tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11146992400038719922024-03-13T12:54:14.366-07:00flowers + love Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-68079978423684434052016-11-15T11:08:00.000-08:002016-11-15T11:08:21.092-08:00Lovely Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wise words from a great president and a wonderfully tough man.</div>
<br />Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-20873182412527319112016-11-10T15:02:00.001-08:002016-11-14T13:35:51.571-08:00He Won<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">At 11:40 PM on November 8th, 2016, there was an unsettling silence in San Francisco. He had won. I stared blankly at nothing, my mind alternating between magical thinking (maybe there had been an error?) and a sickening sense of dread. Front and center in my thoughts was what I would tell my kids in the morning. They would wake up in a place very different from the place they had gone to sleep in. How could I explain to them this “bad man”, as they had taken to calling him, would run our country? How could I assure them they were safe, when I wasn’t certain that we were safe? How could I stop the blaring message this would send to my impressionable seven-year-old twin sons: smart, capable women don’t win, but “bad men” who bully people do win? How?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When my children awoke the next morning, the first thing out of their mouths was: “Who won?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">They had gone to bed before it was a done deal, and I’m sure they had not been immune to the worried looks on our (my husband’s and my) faces or the hand wringing taking place. When we told them who had won, they seemed just as shocked as we were. Though, obviously, we hadn’t gone into detail about the particularly nasty aspects of this election, our boys had considerable exposure to it. Though we’d tried not to put Donald Trump down (not too much, anyway) in front of them, living in the practically unanimously liberal city of San Francisco, the boys had developed a natural bias. “But he’s going to make us do bad things, Mom,” said one boy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">“He can’t make us do bad things,” I said, “We just need to stay true to ourselves and love one another.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">He seemed to half-accept this. I was so filled with anger and sadness that I didn’t totally accept this, either. I tried, somewhat unsuccessfully, to fight back tears as I made the boys’ lunches and was relieved when I heard my husband calmly and deftly explaining to them what had happened and what would happen in the future. I could tell they needed answers and I would not have kept my emotions out of it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After I’d dropped them off at school, as I turned to walk to my car, I broke down. I went home and sat on my couch and watched Hillary’s concession speech and then watched Obama’s speech. Both were so calm and rational, but I continued to weep. I wanted to make sense of it. I combed over the New York Times website, searching for something, and clicked on “What Happened” in the Opinion section. What had happened? There was a piece, entitled “The Forgotten Man”, and as I read it, I felt ashamed. I’ve always considered myself an open and empathetic person, sensitive to people of all leanings and walks of life. But maybe, I’d been lying to myself. Maybe, I had been living in a liberal elitist bubble, unconsciously dismissing a whole (very large, apparently) segment of society in serious pain. My husband had been telling me for months that the rise of Donald Trump was an indication of a populist revolution we needed to pay attention to. But, based on the level of shock I experienced as I watched state after state turn red on Tuesday night, I hadn’t paid enough attention. And now, my children will be the ones who pay the price. A loss of innocence. A person in the most powerful position in the world who possesses none of the qualities of a male role model I would want my sons to possess. And, most unnerving, a future for them that is uncertain, at best, and terrifying, at worst. How could I not have prepared better and somehow shielded them from this? </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And, so, as I sit here writing this, I wonder what steps I can take to promote a future that is as bright and as happy and as full of opportunities as the one that I’ve always envisioned for my children. There are lessons to learn from this election, though I have yet to sort those out. But, I think I’ll continue to hold tight to some ideas from Hillary Clinton’s campaign I truly believe in, and maybe, those ideas will eventually lead me toward the right path. Despite my anger and sadness, I believe that love trumps hate. And, I believe that we - all of us: Democrats, Republicans, Blacks, Whites, everyone - we are stronger together. So, I think I’ll take a few days to mourn, get mad, get sad, feel lost, and then I’ll try to accept things and do what I can to create a better world for our kids. Because, no matter who you are, I know that’s something we can all agree on.</span></span></div>
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Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-25700304456476438342015-01-23T15:12:00.001-08:002015-06-07T19:37:38.961-07:00i'm still here...<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/15203548193" title="roses & feathers by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="roses & feathers" height="960" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/15203548193_d1d58b2d79_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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happy new year. it's been 6 months to the day since my last post and, being that i like even numbers, i thought that it was a good time to start her back up. as far as i can ascertain the reason for my absence is twofold. one, we finally made our move into san francisco in september and it rattled me more than i had expected. i had been looking forward to moving back into the city for some time and i thought that it would be all happy-happy, but i found it jarring to move after living in our last place for 10 years - the longest that i'd ever lived in one place. so getting, or more to the point "feeling", settled took a while and there were a lot of days that i felt like my wheels were spinning and nothing (e.g. all of the boxes that needed unpacking) was getting done. and, so, the blog was sort of one of the last things on my mind. and it wasn't just the blog but all of the other things that make me feel good and whole - my walk/runs in the park, my visits to trusted advisors (my therapist), working with the flowers - those sorts of things - they all went by the wayside. i guess it really is true what they say about moving.</div>
