Retro Visors

Yarah Designs found these retro visors that are the sweetest kids sun hats ever! Straight out of the 1950's, they’re made by Twirling Betty and they’re available in over 15 fabrics. These visors are perfect for the beach, the park, tennis lessons or a simple walk outside. Perfect for the summer sun. A fabulous wear!

Beautiful Stamps

Yarah Designs has to share this pretty little find with you. Everyone asks me where I find my stamps and here is one place. These custom calligraphy rubber stamps by primele are simply gorgeous. Primitive feel – Modern style – Natural elements.

Get yours today and let them know Yarah Designs sent you. Happy stamping!

Luau Theme Party

Looking for a luau theme party? Yarah Designs has found just that for you. Here is a Farewell Luau thrown by Lindi of Love the Day.

Bright color palettes were used along with bold patterns. My favorite piece to all this creative decor is the farewell notes to the departing couple. Fabulous party!

Lemonade + Sunshine Party

How creative is this party by Pen and Paper Flowers?!

It is such a pretty and soft summer party that can be thrown for a birthday, lunchen or simple gathering with the girls. This party is ideal if held outside in the shade. All the vintage details are fabulous. The use of pink and yellow as the main colors, lemon placement to give the pop of yellow where needed and finding charming pieces (dishes, vases, decorative accents) to set the rustic feel - So very pretty! You can see more details at Pen and Paper Flowers.

Patriotic Cocktails

Fourth of July is only a week away and here are some cocktials along with recipes that you can sip through the weekend. Yarah Designs discovered these recipes at Bella Grace Party Designs

-RED FIZZ-
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
-1 cup passion fruit vodka
-1 cup cranberry juice
-Champagne
-Fresh cranberries

Directions:
Shake vodka and cranberry juice together with ice until chilled. Strain mixture into a champagne glass about 3/4 of the way full. Top with a splash of Champagne and a few berries.

-WHITE SANGRIA-
Makes 1 pitcher
Ingredients:
-Vodka
-Malibu
-Ginger Ale
-Raspberries
-Blueberries
-Mint

Directions:
Combine equal amounts vodka and Malibu in a large pitcher. Add in the fruit and let it soak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. To serve, pour fruit mixture into chilled glasses and top with a splash of ginger ale.

-BLUE MARGARITA-
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
-1 ounce white tequila
-1 ounce Blue Curacao
-1 ounce fresh lime juice
-Salt for garnish

Directions:
Shake tequila with Blue Curacao and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Dip rim of margarita glass in water then in salt. Pour drink in salt-rimmed glass and serve. You can also serve this drink frozen by pureeing in a blender with ice.

Enjoy!

Just Darling

This post is dedicated to the newest addition of my family - my niece McKenzie. Welcome to the world!

Yarah Designs recently discovered Sandra Darling. And that she is … simply darling. Her images are fabulous and all tell a story. There is a great amount of symbolism in all her pieces. You can purchase most of her work through Etsy

This specific image explores layers of the feminine through social and historical reference. Through a woman’s internal turmoil of adapting to social expectations while remaining true to herself. Symbolism in this particular image is reflected in the rose, wrought iron, flower bouquet, pleated fan, corset, teacup, bird and spring blossom.

- Rose: The rose has always been valued for its beauty and is a symbol of love. Through its many layers of blooming and delicate petals, the rose, like womanhood goes through many stages of transformation.

- Wrought Iron/flower bouquet/pleated fan: Structure and embellishments. The flowers, wild and feminine yet contained within the confines of the structured bouquet. The strength and support of the wrought iron table designed complete with nature’s embellishments; the pleats from a skirt accentuating all that is considered attractive and feminine.

- Corset: The corset is heavily embellished to accentuate a woman’s figure perfect hourglass.

- Teacup/Birds/Spring Blossom: The china symbolizes social fineries and pleasantries; spring blossoms and birds represent the ‘spring” of a woman’s grace or stage in life. The spring blossoms and birds also represent birth/rebirth – distinctly female traits and the tea cup representing the nurturing/containing qualities that are also innately feminine.

