PAIGE APPEL

Kinfolk

2011-07-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

Pretty much sums up how I want to live. Congrats Kinfolk, I'm already a fan.

4th of July

2011-07-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

It's the 4th! It's summertime! Go have some BBQ, ice cream, cherry pie, and hang out with your loved ones. We are road tripping home from a wonderful vacation to Arizona and New Mexico. So grateful I got to spend 9 days showing my kids a different part of the country and connecting with my husband away from the work madness. Priorities always seem to get re-evaluated on vacation. I have some new ones to implement and some old ones I intend to pay more attention to.

Holidays need to come more often.

p.s. my dear friend elizabeth wrote a very inspiring post about being a part of your child's stories. go read it now. i keep going back to it to remind me of every choice i make with my own children.

we are creating subconscious stories, memories, visions for them. make them count, for them.

{photo of my Rem by The Why We Love, ice cream by Sweet Lucie's}

Happy Two!

2011-06-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today I married the man who inspires me, unconditionally loves me, loves my son, cares for my needs, makes me laugh, does my laundry, caresses my face, surprises me, teaches me, cooks for me, holds my hand, generously gives his all, and shares his soul with me. He is my best friend and lover. Thank you so much Kevin, you truly are my all. I'm so lucky, so so lucky. Happy Anniversary Baby.

{a few of my favorite photos by Charley*Star}

Smiley

2011-06-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

Are you guys aware of Smilebooth? You should be.

Me and my Bash, Please gals hard at work at one of our weddings.

Better Homes & Gardens

2011-05-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

Remember this? It turned into THIS! Wow, my mom is so proud.

June issue, page 123. They did a great job with the article, the photographer was great, and the set designer took some cues from my own style board, which I'm thankful for. But I do feel a little out of my element with the fashion. I mean, I never carry a tray, haven't worn earrings in 10 years, and usually wear Frye boots instead of wedges, but overall I'm honored to be in such a long standing magazine as a woman of style. Thanks so much for featuring me BHG! Truly an honor!

New Work by Mr. Appel

2011-05-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

: Screen (swainson hawk), acrylic, screen ink, and UV cured print on canvas over panel, 2011, 72" x 60"

: Screen (trial), acrylic and UV cured print on canvas over panel, 2011, 77" x 58"

: Screen (barn owl), acrylic and UV cured print on canvas over panel, 2011, 72" x 60"

: Screen (martial eagle), acrylic and UV cured print on canvas over panel, 2011, 72" x 60"

my husband has a new show opening in NYC on June 4th at Peter Blum gallery in Chelsea. if you are an east coaster or will be on the east coast this summer, you should most definitely check it out. his paintings are kind of a big deal. a few new ones above. most talented man I know. see more here.

Springtime

2011-05-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend we had an egg hunt and ice cream social for about 20 kids and 30 kiddish adults. It is something we do every year to celebrate the coming of Spring and watching the kids excitement over dying eggs and hunthing them never grows old. This year I filled 400 eggs with fairy crystals, friendship bracelets, sea shells, buttons, money, gemstones, rocks, mini clickers, and some chocolate (of course). Plus one golden egg filled with enough goodness to make even Veruca Salt jealous. My ingenious husband hid that one in a firewood log. Yes, he actually carved it out and snuck it in and replaced the bark after. Brills. It took a few clues and some diligent adults to find that one. These are a few Instagram photos I took. (my new favorite iPhone app). I love my times with the family and friends, and I appreciate that I have a place to journal it here. Thanks for re-inspiring me E.

Oh and Sweet Lucie's, your Dreamsicle ice cream is still on my mind.

DreamState

2011-04-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

IMAGINE.

I spent yesterday at Disneyland with my kids and had an epiphany I had been longing for.

I need more whimsy in my life. More spontaneity. More dreamy dreams.

To imagine a world that is playful, carefree, and mysterious and live in it.

There really can be pink clouds, flowers in your hair, and watercolor roads.

I'm gonna hold myself to it.

photos by Tim Walker via here

white as snow

2011-04-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

an albino peacock. the most beautiful bird i've ever {not} seen.

from here

{bursting} heart

2011-04-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite lines from Annie Hall.

feeling grateful for him, our kids, my work, the sunshine, the abundance we have.

my heart can't possibly expand anymore or it will burst.

hoping your life is full of lurve. help out those who's hearts may be hurting.

give a heart to japan here.

Bash, Please Workstead

2011-03-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek! Check out our workstead in the latest issue of Rue Magazine. Go here & get on over to page 46. Photos by Laure Joliet. Stay tuned for lots more photos on our blog this week.

beautiful affection

2011-03-04T21:51:00.000-08:00

the most beautiful animals having the most beautiful mother and child moment.

reminds me of my own sweet nuzzles with my children.

happy weekend. find some beauty in the natural world.

featherscrystalssoaps

2011-02-25T11:05:00.000-08:00

things I'm into these days OTHER THAN WORK.

via pinterest

currently on rotation

2011-02-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

Jenny Lewis.

She kills me softly.

{blurred} LIGHT!

2011-02-14T22:51:00.000-08:00

So many things on my mind these days. Going so fast, dizzy, like on a merry go round. My senses feel a bit overwhelmed. Bright yet blurry. These images struck me dead on. Full of pattern, with energetic force, yet hazy and scattered. It's like looking in a mirror.

I wish I had time to sit with a shawl and read a novel.

NYC was cold. And really good. More on that later.

Vegas is next week. Good old Vegas.

