A Year to Remember–2012!

Hi there!

  We drove in late last night from our Christmas trip and even though I’m already missing my mom, all I can say is “there’s no place like home!” 

I just wanted to drop in today to first and foremost wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year and Blessings beyond your wildest imagination in 2013!

  I also wanted to share the highlights of 2012 with you in pictures (and a few words)!  2012 has been a wonderful year for me, with new adventures, new friendships, new accomplishments and so much more.  I have thought a lot about 2013 and what I want to accomplish (will accomplish), and will be back later in the week to share my goals with you.  Until then, enjoy 2012 in review and ring the New Year in with style!

In January I celebrated my blogs 2 year anniversary!  I can’t even express to you how much I enjoy blogging, sharing what I love with you and meeting new friends through blogging.  There are lots of great things planned for the blog in 2013 so I hope you’ll continue to follow along, drop me a comment or two, and be inspired!

I also shared my goals for 2012 with you in January…HEALTH, GROWTH, SHARE & CONNECT, BE INSPIRED, LISTEN, CREATE, LEAN and BELIEVE!  I can honestly say that each of these goals were a significant part of my life in 2012, in one way or another.  The best part is that I can say I’ve GROWN and that I’m a better person because of the goals I set for myself.

 I February I SHARED my Valentine’s table scape with you.  I love CREATING beautiful tablescapes and will be sharing more fun ideas with you in 2013!

 I had the pleasure of spending an evening with Eddie Ross who INSPIRES me with his talent and accomplishments.

In May I shared with you Five Women I Admire and Why!  Of course my mom topped the list.

Although I didn’t get as many craft and DIY projects done as I wanted to in 2012, I did show you how to CREATE your own Lattice Placemats!

In addition to SHARING your lots of creative gift wrapping ideas, I also showed you my Signature Giftwrap colors!  Look for lots more gift wrapping inspiration coming in 2013!

I gave you a little peek into my life and told you about the 5 Things I Can’t Live Without and what My Decorating Habits are!

I showed you the highlights of my Longest Yard Sale Trip!

AND,

I shared with you a little HEALTH SCARE I had,, what I LEARNED from it and why I’m grateful for every day!

It was fun to share with you my day at the Country Living Fair with my friend Dorothy!

A couple of big moments in 2012 were becoming a finalist in the Scotch Most Gifted Wrapped Contest, seeing the sights and sounds of New York at Christmas and having fun at the gift wrap competition! Believe it or not, I LEARNED a lot about myself from that competition!

And, I was thrilled to have my jewelry featured in the December issue of Country Living Magazine!

All of this, my design clients, my Etsy Shop, new friends like Sarah and just having the opportunity to do what I love for a living has made 2012 a year to remember. 

Happy New Year! 

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My Spring Fashion “It” List

I am so loving the warm spring weather and all the great fashions I’m seeing in stores.  This spring, fashion in all about relaxed silhouettes, pretty florals, nautical stripes and bold colors.  Dresses are a wardrobe staple and wedge sandals and colorful flats are the footwear of choice.  Neon is also making a big impact and despite the fact that I can wear just about any color,  I’m not likely to jump on the NEON color trend.

With spring in full force, you can bet that  I am certainly going to be sporting some of these hot spring looks….

Miz Mooz ‘Yona’ Wedge Sandal   Nordstrom 

Wedge Sandals are my favorite sandal style. They give me height and I love the support they give under foot.  

What I love most about this darling wedge is the ankle wrap styling, leather wrapped wedge and flower detail.  What a great pair of shoes to pair with a simple maxi skirt and tee!

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans® Twill Ankle Pants  Nordstrom 

I’m loving the idea of colorful cropped pants for spring and summer. 

Going out to dinner I’d wear them with heels and a feminine blouse,  but for shopping on the weekend, it would be a pair of classic Ked sneakers and a striped tee.

p.s.  this is the type of pant you should own in several colors, including white!

 

Calvin Klein Tye Die Maxi Dress–Nordstrom

 I’ve always loved long dresses and I’m so happy that this is the season for maxis. 

I love the causal, relaxed feel of this tank maxi and would pair it with a white denim jacket or classic cardigan to dress it up a tad.

 

California Floral Shirt  Nordstrom

Nothing says “girlie” like a pretty floral print.

I love this abstract floral print in a classic shirt styling.  This piece is easy to dress up or down…jeans or slacks.

 

Ralph Lauren Bateau Neck Stripe Top–Nordstrom 

Classic and timeless and two things I think of when I see a striped tee.

I’m loving the sleeve length and neckline of this black and white tee.  This would be my go to top paired with a denim skirt, walking shorts or jeans. 

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans® ‘Emma’ Stretch Twill Skirt–Nordstrom 

Ever have one of those occasions when shorts are too casual but a dress is a bit too much? 

Well, this twill skirt will solve that problem.  Love the color, jean detailing and just above the knee-length.  I’m envisioning a crisp white shirt, untucked and a navy cardigan thrown over my shoulders.

C & C California Plaid Pleated Pocket Shirt–Nordstrom

 I Love me some gingham plaid. 

