway! Congratulations to #3, Jess from The In-Between... I'll email you shortly!

Ok, I'm off to tackle my to-do list! It's never ending!

PS: Later in the week... I'm doing a little Holiday round-up of my favorite items/shops. You'll definitely want to check that out! There might even be a few discounts! ;)

(image via anthro)

happy friday + some pin love

2011-11-11T12:50:00.002-05:00

Well hello fabulous bloggers! Happy Friday!

I noticed I haven't done a Pinterest post in awhile, so I thought today would be a good day for one. These are just a few of the many things inspiring lately. I hope you are enjoying this random little collection as much as I am... I've been into soft pink's and gold/champagne tones lately... And can you believe it's almost mid-November already!? Can't wait to start decorating for Christmas! Where as the time gone.... only 43 days until Christmas! And only 11 days until I get to see the Hubs!! ;)

Also, in case you missed it:

- Enter to win design software from My Memories.
- If your blog needs a little sprucing up, check out my current promo.
- Take a sneak peak into my makeup bag.... everything's pretty affordable!
- Photos from last weekends local fashion show are finally up!
- Looking for some great holiday gifts? Check out my spotlight of great shops! (too the right!)
- I finally bough my own domain name! Make sure to update your links with www.creativeindexblog.com

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Got any fun plans? xo

{images via 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 }

style files: casual chic

2011-11-09T10:15:00.002-05:00

I'm just gonna get to the point.... I want both of these outfits. Dressing in a casual chic style is all about mixing a comfy, relaxed look with sophisticated touches. I love feeling pretty and stylish while still enjoying the comfort of my favorite pair of jeans or leggings. :)

Which look is your favorite? What are some of your wardrobe staples for Fall?

PS: I was over at The Vault Files yesterday sharing what's in my make-up bag. Head on over and see the products I'm currently using and the ones I'm coveting.... :)

(images via here and here)

design software giveaway!

2011-11-08T08:05:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago I got an email from My Memories about their award-winning software which they asked me to test out. I'm not going to lie, I was a little hesitant at first. I'm always skeptical of other programs.... Photoshop and the entire Adobe Creative Suite have been my go-to programs for years. Well, let me just say, this software changed my mind, and I'm pretty impressed.

My Memories has so many fun features. It's super efficient and has a range of tools that make designing a breeze! There are a ton of different templates to help jump-start your creativity or you can start fresh with a blank canvas to which you can add different elements, shapes, photos, text, etc. etc. It's an easy solution to put together digital scrapbooks or to make fun graphics for your blog! :)

{screen shot of the user friendly dashboard}

A few other things I'm impressed with:
- Super user friendly.
- Available for both MAC and PC.
- Huge selection of backgrounds/textures/embellishments.
- Preview edits before committing.
- Easy editing with a right-click menu.
- Recover unsaved changes the next time you open.
- Export layouts/pages as .jpgs (great for blogs!)
- Endless amounts of fun!

{both graphics were designed with My Memories}

So you wanna win your own copy of the My Memories Suite software (a $40 value),
here's what you have to do:

MANDATORY (1 entry):
Make sure you are a Creative Index follower either through GFC or Bloglovin'
THEN visit MyMemories and tell me your favorite scrapbook kit.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
(separate comments for each that you do!)

+ Follow me on twitter.
+ Follow me on facebook.
+ Follow my memories on twitter.
+ Follow my memories on facebook.
+ Tweet about the giveaway.
(Just entered to win design software from @mymemoriessuite on @creative_index! http://tinyurl.com/7meajyn)

. . . . . . . . .

Winner announced on Monday, November 14th. Open to everyone! Good Luck!

I was given a copy of the My Memories software, but the review is 100% my own.

swirls cupcakery

2011-11-07T10:00:00.007-05:00

How delicious does that cupcake look?? Well, let me tell you... it was mighty delicious!

Seriously. Probably the best cupcakes I've ever had! :)

Michael, the cupcake master, is a recent high school graduate (how cool is that!?) and is ready to bring the cupcake craze to the Buffalo area with Swirls Cupcakery. The grand opening was this weekend and Kristen and I were so excited to check it out. We went a little later in the day, after all the craziness and they were SOLD OUT of everything. Lucky for us, we know the owner (he just so happens to be Kristen's cousin! ) and he saved us a few tasty treats!

How cool does the logo look on the windows and behind the counter? hehe

Want to see more photos? Head on over to the Hello Monday Blog.

hello monday + a discount!

2011-11-05T13:45:00.000-04:00

Hello there! Hope everyone one is having a great Saturday so far! I just wanted to pop in for a quick hello, and also let you all know that my dear friend Kristen and I have finally launched our Hello! Monday site! (see my last post) And in honor of the launch, I've slashed my blog design prices by about 15%!

So, If you're interested in a little blog makeover, email me for more info! Prices won't last forever, and spacing is limited! (click here for details)

Oh, and feel free to follow Hello! Monday on Facebook and Twitter! We love having new friends!! :)

friday favorites

2011-11-04T20:53:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday! Boy, have I had a busy, but exciting day. This print pretty much sums up what I'm feeling! Some of you may or may not know that my friend Kristen and I were in the process of opening our own design studio. Well it's official.... The Hello! Monday site is finally up and running and we couldn't be more excited! So if you have a chance, stop by and take a look... We'd love to know what you think! :)

As always, enjoy this random collection of things I happen to be loving....

