Such Pretty Things

Pretty Organized: Ribbon Storage

Like many of you, I have a major affinity for ribbon.

I just can't seem to get enough of it, but I find storing it can be a huge challenge.

Despite many attempts to tame my rolls with pins and tape, I found they often unraveled and ended up in a tangled mess.  Luckily, I finally came up with a really good storage solution. I found this old cubby of sorts at an antique shop a few years ago.

I think it may have originally been designed to hold cassettes (8-track tapes?). You can often find inexpensive ones at yard sales, but I've also seen them listed for sale on eBay.

I gave my cubby a light sanding and then painted it a shabby white. It's the perfect thing for storing all my rolls of ribbon - especially my vintage seam binding...

Now they have a nice home of their own.

All neat and tidy!

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Shopping: Tarina Tarantino Cosmetics

I am a huge fan of Tarina Tarantino.  I have loved her work ever since she began designing hair accessories and jewelry many years ago. Her designs are always so fun and girly.

So, I was so excited when I walked in Sephora the other day and found that she has a new line of glittery, blingy cosmetics!

The compacts are all embellished with rhinestones!

The "Gem Gloss" in "Pom Pom" is one of my favorite picks. 

The pink packaging is so pretty. I am always a sucker for that!  I mean, look how cute the "sparkle Powder" is packaged....

And you have to check out this. I really wanted it,but they were sold out of it. I mean, who doesn't "need" a lip gloss ring with a pretty pink cameo!  :-)

Have a sparkly day!

Jessica

Target Tuesday: Bejeweled Flip Flops

Yes, it's really Tuesday today. :-)  And I found these pretty lavender flip-flops at Target for only $2.50!

Such a beautiful, pale color...they are really pretty just the way they are.

But, I was thinking they would be even prettier if I added a little bling. Last summer, I showed you how I made really simple floral flip flops, but today I am going to show you how I make "bejeweled" ones. 

Here's what you'll need if you want to make some, too:

* a pair of inexpensive flip flops (you can also find super cheap ones at Old Navy)

*a STRONG jewelry glue (like E6000)

* a set of "jewels" (try using broken vintage jewelry, a pair of new earrings, etc...)

*jewelry pliers (optional)

This is probably one of the easiest projects you will ever do, but the results are pretty spectacular! My "jewels" consisted of some inexpensive, huge rhinestone earrings.

To begin, I removed the earring backings and the parts of the earrings that I didn't want to use in my design...

Then, I literally just glued the jewels to the top of my flip flops in a pleasing pattern and let them dry completely.

Just be sure to use a strong, good quality jewelry glue if you want your jewels to stay put.

So easy! And don't they look pretty?

Bejeweled flip flops are "hot" this season and designer versions are selling for upwards of $200...but these only cost about $8 to make!  Now, I'm off to get a pedicure so I can actually wear them...

Happy Tuesday!

:-)

Jessica

Lilac Time

It's Lilac time.

One of my very favorite flowers.

I love all the shades of lavender and purple...

I fill up all my antique vases and place them in every room of the house.

They smell so incredibly wonderful...just like Spring.

:-)

Jessica

Target Tuesday: Shabby Floral Top

No, I haven't completely lost my mind.  I know it's really Friday, but I was at Target yesterday and saw this absolutely adorable top and I just couldn't wait until next week to show it to you...

So pretty, right? And only $15!

Floral prints are so "in" for Spring and I just LOVE the shabby, cabbage rose print...

I am envisioning wearing this top paired with cropped jeans, a little cardigan, and a pretty floral necklace...

...and maybe some glittery flip-flops.

These are also from Target and on sale for only $10! 

Happy Tuesday (I mean, Friday!)

:-)

Jessica

Target Tuesday: Pretty Polka Dot Plates

I found these super cute polka dot melamine plates at Target this week...

They were in the summer housewares aisle and cost only a $1.00 each!