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the other part of it was that i was feeling a little uninspired. the DIY's and the like are nice but i'm feeling ready to do something that feels a little more meaningful and authentic. i'm not totally clear on what that is yet but i'm looking forward to taking things in new direction. </div>
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anyhow, i'm glad that the funk has lifted and that i'm feeling good (great actually) about where i am, both geographically and mentally. </div>
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i hope to be back here very soon. have a great weekend!</div>
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xo, c</div>
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<br />Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-27474217185334331422014-07-23T13:59:00.000-07:002014-07-23T13:59:20.518-07:00floral snapshot: flowers of golden gate park<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14500667128" title="bougainvillea by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="bougainvillea" height="960" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3910/14500667128_3434b4a6d9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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what ~ vibrant bougainvillea .</div>
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where ~ in g.g. park, outside the tennis clubhouse.</div>
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when ~ a few weeks ago while walking through the park with my boys.</div>
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why ~ because even though i haven't had as many opportunities to do my runs in the park this summer as i would like, i have been able to enjoy the park on several occasions with the little dudes, so that's pretty cool.</div>
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xo, c</div>
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<br />Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-40746130665614460642014-07-12T17:06:00.000-07:002014-07-12T17:06:36.562-07:00lovely words<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14452619317" title="sensei ogui by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="sensei ogui" height="828" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3892/14452619317_3dbc459e8c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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wishing you a peaceful and reflective saturday.</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-87035145022485499802014-06-26T10:52:00.000-07:002014-06-26T10:52:15.975-07:00floral snapshot<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14322114158" title="hydrangea & roses by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="hydrangea & roses" height="960" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3846/14322114158_9116326a94_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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what ~ flowers for a project that I'm working on this week - hydrangea, roses and japanese maple branches (snipped from my yard).</div>
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where ~ on my work table.</div>
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when ~ yesterday morning.</div>
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why ~ because even though i've been super busy with non-blog related stuff, i really do find this place to be a great creative outlet so i WILL MAKE TIME to work on these projects.</div>
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have a fabulous and productive day!</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-33357256286444439542014-06-17T17:06:00.003-07:002014-06-17T17:10:49.983-07:00floral snapshot: flowers of golden gate park + i've been m.i.a.<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14444448691" title="pom pom dahlia by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="pom pom dahlia" height="960" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/14444448691_b9ec94a225_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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hey there! long time no blog. i haven't been around on the blog for a couple of weeks due to 1) furiously trying to get our house ready to put on the market and 2) lots of celebrating for my little sister's wedding!!. all great things, but there hasn't been much time for things like blogging. </div>
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i'm finally getting around to posting this floral snapshot that i took last week.</div>
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what ~ a beautiful marbled dahlia - i couldn't tell what the variety was but i think that it's a pom pom type.</div>
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where ~ the dahlia garden in golden gate park.</div>
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when ~ one day last week after my morning walk.</div>
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why ~ because although the dahlia garden is far from being in it's full glory (that will happen in late august/september) i spotted some lovelies, including the one above. i'm sure that i'll be snapping some more of these beauties as the summer progresses and the garden reaches it's peak. it's a pretty stunning spectacle when it's in full bloom, for sure.</div>
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xo, c</div>
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<br />Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-51449155400879256742014-05-30T16:03:00.000-07:002014-06-17T17:08:16.861-07:00picnic at dolores park<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14285237976" title="marco & mom 1 by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="marco & mom 1" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2910/14285237976_5b215383ee_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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a few weekends ago (on mother's day) my husband planned a little picnic at dolores park. it was a perfect day - the sun was shining, the husband had packed all of my favorite picnic-y foods, the boys were in good moods and the people watching was as good as always. i exclaimed that day that i could pretty much do that exact same thing every weekend and be perfectly happy…and i meant it. </div>
