Welcome! My name’s Emily, and I’m a Celebration Coach in Portland, Oregon (think event planner + life coach + creative merriment pusher). I fancy living AND celebrating the good life from the inside out – and supporting other fabulous lovelies do the same. I also happen to be all about sharing the charming details and inspired notions that make life - and all its jovial celebrations – authentically merry, which is what you’ll find right here in this cozy space. Cheers!
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Sweet Estelle’s Baking Supply absolutely satisfies every burning desire I have to dress up my cupcakes and give them the attention they deserve. I love the variety of colors and styles they offer us cupcake enthusiasts and party planners. It’s like entering a great clothing store for cupcakes – something for every taste, every mood, and every style. They also offer fun retro (cup)cake toppers, so check them out if you’re in the market.
The first year in a new home undoubtedly brings some fun discoveries. One of the best for Adam and I has been witnessing the seasonal unveiling of our yard. To call it a yard, however, does not seem to do it justice. The term urban park mixed with a bit of the garden of eden seems much more appropriate. We live on a ridge, so the typical grassy lawn is totally not an option. Instead, we have a 45 stair, winding, uphill venture through a landscaped terrain.
Apparently our home and yard were the proud possession, at some point in its life since its birth in 1921, of a landscape architect and lover of fruit. Thanks to him, it’s now our proud pleasure. In this first summer season, we’ve witnessed (and enjoyed in plenty) cherries, raspberries, and blueberries. And now, coming to our plates: apples and figs! Grapes are apparently on their way, as well.
With a tree full of apples, Adam and I headed out for our first apple picking venture. According to the landscape map drawn by the previous owners (once removed from the landscape design owner) the apple tree is a McIntosh. We joke that we are way more country living in the city of Portland than we ever were living in the ‘burbs of Iowa. We joke, but it’s absolutely true - as we’ve bought into a great responsibility of caring for this urban park/garden of eden of a yard.
I LOVE that’s it time to pick apples, by the way. That means fall is so on its way. Sure, we may be a bit premature with the picking, but it’s far too exciting to pass by a full tree of apples and not dig in. It’s our first year, after-all. Perhaps next year, we will have learned the fine art of patience. Until then, these apples are delish!
I found this great list of America’s Best Apple Picking Farms, which includes Dwight Miller in Massachusetts, Jones Creek Farms in Washington, Weston’s Antique Apples in Wisconsin, and Kiyokawa in the mountains of Oregon. I bet you’ve got some favorites of your own. If so, where do you love to go?
Happy Monday! And so happy it is because today we get to meet the delightful Ms Lauren – the voice behind the stylish and enjoyable entertaining blog, A Fabulous Fete.
Lauren grew up in southern California spending her allowance and the great portion of her weekends in the local craft stores buying anything that was pretty. To this day, as she lives vibrantly in her 20s and still happily in southern California, there’s not much of a question as to where she chooses to spend her time and money. Say it with me now… craft stores!
“I went to school for fashion design, fell into a not so creative job, then decided I need to be creative and have been creating things in my free time ever since,” Lauren said.
Like many of us, once she tasted the sweetness of Etsy, her creative drive was affirmed and that’s when A Fabulous Fete, the shop, was born. As for the catalyst to focus her creative energy on celebrations? That is in large part thanks her love, whom she met four years ago, as well as the presence of her two “crazy” dogs.
“I’ve really started to express my creativity and love for entertaining since I met him. I believe that my love for those things came about after the realization that happiness is really about having family and friends around… and what better way to constantly have them around than a beautiful get together?”
Lauren is not only creative, crafty, and gleeful – she’s also generous! She’s hosting a giveaway through the end of the week. Check out her blog for the fabulous giveaway deets!
So, now that you know Lauren, how about we get inspired by her a little more. Here’s more of my interview with the fabulous Lauren of A Fabulous Fete. Cheers!
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Q: Your blog, A Fabulous Fete, beautifully shares brilliant party details. Can you tell us a bit about how your blog came to life, as well as where you draw inspiration for your posts today?
I had so many ideas and was always coming across beautiful things on the internet. I think my friends were getting sick of me emailing them every time I found something cute, so I decided to start a blog. This way I could share the great finds with people who had similar interests and also get feedback on any ideas or products I wanted to share with a larger audience. I was also in the beginning stages of starting a fabulous fete, I thought that if I started building a group of readers now, then I would have them to share new products with… one more way to promote your goods, and again to an audience who has similar taste and are potential customers.
Inspiration for posts really comes from eye-catching images. It can be anything from a yummy looking cookie… so I think, “hey! I want to share that really good recipe and then show everyone some cute packaging to put it in!” to a great pair of shoes for a good deal {I am a bargain hunter people! You’ll find me on the clearance aisle 90% of the time}, to seeing an awesome necklace and wanting to come up with a way you can make it yourself, easily. I’m a visual person, who most of the time scans the pictures and skips the words.
