{on blogging :: creative market}

One of the most frequently asked questions I get on my blog is where I get my patterns and graphics from. Though I don't use them so much any more, I always like inserting a cute little illustration here and there (mainly on my collages), and I love using patterns for my quotes and mantras. My secret? Creative Market. 

I found out about this awesome website from Lauren, who encouraged me to start selling my fonts there. Since then, I have spent far too much money on cute little illustrations and patterns and other fonts. I mean seriously, you should see the inventory I've collected over the past year. Here are a few of my favorites, right now. 

Winterscape doodles by Rowena Leanne Designs

Cupcake patterns by Grafik Boutique // Aleka font by Eurotypo

Wordpress themes by BluChic (that's my website's template above)

One of my favorite things about Creative Market is just how much they appreciate the designers who contribute to their marketplace. It's an awesome community, and you can feel safe knowing that you're supporting some really amazing small businesses when you purchase through them!

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links, which means that I may profit if you click through and purchase something through the site. That being said, I truly only promote shops and items on this blog that I firmly believe in, and I have been a supporter of Creative Market for some time, long before they created their affiliate program. 

{hello again + monday's mantra}

I didn't mean to take a break over this past week, but apparently I needed it. So, hello again, and I hope I didn't scare you off by my lack of posting over the past seven days. It isn't often that I take an entire week off, and I almost always announce when I plan on doing it (because I always plan on it), but this past week just got away from me. It wasn't that I was terribly busy or distracted; sometimes you just need to give yourself time to let go and stop worrying about the little things. It's been a nice break, I have to admit. I did read like, seven more books (only thirteen left before the end of the year) and got to write a bit for myself. I'm feeling much more...recharged, you know? Like, let's do this. 

Now, I'm not one to put my Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving (though the weekend after, it's on), but I wanted to share this mantra this week with you. It's not just for Christmas, really. I want to take this time of the year to remember what's important, to remember what's wonderful in life, and most importantly, to give thanks for all that I have. 

Happy Monday friends!

{a lemon orchard shoot}

I don't know that I've said it before, but I'm so incredibly lucky to have some of the people that I do in my life. I always struggled making friends before college, but now my heart is overwhelmed with how many people I have in my life. A few of these people I met because of my blog or because of weddings, but I like to think that even if we didn't have these things in common, we would still be friends. 

One of those friends, whom I met last year because of my blog, just so happens to be an amazing photographer. But beyond that, I've found an incredibly close friend in Emily. We just get each other, you know? Not to mention, she is seriously one of the kindest, most generous women I've ever gotten to know. I'm so freaking thankful that she found my little blog and we connected, and now here we are. 

Emily is good friends with my husband as well, and just adores little Olive Duff. It only felt natural that I ask her to take our Christmas card photos for us! I am so excited to send out our cards this year, and I'll definitely share them with you all when I get them. In the meantime, here are a few of the other pictures we took while at the lemon orchards last week. 

Thank you for the beautiful photos Emily! And thank you for being one of my sweetest friends!

{monday's mantra}

It's going to be a good week. I can feel it. 

I spent the majority of my weekend reading, since I have quite a bit of reading left to do before the year. I slacked on my book goal during wedding season, so I officially have seventeen books left to go to hit my fifty-two goal mark. I read four books over the weekend, all of which were just eh. Anyone have something good to recommend?

This week is going to be full of meetings and signing clients and cleaning our little apartment (it looks like a bomb went off in here). Hopefully we'll get to sneak out for a date afternoon or two, maybe at Barnes and Noble with some peppermint hot chocolate. It's one of our favorite things to do together, and not such an expensive date. 

So, here's to a good week everyone. 

{five things}

And it's Friday! It's been a busy, busy week. Apparently it's booking season now, because I've spent the majority of my past few days on potential client meetings and proposal writing. So thankful right now! And now it's just a waiting game...so I'm crossing my fingers, knowing (hoping) I'll hear back soon. 

This weekend is going to be pretty relaxing, and Sunday is my first calligraphy party at my studio! Everyone wants to learn, and though I don't know that I'm the best teacher (since I don't have any formal training), I figured we can all get together and just have fun.

Anyway, here are some of my favorite links and posts from the past week. Hope you have a great weekend!