FYI: This is becoming more of a personal blog now that most of my work is being blogged over here. I'm sure there will be overlap from time to time. But in case you were wondering... BASH, PLEASE is the new and the whole enchilada. Over here it's like the rice and beans. And sometimes a Corona.

One last thing.... it's Valentine's Day. I have to say, I'm so beyond lucky to have the most inspiring, loving, generous, smartest, raddest man in town as my lover, friend, and husband. Kevin, it's you.

Now and forever.

Better Homes + Gardens circa 1950's

2011-02-02T23:14:00.000-08:00

Um, yeah! BHG is flying me to NYC next week to interview and shoot me for their Woman of Style column. I'm kinda excited, humbled, and a bit nervous about how I will be portrayed and styled. I found these old covers from the 50's and they are so RAD. I took some cues and created my own project board for the shoot. I sent it over to the stylist, and they loved it.... so we'll see! Hopefully I won't look like a frumpy-soap watching-couch potato from Idaho. {no pun or offense intended} Wish me luck! Especially in the freezing snow, which I have no idea how I'll manage with my California attire.

P.S. HITCHED WENT OFF!!! TOTALLY BONKERS!! WAIT TILL YOU SEE THE PHOTOS.

GET YOUR TICKETS!

2011-01-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

Brides + Grooms + Curios Seekers of a fresh vision in weddings! Are you set to hit up the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs on January 30th? You better get your tickets. We sold out the first go round and are on our way to sell out again! The Ace has an awesome $99 a night deal for Sunday night and you can buy your tickets here. A grilled cheese bar, cotton candy, margaritas and sangria, a synchronized swimming performance by the Aqualillies, Mattson 2 playing, Flashy hosting a dance off for a trip to Zoetry Resort in Mexico! All under the desert sky. C'mon.... you will punch yourself if you miss it.

Boho + Bash, Please Studio!

2011-01-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

Boho magazine interviewed me awhile back and I just discovered it in their Fall issue. Quite a nice spread! No mention of my blossoming company BASH, PLEASE {insert frowny face} who is responsible for all the great designs/florals in the spread, but nonetheless grateful and honored to be a part of this magazine.

In other news, Kelly and I finally found a new studio space! BASH, PLEASE is now a full blown legit operation obtaining our full attention. Of course there will be an open studio party soon. Stay tuned for that. Meanwhile, you can see the inspiration board for our headquarters over at the BP blog.

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays {from my brood}

2010-12-21T08:50:00.000-08:00

Just a few snippets of my family that the talented Sarah Yates captured so beautifully. Hope you are enjoying your family + friends this holiday season. Thanks for reading my blog and being supportive of my business + personal life. Love + light in 2011. xoxoxo - paige

Naked Snow People

2010-12-13T19:58:00.000-08:00

This is my idea of a good time.

Jim Mangan via my girl Native Kee

A Cactus Christmas

2010-12-11T23:08:00.000-08:00

This looks festive to me. Via one of my favorite gal's blog.

Did you know?

2010-12-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

So many of our clients don't realize that we make pretty flowers. So... we thought we would let you know with this little mash-up of a few of our designs. Enjoy the prettiness.

*photos by Max Wanger, Sarah Yates, Bonnie Tsang, Annie McElwain, Erin Hearts Court, Feather Love, Charley Star, and Will Keeler.

Rue goes Blue {christmas} !

2010-12-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

A little mash-up of our Jingle Girl Rock spread we styled for Rue shoot. See the story in their issue 2 and check out the BASH, PLEASE blog for more photo goodies from Feather Love. We adore the Girls With Glasses and all our friends who contributed to the shoot. Go Rue, Happy Holidays!

Eggleston

2010-11-19T10:15:00.000-08:00

If you are into good photography, go see the William Eggleston exhibit at LACMA. So so so rad.
His Graceland shots made me giddy. Happy Weekend.

Open Studio with Compai

2010-11-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

Do you guys know my friends Faith and Justina from Compai? Only the raddest designing, crafting, upcycling hot ladies in LA. Kellz and I are going to hit up their open studio on November 20. And yes, you should to. Not to mention Shannon from Hustle Up is going to be in da house as well. RSVP asap and we'll see you there. These girls are the most fun you could have on a Saturday afternoon.

Blue Christmas + Autumn Camp

2010-11-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hey people! I'm back from a whirlwind of events. 3 in 4 days to be exact. A FLASH-BASH wedding, a beyond bananas Halloween party at the Ace Hotel, and a "Blue Christmas" photo shoot for Rue Magazine at the Elvis Honeymoon house hosted by The Girls With Glasses. (see project board above). Basically, we set up camp and worked and played in Palm Springs for 3 days with a bunch of my favorite people. Noa, Flashy, Sharky, Kelly, Anne, Tori + Myka, Catherine, Jaimi, Crystal, these gals, this couple, and many many more! I'm ready to sleep and then do it all again. I'm dying to see the Halloween Smilebooth photos. Me and the old man were Mr. and Mrs. Fantastic Fox. It was all amazing.... check out our fantastic crew shot by Feather Love. Yeah, it was that good.