You can read more about Sandra Darling and view her work on her website

30 Wishes - 30 Balloons

What an amazing idea!

Done by Suzanne Cabrera from An Open Sketchbook. As a child she found a balloon with a note attached to it from a little girl seeking a pen pal. How truly magical! Through the years Suzanne has thought off and on about this experience. When Suzanne turned thirty she wanted to incorporate spreading of such happiness. 30 Balloons were released out to the world by her guests, each holding a card with a hand-written message (from her guests) to the balloon's finder. How very unique and special.

Pictures by that's just it photo

Unique gift idea

images from Innervision

Looking for a unique, personalized gift?

Yarah Designs has found the perfect gift that would be great for really anyone. It could be a perfect gift for any holiday or occasion if you personalize it for the recipient. Looking for a unique baby shower gift? Give the entire alphabet with family photos or selected papers to a new mother at a baby shower. Your own photos can be added to each block along with a variety of papers and words. So unique and thoughtful!

You can find these unique finds here http://www.etsy.com/shop/innervision Visit papers from here http://www.ayummymommy.com/p/photo-wood-block-colors-and-themes.html

Let them know Yarah Designs sent you!

Pinwheel + Polkadot Party - Sneak Peak

Yarah Designs is planning a two year old birthday party and the theme is Pinwheels + Polkadots. How adorable is that?! The color scheme is pink + light blue. It is for a precious little girl who is about to be TWO! Here are some preparations pictures for her big day only one week away. Stay tuned for more!

Invitations - handmade

Dessert table

Ruffle Bottoms and Pinafore made by Three Yellow Starfish

Baby booties made by Brianna Beans Boutique

So many Pinwheels!!

Centerpieces for kids table. Pinwheels seen here are made by Crossroads Cottage

Pinwheels for favors made by Crossroads Cottage

Stay Tuned for pictures from the event!

Party Themes + Inspiration Boards

So many people have asked me “Should I have a theme for my event?" The answer is yes!

Every event, from a small quaint dinner party to a large scale wedding needs a theme. Why? Because it makes your life easier and it gives the party life. Themes can range for something personal to the hostess/host to specific color schemes the hostess/host may like. Themes can be centered on the events purpose (ie. specific holiday) or specific décor the hostess/host prefers. Themes are endless and should be fun. You can even ask the invited guests to participate.

Yarah Designs once threw an all White Party and guests were asked to wear white. Themes not only get people involved but breathe life into the party without much effort. It also keeps the hostess/host focused on the theme at hand when choosing the food, drink, décor, colors, music and event details.

To get started, do an inspiration board. What inspires you and what is this event for? Put your inspiration board together and the creative juices will start flowing.

Enjoy the Party!

Happy Summer Solstice

Summer is officially here! It's time for picnics in the garden with friends, enjoying water sports and reading great books in the hammock. It is also time to think about summer entertaining.

Tips for throwing the perfect summer soiree:

- What’s the golden rule of party throwing?
Create a good ambiance with candles and fresh flowers. Peonies are our personal favorite. Desserts are also good to have. Think about a dessert table but keep it in a cool place.

- What’s for dessert?
Homemade ice cream sandwiches are always a hit. Sugar or chocolate chip cookies and serve with gelato. Sounds delicious and refreshing!

- What are we drinking?
Perfect drink selection for a summer outing is limeade with any kind of vodka, garnished with fresh fruit. It goes down too easy!

-How do you handle invites?
Why not handmake invitations ~ Keep it simple. You can always call your guests but I feel an invitation makes the party official and invited guests will show proper etiquette with an rsvp.

-What about guests who come early and stay late?
Put the early arrivals to work with helping you prep for the party or putting final touches on the meal. And for those who stay late, have them lend a hand with the cleanup afterward. The drinking continues, of course ... And so does the party!

Have a fabulous summer!