1 // Isn't that dress above amazing? There's a reason I'm obsessed with Southern weddings!

2 // Loved this! Unhelpful life lessons from Pinterest.

3 // This couple puts all of their fights on Twitter. Definitely puts things in perspective, don't you think?

4 // And another one from Buzzfeed. I can't be the only one who can get lost on that site for hours, right?

5 // One of the reasons I love Lauren's blog is because she isn't afraid to tell it like it is. Here are six things your wedding guests will most definitely not appreciate. 

{guest post :: BHLDN wedding centerpieces}

So excited to have one of my favorite companies share some tips on wedding centerpieces today! BHLDN, if you didn't know, is Anthropologie's wedding line, and they have some absolutely incredible pieces and dresses that I just know you'll love!

BHLDN stylist Amy Miller shares expert tips for creating unique wedding centerpieces.

If you’re planning a seated dinner, wedding table decorations and centerpieces are a great place to add unique, quirky details that personalize your day and bring your wedding theme to life.

Flowers are the most traditionally types of wedding centerpieces, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring! Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold color combinations and different textures. And we love looser, more asymmetrical floral arrangements – so soft and romantic!

The vases you use with your flowers can also alter the mood. Create a rustic feel with tin, birch or moss vessels, or add some Old World charm with mercury glass or vintage-inspired vases. A sweet assortment of vases filled with just a couple of blooms also looks fresh.

Flowers aren’t your thing? There are plenty of beautiful and interesting ways to create stellar centerpieces. Be creative! Here are some ideas to inspire you: 

Candles 

Candles can be really powerful when clustered in big bunches with a mix of different heights including short votives, slim candlesticks, and thicker pillar candle holders. Candles create a mesmerizing, warm glow in any atmosphere. (Just be sure to check with your venue ahead of time to confirm that they allow open flames – otherwise opt for LED candles or try a different centerpiece idea.) 

Source

Sweet Treats 

Make your centerpieces work double duty by using dessert as a focal point. Arrange a few cake stands in the center of the table and layer with your favorite bite-sized desserts or small cakes for centerpieces that are pretty and tasty, too.

Standout Table Signage

Interesting table signage can make an impact on its own. Place Glittery table number stakes sparkle in sand-filled vases or painted bottles, or plant wooden number stakes in flowerpots filled with greenery. Printed fabric or metallic standing table numbers look great propped on cake stands, wine crates or stacks of antique books to add some height.

Or try using decorative picture frames to display postcards from places you’ve traveled to (or hope to travel to) together, printouts of your favorite works of art, or vintage family photos; pair with smaller framed table numbers for a cohesive look.

Pretty Paper Goods

A collection of paper décor, like paper poms, garland and fans looks just as pretty arranged on tables as they do hanging or mounted. Cluster a bunch of paper poms in the center of round tables, or create a table runner across square and rectangular tables with a variety of paper décor. Sprinkle with confetti and you’ve got a colorful, layered look.

Suspended Centerpieces

For a twist on traditional centerpieces, try suspending décor above tables. Paper chandeliers, lanterns or oversized balloons add just as much visual interest as tabletop décor and can even be paired with smaller tabletop centerpieces.

Thanks so much to BHLDN for taking the time to share some of their favorite wedding centerpiece ideas today!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I received compensation in exchange for posting. Regardless, I firmly believe in the value of the company, and only publish posts from companies in which I firmly believe in the quality of their products or services.

{signature style :: animal sweaters}

I can't help it. I am full on jumping on this bandwagon this fall, because I LOVE ANIMAL SWEATERS. It's no secret that I adore my hedgehog sweater (or my bunny sweater or my unicorn sweater). I've been living in this thing these days. 

Photos :: Anna Delores Photography // Sweater :: Target // Jeans :: Citizens of Humanity via Nordstrom // Shoes :: Sperry // Necklace :: Oh, Hello Friend

I've seen a few more sweaters in this style at Target, and it's taking all I have to not go buy them all at once. They are just too cute, don't you think?

