Murphy's Manic Monday's (...on Tuesday)

This one is short and sweet but with an emphasis on the sweet! Our friends and neighbors the Grant's have five children and no pets. Once we got Murphy it was puppy central around here and Murphy loved, and still loves, ever moment of it. Last week Stephanie brought over their two youngest for lunch and it was the first time that Emma (the baby of the family) got to meet Murph up close and personal...

The hilarious part about this photo is that Emma and Murph are practically the same height!


We all know Murphy loves to give kisses Emma likes to receive them just as much!!

Update the event Photobooth!

While I was day dreaming this morning coming home from a meeting I was thinking of ways to dress up the ever so popular photobooth you see at events. (You're probably thinking that is a really random thought to have!)

Beautiful fabrics and trimmings are popular and the standard photobooth is great- it's creative, it's clean and who doesn't love trying to fit 5 people in them at once?!?! But what about creating custom canvas? How about adding some props?

When I was in Florida a few years back with my girlfriend Laura for the PGA Show we had some time to go to Disney World with another friend of ours Kelly who is lucky enough to work at the "happiest place on earth". This was a picture someone took for us in front of this great backdrop constructed to promote the release of the movie Chronicles of Narnia.



These photobooths/shoots provide perfect cocktail hour entertainment and are meant to be fun and goofy so why not inspire your guests with a themed background and some props to dress up in? You can stick with the event's theme or maybe the bride and grooms favorite vacation spot or the characters to their favorite movie! For an island inspired backdrop take this photo...



Your props could include a snorkle, diving mask, flippers, beach towel, bucket cap and oversize sunglasses. Maybe have a signature cocktail complete with a tiny umbrella to serve at the cocktail hour!

For those movie lovers take this photo of the empire state building (or one like it) and reenact Godzilla or Sleepless in Seattle!


If you have an adventure inspired photo shoot take an aerial shot and use a parachute, some strings attached above the canvas and diving goggles- I bet that would be a great photo montage at the end of the evening- which of your friends do you think would forget to pull the string?!?


And if you are looking for a little something extra to give your guests have your photographer head to the nearest one-hour photo, process the images from the shoot and then pass them out to couples/groups in a fun custom frame at the end of the evening!

Murphy's Manic Monday's

It's that time again folks... it's Murphy's Manic Monday! Since last week I've stepped up and taken oodles of pictures of Murph and his crazy adventures. Aside from watching his belly expand and his legs grow like bean polls, Murphy has reached some pretty significant milestones and given a new meaning to "adventurous."

Within the past two and a half weeks we've only had one accident to pick up (knock on wood Alicia). We've been training Murphy by taking him outside often and rewarding for every "deposit" he leaves behind. For a good week and a half now he has been letting us know when it is time to go- he he! He'll sit by the sliding glass door until we notice him or give us a little bark.

Last week he had just woken up, walked to the door and just sat there. No movement, no whimper, no bark or growl. So I called him over and he just sat in front of me... makes you melt huh!


So I let him outside and took the camera hoping something fun would happen and it did! Apparently we were playing hide-and-go-seek!


After our game he walked to the side of the house in the shade and plopped down again. Now this little guy is no amateur. Since day 1 at his new home he's had a camera in his face and he is beginning to enjoy posing for the camera. But this day he upped the ante! Is there an "America's Top Puppy" show?!?


This weekend was pretty low key so when I was hustling and bustling around the house this morning Murphy was a little taken aback. Normally I do laundry in the evenings when clothes have been worn for the day and I can squeeze in that last pair of jeans. However today I wanted to wash rugs and clothes so I started early. Inspector Murph here, or Agent Snoop as I like to call him, loves to sneak into the closet, grab the socks or shirt and then parade it around the living room like the king of England. To discourage this action we shut the door to the closet and for the most part no problem.

So today, as I was shifting laundry from the dryer to the folding area and the washer to the dryer Murphy got REALLY adventurous and sneaky. He thought he grab something, and he did... all for a used dryer sheet!


And this was for a sock that was left behind!


How did he get in the dryer you ask? Well, he had a little boost but it was all in good fun!! We'll have to wait and see what is in store for Murphy this week but I would guess it would be nothing short of amazing!! I couldn't resist just one last picture of the little guy!!

Inspiration

Ever since I graduated from Michigan I have become a magazine and book junkie! I've always loved to read but with endless pages of textbooks and studying I never had time to read for fun. I can remember walking through Barnes & Noble and Borders for some much needed decompressing and loving every moment in the late afternoons. There is something so exciting about the discovery of a new author or the mystery that lies within the clean ecru pages of a beautifully designed book cover... I can't lie, I pre-judge a book by it's cover- it's horrible.

