Amy Bird Tweets

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T17:28:00.000-05:00

via. Atlantic-Pacific

via cupcakes and cashmere

My new heart tattoo! I love it!

Happy Valentine's Day to all my lovely readers! I am happy to say that I handed out Hello Kitty valentines to all my co-workers and it made me so happy! I got a few valentines from others as well and it made me feel like a kid again. Looking forward to a relaxing dinner with my boyfriend tonight. I hope everyone enjoys their night with their loved ones.

I really love both of these looks from Atlantic - Pacific & Cupcakes and Cashmere they are two bloggers that really know how to put together great looks. They are by far two of my favorite fashion bloggers.

How cute are those marshmallows! Adorable! Do you guys like my new tattoo? I love how simple it is and looks cute with flats or heels. :)

Well gals...Cheers! Enjoy your V-Day!
Amy

Girl Crush: Lana Del Rey

2012-02-07T08:30:00.001-05:00

All I can say is "wow". This girl is something special...from her good looks, to her amazing voice and great fashion sense she can do no wrong. She has such a retro vibe about her looks as well which is refreshing. I was looking through new releases on iTunes and happened to see this album and checked it out.

The first song I listened to was "Blue Jeans" and I was hooked! She has a very sexy intriguing voice that blows me away. She is being dubbed a "gangsta Nancy Sinatra" by music critics. I think she reminds me of Tori Amos as well because her voice is a little haunting. Two other tracks you should probably check out are "Video Games" and "Born To Die". I highly recommend you check her whole album that came out January 31st called Born To Die.

Love her! Enjoy!

Peace & Love,
Amy

Ballet Inspiration

2012-01-09T12:11:00.000-05:00

Beautiful ballet costumes and tutus via we heart it

Gorgeous tulle dress via Pinterest

Pretty silk cami and shorts via theamericanlegacy.tumblr.com

Amazing ballet inspired shoes via Pinterest

Sexy ballet lace wrap dress via Planet Blue

Super cute DIY ballet slippers via HaroldandJane on Etsy

Stunning ballet dancer in a billowy black dress

I used to be a ballet dancer and still am in my heart. Ballet is not only seen as an art form but it also transcends into the world of fashion. Elaborate costumes, beautiful lines, and flawless hair and makeup. I like to reference the ballet world when selecting pieces for an outfit. Pale pinks, blacks, and creams all remind me of a world I once knew.

What inspires you to style your outfits?

Amy Bird Tweets
xoxo

NYE Dress & Polish Ideas

2011-12-28T16:13:00.000-05:00

Go for a multi-color flirty dress like this one from Topshop.com which is actually on sale now!

Pair your multi-color dress with a fun Deborah Lippmann polish called Happy Birthday.

You could try something more geo-metric with shapes instead of simple sequins. I love this silver sequin shift dress from topshop.com, which is also on sale!

If you go with a dress like that it would look stunning with a black glitter polish like this amazing shade from Dior.

Finally you could always go with the standard classic gold sequin dress which never goes out of style year after year. LOVE this classic look for NYE! I found this adorable dress on LuLus.com for only $79!

Not sure if I would pair that particular gold dress with this polish, but this polish from Deborah Lippmann is so just amazing! I would go for a more muted gold tone polish to go with the dress from LuLus. However, this is an amazing shade if you have a bright gold dress or want to pair it with a silver dress too!

Finally I found this dress via Pinterest which is absolutely incredible!!

I love this adorable drink idea also via Pinterest! You could easily make this drink with the following three things:

1. St. Germain liqueur (for a grapefruit-y splash)
2. X-Rated Fusion liqueur (for the pink color)
3. Champagne (for the bubbles)
4. Garnish with DIY glitter stars attached to a stick or straw. Served over ice.

Happy New Year Everyone! Let's make 2012 a great year!
Thanks for all your support in 2011.

Peace & Love,
Amy Bird
xoxo

Crayon Canvas Art How-To Video

2011-11-21T11:37:00.001-05:00

Colours from Matt Mahoney on Vimeo.

Happy Monday!

When creating my crayon art masterpiece my boyfriend who is a talented film maker created a mini short film of the DIY process. I think this is a great video to show the step by step process in creating your Crayon Canvas Artwork! Please watch this video for a short how-to for creating your own crayon canvas art.

I hope this helps and if you have any questions let me know! I had so much fun making my masterpiece!

Thanks to Matt for helping me with this project. :)

Peace & Hugs,
Amy xoxo

P.S. Song is "Colours" by Graffiti6....Amazing band and song! Check them out!

Ombre Hair Trend

2011-11-10T16:07:00.000-05:00

I am loving the ombre hair trend that is going on. I love it so much that I am going to get it done to my hair tomorrow! I love the natural look with the darker roots into the blonder ends! It looks so whimsical and pretty! I also love LC's new look with her peachy locks! Rumi Neely's hair from Fashion Toast always looks effortless and chic.

I am going out in Atlantic City tomorrow night and also wanted to rock some new locks! I will post a few pics of my new hair next week! Wish me luck!

Peace & Hugs,
Amy xoxo

Lauren Conrad Hair Tips

2011-11-04T14:07:00.000-04:00

I recently saw an adorable hair post on Lauren Conrad's site called thebeautydepartment.com. I LOVE how this looks. All you have to do is tease your hair and then take side pieces and braid them and pin them back or use a clear rubber band to tie the two sides together. I have been looking for something to try to change up just wearing my hair down and straight all the time. I am going to try this out this weekend, you should too!

Happy Friday!

Peace & Hugs,
Amy xoxo

Hello November!

2011-11-01T17:27:00.000-04:00

via cynicalyrical

Happy November everyone! Can you believe November is already here? Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I can't wait to start drinking hot chocolate on the couch in sweats. I am already loving wearing sweaters and boots!

What do you love about November?

Peace & Hugs,
Amy xoxo

In love with Alexander Mcqueen

2011-10-23T23:17:00.016-04:00

1. Stud Knuckle Clutch

2. Chanel Nail Polish #440 Gold Lame

3. Folk Small Shopper Bag

4. Fold Back Ankle Boots

5. Skull Scarf

6. Peppered Pony Belt

Who doesn't love Alexander Mcqueen? From the amazing designer bags, to the famous Alexander Mcqueen scarf with the skulls worn by many celebrities. He has left his mark in the fashion world and created some of the most interesting high fashion designs. I am in love with this Stud Knuckle Clutch! You don't even have to wear rings when you are carrying this beauty. The peppered pony hair belt would be a great accent piece to any outfit. I have always wanted one of those Alexander Mcqueen skull scarves and would kill for that Shopper bag!

Since there are gold accents on most all of these pieces I thought it would be paired best with a gold lame nail polish. The ankle boots would go great with skinnies, a black tee, the skull scarf and shopper bag. I would also pair any loose fitting sweater with the pony hair belt.

I got all of these look ideas from a site called farfetch.com which sells high end designer fashion. You can shop the world's best boutiques all on this website. It's also a place where I get a lot of my inspiration for my posts.

How would you style something from this list? Do you like Alexander Mcqueens rocker chic style?

Peace & Hugs,

Amy xoxo

Photos courtesy of farfetch.com & Chanel

Leopard & Leather

2011-10-14T17:10:00.006-04:00

1. Juicy Couture Leather Charm Cuff Bracelet

2. Pointed Chunky Fitted Lacing Boots

3. ASOS Leather Leopard Metal Buckle Satchel

4. Leopard Printed Maxi Skirt

5. Leopard Panther Ring

6. Double C Knitted Jumper

I have been obsessed with leopard prints and leather accessories this fall. I love all of these leopard and leather picks! I really want that leopard panther ring, or maybe the leopard maxi skirt. Why can't I make more money? haha

Which of these six items are your favorite?

Peace & Hugs,

Amy

Finally...My Own Crayon Art

2011-10-11T07:30:00.001-04:00

First I took off all the crayon wrappers with an x-acto knife for a cleaner look.

Then I used a hot glue gun and made a line of glue directly on the canvas, and then applied the crayons to the canvas one at a time lined up across the top.

This is what your canvas should look like before you start blow drying the crayons. Be sure to use some sort of drop cloth as the wax can splatter.

Blow dry the crayons a section at a time for a clean look. Hold the blow dryer facing down to help the wax run down the canvas faster. I used a low heat setting on my dryer and it seemed to work the best.

To create the texture that I did after the wax dries go back over certain parts to melt more wax down the canvas. After a while you'll start to get your groove and figure out how to work the blow dryer to create the effect you want.

Here is my final work of art! I am actually really pleased at how my crayon art came out. I didn't want to do the full rainbow so I left out most of the reds and oranges and think this looks nice too. If anyone decides they want to try this I would love to see the color combinations that you put together.

