{Practice Serendipity} Resolutions...taking chances...

If there is any resolution I could give myself this year...it would be 2012 is a year for taking chances...

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? I don't get too caught up in them, mostly due to being such a believer in living life by Serendipity. I think every year it is a nice idea to have a fresh start and reflect on the previous year...learning from any past mistakes to become a better person, and live a happier life. I don't think that everything just happens by Serendipity either...I believe that you must read the signs to find your Serendipity. Any chance that comes along - GRAB IT! Never be afraid of where that chance may lead...as you may regret not taking it. Regrets bring dwelling...and no good can come from dwelling on past mistakes. Mistakes are welcomed in our house..they make us learn, they make us stronger.  One quotation that comes to mind "When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us". so with that said...stop looking at the closed door...if a chance comes along that could change your life...Let it!

Back in March I took a big leap of faith and started this little venture...I had alot of Eureka moments and reasons for pursuing this different direction in my life which are too many to fit in this little post...Maybe I will save that one for the one year mark. I have had alot of Inspiration along the way...some key people who inspire me...my children being the biggest. Martha Stewart is idol to many...and she is also one of mine...and Amy Atlas for her inception of sweets tables. But there are two others who I adore and have quoted phrases in their lives that fuel me. I live alot of my life by quotation as you may have previously read. Those two people are...Mr. Steve Job's...who sadly we lost in 2011 - RIP and Mr. Walt Disney (and his mouse), whom I became fascinated by at the very young age of 4. I LOVE the Disney brand on a million levels. I have to say if there were one dream job for me...it would be working for Disney. The first time I ever visited WDW and walked through Walt's life attraction...I could not contain the overwhelming tears...I did not get to visit the World until I was a young adult...and being there for the first time...I felt like I was a kid again (for real). I still feel that way...and have made up for my non-visits as a child by going every year since and sometimes twice. :)

This is one amazing quotation that fuels me: "The only way to do great work is to love what you do,” “If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” Steve Jobs

So, Do what you love and you will never have to "Work" another day in your life. :)

This print is available through: Society6

The other: "If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse". Walt Disney 

Big things come from small beginnings. :)

So in short...I will resolve to taking even more chances in 2012...I would love to make this venture a full-time thing....and so "She saw that she could...So she did".  I can't wait to see what this year brings. I look forward to working together with many talented Party Peeps who are willing to take chances too. :) Here's to risk and taking chances!  xoxo Catherine

{Fab Finds} New Year's Resolution Generator!

Are you into making resolutions for the New year? Having trouble coming up with a New Year's resolution?! Check out this fab and fun find! A New Year's Resolution Generator. While I am sure most of you know exactly what you are about to resolve to do...this is a fun little diversion from Pinterest and Facebook for a bit. LOL. Get your own random resolution here! Apparently I will "Imagine"...being the John Lennon lover that I am...I find this fitting. :)

http://moninavelarde.com/newyears/

{Fab Finds} Adorable Custom Totes & Tops

LOVE LOVE LOVE these Custom totes & Tops from the Wedding Chicks! The totes are a steal @ 10.00! The custom totes make a super cute  wedding party/guest gift + they would make a super cute favor for a birthday too...monogramed with a child's initials or name. The tops are so adorable and whimsical! They have tops for the whole wedding party right down to the flower girl and ring bearer. Love! The Wedding chicks website is loaded with wedding inspiration + DIY. Check them out!

This one would make a super cute favor for a child's vintage circus theme!

{Fab Finds} Cake Topper + Cute Tape

We have all seen those wooden handmade cake toppers...well here is a cute alternative. Crushing over Cute Tape's Momiji Dolls. Their Birthday Girl doll would make the most super cute cake topper. Cute Tape has fantastic items in their shop. From cute tape, adorable packages, labels to bakers twine! Check them out.

{Fab Finds} Adorable Fabric friends!