{a colorful fall shoot}

Last year, before I started doing photo shoots on the regular, I did a sweet little fall shoot with two of my favorite wedding vendors. They were so sweet to indulge me in this fun, colorful project, and I completely forgot that I never shared it with anyone! This one makes me happy, mainly because of the bright colors Amy used in her centerpiece. Fall doesn't always have to be reds and oranges and yellows, you know!

Photography :: Lavender and Twine // Florals :: Stella Bloom Designs

{monday's mantra}

I'm currently lying in bed, drinking peppermint hot chocolate and eating popcorn while watching the Blind Side. It's pretty much a wonderful Sunday night, and I can't help but think that it's a great way to both end and start a week. Right?

I got this saying on a sign as a gift quite a while ago, and it still hangs in my hallway. It really means a lot to me, because it's so true. So, here's to using up all my creativity this week.

Happy Monday everyone!

{five things}

And it's Friday again! It's been a long, lazy, rough week, but things are good. Let's just say I'm looking forward to more reading (I finished these books this week - very good!) and maybe a few family walks. Oh, and I did promise Robert we'd go see Thor on Saturday morning, though let's be real...I do love me some Chris Hemsworth too. 

I actually had time to catch up on some of my favorite blogs this week, and its been fantastic! It's really nice having time to explore the internets and see what pretty, fun, inspiring things people are putting out these days.

How pretty is this one? This is definitely one of my favorite pins of the week!

1 // Interested in learning calligraphy? I recently found this beautiful blog, they're sharing some free tutorials on calligraphy! Oh, and I've been writing a lot of quotes on Instagram lately, and giving them away. Be sure to follow me there if you want to win a little something pretty. 

2 // Seven things that great entrepreneurs DON'T do. One of many articles I read (and needed) for my business this week. 

3 // You don't need to beg to be successful. Definitely another good one. 

4 // And eleven things we all wish we would've known before starting our businesses. 

5 // Finally, the sweetest thing I've seen all week. Warning, you will cry. WATCH IT NOW. 

Happy Friday friends! Hope you all have a beautiful weekend, full of love and family and sunshine and butterflies.

Oh! And be sure to check out my guest post over on Michaela's blog and one of my spring weddings featured on Wedding Chicks this week!

{charming fonts + design + a giveaway}

It's been a while since I've put out an announcements post, but I suppose that's what you could call this. Having a blog means I have to use it to promote my other work sometimes, you know?

First things first, I'm back to doing blog design! It's been a while since my last design, but things are slowing down for me and I'd love to take on a few clients. Interested? You can see my work + rates here! Note that I can only take on clients for full design that are use Blogger right now, but I'd be more than happy to help you with partial design if you're on Wordpress!

Now, for the second part. If you follow me on social media, I'm sure you're tired of hearing me pimping out my fonts, but I just can't help it! These things are just too much fun for me to make. I have about ten more ideas for fonts (including a super fancy script), but I'll just have to settle for these five for now. 

Just to get some awareness and excitement out about these, I thought I'd do a little giveaway! Enter below to win the full suite of five charming fonts!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oh, and if you're interested in purchasing a font, whether it be because you need it earlier or you just want to show your support for me and my blog, you can find them all in my Etsy shop! And be sure to enter "fall25" at checkout for 25% off!

If there are any graphic designers/bloggers out there interested in receiving my fonts in exchange for a link (doesn't need to be a full post!), feel free to email me and I'm sure we can work something out!

{signature style :: downtown and hearts}

A few weeks ago, Emily and I got to attend a wedding show down in Orange County (you can read more about it here). We left a little early so we could visit my mom, and make a pit stop in downtown Fullerton. I've been wanting to visit the Oh, Hello Friend shop for a while now, and it definitely did not disappoint. I pretty much wanted all the things. It was a good time, and it was cool enough out that I got to break out my favorite pink coat for the afternoon!

Photos by Anna Delores Photography

*     *     *     *     *

I'm so excited to share one of my new sponsors with all of you now! I honestly didn't have much of an idea what Jewel Kade was before Courtney emailed me, but let me tell you...they have some ridiculously adorable things. Courtney is an independent stylist for this awesome company, and I had so much fun going through her inventory!