1/ The guide of all Holiday guides!
2/ How awesome are these scarves?
3/ Amazing works of chalk art!
4/ Perhaps my next nail color should be 'Galion' from Nars.
5/ Words cannot express how much I love animals in costumes.
6/ Typographic lollipops.
7/ I just LOVE this wedding! This couple totally rocks!
8/ Barbie just got the best outfit ever: a Pantone dress.

Have a wonderful weekend! Got any exciting plans?? :)

(image via heartfish press)

crave: french onion soup

2011-11-03T13:54:00.003-04:00

There’s nothing like a good bowl of French onion soup. It's probably my all time favorite soup – it’s just so comforting!
I seriously order it every time I go to a restaurant! I am totally making this soon. It’s been so cold here lately, and I’ve never made it before, so it seems like a perfect time to try.

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 pounds (about 5 cups) thinly sliced yellow onions
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 quarts (8 cups) beef or other brown stock
1/2 cup dry white wine or dry white vermouth
Freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons cognac or brandy (optional)
1 to 2 cups Gruyere or a mixture of Swiss and Parmesan cheese
12 to 16 1-inch thick rounds French bread, toasted until hard

DIRECTIONS:
Melt the butter and oil together in the bottom of a 4- to 5-quart saucepan or Dutch oven over moderately low heat. Add the onions, toss to coat them in oil and cover the pot. Reduce the heat to real low and let them slowly steep for 15 minutes. They don’t need your attention; you can even go check your email. After 15 minutes, uncover the pot, raise the heat slightly and stir in the salt and sugar. Cook onions, stirring frequently, for 30 to 40 minutes until they have turned an even, deep golden brown. (Don’t skimp on this step, as it will build the complex and intense flavor base that will carry the rest of the soup. Plus, from here on out, it will be a cinch.)

After the onions are fully caramelized, sprinkle them with flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the wine in full, then stock, a little at a time, stirring between additions. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and simmer partially covered for 30 to 40 more minutes, skimming if needed. Correct seasonings if needed but go easy on the salt as the cheese will add a bit more saltiness and I often accidentally overdo it. Stir in the cognac, if using. (I think you should.) Set aside until needed.

Preheat oven to 325. Arrange six ovenproof soup bowls or crocks on a large, foil-lined baking sheet. Bring the soup back to a boil and divide among six bowls. To each bowl, add 1/2 teaspoon grated raw onion and a tablespoon of grated cheese. Stir to combine. Dab your croutons with a tiny bit of butter and float a few on top of your soup bowls, attempting to cover it. Mound grated cheese on top of it; how much you use will be up to you.

Bake soups on tray for 20 minutes, then preheat broiler. Finish for a minute or two under the broiler to brown the top lightly. Grab pot holders, and serve immediately.

Have you ever tried to make French Onion Soup?
What's your favorite soup to enjoy during the Fall/Winter months?

(image + recipe via smitten kitchen)

it's november!

2011-11-02T10:20:00.001-04:00

How was your Halloween? I can't believe it's November already! The year is almost over!

I saw this great post idea over on the lovely Miss Candice's blog. She made a list of a few things/goals she wants to accomplish during the month, so I though I'd do the same. At the begining of each month I'm going to share a few things I hope to achieve that month... whether they're silly or serious, I hope to feel more accomplished when I start checking things off!

Here's just a few of mine...

1/ Take more photos.
2/ Get back into morning workouts.
3/ Drink more water.
4/ Read a book. (Any suggestions?)
5/ Get a new sketchbook.

Do you have any goals for the month?

friday favorites

2011-10-28T12:35:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween weekend, friends! What are you doing to celebrate? No Halloween parties for this girl... Holidays and parties aren't quite the same without the Hubs. :( So I will be working my weekend away! And I'm ok with that! Kristen and I are trying to finalize our website so we can launch it next week! Eeeep! We're so excited!

Do you have any Halloween plans? I'd love to hear! And as always, enjoy this random collection of things I happen to be loving....

1/ Apple cinnamon muffins. I'm so making these this weekend!
2/ Pumpkin & pomegranate granola. Yes, please!
3/ 10 beauty super-foods that are beneficial to your health & skin.
4/ DIY a pretty lace vase.
5/ Adorable pumpkin creatures over at Martha Stewart.
6/ Celebrate fall with a unique twist on the caramel apple.
7/ Tips on creating a home gym for any budget.
8/ These thread wrapped necklaces are pretty neat.
9/ Super fun cheeseburger coasters!
10/ Cheese or Font? A fun little game you should check out.

xox

(image via here)

etsy love: urban revisions

2011-10-27T10:44:00.005-04:00

I love scarves. Some might even call it obsessed! :)

I was so excited when Arlie contacted me about featuring her shop, Urban Revisions. I was completely smitten and couldn't wait to share this etsy gem with you!

Urban Revisions is a one woman operation and every piece is handmade with love and meticulous attention to detail. She devotes so much time to hand-dying, pulling apart, stretching and revising the fabric to create incredibly soft and airy textures.

Her pieces are perfect for layering during the cold winter months and crisp summer nights. After you check out all the goodness over at the Urban Revisions shop, head on over to her blog. It's just as grand. :)

do what you love...

2011-10-25T14:40:00.002-04:00

... love what you do!

Just a little reminder for your Tuesday afternoon. Pick up your very own print right here.