Q: You feature some great DIY embellishments on your blog – like the beautified bangle and the mini love notes. What is it about a project that gets you excited and motivates you to not only create, but to share it with others?
Honestly when a project is easy and doesn’t take hours to complete. Those are definitely the projects I love to do and love to share. I like instant gratification, I don’t like to wait for things:) if I come to a stopping point in a project, chances are I’m not going to pick up in the morning and finish. I will most likely start a new project. I’m scatter brained when it comes to crafting, I can’t spend too long on one project. I really also gravitate towards projects that are useful. Take for instance the two you mentioned, I wore my bangle the next day to work and then to sushi, and one of my love notes was stashed in the bf’s wallet for him to find the next day:)
Can I keep going? One last thing that draws me to a project is when I see something in a store that is ridiculously over priced, but would be SO easy to make at home! I really love sharing these projects because I know it’s something everyone will appreciate. I have a specific diy project coming up that I saw in a store in la for, um… $30? I’ll show you how to make it under $3!
Q: What are the thoughts you hold during the celebration creation process that support your ability to enjoy the process, as well keep calm and carry on?
My main goal when preparing for a celebration is to create a beautiful event that is going to make everyone comfortable and feel at home. So I think that just keeping in mind that you are doing something for family and friends that is going to create an enjoyable time for them, that will keep you sane and not cause too much panic. Sometimes in your mind you create something, and many times it might not end up exactly how you planned. You have to remember that no one can see your vision except you, and no one is going to notice that minor detail you just didn’t have time to complete. I struggle with this EVERY time. And almost always, I tell someone… “well, the cupcakes would’ve been cuter if I had time to make those fabric flags” or “I was looking for white candles but they only had cream”. No one noticed! Trust me.) They’ll only know if you blurt it out when they get there.
Q: What’s one of the best celebrations you’ve ever been to or thrown? What made it so fantastic and meaningful?
I think that the best event I’ve ever put together was when I finally decided that party planning/designing was something I wanted to pursue. I asked a friend to team up with me and do all of the food prep for the party so I could focus on décor. It was a girls night so everything was just darling and so much fun to plan because majority of it was pink:) my favorite color! I still love to look back at those pictures. They give me a great feeling inside because each time I look at them I remember how inspired I was putting the whole night together. It went from a fun bash to a meaningful night when I saw the looks on all of the girls faces as they arrived. The praise and compliments received that night really gave me the push I needed to know that this was something I should be doing.
Q: On the Hello!Self blog, we love to shine the light on the people, places, products, and notions that make us giddy and grin from ear to ear – what we call Good Life Goods. What are some of your Good Life Goods today?
Well… since I can’t list ALL of them, this will be hard:)
I absolutely love visiting elsie’s blog… she inspires me every day because she has done so much and is so young! As for “things,” I’m completely obsessed with Japanese masking tape, garage saleing on a Saturday morning with my bf, a cup of coffee, and an old fashioned donut, this chicks cake bunting, cupcakes… mini things… beautiful packaging, and the dream of one day being able to have handwriting almost as lovely as this. A day full of these things would really be my perfect day!
Q: In addition to your blog, you refer to yourself as a crafter – and even showcase some of your wears on the blog. What gets your creativity flowing so that you can churn out lovely pieces with your own two hands? And what about the process of creating something yourself brings you alive?
I am most creative in the morning… so I love to wake up, have some coffee and go sit in my office. My best ideas usually come to me when my desk is a disaster of prettiness. Usually there’s fabric, sequins, paper, ribbon, tape… you name it, cluttering up my desk. I’ll just start grabbing things and experimenting. Another way I think I am inspired to craft is when I’m thrifting or garage saleing. I’ll see something that a person might overlook because it’s broken or ugly… but I know that if I paint it, add some new fabric, or cut it up, it will be perfect!
I love making things because you always know that no one else is going to have anything like it. I have a tendency to take better care of something I put my time into as well. It means so much more when I get a compliment on a top I embellished or a table runner I made… rather than saying, “I got it at target!”.
Q: Now it’s time for the speed round. Quick – what’s your favorite:
Pick-me-up?
Physically- a run followed by a great cup of coffee… mentally- shopping!
Article to wear on a lazy Sunday?
Leggings with a long and loose boyfriend tee
Party decoration?
Garland!
Clothing designer?
this is hard… if I was good at it, I would own all vintage, and if I could afford it, 3.1 phillip lim
Way to be kind to yourself?
A really good glass of wine
Etsy shop?