I have hung up my artwork above my desk and it makes me smile to know that I made it myself. It also gives me color inspiration when thinking of posts for my blog. This artwork I find looks best when light hits it, so be sure to hang it somewhere near a window. It was a really fun weekend project and I highly recommend everyone make one for your home too!

Canvas: $10

2 Boxes of 64 Crayons: $6

Project Total: $16 - Not bad at all!

(I already had my own x-acto knife & hot glue gun)

Peace & Hugs,

Amy

Spring 2012 Chanel Show in Paris

2011-10-05T09:39:00.010-04:00

Chanel is one fashion house that always goes over the top for their shows in Paris. This I think is one of my favorite ones to date. I love the white aquatic theme. I already love anything that is all white and anything to do with the ocean so this was just beautiful. The floor was covered in white shimmering sand and the seats were curved like waves. The stage set is so serene and peaceful that it complimented the color palate of the 2012 Spring line.

The makeup was exquisite with shimmering white and silver eye shadow, pearls on their faces and in their hair. The look I loved the most was the salmon colored Mad Men-esque dress with the pearl belt and pearl buttons. I love the design and high collar on this dress, so classy.

What a gorgeous show that I wish I could have attended. It is truly amazing to see such great fashion design on such a great backdrop. Talk about inspiration and creativity...the lovely Chanel is always sure to impress.

J'adore! xoxo

Amy

Pictures from Fashionista.com

Crayon Canvas Art

2011-09-29T10:33:00.008-04:00

Organize the crayons however you want at the top of the canvas. Heat the crayons with a blow dryer until the colors start to run down.

Stop before it starts to melt to the end of the canvas.

Volia, your own crayon art! I can't wait to try this weekend. I think I am going to use blues & greens and maybe a pop of yellow or purple to go with my decor.

I got this amazing idea from the wonderful Pree Brulee blog. Thanks so much for the genius idea. My friend Ryan from Pursuit of NY is also a big fan of this idea and will be creating one of his own too. His amazing blog is something that I go to often for inspiration.

If you try this be sure to let me know or send me a picture.

Happy almost weekend,

Amy

Fashion's Night Out - King of Prussia Style

2011-09-14T07:45:00.000-04:00

My friend Kerri and I recently attended the King of Prussia Mall's Fashion's Night Out on September 8. I think King of Prussia Mall did a fantastic job of making this event so spectacular and exciting. Since not everyone gets to go up to NYC for Fashion Week this is the next best thing that's local.

The fashion show held in the center of the mall was flawlessly executed. They put together different looks from stores in the mall such as Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Kate Spade, Cache, Nordstrom, Betsey Johnson, and even Sears. I have to say that the Sears Kardashian line was put together really well on the runway and looked affordable and fashionable.

I really liked just going into some of the stores and browsing the new fall fashion (cocktails in hand) including my favorite Tory Burch! However, two favorite stores that I went into on FNO was TOUS and Michael Kors. The TOUS store employees were extremely nice and made sure I saw whatever I wanted. Beautiful store and a great shopping experience which will eventually lead to a purchase by me in the near future. The Michael Kors store was also nice because we got to drink wine while shopping at our leisure. :) Of course I had my gold MK watch on which the employees were loving. I got to see MK's new jewelry line which has some really beautiful pieces. I loved the MK Link Necklace and the Double Wrap Belt Bracelet! Check out the other beautiful MK bracelets for layering in with your favorite arm candy this fall!

By the end of the night there was certainly some tipsy shoppers which was funny, but isn't that how shopping should be? I would love cocktails while I shop, it would probably make me stay in the store longer and buy more! Right ladies???

Peace & Hugs,

Amy

Fall Is Finally Here...

2011-09-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

Fall is finally here...I heart fall. <3

Take time to reflect about your good times this summer...

...and think about moving forward in life, or in your career.

Don't be upset about summer being over...

...we get to wear cozy warm sweaters and snuggle under blankets with someone special.

Take time to learn how to bake fun treats for friends and family.

Whatever you decide to do this fall make sure you push yourself, learn something new, or try something different.

Summer is already better, but the best is autumn. It is mature, reasonable and serious, it glows moderately and not frivolously...It cools down, clears up, makes you reasonable..."

Valentin, Finnish writer

Happy Fall Everyone!

-Amy

Fashion For Men: Suits to Suspenders

2011-08-31T07:30:00.000-04:00

Let's face it, guys don't have as many fashion trends to keep up with as girls do. However, they do have a lot of accessories to have fun with when classing it up a bit. Pocket squares, suspenders, tie clips, and cuff links are standard staples in men's fashion. Banana Republic has the right idea by bringing back late 50's early 60's style. Inspired by the TV show, they recently came out with a Mad Men line (first picture above) which you can check out here...Banana Republic Mad Men Collection.

Has anyone noticed the amazing suits that Ari Gold has been rocking on this seasons Entourage?? They are seriously some of the best suits I have ever seen. In a recent episode he wore a blue ink Domenico Vacca double breasted suit that was just flawless. In this last season they wanted to define his character as someone who not only dresses well, but recognizes style. I can't wait to see what else he wears this season from Domenico's line. Double breasted suits are amazing and look amazing on. A few things to remember when wearing a double breasted suit:

1. Make sure to wear slim fitting pants with a double breasted suit. This suit jacket already appears top heavy so you need to balance it out by wearing slimmer pants.

2. Always wear this suit buttoned but make sure to only button the middle right button for a more relaxed look.

3. Buy this suit in traditional dark suiting fabric such as black, navy, or grey. A dark chalk pin stripe could also work.

4. Keep the shoes simple since you want to have the jacket stand out. A monk strap shoe would look nice with this look. Add a pocket square for additional pop of color and style!

I am also a big fan of suspenders and wish more guys would start bringing back style from decades ago. Suspenders can really take a plain button down shirt to the next level. The tie clip is also underrated but helps complete a look, especially with suspenders.

Finally, one more casual suit combo that I just adore on any guy is the hoodie/suit combo. For whatever reason it just has this air of casual/cool and sexy all at the same time. Guys take notes, ladies love this as a casual look for fall.

I couldn't resist giving you a sneak peek at the Banana Republic Mad Men Women's line which is equally amazing. Great inspiration for fall. :)

Peace & Love,
Amy

Linda & Shawn's Wedding

2011-08-24T10:35:00.018-04:00

Two of my really good friends got married recently and had a fairy tale wedding in the countryside. The beautiful Linda and the amazing Shawn who are such a great couple and made such a stunning bride and groom! Their photographer Ron Soliman who is a photojournalist did a fantastic job with their photos. You can see there adorable engagement photos here.

Linda and Shawn rode up to the reception in a horse and carriage! How romantic! I loved the bridesmaids peacock blue dresses with the peacock feathers in the bouquets. I also adore her hot pink heels that peaked out from underneath her dress. LOVE! The reception venue, Lauxmont Farms in PA, had gorgeous hillside views perfect for pictures including horses!

I wish nothing but the best for my two dear friends Linda and Shawn! Love you guys!

Check out the amazing short film by Dorthy Cinema Co. from their wedding which showcases all the other amazing details.

Shawn & Linda from Dorothy Cinema Co. on Vimeo.

Peace & Love,

Amy

All Photos by Ron Soliman

My Sister's Beautiful Wedding

2011-07-20T11:57:00.013-04:00

My beautiful sister, Jenn, got married on June 4th, 2011 to a wonderful, loving, and caring man named Liam. I am so happy for the both of them and the wedding was absolutely gorgeous! I think she was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. You will see in all of these pictures how photogenic she is and how she was the perfect ideal bride! From her amazing Maggie Sottero dress to her bright blue heels she was flawless.

Her photograper, Lynda Berry, did an amazing job with the photos! She was a pleasure to work with and came up with some really creative ideas. We randomly found an old vintage red Chevy Corvette on the street and the man who owned it let Lynda take pictures with Jenn in it! Amazing! The "Head over Heels" shot was my idea because I thought the store sign was such a cool idea since it was her wedding day and she was head over heels! I love the blue pop of her shoes coming out beneath her dress. Another favorite photo is the bridesmaids, including me (Maid of Honor) and Jenn walking across the street from the old County Movie Theater. We had so much fun on this photo shoot and it shows!

The picture by the shed has a retro feel which I love. She also shot some black and white and I have more to post but I thought this black and white photo was one of my favorites. It's so timeless and classic looking.

