KIDS - Sleepover Party!

Throw a squeal-worthy sleepover by incorporating some of these super cute ideas into your daughter’s party! I can’t get over these adorable personalized breakfast spoons, rag curls, pink popcorn, and autographed pillowcases. If you’re up for manicures, makeovers, and midnight milk and cookies –let the madness begin!

From Left to Right: itsybelle.blogspot.com; sprinklebakes.com; ohsugareventplanning.blogspot.com; simplebeauty101.com; classysouthernbelle.tumblr.com; somewheresplendid.com; personalizationmall.com; yourhomebasedmom.com; hostessblog.com; rhbabyandchild.com; sophistimom.com; erincooks.com; karaspartyideas.com; ohsugareventplanning.blogspot.com; & blog.amyatlas.com 

INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Inspiration from The Huntington

This past Saturday, Evan and I finally visited The Huntington: Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena. I blogged that we would head there “ASAP” last April, but I guess it took us a little longer than expected. Nevertheless, the trip was well worth the wait! I highly recommend planning a visit if you’re ever in the area.

With its thriving gardens, striking artwork, and notably rare collection of books, The Huntington reminded me of beauty's remarkable ability to lift our spirits and shed meaning on our lives. By surrounding ourselves with God’s lush creations and the artistic works of others, I believe that we benefit from that beauty and often feel more energized to share our own beautiful gifts with others. In honor of the trip, I’m adding more plants, artwork, and cherished books to my beige apartment – ASAP, or at least in less than 9 months this time. I hope you will join me in adding more beautiful creations to your own home as well! 

All images - personal photos of The Huntington

INSPIRATION - Martin Luther King Jr.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction...The chain reaction of evil – hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars –must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation."  
– Strength To Love, Martin Luther King Jr.

Image via ny-attractions.com

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed."

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."

MERRIMENT MOMENTS: Glimpse into the Golden Globes

As promised, here are some behind-the-scenes photos from the Red Carpet at the Golden Globes. Out of courtesy and a no-photo policy in the ballroom, Evan didn’t capture any pictures inside the event. It was certainly a star-studded occasion with delicious food and drinks, numerous after-parties, and memorable encounters that Evan will look back on with amusement and appreciation. Above all, he enjoyed attending the celebration with his work colleagues, and lucky for me, he returned home at a very considerate hour to share his humorous stories and an In-and-Out burger before settling in for the night. 

From Left to Right: Evan walking the Red Carpet, The Beverly Hilton-NBC Party, NBC Party, Evan with two work colleagues in front of The Beverly Hilton, The HBO Party, & Evan on the Red Carpet

From Left to Right: Morgan Freeman (recipient of the night's Cecile B. De Mille Award) with fellow actors, Eric Stonestreet (nominated for his work on Modern Family), Steven Spielberg, Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife), Kate Beckinsale (from the back), Mario Lopez (Host of Extra), Elle Macpherson (Model and host of the new NBC reality show, Fashion Star), Close up of Elle Macpherson's dress, Maria Menounos (Host of Extra) with Hal Rubenstein (fashion director & one of the founding editors of Instyle), Shailene Woodley (nominated for her work with Clooney in The Descendants), Clive Owen, Glenn Close (nominated for her work on Albert Nobbs), & Paula Patton

MERRIMENT MOMENTS: Evan Heads to the Golden Globe Awards!

While I frequently gush about my lifestyle inspirations to the readers out there, I usually remain more tight-lipped about my most valued and respected daily inspiration, my husband, Evan.

In all honesty, moving to Los Angeles has been a difficult whirlwind –marked by bouts of loneliness and frequent yearnings for the familiar. However, with the selfless support of Evan and an intentional decision to focus on the merriments in my life, I have grown to appreciate this transitional experience for all that it has taught me. I am grateful for the crucial lessons learned and the dear memories that we’re making on our own as a married couple.

Today marks one of those special, memory-making days as Evan heads off to The Golden Globe Awards! He has exceeded my ridiculously high expectations with his impressive work ethic and dedication to his career at NBC. With his beyond thoughtful nature, he opted not to attend when he realized that he couldn’t bring me along as his date.

Image via thefilmfellas.wordpress.com 

No worries – I quickly insisted that he MUST go for several key reasons:

1. Life is short, and we need to make the most of our opportunities.
2. When we’re old and gray, we can trick our grandkids into thinking we were "cooler" and less boring than we ever actually were by telling them about that time grandpa had all-access at The Golden Globes.
3. My Merriment readers want some behind-the-scenes celebrity scoop and photos. Coming later tonight/tomorrow morning!

In short, I’m beamingly proud of my handsome husband, his genuine heart, and how much he has already accomplished thus far. Share in my celebration by tuning into the 69^th Golden Globe Awards tonight at 5:00 PST/7:00 CST/8:00 EST with the arrivals an hour earlier! You can always mute Ricky Gervais if he irritates you. 

MERRIMENT MOMENTS: Friday Favorites from Pinterest

Here are some Friday favorites from Pinterest! Have a merry weekend!

THE PERFECTLY IMPERFECT HOME - #1 on my Decorating Book Wish List 
(via stylist.com; Purchase at Amazon!) 

RED BOW SWIMSUIT - Comes in additional colors including my favorite, navy & white
(via Amourouse Handmade Clothing - ETSY, thanks to my friend, Ashley S., for the cute pin!)

COLORFUL KIDS' DRESSER - Great DIY Project!
(via ohjoy.blogs.com) 

ROSETTE CHAIRS - Whimsical idea for birthday party, baby shower, or wedding shower
(via theslightlyobsessivebride.blogspot.com, thanks to my friend, Kali, for the cute pin!)  

 

BOOK PAGES TABLE RUNNER - Creative detail for book club or book-lovers' rehearsal dinner
(Image via prettystuff.tumblr.com) 

STYLISH SIDE ENTRY - I love how the mirrored table & white flowers accentuate the light.
(via absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com)