Gather + Flower

I knew I wanted to host a gathering, an event similar to a workshop but without the stuffy implication of a 'class'. No, this event would pull attendees in with the promise of relaxing, enjoying, and flowing with whatever creative inspiration piqued our interests. A day that incorporated local creatives, woman, that are showing up each day filling the world with their gifts!

We began the gathering with a guided meditation led by Lezlie with Intuitive Soul. This allowed attendees to ground themselves, set their intentions and be completely present throughout the event, a state often difficult to achieve in the chaos that can be life.

Guests were then able to snag a Crownbrew Beverage and settle into a journal prompt designed and created with love and intention by Taylor with Places and Pine. Never one to miss a thoughtful detail, Taylor even placed fresh flowers into each wax seal. Guests were asked to visualize a memory, whether it be the first or most significant, involving flowers and what it meant to them. We each spent a bit of time with the memory dancing in our minds and then allowed it to spill onto the page for just a bit.

Relaxed, hydrated (or caffeinated!), and ready to flow guests headed over to 'shop' flowers! While there was a loose direction I wanted the arrangements to go the focus was meant to be on allowing creativity to take the wheel. Guests were guided in regards to general quantities to choose but were encouraged to select the flowers that spoke to them.

As we moved into arranging we chatted about vase and floral stem preparation, composition and tips and tricks within the understanding that innovation is born of trial and error and creating shouldn't be shackled to terms like 'right' and 'wrong'.

After everyone spent time building their arrangement it was time to eat! Laura, owner of La Galleria, served Birria Tacos, a traditionally a sweet, sour, slightly spicy, and delicious Mexican beef stew that’s slow cooked until the beef is tender and juicy which is then stuffed into a tortilla, dipped in the stew and fried. Flavorful would be a HUGE understatement and the perfect way to close out our gathering! Top it off with one of her homemade popsicles and we were stuffed and satisfied!

Each guest received a Loose Leaf Incense Kit provided by Kristi with Ember Roots. In addition to smelling amazing their qualities purify air, help raise your energetic vibration, generate positivity and support you spiritually. Sonya with Luna Silk Beauty also created a pineapple bath bomb infused with coconut specifically for our gathering!

The day overflowed with beauty, joy, and togetherness! If you can't already tell I am CHOMPING at the bit to host our next Gather & Flower! Hope to see you there!

The day overflowed with beauty, joy, and togetherness! If you can't already tell I am CHOMPING at the bit to host our next Gather & Flower! Hope to see you there!

XoXo

Lindsay Ann

6 COMMON BOUTONNIERE QUESTIONS

Photog: https://asweetfocus.com/

One of the most common questions I receive from clients are about boutonnieres. These macro floral goodies are often approached as an afterthought but can totally add the sweetest detail to your special day. They basically belong in a category with garden gnomes and forest fairies, they're cute as all get out. Here are six boutonniere considerations:

1. WHO gets these mini blooms?

This detail is definitely not set in stone, so you have a lot of flexibility on who does/does not receive a boutonniere. It is common for parents, grandparents, ceremony readers and ushers to receive these. This isn't to say that Great Uncle Bob isn't totally deserving of this gesture. This is one of those loosy goosy deets you can go big or minimal with.

2. ALTERNATIVES to traditional boutonnieres?

While there isn't a ton of flexibility with the placement of a boutonniere you can get creative with the type of detail you add onto the lapel. These text bouts are LIFE. You can also incorporate elements like fabric, fruits/veggies, paper, felt, metals, etc.

3. LABELING your boutonnieres

Photography Jen Fariello Photography, Florist Beehive Events

Many florists will label these with recipient names but occasionally they do not. This can lead to serious groomsmen mayhem so to avoid the scramble be sure to ask your florist if they label them. If not ask if they can or designate someone to handle this detail to avoid bout chaos!

5. NO COAT, NO BOUT?

Credit: Floral Sweet Annie Floral Design, Photog Ruth Eileen Photography

While boutonnieres are typically worn on the lapel of a coat they can be worn on a shirt as well. With that being said, they don't always want to lay nicely and if you forego the coat it's not a bad idea to forego the bout as well. Another option is suspenders, where the bout snugs right up and lays their head down like a babe taking a nap.

6. WHERE and HOW do these pin on?

Boutonnieres are worn on the left side where the lapel buttonhole is. If you need a quick tutorial on how to pin on your bout here is a great video by Pollen to show you how its done! https://youtu.be/r0n3x7gani0

You'd be hard pressed to go wrong in the boutonniere department but this short list should make the task easy peasy!

No Fears. Just Dreams.

Hello, and welcome to Deliciously Ordinary! I am Lindsay Ann, owner and monkey-wrangler extraordinaire. I am frequently asked how Deliciously Ordinary came to be, so walk with me down memory lane… In 2009, I was transplanted to Southern Illinois from San Luis Obispo, California. Deliciously Ordinary was launched a year or two after my move as an umbrella for all things creative. It was sporadic and very much a hobby, with my paying gig being in the social work field.

During the years of 2009 to 2017, I married the love of my life, had three incredible kiddos, changed careers and made many memories. I started feeling a strong desire to make Deliciously Ordinary my full-time focus. It was all I thought about, but at that time, it still had not taken its clear form. However, I still kept the dream alive and started styling more events and weddings on the side.

In 2017, my world shattered. My sister unexpectedly passed away. Losing her left me paralyzed with the fear of living a mundane life. I did not want to waste time doing a job that was not my passion. I wanted to honor her every day by doing something that inspired others and me. I quit my 9-to-5 job without a second glance and launched Deliciously Ordinary full time.

Within the first several months, I polished Deliciously Ordinary into a business that styles moments of celebration with family and friends. By offering florals, décor, event planning and coordination, I am able to take the heavy lifting off my clients’ minds. They are able to enjoy every second of their occasion and create lasting moments with their precious family and friends. These memories will be cherished for many years to come. I am proud to play a role in something so special.

Here we are at 2019. The journey has just begun and I hope you will join me for the ride!

Family Snapshot:

Tim | Husband | Biggest Cheerleader + Comedic Relief

Gentry | 9 year old | Lover of obscure creatures

Deacon | 5 year old | Snuggle expert

Windsor | 3 year old | Sassy pants