This is a repost, but it's a super popular one, so enjoy! :)




Chevrons are the thing right now. I see them everywhere, especially on Pinterest, and it's starting to grow on me. I really enjoy their bold presence and I love seeing them incorporated in usual places, but I have to draw the line at chevron nail art. It just ain't me, folks. However, being that I'm a graphic designer, I thought I'd have a little fun and offer you all some free chevron patterns. Free for what? Oh, I don't know... you could use them for invitations, your blog, a guide for mowing your lawn in a chevron pattern... Just click on the picture and you can save the image from there.

P.S. Don't scroll too fast - it will hurt your eyes!

Ah...marriage. Some embrace it and some fear it, but whatever the case, marriage is about more than just sharing a sink in the morning and picking your underwear up off the floor. The story of your life fundamentally changes when you sign that piece of paper commemorating your commitment for one another. In one amazing moment, you merge the history of your family with the history of another.

Below are some beautiful, modern style, family trees, which are a wonderful way to celebrate your changing story. Available at Modern Trees.

There are rustic weddings and then there are "rustic" weddings that have had 65k thrown at them. There needs to be a petition to start calling these "luxury rustic," or something weird like that, because that's about as rustic as camping in an RV with a butler and a maid.

Anyway, the wedding below is so absolutely beautiful and, I feel, a true "rustic" wedding. It was held at Riverbend Environmental Center in Gladwyn, PA. I personally love how the bridesmaids are all in soft neutral dresses, which fits so perfectly with the calming and serene environmental backdrop.

Pondering time: can an exorbitant wedding still be considered rustic?

Although I imagine this would require one to collect a whole lot of wine corks, I really love this idea. What a great way to re-purpose old wine corks, right!?

Dear Eco & Elsie,


I don't want to give favors out because I'm afraid they'll just end up in the trash, but my mother is horrified by the idea of not having them. What should I do?


- Amanda (Favor-less in Texas)

What you want to say: Threaten her with elopement and then, in your most exasperated tone, tell her that you'll only agree to give out these useless trinkets if she can sufficiently explain the series finale of Lost, which has left a vast and darkening hole in your life since 2010. 


What you should probably say instead: "I really appreciate your concern for our guests mom, but this wedding should represent the values that my future husband and I share. Contributing to waste in the environment is something I am deeply against." Then offer to look up more eco-friendly favors online, such as edible goodies or plantable items. 

Got an etiquette question? Feel free to send it to and don't hesitate to include your own "what you wish you could say." 

(This was originally posted in February, but it's such a popular post, I thought I'd share it again. You'll find additional links at the end of this post for your perusal. Have a great weekend everyone!)

Our weather was freakishly warm yesterday. And I took full advantage of it when my hubby treated me to a wonderful surprise. He took the day off work, arranged for my parents to babysit, and took us to the new ice rink at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, which was refreshingly cool. It was such a wonderful time and I am so grateful to have his love and friendship. Now that we have our lovely daughter, these "dates" are even more precious to me.

Anyway, mushiness over. So the warm weather had me thinking about sandals and summertime. And then I got a lovely e-mail from Sseko, a company which gives women in Uganda an avenue to empower their lives. Here is how it's done:

In an impoverished and male-dominated society, many of these young women struggle to find fair work. Sseko hires these college-bound women during their nine-month period from school to live and work together, while earning money that will go directly towards their university education. The women that Sseko employs will not make sandals forever. They will go on to be doctors, lawyers, politicians, writers, and teachers that will bring change and unification to a country ravished and divided by a 22 year-long war.

Sseko also offers custom made sandals in custom colors. Visit their site. Or go straight to their wedding collection.

I've heard a few people ragging lately on CB2, an offshoot of Crate and Barrel aimed at offering stylish home decor items at more affordable prices. However, I like the concept, the products, and the prices (although I'm not crazy about some of it - I don't need to see a little man riding a biscotti). Although one does not usually associate a big name store with being environmentally friendly, I've been impressed with Crate and Barrel's efforts to utilize renewable and sustainable materials.

Below are some of my favorite items from CB2. The colors are so fun and the graphics so entertaining.







Are you (or would you) registering at a big chain store like Crate and Barrel?

Brides used to wear long veils to symbolize their virginity and the unveiling was meant to symbolize consummation after marriage. So the birdcage veil must have been a way of saying, "My virgin status ain't none of your biz-nas!"

I'm kidding, of course. I'm not really sure what the catalyst was for a shorter veil  - perhaps brides just wanted to be able to see better - but whatever the case, these birdcage veils are pretty darn adorable. And if you are so inclined, skip the veil altogether and opt for a handmade fascinator. All of the below are handcrafted from Deeds and Petunia. Kinda makes me want to get married all over again just so I can wear one of these!

Not too long ago I challenged myself to come up with a new use for an empty toilet paper tube. I was actually really worried that I wouldn't be able to pull this off. I really enjoy repurposing and creating, but I will be the first to admit my inventions aren't always show stoppers. I think I managed to create something fairly fun here though and if nothing else, it was super easy!

These lights can be used for any type of evening party or even an outdoor engagement party. To really make things special, use the couple's initials rather than the word "love," or for a wedding, consider putting the date

• X-acto knife
• twine, yarn, or string
• LED tea lights
• tape
• Card Stock
• regular paper
• pen or needle

Step one: gently cut out the letters of the toilet paper tube using an X-acto knife with a new, sharp blade. It's easier to pencil in your letter and then slowly go over the line with your x-acto knife. It's better to go over the same line a few times rather gently than to bear down and try to cut it all on one stroke.