I have more pictures where that came from so this is only Part 1. :)

Love & Peace,

Amy

All Photos by Lynda Berry Photography

http://www.lyndaberryphotography.com/

Kiwi Cocktails

2011-06-27T13:14:00.014-04:00

Kiwi Colada

YIELD: 6 servings (serving size: about 3/4 cup)

Ingredients

5 peeled kiwifruit, divided (try using golden kiwifruit instead for a sweeter taste and pretty golden color)
3 cups ice
1/4 cup light rum
1/4 cup Midori (melon-flavored liqueur)
3 tablespoons Cream of Coconut (such as Coco Lopez)
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

Directions

Cut 4 kiwifruit into quarters, and place in a blender. Set remaining kiwifruit aside. Add ice and remaining ingredients to blender; process until smooth. Strain mixture through a sieve into a pitcher; discard seeds. Divide evenly among 6 glasses. Cut remaining kiwifruit into 6 slices; garnish each glass with 1 kiwifruit slice.

Kiwi-Lime Ginger Cocktail

Ingredients

Juice of 1/2 a lime, freshly squeezed
1 kiwi fruit, diced with some larger chunks for garnish
1/4 tsp finely minced ginger
Dash of salt (if desired)
Slightly crushed small piece of ginger
3 Tablespoons simple sugar syrup
8 oz. Ginger Ale
Ice
Kiwi and lime rind for garnish

Feel free to modify this recipe by adding vodka, gin, or light rum.

Directions
Rub lip of chilled tumbler with ginger, drop into cup. Add ice. In a separate mixing container, add sugar syrup, dash of salt, minced ginger, diced kiwi, and lime juice; mix well. Pour ginger ale into chilled tumbler, and pour juice mix over soda, making sure to swirl minced ginger and kiwi back into suspension first. Garnish with kiwi and/or lime rind. Enjoy!

Kiwi Mango Mint

Ingredients

1 kiwi fruit, diced with some larger chunks for garnish
1 part Vodka or kiwi vodka
5 parts mango nectar or mango juice
6-8 mint leaves

Directions

Put diced kiwi and mint leaves into a glass and muddle until you see juices. Then add ice, vodka and mango juice and stir. Garnish with a kiwi slice and serve!

I love kiwi and hope you enjoy these easy summer recipes for some killer cocktails at your next party!

Enjoy!
Amy xoxo

Shades of Blue

2011-06-16T09:14:00.008-04:00

Gorgeous water in Marseilles, France

Beautiful Door in St. Tropez, France

Marseilles, France

Château de Flaugergues Winery in Montpellier, France

Lighthouse in Sanary Sur Mer, France

Monterosso beach in Cinque Terre, Italy

Loved this beautiful home in Cinque Terre, Italy overlooking Monterosso Beach

A shirt I wore on my trip

Dusk in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Most amazing waters I have ever seen on the Cote d'azur!

As you can see I am a very lucky girl to have been to all these different places recently! I have never been to Europe so this was the most amazing trip I have ever been on in my life! Europe is amazing and I took SO many pictures. I wanted to share with you some of the prettiest blue waters I have ever seen, while touring the Cote d'azur! Most of these pictures were taken on my iPhone and processed with Shake it Photo or Instagram. If you use instagram you can follow me @ amybirdtweets!

Have any of you been to any of these amazing places?

More pictures to come of my trip so stay tuned! I miss Europe badly and will definitely be going back soon!

-Amy

xoxo

Glasses Just For Fun...

2011-06-13T07:15:00.001-04:00

I know I have taken a little hiatus from my blog again and I apologize. I was away on a cruise to the French Riviera and had an amazing time! Once I got back from my trip I was preparing for my sister's wedding the following weekend. Needless to say there was barely time in between for blogging. I do however have a ton of pictures from my trip to Europe and my sister's wedding, which I will be sharing with you all in the coming weeks.

Recently I bought a pair of non prescription glasses to test to see if I liked them. I don't need glasses but they are a fun accessory to play with. You know what I like most about them? I like to put them on when I go out to feel like a different person or if I am feeling like I need a little change. Bleudame.com has a ton of non prescription glasses for less than $20! If you need glasses, I recommend checking out Warby Parker, they have a very cute prescription glasses for under $100 which is easy on the wallet.

Amy
xoxo

After a long hiatus from my blog, my sister's bridal shower was a huge success!

2011-04-29T07:00:00.001-04:00

Hurray! My work has finally paid off! I found a branch in my yard and spray painted it white and brought the party poms on etsy.com.

Picking out the flowers for the centerpieces at produce junction. So many beautiful flowers here for less.

I went with yellow tulips to compliment the blue theme and hydrangeas to give the centerpieces a fuller look. The vintage blue mason jars really gave the flowers a fresh feel.

The tables were decked out with blue jems, flowers, and tealights.

I am a huge fan of this picture because I love how the focus is the water glass with the floating lemon at the top.

I went with spice shakers filled with blue M&Ms as the favors because my sister loves to cook. I think practical favors are better than something your guests may never use. I already use my spice shaker for my parm cheese and love it! These favors were very well received.

I decided to frame her invitation since she didn't get to see it and it went very well with the decor. I just adore the blue twirly lollipops in the different sized jars.

I was very happy with how this cake turned out and it was very tasty. We ordered a two tier square cake with butter cream frosting and marble pound cake. I also like the saying we picked out for the cake!

Just another shot of the tables, I love how the napkins were placed in the coffee cups!

My sister was very surprised and didn't realize we were putting all of this together. Her fiance, Liam is a very lucky man. ;)

Debbie, Chrissy, and I. We were best friends growing up but don't see each other as much as we should. It is always good to be reunited with old friends and it feels like you never missed a beat.

Finally, I could not have done this all myself without the help of the lovely bridesmaids and my mom! It is a tough job being Maid of Honor but it is well worth it when you see how happy your sister is. Many people told me that this was one of the best showers they had ever been to. We played a ton of fun games and had great prizes for guests to win.

I am glad it's over and it went as smooth as it did. Next on the list is her Bachelorette party, which is this weekend then her wedding is June 4th!

I hope everyone understands why I didn't have time to blog over the past few weeks. Bridal Shower planning and party planning can become very hectic!

I would love to hear feedback about how you think my bridal shower for my sister turned out.

Thanks so much, you will be hearing from me again very soon!

Love you Jenn!

All photos by Matt Mahoney

www.mattmahoneyfilms.com

St. Thomas Is A Beautiful Place...

2011-03-21T07:20:00.001-04:00

St. Thomas is an island that is truly amazing, you feel safe, everyone was super friendly and the locals were really cool people. We met lots of new friends, and went to some of the best bars I have ever been too. The water is crystal blues and greens and the weather couldn't have been better. I highly recommend visiting the beautiful island of St. Thomas.

These pictures were taken in downtown St. Thomas. Due to possible hurricane's they board up all of their shops at night to keep them safe. The boards that they put up over the shops are all very vibrant colors of blues, and yellows, and reds. It really adds character to the town not to mention that all of the houses in St. Thomas are super colorful as well.

As we walked down the long narrow streets we passed numerous jewelry shops which is what they are known for. Whatever gem you wanted they had it, and you could get it for a great price if you are a good negotiator! However, the market by the water with the local vendors is where the real culture was, we talked to lots of vendors and this was their life. They were all there trying to make a dollar to get by. I bought a few really neat things from the market which I will always treasure. My boyfriend actually got some great shots of the locals which gives a true portrayal of the island natives. I will be posting those this week. :)

At the end of one of our days in town a steel drum band was playing! The guy playing the drums called me over and let me play his drums! Everyone was watching and it was really fun, not sure if it sounded any good but I had a blast!

As a last minute shopping tip, before going on any trip this summer, I found a TON of cute things at H&M that I wore almost every day on my trip! I got that cute canvas purse that was only $14.50 and I got that leather bracelet with the charms on it for only $12. I am in love with both and they were the perfect accents to most of my outfits down there. I wanted to pack light and find a bag I could wear out every night and this small canvas bag was all I needed.

More pictures to follow this week!

All photos were taken by Matt Mahoney
www.mattmahoneyfilms.com

Kiss Me....I'm Irish!

2011-03-17T07:15:00.000-04:00

Adorable vintage clover ring from BeautySpot....$20

Felt Clover Headband by SafiyaAlyse....$12

Oh so cute Lucky Bird with Clover mug from Addled Hill Pottery....$28

A friend of mine Janelle Haskin's super cute Green Knit Bow Headband....$24
(she is adorable and her etsy shop is amazing)

These are my St. Patty's Day picks from Etsy and they are all reasonably priced!

Party like your Irish tonight! Happy St. Patty's Day!

P.S. St. Thomas pictures coming soon, finally.

