blissfully smitten {by Aedriel Originals}

18 January 2012

Meet Polyvore and Pinterest

I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest and her sister Polyvore.

Clearly they're related to Facebook and Twitter...

all part of the Time Waster Dynasty.

The fabulous thing about Polyvore is you can let your creativity run wild, though it is disappointing when you always choose the perfect items that are way out of your budget.

I would love it if Polyvore had a chic sister that scores fabulous knock-offs at a fraction of the cost.

Hmm....maybe I'm onto something.

In the meantime, browse these lovely creations

and dream of Spring.

(click the photo to see more!)

22 December 2011

Adore Magazine Chevron Love!

1. West Elm organic chevron duvet cover queen size $89.20

2. Set of 2 chevron dinner plates US$46

3. Urban Outfitters Ziggy chair $279

4. Jill Rosenwald Number 5 V Vase US$84

5. Emilia Ceramics Black zig zag tibor US$185

6. Ada and Darcy large pink zig zag cushion $65

17 November 2011

The Little Style File 2011 Gift Guide!

Open publication

Fantastic gift ideas for everyone on your list including The Ellie Collection

'family' plate!

07 November 2011

Apartment Therapy's Top 10 Dishes To Serve Up Some Entertainment

I cannot believe it's almost Thanksgiving!

Everywhere I turn I see Christmas glaring at me.

Poor Thanksgiving has become the

red-headed step-child of the holidays.

Let's band together and give this day the glory it deserves.

Adding an unexpected design element to your dining table is a great way to start!

I swear food tastes better when it's resting on a fabulous dish.

I was delighted to discover our 'Choose Your Word' personalized platter featured at

Apartment Therapy.

All of their picks are stellar, don't you think?

Here are 10 dishes to serve up some turkey and some entertainment:

• Thanksgiving Platters, $29.00-$49.00 at West Elm
• Gold Peace Sign Salad Plate, $21.00 at Cameo Nouveau
• BÄRBAR Tray, $6.99 at IKEA
• Refined Timber Tray, $98.00 at Anthropologie
• Birdy Walk Dinner Plate, £25.00 at Soma Gallery
• Choose Your Word Platter, $30.00 at Aedriel Originals- Etsy
• Farmer's Market Basket, $28.00 at Anthropologie
• Chevron Square Monogrammed Melamine Serving Tray with Handles, $56.00 at Etsy
• Large Oval Platter, $85.00 at Elsa+Sam
• Ruffle Platter, $24.95 at Crate and Barrel

But wait! There's more.....

Of course there's all sorts Thanksgiving themed serving

pieces at Aedriel Originals.

The Ellie Collection features cozy words like

"family", "love", "together" and "cherish".

The Grateful Collection adorns any serving piece

you'd like from dessert plates to platters.

23 October 2011

DIY Nursery Wall....so sweet!

I absolutely adore this affordable alternative to add color to any wall. My friend Erica did a beautiful job
designing the wall behind Kate's crib using swatch portraits she found at http://www.purlbee.com.
The wall behind the crib is almost as cute as her daughter pictured Kate!
(Thanks Erica for allowing me to use your professional photographs.)
Click here for directions and materials needed.

Find the wood letters at PB Kids and hoops at any craft store.
To add a personal touch consider mixing vintage fabric that has a story to tell.
What about an embroidered hankie of your grandmother's or a favorite dress you wore as a child?

19 September 2011

how to create a bar area {aka the liquor vignette}

Creating a bar area is the perfect excuse to

have a new focal point for any room and

comes in super handy for entertaining.

I'm getting ready to have a group of gals over

for a cocktail party and needed some inspiration

for a practical yet pretty bar area.

Though I prefer to use my own term of 'liquor vignette'.

Creating a go-to area is ideal for parties allows

your quests to be their own bartender which frees

up the hostess for entertaining her guests.

