Sweet Sanity Designs

Blogging is such a funny thing -  a random share can become one of the most read!   My original post on Hiding the Wireless Routers has been my all-time most read post.  It's been pinned, commented on, and constantly comes up in my Google Analytics as the reason people are arriving at this blog.  Clearly I am not the only one disturbed by the ever growing amount of ugly technology laying all over my house.  Maybe I should share my neurosis more often.

{In case you missed this earth shattering post catch up here}

People had OPINIONS.  They either loved my idea, or warned me I my house was going to burn down.  People emailed me their thoughts, their husbands thoughts and even an IT person somewhere offered his two cents! I did my best to reply and even offered a status update; that I hadn't burned my house down, that the boxes were ventilated nicely, that the signal was indeed going through the cardboard boxes (it has to go through dry wall on a good day right?), etc.

Two year later, after moving my router to an entirely different outlet in the house, I wondered what else my little white boxes could hide. Hence, Hiding the Technology Part Two.  Cell phone, tablet, and bluetooth ~ in you go!

I know there are all sort of fancy charging stations out there, but at lot of them remind me of something from a SkyMall catalog - too masculine and office-y.   Pretty boxes however are all over the place (World Market, Home Goods, Target, Container Store) and come in a million patterns, colors and sizes, that can match your room. I put a power strip on the bottom, fed the cords through the hole cut in the back, and brought them inside the top box.

Downside: Yes, each morning I pop off the lid to retrieve my phone.  And if I am traveling and need to bring the charger I have to dismantle the whole shebang and go into the bottom box to unplug.  BUT I do have to say that I actually LIKE the act of putting it away each night.  It forces me to unplug myself from the emails, texts and Instragram updates and officially detach.    Bring on the comments! XOXO

Excited to be a guest blogger over on A Paper Proposal today!  A Paper Proposal shows brides how they can incorporate new ideas and trends into their wedding paper, decor and fashion. Today I am discussing how to keep in container shape and sizes in mind when choosing favors and treats for your guests.  It's cute containers + some sanity tips for planning all rolled into one!   Read more!

Thrilled to be feature on The Girls Of Lincoln Park today!   My hometown fashion // all things pretty go-to blog is featuring some Sweet Sanity prints today!  Check it out!  Thanks GOLP!

Fresh back from a little trip to South Beach.   There's something about feeling the humidity in your hair and squishing your toes in the sand ~ especially after a long winter!  South Beach definitely has its spots that I feel the need to tiptoe around but I love it for how colorful, alive, and full of amazing decor it is, from the hotels to the landscaping, to the restaurants.   My favorite activity while there is taking my sweaty, unmade-up self for a long morning walk and  poking my head into as many spots as I can...

{Away we go}

{National Hotel pool}

{Cocktails at SLS Hotel}

{Rooftop Dining at Juvia}

{Endless outdoor seating}

{Ocean Drive}

 {James Hotel Pool}

Til next time Miami!

Photos from Instagram sweetsanity#

I remember hearing a simple phrase 'art heals' a few years ago and couldn't agree more.  Whether to simply bring down your stress level, turn off your brain for a bit, or work thru something bigger, art heals. Perhaps it's the act of settling down and making time for yourself, or the happy brain waves released when playing with pretty colors.  I don't do it nearly enough but this weekend I was inspired to break out the paints! 

Aside from the feel good benefits of painting on a canvas, there is a practical one, too.  Whipping up a canvas can be a cheap, quick way to add some artwork to your decor!   Who else knows the exact dimensions and colors you need in a piece for that gapping whole above the dresser?  In case you need a boost of courage,  I put together some sweet & sane tips if to give you a nudge!

START SMALL (LITERALLY)
My first attempt at making a canvas years ago resulted in a minor temper tantrum.  I had bought a canvas almost as tall as me to fill a huge wall in my new apartment.  When it did not turn out perfect (i was shocked?)   I began carrying it to the trash in disgust.  In a last ditch effort to salvage it (or maybe to realize a little more tantrum!) I smeared the whole painting with a really large brush.  Low and behold I liked it and it's still hanging HERE above my mantle.   Point being if this if your first rodeo there are lots of tiny canvases you can start with.  Not only are they in small & cute shapes but I've seen some under $5, so if you, too, become disgusted, you can throw it out and pretend it never happened.

GRAB SOME BASICS
I am sure real artists would scream but I wouldn't over think supplies at this this point.  Grab a few brushes, and a small variety of paint colors that appeal to you. Remember you can mix colors so you will actually have a broader array than what you purchase. I like small bottles of accent colors, and bigger jars for staple colors. A range of brush sizes is nice, and again anything work -  some of my ones are crappy brushes from past projects. I have found that small watercolor paint tray comes in handy for dolling out your colors and for mixing.  Also cleans easily.  Finally water and paper towels on hand help.

{Product Photo: Blick Art}

DON'T OVER THINK IT
Once you get going don't over think it.  This is the art heals part - just relax and play.   Remember there aren't any rules.  You can step away if you want, cover the entire thing with white and start over, make it smooth, make it gloppy, or (but hopefully not) walk it to the trash.   Try different techniques. Think about what colors and shapes make you happiest. The best thing about these paints is that you can go over your work a million times if need be - a big flat brush can always save the day too... (remember the big smear incident.)

