12.08.2009

Inspired...

Where do i even start.

This evening would not have been what it was ...if it was not for

the amazing women who i am so extremely lucky to call

my friends.

Friends come and go...i realize that..but i've come to realize that

the friends i do have...

my friends right now...

are amazing.

And the sponsors for the evening were so utterly gracious...

donating so much from their shops in order for all the guests

to go home with a fabulous gift package.

For that....i will be forever grateful.















When i first thought of having an Inspired Evening...i really only wanted to open it up to just a small group

of women. I wanted the night to be an intimate setting with women connecting over the course of the night.

I only had 15 tickets available...and they all sold.








I asked my friend Beth who has the etsy shop eliwill if she would want to come and offer her

creativity of making wonderful vintage inspired jewelry....but instead of making them herself..

would she want to help all my guests make their own vintage key necklace.

And she did...she even brought her adorable twin sister Brooke to help.

I loved listening in on the conversations going on while these girls worked on

thier piece...not many girls have the opportunity to sit among other like minded women

creating a necklace with their own two hands.

Women who probably have never even created....

but now they can say they have.









The evening started promptly at five....everyone grabbed a glass of wine....

and then the girls started in on the necklaces....
















































Even though there was no dress code for the evening....all the girls were dressed to kill...

and by that i mean...

amazing..

gorgeous...

and i know any man walking in the door would have

pee'd his pants.

Actually..one man did come up to the front door...

and said he lost his dog.....

yup...

i'm sure he saw all these gorgeous girls walking in the house..

and he thought he would take a quick peek.

sorry...

no invite...

no entry...

and i even made sure my secret service crew knew the rules.







We all made sure to look at every one's shoes....















and i even tried to act nonchalant around the wine bar as i

continued to top off my glass.
































































Most of the food was catered by a local company here in town...

it was amazing.































































































all of the pictures for the evening were took by my dear friend Kim.

Kim gave a talk to all the girls about photography...and ended it

with a question & answer session which not one of the guests

feeling like they couldn't ask even the most basic of question.

Kim's discussion made me want to go out and buy a new camera..

and really learn some photoshop.

The only downfall with this part of the night...was that kim had the

camera...so there are no photographs of this part...or of Kim.


After the group talk with kim...we all grabbed some more wine...

and headed upstairs to my bedroom.

I know what you are thinking here...

but no...

we did not have a huge ole pillow fight...

even though we talked about how funny that would be..

but we all gathered around to hear my friend

Christina talk about style and trends.






























Christina showed everyone multiple ways that one can tie a scarf...

or layer an outfit.

she spoke about the evolution of trends from Paris...

and how important it is to always look your best...

even when traveling...

and by that i mean the no sweats rule while flying.

I'm not going to mention any names...but that rule was broken

quite quickly the following day.






















































Lots of questions were asked...

and lots of answers were answered.


























Then at the end of the evening....all the guests were given a package to take home with them along with gifts that were raffled off.

All of these gifts were donated by my sponsors for the evening.






























It is so hard to tell you how amazing this night was....and how grateful i feel to have such blessed

girls in my life...

and to have met a bunch of new friends....

it really was an Inspired Evening.
Plans are already in the works for another one in the spring.
xo

I'm going to list all of my sponsors because they all have such wonderful shops that need to be showcased.











































83 comments:

Jen said...

The picture of your staircase is so pretty I could cry. What a beautiful evening! I'm inspired and I wasn't even there!!!

Unknown said...

Oh my Kasey, you are a lucky lady and they are lucky to have you as a friend. I'm just so intrigued by this. You are seem to be a real friend. I do adore mine.

Becky Garrison said...

Your home is lovely, and it sounds like everyone had a wonderful time. You are the hostess with the mostess, for sure! :o)

Quick question, have you given away the Beth Quinn necklace? The one you had posted to give away on here?

Blessings, Becky G.

Brenda Pruitt said...

So wonderful seeing women partake of this kind of friendship and camaraderie!
Brenda

Kacey said...

So much loveliness. And the pictures are incredible!

Amy Kinser said...

What a wonderful night of blessings all around. God is so amazing to put just the right people in our lives at just the right times.

Thanks for sharing your evening.

Bluebird said...

what an amazing night! if i couldn't be there myself, i couldn't ask for more beautiful photos to look at! thanks for the inspiration!! (your home is INCREDIBLE!!!)

The Flying Bee said...

I can't believe I didn't make it this time, but the one in the Spring has my name all over it! Everything looks amazing! You all are so gorgeous and stylish! I am so glad you had such a wonderful night!

xo,
Adrienne

Leah C said...

Sounds so, so inspiring and FUN! I bet the ladies who got to share this evening with you felt like they had "the golden ticket":)

Susan said...

OMG!
Amazing is what I am thinking this very minute.
I will be there FOR SURE if you have one in the spring.
Susan

Julie Harward said...

Sounds like a great evening with the ladies...I kept thinking..this sounds just like our Relief Society!! Ok, to explain..in my church we have one of the, if not the oldest womens organizations in the world..since the 1800's. In every area there is this same organization that goes on today. We meet every Sunday in connection with our other 2 meetings and then once a month to do just what you guys did. Crafting, eating, service, friendship, visiting etc. Then every month 2 ladies are partnered up and they go out checking on and visiting 4 other sisters in their homes..seeing how they are and how the 2 ladies can help them with anything. Everyone does this..helping each other. This same organization does world wide service too. It's a powerful sisterhood that does much good for each other and the world.
No matter where we are, we as sisters need each other and I think we are a powerful scource for good in this world.
I love these words from a hymn;
"The errand of angels is given to women; and this is a gift that as sisters we claim: To do whatsoever is gentle and human, to cheer and to bless in humanity's name."
Well, you didn't want to hear all that, but your ladies group just made me think of ours. I just love women, they are so good! Come say hi :D

Billie @ creekyhollowfarm said...

It looks like such a great time...you are very blessed to have such wonderful friends! I have newly found your blog and have enjoyed visiting since. I love your music too!

T said...

You all look so great! The whole time I was looking at the pics, I kept thinking it's a good thing I didn't come, I wouldn't have had anything to wear and would have stuck out like a sore thumb!:)
Your home is beautiful and I am so glad it was a success! It looks like everyone had an amazing time. Next time I would be happy to donate candles for the cause if your interested. Just keep that in mind.

Jenny said...

The pictures are amazing. You're home is gorgeous and it looks like your party was like something from a movie.

Congrats on a wonderful night.

Anonymous said...

wonderful! i love nights with friends, food, wine, crafty fun! i am so glad you all had fun! just wish i could of come! i would love to see more pictures of your home!

Suzann said...

I missed it all. Dang! But, I got to see the pictures. And I hope you and I will meet up. Soon. And I'm crossing fingers that I will have another opportunity. To be. Inspired. and Included.

Anonymous said...

sounds like a fun night. your house looked beautfiul

Ashley said...

It looks amazing Kasey!

Shannan Martin said...

Killing. Me.

And I looked at the first few pics and thought, "she must have sent something out requesting that everyone arrive in something very stylish and black". Hmm....

I cringe at the thought of how out-of-place I would have looked if I had been able to join. And please, Lord Almighty, do NOT look at my shoes if I come in the Spring.

Katie said...

Everything looked lovely! Your dress is perfect by the way, I really love it! Where'd you find it?

Unknown said...

sounds like a perfect evening! i hope that one day i can be there. i could have used the style discussion, although i'm not a sweatpants girl! glad the night was a hit! xo susan

Lori said...

Oh Kasey ~ I knew it would be fabulous! I love all the pictures that Kim took ~ I am disappointed that she was behind the camera all night and there are no pictures of her! She is such a beautiful person inside and out. I am also so jealous that I was not able to participate ~ someday....

Wendy said...

I knew it would be fabulous. Still mourning my change in plans, but hey, maybe in the spring.
All your guests look amazing...great outfits as you said!! You are a force, my dear! (And I mean that in a good way!)

Lisa said...

BOY DO I WISH I LIVED CLOSER! CAN WE SAY CRASH! YOU ALL LOOKED SO GREAT, AND BOY WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO SPEND AN EVENING.

HUGS FROM SNOWY MAINE

Martha said...

How wonderful do those photos capture the evening...it was
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G...and that is an understatement. I had a ball...your hospitality is unbelievable, and I enjoyed spending so much time with you and getting to know some wonderful other beautiful women too! You put together just a great night Kasey my dear...I feel so thankful and blessed I was able to take part because you do inspire my dear!

...and really the spring...I love how you already dream! LOVE it!

LuLu said...

Inspiring is an understatement! Looks out of this world fabulous!
xo,
LuLu

Holly said...

Wow!! Looks like awesome fun!!;)

paige said...

oh my sweet most talented friend
this is just perfect
as i'm almost done with the glass of pinot grigio ( the one i just txt'd you 'bout)
& i found that i don't have to wait until tomorrow after all...
what a magical night
you know i'd give anything to be there...just wishing atlanta wasn't so far away

i'm so glad your dream flowed into an amazing reality
i'm so glad it all went perfectly
i'm proud to call YOU my friend
i never to cease to be amazed by you
& i'm gettin there one day girlie
i am

did martha say something about spring?

xo

Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~ said...

I'm aching that I couldn't make it.

Spring you say? I'm so there.

What a fabulous night you planned ~ I just love all the details you had.

I NEED to meet you!

xoxo

Lisa said...

Wow, this looks like it was such an amazing event! I think I want to move to your town just so I can visit your shop and attend events like this! So beautiful and inspiring! what a great thing to see women getting together, enjoying time for themselves, and getting to know each other.

Preppy Mama said...

Seemed like a magical evening, so green with envy. You look gorgeous!!
As always thanks for sharing!

Michelle, All Home and Love said...

Ahh, I wish I were there. Looks like it was a fun filled evening for sure!
~Michelle

christina @ sage creek said...

thank you my beloved friend, for allowing me to participate in the event and spend a night surrounded by truly inspiring and magnificent women. it's one of those evenings that felt as though it came straight out of a daydream... perfect in every way. how lucky were we?

Rachel said...

It looks like you girls had so much fun. How inspiring...your house looks absolutely amazing too! Someday, maybe I can join you...xoxo
Rachel

beachvintage.com said...

I love the photo's of everyone talking and laughing.

Dolce Baci said...

WOW!! It sounds like you all had such a great time, wish I could have been there!

Celticlass said...

What a lovely idea! And i do agree with these other comments, your house and the setting were gorgeous.
I have girlfriends coming Saturday to make angels, you have inspired my dreams!!
Super Thanks,
Happy holidays,
Erin

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

I just love your style. What a wonderful evening. The pictures are lovely. I adore what you've done with your staircase. I love how elegant everything looks, including all your special friends. These are moments memories are made of!

Sheila said...

Oh sweet girlie (sigh) how I wish I could have been there. it looks like you all had an inspired evening loving & laughing with each other... such a simplistic uncomplicated quaint gathering of lovely women to share their hearts :)wishing you a lovely week :)

Sheila

My Vintage Treasures said...

What a great gathering of friends!!!

J.J. said...

Girl...you and your peeps got it goin' on!!!!!

Brigetta Schwaiger said...

It looks like it was just lovely all around. It makes me want to be inspired and to try to be stylish on an airplane.

Tricia said...

I am SO jealous right now! What an incredible evening and your house is dressed so beautifully for the holidays Kasey.

a.love said...

You are so beautiful :) It's good I didn't make it because I would have been the unfashionista who needed to sit the fun out for being a frump bucket!!

Your stairwell was GORGEOUS. Christan and I want you to come redo our home--when we buy one.

What an UNBELIEVABLE evening!! I know you must be sooo tired but I do hope it was all worth it!!

Angie said...

what an amazing evening that would have been!! I wish I was there!!!

Simply Me Art said...

Inspiring is Right! Looks like you all had such a Fabulous time. You look so Pretty and your House..Love it. Would have love the Styling part too. So Happy it went so well. Lucky Girl you are.. xo Jamie

FEDERICA said...

Good morning Kasey,
I'm a little bit envious! Looks like a wonderful and inspiring evening.
Everything looks great, you girls are amazing! Love your dresses, your shoes! Your home is stunning! The picture of your staircase is fantastic!

truly blessed said...

Looks and sounds like such a special event. So happy for you and all the girls who were able to go. The photos are beautiful. (I am completely in love with the one of your staircase. I know I'm not the only one, but I just had to tell you as well.) :)

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Looks like one enchanted and fabulous evening, Kasey. You look totally in your element in your beautfiul home. p.s. love everyone's shoes!

traci said...

what a wonderful, inspired evening. thanks for the gorgeous photos. they help to relieve the pain of not being there. everything looks absolutely stunning.

Barb said...

What an incredible evening you had. I wish I lived much closer. I would have loved to attend.
Very inspiring to read!

hugs,
Barb

Farmgirl Paints said...

You all looked beautiful. What a fun evening.

littlebyrd said...

I'm pretty much speechless. What a wonderful wonderful evening you put together!

Unknown said...

Simply fabulous!!!!!!! The pics turned out awesome! Makes me sad it's all over...

You looked damn good in your dress girlie!!!

:) T

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

How. Stinking. FUN!

What a great event for those who were able to attend.

Great job Kasey!

mimi charmante said...

It really was more than one could even imagine. Everything was so beautiful and sparkly - your stunning home and the gorgeous guests. What an incredible group of inspiring women you assembled my friend. I really do think that you need to do it again in the spring!
Bravo on a job very well done~
xx

Annie said...

Gorgeous pictures & an amazing evening! I'm inspired by the pictures & so wish I was on the guest list!!

Laura said...

can you host a party now called BE JEALOUS?
cause that is what I am.

christy jo said...

Ohhhh, I wish so badly I could have been there. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get to come to the next one.

Susan said...

gorgeous..every last detail!

bethchien said...

color me ENVIOUS! (in the most loving way, of course) that night looks so amazing and inspirational and magical! I hope one day I will be able to participate in something so awesome like that!
thanks for sharing the stories and the photos! I will def check out all the sponsors' link.
OH! and had I been there, I would have been right across from you at the wine bar. heeeeee
B

Jboo said...

Oh my -- looks like it was a magical inspired time! Lovely!!

janet

Nancy said...

Oh Gosh, how I wish I had been a part of this inspired evening! Looks like you gals had an awesome time. Everyone looked beautiful and so did the house. What a wonderful event to offer your friends.
Merry Christmas!
XO Nancy

{beth} said...

it was a magical evening. thank you for inviting me to take part. Brooke and I had a great time and the key necklaces turned out beautifully.

Anonymous said...

Ugh...ugh...ugh...I missed it. Did you miss me? I missed yall. darn it~

Brandie said...

Oh Kasey, everything looked just perfect! I am so bummed to have missed such an inspiring truly lovely evening. I second the comment to do it again in the spring. I have got to get out there!! I have the perfect pair of shoes in mind too;)

Mary said...

Looks like you all had such a great time! And lucky you...Kim took gorgeous photos, as always! The one of the staircase is incredible! Get planning a spring show, would you please?? ;o) ~mary~

goddessof4 said...

Looks like everyone had a great time!!!! I LOVE the ladies outfits!!!! I will have to come next time!!!! Sara

Unknown said...

Looks amazing! I'm so happy for you that you had such a great turn out and beautiful ladies to share this with! Yay for you!

Brenna LaPray said...

It looks like such an amazing night. You do have some very talented friends. I could teach them how to change a diaper in 30 seconds flat...ha ha!! You look fabulous and it looks like the dress fit. It's beautiful!!

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

What a sweetly fun night!! Just darling in every way.

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

WOW! Looks like fun! Before I get too busy with wrapping gifts and then our new bundle I wanted to say "Merci" for following Parisienne Farmgirl this past year. I hope to "see" you around next year!!!!
I hope you continue to share your adventures and thoughts thru the art of blogging and that you find 2010 a wonderful year.
Thank you again!

Angela,
www.parisiennefarmgirl.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Kasey,

I discovered your blog via Jill's at forevercottage. Your house is charming! Have you been published?If not, I'd love to dsicuss your interest in publishing as I scout for a few national magazines. Please e-mail me at kirsten@bohobelgian.com and we can discuss.

Thanks,

Kirsten
www.bohobelgian.com

Victoria Hayden said...

Kasey...everything is breathtakingly beautiful!! I love all your decor and all your friends looked amazing! How fun...wish I could have been there, maybe in the spring? :) What a fun night! So glad it turned out the way you wanted it to.

Hugs and love friend,
~Victoria~

Samantha2818 said...

Wow - I'm so jealous - this is so my kind of evening. Crafting is not so big in th UK as it is in the States and most people I know think I'm nuts to always be bent over some piece of discarded wood trying to make it beautiful! They're quick enough to want to buy my work when it's finished though! Your home looks lovely and you all looked gorgeous and looked like you were having a great time!

Laurel said...

Really Kasey....could you be any cuter?

One question though. Where was your button hat? I so expected to see it as a part of your outfit that night....would have worked, for sure. Even admist all the black.

So wish I could have been there. You all looked so beautiful and like you were having the best night ever.

mrs.adrienneK said...

OMG i LOVE it everyones clothes are really awesome too lol
pure magic <3

Dandy said...

Its like you styled them for a photoshoot!

Love the pictures and love hearing about such a memorable night!

Chablis said...

Wow, amazing. I feel so inspired just reading this. I missed so much while I was away...missed you. :)

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

You, your house and your friends are absolutely adorable! What a magical evening. I think you all should collaborate on a book.

debra said...

Oh yall look like you were having so much fun what a beautiful evening it must have been. Your home is beautiful.

My Casa Bella said...

First, love your blog, I always get a good laugh.
Second, please, please tell me what the color of your walls are? That picture of the staircase, love the wall color. Hope you see this comment one day among all the others....LOL

Trish said...

I have just spent the last two hours sucked in by your little soiree! One blog led me to another and that one led me to another and so on...

I'm envious of the fun you had and your outfits and your style!

Thanks for all of the pics and links :)