Friday, October 28, 2011

New Blog Finds...Are you in my Google Reader?

I'm just loving Google Reader.  Thanks to Becca from Cake for introducing me to it.  It saves me so much time.  All I have to do is click type in the name of the blog in the box above Add a Subscription, hit enter and then it pops up.  I like subscribe and voila!

All my blogs that I'm liking at the moment are right there.  They are bold when there is a new post.  So easy!!

Here are some of my most recent finds.

{1} When I'm looking for baking inspiration - I head over to Bakers Royale.

{2} When I need some design inspiration - I swing by Jesi Haack Weddings Blog. (I know - kinda funny that I go to a wedding blog for design inspiration - but these weddings are like mini productions and you can incorporate so many of the elements into everyday and corporate events.

{3} If I need a reality check or second guessing myself - Jess always has something good to say over at Makeunder My Life (by the way - she makes a gorgeous iPad case).

{4} Bri from Design Love Fest makes me smile - because you never know what you're gonna get...from her funky style and hilarious expressions to her Blogshop videos (which I really want her to come back to the Bay Area...so Bri...if you happen to discover my blog...can you please come back).

{5} Mimi+Meg has great fashion and interior design inspiration.

Check them out - you might just want to stay a while.  Have you made any new discoveries that you've added to your google reader?  Would love to hear.

Make sure you look up "Hey Caryl" and click that subscribe button. :)

Happy Weekend!!

Caryl




Thursday, October 27, 2011

The 40-something Fashionista likes her cases

I love me a good looking iPhone case.  Here are some of my favorites...which one is your favorite?


Chevron LOVE!!

Kate Spade GOLD!

Put those Instagram photos to good use!
Pencil Shavings Studio, Kate Spade, Casetagram

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Pumpkins {styled the easy way}

Halloween is just days away and I have a few pumpkins on my front porch that are in the need of some lovin'.  I heart this one (totally my style - sorry little mister...no blood or fangs), but there is no way I could do that initial free hand...


So I saw on Country Living's website this little tip...HELLO carbon paper.  You could use a stencil as well...but this way I can choose any font that I want for the initial.


So can you guess what I'll be doing in the next couple of days.

Happy Haunting!!

Caryl


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Possibilities

I went running today along a trail that runs about 15 miles long (No I didn't run 15 miles...I ran 3.5).  The scenery changes based on where you enter the trail.  Our home backs to one part of the trail that doesn't have a ton of trees which gives us the feel of open space.  The part of the trail that is close to my office has tons of trees and is so lush.  It was such a refreshing change to run this part of the trail.

It made me think of possibilities and "what ifs."  I believe that we have to be open to possibilities.  We all have a master plan in our minds of what our lives are suppose to look like.  But - what if?  What if there is another plan?  One that you just fall into?

I had a vision for my events company and I can tell you right now - my vision 5 years ago isn't what my business looks like now.  It's changed...it's evolved...I've changed.  What was once a focus isn't as much of a focus because the need from our customers has changed.

Anyone who knows me personally knows that my mind is going a million miles an hour.  I'm constantly thinking about possibilities and what ifs.  What if we try this or let's do something different...it's constant for me.

This was my running view...isn't it glorious?



So as we enter this Tuesday...I challenge you to think of possibilities and what ifs, be open to new things and ideas...because you just never know what could happen.

Tootles,

Caryl

Monday, October 24, 2011

DIY :: Chevron, Gold & Sequins

I've been obsessing over gold, sequins and chevron lately.  I especially love the trays that hold trinkets and such.  I've seen quite a few on interior design sites just sitting happily on tables and nightstands that I decided I wanted to make one.

I was in Joann's recently and I saw a small unfinished tray that I wanted to play with.  I wanted the chevron design and I wanted it in GOLD.

So this little project was actually really inexpensive.  I already had a few of the supplies (white spray paint and paint brushes) which kept the cost down.  Total investment: under $10.  If I hadn't had the spray paint and brushes, the cost would probably been close to $20.  But hey - that is still cheaper than if I were to buy one.

Step 1:  Spray paint the tray (I used white flat paint) and let dry.  An hour is good.




Step 2: Use blue painters tape to create your chevron design.  I measured the length and centered the middle chevron point.  I centered it directly in the middle.  I did use a pencil and measured with a ruler.  One thing to keep in mind with the painters tape is that paint might bleed - so be prepared for touch-ups and a steady hand (oh and those reading glasses - let's just say LIFESAVER!).




