I Love You Much

In honor of Valentine’s Day I decided to get creative and put together a design with the theme of love in mind. I started with the idea of combining a quotation with an image but I didn’t have a specific concept right away.

But you know when you hit on something and it just clicks? Like meeting the person you know you’ll spend the rest of your life with, maybe? I had a mini moment like that where I realized that these words and this photograph were made for each other and the end result is close to my heart.

Design: Laura Messersmith; Image: Karin von Voigtlander

I often tell my husband Mike that he’s my favorite friend., which if I were a poet might sound more like the first few lines of I love you much(most beautiful darling) by e.e. cummings which are so, so lovely and expressive. It’s one of my favorites and I think it’s a perfect match for this image. The picture was taken four years ago in May 2010 just before Mike and I walked to the church for our wedding ceremony. I vividly remember standing on the dock under the blue sky as we laughed and Mike threatened to 'fall in.' I can’t thank our wonderful photographer Karin von Voigtlander enough for capturing such a perfect shot of that memory.

I hope you’re feeling loved today and I hope you tell at least one other person - a spouse, B.F., G.F., B.F.F., parent, sibling, snuggly pup (yes, they count as people) - that you love them too. Happy Valentine’s Day!

A Super Excuse to Have A Party

Whether you actually like football, follow a specific pro team, or give a hoot about the SuperBowl - for me those answers are: yes, yes, and kinda but mostly about the commercials and any half-time show starring Beyoncé - it’s a great excuse to have friends over and whip-up some delicious food.

In my book it’s also a great excuse to make an adorable invite to said Super Bowl Party. I had an idea in mind and design came together pretty quickly with a combination of green gradients, chalkboard brush strokes, and a simple twist on a football strategy staple. Hope you enjoy!

Original Design: Laura Messersmith

And, because I can’t just leave it at that, I pinned some recipes for my favorite football-watching snacks. After three years in Dallas these crowd pleasers are Tex-Mex inclined and that’s just how we roll. 

Lime-Cilantro Chicken Wings

Guacamole

Beef & Bean Chili (served with shredded Jack cheese and Fritos please!)

Black Pepper & Molasses Pulled Chicken

Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Color Trendsetters

The Pantone Color of the Year reminds me of a giant game of I Spy. After I learn which color Pantone has selected I spend the next 12 months noticing when Emerald green, Tangerine orange, or Mimosa yellow make an appearance in fashion, home décor, and design. It’s amazing to see the influence that one choice has on the products available. Suddenly, Target is carrying a bright turquoise toaster after years of silver and black.

2014’s color is “Radiant Orchid” which Pantone executive director Leatrice Eiseman calls magical, exotic, beguiling, and encouraging of innovation.  The more unusual the color; the better the trend spotting and this shade of the purple family is a bold choice. 

Design: Laura Messersmith; Product Images: Boots: Hunter, Cardigan: J. Crew, Necklace: Bauble Bar, Sunglasses: Kate Spade, Notebook: Moleskine, Candle: Paddywax, Lamp: Anthropologie

No shrinking violet - pun 100% intended - Radiant Orchid is bright and daring. It's virtue is being more unexpected than royal purple or the hot pinks that have been incredibly popular lately. When I see it I immediately think of greenhouse-grown flowers, rum-based cocktails, and slinky dresses (I predict at least one show-stopping 2014 Oscar dress in this shade - Jennifer Garner came pretty darn close last year). This color also represents a challenge because it's never going to take a backseat, hence the need for innovative thinking.

Pantone describes the process of identifying the Color of the Year as a global search for color trends across creative sectors including art, film, technology, international sporting events, and travel destinations.  It sounded like a cool project to me, so I did my own armchair search to see whether Radiant Orchid had popped up yet.

I found several different items that looked like they came directly from Pantone’s creative team and I’m curious to see what the coming months will bring. Have you noticed Radiant Orchid dominating the color palette in your favorite shops? Do you find yourself incorporating color trends into your wardrobe?