Random thoughts and a Project Board

2010-10-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

So, I've noticed that you readers (whoever you are) drop off a bit when I'm not posting anything lifestyle or personally related. Baffles me a bit, cause I don't really know why any of you care to read about what I like to do in my free time, or what I like to buy or eat, or read, or where I go, etc. I figure you want to see more of my work, no? Who knows... I'm going to get back to keeping up the blog and all that it encompasses soon. I've been slammed with my girl Kelly making happy at events. (Lots of photos to come, I promise). We haven't washed our hair in weeks and are doing our own first dance at every wedding we plan. (Is that weird?) Anyway, here is our project board for our ever so cute and hippy-dippy bride Kristen this weekend. Lots of earthy/crafty/homemade goodness will invade Marvimon and Max Wanger will catch it all with his glorious light. Heirloom LA will be bringing the grub and Flashy will be bringing the tunes... Sure to be amazing on all counts.

Be back soon with more....

The Littlest!

2010-10-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

Do you see these amazing vintage clothes for littles? My ovaries are hurting just looking at them. You mama's should run out to H.D. Buttercup on Friday night and see (buy) all the goodness that Apartment 3, The Littlest, and Unique LA are showing up with. My sweet friend Elizabeth has a collection that will make anyone want to buy baby clothes, even if there is no baby to go with them.

HITCHED Palm Springs!

2010-10-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yep, HITCHED is taking to the desert road with a stop off in Palm Springs! Come follow us here and see who we snagged this time around to take a dip in the Ace Hotel pool. Sure to be one hell of a Palm Springs Showcase.

Lauren + Jacob Project Board

2010-10-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

We (bash, please) are in production mode for a very arty wedding this weekend. Lauren and Jacob are getting married at this guy's studio in Venice and we are doing some super fun installastions. Oskar Fischinger stop motion paintings on the wall, 3-D paper installations, typography painted on the tables, autumnal florals, outdoor lounge vignettes with Found, lots of antique pewter, a custom aluminum chuppah draped with snow camo, and lots more! We are super excited to see the results. It is a dream to work with people who think outside the traditional wedding box. Stay tuned for more...

HITCHED! {the rad photographers}

2010-10-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

Above images by Feather Love.

Above images by Bonnie Tsang.

Above images by Sarah Yates.

Above images by Charley Star.

Above images by Annie McElwain.

THANK YOU TO THE HITCHED GAL SQUAD! YOU MADE US PROUD TO SNAG YOU.

Sweetness

2010-10-01T15:01:00.001-07:00

Thank you Emily + David for letting us be a part of your wedding day. It was an honor and we love you guys. Can't wait to show you more details from this lovely day. Thanks Noa for the gorgeous shot.

HITCHED was a HIT!

2010-09-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

GUYS! If you missed it, you really missed it. BUT, there will be another one here before you know it. Check out the fun-ness of the Smilebooth. Those are my peeps, Sharky, Ashley, and Flashy. You can find them all over here. More to come... check out 100 Layer Cake for a sneak peek and stay tuned for photos to hit the HITCHED blog soon.

Thanks to CONFETTISYSTEM for the sweet decor.

AAAAHHH

2010-09-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

With HITCHED on thursday and a super awesome wedding on Saturday, my head is spinning. Just thought I'd give you a peek of the project board for the weekend's wedding. Think granny chic meets handmade rustic meets smog shoppe. Yeah.... it's gonna be that good. Not to mention the bride + groom are two of my favorite actors. You'll find out their names later. Kelly and I are gonna celebrate come Sunday. And not in a granny kind of way.

The best HALLOWEEN you're ever gonna have

2010-09-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

my buddy Flashy speaks the truth. it's on!! straight from his mouth - halloween in the commune event space at the ace hotel in palm springs! (go ahead, click that link... tell me that is not hype!) family style taco dinner by the ace, (price TBD but they want to keep it reasonable (and there will be package deals with room and dinner) so the more of you who RSVP the better the price will be... so RSVP already, did i mention that you need to RSVP?!?!?) design by bash please, smilebooth with props by what goes around comes around red velvet severed fingers by sweet and saucy shop yours truly playing the spookiest halloween mashups and danceparty favorites, and our very own shanghai surprise is the master of ceremonies... costume contest (with free rooms as prizes) & make sure you wear your bathing suit under your costume because after the dancing is done (or before depending on your style) we're all gonna jump in the pool! SUNDAY OCTOBER 31st HALLOWEEN 9pm - 1am!

i WILL see you there.

Alexandra + Greg on 100 Layer Cake

2010-09-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

Alexandra and Greg on 100 Layer Cake! Check out the full post and more eye candy here. Thanks ladies for the feature. WE loved this couple and their style. Thanks to Bonnie and Heirloom LA for the goodness they brought to the day.

Michelle + Matt on Style Me Pretty

2010-08-31T08:41:00.000-07:00

A BASH, PLEASE bonanza! Color, confetti, and charm. Michelle + Matt's wedding was filled with love and FUN! Thanks Style Me Pretty and Sweet Emilia Jane for the post. See the story here and more photos from Raya. XOXOXO

Mike + Sarah's Smilebooth!

2010-08-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Mike + Sarah's wedding was BANANAS! (thank you Flashy & Sharky for my new favorite word).

Smilebooth needs to set up permanent shop at my house. As does Ashley Meaders. We had a blast last weekend, I'm still sore from the dancing and jumping and smiling. You can probably tell from these photos. More photo goodness to come later from Charley Star .

Oh and did you notice the cuteness overload that our assistants are wearing? Those gems were provided by the rad gals at ban.do. Their red sequin hearts are now the official bash, please uniform. Our team wears them everyday, all day. Yes that's right. You will easily spot a bash gal at Trader Joe's or yoga class or a Venice coffee shop sparkling brightly.

Come up and say hi.