Step 3: Once your tray is taped, paint the white space.  One thing I didn't realize is the amount of coats you will need to get good coverage.  The paint does dry quickly so by the time I was done, I could start all over again.  When all was said and done - the tray has about 5 coats of paint.  When I took the picture, I could really see the areas that still needed to be painted.




Step 4: Remove the blue tape.  You will need a smaller brush for touch up.  I also repainted the white space.  I wanted the interior sides to be gold so painted that.




Step 5: Time for black sequins.  I wanted to add a little something something to the tray to add a little pizzazz.  This required glue, tweezers, black sequins and reading glasses (so I could see).  I found a font that I liked, printed it to make a template, outlined it directly on the tray and got out the glue.  I used the glue in sections.  I didn't want to glue the entire area at once for fear parts would dry.




Step 6: Style your tray!!  The finished product!!  I couldn't be happier with it.  It looks great sitting on my dresser holding my perfume, rings, sunglasses and such.




I started this project on Saturday afternoon and finished it up with the exception of the sequins that night.  This morning I went right to work on the sequins.  So what do you think?

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The 40-something Fashionista is GLAMOROUS

Being a 40-something...there are times when I'm wearing workout gear (the perks of having your own business)...but it's fashionable workout gear.  My gear of choice is Lululemon for those wondering.  It wears well - lifts where we need a little lift and washes well.

But we CAN get all glammed up.  So this post is dedicated to the glamour, glitz and flouncy flouncy.
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Ralph Lauren ($174)

jcrew

Zara - $79.90

Wouldn't these just be stunners for a holiday soiree?

So go and get your flouncy flouncy on...with a little Fergie {G L A M O R O U S}.



Enjoy!

Previous 40-something Fashionista posts :: here, here and here.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Tucker's Outdoor Movie Birthday Party

I'm so excited...today was my first party feature.  To say I'm over the moon is an understatement.  Thank you Kara's Party Ideas for featuring Tucker's Birthday.

What do you do when your little mister is turning ELEVEN?  He always loves to have parties at home...we've only gotten away twice with having parties outside the house.  I guess thats what happens when your mom owns an event planning company.

So this year the plan was to have a camping party.  For those of you who follow me on Pinterest, I've been pinning camping inspirations.  Planning events for a living does have a downside.  There was a very specific type of tent that I wanted for this party.  I did find it on the east coast, but I wanted to rent it - not buy it.  I couldn't find the one that I wanted anywhere on the west coast.  So we changed gears slightly.

We were always doing the outdoor movie, now we just made it the emphasis.  The boys were still able to pitch a tent outside and have their slumber party - it just wasn't the focus.

I wanted the invitation to be more of an illustration vs. something computer generated.  So I enlisted the help of my mom - who is an amazing artist.  Originally I gave her the idea for the camping (which she nailed that invite) and then the next day I called her and told her that we are changing things up.  She drew the picture and then faxed it over to me.

Next up was Adria from Anders Ruff.  I emailed her the image and she ran with the rest.  I told her the feeling that we were going for was vintage outdoor movie night.  Paper Source was next for the labels and the envelopes.  I love how they turned out.


I found a vintage film reel on craigs list for $10.  It's from 1969.  The red french fry containers are from Cost Plus (thanks to Rebecca from Fresh Chicks Designs for that find) as well as the large popcorn buckets.  Anders Ruff did the labels and the water bottle wrappers.


Instead of a dessert table, we decided to create a concession stand.  I enlisted the help of Michelle from Cakewalk Baking to create the film reel cake.  This cake was AMAZING!  There was lots of movie time candy - the kids were definitely on a sugar HIGH!  The popcorn and film reel cookies were created by Allyson Jane.  Super yummy!  Anders Ruff did the concession stand banner and we took the images that she created and made a little backdrop.


Next up - time for the movie.  The kids finished swimming, eating pizza, having cake and they were ready to settle into watching Old Dogs with John Travolta and Robin Williams.

Everyone had a blast.  The best part...the little mister saying this was the best birthday ever!