I would walk past the new release table carefully observing the titles and then proceed to the sale table placed behind, or off to the side, of the new releases. And once I glanced over those books I headed to the fabulous magazine area. When I was a child I remember Highlights magazine and National Geographic for kids. I'm not sure if I ever read an "article" but I made lots of decoupage crafts with cut outs and completed every maze and puzzle!

I love the excitement created by the magazine rack. The glossy cover, bold typeface, beautiful people/things catching your eye as you see hundreds of new issues... it is so overwhelming! I was faced with a major dilemma... do I spend the $4 and get a coffee that I've been craving since 2:00 or do I splurge on $2 more for the new Martha Stewart? Thank you to the fabulous people at B&N, I would buy my coffee and sit in the comfy chairs with a stack of magazines and flip till my hearts content. (Funny thing, when Kyle and I first started dating over 5 and a half years ago, I found out that he used to do the same thing!)

So what's the point of this story? Here it is... now that I "have" time (I use that phrase lightly) I have magazines and books everywhere. I can't tell you how exciting it is to get the mail in the morning and see the new issue of In Style or Everyday Food. What magazines do I subscribe to?
Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, In Style, Shape, Everyday Food, Travel & Leisure and Domino to name a few. My new favorite magazine is Domino. The magazine is interior design based with elements of luxury, thriftiness, utterly ridiculousness luxury and re-purposing junk- I love it!

While sifting through the pages (the first thing I do with a new mag, then I go back and read) I stumbled upon a name that caught my attention and design that I gravitated to- Ochre. I am not a modern girl by any means but if modern design means beautiful lines, yummy fabrics and creative styling then sign me up. Added bonus, they are a British company and my husband's entire family are Brits.

Here are a few of the pieces that blew me away and check out their chic site for some beautiful peices. FYI there are no prices on the site so be sure to put your "savvy" glasses on before wiping the drool from your keyboard!

Devine Recline corner chair and stool


Arctic Pear Chandelier


Snooze sofa with Light Drizzle Chandelier


These pieces are not only aesthetically beautiful but linguistically beautiful as well- who wouldn't love a "snooze" sofa that looked like this?!

The MacBeth Collection

You all remember Melissa and the fabulous wedding she just celebrated right? (And I promise- I will post pictures from Jen once she get's them done but we must be patient!) Because she is so sweet and such a great friend she passed along a great "thank you" gift that I must share with you all. Now I cannot take credit for her find however I will definitely be shopping here now that I know about them.

Ladies and gentlemen (gentlemen being my husband and dad), allow myself to introduce The MacBeth Collection. When I am at an event I always carry my details on a clip board along with various other things. One of them being my Blackberry and the other a rubber band. You see I use the rubber band to hold the phone to the clipboard allowing me to still flip through my sheets and use my Berry at the same time. Well my old clip board was your standard size and totally boring (clear acrylic). But take a look at the one Melissa got for me... it's Alicia size and it's beautiful!!



Then to go along with the oh-so-fabulous clip board came two sizes of customized notepads complete with "A Day in May" monogramming. I am saving this pretty notes for meetings with potential clients. And I have to hide them for fear they will be used for grocery lists or reminders!

On the site they have a ton of great chic products that can be customized. Check out this cute utensil silhouette tote...

For a bbq, beach party, or tailgate this is great to haul all your goodies in style without having to separate the forks from the knives. For a dinner party dress up the tote with a large silk ribbon bow and some large hydrangea blooms for a stylish and modern centerpiece.

Perhaps my favorite thing about TMC are their amazing design collections. I am a huge pattern and graphic junkie and their designs are bold, feminine, sophisticated and whimsical all at the same time. Here are a few samples but if you want to check out the entire collection click here.



So if you are looking for a fun gift idea, a treat for yourself or some good old fashioned eye candy, check out The MacBeth Collection and indulge! Thank you Mel for the fabulous find and your thoughfullness- love yah!

Gardner-Mood Wedding

Last weekend I had the pleasure of assisting Mikki Gardner and her fiance' Jason Mood with their wedding as their Event Coordinator. Mikki and I were introduced through another vendor earlier when she began the wedding design process trying to find the perfect location for their intimate affair.

The wedding, attended by 87 guests, took place at her parents home on Lake Michigan in Glen Arbor. With the passing of Hurricane Ike, rain was prevelant throughout the day however it was a non-issue. Todd and Larry of Special Events Rental in Warren took care of the foul weather with their great staff and tented the entire terrace and cocktail area, which were to be open for natural beauty. The event tent itself was constructed out over the beach down to Lake Michigan providing 360 degree views of the water.