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here are a few photos from an A++ day.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14305038021" title="picnic by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="picnic" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14305038021_c93c1b4b6b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14121709549" title="lu by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="lu" height="960" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/14121709549_21fbb6fcf4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14307797924" title="hill by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="hill" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/14307797924_5de86ca06a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14308378435" title="dante 1 by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="dante 1" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/14308378435_a1db13db06_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14308378335" title="houses by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="houses" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/14308378335_9f49f31806_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14306493872" title="mom & boys by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="mom & boys" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/14306493872_0810f7f006_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14121724928" title="marco 1 by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="marco 1" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2897/14121724928_ef86d87ddf_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">the playground at dolores park is top notch, with lots of cool structures and other fun stuff, so the boys always have a blast.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14307798024" title="dante by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="dante" height="960" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/14307798024_ffc8899d6b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14308378195" title="marco 2 by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="marco 2" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14308378195_1fff9fea6a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14121724978" title="marco & mom by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="marco & mom" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3694/14121724978_b16a77805c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14305038061" title="marco by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="marco" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/14305038061_477e397864_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the next few weekends are BUSY, so there is no leisurely picnicking in my near future, but i'm hoping to replicate this day sometime very soon.</div>
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wishing you a great weekend!</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-52509724089204161892014-05-27T23:04:00.000-07:002014-06-17T17:10:36.685-07:00floral snapshot<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14285246691" title="aeonium by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="aeonium" height="960" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/14285246691_775b03b337_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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what ~ a succulent called aeonium.</div>
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where ~ in a very good friend's back yard.</div>
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when ~ earlier today.</div>
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why ~ because today i had the best time babysitting my friend's 4 month old daughter, and her and i spent some time hanging out in her backyard. my friend has a fun and eclectic yard with lots of succulents - which are a favorite of hers. this one was especially lovely.</div>
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hope it's been a happy day.</div>
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xo, c</div>
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Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-7824281910719424522014-05-23T12:11:00.001-07:002014-05-23T16:25:05.015-07:00DIY ombre ribbon backdrop<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14066249468" title="backdrop & table 2 by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="backdrop & table 2" height="960" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2897/14066249468_04444e17d9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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when i was designing my sister's bridal shower (which i posted on <a href="http://flowerspluslove.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-special-bridal-shower.html" target="_blank">here</a> last week) there was a painting at the venue that i had hoped to obscure. originally the dessert & favor table was to be in front of said painting and it just didn't go with what i had in mind. i decided to create a ribbon backdrop to cover it up. in the end the table was moved to a different location and i didn't end up using the backdrop but i thought that i'd share it as DIY, as it was super easy and i was pretty happy with the result.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14252547674" title="ribbon by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="ribbon" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2908/14252547674_0d2090426c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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i used three different colors and sizes of ribbon for the backdrop in an ombre type of color scheme (white, light pink & dark pink), plus a black ribbon to attach the streamer ribbons to. i used two streamers of each color of ribbon and kept repeating the pattern. i wanted the width of the backdrop to be around 5 feet so i calculated how many streamers of each i would need based on the width of each color of ribbon (e.g. two streamers of each of the colors of ribbon = 9 inches. 60 inches / 9 inches = around 7 sets of each color). you can cut the streamers to whatever length you need based on what you're using it for.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14252910785" title="cut ribbons by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="cut ribbons" height="473" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/14252910785_907fcbb040_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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first, i cut all of the lengths of ribbon that i would need.