You all know I am a big fan of Better Homes & Gardens. Fun fact: I have continuously subscribed to BHG since 1999, which might make me their youngest subscriber ever. There was one point maybe 4-5 years ago when I was seriously considering not renewing my subscription, but then the current Editor in Chief, Gayle, arrived, and things began to turn around. They’re pretty much on fire now, as evidenced by my two recent posts on their awesomeness (here + here).

I know many of my readers are BHG fans, as well, so I wanted to share that their complete site redesign launched today! I got a sneak peek earlier this week, and it looks beautiful. The biggest improvement, in my opinion, is the larger images across all departments, which I’m sure y’all will love, as well.

Cupcakes! Bedroom makeovers! They all look so bright and beautiful now. Go take a look around and see for yourself!

And to celebrate, BHG has given me five 1-year subscriptions to give away to my readers! To enter, just leave a comment on this post before Friday, May 27, and I’ll randomly select five winners. Good luck!

Hello, friends! I am so sorry for the radio silence of late! I was in Connecticut this past weekend celebrating my sister’s graduation from college, and then took the train into New York City yesterday to tour the National Stationery Show! I saw tons of pretty paper and met so many kind and talented designers. I wanted to share a little something here to tide you over until regular posts return!

I loved Rifle Paper Co’s numerous new products, including a 2012 calendar similar to this citrus fruit print.

Printerette was another favorite — their cards were so cute! Plus, they’re based in St. Paul, like one of my sisters, so we had an instant connection. Jam cards here, confetti invite here.

Very snappy stuff from Fig. 2 Design Studio. It was her first year at the show, and her blog posts leading up to it really show how much work goes into exhibiting! I also loved her cards, though those haven’t debuted on her site.

Lastly, I was thrilled to stop by Linda & Harriet — always a favorite of mine. They debuted the coolest oversize watercolor calendar for 2012. Considering I just bought this birthday calendar for my Mom for Mother’s Day, I was a fan.

More soon!

‘Tis the season for showers of all sorts, don’t you think? Rain showers, of course, but also bridal and baby. Right now, I’m loving late breakfast gatherings. (And for the record, when my time comes, something that looks just like this would be pretty perfect. Or an afternoon tea. Ahem.)

As I see it, the key to carrying a breakfast off to fabulous effect is to make everything miniature, and to package it individually. To whit:

LOVE these little bites via The White Library (photography by Lauren Blair, styling by Frilly Milly Events). The milk bottles are actually Starbucks individual frappucino bottles (the kind you buy at the grocery store) ran through the dishwasher! The plastic cups used for the fruit and French toast are genius, too — they look great, but couldn’t have been very expensive.

Individual muffin tin quiches!

Individual pancakes with name tags via Design*Sponge (photo by Our Labor of Love, styling by Ashley Meaders)

Individual donuts and coffee via Going to the Chapel tumblr

Homemade biscuits with flavored butters (recipes at Southern Living)

To wash it all down, mini lemonade with striped straws! (Photo by Nicole Hill Gerulat, styling by ACME Party Box)

To keep guests occupied, a custom crossword a la Martha.

What do you think — do you love breakfast, or would you prefer another type of food at a party in your honor? Desserts? Tea? Appetizers? Let me know!

I think this boutonniere tied off with oversized striped ribbon is so cheerful and debonair! The ribbon pattern seems to minimizes the impact and importance of the flowers, which could be great if you’re working with a small floral budget. What do you think?

Photo c/o Kate McPherson