The grand executer of Mikki's decor vision was Barry from Procedo Events of Grand Rapids. Great combinations of color, texture, light and space transformed the dinner area of the tent as well as the entire homestead. Beautiful Gala apples with sunset dahlias, orchids and calla lillies were the embodiment of understated elegance. The hand crafted willow trees in the corners of the tent adorned with hanging lanterns and floating lanterns above the long guests tables created a Harry Potter effect that was magical.

What would an event be without a wonderful meal? Back on the scene in Northern Michigan, which I am very excited about, is Hanna Bistro of Traverse City. Jim and Rob, along with their staff, prepared a phenomenal meal fit for the perfect Michigan evening. Keep your eyes and ears open for more coming from Hanna's.

After dinner came amazing entertainment I had had the pleasure of seeing this woman perform once before in Detroit and when Mikki and Jason told me that she was to serenade them and their guests for their wedding I was thrilled! Thornetta Davis coined "Detroit's Funky Rockin Blues Diva" is just that! The Thornetta Davis Band brought an energy to the night that was unstoppable. If you happen to be on North or South Manitou last Saturday you were probably able to hear the concert!

Thank you to Mikki and Jason for letting me be apart of such a special occasion. It was greating working with the both of you and I hope that there are more opportunities for Setting the Scene and A Day in May to team up for great events! Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Jason Mood!

I did not get a chance to take many photos however the talented Blaine Siesser and his assitant were everywhere shooting. Once he has a chance to process his images I'll make sure to post a link to review all the beautiful details of the day. But in the mean time here are a few shots of the details in the dinner tent, enjoy!!

This is taken from the back left corner of the tent. You can see Lake Michigan through the walls and the expansiveness of the room. Wait till you see it under candle light- it was breathtaking!


The perfect combination of containers, candles, flowers and apples dressed up the ivory silk doupioni table linen. Yes that is linen not linens... only one cut of fabric for each table.


The lanterns were various shaps and sizes and placed along the plexiglass shelves hung from the roof of the tent with heavy duty twine. I love all the apples! Barry said he went through four shipments of gala's to find the pefect color to compliment the floral. I love the attention to detail!


Instead of charges at each place setting Mikki chose a rattan basket with a folded dupioni napkin and menu card and a name card with cheese plate placed on top. The glassware was the right combination of modern design and elegant styling and the chivari chairs completed the regal look and dressed the table.


One of my personal favorites were these beautiful shell chandeliers. The funky look in daylight transformed into a thousand dancing shadows once evening fell. The warm light was just enough to illuminate the main walk without stealing the candlelights thunder!


... and like I said once I am able to link to Blaine for more images I will post them immediately. Something funny to leave with... I knew Mikki and I had similar styling from our converstations and meetings but I wasn't prepared to come up to let her know we were ready to begin and see her in the same wedding gown I wore just over a year ago. Yep! Can you believe it!! The beauty of it was that both of us wore the dress completely different and each was stunning... way to go Monique Lhuillier!

Murphy's Manic Monday (...on Thursday)

If you can believe that our lives were turned upside down for the past four weeks believe it. It wasn't a stressful time (well not all of it) but it has been very busy. Going here, being there, seeing them, helping her, calling him, yada yada yada. So in that busy time, especially this last week, I hadn't taken many pictures of Murphy and the times when I needed to- like when he got into the faux moss at the base of a tree and dragged it all out into the living room or when he would go into our closet and drag out my shoes one at a time- I wasn't thinking about taking a picture I was thinking about teaching a lesson.

However we have had a major growth spurt... Murphy's ears are getting to be huge and because they are not proportionate to his head they easily get flipped inside out. The first time I saw this I took a picture with my Blackberry and when he was sleeping the other day I took these two pictures. We're not sure if he realizes they are like this or if he does realize but doesn't care... that's totally Murph.

He is so cute sleeping, and still cute when he is awake but if you wake him up or disturb him from his rest he snorts like a little piglet! Notice the ear!


This was a few minutes later when he woke up, that ear is still flipped out! But so cute!!


And if you can't tell already by the scenery around him during most of these pictures he loves our mud room area with the cool tile floor. In this picture he couldn't decide whether to chew on the carpet we have down as a rug or my flip flops... did I tell you he ate through a pair of those cheapy Old Navy ones!


I'll take more pictures this weekend as we venture out. I'm debating on bringing him to the farmers market on Saturday for a little Socialization Field Trip.

Murphy's Manic Monday's

I love the 80's! So in true 80's child fashion, Murphy's weekly blog is inspired by his not-so-calm demeanor at 7:00 in the morning and a great 80's girl band, The Bangles.

I made a promise to blog about him every week so here we go! Welcome to MurphyLand!!

Last week I caught this picture of our little guy just waking up. The look on his face is priceless, "come on mom, are you taking another picture?"


For a brief instant last night we had a rainbow after a quick shower. There wasn't an end to the rainbow but if there would have been I think we could have seen the pot of gold.