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14066333627" title="gule ribbon by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="gule ribbon" height="473" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/14066333627_461600c2b7_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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then i began adding the streamers to the black ribbon and securing them with <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Zots-Dots-45;-Memory-Small-45;-300-pk/2903.016/425680.html" target="_blank">zots </a> - do you know about these?? they're awesome. they come in different sizes and are so much easier to work with than a glue gun. i used two dots for the wider ribbons and one for the thinner. i put the dots at the top of the ribbon and then folded it over and stuck it to the other side.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14066298430" title="conitnue gluing ribbon by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="conitnue gluing ribbon" height="473" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5197/14066298430_3066ee7768_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14229762766" title="ombre pattern by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="ombre pattern" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14229762766_40b2c3e15a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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i continued adding the streamers, repeating the ombre pattern.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14250731272" title="backdrop & table by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="backdrop & table" height="960" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14250731272_a55f35f65d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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and here it is. i think it would work well as a backdrop for a dessert table (like above), a photo booth or even for a wedding ceremony - especially outdoors, tied between two trees or posts.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14066258889" title="flowers by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="flowers" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/14066258889_2830f630f6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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and, on a floral note, i foraged these pretty blooms from the hillside near our carport. they're valerian and they have such a lovely sweet smell. </div>
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have a happy and healthy memorial day weekend.</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-77458670980593528422014-05-20T16:12:00.000-07:002014-06-17T17:10:19.410-07:00floral snapshot<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14046713829" title="mother's day flowers by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="mother's day flowers" height="960" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/14046713829_26bd8c61fb_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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what ~ flowers (tulips, gerbera daisies & peonies) given to me by my boys (the big one & the little ones) for mother's day.</div>
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where ~ on our dining table.</div>
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when ~ last week.</div>
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why ~ because it's becoming a tradition for my guys to bring me home bunches of flowers to do with what i like (as opposed to flowers already arranged). i much prefer this method of receiving flowers and i think it's such a sweet sentiment on their (mostly the the big one's) part.</div>
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hope it's been a great tuesday.</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-67886153094945271112014-05-15T10:56:00.001-07:002014-05-15T10:56:56.316-07:00a special bridal shower<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14000692477" title="cupcakes by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="cupcakes" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/14000692477_2eb45cee41_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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last month i had the distinct pleasure of helping to host and design a bridal shower for my baby sister. it took place at a <a href="http://www.primawine.com/" target="_blank">restaurant</a> in walnut creek, near the town where my sister lives. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14000691847" title="dessert table by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="dessert table" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/14000691847_043ab500de_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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for the food and drinks we had some great italian passed hors d'oeuvres, cocktails (including some delicious and pretty specialty cocktails) and, for dessert, cupcakes from <a href="http://www.karascupcakes.com/" target="_blank">kara's cupcakes</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14000777420" title="favor by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="favor" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5555/14000777420_58f0770020_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14184006251" title="branches by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="branches" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/14184006251_594e0270b1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14000651940" title="gift table by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="gift table" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/14000651940_561683bd1c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14187373315" title="table by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="table" height="960" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/14187373315_4d3c3e5f44_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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and, for the flowers, i used roses, spray roses, cherry blossom branches, carnations (a go-to lately) and a bit of greenery. i also used a wide black and white grosgrain ribbon band around all of the vases.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14184006011" title="j by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="j" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/14184006011_65d74ec576_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the lovely guest of honor.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14000652240" title="flowers & table by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="flowers & table" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/14000652240_cec02cc68f_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14000630699" title="favors by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="favors" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5114/14000630699_8c37536480_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the guests left with tasty cookies, monogrammed with the bride-to-be's initial, from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Pinkfrostingcookies?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">pink frosting cookies</a> (the gift tag stickers were from <a href="http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/product/15573/personalized_gift_tag_stickers_elegant_wishes.html" target="_blank">wedding paper divas</a>).</div>