Also, thank you too everyone that entered the iswas+willbe giveaway! And the lucky winner is Amanda from Recycled Consign and Design. A big thank you also goes to iswas+willbe for sponsoring! With the holidays coming up, this is one shop you will definitely want to check out!

* here's the deal with the my count up for entries. there were 47 comments but i think some folks might not have read the rules correctly. the giveaway was open to all, but some left too many or combined their comments... so after going through them all, there were 48 legitimate entries. just thought i'd explain since the numbers don't match up.... :)

blog design: fitness, food & faith

2011-10-24T10:30:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Hope you all had a great weekend! I wanted to share a little blog makeover I did last week for Sam from Fitness Food & Faith. I've been following FF&F forever, and I was excited to hear she wanted to give her blog a little makeover. We worked with a similar color palette and kept the blog light and airy, but gave it a more modern and updated feel with the fonts and simple graphics. Click here to visit Sam's blog, take a closer look and let us know what you think!

If you’re interested in blog or graphic design, be sure to check out my services page or email me for more information. I would love to I create something that is perfect for you.

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Don't forget to enter our iswas+willbe giveaway! You could win $30 in shop credit!

artist love: amy borrell

2011-10-21T10:45:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday! I am loving the delightful and whimsical illustration style of Amy Borrell of Cake with Giants. The soft colors and delicate lines are just so pretty.... they really put a smile on my face.

You can see more of Borrell's work on her website and for more lovely inspiration, visit her blog.

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Don't forget to enter our iswas+willbe giveaway! You could win $30 in shop credit!

it's giveaway time!

2011-10-18T09:35:00.012-04:00

Good Morning Blogettes! How about a little giveaway to start of your Tuesday! :)
Remember when I professed my love for this cool shop? Well, I'm happy to announce that today you have a chance to win a $30 gift certificate!!

Visit iswas+willbe and leave a comment with your favorite item!

(Include an email address if you don't have a link.)

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
(Leave separate comments for each extra entry!)

+ Follow creative index on GFC or bloglovin'.
+ Follow iswas+willbe on twitter.
+ Like iswas+willbe on facebook.
+ Follow creative index on twitter.
+ Like creative index on facebook.
+ Post a link on FB OR tweet about the giveaway.
(Make sure to tag creative index in the link!)

. . . . . . . . .

Winner announced on Tuesday, October 25th. Open to everyone! Good Luck!

cardigan love

2011-10-17T09:20:00.001-04:00

go shopping: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

Hello and Happy Monday! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Sweater weather is definitely here in these parts, and I'm obsessed with cardigans. OBSESSED. I've had some for YEARS and I think their time has come and gone... so I guess that means it's time to go shopping! I've been scouring the internet for the cutest and coziest cardigans around, and these were just a handful of my faves!

PS: Make sure to check back tomorrow! I may or may not have a giveaway planned... :)

friday favorites

2011-10-14T13:00:00.003-04:00

Hello there!! How was everyone's week? Mine was pretty busy... filled with doctor's appointments (still battling a cold), design work (lots of exciting things going on) and family visits (truly the best)!

Even though I went MIA this week, I was able to find a few fun links. Enjoy this random collection of things I happen to be loving....

Pretty pumpkin centerpiece idea.

Lots of yummy apple recipes to try out!

Love this pretty bag from Spool No.72... one of my new favorite websites!

Put your knowledge of famous fonts to the test with this addictive app.

OBSESSED with these rings.

Such lovely packaging.

Fun clutches to liven up your dark fall wardrobe.

Drool worthy! Honey and nutmeg toasted ice cream from Seven Spoons.

100 of the best places in the US to raise a family. (Bflo ranks #39!!)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure to check back next week.... I have a super fun giveaway planned!! :)

hooray for the weekend!

2011-10-07T10:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!! Today is my cousin Katie's wedding... I'm so excited, I can't believe it's finally here!

It's going to be a beautiful day, filled with lots of love and happy memories! Can't wait to catch up with everyone, eat great food and dance the night away! And the weather finally broke! Nothing but clear skies and warm temps to help celebrate this special day! :)

Alright, I'm off to get my hair done! If you haven't already seen these hilariously fun wedding photos of Barbie and Ken's wedding, you really have to check them out.

Hope you all have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend! xo

crave: sea salt brownies

2011-10-06T10:10:00.005-04:00

If there is one combination that I love, it's salty and sweet! Not to mention, brownies are my weakness... I've never met one I didn't like. I could probably demolish a whole pan by myself, if I didn't have such good self-control. ;)

Gooey. Chocolatey. Sweet. Salty… what’s not to love? I think my taste buds will be quite happy when I make these....

INGREDIENTS:
6 tablespoons unsalted or salted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for the pan
8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Optional: 1 cup walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the inside of a 9-inch square pan with 2 lengths of foil, positioning the sheets perpendicular to each other and allowing the excess to extend beyond the edges of the pan, or with a single large sheet of extra wide foil or parchment paper. Lightly butter the foil or parchment.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the chocolate and stir until it is melted and smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sugar and vanilla until combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add the flour and stir energetically for one full minute — time yourself — until the batter loses its graininess, becomes smooth and glossy, and pulls away a bit from the sides of the saucepan. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle salt over top if using. Bake until the centre feels almost set, about 30 minutes. There should still be a few crumbs stuck to a toothpick when inserted. Do not overbake.

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting the foil or parchment and the block of brownie out of the pan. Cut the brownie into squares. (The brownies will keep well for up to four days and can be frozen for one month.)