Pretty Spring Anthro Dresses

2011-03-14T13:46:00.013-04:00

Kingston Road Dress

Silken Stitches Dress

Marble-carved Peep-Toes

Tres Flores Bracelet

I am LOVING these adorable flirty spring dresses from Anthopologie! The Silken Stitches dress is beautiful and can be layered with any cardigan, blazer, or cropped leather jacket to spice up the look. The colors of the Kingston Road dress make the dress seem vintage and would make any girl feel feminine and beautiful. Can we talk about the Marble-Carved Peep-toes, the neutral tone makes them perfect to wear with any spring dress! I want these shoes really bad. The lovely Tres Flores bracelet is so simple and dainty, and I love the tiny flowers attached to this bracelet for a pop of color.

What do you think of Antho's new Spring line? I am in love!

All photos from Anthopologie.com

Amazing Cupcakes by Jennie Cakes

2011-03-11T09:38:00.026-05:00

~Vanilla Cupcakes with Lemon Filling and a Raspberry Buttercream Frosting~

~Dark Chocolate Cupcake with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting~

~Mini Margarita Cupcake with Tequila Lime Frosting and Sea Salt~

Miss Jennie Cakes herself hard at work, perfecting her own "signature swirl".

Jennie Cakes is always baking delicious cupcakes for Philadelphia and surrounding areas, she has been providing delicious, gourmet cupcakes in a variety of flavors for all occasions since 2009! I actually work with Jenn Higgins and she brought in her cupcakes for one of our events at work and they were amazing! Everyone was raving about her cupcakes and little did I know that she had her own cupcake company! Jenn has been baking her whole life and her dedication and creativity pay off! She even had an article written about her in the NY Times!

Here is a small sampling of her current menu:

Margarita Cupcake w/ Tequila Lime Frosting and Sea Salt

Mojito Cupcake w/ Mojito Frosting

Chai Tea Latte Cupcake w/ Honey Buttercream Frosting

Chocolate Chip Cupcake w/ Brown Sugar Buttercream Frosting

Pina Colada Cupcake w/ Pineapple Coconut Frosting

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcake w/ Chocolate Mint Frosting

Cinnamon Apple Cupcake w/ Caramel Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Cupcake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

White Chocolate Cupcake w/ Peppermint Buttercream

I really want to try one of those Margarita cupcakes with the tequila lime frosting and sea salt! They sound so yummy!

Which kind sounds good to you?

Like Jennie Cakes on Facebook to see what new cupcakes she creates! You can also email her to see her full menu at jhcupcakes@gmail.com! If you are local shoot her an email to see her menu and place an order for your next event!

All Photos by Maureen Guerin Photography

DIY: Feather Tree Centerpieces

2011-03-07T07:15:00.000-05:00

These amazingly awesome Feather Plume Centerpieces were for a French themed baby shower in NYC from the blog, Hostessblog.com! I am in LOVE with this idea, think it's super creative, and I love how colorful the feather plumes are. I am a huge fan of the color yellow and blue together! Even the piece that dangles down from the feathers looks incredible. They did a fantastic job putting this shower together and I have so many ideas now for future parties. I adore outdoor events in a garden setting, I just wish I could have attended this shower just for the decor alone! haha

Here are all the DIY details for the feather trees:

*****

You’ll Need:
19″-23″ Ostrich Plumes (approx 20 – 25 per tree *see note)
Straight Stem Bouquet Holder
Eiffel Tower Vase – (24″ or 28″ height)
glue dots, earthquake gum, or similar other type of adhesive

Optional Embellishments:
Ribbon
Hoops Beaded Curtain (or similar)

DIRECTIONS:
1). Insert the feather quills into the foam bouquet holder to create a “palm tree like” look, starting at the bottom of the holder and working your way up to the top. (You may need to trim some of the quills if they seem to be a little long and start to run into each other when inserted.) The best thing about this centerpiece is that it’s so easy to adjust. If it looks too full/empty in one particular area, just keep moving things around until you’re happy with the look. When you’re done, give the holder a little shake to make sure all of the feathers are secure and to help fluff them up.

2). Decorate the vase with ribbon (optional). Wrapping ribbon in a diagonal direction from the bottom to the top of the vase gives it a fun “candy stripe” look that’s perfect for circus themes (or holiday!).

3). Insert the stem of the bouquet holder into the Eiffel Tower Vase so that the feathers sit on top to form the “tree”. Use glue dots, earthquake gum, or another gummy adhesive to help secure the bouquet holder to the vase. This is especially important on this size of a centerpiece, because the top can get pretty heavy due to the large size of the feathers. If your party is outside, I definitely recommend using a strong adhesive to help combat any wind that might pick up!

4). Embellishments (optional): Pull a piece of the Hoops Beaded Curtain or a similar decorative element to hang from the feathers. The Hoops strands are so light , they can easily hang from one of the individual feathers, so we were able to hang them a few inches away from the vase so that they were more visible. (If you’re using a heavier element like a crystal ornament, you may need to hang it directly from the top edge of the vase.)

*Note: It’s MUCH more cost effective to purchase the large ostrich plumes by the pound. You’ll get approx 110 pieces for $190, which is enough feather for 5 centerpieces, as opposed to paying $80-$94 for 20-25 individual feathers for just one centerpiece. These centerpieces aren’t exactly inexpensive, but when you compare them to the cost of a traditional flower arrangement or large-scale event or wedding centerpiece, they still come in well under the standard price, especially when done in bulk! PLUS, you can re-use the feathers over & over… or lend to friends, etc. =)

Some of the feather trees at the party were grouped with additional decor – such as small framed signs & the candlestick arrangement pictured above. (The white candleholder is from Z Gallerie, and it’s topped with a funky melamine zebra salad plate from Social Couture and a fish-shaped Mini GurglePot from Delight.com.)

Hopefully you got some ideas for future party decor! Please check out Hostess with the Mostess blog for more fun party planning ideas. I absolutely love this blog and am always inspired by the beautiful events they put together. :)

2011 Oscar Fashion - Best & Worst

2011-03-03T07:15:00.000-05:00

Besides the fact that James Franco and Anne Hathaway were way to young to be hosting such a prestigious show, I still enjoyed the fashion! I know I am a little late on my best and worst dress picks from this weekends 2011 Oscars, but here they are!

First of all Mila Kunis, the Black Swan star, was by far the best dressed! What a beautiful lace and satin organza gown by Elie Saab Haute Couture. This dress is flattering, feminine and sexy. I am in love with the color and looks great with her skin tone.

Florence Welch was my second favorite best dressed. A lot of the reviews said they hated this dress and even called her the worst dressed! I couldn't believe it, because I think this dress fits her style and personality perfectly. It looks very vintage and I love the lace at the top and the tiered look. Her simplified accessories complimented the dress as well so she didn't take away from her beautiful dress.

Finally Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves looked stunning. They opted for simple classic looks. I love the volume in Camila's dress with a more simple elegant top that was super sexy. McConaughey went with the classic bow tie and pocket square to really set off his look. Best dressed couple for sure!

Now for the worst dressed. I heard a lot of people raving over Cate Blanchett's Givenchy Couture dress. There are certain things I like about it, but I really can't get past the big circle cut out at the top of the dress. My eye goes right to the center of that circle and I can't enjoy the rest of the dress. Dresses should be works of art and your eye should scan the canvas, however, this one was difficult for me to enjoy. I like the bottom half and wish there was a different top without that cut out. What were your thoughts on this dress?

Oh Amy....what were you thinking??? OK Amy Adams is wearing a deep violet, sparkly, cap sleeve dress by L'Wren Scott. The dress is really pretty, but she ruined this look by adding that silly green necklace and bracelet. YUCK! Any dress that goes up to the neck should not have a necklace over it. First off, she already has a super sparkly dress, so why did she need to add the necklace and bracelet? She should have just worn simple stud earrings and maybe a simple ring and called it a day! I would really LOVE to know who made the decision for her to put those accessories with that dress. She gets worst dressed from me!!

Should we even talk about Reese Witherspoon's boring black and white number? Terrible....

What were your thoughts of the 2011 Oscars Fashion?

All pictures from mtv.com, Florence Welch picture from Celebbuzz.com

Just another Monday...

2011-02-21T07:15:00.001-05:00

This quote is awesome. Ice Cream does make you feel better.
(P.S. No one broke my heart, just find the quote funny).

This is actually a song that my dad always sung to me when I was little. It is supposed to be a happy song, but it almost makes me cry because we never want our sunshine taken away. :/

I think we have all had these kinds of days, especially on Monday morning. However, winter is almost over and spring will be here soon! Cheer up and make the most of your Monday.

Soon we will be able to drive with the windows down blaring our favorite songs like I did this past Friday.

Countdown until Spring begins.....

What I Wore...