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it was a really special day for a beautiful girl and i couldn't be happier for her upcoming nuptials. </div>
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this weekend the celebrating continues: we're off to scottsdale for some bachelorette fun! so i'm signing off for now.</div>
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hope everyone has a great weekend!</div>
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xo, c</div>
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<br />Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-67291566986227146122014-05-13T12:12:00.000-07:002014-06-17T17:10:06.745-07:00floral snapshot<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13992639259" title="bendita arrangements by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="bendita arrangements" height="960" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/13992639259_d96d328cf0_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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what ~ a few of the arrangements for another <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bendita/1412486195680002" target="_blank">bendita</a> trunk show (photos from the last show <a href="http://flowerspluslove.blogspot.com/2013/12/bendita-trunk-show.html" target="_blank">here</a>), made up of hydrangea, veronica and carnations (more <a href="http://flowerspluslove.blogspot.com/2014/04/floral-snapshot_15.html" target="_blank">carnations</a>!) in the prettiest shade of fuchsia.</div>
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where ~ waiting on my entry table to be delivered.</div>
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when ~ last wednesday before the show.</div>
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why ~ because it's an honor to help out my dear friend, vanessa, (who started bendita last year) by putting together some florals to compliment the beautiful fashion and accessories that bendita carries.</div>
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have a lovely tuesday.</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-63508193639856979402014-05-09T12:48:00.000-07:002014-05-09T12:48:10.312-07:00happy mother's day weekend<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13960176677" title="mother's day by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="mother's day" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/13960176677_7f21074fb5_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the photo above was taken last mother's day - the husband and i had just come home from a few days at the bottle rock napa festival, so i am TIRED…but happy to see my boys. this year i told the guys that i just wanted a simple picnic at the park (we did this a few mother's days ago at delores park and it was lovely). i'm also hoping to get a few hours of solo time in to, i don't know, i guess take a mothering break…we'll see.</div>
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i hope all you mothers out there (and non-mothers for that matter) are doing something nice this weekend. happy friday (and saturday and sunday)!</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-52625089874413724092014-05-08T14:36:00.000-07:002014-05-09T06:47:00.174-07:00lovely words<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14117066266" title="michael franti by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="michael franti" height="828" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/14117066266_bb708a463b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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last week a friend had an extra ticket to a benefit show with michael franti at <a href="http://www.sweetwatermusichall.com/" target="_blank">sweetwater</a> and she sweetly invited me along. the benefit was for the <a href="http://doitforthelove.org/" target="_blank">do it for the love foundation</a> and <a href="http://www.mhinternational.org/" target="_blank">music heals international</a>. it was a lovely and incredibly moving night. such a treat.<br />
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xo, cChristina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-57692872970986583052014-05-06T19:55:00.000-07:002014-05-09T10:59:41.816-07:00floral snapshot: flowers of golden gate park<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13940458517" title="princess anne david austin english garden rose by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="princess anne david austin english garden rose" height="960" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/13940458517_1c443b2a60_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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what ~ david austin 'princess anne" garden rose.</div>
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where ~ golden gate park <a href="http://www.golden-gate-park.com/rose-garden.html" target="_blank">rose garden</a>.</div>
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when ~ monday morning after my walk.</div>
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why ~ i love garden roses in floral designs so it's really cool to check out all of the varieties in the rose garden. this one was one of my faves - gorgeous color and smelled heavenly.</div>
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hope it's been a lovely tuesday.</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-37215671824826729122014-05-01T13:22:00.000-07:002014-05-01T13:28:12.754-07:00an afternoon at filoli<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13896794778" title="tulips by pool by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="tulips by pool" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/13896794778_50042f8cf6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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about a month ago we had the opportunity to spend an afternoon in the beautiful gardens of the historic estate, <a href="http://www.filoli.org/" target="_blank">filoli</a>. we're lucky enough to have a friend who works and lives on the property, so we had the distinct pleasure of receiving an after-hours private tour of the gardens. the gardens of filoi are always lovely but at this time of year, with all that's in bloom, they're particularly spectacular. we started out with a little picnic at our friend's home and then continued on to the jaw dropping gardens, where the afternoon light was perfect for photo taking.