Fireplaces in the Off Season

When it's about a-billion degrees outside (like it is in Texas), our fireplace is the last thing on my mind. But lately, I've been making some improvements to our apartment (lots of posts coming soon!) and I wanted to improve the look of our hearth.

Last winter, we didn't have a chance to buy a screen or even use our fireplace so it's been bare since we moved in. And, go figure, they don't sell that kind of stuff in the summer wit the aforementioned "billion-degree weather". So, I searched out some alternatives to make our fireplace less of a black hole. Here are some of the ideas I love and the one I chose.

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I love the look of this fireplace in general. It's light and cheery, which is the opposite of what I envision when I think fire. Love it! Get this look easily with some vases in complimentary colors to your room decor and fill with faux blooms to keep your display looking good all through the warm months.

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I love this idea! Especially for a room that isn't full of wood tones and natural wood furniture. Here, it really brings warmth to the crisp white walls and fireplace. It's not exactly functional if you'd like to use your fireplace, but if you aren't really a fan of the flames or have a non-working hearth, then this would be a beautiful option!

I kept it simple with some pillar candles and a mirror. It keeps option of soft light and looks good when it's not lit. The mirror also helps brighten up the black hole that was our fireplace.

Have you used any of these techniques? Or any other fun ideas? I wanna know!

PeaPod: The Knot Party

Thursday, November 18 brought the biggest day of my year with The Knot Party. I am blessed enough to work for a very talented event designer who was picked to plan this years Texas event. Needless to say, it. was. amazing!! And with a theme like Club Havana, it was also a blast!I can't imagine anyone having more fun on a job. There was dancing, amazing food and drinks, and crazy-fun stations like Foto Favor, a gourmet popcorn bar by Le Popcorn, and even our own pipe cleaner rings!

How crazy is this cake?

One of the new specialties from the PeaPod Group are these awesome pipe cleaner rings. We spent part of the night hand making these for the guests. Everyone loved them!

The PeaPod girls!!! This group is really such an awesome collection of people with lots of different talents and skills. I am a very lucky girl.

*Photography by the wonderful Rejana from BluDoor Studios

Another round at the Dallas Bridal Show

The Dallas Bridal Show is a huge expo held twice a year. I actually have a post from the one in January where they had a "Million Dollar Wedding Cake" on display.

Well this time, I went as a vendor. I may not have mentioned this, but for the past few months I have been working as an intern and then an Event Assistant for the PeaPod Group. Marla, the President and CEO, is one of the most amazing women I've ever met and I am extremely lucky to be working with her and the whole group.

PeaPod was actually the official planner for the Dallas Bridal Show which meant that we had 6 booth spaces for just us. Take a look at the awesome stuff we filled it up with.

A kick-butt "decadence bar". You should have seen this thing. And isn't that mirrored table so glamourous?

*love this lounge furniture!

My first experience working a bridal show was amazing. I met a lot of brides and I'm hoping there is one in there who will want me to help with their special day.

Dallas Bridal Show

Saturday was the Dallas Bridal Show. It was a HUGE event with over 300 vendors (can you hear my feet screaming??). I went with my best friend Sarah (who's engaged), her mom, and her aunt. We had a really great time!!! Lots of information, ideas, and cake. I mean, LOTS of cake. Hah.

The craziest thing I saw was the "Million Dollar Wedding Cake". (The link is a short video). This cake was outrageous (and a little silly in my opinion). All of the 'decor' is diamonds. But if you have the money, why the hell not right? *Insert eye roll here*.

iPhone picture - obviously not best quality! :)

So now I have a few ideas floating around in my head now. What do you think of boudoir photography? I think that, if done TASTEFULLY, they can be a gorgeous display of femininity. I am seriously considering investing in these. Opinions?