design finch

Tea for Two

Last weekend I had the honor of hosting a baby shower for my beautiful friend Christian who is expecting her first little bundle of joy in March! Our friend Bethany, Christian’s mom, and I had so much fun planning the shower for her. We had it at Tea Embassy, a cute tea room in downtown Austin – the perfect place for a girly celebration. I designed the invitations (below) to look like tea bags because it only seemed fitting! The tags on the “tea bags” told guests where she was registered.

As guests arrived, they were greeted by a banner announcing the baby’s name. I also made a pink tulle wreath (which can later be hung over Clara’s crib as a mobile) and attached paper flowers that matched those used on the invitations.

As gifts were opened, we sampled several different flavors of hot tea and nibbled on scones, tea cookies, chicken salad sandwiches, fruit kebabs, and – Christian’s favorite – cupcakes! The cupcakes and sandwiches were topped with little flags that had messages like “A Sweet Baby Girl is Brewing” and “Tea for Two”. Pink and yellow tulips were arranged in tea tins and pieces to a silver tea set that belonged to Christian as a child.

It was a gorgeous Saturday in Austin, Texas, and I felt so blessed to be there celebrating my dear friend and the sweet baby girl that is brewing!

Published:

January 22, 2012 – 8:28 pm

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By Shayla

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1 Comment

Christmas Card 2011

Happy Holidays…..

Groves Christmas Card 2011 …..From Our Herd to Yours!

As you can see, I had a little too much fun designing our Christmas postcard this year. I thought it would be festive to Photoshop reindeer antlers on the dogs and give Oliver a bright red Rudolph nose. Apparently Ollie was not a fan, though! The cards were all stacked up neatly ready to be mailed when I discovered that he snatched a few off the table and shredded them into a million tiny pieces. So if you didn’t get a card from us this year, it’s because our dog ate it!

Wishing each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a Blessed New Year!

Published:

December 25, 2011 – 12:20 am

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By Shayla

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Wrap Room

Wrapping gifts is one of my very favorite things about the holidays (in fact, I’ve mentioned before that one of my dream jobs is to be a professional gift wrapper in the mall during Christmas). I love searching for cute gift wrap and coordinating the ribbons and embellishments to match my holiday decor….in fact, I probably obsess over it a little too much. I wish I was one of those people that could throw a present into a gift bag with some tissue paper and call it done.

But that would be way too easy, my friends.

I tend to make simple things like wrapping gifts as difficult and time-consuming as possible. Which is why after spending a couple nights sitting on the floor in the middle of the guest bedroom surrounded by crumpled gift wrap and a tangled mess of ribbon, I’ve decided that my next house will have an entire workspace dedicated to wrapping presents. In fact, it will look exactly like this:

Craft/Wrapping/Laundry Room

And I will be smiling just like that lady because it will be organized bliss in there, I tell you! I bet her bows always turn out perfectly and she never even runs out of tape or shirt boxes on Christmas Eve.

However, until I’m able to have an entire present-wrapping workshop like Santa, I will need to find creative ways to maximize the space I have to its fullest potential. This organizational eye candy has me excited to whip my gift wrap storage into shape after the holidays:

Clockwise from top left: Gift Wrap and Ribbon Shelves, Tissue Paper Hangers,
DOORganized Gift Wrap, Overhead Wrapping Paper Storage

Clockwise from top left: DIY Behind-the-Door Gift Wrap Organizer,
Gift Wrap Drawers, Wrapping Station

Clockwise from top left: Ribbon in Straw Dispensers,
Ribbon on a Paper Towel Holder, Ribbon Basket, Bows and Tags in a Fruit Basket

Regardless of whether you are obsessive wrapper like me or prefer to keep things simple with gift bags (or, God forbid, plastic shopping sacks), wouldn’t it be so nice to have a convenient, organized place to assemble presents? Do you have any secrets for keeping your gift wrap supplies in check?

Published:

December 23, 2011 – 4:27 pm

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By Shayla

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20 Last Minute Gift Ideas

With only 13 shopping days left until Christmas, I thought it might be helpful to share some last-minute gift ideas with those over-worked elves who are still searching for the perfect presents for the good girls and boys on their lists (and, also because my Mom keeps asking). So, hint hint, little elves….