I think I need this shirt in multiple colors to wear with denim and a fun pair of sandals. 

The bottom options are endless which makes this shirt even more appealing.

 

Striped Jersey Skirt  Old Navy

Fun, flirty and so easy to wear!

I adore this skirt and can see it dressed up or down. 

For casual wear I’d pair it with a tank and ss cardigan and for a dressier and more eclectic look, how about a polka dot blouse like this and a chic pair of flats.

 Karen Kane Bow Tie Shirt  Zappos

 

 

Franco Sarto Jesse Flats  Nordstrom

 

What I love most about the pieces above is the versatility they offer.  In my book, the versatility, classic styling, fun but classic colors and simple details make these item wardrobe basics.  Pieces like these will carry your through several spring and summer seasons ,and give your endless mix and match opportunities that will make you feel like you have tons of clothes in your closet.

Now, all that’s left to do is go shopping!

 

So, what’s on your spring wardrobe list?

 images source noted above

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Design Trend: Geometrics

Simple in design, bold in appearance, Geometric patterns are all the rage for Spring 2012. 

 

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In wallpaper or stencil designs, geometric patterns create a modern backdrop within a room and are perfect for pattern mixing.

Geometric patterns are the perfect fresh and modern accent to a  tonal outfit.

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Geometric carpeting will add drama and impact upon which classic furniture pieces can sit.

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A colorful and vibrant geometric pattern is an essential Spring wardrobe piece.

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Geo patterns are the perfect framework for a stylish space.

Derek Lam–Spring 2012

Chic and Sophisticated!

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Combine two or more geo patterns for an urban, eclectic look.

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Classic, modern and such a style statement!

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Subdued geo patterns set against all white create a modern vibe.

Narcisco Rodriguez Spring 2012

Bold and Dynamic!

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Classic and Traditional!

Ohne Titel Spring 2012

Color blocked geo patterns are hip and sporty…perfect for spring!

 

Are you loving the Geometric trend or is it too severe for you? 

Me personally, I love it !

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Color Trend–Spring 2012: Pastels

Color trends in home decor have  run the gamut over the years from all white rooms, rooms with black walls, red dining rooms to yellow kitchens.  While deeper, richer colors have been the backbone of design for a majority of people, it seems that pastels are making a comeback. 

What I love about rooms decorated with pastels is the feeling of ease and grace these lighter tones give off.  There’s a sense of relaxation and comfort that pastels provide and an aire of understated elegance.

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Pastels can be just as effective in a modern space as they are in a space that is traditional or vintage inspired.

via House of Fifty Magazine

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While I don’t think I’ll adapt my personal style towards pastels, I do know I’ll infuse a few pastel accessories into my decor for spring and will certainly be sporting a few pastel fashion elements as well from my new favorite on-line shop, Ruche.com.

shopruche.com  Spanish Mosaic Bracelet–$21.99   

 

shopruche.com  Claude Jade Stone Ring–$17.99

 

So, how are you embracing the PASTEL TREND…in your decor,  fashion or both?  I’d love to know.

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Design Trend: Gold

It’s been sneaking up on us, but 2012 appears to be the year that GOLD and BRASS makes a major statement in the worlds of home decor and fashion. 

It’s warm, rich, bold, dynamic and always elegant!

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On a personal front, I’ve always incorporated a bit of gold (or brass) into my decor but have shied away when it comes to personal accessories. But,  I’m slowly getting on the gold bandwagon and finding that I really like it.

 

How about you…are you a gold or silver person?  I’d love to know!

 

 

Check out the ConfettiStyleDesigns Etsy Shop for unique gold and brass home accents and jewelry! 

 

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Let’s Get Crafty: Reflection Journal for 2012

The start of a new year is a great time to begin the daily ritual of writing down all that you are grateful for, your wishes, goals, dreams and those special moments that will create lasting memories. 

I decided to do just that in 2012 and created this fun Reflections Journal to capture it all.

The cover is an eclectic mix of decorative papers and stickers.

Each of the monthly pages is made from medium weight cardboard covered and layered  in decorative papers.  To create the monthly tabs I used a mix of di=cut papers, plastic file labels and stickers.

Each page  is decorated with ribbons, dollies, tags and miscellaneous vintage and modern papers.

I added mini envelopes throughout my journal to hold special notes and trinkets.

Behind every monthly tab are lined pages.

 

I’ve already started using my journal and am enjoying reflecting on all that is good in my life.

This is a quick and easy project  that I guarantee will become a lasting treasure years down the road.  Why not do a little crafting this weekend!

 

 

Ribbon source:  May Arts Ribbon,

 Decorative papers and sticks available from Michael’s

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Write it Down and Believe

After spending 10 days away for the holidays, doing lots of  work around the house at my moms’ and visiting family, I needed a few days of total R & R.  So after spending the last few days unpacking, doing lots of laundry, taking a few naps and catching up on my DVR watching, I’m rested and ready to jump-start the new year.