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14083868964" title="baby l by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="baby l" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5157/14083868964_48e068c594_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13896767177" title="lu & d by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="lu & d" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/13896767177_f26df0b0e7_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13896795118" title="m & d by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="m & d" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/13896795118_f447cec9e8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13896766797" title="terrace garden by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="terrace garden" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5118/13896766797_c591f960d6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13896795348" title="coral tulips by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="coral tulips" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5277/13896795348_d795f7e226_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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tulips were abundant in the gardens and the vibrant coral color of these (above) seemed almost unreal!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14083868144" title="tulips and pansies by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="tulips and pansies" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/14083868144_0883e1c75b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14083868314" title="pond by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="pond" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/14083868314_4fab963818_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13896771049" title="me in the garden by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="me in the garden" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/13896771049_ee6f78a5bc_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13896766507" title="tulips and chairs by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="tulips and chairs" height="960" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2915/13896766507_0fe8b37e67_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14080192081" title="dogwood by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="dogwood" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/14080192081_a7f4ba1a2e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14083868904" title="boys in the garden by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="boys in the garden" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/14083868904_c39143257b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13896792100" title="forsythia by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="forsythia" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7333/13896792100_7b25aa98cd_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the peonies were yet in full bloom but i did find a couple of beauties (below).</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14060275276" title="pink peony by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="pink peony" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/14060275276_a46894e0c9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14080230322" title="red peony by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="red peony" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/14080230322_46bb31cbf2_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14080187891" title="mimi by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="mimi" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/14080187891_3d3e850eb7_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14083373475" title="pink tulips by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="pink tulips" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14083373475_4ceed57a3e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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it was an afternoon filled with good food, wonderful friends and absolutely gorgeous gardens. not too shabby of a way to fill our sunday.</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-64003280983325160652014-04-29T18:15:00.000-07:002014-05-09T11:00:12.183-07:00floral snapshot: flowers of golden gate park + i'm back<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/14068638894" title="rhododendron blossoms by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="rhododendron blossoms" height="960" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5146/14068638894_93777c1dd4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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hi there, i'm back after a little week long break. easter was nice and it was fun hanging out with the little dudes but i think that we were all sort of ready to get back to the regular routine. i had hoped to be able to make a few changes to the blog during the break, and i did get a chance to do a couple of things (notice the new social media buttons and categories on the right), but, <a href="http://flowerspluslove.blogspot.com/2014/04/happy-easter-weekend-see-you-in-bit.html" target="_blank">as expected</a>, i couldn't get to everything. there's always another day.</div>
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one thing that i was definitely happy to get back to were the morning walks (and occasionally a jog sort of thing) that i began recently in golden gate park. it's a great way to start the day and there's lots of stuff to look at along the way, which keeps it interesting. of special interest to me (obviously) are the pretty flowers on display and tucked into nooks and crannies of that dear park. lots of things start to be in bloom at this time of year and being able to check it all out along the way keeps me going. in fact, it's inspired me to start a special series of floral snapshots: flowers of golden gate park. i feel like this is a win-win because in addition to providing a plethora of photo ops it also motivates me to keep my butt moving (something that i have found challenging in the past, for sure). if these golden gate park flower posts drop off you'll know that i've folded and have not stuck to the plan (more motivation). so here you go, the first installment in this here series.</div>
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what ~ a carpet of rhododendron blossoms.</div>
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where ~ <a href="http://www.golden-gate-park.com/" target="_blank">gg park</a>, near <a href="http://www.golden-gate-park.com/lindley-meadow.html" target="_blank">lindley meadow</a>.</div>