2011-02-18T07:15:00.001-05:00

On a recent road trip to Ocean City Maryland my boyfriend and I had a blast. It was such a spontaneous trip, which sometimes are the best mini weekend getaways. We relaxed, took tons of photos, saw an amazing sunset and pet wild horses on Assateague Island!

Mustard Yellow Coat....Forever21
"LOVE" ring...Forever21
Black Leather Stations Necklace...House of Harlow 1960
Handbag...Tory Burch

All Photos by Matt Mahoney

www.mattmahoneyfilms.com

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T07:15:00.000-05:00

Photo by Consumed by Cake

Card by Steel Petal Press

Whether you say it with flowers, candy, cupcakes, or jewelry make sure you say, "I Love You." If you don't have a significant other make sure you tell your family and friends how much they mean to you. I know that this is a very consumer driven holiday, but it's best to make the most of it and celebrate the people you love.

My favorite is Matt and will always be! Love you hun! We are lucky to currently be in St. Thomas right now soaking up the rays and sipping on delicious cocktails. :) Don't be too jealous. haha I don't know what I would do without my family and friends and I love you all very much.

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!

Faux Fur Vest Obsession

2011-02-10T07:15:00.000-05:00

I have been obsessed with the fur vest this winter. Obviously this is vest I am wearing is faux fur, I would never wear real fur. I think they are so cozy and you can just throw them over a long sleeved tee for a dressier look.

My mission with this outfit was to create a look with a belt and a fur vest! I found an adorable Lauren Conrad floral shirt to go under and had a cute brown belt from H&M already and VOLIA! I also love the bronze snakeskin heels. You don't have to do boots all the time in winter so I mixed a fur vest with skinny jeans and heels for a classic look. I also threw on my tried and true Michael Kors gold watch and some bangles to complete the look.

What have you paired your fur vest with to create a unique look?

Floral Shirt by Lauren Conrad....$12 (on clearance..amazing)
Faux Fur Vest from Charlotte Russe....$36.99
Brown Belt from H&M....$14.95

Derma-Allay Skin Care Review

2011-02-07T07:15:00.000-05:00

rePlenish Face Gel

rePlenish Lip Butter

I have been having really dry skin lately from this harsh winter. I am on the east coast and it feels like it has been winter storm after winter storm. My lips and face are super dry and nothing seems to be working. I have been putting on regular face moisturizer and I have tried all kinds of chap sticks and nothing has worked until I discovered Derma-Allay!

A friend of mine told me about the product and I immediately checked it out. Derma-Allay is a all natural skin care company using non-harmful ingredients including natural beeswax. I think what sets this company apart from other skin care lines is the quality of the product. I tried the rePlenish Face Gel and the rePlenish Lip Butter and let me just say that they are amazing products that really work!

The first time I used the rePlenish Face Gel I was amazed. It said refrigeration recommended, which I got excited about because I love when things are cool and refreshing when applied to my face. You only need to use a small amount because a little goes a long way and makes the gel last longer. You just massage it into your face and neck until it's completely absorbed. The smell of the product is incredible and makes for a relaxing experience. It smells like a mix between cocoa butter, macadamia nut, and almonds! Yummy!

After it absorbed into my skin I made my boyfriend touch my skin because it felt so soft and smooth. You can really feel the gel working instantly! My face was feeling soft and beautiful for the rest of the day!

I have been using the rePlenish Face Gel mostly in the morning after I wash my face for a rejuvenating effect, but I would say I probably use it once or twice a day. They also have a under eye gel that I am dying to try! I highly recommend trying this face gel as I have used many and this one by far is my favorite. :) This is a winter must have and also a summer must have once the summer sun hits your face.

Let's talk about the rePlenish Lip Butter. You can tell right when you open it that its not something that was processed in a factory. The texture looks like whipped cream and it's made with natural ingredients like aloe vera gel, beeswax, grape seed, sweet almond, avocado, and vitamin E. I felt it start working after wearing it for a few hours. My lips feel soft and supple all day, which is essential during the winter months!

*A little tip for the Lip Butter: if you like your lip butter thicker, leave the cap off for an hour or so it becomes more thick and creamy when applied. It comes in delicious flavors such as cherry, vanilla and mint.

Ok enough about me talking about how amazing the products are! Go check out their website, follow them on Twitter and "Like" Derma-Allay on Facebook to get the scoop on any insider discounts or new product updates.

Since I love all my readers I got us a special discount to use on any purchase at Derma-Allay.com, just enter code giftme for 10% Off!

If you end up trying it let me know how you like it! :)

Photo Credits: Matt Mahoney (www.mattmahoneyfilms.com) & Derma-Allay, LLC. (last photo from Derma-Allay.com)

(IN)DECOROUS TASTE

2011-02-03T07:15:00.000-05:00

How amazing are these shoes and shoe harnesses? A friend of mine told me about a friend of hers who had a really amazing blog, (IN)DECOROUS TASTE. Her name is Lauren and she is girl with a ton of talent and the craziest ideas for shoes that become works of art.

For example she cracked a mirror on the ground and glued the pieces onto the base of a stripper shoe for that cracked glass effect. The results are stunning and I am amazed by her even coming up with this idea.

I love the crystals that stand up on the shoe harnesses, it really makes for a bold look. Ever since I first read her blog I was hooked to see more creations! She is now selling her shoe harnesses in a boutique called Seven in NYC, you can check out her looks at the boutique here.

She also has a portfolio of upholstering old world style chairs, adding crystals to tables for lavish decor, as well as many other things. I highly recommend checking out her website, id-taste.com too, and prepare to be amazed. :)

Nike recently reached out to her and gave her a pair of shoes to create something of her own. She ended up taking red Nike's gutting them and making ruby red sequin sneakers with an added heel. Fabulous!!

Pretty Things from Penelope & Anastasia!

2011-01-24T07:15:00.000-05:00

{...Vintage Fabric Button Earrings...}

{...Vintage Fabric Button Bird Earrings, named after me! Amy Earrings!...}

{...Beautiful Cressida Cocktail Ring...}

{...Upcycled Vintage Pearl Ring...}

Pamela of Penelope & Anastasia is the most amazing person. She has a keen eye for vintage finds and creates unique one of a kind pieces from them. If you have a vintage something or other that you would like transformed into your own custom made piece, Pam is definitely your girl!

When I was at her most recent open house (which was packed) I spotted the gorgeous Vintage Pearl Ring that I have pictured above. Every time I wear it I get so many compliments on it!

The Vintage Fabric Buttons featured above are only $15/piece, which I find is very reasonably priced. The lovely Pam actually named one of her earrings after me because she knows how much I love birds. She named them "Amy Earrings"!

I would check out her Etsy shop, Penelope & Anastasia, because not only does she have vintage earrings and rings, but she also has gorgeous necklaces! If you become a fan of her's on Facebook you can see more of her work! P&A Facebook Page.

Purple encourages creativity...

2011-01-20T07:15:00.000-05:00

I am really liking purple/eggplant decor lately. There is something about the color purple that is so calming and relaxing. There are four effects that the color purple usually makes us all feel:

1). Uplifting
2). Calming to the mind and nerves
3). Offers a sense of spirituality
4). Encourages creativity

Purple also has a sense of royalty, riches, luxury, and power. A dark purple accent wall or purple lighting can set the right mood for a relaxing environment.

What does the color purple make you feel? Do you have purple anywhere in your home?

Favorite Etsy Find: Little White Dresser

2011-01-18T07:15:00.003-05:00

{...Charlotte's Black Bloom Belt...}

{...Greek Goddess Silvery Headband...}

{...Spring Touch Crystal Necklace...}

{...Crystal Sash...}

{Crystal Sash on a beautiful brides dress}

I have actually blogged about Little White Dresser's shop before, and I am still in love with all of her work! The lovely Avishag is very talented! I love the Charlotte's Black Bloom Belt, it has a black swan-esque look to it. The Crystal Sash is a beautiful edition to any wedding dress.

Between my sister's wedding in June and my best friends wedding next Spring I will probably be buying something soon from her shop! She also have very cute earrings and adorable headbands that you could wear to spice up any outfit.

Please check out her blog and her shop!

Right now Little White Dresser is having a Buy 1 Get 1 SALE - In order to enjoy this sale please add any 2 items into your shopping chart and make a purchase. She will refund the lowest priced item via pay-pal.

Here is the lovely Avishag from Little White Dresser as a bride...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YguV3K05Unw

Join the Little White Dresser Facebook page and get updates on sales and new items
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=615471861#!/pages/LittleWhiteDresser/145178907561

Keep in mind...

2011-01-14T07:15:00.000-05:00

1/11/11 Make A Wish...

