fourteen days of love: day 14.

okay, i know i started my 14 days of love with this same little guy but i was just thinking, how can you not have a great valentine's day with a cute valentine like him? my favorite valentine of all time! the past month and a half has been wonderful getting to know sweet little parker.

whether you're celebrating with a significant other, a girls' night in, a guys' night out or your sweet babies, i wish each and every one of you a very special day filled with love of all kinds.

xoxo

(also be sure to check out ck fine portraits on facebook)

fourteen days of love: day 13.

i absolutely love reading, but it's a luxury i don't often allow myself because my time is always filled with designing, promoting, my other job, family, commuting, the pups, and oh-so-much more.

the day my nephew was born however, was a day spent at a hospital waiting ... and waiting ... and waiting some more. i was so excited to meet him that i didn't mind all the waiting. it also gave me the perfect opportunity to do a little bit of reading.

the hospital we were in didn't have a public internet connection, so when we pulled through the drive-thru to grab everyone food, i whipped out my kindle and downloaded the entire hunger games triology in a matter of three seconds. (i'm amazed at how quickly the kindle downloads!)

Source: mediaroom.scholastic.com via Ashley on Pinterest

i tend to enjoy series because i'm one of those who fall i love with the characters in the book. when their story is over, i feel a little bit of loss in my life. i'm weird. don't judge. =)

i managed to read the entire series in a weekend. i just couldn't put it down. i was so glad i had downloaded the triology so i could go straight from one book into the next. now i can't wait for the movie. from the previews i've seen, i suspect the book will be better than the movie (it usually is), but i hope it does a good job (like harry potter and twilight) did in capturing the essence of the book and its characters.

what should i read next? (and for you procrastinators -- valentine's day is tomorrow ...)

fourteen days of love: day 12.

earlier this year, my good friend kate introduced me to root:1 -- a delicious cabernet sauvignon.

it has quickly become a favorite for both of us. i recently discovered they also offer a pinot noir. i haven't tried it yet, but i'm excited to check it out.

in an effort to be healthier this year, i've been saving all my wine savoring for nights when i have friends over, and it's always a hit with my guests.

this past week i heard that cupcake red velvet is a must-try. i haven't had it but am hoping to give it a shot at a wine pull this weekend. and speaking of wine pull, i want something new to share at the event. hit me up with some ideas -- what's your favorite?

oh, and in case you've forgotten, valentine's day is the day after tomorrow!

fourteen days of love: day 11.

i really have a thing for two tier cakes. they're so much lovelier than plain-ol' sheet cakes. i especially love cakes by seana hon. they're oh-so-moist and oh-so-delicious -- not your average, every day bakery cake.

i enjoy working with seana because she can transform any cake into a masterpiece to coordinate with invitations i've designed. her cakes are always a hit of the party and stand out front-and-center.

check out a couple of those she has recently done for me:

could those be any cuter? i was amazed at what she did for the OSU cowgirl baby shower. cupcakes and mini-pies have become so popular, but i just can't stop loving these cakes. do you still order cakes for your special events?

fourteen days of love: day 10.

by now i've made it clear i have absolutely no aversion to navy or grey. =) i really love anything classic and timeless. i think you'll see that in the shapes and pieces i choose -- whether i'm talking about a bag, a dress, home decor, or paper.

in keeping with that trend, weddings with a similar theme / style make me swoon. don't get me wrong, i love working on trendy, modern, out-of-the-box wedding suites. they're creative and fun and keep me on my toes. nothing takes my breathe away, however, like an elegant black-and-white wedding suite.

Source: etsy.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via The Perfect Palette on Pinterest

Source: madamecupcake.tumblr.com via The Perfect Palette on Pinterest

Source: sweetandsaucyshop.com via The Perfect Palette on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via The Perfect Palette on Pinterest

(only four more days to go. if you haven't gotten a gift for your sweetie, you need to do so pronto!)

fourteen days of love: day 09.

i used to loathe wearing dresses to work, but then a year or two a go, i really started enjoying skirts for work. now i've moved on to full-fledged dresses at work. i think i would wear a skirt or dress just about every day if i had enough to keep my wardrobe rotation interesting.

here are a few of my favorites:

Source: jcrew.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: us.topshop.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: preppie-bettie.tumblr.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

(not for work, but it makes me swoon)

