I am loving Target's latest version of my favorite plastic glasses...
They are perfect for summer gatherings and outdoor entertaining. I bought the goblets, but they also come in a tumbler size ($2.99 to $3.99). They are very elegant given that they are made out of plastic and really look like real glass!
I rimmed mine with some pale green sugar.
Now they match my new napkins from Shabby Chic Couture. And you know how important that is! ;-)
Happy Tuesday!
XOXO
Jessica
After the crazy busy few months I just experienced, I wanted nothing more than to get away with the family to somewhere quiet, relaxing and pretty. The Sagamore Resort couldn't have been a more perfect choice.
Situated right on Lake George in the Adirondacks, the Sagamore was originally built in 1883. It has been operating as a resort for over 100 years now. Since it is located on a small island, you are completely surrounded by beautiful vistas of the sparkling blue water with the verdant mountains beyond.
The architecture is absolutely stunning.
There are pretty flowers and rolling green lawns everywhere you turn.
...and I just loved how the resort was all dressed up for the Fourth of July!
The Sagamore is definitely elegant, but also very laid back and family-friendly (i.e., not stuffy). There are numerous excellent restaurants in and around the property and a myriad of activities to partake in - even croquet on the front lawn. The girls especially loved the outdoor pools and the nightly bonfire (s'mores!).
I think my husband and I most enjoyed the evening cruise on the resort's own boat, the Morgan. There is nothing like sipping a good glass of wine, feeling the breeze on your skin, and gazing at a postcard-perfect sunset...
This was our first trip to the Sagamore and I really can't recommend it enough. We will definitely be going back...hopefully soon!
XOXO
Jessica
Well, I did it! I survived the "big" party project. It was so much fun, but it was also completely and utterly exhausting! I will have a ton of details and tutorials to show you, but they will have to wait a few more weeks until I get my photos back from the photographer (yes, I didn't even have time to take my own pictures!). I am going to take a few more days to relax with my family and enjoy the holiday weekend, but I will be back sometime next week with lots of other pretty things to share. I will leave you with some photos of our recent trip to the Alexandria Farmer's Market...
Happy 4th of July!
XOXO
Jessica
It looks like it's going to be a very sweet summer ahead. The girls are finishing up school for the year and I am finishing up a huge party-planning project that I have been working on around the clock for weeks now - which is why I have been MIA lately. So sorry about that. I have only a few more weeks to go and then I promise I'll be back with lots and lots of pretty projects to share with you. In the meantime, I thought I'd show you some "sweet" pictures from a recent family trip to the beach...
Don't you just love the colors found on the boardwalk in the summertime?
Be back soon...
XOXO
Jessica
Oh, I just love it when I make it to Target right when they have just finished putting out all the new "Dollar Spot" items! Because look what I found...
It's the perfect straw tote bag for summer - and only $2.50! It's a nice, roomy size and lined with fabric, too. I decided to dress mine up a little with these gorgeous pink silk flowers...
I found mine at Nordstrom Rack, but you can find similar ones at H & M or accessory shops in your local mall - like The Icing or Claires. Or use some vintage millinery. Just pin or glue on a few flowers and your tote will go from "just fine" to "completely fabulous"!
Throw in your favorite magazines, flip flops, and some suncreen and you're ready to hit the beach this summer!
So simple, so easy, and so pretty! Ya gotta try it!
Happy Tuesday!
:-)
Jessica
While this is hardly an original or new idea, I thought I would share some pretty ribbon picks that I have been working on for an upcoming party. I just love ribbon picks - they are such an inexpensive and easy way to spruce up hors d'oeuvres or simple cupcakes.
Plus, it's a great way to use up your precious ribbon scraps! All you need are ordinary food-safe toothpicks, ribbon, glue gun or non-toxic glue stick and scissors. Just cut a small length of ribbon and glue it around the top of the toothpick. Once dry, use your scissors to cut a small triangle from the side-edge of the flag. Or try using a pinking shears for a scalloped effect.
And you can make them in any combination of colors or designs you want to match your party decor.
Personally, I love this candy-colored striped ribbon with my pastel sprinkled-mini-cupcakes!
XOXO
Jessica
Hi All! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! We took advantage of some glorious weather and the girls' Spring Break and headed to the beach (more on that another day), but I did manage to fit in a quick trip to Target. And I'm so glad I did because I found this beautiful vintage-style glass vanity jar...
