strike

I refrained from posting yesterday in support of the SOPA blackout. In fact, other than posting one image on instagram in the morning (before I realized what day it was!), I stayed off the internet all day long. No Facebook, no Twitter, no Google+, no blogging, even minimal emailing. I figured that refraining from using the internet at all would make a more important statement than just delaying my blog post by a day.

I feel very strongly about our freedom in this country. I hope you do, too. Limiting our internet access in any way is an infringement on our personal liberty, and I'm pretty horrified that this issue has even come up.

But it was nice to have a day of being mostly unplugged. It turned out to be the most productive day I've had all week! And I even had time for a little Martha.

Image | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

warm and cozy

Happy Monday! I don't know about you, but I'm OVER this whole winter-thing. After many years of living in an absolutely ideal climate, I was excited about experiencing a real winter, snow and all. Unfortunately, I've got to say it gets really old really fast. Now I understand why people get seasonal affective disorder.

When I first moved to Denver, people told me that winter would be long, but the sunshine would make it livable. I hate to disagree, but no amount of sunshine makes endless days of cold and snow livable.

My husband and I are hibernating as much as possible. We watch Downton Abbey over and over again, drink tea like we'll never get the chance to drink tea again, and avoid other people like the crotchety old hermits we're quickly becoming.

I am longing for spring, and just trying to be as positive as I can... it's not easy. My floral choices lately have been bright colors. While I normally prefer muted, de-saturated shades, I am definitely needing a dose of bright and peppy right now. Hopefully, these cheerful colors and sweet blooms will sustain me until spring arrives!

It's no wonder that tax season is during it's-so-cold-I-want-to-tear-my-eyeballs-out season, right? Hopefully these flowers brings you a little cheer, especially if you're stuck in a less-than-temperate climate, like me! I'm going to wrap up in a blanket, turn on my electric heater, and try to stay warm and cozy while I attack the tax prep!

Images | Floral Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

winter white

White and green is my favorite winter color combination. Wait, who am I kidding? White and green is definitely my favorite any-time color combination. My own wedding over six years ago was white, green and chocolate brown, and to this day that remains my favorite palette. The palette can be fresh and modern, or rustic and earthy-- either way, it always looks good!

Here's a little table and bouquet that I designed recently, using holiday greenery, classic vendela roses, scabiosa pods, privet berries, and wonderful vintage-looking paper flowers with a pretty old-fashioned script! Of course, there's also some totally scrumptious (and uber expensive!) french grosgrain ribbon. Yummy! Enjoy!

Even though it's cold outside, this bouquet makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Flowers, designed well, can definitely banish wintertime woes!

Images | Floral Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

banana muffins

My Mother raised me and my younger siblings on health food. Our home was all-organic way before organic was cool. So it's thanks to her that I actually like foods made with whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners. Like these Banana Muffins. My family has had this muffin recipe forever, and I can say with all seriousness, they don't taste healthy!

2 ripe bananas, mashed with a fork 1 egg, slightly beaten 1/3 cup oil 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1-1/2 tablespoons water 1-1/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix mashed bananas with beaten egg, oil, honey, vanilla and water. In another bowl combine dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir just until moistened- batter should be lumpy. Fill well-greased or paper-lined muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees.

* Best if enjoyed with pretty flowers and a cup of tea!

Images | Floral Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

Celebrate!

Be always at War with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better person.

- Benjamin Franklin

Wow! 2011 has come and is nearly gone. Poof! The older I get, the more quickly time seems to pass. 2011 was a good year for me and for my business, and it also brought unexpected change in the form of a cross-country move. I still miss Los Angeles and my friends there, as well as the incredible Southern California wedding industry, but I'm slowly learning to navigate Denver and the surrounding areas, and I'm excited about the mountain weddings that I already have booked here in Colorado for the 2012 season. I'm also thrilled to have met some great fellow wedding industry professionals out here and to have had the opportunity to collaborate on a number of creative projects. I'll be sharing those in the days and weeks to come: first up is this festive tablescape and arm bouquet that I recently designed. Enjoy, and have a beautiful New Year's Eve celebration with the ones you love!

Images by Sara Hasstedt (1,2 & 6) | Additional Images | Floral Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane.