{Image via 100 Layer Cake}

Hello, darlings! Though I love a pretty picture as much as the next gal, I’ve decided to switch up my Friday posts a bit. Instead of simply wishing you well, I’m going to leave you (and me – us!) with a DIY project to start our weekend on the right note.

I don’t know about you, but I often think about the balance I’m striking in my life between gathering inspiration from the internet (oh, such an endless treasure trove!) and gathering inspiration from the world around me – the people, places, and things I actually interact with every day. Oh, and sometimes attempting to translate that inspiration into something tangible. And then getting back on here and sharing it with you all. What a cycle!

Long story short: I really love weekends for the chance they afford me to get out and do things – things that just seem to fall by the wayside Monday through Friday. I hope ending the week on a DIY note will inspire us all to spend our time a little more intentionally – and a little more creatively!

Today’s project is from the fab blog 100 Layer Cake. Y’all know I love preparing for guests; it should come as no surprise that I love the idea of stacking individually wrapped soaps in a guest bathroom. These would also make lovely gifts, don’t you think?

Full instructions and more photos here!

Have a fantastic weekend, friends!

That’s right, I made placecards. Even though there will only be four of us, including guests.

But I love them, and they took me all of about two minutes to make. Want a set of your own? Pick your favorite colors from the paint chip displays at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Fold them in half. Write your guests’ names on them. Et voila.

Seriously, you guys. This shower is super cute. Full of garden party loveliness, too {or porch party, as the case may be}. And guess what? It was sent in by a reader, Alyssa!

Let’s back up a little, though. Remember this inspiration board?

Alyssa immediately fell in love with it. How about these garland instructions? They were for her. And she also decided to make my Valentine’s Day chocolates as favors.

Alyssa has a gorgeous old home with an equally gorgeous front porch, so that’s {naturally} where she decided to hold the party for her cousin Lizzie. Though she woke up to rain, the sun came out before the guests arrived.

{Isn’t it wonderful that her front door matches the color scheme?}

Here are the garlands in action. Don’t they look amazing?! Straight out of Country Living, I tell you.

And here are her favors. Alyssa – in excellent, adaptable DIY fashion – ended up wrapping them in fabric scraps left over from the bunting instead of paper like me. So proud.

The ladies munched on mushroom quiche, salad, fruit, and other delicious-looking nibbles, chatted, played games, and generally had a wonderful time thanks to their fabulous hostess. Well done, Alyssa!

You can surely tell how excited I am about this. Anyone else want to make my day and send along a lovely celebration you’ve planned or attended? {peachandpearl at ymail dot com… just saying.}

Now that I finally have some free time {just a little bit!}, I’m excited to try my hand at some more projects. This teacup chandelier to start: isn’t it darling? The muted but not overly sweet colors make me swoon – I’m picturing it in a shaded side porch or a petite washroom.

P.S. Not feeling brave enough to attempt this on your own? Got $950 to burn? You can pick one of these babies up on Etsy, instead.

{By Domestic Construction via Design Milk}

Later this week: an inspiration board, an interview outfit, a little crafty craft, and – oh yes! – Rosecliff photos!