Kyle was outside checking some mortar he set yesterday and the little mountain lion decided to attack his hat while scaling the rock ledge. I must say Murph has good taste- get that Spartan!


After rock climbing he decided to take a break for a minute and he let me get really close with a camera. Normally when I get this close he jumps up to play tug with my camera strap. You can really see how much he's growing compared to when he first came home.


Shortly after his little portrait session he went nuts and decided to pounce on Kyle. Murph may look little but he's quite fast- watch out for those fingers!!


We have lots of day lilies around the house and for some reason Murphy loves the flowers and the seed pods that are left after they bloom. He'll sneak up real quite and then jump on them. We've lost a few blossoms but this little Simba thinks he's the king of the garden jungle!


I thought the garden ambush was cute but Kyle not so much. Poor Murphy got in trouble.


... stay tuned for more of Murphy's Manic Monday's!!

Designing Graphically

For Nick and Mel's wedding I had a blast graphic designing their wedding stationary- escort cards, table names, wedding program and menu cards. There is this creepy sort of feeling that I get when I see how all the little details intertwine to compliment the vision as a whole. Even though I did not design their invite it was the muse, along with Melissa, for the rest of the ensemble.

I can't tell you how much I love iStock photo. Okay, I can, but it may be creepy too! I've learned that you can find almost anything on that site, especially vector images that are all completed and royalty free. (In other words it may take me a little time to locate just exactly what I am looking for but it can save oodles of time compared to creating the file.) With that last statement in mind, trying to find just the right graphic for the Erikson's was a gong show. Almost 8 hours into my search over multiple days I finally found it... should I have known how long this would have taken me I would have created the file but oh well.

So back to the point of this entry... once I found the graphic I fell in love with the typeface Helinda Rook. Since my early scrapbooking days fonts have been a passion and combined with the right weight, kerning and size you can work magic. When you pair Helinda with Garamond (my favorite font in the world) it's like a childrens choir singing at St. Paul's cathedral in London... too carried away? Sorry! But Mel and Nick chose Futura for their invite and that sick feeling I have told me to "make it work." Thus their wedding monogram/logo was developed and Futura is now a close second to Garamond.

Once the graphic and fonts were chosen I had to develop colors and layout. This is where my fun truly begins. I'm all for traditional engraving and black ink but why not throw a splash of color and offset the centered? Now I've never had any formal training, unless you count the hours I've watched my dad and now my husband create, so be kind. However as my first truly custom design for ADIM clients I was exceptionally pleased. Enjoy!!

This is the cover to the program. The programs themselves were printed on a Natural VIA paper with smooth texture and they were bound in the upper left corner with varied ribbons.


The them if you will was a vintage romance which you will see in the photos Jen took on her blog and the floral silhouette provided just enough femininity for the bold monogram.

The first page of the program was an invitation to the guests and throughout the program the floral motif was used in various locations, sizes and rotations to carry the theme through. Even though I believe design elements should be carried through all pieces the floral graphic was different. A marriage ceremony is sacred and personal. I did not use the floral graphic anywhere else in order to signify the importance of the ceremony and how honored we were to be invited as witnessed to Nick and Melissa's love and commitment to one another.


On the wedding invitation, bachelorette party invite, wedding cake, pie stands and menu card was a polka dot theme in chocolate brown. I loved the simplicity of the design and how sophisticated it was.


For the table names and escort cards Mel and Nick came up with important locations/memories to them with a story and photo. Each table card was 8x8 and spray mounted to foam core with a green stock background and were rested on glossy chocolate brown table easles. Each image was printed on glossy photo paper and sprayed to withstand humidity.


The escort cards coordinated to the tables and guests were allowed to choose their individual seats. The table cards were a great way for Nick and Mel to tell parts of their story to their guests and tied into the vintage theme excellently.

The Newlyweds

Here they are... the new Mr. & Mrs. Nick and Melissa Erikson!



Thanks to Jen Kroll for the amazing portrait and stay tuned for more!!

He's getting so big!

As promised I'd continue to share Murphy's adventures with you all. He's now been with us for just over two weeks and today he is ten weeks old. He's eating much more and learning to clean his plate and that when we go outside in the early morning it's for potty only- not play!

Even though I will be traveling a just two days this week it's still hard leaving him behind.

The next few posts will be about Melissa's fabulous wedding weekend. But here is Murphy with his girlfriend Lola (Christina's new pug) playing like crazy!


This is Murphy with the stuffed Murphy puppy Christina gave me for Christmas last year to hold me over until the real Murphy arrived!


Murph giving dad kisses and biting his nose!


He's finding new hiding places. This time the laundry room in between the hanging rack, plastic container and steamer.


And here is the little yoda waking up from his nap :)