Happy Friday! As you are heading off to a weekend of rejuvenation, merriment, and togetherness, I want to leave you this week with a celebration story. It’s a three(ish) minute outtake from last week’s This, I Celebrate segment of the Happy Hour podcast. It’s purpose? To share in the joyful buzz of a good party through hearing the authentically merry celebration tales of other fabulous lovelies. 
Today, we are all invited to hear how celebrations brighten up Megan’s life and home – and have been doing so for her entire life – thanks to the creative direction of her mother. As you can see from the photos of Megan’s childhood celebrations, there’s no shortage of great smiles, party dresses, and creative planning. As you’ll discover, however, the joyful energy of these celebrations, and the beautiful intention behind them, far outlive the ruffles and icing – and remain with Megan to this day.
LISTEN HERE and enjoy!
Have a fabulous weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday! Cheers! Oh- and don’t forget that today’s the last day to leave a comment or Tweet about what you’re celebrating in this moment for a chance to win an Oh Joy Journal! The winner will be announced next week on this blog and via Twitter. Good luck!
Good day! Well, it’s happened again friends! I’ve met another creative lovely with a merry blog that you’ve just got to meet. Meet Jenny! She is the maker of handmade fabric garlands for celebrations and is the voice behind the fabulously festive blog, Hank and Hunt. She’s a happy at home wife and Momma to two crazy mini-men under 5. She’s obsessed with parties , fetes, celebrations, interior design, lost, books, fabric, vintage. And like many of us, she could drop the cost of a small car in Anthropologie, Jcrew, and the Nordstrom shoe department and wishes she lived in the restoration hardware catalog. She’s the first to admit that she’s got an affinity for Martha Stewart blue and mini doxies. And how lucky are her friends?! She happens to love to not only give presents but wrap them up all pretty, too. Also on her love list: vintage linens, advertising, wrapping paper, muslin, and kraft paper. She happens to crave good fonts, which comes through in her design choices, and she’ll whip up decorations with her own two hands – and does so often. In fact her favorite, fabric garlands, are available in her Etsy store, also called Hank and Hunt. She does custom orders, so check it out. They are so yummy and so festive – just like her blog!
By the way, Jenny is offering a giveaway today on 30 Days Blog! Is it your lucky day, or what?! Check out the details for your chance to win her beautiful creation HERE.
So – are you ready to get to know her even better? Well then let’s do it! (I’m still laughing/tearing up at her response to the question about the best celebration she’s been to or thrown. Oh dear God. So great.) Here’s my interview with Jenny of Hank and Hunt:
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Q: Your blog, Hank and Hunt, is a merry space with an emphasis on handmade celebrations. Can you tell us a bit about how your blog came to life, as well as where you draw inspiration for your posts today?
I am obsessed with party goodies. I love finding new lovelies. I love shopping, but it’s more of the hunt of finding something different. I love making lists. I wanted to share it with others. I have a small, close knit family and intimate friends. I thought it had to be useful information, so why not share my finds and goodies with others. It’s like I have a little, loud person inside me that wants out. I am really quite shy. The blog was a way I could do it both ways. I could write quietly at home to my friends and family and find stuff someone would find helpful. A lot of my tips and DIY info is probably out there somewhere, but I like to show how I did it. How I figured it out. If I want to make pom poms, I just do it. I don’t look up someone else’s. It helps to see how people do things differently. Oh, and I don’t do incredibly complicated. Easy peasy only.
I get my inspiration from random things. I have loved Etsy forever and find new goodies that people make with their own hands, everyday. I adore that. I have always stayed a bit away from mass-marketed kids’ party stuff. It makes me cringe. We indulge the kids of course, we have toys and grandma has made Hunter a Thomas pillowcase, but all those cheesy party plates and hats…no more. I started looking on etsy at the printable selection, they are gorgeous! You can customize them so your kid doesn’t have the same thing as the kids next door. Isn’t that more interesting? It shows thought and effort. I value the time it takes to personalize very highly.
Q: You recently featured a ½ year celebration party on your blog. Here at Hello!Self, we love to celebrate the significance in each moment, so I am digging this concept. The “normal” culture of birthday celebration typically looks past the ½ birthday and only to the main birthday as reason for celebration, which is why I am SO in love with the ½ year party plan you created. Can you share your inspiration behind this idea?
I had been planning to send a 6 month present to my sis-n-law for Harry’s milestone. I had always wanted to do that for my boys, but life is so busy when you are a new mom, you forget things and you get busy and miss the day. I regret not having pictures of each month exact birthday of that very first year, that I knew that at least I could give her the six month milestone. So while flitting around the internet, I found the card from Rifle Paper Co. and it was perfect. Then, I thought about garland (of course, right?) and came up with the dots to match and planned to use my new fringe garland, much more masculine than ruffles. Then I had the idea for the half cake. Half a birthday cake ‘cause its half a birthday. I thought it was funny. Then I just start sketching stuff out, and remembering random goodies I have seen in different shops. Three or four sketches and lists later, voila!
