Cheers to you, 2015.

This last year has brought a tremendous amount of joy, achievement and precious moments.

For starters, I turned 30 years old and celebrated with a snow storm, a stomach flu and an amazing dinner party with twenty-some of my closest friends.

Mike and I took our first trip abroad together (his first ever!). We took in the gorgeous sites and delicious dishes of Venice, Bologna, Rome, Florence and Siena. Plus we were able to spend a few days with my bestie in Madrid, exploring her turf and meeting new friends.

I made the tough decision of leaving my Divaris family, yet took on several more freelance clients, the spectacular endeavor of Art Director of Vow Bride magazine and, if that wasn't enough, a challenging design position at the Virginia Zoo. Those undertakings, plus a very encouraging boss granted me the Top Forty Under 40 award, presented by Inside Business.

Scattered between all of that were roadtrips, weddings, my first (and last) 10k race, new pals and mentors, two dear friends got engaged, several more got pregnant! I've worked harder than hard, played aggressively and never regretted a second.

Hands down the best moment of the last 365 days? Saying 'I do.' Here is to our first year of marriage, the first year of just a few firsts for us as husband and wife. Let's see what we can get into in 2016.

Plant Adventures Abroad

It's only been five months since our Honeymoon, but with all this extra time on my hands these days (ha), I figured it's about time I post some photos from our trip. This first photographic adventure is dedicated to my dear friend of Glass Gardens. He has traveled down many of the plant roads, but I think I found a few stops from our trip that would certainly impress him. From sidewalks to retail shops, the botanical scene wasn't easy to miss. Here we go!

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither were some of these magnificent ivy walls. From top left, shrubs and bushes in terra cotta pots to make an "alley" into an apartment building (Rome); hotel covered in Ivy (Rome); flowers in barrels to create a wall between a restaurant and a street (Bologna); ivy having from powers lines (Rome).

City shops and residents made up for the lack of green space by adding it to their entryways. Left, garland and hanging baskets (Venice); Right middle, herbs planted in wooden boxes adhered to entrance gate (Madrid); ivy and herbs scattered throughout a wire hanging plant box (Florence); Right bottom, shrub-looking plant trained to grow over a door (Siena).

There were an abundance of florists and markets to do your flower shopping. From top left, everything shop (Florence); florist shop (Bologna); florist shop (Bologna); open-air street market (Florence).

I couldn't count the number of times I tripped or stumbled - and not because of the delicious wine OR uneven cobblestones - because of the beauty you'd miss if you weren't looking UP. From top left, stunning purple fence box gardens (Rome); terrace gardening (Siena); waterfront gardening (Venice); covering ugly, barred windows with plants (Madrid); window gardening (Venice).

Plants in retail. From top left, cactus in glass houses; cactus in bird cages (Rome); crates on wheels for easy shopping at a market - with plants (Madrid); hanging plants and bicycles from the ceiling in Toma (Madrid). 

More plants in retail. Left, hanging spider plant baskets INSIDE a food market (Madrid); Right top, clover plants in miniature pots (Rome); Right bottom, unique head pots with ferns and herbs (Rome).

A few curious plants. From Top left, algae and seaweed on steps leading into the Grand Canal (Venice); a giant plant fountain island in the Vatican (Vatican City); miniature green house at a botanical garden (Florence).

Well, it proved to be yet another intensely busy Summer. However, when people ask me how my Summer was, or what I did, I seem to draw a blank. I guess this is my answer.

1. Tassel banners
2. New hair clips
3. Inspiration photos
4. Relax
5. FREEBIE: Tides Game
6. Pop Up Shop
7. Succulent Brooches
8. Terrarium kits
9. Stuffed pretzels
10. Hang with a babe
11. New 'do
12. Craft kits
13. Eat waffles
14. New hummus
15. Catalog gift bags
16. Organize
17. Celebrate a birthday
18. Outdoor lights
19. Wear a hat
20. Volunteer
21. Zekes Beans & Bowls
22. Fantasy Fest
23. New beer
24. The Plot
25. Cotton Candy
26. Floral headpiece
27. Wedding book
28. Walk a new hood
29. FREEBIE: Crabcakes
30. Italy photos
31. Send care package
32. Cocktail napkins
33. Help a friend
34. Write an article
35. Beach
36. VOW
37. Exercise
38. Toast
39. Cocktail sticks
40. Garlic plate
41. Bike rides
42. Smoothie
43. Play chess
44. Grill
45. Date night
46. Attend speaker
47. Homemade goldfish
48. Write newsletter
49. Golf
50. Drink Tinto with Emily
51. Kiss
52. Freelance
53. BFF time
54. Cutout cookies
55. Replant African Violet
56. Chrysler Museum
57. FREEBIE
58. Color
59. Lock on bridge
60. Library card
61. FREEBIE: Diner en Blanc
62. Bake a pie
63. Girls night
64. Invite friends for dinner
65. Hot dogs
66. Animal bust
67. Pet a dog
68. Selfie
69. Paint toenails
70. Crossword puzzle
71. Governor's School
72. Brewery
73. Drinks on a deck
74. Glass Gardens stamp
75. Photo shoot
76. Porch planters
77. Sandwiches
78. Flower cart
79. DIY Noise Makers
80. A to Z Norfolk
81. Write a love letter
82. Engagement book
83. Glass Gardens buttons
84. Go thrifting
85. Felt corsage
86. FREEBIE: National Donut Day
87. Finish old projects
88. Purge and donate
89. Dirt pudding
90. Drink more water
91. New glasses
92. Vermouth 