Enjoy!

(This recipe looks great, too.)

(image + recipe via cream and sugar)

. . . . . . . . . .

I'm also guest posting over at Delighted Momma...
I'm sharing a super easy DIY. I'd love for you to stop over and say Hi!! :)

stay creative

2011-10-04T10:05:00.002-04:00

Some lovely words of wisdom for your Tuesday.... :)

What do you do to stay creative and inspired?

(image via here)

pin love

2011-10-03T12:15:00.002-04:00

Well hello fabulous bloggers! Nothing too exciting to report today. I've been sick all weekend! :( I think I have to cave though and get some antibiotics. This little bug kind of came out of no where.... right before my cousin's wedding none the less! I need to get better ASAP... I have lots of dancing to do! :)

These are just a few of the many things inspiring lately. I hope you are enjoying this random little collection as much as I am... Just look how cute that pup is? And that table setting... I seriously want to eat dinner there!

Also, a big, ginormous THANK YOU too all of you that took my little survey. I love all the feedback I'm getting! If you didn't take it yet, I would love you even more if you did! It will probably make me feel better.... Pretty, please. It only takes two minutes or less... PROMISE!!!

Ok, I think I'm going to sleep the rest of the day away.... but first I need to load up on drugs.

And maybe eat something. Anyone want to bring me some soup? ;)

PS: Feel free to follow along... I love new Pinterest friends... ;)

(images via pinterest)

i'd love your feedback...

2011-09-29T13:15:00.002-04:00

Hi friends! I would be so grateful if you'd take a couple of minutes and answer this little survey. I'm curious to what you think and would love your feedback!

Pretty please, with a cherry on top! And don't worry, all the answers are anonymous.
Thanks a bunch! :)

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY!

(image via here)

cool alert: iswas+willbe

2011-09-28T09:20:00.001-04:00

iswas+willbe is a jewelry company owned by husband and wife team rex and telle lefler. All of their designs are made in Portland using reinvented vintage materials and earthy gems.

Such unique pieces that are affordable and versatile. And how great is their styling and packaging? You can definitely say that I'm hooked!

(images via iswas + willbe)

crave: maple oatmeal scones

2011-09-27T10:05:00.001-04:00

I could really go for one of these scones and a cup of coffee right now! Don't they look yummy? Now, these probably aren't the healthiest breakfast option, but it never hurts to indulge once in a while! I can't wait to make these and savor the changing days from summer to fall.

INGREDIENTS:

For the scones:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats, plus additional for sprinkling
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 pound cold unsalted butter, diced
1/2 cup cold buttermilk
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
4 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk or water, for egg wash

For the glaze:
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flours, oats, baking powder, sugar and salt. Blend the cold butter in at the lowest speed and mix until the butter is in pea-size pieces. Combine the buttermilk, maple syrup and eggs and add quickly to the flour-and-butter mixture. Mix until just blended. The dough may be sticky.

Dump the dough out onto a well-floured surface and be sure it is combined. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4 to 1 inch thick. You should see lumps of butter in the dough. Cut into 3-inch rounds with a plain or fluted cutter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are crisp and the insides are done.

To make the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar, maple syrup and vanilla. When the scones are done, cool for 5 minutes and drizzle each scone with 1 tablespoon of the glaze. I like to sprinkle some uncooked oats on the top, for garnish. The warmer the scones are when you glaze them, the thinner the glaze will be.

Makes 14 scones.

(image + recipe via ina garten)

friday favorites

2011-09-23T12:40:00.007-04:00

We made it through another week! :) I can't believe how fast September is flying by!

Enjoy this random collection of things I happen to be loving....

I think we all need this print.
Super cool and very old color tables.
25 ways to tie a scarf.
This maxiskirt belongs in my closet.
Something to think about.
Swooning over this EmersonMade blouse.
Breakfast banana split. Yes, please!
I really want this old rotary phone!

I hope your weekend is wonderful in every possible way! Got any exciting plans??

my favorite DIY's from Hey Gorgeous

2011-09-22T12:10:00.004-04:00

Hello, Lovelies! Happy Thursday! Today I'm sharing with you my Top 3 DIY's from one of my favorite blogs, Hey Gorg. Most of you probably already know Rhi, but if you don't (or you're living under a rock) she's one of the sweetest, most genuine ladies out there and her blog is chock full of eye candy, DIY's and great advice. She's one crafty gal, and it was hard to choose, but these are my Top 3 pretty projects:

I simply adore milk glass. Finding real vintage milk glass can be pretty hard, not to mention expensive, so if you're looking for a cheap (and still lovely) alternative, give this DIY a try! Click here to make your own milk glass.

I'm pretty fond of this little DIY because I LOVE candles! I actually really enjoy making candles as a hobby, but I would have never thought to use a teacup as a holder! Boy, I tell ya, she's a genius! ;) Easy, super cute and perfect for wedding favors, home decor, showers, etc. Click here to make your own teacup candle.

Major cuteness alert!! This is my favorite Hey Gorg DIY!! When she posted this a few weeks back, I was completely smitten! It was bookmarked and pinned right away! ;) This garland would be fabulous for a bridal shower, an outdoor party and or even a nursery. Click here to make your own dixie cup garland.

So there ya have it... my Top 3 Hey Gorg DIYs. If you want to see more pretty projects, head on over to Hey Gorg and get inspired. I can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve!