Source: evokingconnections.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

and as if it's not painfully obvious by this point in the week -- other loves of mine include NAVY and GREY!!!!! i especially love these classic colors together.

only five more days of our valentine's day countdown -- what are you loving right now?

fourteen days of love: day 08.

i think i mentioned earlier this week that in addition to notably noted, i also work another full-time job. did i also mention my second job is in bartlesville ... and i live in the tulsa/broken arrow area? it makes life interesting spending so much time between two places. my commute takes up two and a half hours of my day, so i don't always get to be as involved in the bartlesville community as i would like to be.

i am super excited, however, to announce the opening of the cooper dog park in bartlesville. the park was named after fallen k-9 officer Cooper and is dedicated to providing a fun place for you and your pups to exercise (dogs of all ages are welcome -- i just tend to refer to any doggy as a puppy). below are just a few pictures from the park's ribbon cutting ceremony.

to meet more some of the dogs who visit the park, visit cooper dog park on their facebook page. join the group to keep up with the latest activities and to make new friends of all kinds.

and for all you puppy lovers out there, check out this new card i'm carrying. most designs i carry are my own creation; however, when one of my vendors made this "i woof you" note card set available, i just couldn't resist.

fourteen days of love: day 07.

this year i found a navy, wool pea coat that i would wear as my outfit if i could get away with it. i love this thing! it has an oversized collar, a nipped in waist, a long-slung belt that hits at the hips, and an ever-so-slight flare at the bottom. i find it so flattering when i put it on. we haven't had much of a winter this year in oklahoma (unusual), but i've found every excuse to wear this coat with my knee high boots and skinny jeans. i don't have a picture of it, but wanted to share the other coats that were my inspiration in seeking out my warm, wooly coat.

Source: oprah.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: de.dawanda.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: notonlyshopping.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: macys.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: macys.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

fourteen days of love: day 06.

have you ever had the perfect item in mind -- whether it be an invitation, a shirt, shoes, locale, etc. -- and just couldn't track it down? well, i recently experienced that. i wanted a grey bag, that was large enough to put my small profile laptop in when i'm traveling back and forth to houson, but not so large that things get lost in it and it weighs on my back.



i must have made a million trips to the coach store in utica square and the coach store online, but i never could find "the one." the bag would be the right shape but the wrong color. the right color, but the wrong size. you get the idea. this went on for a couple of months.



then the other day, my mom came up for a visit, and she, travis and i ran into a few shops. my mom came walking up to me and said, "i found a bag that just calls 'rhiannon.'" i looked up, and there she was -- the one! i couldn't believe it. we weren't even looking for a bag that night.

michael kors hamilton bag slate embossed crocodile

isn't she lovely? i love the color and the shape, and i get so many compliments on the silver hardware. i didn't expect to enjoy the embossed crocodile so much, but i think there's something classic about this bag. it has everything i need, too -- just enough space for my laptop if necessary, four pockets on the side for my phone, sunglasses, business cards, keys, and lip gloss, but not so many pockets that i'm continually digging around trying to locate what i need. this girl couldn't be happier.

i love finding new pieces when you least expect it, don't you?

fourteen days of love: day 05.

i love that nautical-inspired products are making a come-back. from parties, to fashion, adults to babies! below are just a few things i'm loving ...

Source: etsy.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: sweet-southern-charm.tumblr.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: prd_id=845524441883381&color=12010&viewIndex=4">shopbop.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

Source: outblush.com via Rhiannon on Pinterest

fourteen days of love: day 04

i LOVE the sock-bun. i only recently found this picture on pinterest but about a month or so ago, i found a sock-bun tutorial on youtube. i am a huge fan.
i love wearing sock-buns to work specifically, usually as a side bun by my right ear. i get so many compliments every time i style my hair this way and it's great for when i'm in a hurry. i have an hour-fifteen minute commute to my other job each day, so quick hairstyles come in handy on busy mornings.

i tried something new today and wore the sock-bun on the top of my head. i loved it, too! and it worked well with my wool pea coat that has an oversized collar. my hair never bumped my scarf or collar all day. it was great to run errands feeling pulled together, but not having completely overdone for saturday afternoon running-around.

if you haven't tried the sock-bun yet, i encourage you to do so. you can find tutorials all over pinterest and youtube, but feel free to message me for more instructions.


