Heart Confetti Thank You Cards + Free Template

I adore all things paper and DIY. I found step-by-step instructions for these very cute thank you cards on The Knotty Bride, plus a free downloadable template! Find all the DIY goodness here.

Welcoming Houseguests

My parents are driving down to visit us this weekend (yay!) and although we don't have a dedicated space for guests, I think it is those extra touches that make guests feel truly welcome. With some help from Martha, I've assembled a little list of things you can do to prepare.

Allot adequate closet and drawer space and provide hangers.

Have a full-length mirror in the bedroom.

Have a working alarm clock in the bedroom.

Invest in a few small touches in the room, such as bottled water, chocolates, or fresh flowers.

Provide a sitting area with a pillow and throw, an adjacent table, and a good adjustable brightness lamp in the room your guests will be staying in.

Provide extra blankets for temperature control in the bedroom.

Provide reading material, including several magazines and a daily newspaper.

Stock enough towels, washcloths and hand towels for all guests.

Stock up on toilet paper and other necessities and make sure they know where to locate extras.

Fully stock your refrigerator and pantry, and take into account any special food requirements.

Provide an appliance manual, so guests are able to use your keypads and remotes.

orderly and chic

I. love. lists. I can make a list or schedule for just about anything. I found these FREE printable family organizer sheets via Simply Seleta.

I especially love the 'Eat Sheet' for meal planning, and the master checklist which reads, "too bad all this juggling isn't toning my arms." How fun! There are many more checklists and scheduling templates in the mommytracker.com toolbox.

sandwiches made lovely

Who said PB&J or turkey and cheese had to be your only option when it comes to sandwiches for lunch? When hosting a luncheon or other special event, sandwiches are easy for your guests to eat and leave them feeling nourished.

Here are some ideas to make those sandwiches a little more fun.

Use calligraphy (or you best handwriting) to let your guests know what's hiding between those two slices of bread...

Organize halved sandwiches on a pretty tray. Not only does this presentation look nice, but guests can easily determine sandwich type.

via The Sweetest Occasion

"Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite" ...sandwiches?
Use baker's twine or ribbon to keep things neat and mess-free.

via design*sponge

via The Cilantropist

How about a cute take on the traditional box lunch? Just add chips or an apple.

via ThinkGarnish

via Affection for Detail

Be Mine

snapandtumble

With Valentine's Day just a few days away, I'm reminded of making "mailboxes" out of cereal boxes in the third grade. I put so much care in decorating my mailbox just perfectly, in anticipation of receiving Valentines and candy from my classmates.
Valentines, like thank you notes, are such a simple way of expressing the way you feel, but are often overlooked and replaced with the ease of emails and Facebook. I think there is something so special about opening up your mailbox (your real one, not the one made of a cereal box), to find a hand written note from someone that loves you.
I've rounded up a few of my favorite Valentines, found on Etsy.

palomas nest

paperlovelypress

BonVivant Press

wildinkpress

Multifunctional Home Office

Or dining room. Whichever way you choose to look at it, living in a small space comfortable means utilizing space effectively. I am currently in love obsessed with the idea of a round table that can be set in a corner for use as a home office, and the leaves extended for use as a dining table when entertaining. The transformation would go something like this...

Home office:

Dining room:

Those gorgeous hydrangeas don't hurt the visualization. And that comfy-looking upholstered chair? I need.

ZARA KIDS

Dear Zara,
Stop it. Stop it right now. This is just not fair. I had no idea kids' clothes could be this enviable. I'm going to need that peacoat to get me through the rest of winter. Oh, and that mocassin/scarf/cross-body bag number?Two of those.
xoxo,
Me