So what do you think? Do you have a favorite Hey Gorg DIY?

(projects via hey gorg, last two images via jenna mckenzie photography)

simply smitten

2011-09-21T15:00:00.002-04:00

I am OBSESSED with these fashion illustrations by Mats Gustafson.

Gustafson began his career as an illustrator in the late 1970s, a time when editorial illustration was eclipsed by photography, and watercolor as a conceptual medium had barely been explored. His illustrations have been featured in publications such as French and Italian Vogue and The New Yorker, and he's created advertising art for Hermès and Tiffany & Co.

Aren't they completely drool-worthy? His work is minimalistic, but elegant and he really knows how to capture the essence of fashion. Just another lovely piece to add to my future art collection...

(images via mats gustafson)

blog design: creative party ideas

2011-09-15T16:35:00.004-04:00

I recently finished a new blog design for Cheryl from Creative Party Ideas. Cheryl contacted me a few weeks back and asked if I would be interested in helping give her blog and twitter page a little makeover. She wanted something a little more modern, but still fun and inviting. So out with the old "scrapbook" look and in with a lighter, more simple layout! Click here to visit Cheryl's blog and take a closer look. Enjoy!

artist love: lulu & drew

2011-09-13T11:15:00.000-04:00

I found out about these wonderful works of art while browsing The Doctor's Closet a few weeks back. The lovely Monika featured her super talented cousin, Stephanie Jean, and her new Etsy shop, Lulu and Drew and I was completely smitten. She creates gorgeous abstract paintings that are simple, modern and fun!

Check out all the original Lulu & Drew artwork here. I think the Metallic Confetti just might be my fave! Are you loving these as much as me? Do you have a favorite piece?

we have a winner!

2011-09-13T08:34:00.002-04:00

We have a winner in the Lucile's Kitchen print giveaway!
Congrats to Anna from In Honor of Design! I sent you an email, so check your inbox! :)

Thanks to all that entered and and BIG thank you to Lucile for donating to this giveaway! Even if you didn't win, you really should visit her shop. If you're looking to add a little Parisian flair to your home, her gorgeous prints will do the trick!! :)

fall favorites

2011-09-08T09:32:00.000-04:00

Hello and Happy Thursday! I am so excited that Fall is just around the corner and that the weather is starting to get
a little cooler. Today I'm linking up with Natasha over at Schue Love for her Fall 5 series and I'm sharing a few of
my 5 Fall Favorites. Ready, Set, Go!

I love going for a ride in the country and seeing the transitioning colors of the leaves. All the red, yellow, and orange hues and beautiful patterns that can only be seen in nature. So beautiful.

There's just something about the cooler days and longer nights... when you can finally put on that sweater that I’ve been itching to wear. The crisp Autumn air inspires me to get outside and move more... I love talking Bosco for walks this time of year. And, not to mention the great sleeping weather... so comfy and cozy.

Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin. I really love anything Pumpkin, but I love getting my latte fix. Nothing says Fall like a warm Pumpkin Spice Latte. So yummy, comforting and delicious. Makes me very happy!

I just love busting out my favorite clothes once the cooler weather starts. Lots of fun scarves and a great pair of boots are definitely must haves!

I love going apple picking in the Fall. There's nothing quite like those fresh, juicy apples from the orchard. Oh, and picking up fresh cider AND cider donuts are definitely my favorite things that go along with apple picking! ;)

Ok, so that's my list. :) What do you love the most about Fall?

(images via 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7)

crave: pumpkin cream cheese muffins

2011-09-07T10:45:00.000-04:00

Mmmmmmm!
These spiced muffins, with a filled center and streusel topping, are a must to welcome in the crisp Fall air.

Don't these look scrumptious? Can’t wait to try these!!

INGREDIENTS:

For the filling:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar

For the muffins:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups pumpkin puree
1¼ cups vegetable oil

For the topping:
½ cup sugar
5 tbsp. flour
1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
4 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

DIRECTIONS:

To prepare the filling, combine the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl and mix well until blended and smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap and shape into a log about 1½-inches in diameter. Smooth the plastic wrap tightly around the log, and reinforce with a piece of foil. Transfer to the freezer and chill until at least slightly firm, at least 2 hours.

To make the muffins, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda; whisk to blend. In the bowl of an electric mixer combine the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree and oil. Mix on medium-low speed until blended. With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

To make the topping, combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Add in the butter pieces and cut into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture is coarse and crumbly. Transfer to the refrigerator until ready to use.

To assemble the muffins, fill each muffin well with a small amount of batter, just enough to cover the bottom of the liner (1-2 tablespoons). Slice the log of cream cheese filling into 24 equal pieces. Place a slice of the cream cheese mixture into each muffin well. Divide the remaining batter among the muffin cups, placing on top of the cream cheese to cover completely. Sprinkle a small amount of the topping mixture over each of the muffin wells.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving. (It may be hard to resist immediate consumption, but the cream cheese filling gets very hot!)

Makes 24 muffins.

(image + recipe via annie's eats)

win a print from lucile's kitchen!

2011-09-06T08:04:00.003-04:00

EEEEK! I'm so excited for today's giveaway! :)

Remember when I professed my love for these adorable prints a few months back? Well, the very talented Lucile, from Lucile's Kitchen, is giving away an 8x10 print to one very lucky reader!!

