{Click to enlarge!}

This board is definitely different from my usual — in fact, in general, I tend to steer far clear of red + black (it just looks garish too often for my taste). But ever since I saw the top left image on Creature Comforts, this wedding has been brewing in my mind. A celebration of textures and patterns, with a few cute bows added in for good measure. I love how the loops on the silverware, invitations, honey jars, and wrist corsages all mimic each other. And the layered red velvet cake, of course — who could resist?

The Details
First row, left to right: bows photo via Creature Comforts; gingham shirt from J. Crew; plaid tabletop photo by Claudia Raschella via Once Wed

Second row: cupcake from Vanilla Bake Shop via Snippet & Ink; signage photo by Ellie Grover via Style Me Pretty; honey jar photo by Red Ribbon Studio

Third row: gingham bow invite via Snippet & Ink; bow invite by Martha Stewart Weddings; gingham corsage photo by Blonde Tulip via Style Me Pretty; red velvet layer cake via The Bride’s Guide

I may live in the sunny South now, where temperatures are expected to hit 88 this week (!), but I still vividly remember the cold and wind of March in New England. Inspired by one of my favorite bloggers, I sent a box of sunshine to five of my favorite Northern buds a few weeks back to help brighten their last few weeks of spring.

I spray painted simple kraft boxes bright yellow, then lined them with bright orange tissue paper.

Then I collected the brightest candy I could find, tucked in a few extras…

…and topped the box with a favorite Mark Twain quote.

All of the boxes have been received, so I thought I’d share here. How was March in your neck of the woods?

{via flickr}

Suppose I say summer,
write the word “hummingbird,”
put it in an envelope,
take it down the hill
to the box. When you open
my letter you will recall
those days and how much,
just how much, I love you.

–Raymond Carver

April is National Poetry Month. Since I am, in fact, a poet (my senior thesis was a collection of original poetry!), I thought I would share one of my favorites every Friday this month. I hope you enjoy!

As many of you know, I’m entering the third and final year of my 101 in 1001 challenge. It ends on September 28, 2010. I’d like to complete as many goals as possible before then, so to keep myself accountable, I’m reporting on my progress on the first of every month (or close to it!). I’ll tell you how many goals I’ve completed, how many goals are in progress, and which goals I’m going to be focusing on for the month.

So how did I do on my March goals? Umm, not particularly well…

Did I…
1. Read three more books of the Bible for no. 3? Nope.
2. Read another faith-related book for no. 5. Yes! I read 24 Hours That Changed the World in a small group at church.
3. Pledge to my (new!) home church for no. 6. No, but I expected to join this month and didn’t. Soon!
4. Do no. 7. No. I actually forgot about this one!
5. Do no. 8. No.
6. Complete no. 35. YES! And it was AWESOME!
7. Do no. 53. Not yet.
8. Try no. 63. Nope.

Where am I now? 42 completed and 23 in progress.

Now before you write me off as a failure, know that I’m getting back on the horse! What will I be tackling in April? I will…

1. Complete no. 16. Does anyone have any experience with either site?
2. Read another classic for no. 27.
3. Memorize another poem for no. 28. April is National Poetry Month, after all!
4. Attempt no. 53. Again. I’m planning to switch to stretching in the middle of the day instead of in the morning, as that feels more beneficial to me.

And that’s that! I’m keeping things simple but hoping to complete even more than I’ve listed. See more details on any of these goals right here!