2011-01-11T15:19:00.011-05:00

Why does 11:11 always seem to be the time when we look at our clocks? Why do some of us make wishes when we see this time on the clock? Numerologists believe that events linked to the time 11:11 appear more often than than chance or coincidence. This belief is related to the concept of synchronization. Other authors believe it is an auspicious sign, and others that is signals a spirit presence. 11:11 can show up anywhere, on receipts, restaurant bills, on the license plate in front of you while you are driving and we are always amazed by this. However, this belief is something I will always carry with me.

Make sure tonight at 11:11pm you make a wish because you have extra 11's tonight because today is 1/11/11! How crazy! I hope everyone's wishes come true. :)

Happy 11:11 wishing! The next big one this year will be 11/11/11!

For all of you that live in PA or surrounding areas, we are going to have a snowy night tonight, so stay warm, safe and cozy! Snuggle up with someone special, and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Much Love,

New Year....New You!

2011-01-05T07:15:00.000-05:00

Now that 2010 is history, I have a really good feeling about 2011 more so than I normally do. However, on my first day back to work today, I was rear ended by some idiot who didn't pay attention in traffic! My poor little car...hopefully this isn't how the rest of my year will look.

New Year's Resolutions...Why a resolution? Why not a plan or goals? I don't like to call them resolutions because they shouldn't be, nothing is ever easy to just "resolve". I like to call them New Year’s goals or plans.

I want to live a healthier lifestyle and learn more new things. I want to become a more skilled photographer and work on my jewelry line! I had a small sale before the holidays and I sold everything that I made! This was just the confidence and motivation I needed to work on my inventory before I set up my store on Etsy.com! This is one of my most important goals this year. :)

How awesome is that quote above? "She turned her cants into cans, and her dreams into plans." I absolutely adore it! My friend Amy found it on a blog called Design Crush. It's a really motivating quote and a great thing to say over and over again to yourself when you're feeling "stuck".

Here are a few things you should try in 2011:

1). Sport a new hair color or new haircut! This one is always tough but it totally can make you feel like a different person. We all know I am big on the different color hair idea. ;)

2). Take a weekend off to do absolutely nothing! It really helps to rejuvenate your zest for life!

3). Take a mini vacation. Don't go somewhere too far but far enough to be away from anything stressful. Maybe a fancy NYC weekend or a cozy lake house bed & breakfast retreat.

4). If you are successful in your career, reward yourself. Buy yourself something that you really want. We need pick me ups.

5). Take some time to appreciate nature. Whether it be a long walk, a bike ride, or just laying in the grass. Take in the smells, the feeling you get, and the beauty of it. After going to the mountains recently it was awesome to just sit and stare even though it was freezing!

6). Donate old clothes to charity. We all know we have closets FULL of clothes that we say we will wear and we never do. This time just say, I won't wear this and put it in a bag. When you drop it off at a clothing drop you will feel so much better, I promise. :)

7). Learn how to cook or bake something difficult. Push your limits in the kitchen.

8). Spend more time with your college roommates and old high school friends. Do dinner every other month or get together for drinks once in a while. Staying close with your girls is so important. Our friends are who shaped us in to who we are today.

9). Go home to visit your parents more often. They miss you more than you know...

10). Exercise & eat healthier. You don't have to exercise every day, but if you do every so often you will feel better about yourself and your body. Pick something that you love like French fries and only let yourself have them once every few months. This will create discipline. :)

What are you going to do in 2011? What are some goals you already have for yourself?

Cheers & Happy New Year!

Trip to the Mountains

2011-01-01T17:24:00.023-05:00

January pt. II – The Solstice from Matt Mahoney on Vimeo.

I hope everyone had a very happy holiday break! Sorry I haven't been able to post as much but I have spent lots of time with family and friends. Matt and I recently took a trip up to his mountain house in the Poconos in PA. It was a really relaxing time and we were able to capture some really great shots.

I am learning how to use Matt's Nikon D50 and I think I'm getting a lot better. I think I have a good eye for framing up shots, but I still near to learn all the technical aspects of photography. I took a million pictures of this beautiful mountain sunset over looking an icy beach. It was breathtaking and very cold, but well worth it. Matt has a Cannon 550D which is really sweet and shoots in HD.

Matt was able to capture enough footage to make a small short film called January. It is really well done in my opinion and showcases the beautiful icy lake and "winter" perfectly. He got a lot of great shots at night when no one was on the mountain which made it seem abandoned and very eerie.

Please take a few minutes to watch his film because it compliments my pictures above and shows you how much time we spent at this lake getting the most perfect shots. :)

I hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve and I look forward to a awesome 2011!

Cheers!

Merry Christmas Photo Shoot

2010-12-23T07:15:00.000-05:00

...I love you...

...The Brothers and I...

...good times, with good friends...

...love this one...

...my good friend Kaitlin and I...

...No more pictures...please....haha

The Christmas Tree from Matt Mahoney on Vimeo.

~*Merry Christmas Everyone from Amy Bird Tweets!*~

Matt, his brothers, my good friend Kaitlin, and our good friend Charlie all had a fun photo shoot in the Valley Forge Park this past weekend. I really love how these pictures turned out!

I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday season and now we can all look forward to a new year. :)

All of these pictures were taken by the talented Charlie Layton!

Please check out his work here.

The video was done by my amazing boyfriend Matt Mahoney.

Please check out his blog here.

Thank you so much to everyone who reads my blog, I hope you enjoy it! Looking forward to 2011!

DIY - Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-20T07:15:00.000-05:00

I have always wanted to make my own ornaments, so this year my boyfriend and I tried to make our own ornaments and found that it was cheap, easy and fun. We also think they turned out just the way we had hoped. Everything was purchased at Michael's craft store. Here is what you need:

1). Plastic or Glass clear ornaments (The ones we purchased were plastic but look very nice and were only $0.69 each)

2). One bag of sand (whatever color you want to go with the theme of your tree, the bag we purchased was only $2.99)

3). Fake Christmas tree branches (You can cut a small piece from a wreath or other decor to get the effect that we did) I also added some holly berries to mine and my boyfriend added a small pine cone.

In total this project only cost us $4.37 and the ornaments look awesome and expensive!

I highly recommend making some of your own ornaments because it's inexpensive, fun, and you can tailor them to fit your tree's theme. We have a silver/white theme and wanted to keep our ornaments simple and elegant.

Drum roll please......The winner of the Once Upon A Peony Giveaway from last week is......Danielle Kelly!! Merry Christmas Danielle! Your gifts should arrive soon! CONGRATS Danielle! :)

A big thank you to everyone else to left a comment and followed my blog and Once Upon A Peony on Facebook.

DIY - Christmas Wreaths

2010-12-13T07:05:00.000-05:00

This weekend I decided I wanted to make my own wreath that I can use year after year. Last year I got a real wreath and it didn't last that long. I went to Michael's and they really had great prices most of the items were half off! This is a simple project that anyone can do! I went with an all silver wreath because our tree is all white and silver. There are many different color schemes you can choose from and it was really fun to make.

Don't go overboard when selecting things to decorate the wreath with, just match up a few similar things and mix and match. Of course I had to buy the silver birds, and I really liked the glittery apples and present. Before inserting things into the wreath be sure to lay things on the wreath to test out where you want to place them.

Here are the items I bought for the wreath:

1. Wreath $1.99
2. Silver Birds $0.60
3. Silver Leaves $0.60
4. Silver Present $0.30
5. Pearl Flowers $0.60
6. Silver Holly $0.30
7. Silver Apple & Drum set $0.30

TOTAL: $4.69

This wreath does not look like it's $5.00! I highly suggest making your own wreath, it makes it more rewarding to come home from work to see your festive wreath that YOU created. :) It will also most likely be cheaper than buying a store bought wreath.

Next DIY project this week: My boyfriend and I will be making our own ornaments. Stay tuned.....

Christmas is only 13 days away! Is everyone done their shopping yet?

P.S. Be sure to enter my giveaway that ends this Thursday! You could win lovely jewelry and hair pins from Once Upon A Peony's Etsy shop! Click here NOW to enter!

Friday Giveaway from Once Upon A Peony!

2010-12-10T07:00:00.002-05:00

I caught up with one of my favorite Etsy shops Once Upon A Peony! Marissa, the owner and creator, actually lives close by to me and we remembered that we knew each other in High School after catching up! It is such a small world! We did graduate with over 1,000 students though. Yikes! Now she makes these cute jewelry pieces on Etsy as her creative outlet. I recently bought a pair of her Madelyn Earrings in the Mermaid color you can see me posing with them here on her shop! I loved the pop of color that they added to my outfits!