* You MUST be a follower of Creative Index *
+ Visit Lucile's Kitchen and leave a comment with your favorite print!
Any 8x10 print in the shop is up for grabs, so take your pick!!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

(Leave separate comments for each extra entry!)

+ Follow Creative Index on Twitter.
+ "Heart" Lucile's Kitchen on Etsy.
+ "Like" Creative Index on Facebook.
+ Post about it on your FB wall.
+ Tweet about this giveaway.
(1 tweet per day. Leave a comment for each tweet!)

Feel free to use this example:
Fancy a beautiful print for your home? Hop on over to @creative_index and enter to win one! http://tinyurl.com/3k3nbg7

. . . . . . . . .

Giveaway closes on Monday, September 12th.
Winner will be chosen on Tuesday, September 13th.
Open to all readers! Good Luck!

happy monday!

2011-09-04T09:40:00.000-04:00

Hello sweet friends! Can you believe it's Labor Day already? Geez louise, did Summer fly by or what?! Hope everyone had a great weekend and you were able to enjoy this last little bit of Summer!

Have a great rest of the day.... and be sure to stop back tomorrow! I have a super fun giveaway planned!!!! :)

(image via here)

simply smitten...

2011-08-30T11:05:00.001-04:00

... with all the pretty things from k.slademade. I seriously need to get my hands on one of these bags! ;)

(images via k.slademade)

stay positive

2011-08-29T10:15:00.003-04:00

Hello, friends! How was your weekend?

I've had this bold and upbeat image from designer Ira Cummings bookmarked for a while now, and since I've been referring back to it a lot lately, I thought it would be nice to share it with you. Aren't I thoughtful? ;) I seriously want to hang a HUGE print of this!!!

So, when life throws a curve ball your way... try and stay positive! Things will get better. Life has a funny way of working itself out!

Happy Monday! Hope you all have a great start to the week....

bright, bold and powerful words. this print begs to be hung up in the skies for all to see, thanks for sharing love. what a great intention of the day (and all days!).

(Image via Ira Cummings)

and the winner is...

2011-08-24T18:53:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Ashley from Run With Me. I'm sending you an email soon, so check your inbox! :)
Thanks to all that entered and and BIG thank you to Jackie for hosting this giveaway!

Even if you didn't win, you really should visit the Voz Shop - everything is handcrafted, super cool and really affordable!

Support the Arts. Support Handmade! xoxo

crave: grilled chicken w/ lemon basil pasta

2011-08-18T11:35:00.002-04:00

Holy heck doesn't this look good? This needs to get in my belly. Right now!!

4 whole Grilled Chicken Breasts, Sliced
1 pound Penne Pasta, Cooked Until Al Dente
1/2 stick Butter
3 whole Lemons, Juiced
3/4 cup Heavy Cream
1/4 cup Half-and-half
1-1/2 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese (or Romano)
Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
20 whole Basil Leaves, Chopped

Cook pasta, reserving 1 cup of hot pasta water when you drain. Set pasta aside in a colander.

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Squeeze in the juice of 3 to 4 lemons. Whisk together. Pour in cream and half-and-heat. Whisk until hot. Dump in cheese and whisk until melted. Add salt and pepper. Check consistency, adding some of the hot pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Pour pasta and sauce into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle remaining basil all over the top, then add sliced chicken breasts. Serve immediately!

(image + recipe via the pioneer woman)

artist love: jaakko mattila

2011-08-17T11:55:00.002-04:00

I just recently stumbled across the amazing work of Finnish artist Jaakko Mattila, and I CANNOT stop looking at it! The simplicity, the colors, the abstract compositions... I love it all. Seriously, this may just be my favorite artist feature to date!

Dude's got skillz! :) You can see more awesomeness here.

(image via Jaakko Mattila)

shop spotlight + a giveway!

2011-08-16T10:03:00.004-04:00

Guys, I'm so excited to share with you one of my lastest Etsy finds, Voz Clothing & Art. As you probably already know, I'm totally obsessed with abstract & geometric prints, so when I stumbled across this bangle, I was in L-O-V-E!!

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT VOZ
Voz Clothing & Art and was started as a means of expressing life, culture, love for music and creativity through wearable art. Voz is steeped in: positivity, diversity, karma, all cultures, freedom of speech, the pursuit of happiness, artistic vision, equality regardless, the mom and pop shop, and humor at all times.

Jackie is the talented chick behind Voz, and says it would be nothing without her many inspirations, such as: road trips, family, succulents, culture, crate digging, independent spirits, flea markets, animal documentaries especially on sharks, hidden graffiti, the fruit man, color charts, music that makes you move and the token of true love – the mix tape.

Creative. Fun. Generous. And we share so many of the same inspirations. No wonder I have a girl crush. :)

Ok, aren't her hand painted wares fun? Want to win one her her cool creations?? Jackie, the kind and generous soul that she is, is offering up any piece from her shop to one lucky reader!!

* You MUST be a follower of CI through GFC or Bloglovin' *
- Visit the Voz Shop and leave a comment with your fave accessory!
Anything is the shop is up for grabs, so take your pick!!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
(leave separate comments for each extra entry!)

- Follow CI on twitter.
- Follow Voz on twitter.
- Follow Voz on facebook.
-Tweet about this giveaway.
Just entered an awesome giveaway from @vozchica via @creative_index! http://tinyurl.com/3k3phtc

. . . . . . . . .