Up Next...Lacy + Gordon

2010-08-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much time to blog about things other than weddings lately, cause I'm in the thick of a 6 week wedding run. Whew. Double header this weekend for Kells and I starting with Lacy + Gordon on Friday. They are tying the knot at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu. (you may remember their project board). Saturday is a rooftop wedding at Siren Studios in Hollywood. We're going from secluded-vineyard-rustic to mod-hollywood-loft. We will be bi-polar this weekend. You should not come near us, as stress levels are high and we haven't had any sleep. (We vowed to not take on any double headers ever again. EVER). See you all on the lighter side...

photo of L + G by Annie McElwain

Sarah + Mike - Project Board

2010-08-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

Remember this couple? They decided they wanted to get married in my backyard. Yep, that's what I said. It's a true labor of love as the groom is my best friend's brother + I'm in complete house overhaul this week getting ready. Here is a look at the project board I created for them. I think it's going to turn out really super rad and I'm working with some of my absolute favorite people in the wedding world. Plus my gal Kelly did all the rad paper design and there will be a SMILEBOOTH customized by me and this crafty gal. Now, back to gardening....

images via oncewed, snippet and ink, paloma's nest, j.crew, jose villa, twig and thistle, and kelly oshiro.

Michelle + Matt

2010-08-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Remember this project board? All the fun details are coming together for Michelle and Matt's wedding tomorrow. These two have been a complete delight to work with. Thanks for allowing me the honor of being a part of your wedding day. Tomorrow will be awesome; relax and have fun! xoxoxo

Dear Mr. MacFarland

2010-08-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. MacFarland, I recently placed your soup cans in a photo shoot. I think the marketing placement will really create an increase in your sales. Could I get a case of soup delivered to ME?

K, thanks.

p.s. most of my work (events/shoots) will be posted over here now.

RAD Influence Playlist

2010-08-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

If you guys don't know my buddy The Flashdance, YOU NEED TO GET ON IT. He asked the old man and I to make a rad playlist for his blog. Needless to say, the old man and I took about 3 weeks editing down and dividing up songs we both loved. Check it out and download it here. Which songs do you think I picked?

Round-Up: BASH,PLEASE

2010-08-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Have you guys checked out HITCHED yet?

Go here for a little Q & A with the gal pal and I.

Or you can just stay here and look at our rope necklaces.

Stranded in Napa

2010-08-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Snippets from our week long anniversary trip in Yountville. I think you get the idea of what we did.

*Anywhere the old man and I go, we eat, drink, and love being married.

*(forgive the cheeseball line, just had to throw it in for a grin).

quick links: our favorite hotel massage + awesome air plant wall, our favorite restaurants, our favorite wineries, pretty decent art collection, our favorite morning nutbutter.

Max + Margaux

2010-07-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

These rad people are one of the few that inspire me to keep doing what I do in this industry. Not only are they fun, genuine, infectious souls but their talent is off the charts. Two of them got married and the photos are BANANAS! Magical and charming are understatements. All of you super rad people make the wedding industry a fun, inspiring, happy place to work and live. And a shout out to the rad girls of the O.C. Jesi, Carissa, and Melody. All I can say is.... AWESOMENESS. Big congrats to you Max + Margaux, so happy to know you. See more over at OnceWed. Oh and killer invite by one of my faves, Rifle Design.

HITCHED - the project board

2010-07-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Have you guys checked out the sure-fire hog-killin' good time of an event I'm curating with my gals Kelly and Audrey? Don't dilly-dally gettin' your tickets. My pa always said "Ya better make hay while the sun is shining".

It's gonna be SUPER RAD.

Royal T Wedding - Cross Processed

2010-07-14T23:52:00.000-07:00

Feathers, crowns, cakepops, jazz, lasagne cupcakes, bird cages, and more feathers. A peak at the first Royal T Wedding. Yes, I cross processed these photos. Only because I enjoyed adding more purple to the already purple palette that was super duper awesome. Lisa Franchot's original photos are stunning, and I take full responsibility for manipulating them with my iPhone for pure self-indulgent glee. If you don't like them, no worries. You don't have to. You will be able to see all the goodness in pure form from Lisa.

Venue: Royal T
Catering: Heirloom LA
Photography: Lisa Franchot
Florals: Seed Florals
Sweets: Bittersweet Treats
S'mores Cupcakes: Gotta Have S'mores
Sweets table design: bash, please
Band: Birdie Mendoza
Invitation: Urbanic

p.s. can anyone tell me why blogger erased ALL of my comments from all of my previous posts? is it because I changed the name of the blog?

p.p.s. if you didn't notice, I changed my logo. i didn't want to make a whole "look at my new logo" post. and yes, i'm still a shade of green even if ECO is no longer in my name.

CRAVE LA

2010-07-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Have you guys checked out the new CRAVE LA book that just launched? It's a super cool guide to businesses, shops, restaurants, products, services and more around the LA area. All owned by innovative women and all top-notch at what they do. I was honored when asked to be in the book. Check out their website here and get the scoop. They also have CRAVE in dozens of other cities if you aren't local to LA.

A Nautical Crab Boil on Design*Sponge

2010-07-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

Our latest bash, please party post is up on Design*Sponge! Thanks to Bonnie Tsang for the beautiful photos. Happy 4th of July everyone! xoxoxoxo

One Year Ago

2010-06-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

Dearest Kevin, I would marry you, my one true love every year for the rest of eternity. You are my everything. I love you with all my heart and soul. Our invisible string can never be cut.

Happy Anniversary Old Man. Here's to at least 40 more.