1. WoodWick Candles – $10-$20
Not only do these candles smell amazing, but they also crackle
just like a fireplace. I want one for every room in the house!

2. Jonathan Adler Thermal Mug – $15
I pretty much adore anything designed by Jonathan Adler,
and these mugs are no exception.

3. Yogi Egyptian Licorice Mint Tea – $5
Three words: Best. Tea. Ever.
Feeling stressed, tired, sick? One cup of this stuff will leave you feeling refreshed
and rejuvenated….it’s truly magical! I’m actually enjoying a cup as I type this.

4. SmartWool Frilly Boot Socks – $24
I pinned these socks on Pinterest a long time ago
and keep hoping they will go on sale soon….because I need all four pairs!

5. Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer – $6
It is no secret that Burt and his bees make the best lip gloss ever!
I have a tube in my purse, car, desk drawer, and coat pocket at all times.

6. Mercury Votive Holders – $5 each
I have a slight obsession with Mercury glass.

7. Dinosaur Planters – $14-$18
I also have a thing for dinosaurs…and these guys just make me laugh!

8. Custom Calligraphy Address Stamp – $65
I love that these return address stamps are individually hand-lettered
in custom calligraphy, not computer-generated fonts.

9. Fluorite Faceted Teadrop Earrings – $46
FACT: A girl can never have too many earrings!

10. Textured Cuddle Throw – $39
Nana gave me this throw for Christmas (or maybe my birthday?)
a couple years ago and it is the best, softest, coziest blanket of all time.
It’s the secret ingredient to napping perfection!

11. Monogrammed Phone Case – $50
Guaranteed to add some “style while you dial”.
These cute cases are available in lots of different colors and patterns.

12. Toms Pewter Sequin Shoes – $59
These are cuter in person than they are on the website. I first saw them
for sale in Whole Foods and had to restrain myself from taking off my shoes
and trying on a pair right there in the middle of the grocery store.
The copper color is my fave, but can’t seem to find a picture of those.

13. Salsa Dos Dishtowels – $4 each
These are the best dishtowels. The set we received as a wedding gift
is just now beginning to wear out after 6.5 years of daily use.

14. Nikon D90 Camera – $900
I’d love to get a fancy SLR camera and learn how to properly use it.
I’ve read good reviews about this one, in particular.

15. Old Gringo Western Boots – $430
If you can justify the price, these handmade boots are simply lovely.

16. Erin Condren Personalized Note Pads – $18
Erin Condren stationery is all the rage right now!

17. Philbrook Museum of Art Membership – $50
Can’t afford a real Picasso? Think again!
Museum memberships make entertaining, clutter-free gifts.

18. Knitting Needle Organizer – $37
This would be a great gift for the knitters on your list.

19. Dahlia Placemats – $8 each
A set of these placemats would be perfect for someone who loves to entertain.

20. Classic Ford F1 Pickup
This is my dream car – a restored 1950′s model Ford F1 pickup in cherry red
with whitewalls. I’m sure Santa is packing it into his sleigh as we speak!

How ’bout you – what’s on your wish list this year?

Published:

December 11, 2011 – 6:47 pm

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By Shayla

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Girls’ Weekend

I just returned from a long weekend in the mountains with my besties, Bethany and Christian! We try to take an annual girls’ trip together, so this year we met up in Frisco, Colorado, and rented a condo with a beautiful view of the snowy mountains. When we weren’t eating, we explored downtown Breckenridge, drank lots of hot chocolate and coffee, shopped at the outlet mall in Silverthorne, watched the snow fall, and sat around the fireplace talking and laughing….all while planning our next meal, of course! It was such a relaxing weekend – exactly what we needed to recharge our batteries.

I can’t even begin to convey how much I love these two girls; they are among God’s greatest blessings in my life. We are all different, yet our personalities complement each other so well that is clear we were destined to be friends. Lifelong friends. Everyone should be so lucky as to have besties like Bethany and Christian!

So, girls – where should we travel next year? I’m already missing you both!

Published:

December 4, 2011 – 10:07 pm

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By Shayla

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The Gobble Guide: A Free Thanksgiving Planner

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, I have two things on my mind: pie and a nice, long nap. Seriously, I can’t even tell you how much I’m looking forward to that after-pie nap!