 Last week I mentioned that I had worked on my goals for 2012.  Well yes indeed, my little brain has been thinking overtime  about all that I want to accomplish, experience and do in the new year and it’s now time to share it all with you. 

First let me set the stage.  My mom taught English for 27 years so writing and all that comes with that has been a staple in my life.  Beside “i” before “e” except after ‘c”, one of the things that she taught me was the power of the mind.  Prior to a big test she would tell me to write down the information I needed to know and then put it under my pillow and sleep on it.  She said that there is a connection between writing it down and then infusing it into your brain as you sleep.  Whether it’s true or not, this is something that I have done for most of my life and something that has really worked for me.  To this day, I still take this approach before a presentation or when I want to connect with my thoughts, dreams or wishes. 

So, that first step in setting  MY GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR was to write it all down on paper and sleep on it.  Here’s what’s under my pillow…

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HEALTH–My mom’s back surgery has really shined a light on how really important your health is.  I vow in 2012 to not take my health for granted and to make my health  and well-being a priority..exercise more, eat better, drink more water, take my vitamins and sleep through the night (major issue for the last 6-7 months) just to name a few things. 

GROWTH–Closing my store last year was a big change for me, one that made me question a lot of things in my life, my abilities, my trust of others, my talents and my future.  While that change was hard, it has given me the strength to believe in who I am and my talents and to know that whatever I want to accomplish is mine to be had.  I vow in 2012 to put all my efforts into the growth and success of my design business, my Etsy shop, building my blog and using my god given talents to achieve all that I want to achieve.

SHARE & CONNECT–Friendships have always been important to me but now more than ever, I fully understand, appreciate and value the friendships I have (and those that I plan to make in 2012.)  I vow that in 2012 I will connect more with those that are already apart of my life and open myself  up for new friendships to be built.  I plan to engage with twitter and Facebook more (the ConfettiStyle Facebook page is coming), write more letters, send more handmade cards, be inspired by and hopefully inspire those around me and just pick up the phone just to say hi.

BE INSPIRED–I’ve always had the ability to find inspiration in the littlest things, only when I take the time to really live in the moment and appreciate what it is that’s in front of me.  In 2012, I vow to live in the moment more, take more time to do the things that inspire me and find the beauty in the smallest things.

LISTEN–No, not listen to others but listen to my inner voice.  I vow that 2012 will be a year of fully trusting my heart, soul and wisdom.

CREATE–As a creative person, doing and creating is one of biggest pleasures in my life.  I vow to use every ounce of my creativity to make things, design things, build my business, benefit from my talents and fill my life with the joy of creating!  My Passion!

LEARN–I vow to learn something new every day (much of which I plan to share with you on my blog).

BELIEVE–While I have lots of goals and plans for the new year, the one thing that will keep me focused and allow me to achieve all that I want to achieve is BELIEVING.  In 2012, I vow to never stop believing my myself !

 

I know that year ahead will be a great one, filled with wonderful memories, new adventures, growth and development, successes and lots of love!

These things I wish for you too!

 

 

 

For more inspiration, check out my Words to Inspire board on Pinterest!

 

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Getting Ready for 2012—Etsy Calendars

Every year about this time, after all the Christmas decorations are up and most of my Christmas shopping is done, I begin thinking about the year ahead. 

One of the first things on my “to-do” list is to buy a new calendar for the coming year. 

A calendar is a big thing to me.  It records all the important moments in my life, allows me to set goals and lets me look back at all that I’ve accomplished in the year.  So, when it came time to pick out my 2012 calendar, I turned to Etsy and Paper Source and found some great options! 

 

Mix Illustration Calendar–OliveandRuby–$12.50.  Every month showcases a different illustration in soft weathered colorations.  Measures 4.25″ x 11″

Retro Poster Calendar–Yumalum–$20  This is a great calendar for an office or a kitchen.  I love the bold typography and colors.  Measures 11.5″ x 16.5″

Wall Art Calendar–Paper Source–$29.50 Each month features an exclusive Paper Source design in bold, beautiful colors.  Measures 12.25″ x 19.25″

Plus…

Special Feature: On the back of each beautiful page are templates for creating wonderful pillow boxes, file folders, note cards, and square boxes. 100% recycled with 30% post-consumer waste and completely reusable, this calendar is about as earth friendly as you can get, and so lovely too!

Desktop Calendar–sdstationery–$12.50  This fun and whimsical desktop calendar comes with a clear easel.  Measures 4″ x 6″.  I love all the images and would use then a gift tags or frame them as art after the month has passed.

Modern Graphics Calendar–Lisasamartinodesign–$19.00  Beautiful hand-drawn graphics give this calendar style and personality galore.  Measures 8.5″ x 11″

 

Now the challenge is which do I choose?  

 

In addition to one of the calendars above, I’ll be using a personal planner to keep track of appointments and my personal schedule.  Every year I pick up  a leather planner from Gallery Leather and this year, mine will be bright orange! Not only does Gallery Leather have a great selection of calendars and planners, but all their products are handmade in the USA. 

 

Have you already picked up your 2012 calendar?  Help me pick mine out…which one of these is your favorite?

 

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