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Now off to our 2nd honeymoon....

*photos by the lovely charley star.

Next up...

2010-06-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

Project board for our OnceWed photo shoot this week. Yes, that is who you think it is. No, they weren't a couple. Do we care? No. It's "inspiration". Me and Kelly are teaming up with the awesomeness that is Feather Love to shoot this at Siren Studios in Hollywood. Stay tuned for all the fantastic-ness.

Intervention

2010-06-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

Confession: I don't LOVE my business name. It was quickly pulled out of a hat 3 years ago when my BFF and I started this little hobby of a company together planning parties. Since then, she is back to doing her trade {awesome hair} and I'm no longer a hobbyist but a full on solo boss lady. I have toyed with the idea of changing my name numerous times. Should it be my name? Should it be abstract? Should it have meaning? Nothing has stuck with me that I love. And to be frank, the "eco" tag line* has caused me nothing but headaches. So here I am. In a big vat of pickles. 3 years in with an identity, a nice client base, a website, biz cards, a brand, a license, blah blah blah. It's now or never I feel. I gotta make a decision and jump ship on BASH or bear it and learn to love it. Any suggestions on this dilemma? {Not that I will take them, but I will listen}. Thanks readers.

* You wouldn't believe how many questions I have to answer about this. Mis-conceptions and judgments have me down trodden. Although, take note, I will always have the moral compass to consider the environment, whether in my biz name or not.

ECO Answer #2

2010-06-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

What else does ECO mean to me? Organic food. Seasonal food. Local food. Fresh food. Farm grown. Hormone free. Free range. Happy food. My favorite SoCal caterers practicing these philosophies are Akasha, Heirloom LA, Large Marge Sustainables, Primal Alchemy, Rasa Foods, and Animal. What are some of your favorites?

*photo by the incomparable Karen Mordechai from Sunday Suppers.

HITCHED

2010-06-02T23:53:00.000-07:00

You should go to HERE.

Happy Weekend

2010-05-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

All I need to say is: YES.

merci miss sunshine

Coffee Cupping Brunch on Design*Sponge

2010-05-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

bash, please is now a monthly contributor on design*sponge! Grace has impeccable taste so I was honored when she asked me to write a monthly column on entertaining. I of course brought on Kelly and our first post went up last Friday. Coffee cupping brunch! Get all the details here.

*Gorgeous photos by Annie McElwain.

Royal T Wedding

2010-05-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday (May 22nd) will be the first wedding ever held at Royal T in Culver City. And I'm the lucky one designing and coordinating it. There will be a super duper sweets table by Kells and florals by Steph. Can't wait to share the royal pics with you. For now, here is the project board.

*I made this board months ago and have no idea where these pics are from. Please, tell me if they are yours! I believe the cake is My Sweet and Saucy, florals are Krislyn, and design inspiration is Tara Donovan and Tord Boontje.

2010-05-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

Think this is the best saying I've heard in a long time.

Feeling so in love with my job, my assistants, my collaborators, my clients, my mentors, my future. Good things brewing, good things brewed. Everything really is quite amazing.

Plus a happy weekend ahead... the old man and I have fun secret plans.

Happy Weekend to you. Hope it's amazing.

Clarity

2010-05-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

Having ECO in my business name can be quite loaded. People often assume I'm a dirty hippie. Or the opposite, uppity and self-righteous. Or even more tragic, a vegan. The misinterpretations that go hand in hand with "eco" in today's culture run the gamut. It means something different to every single person out there. (I kid you not, upon handing him my business card some guy even asked me if it meant economical, WTF?) Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few years, the ecological movement has become quite trendy. Quite branded. Quite the overkill of assumptions. Quite a guilt tactic. Much to its naive detriment. With no actual thought to what the word means, we have made it a cultural casualty. I have been both praised and criticized for my environmental efforts and non-environmental habits and of course, misunderstood all along the way.

I get this question a lot. "What does ECO mean to you/your company?" Well, here it is. I'm gonna give you a little insight into how I'm "eco". How Bash is "eco". It is really quite elementary so don't get your hopes up that I'm going to reveal some big tip for saving the planet. That's not my agenda. However, I'm simply going to start a series of blog posts briefing all you curious souls, devoted followers, present and potential clients, and even you judgmental jerks what it means to ME.

Eco-Entry Number One: To me, eco means getting outdoors and using nature for your enjoyment. A picnic. A hike. A walk on the beach. A mud pie. A cup of morning tea on your front porch. A run through the sprinkler. A ride on your bike. A ladybug tickling your hand. A good suntan. An al fresco dinner party. A nap under big Oak tree. A swim in the lake. A lemonade stand. A backyard wedding.

Get it?

Good.

*you are free to tell me what eco means to you or try to convince me why I shouldn't eat bacon. Doesn't mean I'll change or agree, but it's a free country so I won't get all up in arms if you comment about how running through a yard sprinkler is wasting water. At least to YOU.

**thanks Native Kee for the photo.

Lacy + Gordon Project Board

2010-05-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

Lacy + Gordon are getting married at Saddlerock Ranch in August. Lacy told us that she wanted bright colors, rustic charm, an avocado bar (yes, awesome), lots of wine, and fun frolicking. This is the bash, please project board that sent Lacy over the moon about her wedding day. {we are pretty excited too} We are trying to get better about posting each project board from our clients/shoots, help keep us in check so we don't get slack. We hope you get a little inspired from them as well.