Please read my brief interview with the owner of Once Upon A Peony, the lovely Marissa! After you are done reading please do a few things to be eligible to win the adorable trio of Gingerbread Man earrings, Rapunzel hair pins, and Serendipity Rose ring! I wish I could win this! haha

HOW TO WIN:

1. Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect or "Like Amy Bird Tweets on Facebook.
2. "Like Once Upon A Peony on Facebook.
3. Leave a comment saying why you should win. :)

The winner will be announced on Thursday December 16th. Good Luck! :)

Q: How long have you been selling on Etsy?

A: I opened my Etsy store in March of 2010.

Q: What made you want to use flowers in most of your designs?

A: My grandparents had this picture of a little girl picking flowers hanging up in their house. My grandmother loved flowers, especially roses, and they always had some around their home. When my grandmother passed away, I started to think of flowers as her way of saying hello to me, so they are kind of my little tribute to her.

Q: What else do you do besides create pieces for your Etsy shop?

A: When I'm not working on my shop, I love to spend time with my family. My husband and I have twin girls who will be two this month, so we love to take them to fun places once a week, like the park or the movies. I also help out in my family's deli when they need an extra hand.

Q: What are some of your other favorite Etsy shops?

A: I absolutely love Lonkoosh. Her pieces are so amazing to me - she takes vintage pieces and creates something new and gorgeous with them.. I wish I had the patience and creativity that she has! I also love CulpablyCute's butterfly necklaces, and JudyStalus has some gorgeous flower pictures.

Q: Do you wear your own pieces?

A: I am always wearing something that I made.. Right now I'm wearing a lot of my rose gold geometry necklaces, which will be available in my shop soon :)

Q: What else do you do for fun?

A: Aside from just hanging out with my daughters, I love going on dates with my husband, trying new restaurants is our favorite thing, even though we don't have much time for it anymore. I also love to travel - I think Brazil is the most beautiful place in the world.

Check out her shop if you want to purchase any of the items you see here. She has so much more be sure to go and support! :)

Thanks! Have a great weekend everyone.

Angelina Jolie Vogue Cover Shoot

2010-12-03T12:14:00.011-05:00

For once it is really nice to see Angelina all dolled up and looking so feminine for this December 2010 Vogue Cover shoot! This Carolina Herrera fuchsia satin dress really suits her well and compliments her skin tone. I really love the soft make up and light pink lip shade she adorns for the cover. Her skin looks porcelain, fragile and flawless, I know it's all in a days work of the cover editors, however, she is 35 and looking fantastic!

My favorite look is by far the Yves Saint Laurent satin tuxedo jacket, banded shorts, and patent leather sandals with rhinestone heels! I'm a sucker for black and white photos, they are so classic! The location for this photo shoot looks like it was at an old mansion which makes her look so regal in her photos, which she already is. Miss Jolie is such a unique person and is such an intriguing individual. I definitely have a girl crush on her and wish I could be as bad ass as she is.

*All Photos are from JustJared.com

John Wind - Maximal Art Trunk Show

2010-12-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

{Gothic Chic Watch Bracelet}

{Modern Vintage Jewelry by John Wind}

{Mr. John Wind...The Creator}

{Beautiful Chunky Charm Bracelets}

{Charms, Charms, Charms!}

{Each piece is so unique and definitely make a statement}

The John Wind Maximal Art Trunk Show was held this past weekend on Saturday November 27th at the Joan Shepp boutique in Philadelphia on Walnut Street in Center City. Joan Shepp is one of Philadelphia's most prestigious boutiques. Joan Shepp was actually one of John Wind's first American customers!

John Wind studied at the Slade School of Art in London and on weekends he would go on hunts for vintage pieces to add to his collection. He also loves Victorian jewelry as well because he feels it creates emotion through the story that Victorian pieces can tell. John started Maximal Art in 1985 and it has grown over the years, however, modern vintage has always been his style.

John's Jewelry has been featured in many magazines such as Philadelphia Magazine, Philadelphia Style Magazine, Oprah's Gift Guide, Brides Magazine, In Style Magazine and many others! His collection has continued to grow over the years because his work are timeless pieces that will never go out of style.

I really love the mix of different vintage pins, brooches, and charms he uses when creating bracelets and necklaces. It makes for a very unique style and one of a kind pieces. This trunk show was definitely about charms but they were all so beautiful it made it hard to pick just one to take home! If you want something that really sparkles and stands out to wear for New Year's Eve or at your next holiday party, shop the John Wind Maximal Art Online Store today!

Like John Wind on Facebook & Follow him on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest news!

If you are from the Philly area be sure to stop over to Joan Shepp on 16th and Walnut to look at the John Wind Charms! There are over 100 charms in the shop right now and they make perfect Christmas gifts!

Whooga Ugg Boots Giveaway = Perfect Christmas Gift!

2010-11-30T21:03:00.020-05:00

{Pink Whooga Ugg Boots...so cute!}

{Various colors & sizes}

{Whooga Ugg boots provides a style guide & sizing guide for the perfect fit!}

{Whooga Uggs have thicker, denser fur than regular Ugg boots}

Believe it or not, I currently do not own a pair of Ugg brand boots. One of the reason's being, I just don't think they are made well. The fur is thin on the inside and feels cheap. Another pet peeve I have with Ugg boots is that the ankles start to droop after wearing them a few times and it doesn't look flattering from the back.

These boots called, Whooga Ugg boots, are made more sturdy and thick, with a dense fur lining. They are dubbed the nickname, "Teddy Bear Boots" and are made in Australia. I know most guys do not like these boots, but they are made for comfort. They are made to keep our feet warm in the winter months. So, whether we are running errands, shopping at the mall, or going out to a casual dinner with friends these boots are perfectly acceptable to wear.

Whooga Ugg boots come in various sizes and colors and have a style and sizing guide to make sure you select the right boot for you. I have read numerous reviews on this product, which you can find on their website, and all reviews have been stellar. The boots vary in price but I think they are well worth the investment instead of buying a cheap pair that won't last. These boots would also make a great Holiday gift! *Hint, Hint Boys!*

Right now if you sign up for the Free VIP Whooga Uggs Newsletter they are having a giveaway at the end of each month! They are giving away a FREE Pair of Whooga Ugg boots! Awesome! However, if you aren't lucky enough to win a free pair they also send out special VIP discounts in their newsletter. They also send pre-sales viewings so you can get dibs on the sale items before anyone else! Sounds too good to be true right?

I have even better news, the owner of Whooga Uggs has given all my readers a special VIP discount of 10% OFF their purchase for the next week! Just use the coupon code: 1130AMY when buying your boots! Any country can use my discount and sign up for the newsletter! :)

What are you waiting for? Go check out Whooga Ugg boots now! :)

Spinach Stuffed Shells

2010-11-26T07:30:00.001-05:00

When I made these spinach stuffed shells last week my boyfriend said they were one of the best things I have ever made. Which is pretty awesome to hear, so I thought I would share the recipe with you all. They are delicious and melt in your mouth! When your Thanksgiving leftovers run out, be sure to try this recipe! So Yummy!

Ingredients

2 cups Basic Marinara, divided
Mozzarella Cheese
Cooking spray
2 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 package fresh spinach, chopped, and sauteed
1 large egg
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small red onion, minced
24 cooked jumbo pasta shells (cook these first, drain and pat dry)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

Spread 1/2 cup Basic Marinara over bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Combine ricotta, spinach, egg, garlic, red onion, salt, pepper, and oregano and parm cheese in a large bowl, stirring well. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons filling into each pasta shell. Arrange stuffed shells in prepared dish; spread with remaining 1 1/2 cups Basic Marinara. Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese and cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving, then ENJOY!

Thanksgiving Decor on a Budget...

2010-11-24T13:03:00.014-05:00

Decorating for holidays is always very fun. I have found a few DIY projects for you to do in preparation for your big holiday dinner.

1. Gold Leaf Place cards: Spray paint a sturdy leaf from outside gold. While the spray paint is still wet use a toothpick to write the name of the person on the leaf.

2. Pear Place cards: Either spray paint the pear or leave the pear in it's natural state. Find a pin color to coordinate with your other table decor and hand write the names on a piece of card stock. Pin name to pear and your place holder is finished.

3. Thanksgiving Treat Picks: You can easily create your own cupcake or dessert picks in a pinch. Just cut out a circle on card stock paper, then cut out another circle in another color but 2 inches smaller. Paste the circles together, write on your pick whatever saying you would like! Another option would be to add a small ribbon under the circle on the pick for a fancier look.

4. Fall Leaf Votives: Walk right outside your door find the most festive fall leaves and glue them to cheap clear votives. You can probably find these at Michaels craft store. Tie a ribbon or twine around the leaves to keep them in place.

