Such Pretty Things

Alt Summit NYC 2013

Tomorrow I head to ALT Summit NYC.  For those of you not familiar with ALT, it is a highly acclaimed (and super fabulous) blogging conference that is held in various locations throughout the year.  It's a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow bloggers and to gather wisdom and sage advice from some very talented and well-established bloggers. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia will be hosting the attendees and this year's speakers will include Grace Bonney of Design Sponge and Gabrielle Blair of Design Mom!

I have heard a great many good things about ALT and I am really looking forward to attending. My mind has been busy with questions of what to wear (there will be some major fashionistas in attendance) and what to do with my business cards (evidently they are SERIOUS business at ALT).

I'll let you know what I came up with...and I plan to report back with all the details and lots of photos! In the meantime, are any of you attending as well?  Have you been before? 

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Parties: "Martha Celebrations"

Have you all heard about Martha Stewart's newest line of party supplies for J.C. Penny???  When I found out about it, I was so excited that I immediately made a bee-line to the nearest store.  So glad I did! The pretty and colorful new collection is called "Martha Celebrations"...

And it's really much more than just a collection - it's actually an entire mini-shop within the department store!

The items are all thoughtfully organized by party type - weddings, birthdays, 4th of July, etc... There is everything one might need to put on a truly fabulous fete - and every current party trend is represented - from fringe-y streamers to striped paper straws and giant balloons!

There is also an extensive line of gift wrapping and greeting cards. And the candy!  Did I mention the candy?

Pretty, pretty candy in an array of beautiful colors!

Now, if you don't have a J.C. Penny near you, fear not - you can buy everything on-line right here!

Happy Shopping!

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Blue Mason Jars

 

As much as I love my true vintage, blue glass mason jars, I was very happy to discover these "vintage style" glass jars at Target.

They are a re-release of the original blue glass "Ball" jars and they are super pretty...

And a major bargain at only $9.99 for a set of six! I've filled mine with Hydrangeas from the garden...

How beautiful would these be for your summer table!

:-)

Jessica

Buttercup Bakeshop, NYC

The husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary with a little get-a-way to NYC. My sweet little sis surprised us by having a beautiful (and delicious) cake from the Buttercup Bakeshop delivered to our hotel. As you can tell by those pretty pastels, she knows me well.  :-)

If you haven't yet made it to The Buttercup Bakeshop, I highly recommend it. It's a lovely bakery with a decidedly old-fashioned vibe.  The cupcakes are yummy...

But they have lots of cakes, puddings, and pies as well. And they know the importance of really good sprinkles.

So, if you are in the neighborhood, check it out!

Buttercup Bakeshop, NYC
973 2nd Avenue
(Btwn 51st & 52nd st)
New York, NY 10022
(212) 350-4144
info@buttercupbakeshop.com

XOXO

Jessica

My Summer Bag Essentials

I am soooo craving color lately. And luckily, this season's trends are replete with pretty colors everywhere I turn - from cool, minty greens to vibrant, hot pinks. I decided it was time for a new, colorful summer bag and when I spotted this one by Lilly Pulitzer, I knew it was the perfect one. I just love the bright chevron stripes and the hot pink lining. It's roomy enough for a trip to the beach, but stylish enough to carry everyday. Inside, you will find all my summer bag essentials.

I, of course, carry the basics like my keys and wallet. I couldn't resist this shiny hot pink pink patent one by Ted Baker. Totally brings out the six year-old in me!

I also carry other necessities like my iPhone. I like to switch out my cases, but this one I scored at Five Below for only $5. I also carry a small change purse (Cath Kidston) to hold my earphones and chargers, a re-usable fold-a-way bag for spontaneous purchases (Paperchase), and a mini notebook (Liberty of London for Target) and pens (Dollar Spot at Target) in case inspiration strikes. :-)

I always have lots of hair elastics on hand for me and the girls.  I keep them all tidy and organized by putting them on a binder ring (a great idea I picked up from Pinterest).