Special Thanks:
My Mom
Printables: Adria - Anders Ruff
Cake: Michelle - Cakewalk Baking
Cookies: Allyson Jane - Allyson Jane Cookies
Featuring: Kara - Kara's Party Ideas
Event Styling: Caryl - ROAR events group & Jaimie - Jaimie Belew Interiors




Well HELLO there...SHIMTOKK

Have you heard of SHIMTOKK?  If not - well, you must check them out.  They are the combined forces of SHIM+SONS and TOKKETOK.  One specializing in packaging + paper goods (let me lust now) and the other in Letterpress Stationery.  They're so crazy creative - it's INSANE!

Over the summer they offered a packaging 101 class in Portland.  I discovered them right after the class took place.  (So SAD!) But trust me - I'd hop on a plane to take a class from these creatives anytime!!

I love the simplicity of their packaging.  I stumbled on these simple Hello gift tags that would make any present feel special.


Aren't they just the sweetest?  Click here to see their full post and you can download these gems so you can add a little extra goodness to your pretty little packages.

Tootles,

Caryl

Monday, October 17, 2011

Do You Get Distracted?

Happy Monday Everyone!!

As we enter into the work week...do you ever find yourself distracted?  Ha ha - I know that is a pretty funny statement.

You have a massive to-do list and you start working on it and then - uh oh...something distracts you?

There is always an excuse to just answer one more email or take that one phone call, read the latest version of People vs. actually doing something that you were suppose to do today?

Sounds familiar?

If so, I think you will really enjoy this video.



I found it on the Makeunder My Life blog, and found her through Mimi+Meg's blog - another great read.  Two words that describe both of them - PURE AWESOMENESS!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Missoni Goldmine @ Target

I had to do some shopping for the little mister's outdoor ed camp so we headed to Target.

I hit the Missoni GOLDMINE!!  (Let me say before I go any further...I did go to Target the day of the Missoni launch.  I got there around 3pm and it was completely cleaned out.)

First the San Ramon Target - closest to our abode.  This lovely chevron poof was just sitting all by it's lonesome on a shelf.  I heard her calling my name from 30 feet away.  I thought to myself...she can't be talking to me...OH YES SHE WAS.  She was saying..."I was an online return and I'm on CLEARANCE for $40.06 (still have some online for $79.99) and you MUST take me home."  SO I DID!


We got the little mister his pants that he needed.  We ended up getting the wrong size (he refused to try them on - how many of you have kids like that?).  So I had to go back to Target.  But I decided I wanted to go to Joann's first.  I'm working on a painting that still needs a little something something.

So enter - Target Dublin.  It's across the street from Joann's.  It was convenient - what can I say.  I return the pants and then headed to the boys department...but I saw something out of the corner of my eye...oooooh could it be some office supplies?  Why YES!  Notebooks and a clipboard.  I have to say...I did want these!  SCORE!

Oh but wait...there's more.  On an endcap - there was the travel tote in the chevron print.  I actually didn't get this.  I have a ton of travel totes (I know - it's a problem, I'm working on it) and I think if I brought another one in the house - the MISTER would pitch a big FAT FIT!  So I left that there for the next person to come along...BUT...I wanted to see if they had the luggage.  Sadly they didn't, but they had ONE laptop case left.  It wanted to come home with me.  So I let it.



So I would say...today was a surprise and a delight!

Tootles,

~ Caryl

Weekend Round Up {current obsessions}

The little Mister heads to a week of outdoor education camp with the rest of the 5th graders.  Our guy hasn't been without his Mom or Dad for more than 24 hours.  Last year - the Mister went with him to 4th grade camp which was only 3 days.

He says he isn't nervous - I think we are more nervous for him.

So to get my mind off obsessing about the fact that I won't see my baby for a whole week - I thought I would share what I've been obsessing about this past week.

Navy Blue/White Chevron Stripe Lucite Tray

Isn't this Chevron tray the bomb!!  I found it over at new blog obsession - Breakfast at Toast.  If you're obsessed with it too - you can buy it here.

I love Geronimo Balloon Troopers...when I saw one of their latest creations over at 100 Layer Cake - well...my LOVE went to an entirely new level.  Brown - I mean...really.  This is the BOMB multiplied!