WALK IT AROUND
If you didn't have a place already mapped out, then when you are finished, walk it around a bit and try it out in different locations in the house.  If it's smaller, try it on shelves, propped up on books, or leaning against other pieces on a dresser.  

That's if for my nudge  - Now GO FOR IT!  Still haven't decided on a spot for this little Chevron girlie but am sure I will work her in somewhere.  And besides the healin' was most of the point.  XOXO

Every girl needs a purse she loves and I don't see why a fabulous diaper bag should be any different.  That thought inspired my latest design idea for a baby shower sticker - the Diaper Bag!    And a trendy one full of goodies to boot.  Was able to see it in action for a shower for Soon-To-Be-Mommy Janet, so thanks to Hostess Lizzy for letting me drop in! 

Details in pink and purple (yes, it's a girl!) and a mix of chevron and stripe patterns
kept it fun and current from the favors to the water bottles.

Was particularly in love with the idea below. Little girlie socks stuffed with tissue to fill them and hung from the chandelier over the lunch buffet.  They looked so cute you just wanted to squeeze them!

Diaper bag stickers adorned the popcorn mix favors (that included pink and purple M&Ms of course) with a little note .... GOODIES TO TOTE HOME!      {Find the recipe for the mix at the end if you are interested.}

Pink striped straws topped off the shower with purple cups full of pink lemonade! 

Needless to say this idea for a baby shower could go on and on...
1) Perhaps a diaper bag shaped-cake (oh yes, google it, they are out there!) 
2) Maybe a group gift for the Mommy-To-Be ~  a new diaper bag filled with all the necessities to start her off?
3) A game or raffle filling up a diaper bag with 'Wishes for Baby" or 'Wisdom for Mom'?

Hope this sets gets you brainstorming and gives you a new ideas for a twist on the typical Baby Shower themes!

{Diaper Bag Stickies now in the Shop!}

Popcorn Mix Recipe {from the Hostess}:
I took two microwave bags of popcorn and put them in a large bowl, poured over some melted white chocolate (I used a glass bowl over a boiling pot to get the white chocolate chips melted) then poured it over the popcorn, mixed and added colored M&Ms at the end. It was actually easy, I thought I'd have to mix for much longer, but everything incorporated very well!

Maybe it's because Easter is around the corner (and hopefully Spring weather) or maybe it's the recent weddings I have worked on but I am just enamored with a BLUSH and GOLD palette as of late.   It is soft, ethereal, and just soothing to look at!   Here are some sweet blush and gold wedding details and some sane finds to bring this palette into your everyday!  XOXO

Place Setting and Drink, Wedding Chicks Gold and Pink Wedding   // Cake Central Ombre Pink Cake

Warby Parker Trilliny Bellini Sunglasses  // Tory Burch Logo Double Wrap Bracelet in Pink Shell

Nine West Speak Up Ballerina Flats  // Sweet Sanity Bee Loved Print

Tuck and Bonte Blush Tassel Garland  // Zara Vamp Shoe with Studded Heel 

Elizabeth Anne Designs Peonies Bouquet

So perhaps I have been humming 'Call Me Maybe' all day but tonight it's all about Maybe Mustard!  Getting lots of mustard colored orders lately and I admire the choice. It's trendy yet subtle and goes wonderfully with brown or grey.  Sometimes tough to wear (for me at least) but I think for party planning, it shouldn't be ruled out. So next time you're planning an event think ~ Maybe Mustard?  

{Sweet Sanity Designs}

My Irish Mother just emailed to tell me me she took the last loaf of Irish Soda Bread out of the oven to cool....just cruel!   Mom lives in Florida, moi in Chicago.   Will not get my fix this year.

Anyway, reminded me to to share this darling idea from a recent hostess and repeat client Kiersten. She is throwing a Lucky in Love Bridal Shower for an Irish Bride this weekend and guests will take home mini Irish Soda Breads.  *Sigh*  Too cute.  If you can't make minis, or are just planning to skip the baking altogether and grab a loaf at the store, try cutting just nice healthy sized slices.  Enjoy my How-To below!

1. Bake a delicious Irish Soda Bread (I can't help you here, but my Mom could!) OR BUY.
2. Cut your soda bread into nice healthy portions for one.
3. Slide them each into their own clear cello bag.
4. Tie off with some green & white baker's twine like this one from Divine Twine.
5. **Important** Take a break from party planning to enjoy a slice yourself (quality testing of course).
6. Affix one of our Lucky in Love Shamrock stickers complete with our custom shamrock background!
XOXO

The Bee Collection prints have finally hit the shop! Am so excited about sharing these. Have always loved the bumblebee motif. They represent motherhood and femininity, combined with strength and empowerment. Just read the bee is the ultimate survivor and one of the first ones to make it thru winter into spring! Who knew?  Give this to a girlfriend, sister or Mom or just gift to yourself as a gentle reminder that of how beautiful love feels.  Also would make a lovely reception print at a wedding. 

The Bee Loved print comes in Hush Pink, Robin Blue, White and Cheeky Pink! Note: They are sold unframed but I have LOTS of suggestions if you have questions! I surprised two girlfriends with these at brunch this weekend - hope they felt BEE-LOVED!