A Crafty Little Kit

It's funny how we (those who make a 92 days list every year) leave some of our items a little open-ended. This isn't exactly what I had in mind for Craft Kits, but hey, it works! I'm eager to make more of the cocktail napkins that came from a bed sheet (as so did the tassel banner). What a great way to cut back on fabric costs. I'm hoping to debut these Crafted Cocktail Kits at a Winter Market this December...details to come on that :)

DIY Noise Makers [here]

DIY Cocktail Sticks [here]

Paper straws from Table Seven and Manila Tags from Fairview Place

DIY Vintage Fabric Cocktail Napkins [here]

DIY Tassel Banner [here]

#1: Tassel Banners

#12: Craft Kits

#32: Cocktail Napkins

#39: Cocktail Sticks

#79: DIY Noise Makers

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Saying my Vows.

These last few months have been pretty surreal. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the encouragement and love, the thoughtful messages, those of you who talked me off the ledge (and those of you who pushed me right up to it) and the select few who listened to me whine and praise the whole time. I love every single one of you.

The one and only Kim Wadsworth

While I have many amazing ventures at my fingertips, I feel like my biggest project to date has been the latest issue of Vow Bride magazine. In May, I was hired as the Art Director of the celebrated wedding publication and had no idea just what was in store for me. I've met so many wonderful people, including my editor, Kim Wadsworth. I received a couple new freelance clients, and became more engaged with current ones. My design and writing skills were tested (yes, I actually wrote for this issue).

The girls from Table Seven Antiques

Delicious desserts from Incredible Edibles

But most importantly, I got to play a very important role in supporting the neighborhood businesses of Hampton Roads. One thing I absolutely adore about Vow is how much it loves its community. As you're flipping through the pages, you can really see just how many phenomenal small and local businesses we are fortunate to have in this area. And, how much these florists, photographers, designers and other talents give back - for free a majority of the time!

If you haven't seen the Fall and Winter issue, please pick one up today...or head over to the online version.

John from Glass Gardens

#36: Vow Bride

#52: Freelance

#34: Write an article

#78: Flower Cart

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Mid-Summer Fantasy Fest

After such a pleasant surprise stumbling upon the Mid-Summer Fantasy Fest last year, we put it high on our weekend to-do list last weekend. Riding bikes to Town Point Park, we ended up making a date night of Friday. We even hit up two wedding favorites, the Marriott Bar and The Taproom.

#41: Bike Rides

#45: Date Night

#22: Fantasy Fest

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Felt Flower Inspiration

Most people don't realize that so many of my flowers and bouquets are inspired by real flowers and photos. I love flipping through the pages of my wedding magazine stash and bringing those images to life - through felt. Sometimes it's the specific type of flowers, the combination of colors or the positioning, but it is already stunning, why recreate the wheel. I suppose I'm already doing that by handcrafting the flowers.

One of the headpieces in a recent post was inspired by an absolutely remarkable blog called botanical brouhaha. If you love flowers, or just anything pretty, this is a must-bookmark blog. Additionally, the remembrance bouquet from my wedding (made from my grandmother's wedding dress, above) was inspired from an arrangement I found on Pinterest and immediately fell in love with. One time at a craft show, I had a had a woman ask me if I could recreate her bridal bouquet from a photograph. Then added "that'd be a great anniversary gift from my husband!" BINGO! Nothing would make me happier than to preserve memories of weddings, childhood moments or special events through felt flowers.

#3 Inspiration Photos

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

The Beach.

It just never gets old.

#35: The Beach

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Hair Accessories Gone Wild.

A brand new selection of more exuberant forever floral headwear is now available by fairview place. I decided that the smaller clips and combs weren't substantial enough to wear as a Friday night statement piece - let alone for a bride or her maids.

