It's My Party & I'll Celebrate If I Want To!

It's my birthday today!  I had a lovely celebration with my family last night over a home cooked meal (my mom is the best!) and tonight, my girlfriends and I will get together at one of my favorite restaurants in Dallas for a delicious Italian meal, wine, and possible something sweet ;)  

So you may be wondering why I placed the card with the saying, "I remembered that I forgot your birthday" on the actual day since it's a belated card.  Well, my birthday is actually not today, in fact, as some of you may have seen in my past profile, I am a leap year baby so my birthday will not actually happen again until 2012.  I still celebrate and I do like to keep it in February!

[source: designlovefest, 9gag, allprettylittlethings]

Blogiversary!!

Happy One Year Blogiversary Candidly, Red 

(& Thanks for following!)

One year ago today, I started with this post, a simple hello introducing my not-yet-there followers to my blog :)  I have enjoyed getting to know each of you through this journey in the blogosphere!  More to come...

Rockin' [Head]band!

How cute are these?  You've probably seen 'em before, but I just spotted them!  It's your favorite band jammin' crochet headband!  And why we're on the topic, I'm on the search for some fun, new music, so if there are any artists I should know about, comment me!

[source: uncommon goods]

Ashard Richley

Ashard Richley, a fashionable accessories line based in Dallas, was started in 2009 by husband and wife team, Ashley & Richard (do you see how the name came together now? So clever!).  Coral is on this spring's top color palette, so I picked out these frilly purses from their collection to show you.  Super feminine and fun!  See more on their website & enter to win a $400 shopping spree!

A Beachy Advertisement

Lovin' this Nivea ad by Ana Dias.  So playful!  This really puts me in the mood for summer.  Now who wants to try out that hair style? ;)

President's Day

Happy President's Day! 

...remembering great men in history (well, some of them). 

This gal has quite the talent with illustration & ceramics.  See more on her website, Michelle Roberts.

A Berlin Masterpiece

This amazingly colorful and stylish Berlin penthouse was featured in The New York Times.  Based on the thrilling design, you probably guessed that the couple involved in the making of this place, both have creative backgrounds, and you would be right - one being an architect, the other, creator of a fashion label.  Wouldn't you just love a view like that?  Both inside and outside the house - magnificent!   

        

Balls of Cake

I wanted to bring this edible goodness to your attention (again).  My friend and I made these for Valentine's Day and could not have been more excited about how they turned out.  If you have the time, because it does take a few hours, go make these!  They are YUMMY!!

Bakerella | Red Velvet Cake Balls

1 box red velvet cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)

1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)

1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)

wax paper

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.

2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)

3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)

4. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)

5. Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package.

6. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)

Guy Style

The male shirt recreated for the female frame.  If you can pull it off like these gals, go for it!

Promise Tangeman

Vanessa Jackman

Of German Design

I made the online discovery of this wonderful German shop called LYS Vintage.  The shop features Scandinavian designs of the 50s & 60s.  Not only are their products "good looking," but they're functional.  I want to live here!

         

All You Need Is Love

[source]

This is my little brother, Andrew.  We're 16 years apart, same parents, and he was not a surprise ;)  Isn't he a cutie?  I love the comments that come out of kids' mouths including this one, from this guy (@ 11-years-old)... I was telling him all about the responsibilities of being an adult, and in a conversational tone, he replies, "Yeah, that's why I'm open to being young." ha! 

Here's a piece of his art work.  We were at a Christmas event, waiting for the concert to start, and I asked him to draw me something to put up in my office.  I didn't know he could draw 3-D images!  So impressed!

Hope you're having a great weekend!!

CSN Store Giveaway!

**WINNER** is AubreyLaine!  Congrats!  I'll email you the info.  

**THANK YOU** to everyone else who participated!!

Do you remember that CSN Stores giveaway I posted awhile ago?  Well, how about another one, and how about we up the ante?  Yep, I'm talking about $40 credit toward any of their over 250 online stores.  They have great selections including a modern store which has high-end pieces like the popular Eames Lounge Chair. 

Go take a look and while you're at it...

Here's what I need from you:

1) Be a follower of my blog.  I'd like to know about ya!

2) Tell me what you can use the money towards.

3) Follow me & tweet about this for an extra entry (be sure to include @candidlyred)

*Be sure to do the first two in order to be entered.

Thanks & Good Luck!!

Closes at 9pCST Wed, 2/16.

Rocker Digits

Really diggin' these rockin' rings from Costella and Donola.  And on that note, hope you're having a rad week ;)

Tiny Factories

These little ceramic factories are created by Quincy Pearson and Adam Maron of PearsonMaron.  The couple, with a passion for his childhood memories and her love of nature, has made such delicate and wonderful tiny sculptures.  See more at their Etsy shop and for look at the process, check out this feature on Share Some Candy.