Giveaway closes on Tuesday, August 23rd at 10PM EST.
Winner will be chosen on Wednesday, August, 24th via random.org.

pinterest picks #02

2011-08-15T11:10:00.004-04:00

Hello sweet friends! How was your weekend? Mine was fun filled and family packed! Last night while relaxing and catching up on all my shows (and blogs!), I clicked on over to Pinterest, and found the usual sea of loveliness awaiting me. Here are a few of my favorite picks...

1. Need to order these for my next party! /// 2. Totally swooning over this dress!! /// 3. Taking a gallery wall to another level! Love the fun striped wall! /// 4. Such awesome table styling!! So playful and fun!

Can you tell I love stripes? ;)
Are you on Pinterest? What do you find you pin the most of?

links + things for your weekend

2011-08-12T17:45:00.001-04:00

Hello + Happy Friday, friends! The weekend is upon us and I for one am excited!! Tonight, we're going to see my cousin's band play at the beach club, and then we have family parties both Saturday and Sunday! We're busy little bee's this weekend! ;)

What are your plans? Are you in-store for a fun-filled or low-key weekend? And as always, how about a few links from around the web...

Kids clothing that has ADORABLE written on every piece.

7 signs you need a vacay.

LOVE this "Oh S#*!" eraser iphone case.

How many of these candy bars can you identify?

A guide to hanging curtain panels.

Amplify your eyes.

Cool off with a sweet treat.

Tips for moving long distances.

Creative ways to use pizza dough.

Have a good one, my sweet friends! xo

(image via here)

crave: avocado chicken salad

2011-08-11T11:15:00.001-04:00

The flavors of this chicken salad are definitely reminiscent of summer. I love avocado, so to fill it with other yummy stuff, I’m in heaven!

And if you've got a bit of leftover chicken from the night before, this is a great way to use it up for lunch. Can't wait to give this a try!

1 cup chicken breast, cooked and shredded
¼ cup corn
¼ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
¼ cup green onions, chopped
¼ cup tomatoes, diced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
¼ cup corn chips, crushed
2 tablespoons white vinegar
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt to taste
2-4 avocados, sliced in half with pits discarded

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken breast, corn, black beans, green onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and corn chips together. Add the vinegar and mayonnaise to mixture and toss to coat. Salt to taste. Spoon salad into halved avocados. Serve immediately with a spoon and fork. Enjoy!

(image + recipe via cheeky kitchen)

simply smitten: chandeliers

2011-08-10T10:45:00.003-04:00

I'm obsessed with chandeliers! I love how they instantly add a girly touch to any space... and whenever we decide to purchase a home, adding a sparkly chandy will definitely be on the to-do list! You can never have enough bling! ;)

Happy Wednesday! xo

(images via 1 // 2 // 3)

artist love: anna kunz

2011-08-09T11:20:00.006-04:00

I'm a sucker for abstract artwork, and Chicago artist Anna Kunz totally has me swooning right now. Her work is a-maze-ing and it's definitely keeping me inspired...

(images via anna kunz)

summer fun: sidewalk "paint"

2011-08-08T12:30:00.005-04:00

Hello Friends! How was your weekend? Looking to get the kids outside for some summertime fun? I have a solution for you.... sidewalk paint! This stuff is washable and edible and easy to make. Just combine one part water to one part cornstarch, then add food coloring. Easy peasy! (If you use to much food coloring, it may stain. So use at your own risk!)

For the full how-to (and to see more photos) visit Wendolonia.

(image via wendolonia)

two years

2011-08-07T18:10:00.002-04:00

Two years ago I married my best friend and partner in crime.

He loves me unconditionally, always knows the right thing to say and can make me laugh until I cry. He's honest, has such strong faith and cares about everyone. He gives me the last bit of ice cream and brings me flowers for no real reason. As each day passes, I can honestly say that my love for him grows deeper and stronger, and I look forward to all the new adventures and memories this coming year will bring.

a lovely bridal shower

2011-08-04T10:45:00.003-04:00

Hello + Happy Thursday, friends! Just wanted to pop in for a minute and share a glimpse of my cousin's bridal shower we had this past Saturday. We couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather was beautiful, the food was delicious (my aunt's made it all!) and it was really fun to catch up with everyone!

And see those invitations? I designed them! ;) If you're interested in design services, I'd love to help! Drop me a line and we can chat!

crave: orzo pasta w/ asparagus + artichokes

2011-07-28T11:10:00.002-04:00

This orzo pasta salad is loaded with asparagus and artichokes. A bit of white wine vinegar and lemon juice make this the perfect salad for a summer picnic or for a simple side dish.

1 bunch asparagus, about 3 cups diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 shallots, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces orzo pasta, cooked to al dente and cooled
15-ounce can artichoke hearts
1-1/2 cups sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, julienned
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil

Bring a medium saucepan full of water to a boil. Turn off the burner, add in asparagus pieces and blanch for 2-3 minutes. While the asparagus is in the water, heat one tablespoon olive oil in a small sauté pan. Add in shallots and garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until tender. Drain the asparagus and rinse with cool water.

In a large bowl add cooked orzo pasta, asparagus pieces and sautéed shallots and garlic. Drain artichoke hearts and quarter them, adding them to the bowl. Add in sun-dried tomatoes with oil and lemon zest. Stir to combine.

In a small bowl or container, whisk together lemon juice, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper. While continuously whisking, slowly pour olive oil into the vinegar. Once emulsified, stir the dressing into the salad. Move to the refrigerator for at least 5 hours for flavors to combine. Serve cold.