They also come in green and blue. Now,I know red is not my usual color preference, but I thought these would be so adorable with my Cath Kidston linens.

I should also mention that these plates are on the small side...perfect for a side dish...or dessert!  

Happy Tuesday!

:-)

Jessica 

Floral Finds...

I was so happy to be able to fit in some antiquing over Spring Break. As always, I was on the hunt for anything pretty, vintage and floral.  

Vintage hats decorated with millinery flowers are one of my things to collect, but they are so hard to find these days, So, I was very excited to find, not one, but four hats dripping in flowers!

Even though I bought these at several different shops, they are all in lovely shades of lavender and pink. A happy coincidence!  This one is my favorite - I just adore the velvet bow...

And the others are so pretty as well...

This millinery flower is very, very old...

I love it's tattered, faded look. And all those delicate layers of frayed organdy and velvet.

As you probably know, vintage floral china is another love of mine. These floral plates will be a wonderful new addition to my kitchen...

Such pretty colors...

I also was able to find this sweet floral serving bowl (and some pale, minty green vintage ribbon, too!)...

This little hand-painted trinket box will be added to my ever-growing collection.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!  I'll be back very soon with Target Tuesday...

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Shopping: Paper Source

Hi everyone!  I hope everybody had a wonderful Spring Break.  We sure did, although I think I now may need a vacation to recover from my vacation!  :-) We did so many great things and I have lots to share - including some fabulous antiquing finds.  But today, I want to show you one of my all-time favorite shops...Paper Source.

Paper Source is truly a visual treat for the eyes.  Walls and walls of wrapping paper by the sheet...many handmade.

They also have reasonably priced satin ribbons in every color imaginable...

And an incredible, well-edited selection of stamps and inks.

Lots of beautiful note-cards and stationary - many from smaller, up-and-coming stationary designers.

They have tons of fun gifts like these pretty fabric aprons.

Paper Source also stocks a huge selection of papers, card stock and envelopes in every color of the rainbow, making it a pleasure to create your own invitations.

Their paper flower-making kits are a favorite of mine (you can see some of them in the top photo in the window display).  And the cool paper crowns below were a must have!

I also couldn't pass up these sweet paper clips adorned with mini fabric yo-yos! How cute are they!

If you do not have a Paper Source near you, fear not!  They also have an on-line shop with an extensive selection of products, as well as a terrific catalog. 

Happy Thursday!

:-)

Jessica

Cherry Blossom Picnic

Well, as I mentioned in my last post, it's Cherry Blossom time again here in the D.C. area.

And that can only mean one thing...time for our annual Cherry Blossom Breakfast Picnic! We make a pretty big deal out of this yearly event, as it has become one of our favorite family traditions. So, we pack up the picnic basket, head downtown to the Tidal Basin, and find ourselves a nice bench to picnic on...

I try to make our picnics extra special by bringing along real vintage china plates, fresh flowers (more pink Tulips), and pretty floral quilts.

The menu isn't fancy or complicated...just warm croissants from the local bakery, orange juice, and coffee (chocolate milk for the girls!).

Simple, but yummy.

Berries are always better in a real china bowl.

The best preserves...

And it's all made even prettier when you look up and see this overhead...

I hope everyone has a lovely holiday! 

:-)

Jessica

Vintage Tin Floral Arrangement

I have been wanting to make a floral arrangement utilizing a vintage tin for a long time now.  I was just waiting for the perfect one to come along. So, when I found that lovely aqua biscuit tin last weekend...

...I just couldn't wait to fill it with some beautiful Spring flowers.

These pink and white Tulips were perfect...and on sale at Whole Foods!

I just love the juxtaposition of the old, weathered tin with the pretty, fresh flowers.

Speaking of flowers, it is Cherry Blossom time again here in the D.C. area.  If you have never made a trip to see these beauties in all their glory, I strongly suggest that you do.  They are peaking right now and they are beyond spectacular!

:-)

Jessica