“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ”
Light tries to break through the bleak sky. Winter chill is still in the air, and I’m dreaming of spring. I’m ready for the green to return to the grass and the warmth of a sunspot. I look forward to the festival of color, when earth puts away her bulky grey sweaters and says, “I’ll be wearing that bright party dress today”
Thankfully, I don’t have to wait until the sunnier months to get my flower fix. This past weekend several of my dear friends were part of the committee hosting the “Chocolate Fantasy Ball” for the Ronald McDonald House. They let me sneak a glimpse of the wonderment in the making. Behind those plain ballroom doors, a kaleidoscope of colors warmed my soul. Bright, bold, graceful flowers: french tulips, lilies, amaryllis, roses, forsythia, lilacs- sigh. Be still my heart.
Inspired by Nature - Becky Clement and her team – brought fun and elegance together in one spot. I recently met Becky and I have been a fan of her work for years. I’ve seen her transformations of gardens and the Junior League of Little Rock building for other special occasions. I’ve always walked away in awe. The Chocolate Fantasy Ball was no exception. So grab a cup of coffee on this cold day and enjoy a glimpse of spring. 
Cheers, Y’all!
Junior League of Little Rock (JLLR) has the honor of hosting the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) Organizational Development Institute (ODI) this weekend. ODI gives an opportunity for Junior League delegates from the 292 Leagues across the world to come together to hone their leadership skills, discover new trends in non profit management, and network with like minded volunteers.
When my home League and city were slated as a conference site, I was thrilled. I was even more excited to be part of the host committee planning the hometown side of the event. I was flat out ecstatic when my responsibility was decreed that I would choose decor for the wine and cheese reception held last night welcoming all the delegates to Little Rock. After years of looking at budgets, project proposals and annual plans, choosing posies sounded like the perfect task for me.
The Grand Hall of the Clinton Presidential Library set a modern back drop for JLLR to mingle with other Leagues and highlight our 88 years of service to the city. A place where old would meet new. Vintage Modern
Distinctive Designs by Tanarah was the perfect fit for helping us achieve this vision. Junior League logo colors set the base color palette of red and black. To me, this can be quite risky in a modern environment and come off too cold or 1980′s. Tanarah has a brilliant eye for unique design and color combination – which is why I love her work. She suggested a range of hues from pink to red with tulips, roses, and hydrangeas. Modern black vases, classic flowers, ribbons, and chandelier prisms came together in a most stunning way.
Using sleek silver clothes pins we attached the black and white photos to black satin ribbon that strung across a 30 foot expanse of window. The modern clothesline served as a timeline of JLLR service from 1920 until today. 
We also carried the prism theme to the timeline display to tie it all together. 
Great fun, food, and conversation with various community leaders in a beautiful environment made for a wonderful evening. The legacy of service of the Junior League continues with young vibrant volunteers building better communities across the world…vintage modern personified.
When it comes to wedding celebrations, this couple knows how to knock one out of the park! Rachel and Mike were married in Mexico surrounded by friends and family. Then, being the fun loving souls that they are, they headed back to Little Rock to continue their wedding party. Dickey Stephens Park is home plate to the Arkansas Travelers and to many of Rachel and Mike’s dates. It was the perfect site to celebrate.
My friend, amazing photographer, and new business partner Heather Owens had given this 6 ft beauty my name. Heather had a blast with them doing their engagement session and suggested to Rachel I might be a good fit for her party. Of course, when I got the call, I jumped at the chance to work with such a fun, good looking couple – especially when Rachel said - “I’m not a bridezilla. Come have a great time, bring a date, eat, hang out” I liked her style immediately. When I got to the ball field, saw her in her gown and gold flip flops, met her spunky friends in their chartreuse strapless numbers, I knew a good time would be had by all. Dancing lasted into the night as the University of Arkansas Razorbacks football game played on the jumbo-tron in the outfield accompanied by a concession stand, cupcakes and crakerjacks. These sport fans / lovebirds hosted a fabulous event. It was definitely a home run in my book.
5
There weren’t cute and clever invitations. There wasn’t a guest list. There weren’t even reservations to my favorite restaurant. It was a simple celebration..at the McCottage. It was perfect.
The Angler arrived home last night with an armload of pink and white flowers wrapped in paper and tied with a blush bow. As he handed off the blooms he explained how he had stood in the florist’s cooler handpicking each posey. Roses -which, of course, he knows this belle loves ( We only had 1500 of them at our wedding) and white flowers which he choose for fragrance. I smiled. He does pay attention to my domestic ramblings sometimes.
He also brought home a catered meal. Start to finish. An appetizer of cheese and crackers, a delicious strawberry goat cheese salad, Chicken Florentine with a bechamel sauce, twice baked potatoes and green beans almondine. (Again, he picked them all himself! The boy can plan a menu.)
Our dinner was interrupted by a call from his brother – I suspect this was perfectly timed. By the time he returned to the candlelit dining room. (Yes, The Angler had set the table with our china and candles), he told me he had drawn a bubble bath – again candlelit. (This girls, is why you keep three dozen glass votive holders and a mass of tea lights at you disposal. One day – the mister will finally realize he can use them, too) Pink Martini softly playing in the background. He told me to enjoy the bath…alone. Ahhhhh! I did.
After the bath he poured the perfectly chilled Veuve Cliquot into our Waterford Millennium Prosperity flutes -which I completely forgot that we owned. What a surprise to see those beauties again. And then of course the piece de resistance…a pink cupcake.
Everything I adore was wrapped into one evening. I had the flowers, the meal, the cupcake, the music, the bubbly, the hot bath, and mostly my guy.
Thank you, sweetie, for a wonderful birthday.