These adorable Fabric friends are hand stitched with love by Monkey & Bear. What a gorgeous gift and friend they would make for any child or child at heart. We adore them. They come in beautiful bold and trendy colors that would fit in with the latest baby nursery and children's room decor. They also offer Custom wall letters and the most lovely fabric bunting perfect for any room or dessert party table!  Every Monkey and bear item can be custom made to suit your preference. Head on over to Monkey & Bear and prepare to be smitten! Also available at My Bubbalicious.

{Fab Finds} Color + Decor Inspiration

We love this color palette. Coral or Crimson red with a vintage pink and Golden yellow. It looks beautiful paired with black furnishings and a crisp clean white hotel bedding set (black stripe detail) or this beautiful toile bedding set from Horchow. Pair with some damask details, beautiful  and rustic accessories...and you have yourself a pretty parisian theme with a more updated look. Walls would be beautiful with Ben Moore's lotus or other similar yellow for a dramatic effect. Or you could also choose a soft antique pink shade which would be very pretty paired with the black furnishings.

Inspiration Board by: Serendipity

Bedding and Lamp - Horchow
Bed, pillows, artwork, Parisian Clock, Mirror, Vases, Damask Chair and night stand - Pier 1 Imports
Eiffel Tower Candle Holder - Homegoods/Homesense
Paint - Ben Moore - Lotus

A pink quilt and coral or crimson or yellow chunky soft knit throw would be beautiful at the foot of the bed. Topped off with a white bed tray.

{Fab Finds} Cute tops meet Wonderland!

Loving this adorable selection of whimsical tops from ModCloth. While some remind me of Paris...the others have a "wonderland" feel to them...and we love Alice in Wonderland!

{Fab Finds} Color Inspiration + Paris Theme

{ 1 }  Pear and Raspberry fruit crush from Belvois Fruit Farms

{ 2 }  Heart chipboard postcard from Set Editions { via wit + delight }

{ 3 }  Bonjour Bebe card from Lazy Oaf

{ 4 }  2-Pack textile bags from H&M Home
eatdrinkchic

{Fab Finds} Color Inpsiration - Turquoise/Aqua

I adore shades of Turquoise. They make me dream of lazy breezy days on an island soaking up the sun. Decorating with Turquoise is so effortless and has a calming effect on all who surround themselves with it. It is beautiful paired of shades of celery green. Great for a coastal beach theme. Turquoise/Green beach glass and bottles look beautiful mixed in with this design. Hope you enjoy some inspriation. I will be dreaming of being on the beach today! {Click for larger image.}

Leather Sofa - Pottery Barn, Turquoise Swing Bag - Coach,

Vintage BLUE Canning Jar CHANDELIER - LampGood's Etsy store. (How cool is that?!)

All other finds - Pier 1 (dangerous store for me! I shall sneak these in one by one until the hubby notices them...sometimes that takes a long time. LOL)

{Fab Finds} Chalk Cloth...oh the possibilities!

Can you imagine the party possibilities with this fabric! Perfect for a party tablescape...possibilities are endless! The kids would love marking up the table...move over craft paper table runner...Hello Chalk fabric! This would be amazing for a back to school party, graduation or art party! Find it HERE!

{Fab Finds} My weakness on a stick + Party Printables!

Hot Chocolate on a stick! Yeah you heard right. What girl does not have a weakness for chocolate?! This chocolate variation is simply delightful. Thank God the snow is almost gone! The ticket kitchen is a dangerous place for a person like me!  For those of you who are still in the snow and feeling a little chilled...maybe you might want to try this amazing confection on a stick for yourself...or maybe you will want to try a whole box! Visions of a hot chocolate bar dessert table are dancing in my head.

Head on over here for Party ideas and Printables!

{ Shop Ruche } Fabulous finds + Spring

Pretty lovely things...I am loving all the pretty colors and ruffles from shopruche.com! I especially love the blue dress and pretty pink shirt. I want all things ruche in every color! If you have not heard of ruche: they have wonderful clothing and accessories and have a great blog with lots of giveaways! follow them on facebook and twitter too. happy thursday.