Makes 10+ servings.

(image + recipe via food for my family)

we have a tasteful winner!

2011-07-28T11:05:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Cat from BrideBlu. I'll be in contact with you soon! :)
Thanks to all that entered and and BIG thank you to Emiliee for hosting this giveaway!

fancy balloons

2011-07-27T10:20:00.003-04:00

I'm completely smitten with Geronimo balloons. Giant, perfectly round and decorated with glittery streamers and ribbon, each balloon becomes its own work of art.

Seriously, wouldn't it make you so happy to receive one of these for your birthday or anniversary? I think I would die from happiness!

Unique, memorable and quite magical. Yes, I am in L-O-V-E.

Oh, and check out this cute video to see how it all got started...

PS: Today's the last day to enter the Tasteful Tatters GIVEAWAY!!!

(images + video via geronimo)

changes

2011-07-25T10:05:00.005-04:00

So... I have some semi-big news...

... the Hubs will be going to Police Academy in August!! I'm so excited and proud of him! He's been wanting this for awhile, it's just bittersweet in a way... because Academy is in North Carolina and I'm staying here in Buffalo... at least for the next few weeks.

Now, I must get back to packing. (I'm moving back in with my Mom, until things get settled and we actually find a place down there! Any suggestions for cute areas to check out are definitely welcomed!!) Packing/moving in the stifling heat, really is the best!! :-/ Anyone wanna help?! ;-)

Blogging/commenting might be sporadic, so hang in there with me! Hope you all have a lovely Monday, and don't forget to enter the Tasteful Tatters GIVEAWAY!! :)

(image via pinterest)

links + things for your weekend

2011-07-22T13:20:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday, lovelies! The weekend is almost here. Enjoy the weather, eat lots of ice cream and have fun! And, as always here are a few great links from around the web:

Loving the simplicity of this necklace.

Beautiful hand lettering that has me swooning.

Get your sew on and make this adorable shirt.

5 ways to sparkle is month.

The world's most beautiful lakes.

Sweet treats for a Summer dessert table.

A graffiti wedding proposal.

Homemade cotton candy, no machine necessary!

PS: Don't forget to enter the Tasteful Tatter's giveaway!! :)

(image via hoy photography)

pinterest picks

2011-07-21T11:05:00.002-04:00

Hi guys! I hope your Thursday has been going beautifully so far! I've been a pinning maniac the past few days, so I thought I'd start sharing some of my fave picks of the week.

1. This bathing beauty has some major style. I'm totally swooning over that suit! ||| 2. I LOVE this dining room! It's casual and sophisticated and I love me a great chandelier! ||| 3. White flowers and mason jars... enough said! ;)

Have a great Thursday! xox

tasteful tatters giveaway!

2011-07-20T09:30:00.003-04:00

I LOVE pretty things. I LOVE reusing materials. I also LOVE handmade anything.

What started as a hobby, quickly turned into a passion for designer Emilee Sutherland. With a love for accessories and keen eye for style, she's on a mission to liven up wardrobes with her accessory line, Tasteful Tatters.

All of her pieces are completely unique and hand crafted from a mix of rare finds of vintage fabrics and the finest materials. From necklaces to headbands and everything in between, Emilee's attention to detail and passion for what she does, gives her collection a fun and sophisticated appeal.

Aren't her accessories beauteous? Emiliee is one super cool and talented chick. Not to mention generous! She's offering up any accessory (excluding bridal) from her shoppe to one lucky reader!

- You MUST be a follower of CI through GFC or Bloglovin'.
- Then visit the Tasteful Tatters Shoppe and leave a comment with your fave accessory!
Any accessory (except bridal) is up for grabs, so take your pick!!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
(leave separate comments please!!)

- Follow Emiliee's blog.
- Follow CI on twitter.
- Follow Emilee on twitter.
-Tweet about this giveaway.
Just entered to win an accessory from @EmileeSuthrland via @creative_index! http://tinyurl.com/3qf2h8z

. . . . . . . . .

Open to US residents only.
Giveaway closes on Wednesday, July 27th at 10PM EST.
Winner will be chosen on Thursday, July 28th via random.org.

GOOD LUCK! XO

DIY: super sweet popsicle invitations

2011-07-18T15:25:00.003-04:00

Hello, Lovelies! Happy Monday!! How was your weekend? It's been H-O-T here in Buffalo and I spent the weekend relaxing at the beach! :)

As I was browsing through Martha Stewart earlier, I stumbled across the sweetest DIY invitations. These retro-looking ice pops are sure to conjure some sweet flashbacks -- and definitely set the tone for an awesome summer party!

For all the details, head on over to Martha Stewart.

(image via martha stewart)

links + things for your weekend

2011-07-15T11:05:00.010-04:00

Hello Lovelies, what are you up to this weekend? The weather is supposed to be great, so I'm planning on spending as much time outside and at the beach as possible!! As always, here are a few great links from around the web:

+ Cool off with a sweet treat.

+ 21 flirty little date outfit ideas.

+ See the world below you in this transparent kayak.

+ 3 eyeliner tricks to try out.

+ Designy temporary tattoos.

+ DIY wrap bracelets.

+ Swooning over this orange crossover clutch.

+ Another Etsy shoppe to obsess over.

Have a fabulous weekend! xox

(image from thayer photo)