**photos courtesy of OnceWed, Sarah Yates, Studio Choo, Eat Drink Chic, Paloma's Nest, Outstanding in the Field, Snippet and Ink. If you see your photo here and I haven't credited you, please let me know and I will do so.

Barbie + Ken

2010-05-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

Barbie + Ken's backyard affair up on Green Wedding Shoes! Our first bash, please wedding and we couldn't be prouder. See full story here. Thanks Jen for the feature.

*Photos by Bonnie Tsang.

Johnny + June on OnceWed

2010-04-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

bash, please takes on Johnny Cash + June Carter. Thanks to super Sarah Yates for trekking out to Strawberry Farms with us and helping us "clean up" the hay. We pulled a few shenanigans on this shoot. But we will leave that tale down South. Enjoy more photos + the story here and here at the lovely OnceWed.

Martha Stewart all in Pink!

2010-04-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

Pink! Playful! Pipe cleaners! Punky! Bash, Please (aka me and Kelly) created and styled this photo shoot for none other than Martha Stewart's wedding blog. All they said was, "you need to use pink". So... we brought the ideas down to the little people and went to town. Thanks to the coolio Bonnie Tsang for the snaps and Danielle Keene for the sweets and Jaime from Prudent Baby created those sweet headpieces and that darling bowtie. See the story post here.

Happy Sunny Wedding Weekend

2010-04-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

Love this yellow wedding dress, her boots, and the cows. Perfection. Happy Weekend.

*Thanks Sitting in a Tree, love your blog.

Down South

2010-04-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

We're heading down South today to shoot our next wedding scape for OnceWed. Today we have the pleasure of working with Sarah Yates. We are big fans of hers. Big. Stay tuned for the outcome. Here's a look at our project board. Kelly, bring your boots and your twang.

*Thanks to Jill Thomas, Miss Pickles Press, Snippet and Ink, Jose Villa, Green Wedding Shoes for the above photos. If we have one of your photos and have not credited you, please feel free to kick us in the pants. (aka shoot us an email and we will slap your name up here). xoxo

Announcement of bash, please on Daily Candy

2010-04-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

You probably saw it coming didn't you? The pregnant belly was starting to protrude past our own feet. Well, it's no surprise that Kelly and I joined forces to create a new baby: bash, please. And who better to send out the birth announcement than Daily Candy? Featured in their 2010 Spring Wedding guide alongside some super talented colleagues. We are very excited to officially combine forces with design, coordination, florals, styling, and overall awesome production of any event, wedding, or photo shoot. Hiring us together means more cohesive-ness, more creativity, more hands, and more fun. And yes, we have custom packages that allow us to work within your budget. We hope you will come see and delight in our new little bundle of joy!

**Congrats to our superfly friends Bonnie Tsang and Megan Gonzalez for their feature on DC as well! Well deserved gals.

Just for Fun!

2010-04-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to celebrate my girl Anna Getty's book launch at Rolling Greens. Hung with my super rad cohorts and closed down Terroni with pizza and wine. I love this photo mash up that my talented friend Justina threw together of us. (Caitlin, Greece please). Check out Justina's blog for designy, fun, fashionable inspiration. I'm off to raid Josie's office for the lip stain in Flamenco. I still have a hint of pink on my lips today.

2010-04-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

Sell your cleverness and purchase bewilderment.

- Rumi

*merci native kee

Fresh Air

2010-04-04T22:47:00.000-07:00

A free day of fresh air, a rocky beach, mollusks, kiddos, smiles, surfers and love. Sometimes you just have to step away from work and re-connect with the earth, the ocean, and your heart.

*Thank you my dear, sweet, loving Kevin for always pulling me away from the madness and making me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. You remind me that a day at the beach finding rocks, stealing kisses, and watching our kids laugh is all we need in this life.

**How great are the iPhone pics?

Happy Spring everyone!

Georgia + Alfred on OnceWed

2010-03-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

The fruits of our labor are now up on OnceWed. This goes down as one of my all time favorite shoots, including the 4 am trek Charley, Kelly and I made. It was a gorgeous day filled with authentic ingenuity. This is why I love what I do.... Hope you enjoy the wedding scape inspired by Georgia O'Keefe and Alfred Stieglitz. See full story here.

B for Bonnie Interviews

2010-03-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Tsang, the guru of stylish living, interviewed me for her blog. Read the post here on all things that I can't live without. Thanks Bon, you inspire me everyday. xoxo

a cozy hide out

2010-03-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

I'm building my blanket tent for the weekend. Gonna curl up with The Corrections by Franzen, ignore the email inbox, and maybe take a walk on the beach. Exploration to be had, internally and externally. Spring is here so it's time to de-clutter the mind and absorb the new blossoms that are lurking. Happy Weekend to you.

Georgia O'Keefe + Alfred Stieglitz

2010-03-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Our project board for our next wedding scape design on OnceWed. Stay tuned for the full feature next Tuesday. Kelly, Charley and I had a gorgeous day in the Cuyama valley channelling our inner artist for this shoot. We hope you will feel inspired too.

Sneaks

2010-03-23T01:01:00.000-07:00

A few sneak peeks from the iPhone! Little bits from a super fun wedding for Barbie + Ken (yes, those are their real names) + a pinky and grey photo shoot for Martha Stewart's blog. Also have our next installment of the famous couple wedding inspiration debuting this week on Once Wed. (Project board debuting tomorrow!) And photos to come from my client's Godfather-inspired 50th birthday bash. You can see a few over at Charley Star's blog. Stay tuned for the "real" photos by Bonnie Tsang and Charley Star.

