Utilitarian Chic

Northern California Photography

Today I needed a little thrift store therapy.  So I headed to Salvation Army- my personal stress relief and cure for the common "I'm going crazy!" kind of day.  On my second trip through the cluttered aisles, I came across a stunning collection of glass insulators.  These beautiful, transparent figures were calling my name.  But I refrained from the hoarder within and just settled for 2.  I knew that they probably weren't worth a lot, but that they had a story to tell.  I found that glass insulators date back to the days of the telegraph and as technology progressed they were eventually used on telephone and power lines.  Wow!  Something with once such a practical purpose is now going to be on display like art.  Now that is recycling at its finest!

I feel inspired to do something extraordinary with them, but challenged at the same time.  They deserve a well thought-out plan of creativity; but there are so many options and the over-use of them will take away from their charm.  So for now, I think they will be new members of my glass bottle display or maybe even bookends.  But in the future (and after much DIY research) they will be prominently hung above my kitchen island as light fixtures.

Cheers!

Tonight is the Golden Globes and in my books, that's considered a holiday.  So in the spirit of the awards' season, I'm going to share my latest creation and new obsession- Cocktail Couture.  Cocktail Couture is my line of vintage-inspired drink charms.  Unlike the usual drink charms that attach to your glass by a ring (which I'm SO bored of) these are magnetic.  You simply drop one of the magnetics into your glass and attach the charm on the outside.  Who can't resist a little sparkle?  Add style and unique flare to your next gathering with Cocktail Couture.  Each set of 4 is $20.  To order email boutiqueweddings@gmail.com.  (My Esty account is still in the works)

hello. my name is...

Yes, I realize that I'm the last person to join the blogging community.  With so many directions that I want to explore creatively, it has taken me awhile to "define" what it is that I want to share with the rest of the cyberworld.  Then I came to the conclusion that I'm just going to share everything!  From event planning, party design, home decor, thrift shopping; I intend to share whatever seems to inspire me at the moment and hopefully the inspiration will become contagious.

Growing up, my Christmas list usually consisted of furniture and decor for my bedroom.  I spent hours skimming through catalogs, clipping out pictures to make different room designs.  I planned tea parties for anyone who would attend (even if it was just my two, very reluctant, little brothers).  And in fifth grade, I had my own booth at the local craft bazaar.  Creating is just a part of who I am.  Instead of watching movies and TV shows, I find myself watching the set design and taking mental notes on what catches my eye.  Thrift stores are my therapy, throwing a beautiful party is my passion and creating things with my hands makes me tick. 

In 2007, I started my event coordinating business, The Boutique Weddings & Events and while its has been an amazing experience; I find myself wanting to add another avenue of creativity.  So.... in enters "a boutique life" blog- a community for the creative lifestyle.  Whether you are a design veteran or consider yourself creatively challenged, I will share what inspires me to live a boutique life.