Apparently not much has changed over the years. My family frequently reminds me of the Thanksgiving when I was about 7 or 8 and bellied up to the table with nothing but apple pie, whipped cream, and potato chips on my dinner plate. While it seemed like a perfectly acceptable meal to me, my mom was certain that the pilgrims were rolling over in their graves!

This week I’ve been planning the menu for our Thanksgiving feast and briefly considered serving only potato chips and dessert. (Afterall, nothing says “God Bless America” quite like a cornucopia full of fried spuds.) But when I asked my family for special Thanksgiving requests, potato chips were nowhere on the list. Cue the sad pilgrim face.

Instead, this year our Thanksgiving menu will include:

I really enjoy cooking as long as I can do it at a leisurely pace with a glass of wine in hand, but tend to get a little frantic when the frenzy of last-minute preparations hits right before the meal goes on the table. An Iron Chef I am not!

In an attempt to alleviate some of that stress (and because I’m slightly neurotic), I put together this “Gobble Guide” to map out which recipes I can prepare in advance and schedule the time each dish needs to go into the oven on Thanksgiving Day. Hopefully it will keep me on track in the kitchen and perhaps even save the rolls from burning!

You know I love sharing free printables, so here is a blank version of my Gobble Guide that you can customize for your own event. My hope is that this planner will help you organize your holiday so you’ll be less stressed and have more time to spend (eating pie and napping) with loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving, bloggy friends!

Published:

November 17, 2011 – 11:19 pm

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By Shayla

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Thanksgiving Printables

Wow, I can’t believe Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away! This will be my second year hosting and I’m really looking forward to it. Putting such a big meal together always seemed like an overwhelming task, but last year I learned that starting preparations a few days in advance not only makes the process of cooking and decorating manageable, but I actually found it to be quite enjoyable, too.

I plan on following the same preparation timeline as last year, but sprinkling in a few new recipes to keep things interesting. Of course, my favorite part of all is busting out the fancy china and decorating the table. While trolling Pinterest for centerpiece ideas, I discovered so many cute and free Thanksgiving printables. I’m super thankful for an online community of crafty folks who generously share their creativity and provide me with more inspiration and project ideas than my hot glue gun can keep up with! Here are just a few of my faves:

Clockwise from top left: Kids’ Table Printables, Grateful Mod Printables,
Give Thanks Banner, Thanksgiving Menu

Clockwise from top left: Retro Folk Menu, 3D Paper Turkey,
Give Thanks Wine Tag, Thankful Paper Chain

More Free Printables: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

This week I’m finalizing our menu so I can go grocery shopping and get to the fun stuff. Of course, I’ll keep you posted how it all turns out!

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Have any favorite recipes or cooking tips to share? I’d love to hear ‘em!

Published:

November 13, 2011 – 10:16 pm

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By Shayla

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Gratitude Stones

Yes, I’m still here!

I appreciate all the calls and messages we received from friends and family checking on us after this crazy weekend of earthquakes in Oklahoma. We’re totally fine! What a bizarre feeling, though, to be jolted awake from a deep sleep by the sound of your house vibrating all around you. Not the most pleasant alarm clock, that’s for sure! I am thankful earthquakes are a rare event around here!

While we’re on the subject of feeling thankful, I want to share a simple project that Jason and I recently started to document our many blessings. All too often we spend our time and energy focusing on the things we don’t have, the people who bring us down, our failures and frustrations, etc, etc, etc. As the holiday season approaches, I wanted a tangible way to remind us of all that is good and right with the world. While on a hike the other day it hit me – gratitude stones!

Our plan is that every day from November 1 until Thanksgiving we will each write at least one thing that we are thankful for on a stone (don’t worry, you KNOW I scrubbed the dirt off!) and collect them in a glass vase. When Thanksgiving Day rolls around, the vase will be full of happy reminders of God’s love and goodness.

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100:1-5

Published:

November 6, 2011 – 11:41 pm

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By Shayla

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Oh, My Gourd!