Gorgeous florals by Kelly at SucculentLOVE.
Sweet Bites by Danielle at Bittersweet Treats.
Adorable bow-tie and headbands by Jaime at Prudent Baby.

Boho - Blog of the Month

2010-03-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my favorite eco-chic magazine, Boho, for naming me their blog of the month. Super lovely, and I will try my best to live up to their sweet write-up.

My o my, it's a tall order.

Hope to work with Boho on something more extensive soon. Joy!

Organically Raised

2010-03-16T20:07:00.001-07:00

Wow, I looked up and it had been 2 weeks since I last blogged. I have been in a sea of adventure, work, and new opportunities. One sweet little thing I've been working on is the book launch for Organically Raised. A cookbook with a conscience. Anni Daulter is the genius behind Bohemian Baby organic baby food delivery and she fed my son really well for almost 2 years. (I have to say I ate the food too, it was divine). We are launching her book party right after her #4 baby is due in May, so stay tuned for details. For now, go to Amazon and pre-order Organically Raised. It's not just for kids, but for big kids too.

Vegas

2010-03-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Here's where I'll be come Sunday. I expect to see some GOOD lasers.

Airhorns and Lasers, Las Vegas, WPPI. Done.

Drybar Totally Blows!

2010-03-03T18:05:00.001-08:00

Drybar is launched! The coolest blow dry bar to hit the West Coast has opened in Los Angeles and I was the fortunate one called upon to plan their launch party. Alli Webb (my nearest and dearest friend) with her brother Michael and husband Cameron hit it out of the park. I personally have already signed up to be a regular barfly. The launch party was poppin' with super rad people, good food, smooth drinks, hip tunes, and of course super posh hairstyles. Thanks to DRY soda, O.N.E. drinks, Large Marge Sustainable catering, CuppieLOVE and SucculentLOVE , Josie Maran Cosmetics, for their awesomeness. (Not to mention the gift bags were filled with handmade card cuteness from Katy Carrier plus DB Floater gift cards, Eco-tool cosmetic brushes, Bellacures mani/pedi, Madison gift certificates, and more!) And of course it was all captured perfectly by Charley Star. Congrats Alli and Mike! Let's open up #2....

MaeMae

2010-02-22T23:51:00.001-08:00

The Walter Suite by MaeMae Paperie. Very sweet indeed. See more here.

B.E.E.s KNEEs - Saipua Soap

2010-02-16T09:47:00.001-08:00

Pretty packaging + sensual alchemy. Saipua Soap calls me to the bath.

Once Wed - John + Yoko

2010-02-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

A John + Yoko inspired palette and wedding scape for Once Wed. Collaboration with my dear friend and design cohort Kelly Harris. Shot by the one and only Bonnie Tsang. Excited to be a part of Once Wed's monthly contributors on wedding ideas. We will be designing a shoot inspired by famous couples twice a month. See full story here.

Fancy

2010-02-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

Hues of blush and snow with a touch of muted sea green.

A perfect vision for a V-Day wedding.

images via bluepoolroad, rebecca thuss, martha, vanity fair, snippet + ink, polished zeal, loup charmant.

peace + love

2010-01-28T11:53:00.000-08:00

I'm teaming up with Kelly tomorrow for a Once Wed photo shoot inspired by...

take a guess?

Stay tuned for the outcome next week shot by Bonnie Tsang.

le birth day

2010-01-27T20:24:00.001-08:00

I'm a Capricorn. Every January I take the whole month to celebrate my birthday.

Narcissistic? Perhaps.

I prefer to think I'm just really crazy happy about being born.

Work + celebrating + daydreaming have kept me from blogging. But I'll be back on the horse soon.

Happy Birthday to me.

image via that's happy

B.E.E.s KNEEs - Ecofetti

2010-01-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

Seems people are REALLY into fun, happy weddings! I like it.

To further the happy planet, check out this eco-confetti. Best idea for being green and cheery.

Buy here and here and here.

Woo Hoo!

2010-01-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

One of my rad brides, Michelle Woo, told me she wanted her wedding to be "fun, happy, personal".

This is my inspiration board for her.

She loved it.

images by Rebecca Thuss, Martha Stewart, Scout Holiday, PomLove, ban.do, Urban Outfitters, twirlie whirlies, Once Wed, d.sharp

Southern California Brides

2010-01-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

Thank you Southern California Brides for featuring my wedding in your Spring/Summer 2010 issue. Such an honor to be amongst your pages and in the hands of your readers. Merci!

happy weekend - from the cool kids

2010-01-08T23:02:00.001-08:00

maybe I will put on some tulle this weekend + go TP'ing.

image found over at snippet + ink

feeling neutral

2010-01-08T22:52:00.001-08:00

what a nice inspiration.

merci native kee

post-holiday blues

2010-01-06T22:51:00.000-08:00

I'm not posting much. I'm playing serious catch-up with work + the rest of the time I'm curled up acting like a brat whining that it's no longer the holidays.

I miss the snow up North.

I miss the repeated Christmas movies on every channel. {especially Elf}

I miss my painted tree.

I miss the energy of excited kids waiting for Santa.

I miss the egg nog + spiced punch.

I miss the gluttonous meals. {why do we all have to pretend to diet come the new year?}

I miss the optimistic spirit which seems to hover in the air the month of December.

I miss ignoring the emails.

I miss sleeping in.

I miss the paper cuts from wrapping presents.

Okay, I'll stop.

lovely holiday adornments by a field journal.