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when ~ this morning.</div>
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why ~ because i spotted the whole scene yesterday on my walk and it was so striking that i had to go back and snap some shots - huge rhododendron bushes with a sea of pink underneath. so lovely.</div>
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xo, c</div>
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Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-6459659620403584982014-04-18T17:47:00.001-07:002014-04-22T16:16:34.513-07:00happy easter weekend + see you in a bit<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13927132055" title="easter 2 by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="easter 2" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/13927132055_32732bba41_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the boys and i colored easter eggs together this morning for the first time. it wasn't exactly the festive and happy occasion that i had envisioned. it was very messy and, after an argument ensued over who's egg was who's, it ended in tears. i suppose that i may have had unrealistic expectations of two 4 1/2 year olds neatly and calmly coloring easter eggs. nonetheless, we got it done and we are set for this weekend. </div>
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the boys are on spring break this week and next so i've decided to take a little blog vacation to focus on hanging out with my little guys and possibly making a few changes/additions to the blog that i never seem to get a chance to get around to - again, probably unrealistic expectations but, you know, wishful thinking.</div>
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i had hoped to do a easter flower post this year but it didn't happen. i did do one last year however. in fact it was one of my very first blog posts - you can check it out <a href="http://flowerspluslove.blogspot.com/2013/03/easy-peasy-florals-potted-easter-table.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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i hope that you have some good eastery fun planned for this weekend. we're planning on going to the <a href="http://www.ci.sausalito.ca.us/index.aspx?page=1006" target="_blank">sausalito easter egg hun</a>t on saturday and then checking out the <a href="http://www.sresproductions.com/union_street_easter.html" target="_blank">union street easter parade</a> in sf. so i think that we will have had our share of easter fun by the time it's all done.</div>
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have a great weekend and an awesome week.</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-52454445113505942372014-04-17T09:00:00.000-07:002014-04-22T16:16:58.519-07:00lovely words<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13276531644" title="rumi by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="rumi" height="828" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/13276531644_fc3483d618_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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speak with love.<br />
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xo, cChristina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-72298016793325250812014-04-15T16:29:00.001-07:002014-04-22T15:12:34.508-07:00floral snapshot<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13882715984" title="pink carnations by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="pink carnations" height="960" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/13882715984_5e81dbcddf_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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what ~ leftover flowers from the arrangements that i did for my baby sister's bridal shower last weekend, including these pretty pink carnations.</div>
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where ~ on my work table.</div>
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when ~ a few minutes ago.</div>
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why ~ because although carnations get a bad rap, i think that they have some great qualities. first of all, they have a lovely peony-esque look (always a good thing), second, they smell really good, and third, they're inexpensive so you can use them abundantly in arrangements without breaking the bank - which definitely cannot be said about the beloved peony.</div>
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stay tuned for a carnation post soon…</div>
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xo, c</div>
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<br />Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-64125354237198259902014-04-15T11:01:00.000-07:002014-04-22T17:02:03.529-07:00simple DIY flowers: succulent boutonniere<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13764400403" title="succulent boutonniere by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="succulent boutonniere" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/13764400403_22f75e4eb3_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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i was a little silent last week (i was preparing for a very special bridal shower that took place this past weekend - look for the post in the next few weeks!). but i'm back and continuing on with the <a href="http://flowerspluslove.blogspot.com/2014/03/simple-flowers-anemone-bouquet.html" target="_blank">simple wedding flowers series</a>. this time i decided to put together a super easy boutonniere. i like boutonnieres that are clean looking and not too froufrou and i think that the guys appreciate this too. i love the architectural look of succulents and they're great as cut plant material because they last a really long time.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13764400373" title="succulent boutonniere materials by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="succulent boutonniere materials" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/13764400373_10e0733bfa_o.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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for this boutonniere i used only the three little bits above: one piece of a succulent called echeveria elegance, one tiny fern frond (i removed most of the bottom leaves from the stem) and one little feather.