I also stock my summer bag with all my basic beauty essentials...my make-up bag (Cath Kidston), sunscreen (loving this one by Neutrogena), tissues, a mirror compact (Cath Kidston), lip gloss (MOR), a mini hairbrush (Bamboo), and hand lotion (Pacifica).

Hand sanitizer (I am a major germ-a-phobe), band-aids (for blisters and boo-boos), and some little candies or gum are must-haves as well.

Not pictured: the zillions of crumpled receipts, discarded gum wrappers, and loose change that inevitably find their way to bottom of my bag. :-) What are your summer essentials?

Be back soon with my favorite summer make-up picks!

XOXO

Jessica

Did I Mention the Lilacs?

I don't want to forget about the Lilacs.

Yes, Peonies may be my first love, but Lilacs are a very close second. I bought these lavender beauties at the farmer's market this week and I have been enjoying their sweet perfume every time I pass by them.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend planned.  I have a rather busy one, but I am hoping to show you a fun little craft project if I get the chance. And I promise - no more flowers for at least a few days. :-)

XOXO

Jessica

Peony Season

May is a very special month for me. It's the month of mine and my husband's wedding anniversary. And it is also the start of the Peony season around here. My wedding bouquet was made up of the prettiest pink garden roses and pink Peonies. Peonies were, and continue to be, my most favorite flower of all. For me, nothing compares to those lush, beautiful clusters of ruffled petals.

So, just as soon as Peony season starts, I begin to fill up the house with them. I place them in vases and pitchers. In bowls and glasses. In arrangements of generous bouquets and single stems. On dressers and tables and window sills.

Yes, chances are, if it's a flat surface in my house, you will find a Peony on it.

:-)

Jessica

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing you all a very, very happy Mother's Day!

Just a few quick pics of my brunch table today.  My parents are coming over soon and I still have so much to do. The weather is gorgeous today - sunny and breezy - and I have all the windows wide open. The girls helped me with selecting the flowers and table settings...

Hydrangeas, roses, pink glasses, vintage china and linens.

They know their mama so well. :-)

Enjoy your special day!

XOXO

Jessica

Mother's Day Gift Wrap

Mother's Day is this coming Sunday and I have been busy planning a very special brunch for my very deserving Mommy (yes, I actually still call her that!). I've been having lots of fun with all the little details.  Like this pretty, floral ribbon (Celebrate It brand) that I found at Michaels...

The minute I saw it, I knew it would be just perfect for wrapping Mother's Day gifts.

The flowery, pastel prints remind me of some of my favorite vintage fabrics (like that one in the background). I decided to use plain, white gift wrap, as I love how it makes colors and patterns "pop"!

I spent some time making my own bows  - which is really very easy to do - all you need is a stapler and the ability to form a loop!

Now I am off to finish planning my brunch menu...

Happy Thursday!

XOXO

Jessica

Pretty Collecting: Aprons (and a winner!)

It seems that I rarely have one of anything. As you know, I am a big shopper and treasure hunter by nature, so my "little" collections just seem to appear without much planning. :-)  My aprons are a great example...

I never really set out to "collect" them.  But, over the years, I seem to have amassed quite a few. My favorites are the vintage ones that I find at flea markets and on Etsy or eBay - I just love the gorgeous florals and all the little details - the sweet ruffles and pretty trims.

I have also found so many pretty aprons at my favorite shops. Cath Kidston, Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic, and Anthropologie all carry really nice vintage-style aprons in pretty, colorful prints.

Looking at them just makes me happy!

And finally, I just want to thank everyone who entered to win a copy of Selina Lake's beautiful new book Pretty Pastel Style!  I truly wish I had a copy for each and every one of you, but alas, there can only be one winner.  So...Pretty Pastel Style goes to Melissa B.!  Congratulations, Melissa, you are going to LOVE this book!

:-)

Jessica