I do love a great calendar...ok, I am obsessed with them.  I don't know if that is a good thing or not.  I haven't found one that works perfectly for me.  I want my to-do's and calendar together and be able to mix in the little mister's activities.  I really want ONE place to go.  I've tried the "mom agenda" which is great if you have more than one kiddo.  I've tried doing everything electronically, but that didn't work (especially the to-do's) - I like to see everything.  So thanks to Aimee Broussard (who I met in NYC at the Martha Stewart Dreamers into Doers event), I might have found THE one.  Enter the "life" planner from Erin Condren.  It arrives in about a week - so I'll keep you posted.  Of course I HAD to get the CHEVRON one. :)



I really want to make this shiny, sparkly lamp.  Not quite sure where I'm gonna put it...it might have to go in the bedroom.  




Back to reality... I'm off to Target to get the little mister last items for camp!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Comfort Food that Warms the Heart

Fall is upon us (even though it doesn't quite feel like that here in the Bay Area) and that means comfort food is on the menu.  I love baked beans.  I love bite size morsels.  These are from Peter Callahan's new book Bite by Bite, 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party.  I can't wait to make these.

Wanna see more? Head over to the ROAR blog for more comfort food inspiration.

baked beans in bacon cups bite by bite peter callahan
photo via


Thursday, October 13, 2011

12 by 2012



I'm a big goal person and when I say Oh, Hello Friend, I knew that this was something just up my ally.  I'm someone who needs to be held accountable and when you put goals down on paper (in this case on a blog) and other's can see it - well it pushes me.  Some of these goals are business related, but some are person...and SOME JUST NEED TO GET DONE (no more putting them off!)

So here we go...my 12 goals that need to be complete by December 31, 2012. (in no particular order)

1) Clean and organize the garage (I knowfunny - that's the first goal I typed - but really people - it's gross).

2) Rebrand the ROAR events blog.

3) Work on the ROAR office workspace. (Organize those crazy shelves)

4) Get 2 new clients for ROAR.

5) Get my Christmas Cards out on time so they don't need to be Happy New Year and hope your holidays were great cards.

6) Sign up and train for a marathon. (I know - I can't believe I just typed that one...but I did.  I've run 2 marathons before - but it's been soooo long)

7) Launch a fun, secret new project I'm working on.

8) Create an editorial calendar for 2012 for this blog and the ROAR blog.

9) Carve out "me" time. (This might be one of the hardest but one of the most important.)

10) Build the platform with the Little Mister (yes...it requires a drill, hammer and nails).

11) Have 5 "family days" (hiking, exploring, heading to the city, movies) where we spend quality time together.

12) Weekly family cooking nights and yes that means the Little Mister cooking.

Wish me luck!  Who wants to join in the fun?  If you do - head over to Oh, Hello Friends Blog for the deets!





The 40-something Fashionista...accessorizes

Sometimes the 40-something fashionista has a hard time fitting in some of those fashionable outfits.  SHOCKER I know (insert image of me laughing right now)!

So what is a lady to do?  Accessorize!

Here are some fun finds.  Which do you like best?










Wednesday, October 12, 2011

{Drab or Fab} Spray Paint & Trash Can = GORG

I have a new blog favorite - Mer Mag.  She is a creative wonder.

As I was flipping through her posts and saying ohhh check that out...ohhh LOVE that, I saw the most amazing trash can.

Yes - you heard correctly!

If your trash can is out in plain view - don't you want it to look great?  I know I sure do.

We have one of these in the garage...


Does it look familiar?

Well tomorrow - I'm going to Joann's and buying a can of gold spray paint...and I'm gonna do this...


Amazing - right?

When I'm done - I'll post a photo and let's see if mine turns out the same way - wish me luck.

Tootles,

Caryl

photos via: Mer Mag blog


Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Bakerella Does it AGAIN

I think I was one of the first people that rushed out to get Bakerella's book Cake Pop.

After looking through the book - saying I was a bit overwelmed was an understatement.  I mean - her pops are aMAZing!  A friend of mine came over and we had ourselves a little baking party.  We chose to make the basic pop - which I have to say...turned out extremely tasty.

Well hold on to your britches people...Ms. Bakerella is coming out with a Cake Pop Kit.  You heard correctly.  It will be available in stores in November.

Below is a sneak peak at what it will look like.



When you purchase the kit...you get a booklet that shows some original masterpieces from the Cake Pop book, but she has added in some new cuteness.  You also get the lolly sticks, ribbon and tags for the pops.  I can't wait to get my hands on this kit to check them out.  You can pre-order the kit from Amazon here for $13.57.

Bakerella's publisher is Chronicle Books.  We all know what greatness comes out of this publishing house.  Well - not only did they publisher her book...they created this kit AND they have also put together some darling notecards.

