Such Pretty Things

Target Tuesday: "Paper" Plates

Every year, we celebrate the 4th of July with some of our very close family friends.  It's always an evening filled with kids running and laughing, spectacular fireworks, and, of course, lots and lots of great food.  It's such fun planning the menu and thinking of fun ways to decorate for our celebration. When I saw these plates at Target recently, I knew they would have to be a part of our holiday decor...

While they look like the iconic "paper" plate, they are actually made out of melamine!

How cool is that? Plus, they come in several different colors. And at only $1.99 each, you can afford to buy a whole stack! 

I haven't quite decided yet on this year's "vision", but I am thinking that these plates look pretty cute with the Target red polka dot plates that I bought earlier this year...

Happy Tuesday!

:-)

Jessica

Bits & Bobs

I have always loved the expression, "bits and bobs". It just sounds so sweet. I believe it is a term primarily used in the UK to connote a collection of little odds and ends.  While antiquing last week, I came across these...

Some little bits and bobs of vintage ribbon.

They are quite old and exquisitely faded.  Probably the remnants of what were once grand vintage spools.

I love that someone bothered to pin each little bit.

I will likely use them in a future project, but for now I think I will just keep them like this...

A simple glass jar filled with bits and bobs.

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Packing

I am so enjoying spending time with the girls during these few weeks between school ending and camp beginning.  Yesterday, we decided to take an impromptu antiquing trip.  We headed to historic Ellicott City, MD, and found some really cool things.  Our absolute best find was this adorable set of little girls luggage!

I have never come across anything like it before, but it looks like it's from the 1960's or 70's.

It's a 3-piece set and there is even a hanging dress bag!  And how fabulous is this little suitcase!

I just love the pretty vintage floral pattern...

It's such a cute set, but practical, too. Perfect for a little weekend get-away...

:-)

Jessica

Mini Post: Summer Sorbet

I recently discovered the most wonderful sorbet by Ciao Bella...

It comes in a wide range of yummy, refreshing flavors - like Blood Orange and Lemon Zest.  And ya gotta love the packaging!

I've found Ciao Bella products locally at Whole Foods and Harris Teeter, but you can go on-line and find a store near you that carries it.  You can even register for a coupon off your next purchase!  And, if your looking for something to serve your sorbet in, how about these adorable sorbet cups and spoons (only $2.95 each and available in four colors!) from Crate and Barrel...

Just the perfect size for a delicious little scoop of summer!

:-)

Jessica

Vintage Paper Drinking Straws

I know, I know.  I've been a very bad blogger lately.  I always find the end of the school year rather hectic, but this year it has just been absolutely crazy!  With all the parties, graduations, and performances, I have found little time for anything else.  But, school is now officially over and summer can truly begin! And what better way to start off than with a cool, refreshing beverage!

I find that pretty summer drinks are made even prettier when accompanied by these vintage paper drinking straws.

I just love them and always try to scoop them up whenever I come across them (in unopened boxes!) at flea markets or antique shops.  You just can't beat those old, faded pastel colors.

The striped ones are my favorites...and, while they have been reproduced as of late, there is nothing like the faded elegance of the originals.

So, here's to a wonderful summer ahead - filled with family and friends, pretty picnics, homemade ice cream, fresh flowers, dinners al fresco, days at the beach...and, of course, lots of blog posts!

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Cupcake Stuff

Today, I thought I'd show you some of my newest cupcake supplies.  As you probably know, I love cupcakes (and anything related to cupcakes!), so I am always on the lookout for new products.  I just discovered these new cupcake baking cups from Wilton the other day.

They come in a bunch of colors and I am completely smitten with their sweet ruffled edges!

And I've been meaning to show you these for a long time...

They are the prettiest paper baking cups!  They come in many patterns, but I am partial to these beautiful shabby floral ones...

...and these fun candy striped ones.

Wilton also has a new line of pastel pearlized sprinkles.

I am especially loving the pale aqua and light pink ones...

And finally, check out these adorable tea towels (from PaperChase - found at Borders Book shops) in this fun cupcake print...

Now, if I can just get through all of the girls' end-of-the-school-year activities and festivities, I might actually have some time to use them!

:-)

Jessica

The Downside of Having a Mini-Me

I've written about her many times before.  My very own mini-me.  She's super talented, very creative, and just happens to be my older daughter.  I consider myself so lucky to have a child who loves doing and creating so many of the sames things that I do.  But having a mini-me is not without it's downside.  Case in point - a recent antiquing trip.  Mini Me and I headed up to Frederick, MD, to shop at two of my favorite shops - Accessories of Old and Tiara Day.  When we walked into Tiara Day, I immediately started chatting with the owner, Maria.  Maria is just a lovely and talented person and we always have so much to gab about.  So, I'm yapping away with her while Mini-Me goes off to check out the shop.  A few minutes later she comes running over to us and says "Hey, look Mom - look what I found! Isn't it beautiful?".  And boy, was it!  A truly stunning hair comb covered in the prettiest vintage millinery flowers...

It was exactly the type of thing I would have picked out for myself.  So there I am, the proud mother - just about to tell her once again how thrilled I am that she always finds the best stuff for me, when she says..."Yeah, I'm going to buy it."  Say what???  Did I hear her correctly?  "She" was going to buy it?  Had Mini-Me suddenly become the shopping competition?  Evidently she had, because she bought that millinery comb right then and there - and then proceeded to gloat about her fabulous find the entire ride home.

And how did she pay for it, you ask?

With the allowance that I had given her! 

Oh, the irony...

;-)

Jessica