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13875917335" title="succulent prep by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="succulent prep" height="955" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/13875917335_12f0659efd_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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i prepared the succulent by 1) trimming the stem to about 1/2" 2) then sticking a <a href="http://www.afloral.com/Floral-Supplies/Tools-Floral-Wire-Grapevine-Wreaths/Green-Floral-Wire-22-gauge-35-pieces" target="_blank">22 gauge floral wire </a>through the remaining piece of stem 3) and folding it down on either side. 4) i then wrapped the stem and the wire with <a href="http://www.afloral.com/Floral-Supplies/Adhesives-Glues-and-Tapes/Floratape-Stemwrap-2-rolls-per-pack-30-yds-each-Green" target="_blank">floral tape</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13764752254" title="put together boutonniere by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="put together boutonniere" height="473" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/13764752254_ea045261e7_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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i put the fern and the feather together and placed the succulent on top...</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13764400073" title="wrap & cut boutonniere by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="wrap & cut boutonniere" height="473" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/13764400073_874b320300_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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...then wrapped the whole thing with the tape and trimmed it to around 3 inches.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13764400483" title="ribbon on boutonniere by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="ribbon on boutonniere" height="473" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/13764400483_d99b0113a0_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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then came the ribbon. i started at the bottom and wrapped the whole thing, covering all of the tape. when i got to the top i left a little length of ribbon (about 4 inches) and then made a loop and put the loose end of the ribbon through it, pulling it tight.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13764388685" title="completed succulent boutonniere 1 by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="completed succulent boutonniere 1" height="960" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/13764388685_47263a36c4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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when i was done i cut a little dove tail in the ribbon. that's it!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13764388575" title="completed boutonniere 2 by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="completed boutonniere 2" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/13764388575_1d55da2631_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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a handsome and simple boutonniere for a handsome (and hopefully not too simple) groom. </div>
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happy wedding season!</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-71850346854000827512014-04-08T13:49:00.000-07:002014-04-22T15:13:05.901-07:00floral snapshot<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13703251444" title="california poppy by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="california poppy" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/13703251444_a757035a86_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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what ~ a california poppy (and my little man, D).</div>
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where ~ on the grounds of the historic estate, <a href="http://www.filoli.org/" target="_blank">filoli</a>, in woodside, ca.</div>
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when ~ a few sundays ago, before a private tour of the formal gardens (lookout for a post about our tour soon!).</div>
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why ~ because the poppies are abloom all over these parts right now AND because even though my little guy wasn't really suppose to pick the flowers (at least it wasn't in the formal garden…) he loves giving them to his mama whenever he gets the chance, which always warms my heart.</div>
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xo, c</div>
Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-87555858685314257642014-04-04T14:31:00.000-07:002014-04-22T15:30:53.290-07:00cool vases: cb2 arm band vases<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13630625423" title="vases with flowers by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="vases with flowers" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/13630625423_3d59544f7f_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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as i was browsing through the cb2 catalogue the other day i was drawn to these brass and copper vases - i love the color, and there's a richness to them that appeals to me. after looking them up online i find them to be even more interesting and "cool". the description includes the following: "inspired by the coiled metal arm bands worn by the women of Rajasthan, India, these gleaming brass and copper wire vases reflect a cultural tradition. In this region the quality and abundance of jewelry adorning the women from head to toe is indicative of a family's social status." i can totally imagine the women and those arm bands when i look at these vases. </div>
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these vases are part of <a href="http://www.cb2.com/edition-lmtd/accessories/1" target="_blank">CB2 Edition LMTD</a> which are original works that are offered only once in limited amounts. the vases come in two sizes and i think that they'd look great with a variety of different flowers. PLUS they come with an interesting story about the designer's inspiration. check them out <a href="http://www.cb2.com/arm-band-vases/f9335" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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xo, c<br />
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(images from the <a href="http://www.cb2.com/" target="_blank">cb2 website</a>)Christina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1114699240003871992.post-33377078797169102752014-04-03T14:28:00.001-07:002014-04-22T16:17:12.317-07:00lovely words<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28121071@N02/13610484455" title="rita mae brown by clacourte, on Flickr"><img alt="rita mae brown" height="828" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/13610484455_3252b038ff_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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trust yourself.<br />
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xo, cChristina Lacourtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13126975467357895335noreply@blogger.com0