I think I should mention that we are states away from the rest of our family. It’s just us, and I miss having that connection with extended family, I always wanted it for our kids, since I never had it growing up. We are still close, but the distance has emphasized the importance of extended family, and with it celebrating mini-milestones. Everyday should be special. I bake a lot with the boys and we decide decorating themes. It’s fun and I hope they remember it from when they were little.
My next party is Henry’s first day at preschool. I am going to get it all set up when he’s away that day. He will be incredibly surprised and Hunter loves to help set up. It’s just our little family, but it’s going to be great. I am really excited!
Q: What are the thoughts you hold during the celebration creation process that support your ability to enjoy the process, as well keep calm and carry on?
Preparation is everything. Get everything done ahead of time. Plan and piece it together before the big day. And I always have too much stuff. Too many platters, too many goodies, too much décor. Not like a crazy amount too much, but a little bit. Just so you can be extra flexible. If something isn’t going to work that day, that’s okay. Does it really matter? Be flexible. Make it easy on you, so you can have fun.
Oh – farm stuff out, it is definitely important for your sanity. I did this for Henry’s last birthday. I found the perfect cowboy printables, why recreate the wheel? Although I love playing with designs, I am not a graphic designer. I should have been, I want to learn, but in reality, it would have taken me a week to make all of those printables. Source others talent. We are meant to work together.
Q: What’s one of the best celebrations you’ve ever been to or thrown? What made it so fantastic and meaningful?
My favorite party ever was one we (my parents and I) threw for my guinea pig. We even made hats with construction paper and cotton balls (yes for the guinea pig too.) Gosh, I must have been five or six. It was cheap and plain, but perfect. It makes me smile every single time I think of it. I think the most important part of a party is to make it so that the person it’s for feel special and like it was made especially for them, that you listened, remembered and cared enough to make it come true. I guess just that you “get” them.
Q: On the Hello!Selfblog, we love to shine the light on the people, places, products, and notions that make us giddy and grin from ear to ear – what we call Good Life Goods. What are some of your Good Life Goods today?
Q: In addition to your blog, you have an Etsy shop, called Hank and Hunt, where you sell fabric garlands. Let’s just call it for what it is. I am obsessed with fabric garlands and they way these handmade lovelies simply brighten a space. Because of this, I am so curious what it is about fabric garlands that tickle you so much. And what is your favorite way to use them?
I love fabric. I have an embarrassing amount of fabrics because I think they are pretty, and I still want more! I also have a love for muslin, it’s so soft and buttery and you can’t help but touch it. The color is to die for, neutral but warm and it changes depending on the surroundings. I love touching the garlands, and seeing them outside in the breeze is so pretty. These babies have passed the Reno wind test (aka hurricane gusts), so they’ll be perfect for any outdoor event. I have them hanging all over my craft room. I just really love them anywhere in groups. Still trying to convince the hubs to let me hang some on our headboard. My newest way to use them is for Christmas, I am going to wrap my tree(s) in them.
Q: Now it’s time for the speed round. Quick – what’s your favorite:
Pick-me-up?
Dancing with the kids. I even make them dance to ask pretty please if they are being whiny. Makes ‘em laugh every time ‘cause mamma can’t dance (but shhhh…they don’t know that yet, they still think I’m awesome)
Party food?
Cupcakes with buttercream icing, the chemical kind really is my favorite, you know the kind that doesn’t melt in water and gets that crunch on top? Terrible, I know. It’s an addiction. Why did I even say cupcake? Forget the cake. It really is an obsession with the icing. I used to order cakes from the bakery specifically designed to have more icing. And yes, I will eat spoonfuls of it.
Party decoration?
Garland, bunting, streamers, pompoms, you name it, the hanging stuff.
Way to get creativity flowing?
New music. I just fell in love with a bunch of music my friend Sharon of Cupcakes and Cutlery. She mailed me mix tapes – how amazing is that? It still makes me smile, the nicest thing anyone’s done for no reason. She even made one from her boys to my boys. I love perfect little acts of random kindness. Amazing. So, I’ve been dancing my way around the house lately and ideas just keep popping out.
Way to be kind to yourself?
A nap when the boys are both out at the same time. It basically accomplishes nothing, but just feels insanely indulgent to lay there listening to the fan. Ahhhh…just thinking of it makes me happy.
Etsy shop?
Highstreetmarket. She has all the best vintage goodies, milk glass, antlers, pewter, you name it. Gorgeous attention to detail. Her blog is amazing also. Pure Eye Candy.
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(all images from Hank & Hunt blog and Hank & Hunt shop)