happy styling!

fourteen days of love: day 03

i loooooove these boots i bought earlier this winter from aldo. i had been searching and searching for the perfect brown boots after my sister got me the cutest circle scarf and knitted cap for christmas. i stumbled across these and could not have been happier.
while i love heels, i have to be careful wearing them too frequently because of back

problems that become aggravated. these boots are perfect for me. i can easily dress them up or down -- they look great with a cute button down under a sweater or a plain long-sleeved tee. i would wear them almost every day of the week if i could. before purchasing these i rarely wore brown, but now i make every excuse to get these on my feet -- and they keep me nice and toasty.

fourteen days of love: day 02

it's official. i'm a pinterest junkie. it took me a while to jump on the pinterest bandwagon, but once i had my first hit back in late summer/early fall, i.was.hooked. and i just keep coming back for more.

who else is on pinterest these days? i've gotten several of my friends addicted to the site as well, and continue to see more and more people join.

let's check out just a few of my latest pins:

https://pinterest.com/pin/20547742019660772/

https://pinterest.com/pin/20547742019597966/

https://pinterest.com/pin/20547742019656368/

i just love that i can track ideas for recipes, parties, trends & fashion, home decor, and more all in one place. if you're on pinterest, let me know. i would love to follow you.

fourteen days of love: day 01

what a perfect time to jump back on the blogging bandwagon. it's time for 14 days of love 2012!

usually i share products or party ideas that i'm loving at this time of the year. my life completely changed at the very end of december, though, and i haven't gotten to share with you. allow me to introduce to you mr. parker edge wayne, my new (first and only) nephew. this little guy made me an auntie for the very first time, and i just absolutely adore him.

i know i'm biased, but isn't he perfect? i think he should be a model. ;o) he is a month and five days old today and already has captured the hearts of everyone who's met him. i don't have children of my own, and i've always been conscientious of just how quickly time is passing ... now parker is further proof. i can't believe how much he has changed and grown just in one month. i have a feeling every month will feel like this for the rest of my life.

in addition to this cute little guy, i'm loving photographer kim smith of ck fine portraits who managed to capture parker in all his newborn cuteness. you can also see some of her work on facebook.

let me know what you are loving right now!

14 days of love: coats.

i adore coats. i could have closets filled with coats in all different colors, lengths, and cuts. i'm especially enjoying coats that have a bit of a ruffle detailing to them, like two of the pictures below.

victoria's secret

victoria's secret

anthropologie

i've looked all season long for a mid-length pea coat/trench in a baby blue but have been unsuccessful in my search. if you spot one, let me know! maybe i can even catch a great end-of-season sale.

14 days of love: wrapping paper.

i love wrapping paper. i just think a gift wrapped box looks so special, with crisp lines and beautiful ribbons and tags adorning it. one of our vendors has new wraps that i.am.loving. wouldn't your day immediately brighten if you found a package wrapped in one of these beautiful prints on your desk or at your front door?

all images belong to waste not paper

14 days of love: cookbooks.

in addition to the subscriptions i received this year for the food network magazine, southern living, and food & wine, i've also been busy perusing cookbooks. i love a good cookbook. i can read them almost as if they were novels. they have to have excellent photography, though. my absolute favorite cookbooks are those that show a picture for every recipe they feature.

what cookbooks do you go back to time and time again? any favorites?

14 days of love: blurb.

blurb is a platform that allows you to import your blog and publish it as a hardcopy book. i very first started writing my personal blog because i saw a friend of mine publish her blog into a book every year.

i started blogging, but then i never got around to publishing the books -- the whole reason i first started my blog. this year i decided to get serious about it, and i officially completed my very first blurb publication.

i still have to order it, but i'm so excited to see my book. i plan to go back and do the same thing for 2008 and 2009, and then of course every year moving forward.

14 days of love: scarves.

my mom gave me a lovely grey scarf for christmas and now i rarely go anywhere without it. it goes with just about any outfit i put on, and it's kept me surprisingly warm during all our snow storms.

14 days of love: ornate frames.

i almost always use black frames, but this season, i've really gotten into light-colored ornate frames.
i especially like these frames from two's company. personally, i think they're gorgeous.

i saw this frame hanging in my friend jenny's house. it was love at first sight.

jenny collier photography