My favorite part of Halloween has always been decorating pumpkins. I have fond childhood memories of carving Jack-O-Lanterns with my brother Trent and now, as bigger kids, Jason and I continue the tradition. Needless to say, it usually turns into a competition between the two of us to see who can create the best pumpkin. And I ALWAYS win, although Jason will never admit it.

This year, however, he couldn’t handle the pressure of such fierce competition and took a nap on the couch while I went to town carving my “G”. (In case you’re wondering, it stands for “gangsta”.) And then, because he was still asleep, I decorated his pumpkin as well, using his favorite drill to perforate hundreds of tiny holes in its flesh (which seemed like a good idea at the time….but not so much when I was cleaning pumpkin guts off the drill before sneaking it back to the garage).

This is another one of my winning creations from a couple years ago. It’s a silhouette of our sweet labrador retriever, Denver. (Ollie had not yet emerged from his hole in the ground to join our pack, which is why he is not represented with a gourd here.)

These are the pumpkins we carved together on our first Halloween as Mr. and Mrs. G. As you can see, Finchley closely inspected our work and declared the winner! I’ll leave it to you to guess who carved which one.

So, do you ghouls and boys have your pumpkins ready for Halloween this year? Here are some of my favorite ideas gathered from around the interweb if you need a little last-minute inspiration. It’s also never too early to begin planning next year’s masterpiece!

Clockwise from top left: Spooky Silhouettes, Wrinkled Face, Tinkerbell,
Owl-O-Lantern, Goblins

Clockwise from top left: Translucent Monograms, Monogram,
Twinkle Light Pumpkins, Flames, Cinderella Pumpkin

Clockwise from top left: Bird Cage, Celtic Shapes, Mouse House,
Deer Diorama, Pumpkin Pad

Clockwise from top left: Modge Podge Leaves, Gold Gourds, Pumpkin Topiaries, Glittered Pumpkin Centerpiece, Modern Pumpkins

Clockwise from top left: Puffy Painted Pumpkins, Sequined Swirls, Monogram, Blinged Out Spider Web, Sequined Monogram

Clockwise from top left: Crystal Pumpkin, Lacy Pumpkin, Moroccan Pumpkin, Candy Corn, Mummy

Here are some helpful tips I learned for keeping your gourds looking good until Halloween:

Rub petroleum jelly on the exposed flesh of your pumpkin to slow decay.
Place packets of silica crystals inside the pumpkin to soak up moisture and prevent mold growth.
Wrap a strand of Christmas lights around a glass for a radiant light source (remember to cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin for the cord).

Please treat us by sharing your pumpkin tricks in the comments!

Published:

October 29, 2011 – 2:48 pm

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By Shayla

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3 Comments

Fall Getaway

This past weekend I was able to check a couple things off my Fall Bucket List! Since we’ve been having such gorgeous fall weather, we decided it was the perfect time for a quick getaway to enjoy the great outdoors. So we packed up the camping gear, loaded up the pups and made the four hour trek to southeastern Oklahoma.

We planned our route to take us through the Talimena National Scenic Byway because it’s supposedly one of the best places in the state to catch fall foliage. It was still a bit too early to see much color (peak season is late October through early November) but the panoramic vistas of the Ouachita Mountains made for a gorgeous drive nonetheless. As we enjoyed our picnic lunch at one of the scenic overlooks, Jason and I both agreed that this was the prettiest part of Oklahoma we’d ever seen.

From Talimena we continued on to Beavers Bend State Park near Broken Bow. The park was busy because it was apparently fall break for many schools and we were lucky to snag one of the last campsites along the river. The Mountain Fork River is known for its spectacular trout fishing so, needless to say, Jason was in heaven! The dogs loved going on long hikes and chasing squirrels through the woods. And we all know I was just there for the s’mores.

In all seriousness, it was a lovely weekend and I think we all feel refreshed after simply being outdoors. Just what we needed!

Published:

October 17, 2011 – 10:59 pm

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By Shayla

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2 Comments

design finch

Tea for Two

Christmas Card 2011

Wrap Room

20 Last Minute Gift Ideas

Girls’ Weekend

The Gobble Guide: A Free Thanksgiving Planner

Thanksgiving Printables

Gratitude Stones

Oh, My Gourd!

Fall Getaway

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