It's part of a new collection from Rachel's Simply Shabby Chic line. There are several other pieces, but this was my favorite. I actually have some old antique vanity jars just like it and this reproduction is spot on! Lots of pretty details like the delicate etched glass and filigree top...
I think it makes a very nice addition to my vintage vanity tray. :-)
Happy Tuesday!
XOXO
Jessica
If you love pretty candy, delicious gourmet cakes, and gorgeous packaging then you will absolutely fall in love with Miette in San Francisco. Miette has several locations around town, but I especially love their shop on Octavia Street.
This stunningly beautiful store is a true feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach. From the lovely papered walls to the rows of sparkling glass candy-filled jars.
The displays are so whimsical...featuring lots of pretty cakes stands.
Miette offers many unusual and hard-to-find confections from all over the world. Each one prettily presented...
The beautifully decorated cakes look like they are straight out of a Thiebaud painting...
And the packaging is so sweet...
So, next time you are in San Francisco, be sure to check out Miette!
:-)
Jessica
Lace embellishments are all the rage in fashion this season. Lace is so pretty and romantic, but it can also be hip and modern. Here's a fairly simple project that even a beginning sewer can tackle - a sweet lace tank top with a modern edge. Here's what you'll need: a tank top in a pale color (mine is a creamy white from Target),a lace scarf (or any large piece of lace will do), matching thread, needle (or sewing machine), and sewing pins...
I found this beautiful scarf at Target for $12.99. It's a gorgeous pale pink color - perfect for Spring.
Yes, it was a bit painful to cut this beauty up, but the good news is that the scarf is really long (almost 6 feet) and there is plenty of lace fabric to make several of these tanks - so grab a friend and get started! First, lay out your lace scarf on the front of your tank and neatly cut off a piece that is about one inch longer than the length of the front of the tank. Now, trim out the ruffled, center section of the scarf.
Begin pinning your lace in place.
I chose to put mine centered, straight down the front of the tank for a clean, modern look, but you could also place it horizontally or off to one side. My best advice: use lots and lots of pins.
They will keep the lace straight and in place as you sew. When you get to the top and bottom of the tank, make a hem by neatly folding the edge under twice - about 1/4 of an inch each time. Pin in place.
Now you are ready to sew. If you don't have a machine, you can also do this by hand. First, sew the top edge. Then, just work your way down one side. I sewed about 1/2 an inch from the edge of the lace - down an existing seam. Next, sew down the other side. Sew the bottom last. Once you've done this, add a few stitches down the middle - this will hold your lace in place and give it added durability. Now, if you are really scared of sewing, you could use fabric glue - I just can't guarantee how well it will hold up. As for washing, I recommend hand washing in cold water and laying flat to dry. A cool iron is OK if needed. And there you have it, a pretty (and inexpensive!) lace top for spring!
Happy Tuesday!
:-)
Jessica
We have been having the most mercurial weather so far this Spring. For example, two days ago it was 40 degrees and rainy, today it is supposed to be 85 and sunny, and tomorrow rainy and cold again. It's driving me absolutely crazy because I am sooooo ready for spring already! And it's made even worse by the fact that I just love all the delicate floral patterns and lace embellishments that seem to be everywhere this season. I am just chomping at the bit to wear them! I was always that kid wearing her wool jumper and tights on the first day of school - even if it was 80 degrees out. No patience at all. :-)
Sadly, until the weather cooperates and I can finally put away the winter coats, I guess I am just going to have to focus on my spring accessories instead. In that spirit, I thought I would share a few recent springy finds. Don't you just love these new shades of nail polish from Essie...
They are so pastel and pretty. My favorites are "Muchi Munchi", the perfect soft pink, and "French Affair", a gorgeous pale Lavender.
I also found these sweet little floral hair clips at H&M...
They were only $2.50 for two! In the perfect shade of minty green. Not into wearing flowers in your hair? Try clipping them onto a pair of ballet flats. And how adorable is this little necklace from Forever 21?
It's a replica of a vintage hand mirror! And the mirror is real. A major bargain at only $1.50!
And finally, I LOVE this pretty pink lace scarf from Target...
Wear it "as is"...or tune in tomorrow to see what I do with it. :-)
Happy "almost" Spring!
Jessica