5. Thanksgiving Pom Poms: I am not sure how easy these are to make but you can get them on etsy.com. I found them at this blog called Design Evolution. Check it out! Makes for great fun contemporary holiday decor.

All of these ideas are very inexpensive and easy to create. I hope I have inspired some of you to have some fun with your Thanksgiving decor. If you make something from any of these ideas or had other ideas of your own I would love to see them! Please take a picture and send to me at hello@amybirdtweets.com. I would love to share what you have created with my readers.

I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving with their loved ones.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry!

Janelle Haskin

2010-11-23T07:15:00.001-05:00

{Circlet Scarf in Linen}

Beautiful handmade soft and cozy knit scarves...would make a great holiday gift!

I obviously adore the Circlet Scarf!

{Chain of Leaves}

{Extra Wide Pyramid Stud Lady Turban}

{Zooey Deschanel rockin the Lacey Bow in Cream}

Janelle Haskin from Philly really has a way with crochet. :) She makes all of her pieces look so trendy and hip. Her creations are really beautiful and very unique. The Circlet scarves are adorable and would make perfect holiday gifts. Who doesn't want to wrap them selves in a soft and cozy knit scarf this winter? I also adore the Chain of Leaves headband which can also be worn as a belt!

Janelle, you must have been so proud to see Zooey Deschanel rocking your Lacey Bow! I am so happy for all your success! You can all read about it here in one of her past posts. Her Etsy store has tons of other belts, hats, scarves, and headbands, so what are you waiting for?

Check out her blog Janelle Haskin & Etsy Shop now!

P.S. I absolutely adore Zooey and I loved (500) Days of Summer!

Currently Listening to:
"Hero" Regina Spektor
"The World at Large" Modest Mouse
"Goin' Home" Dan Auerbach

Sing, Shine, Fly!

2010-11-17T08:52:00.006-05:00

Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.

-Victor Hugo

I wanted to share with you some motivational thoughts because we can all sing, shine and fly towards our dreams! Set small goals for yourself, keep yourself inspired, stay strong, and keep calm. Make sure to tell your friends and family how much you love them today! We are so lucky to be able to have such a long life filled with happiness and love! :)

I got these beautiful bird images from a blog called Inspired...By Life! . She created these images herself! You can check out more of her work at her blog now!

Tim Gunn Fashion Show

2010-11-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

{Kate Spade Galleria Bette Dress with Bow...$395}

{Kate Spade Fifth Avenue Stripe Scarf...$95}

{Kate Spade Hello Goodbye Ski Hat...$75}

{Kate Spade Be Dazzled Kylie Skirt...$395}

{Kate Spade Be Dazzled Josie Dress...$445}

{Lucky Brand Sunset Plaid Western Shirt...$79.50}

{Lucky Brand Mt. Rainier Denim Jacket...$149}

{Lucky Brand Crossbody Convertible Bag in Navy...$178}

{Juicy Couture French Terry Shimmer Sweatpant...$138}

{Juicy Couture More is More Tee...$88}

Kerri from Champagne From Beer and I at the Tim Gunn Fashion Show!

My friend Kerri and I went to a recent fashion show at the King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, PA. The show featured Kate Spade, Lucky Brand and Juicy Couture. Each brand featured fall/holiday looks from each of their lines and showed different ways to wear them. Of course Tim Gunn was the host of the show and he was hilarious in person just as he is on TV. I know most of these looks are pretty pricey, but it is great inspiration for putting different looks together for fall. I am sure we can all find a scarf like the Kate Spade Fifth Avenue scarf at Old Navy or somewhere else.

This runway show was a functional show making things seem accessible for the audience. Tim Gunn interacted with the models and took off a blazer and threw on a cape to try different looks. He wanted people to believe the looks and make them street ready. Most of the pieces were very wearable and styled flawlessly. I really liked the Kate Spade dresses they had really intricate details.

Photo Credits: Kerri from Champagne From Beer

Glitz & Glam

2010-11-09T07:15:00.001-05:00

{Matix Shine A Light Dress...$80}

{BB Dakota Roberts Dress...$88}

{MinkPink A Little Spesh Dress...$69}

{Matix Aces High Bag...$70}

I am not gonna lie, when the Swell catalog comes in the mail I always wished I just moved to Hawaii or Puerto Rico and lived a relaxed lifestyle. However, you can still live a relaxed lifestyle and your clothes can reflect that effortless chic surfer chick look. Swell is also good for inspiration because they really mix and match their looks, which I like to do. Most of the things they have are not too expensive and they usually have sale items which you can get for a steal.

The looks I picked here are mostly for dress up because it's almost time for NYE! I am also headed to Atlantic City this weekend for a friend's birthday and I am trying to find a fun dress to wear. These were my inspirations for this weekend and NYE. I am loving the Matix Shine A Light Dress with the leopard print and I threw the Matix bag into the mix because it's simply just awesome! It is definitely on my Christmas wish list!! :)

Which dress do you like?

Spirit Hoods

2010-11-04T16:57:00.022-04:00

Word on the street says packs of young teens and 20 somethings are running wild in L.A. adorning these fancy faux fur garbs. Including Method Man featured in the above picture and Kesha who is a big advocate for these faux fur hoods.

They are called Spirit Hoods and seem to be all the rage right now on the West Coast. Alexander Mendeluk co-owner and designer of Spirit Ho o ds wanted to create a line of animal inspired hoods. After creating these versatile hoods, Alexander and his brother hit the streets of L.A. and rocked them when they went out with friends at night. This of course created a buzz, and people wanted to wear them too. Now they have a growing line of all different styles of hoods for men and women from Wolf, Leopard, Bear, Panda, Zebra, Husky, and more.

They full length hoods include:

an inside zipper pocket for your cell phone or ID or cash
a front button closure/clasp
a set of paws
and of course front pockets

They are really affordable ranging from only $59-$129 and would make perfect holiday gifts for any animal lover. Another reason Spirit Hoods are awesome is they make a donation when you purchase a hood with Product Blue, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping your particular animal of choice. This includes the Wolf, Panda, Polar Bear, and Snow Leopards!

Who is buying one and which one would you get? I think I would get the Leopard for sure, so cute! Love these!

Halloween Recap

2010-11-01T20:26:00.013-04:00

Check out my pumpkin carving skills!
Photo Credit: Amy Bird Tweets iPhone (haha)

Funfetti RIP Cupcakes made by Amy Bird Tweets :)
Photo Credit: Charlie Layton

Dracula's Delight Red Velvet Cake by Pastry Chef Amanda Boutcher
Photo Credit: Charlie Layton

Helicopter & Ghetto Cookie Monster
Photo Credit: Charlie Layton

Coach Ditka, Nurse, Ghetto Cookie Monster, Indian, Gumby, Robber
Photo Credit: Charlie Layton

Illustration By: Charlie Layton

Happy Belated Halloween! I was too tuckered out from the weekend to post this yesterday but I wanted to share these pictures with you! My friend Charlie's party was super fun and he is also a fantastic photographer and illustrator! How scary do I look in that zombie illustration that Charlie drew?! He drew one of everyone who came to the party which I thought was pretty awesome!

What did everyone else dress up as? I was Ghetto Cookie Monster! haha

Photo Credits: Charlie Layton

Bake It Pretty!

2010-10-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

{round tip for fluffy cloud-like frosting mounds...create your own "signature swirl"}

{happy birthday pink cupcake wrappers}

{pretty iridescent rose picks}

{adorable vintage rose picks}

{cute hello kitty ring toppers}

{frosting flavored lip balm...yes please}

All of these lovely things for pretty baking can be found at Bake It Pretty, which is such an awesome shop. There are recipes, vintage baking supplies, beautiful baking cups, pretty birthday candles and more!

Blue Suede Shoes

2010-10-24T19:58:00.028-04:00

Who doesn't love Blue Suede Heels? I am obsessed with blue suede right now and I really want a pair. I would love to own the lovely Christian Louboutin pumps with the red soles but can't afford those. :( Don't fret! There are many other top quality brands that make affordable alternatives!

Check these out:

Gabriella Rocha Dancy Blue Suede Pumps with adorable double straps for only $73.95 at Zappos.com!

Donald J Pliner Edrice Ocean Blue Suede Pumps on sale for only $196 at Zappos.com! I like the black heel and blue suede combo.

Luichiny Cindy Lou Blue Suede Pumps are adorable and affordable for only $79.95 and they come with a cute red heart on the bottom, which I LOVE! These were also found at Zappos.com and these might be the winners. :)

P.S. Also be sure to enter a great giveaway on my lovely Friend Erika's Tiptoe Butterfly blog! Click here now!

P.S.S. Also check out another great giveaway! A gift card to Barney's NYC @ teeshirt and pearls!