If you want to know more about Cake Pops - check out her video.



Oh man...I'm getting hungry!

Tootles,

Caryl

*images via Bakerella


Monday, October 10, 2011

Nest Yourself Down

How would you like to lounge around this comfy beanbag - better known as the NEST?  I can just picture myself with a piping cup of coffee and the latest book I'm reading...The Gospel According to Coco Chanel.

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Zilalila makes Nest, which is an XXL cushion, handknitted by the skilled women of a fair trade production unit in Nepal.  If you want one of these babies - you need to order them from The Netherlands.  They haven't made there way over to the US yet.

First spotted on Kriste Michelini's blog as part of her Tuesday Textiles series.  Want some inspiration - check out her blog.  There is always something fun happening over there.


words...a gentle reminder

Words can bring such inspiration.

I have sayings posted all over my office.

They bring me inspiration when I need it most.  They are gentle reminders of the person I want to be.

I was reading the latest issue of O Magazine and Joel McHale was talking about "the best," the best soup, vacation, etc.  When it got to best advice - he said that someone told him "be nice to everybody," when someone's a jerk everyone hears about it.

I gave that advice to my little man tonight.  If you really think about what Joel said...it's very true.  But another thing to remember...is that people ALWAYS remember if someone wasn't nice.

How is your customer service? How are you treating your friends?  Your family members?  Your co-workers?

Here are some gentle reminders to start off your Monday...

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*all images via Pinterest

Want to see my WORDS board - check it out.

If you have any words that inspire you - leave a comment.  Would love to hear.

Tootles,

Caryl



Saturday, October 8, 2011

Weekend Round-up

Eeeek this week has flown by.  Busy week working on some Halloween concepts for a client event.  I just love this tablescape that AndersRuff did.

Happy Haunted Halloween Printable Design Collection Party

When I wasn't working this week...I was dreaming of:

Magical moments that are guaranteed not to be missed with the Minimo-X...

Subway Art Love...Learn how to make your own

Bite size goodness from Peter Callahan Catering...check out his new book here.

Being whisked away to this sandy beach.

The glamorous dinner I would be having sitting at this table.

Happy Weekend!!

Caryl


Thursday, October 6, 2011

{Looks of the Week} The 40 Something Fashionista

Looking for some fashion inspiration?  Here are some of my fall favorites of the week.  Which do you like best?

The J. Crew Etta Dress looks amazing with or without the belt.  Great for work or just running around town.



This Ann Taylor number is great for work and and after hours cocktails with friends!



Great for casual Fridays or the weekend lunching with your besties.


The giltter clutch that would add glitz and glamour to any outfit.



Tuesday, October 4, 2011

I DO!

I've been married for 15 years and after watching this wedding video of Oh, Hello Friend - it makes me want to get married all over again.  Hmmm - I wonder if the Mister will go for it?

Anyhoo - the details are BEYOND any imagination.

I'm in LOVE with the vintage feel.  Everything and everyone looked so unbelievably relaxed.  What really stood out was movement.  That might sound strange - but when you go to receptions people tend to stay in their own group.  Maybe they did here - but it definitely didn't look like it.

The mix of picnic blankets and tables is just brilliant.  They didn't set up a typical buffet - oh no...they set up a PICNIC basket buffet.  L O V E!!!


Nick & Danni from Chaz Curry on Vimeo.

I love the fact they didn't get the video until they had been married for a year.  They were able to relive every joyful moment all over again.

Enjoy!

Caryl




Monday, October 3, 2011

Comparison - Is it a good thing?

Do you think comparison is a good thing?

If you are comparing quality or taste maybe.

Comparing yourself to someone else - I don't think so.

Being a creative person and in a creative industry...we can at times fall victim to comparing ourselves to others.

Here's the thing - we are all unique in our own way.

Comparison leads to competition.  Competition between people and business.  I think competition can be a good thing...it keeps you on your game.

But here's the deal...if you love what you do:
keep doing it
keep improving
keep challenging yourself

Because at the end of the day...you need to love yourself, your family and you need to have joy!  If you are constantly comparing...constantly looking over the fence and comparing yourself to the other person or business...you aren't going to go anywhere.

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Don't let comparison steal your joy!  Keep doing what you love.

Have a great start to your week!

Tootles,

Caryl


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