These new embellishments have different attachment styles, such as a snap clip, barrette or hair comb and range in size from three to nine inches, in all colors and flower varieties. And custom orders are always welcomed!

#2 Hair Clips

# 26 Floral Headpieces

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

This Lady Needs a Name.

This might be one of those projects in which you ask yourself why? But the answer is simply because I just had to. I purchased the animal bust and gave it several coats of gold paint. This girl will be hanging up at work, so I made her flowers match the fabric on my cork board.

As always, custom orders are welcome! These busts start at $65.

#66 Animal Bust

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Hopeful Green Thumb

It's reassuring knowing that I didn't just generate those trashing-digging cravings on my own. My dad found both of these planters next to his condo's dumpster last year and brought them down on his most recent visit. The tiered planter (below) I scored at a garage sale a few years back for just $5. A few coats of brown and gold spray paint and $20 worth of plants from Lowes - and voila!

I finally got around to replanting my African Violet as well. I hop that along with those planters, my dad gave me some of his green thumb so I can keep all these lush babies alive!

#55 Replant African Violet

#76 Porch Planters

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Stuffed Pretzels

Go ahead, add these to your "sweets" Pinterest board. There is absolutely no question here. Delicious, easy and super dangerous.

What you do:
1. Smear about half a teaspoon of peanut butter on a bite-sized pretzel, repeat until you've filled a baking sheet. Let the pretzels chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or so.
2. Melt white almond bark in the microwave (or double boiler). Dip the face of the pretzels into the chocolate and place back on the baking sheet.
3. While the almond bark is hardening, melt dark chocolate in the microwave. Drizzle on the pretzels and place back in to the fridge until you just can't stand it anymore.
4. Try not to eat them all in one sitting.

#9: Stuffed Pretzels

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Felt Corsage

Corsages remind me high school dances. It was that final accessory that completed the look and however silly it may have been, I loved getting them. While I those floral bracelets adhered to the bulletin board in my childhood room until just a few years ago, I completely forgot all about corsages until a few months ago. They are starting to make a major comeback in the wedding industry, and not just in the wrist variety.

Bridesmaids are now wearing them on their ankles (beachy brides are also sporting the ankle adornment) and arms, I am seriously loving the idea. Don't get me wrong, I love the traditional bouquets, it's what my bridesmaids carried. But you get about an hours worth of time out of them and then sometimes they catch fire at the reception (that's a story for another day). With the corsages, the bridal party gets to sport the pretty creation all night. Naturally, I wanted to test out the felt alternative and am just looking for an event to wear one of these lovelies to!

Have a special event coming up that a felt corsage would be perfect for? Custom orders are always welcomed! At least one week is needed to prepare, prices start at $14.

#85: Felt Corsage

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Pie of a Different Color.

I'll admit. This isn't quite what I had in mind when I put "Bake a Pie" on the list. Maybe Aunt Tillie's Pecan Pie. Perhaps Sue's Zucchini Pie. A cute July-4th-themed cherry pie.

But we ended up with Cheeseburger Pie, thanks to this cookbook. Alpha-Bakery was a favorite of the eight-year-old Ashley. My mom, sister and I tested many of these recipes over the years, which included everything from pizza pockets to playdough. I came across the paperback as I was organizing, purging unwanted craft items and building a hefty donate pile. It was missing about half the pages as I had used them as postcards a few years back (have no fear, our original copy is still safe and sound in Ohio), but Cheeseburger Pie was still in tact. I happened to leave the cookbook on the counter, flipped open to the savory pie recipe. When Mike saw it, he got so excited at the thought of a "Cheeseburger Pie," there was no way I could deny him all the delicious glory that this eight-year-old once enjoyed.

I'm sure you're just dying to know the recipe, here are my modifications.

What you need:
1/2 pound ground beef
1 cup mix of onion, green and red peppers, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup dill pickle juice
1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
jalapeños, sliced
1/4 cup flour
1 pre-made pie crust or bag of pizza dough

1. Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Mix the pizza dough according to directions.
2. Grease a pie dish, then pat the dough in the bottom and up the sides. Bake for 15 minutes.
3. Cook beef, onions, peppers and garlic until brown. Sprinkle with flour, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in pickles and pickle juice, milk and 3/4 cup cheese. Spoon into pie dish.
5. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and place sliced jalapeños. Bake an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.

#88: Purge & Donate

#16: Organize

#62: Bake a Pie

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Engagement Photos

We finally took these and made them into a book. It's only taken 14 months!

Guess that means we have to start on the Wedding Book now. Since it's #27 on the 92 Days of Summer list, I better get to work.

#82: Engagement Book

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!