Happy New Future

2010-01-03T21:37:00.001-08:00

Here's to more dirty hands + less apologies in 2010.

Life keeps going. I'm going with it.

I love you 2009. See you in my memories.

art by roland.

brrrrrrrr

2009-12-27T12:28:00.001-08:00

Can't wait to get up North.

The lovely Tuesday Weld.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

2009-12-24T21:14:00.000-08:00

My Tree-less Christmas Tree

2009-12-21T11:30:00.001-08:00

Yes! A tree-less tree. Painted on the wall by my painterly hubby + adorned by yours truly. See how we did it over at Your Daily Thread.

And the JOY-ous sweets table that I designed with Kelly of Yes, Please. Of course her succulent arrangements + cuppies were perfection. My hubby also soldered that amazing JOY sign. We may keep it up all year long. It was a big hit at my holiday TRUNKSHOW party. More photos to come... all shot by Erin Hearts Court.

Hope you are all having a wonderful season of good cheer + gratitude.

Craft Good Cheer

2009-12-15T00:44:00.001-08:00

What a crafty-killer night. My most humble thanks to all of you who made our (me + kels) first annual holiday party a roaring success. Fun + cheer was had by all, even a few party crashers. {excuse me, smelly drunken pervert staring at me creepily... next time I will kick you where the sun don't shine}. Thanks everyone for the memories + good charitable donations to the OPCC.

Let's do it again in 2010.

Maybe bigger.

I'm happy + tired just thinking about it.

Grazie to you fine peeps. Raya, our fashionista photographer who shot these gorgeous photos. DJ Nahchey of Dash Entertainment for bringing the hot tunes + the rad violinist. Urban Craft Center for the super cool space + festive crafting. La Grande Orange for the mouth-watering fried chicken + mashed potatoes, pure comfort food. Luscious Libations + 360 vodka for the eco-friendly spirits, the Hazy Shade of Ginger was delish! Dry Soda kept us quenched with their all natural bubbly delights of Juniper Berry, Vanilla Bean, + Kumquat {my fave}.

PhotoboothLOVE was catching the fun mustache snaps! Stay tuned for those pics.

And of course a big, gooey grazie to my crafty collaborator Kelly. Her cuppies + succulent arrangements were divine as always. Plus her crafting skills are off the charts. Did you see those wire/twine word lovelies? Yeah, she whipped those up in 2.5 seconds while it took me 2 hours to string a cupcake liner garland. She rules the school. On to the next project my darling.

Where the Wild Things Are - Utterly Engaged

2009-12-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

Remember this project board? I'm terribly, unbelievably, over the moon excited to finally share the results of the photo shoot! Me + (you guessed it) Kelly designed this desert-bound bachelorette party for Utterly Engaged. Location provided by the stunning iT house in Pioneer Town. Killer whisky bottle invite executed by Wiley Valentine, hair styling by drybar, shot by the super duo of Erin Hearts Court. Thanks so much to Summer of Grey Likes Weddings for the extra eyes + hands + talents. See the full spread here.

Holiday Loveliness

2009-12-07T17:31:00.000-08:00

Remember my Design*Sponge post about these? Well, this is what they look like come the holidays.

Lots of loveliness from the talented designers + curators of TRUNKSHOW. Their stuff is beyond words. Da eco-luxe bomb. My client's guests were shopping WELL into the night + I think I saw some drool coming out of one lady's mouth. Napkin please. Check out their awesomeness here. I've already got my wish list for Christmas.

And hello? My partner in crime, this cool cat, created the most killer sweets table EVER. The guests were gushing over her cuppies + her creative display of snow whites + winter greens. It is now a future staple at all bash-TRUNKSHOW events. I could not ask for a better collaborator in design. Kelly + I share a brain and her execution of this table was beyond!

I'm so beyond grateful for collaborating with such brilliant people. I truly believe you are only as good as your team, + these ladies make me better at what I do. My hats off to you + you.

Women's Health - bash

2009-12-02T15:31:00.001-08:00

I was interviewed for party tips in the current Women's Health. Thank you Celeste for the thoughtful article and for pairing me with some talented tastemakers and planners. Page 100-101, December 2009.

I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas

2009-11-30T22:20:00.001-08:00

Finally getting around to posting the photos from Anna Getty's book launch. Her first book

I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas was celebrated with festive cheer at Environment Furniture Los Angeles. Sponsored by EcoStiletto, I was hired to do all decor + crafts from Anna's book. {I even used her heirloom + vintage ornaments for the tree.} O.N.E. drinks + VeeV acai spirit sponsored the bar, Aveda did massages + beauty treatments, Border Grill brought their taco truck, + Brown Sugar made Anna's homemade cookies.

Not only am I a fan of Anna's green initiative, but I could not speak more highly of her Christmas ideas. The book is quite a gem. I can't tell you how many times in the last two months I have taken inspiration from it for my holiday planning. I just made the salt dough ornaments with my kids which is now a tradition birthed forever more. The Chai Hot Chocolate is to die for, and the Truffled Goat Cheese Macaroni is my husband's new obsession. I'm currently trying my hand at the mini-herb wreaths and using her gift guide to wrap my presents. The wreaths will make perfect gifts as well! The book is also full of useful information about eco-friendly holiday decisions. Like, did you know UPS is the greenest shipping company? Me either! Thank you Anna for such an inspirational and sound guide to the holidays.

If you haven't gotten your copy yet, Amazon has a great deal going right now so click on over there and order now.