Some fun tips for your 'liquor vignette'-

* choose any spot including a bookshelf, sideboard or bar cart

* mix and match your stemware for variety and interest

* consider vintage decanters

* add flowers or candles to warm the space and draw your guests

* create a special cocktail and provide simple instructions and all the ingredients

(don't forget to add a drink garnish. I like using a cinnamon stick for fall drinks)

14 September 2011

my name is Aedriel and I'm addicted to pinterest

So I've been a little MIA with the ol' blog. We've been busy. Busy and crazy. Busy because we have kiddos with lots of activities, my business and life in general, and crazy because we're on the verge of adding on to our home and revamping the whole exterior. I'm tempted to share the 'before' photos but I'm thinking I'll wait until I am sure the 'after' is going to look the way I see it in my mind. Did I mention we're doing all the work ourselves? I'm blessed to have a hunky handyman husband but this also means I have to be nice when the project gets behind schedule. In the meantime, I'll take care of the pretty...he'll take care of the heavy lifting.

This is where Pinterest comes in. I'm sure you've heard of it. It's the most addicting site ever created. It has been the primary tool to help me see what I'd like our home to look like when we're done with this massive project. I always believe the journey is half the fun and dreaming about what we want the end result to look like is so exciting. Of course....let's see what our budget allows!

Here's a taste of the board I'm creating
as inspiration for our project.

Check out this stunning outdoor fireplace.

I'm thinking our courtyard gate needs to look similar to this gate.

Follow along on Pinterest and the blog

and I'll do my best to post lots of updates.

Interested in seeing the 'before' photos of the house? Let me know and maybe I'll have the guts to post them. They're pretty bad! I'm not sure why pink stucco was ever invented...there's a hint!

30 August 2011

winter's night.....{new item...yay!!}

I'm actually ready for the cold weather.

Of course ask me in February

and I'll likely not be so enthusiastic.

Our new 'Winter's Night' earthenware ball

makes me long for

colder weather!

Brilliant and luminous this hand-poured kiln fired glazed ball will add a distinctive touch to any tree.

The stunning shades of blue with white and gold flecks remind me of the beautiful night sky in

New Mexico after a

snowfall.

Like snowflakes, no two ornaments

will ever be the same!

Ornament measures 8" in diameter and 4" across.

Ships FREE when you add it to your order!!

16 August 2011

back to school time....already???

I feel an overwhelming urge to tidy up and organize everything this time of year. It's a combination of the kids going back to school and knowing the season of being stuck inside is upon us.

Sit back....relax...and enjoy the eye candy.

San Francisco Kitchen & Bath contemporary kitchen

I'm sort of obsessed with chalkboards. This is awesome because it's tidy in a frame.

If paper is more your thing, this printable to-do list from Lifes a Journal is so much better than plain paper.

I'm all about checking items off my list.

I'm not sure what I like more....the faux deer head or how put together this bookshelf looks.

Ahhhh.......I could get a lot of work done in this space.

{eclectic home office design by houston media and blogs Casa Greer}

I'm going to assume these are from Pottery Barn.

I feel a little more organized just looking at this image.

This custom built mudroom unit gives everyone in the family their own storage spot. How clever!

{hall design by detroit interior designer Green Apple Design}

12 July 2011

summer

Summer is a blissful season, don't you think?

I can almost feel the rays warm my skin with these Etsy finds.

Enjoy the warmth now....it'll be autumn before too long.

Surf Spray print by The Jonathan Galleries

Strawberry Fields Hipster Bikini by Molly B

Dream Wall Sign by Wall Art

Fine Art Photograph Summer California Beach Scene by Honey Tree

08 July 2011

choose one? {impossible}

I'll take one of each please! This maxi dress from Anthropologie is perfect for late summer with it's autumn color palette while this suzani chair would grace our living room beautifully. The arm chair reminds me of two of my favorite pieces....my cowboy boots and my turquoise necklace. Jamie at Imagine Design gets all the credit for this combo. She is the 'this and that' master!

Pin It

07 July 2011

you are special today!!!

Introducing the 'You Are Special' today plate!! The simple yet festive design features pennant banners and my trademark script. What a fun way to start a new tradition in your family. How about taking turns picking which family member gets to use the plate for the day!

The Kiddos-
* First day of school
* Losing a tooth
* Baptism
* Recognizing a good deed
* Birthday
* Becoming a big brother or sister
* Academic achievements

The Grownups-
* A promotion
* Pregnancy
* Birthday
* Recognizing a new beginning
* Housewarming

The 'You Are Special Today!' plate makes a fabulous addition to the 'Celebrate' Collection. Of course check out all the new designs at Aedriel Originals!