It’s vintage yet modern. Fashionable yet timeless. Universal yet very, very personal. Jewel Kade is somehow everything to everyone, and perhaps that’s because jewelry that comes from the heart…speaks to the heart. As a premiere national jewelry brand, Jewel Kade’s Production Artists proudly handcraft all JK Signature Charms in Alpine, Utah. Jewel Kade also has poetry canvases to celebrate the people, places, and ideas that make us who we are and inspire us to become even more. The canvases have been used at wedding for guests to sign. The custom jewelry has been used by brides for bridesmaids gifts and special gifts for mothers of the brides. Possibilities are endless.

Website // Twitter // Instagram

Are you interested in sponsoring Something Charming? You can view all of my advertising opportunities here! Oh, and be sure to enter "fall25" when you check out to receive 25% off any ad spot!

{fall entertaining :: pumpkin pastry rolls}

Now, I'm not a food blogger. But every once in a while, I like to share something delicious with all of you, since cooking is a big part of my life. 

I almost hate to admit this, but I am an almost-daily watcher of the Chew (by default - I'm usually just too lazy to move from my couch or change the channel, so it just comes on after Kelly and Michael and the View and the morning news...should I be admitting to that?). 

Sorry, tangent. Back to the Chew. It isn't often that I see a crazy new recipe on TV and just have to try it, but I saw this one and knew that it needed to happen. I mean, dough, pumpkin, cream cheese, butter and sugar? Sounds good to me!

Mine were more "roll" style (they looked like modified egg rolls, to be honest), probably because of how I rolled them (duh). And while the original recipe called for a mixture of pumpkin and spice, I just used Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter. If we're being honest here, I probably would have made a frosting with the cream cheese, rather than just stick the cream cheese directly on the dough. It could have used a bit more sweetness. 

Be warned though, these take a long time to put together. I think it took me almost forty-five minutes to roll out fifteen of these things, so just know that they aren't a quick dessert to whip up. Worth it? Absolutely.

Original recipe via Carla Hall on the Chew

{words with bloggers :: serendipity}

Well, happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a fun (and safe) Halloween, and that you're finally enjoying what feels like fall (out here, at least!). I always love the time change, since it really means shorter days and cozy nights at home. We had a great weekend; I got to attend a workshop put on by Kelly Oshiro and Flutter Magazine (and photographed by Joel Serrato!). I always love meeting talented people in this industry. It motivates me, you know? Saturday night was spent with good friends and grilled cheese sandwiches, which is always a good idea. 

I'm back today with a new edition of Words with Bloggers, inspiration provided by the sweet Michaela of Michaela Noelle Designs. I just love the word she chose, and the thought that went into it!

Name :: Michaela // Blog :: Michaela Noelle Designs

What does the word "serendipity" mean to you?

The actual meaning of this word is "the art of making happy discoveries or a pleasant surprise". Although I'm not a believer in fate or destiny, I do believe God brings together moments in life that would cause you say, "Oh, what a pleasant surprise!" just to keep you on your toes. Serendipity offers a certain amount of hope to my soul, because it reminds me that just when I think I'm in trouble, having a discouraging day, or this thing called "life" gets the best of me, I never know when my happy discovery is waiting right around the corner. God likes to surpise us like that, and I for one, am a big fan of surprises. There's a certain element of faith involved, and it reminds me that I just have to trust! I also like that the definition says "the art of…". This shows me I have to actively go about life. As an aside, this word just makes me smile when I say it. It has a great ring to it, don't you think?!

Why did you choose this word for your week?

My very favorite movie is Serendipity, with Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack. In the movie, the characters go indulge in dessert at the sweetest café, Serendipity 3. When I visited New York a few years ago, you can bet this one #1 on my to-do list! Aside from being an extremely predictable and heart-warming chick-flick, this movie has taught me a few things. 1. Love without bounds. 2. Often times in life, it feels like you’re searching; maybe not for someone, but for something, and you just can’t seem to find it. Friend, keep pursuing your passion, because one day it will come together and you will say it was a rather lovely, serendipitous event, as it refined your heart, fueled your passion and taught you about perseverance.

I really love this word for this week. I love that it can mean something big, that all things happen for a reason. Or it can just be a sweet little thing that surprises us and keeps us going. Thank you so much Michaela for stopping by today, and I hope you all have a great week!