Such Pretty Things

Tiny Pink Pumpkins

I know you probably won't be surprised to learn that Halloween isn't my favorite holiday color-wise. Love the girls dressing-up in pretty costumes, love the candy...but the colors - not so much. So, while I did get the requisite orange pumpkins for the girls to carve with their dad, I also got these...

They didn't start out pink, of course. I found some tiny white pumpkins at a local farmer's market and brushed on several shades of pink petal dust (available at most craft and cake supply shops). Just couldn't help myself!  :-)

 

Happy Halloween!!!

 XOXO

Jessica

A Retro Bakery

I probably really need to apologize in advance for even telling you about this place. It's a very cool and very delicious retro-style bakery in Chelsea (NYC) called Lulu Cake Boutique.

They make lots of delicious cakes and desserts, but they are especially known for their...wait for it...home-made versions of Twinkies, Ho-Ho's, Sno-balls, and other iconic sweets. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I literally almost died when I bit into their version of the "Ho-Ho".

Yes, it was really that good!  And for you coconut lovers, their "Sno-ball" was equally incredible.

I would have taken a photograph of the "Red Velvet Twinkie", but it was consumed by my family before I could get to it!

So, if you live in NYC, I totally envy you.  And if you don't?  I suspect a road trip may be in your future.

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Parties: Candy Favors

These sweet little candy favors are so easy to put together and are perfect for any party, wedding, or shower.

All you need are some clear favor boxes, candy of your choice, ribbon, and some pretty millinery flowers.

I love the clear boxes because they allow you to showcase the candy inside - which is a perfect opportunity to tie in your party colors.  These boxes are inexpensive (100 for under $27.00) and just the right size ( 2" x 2").  I filled them with small candies that matched the party decor.

Once filled, I just wrapped the boxes once around with a piece of beautiful satin ribbon and secured it on the bottom with some hot glue. Then I topped each box with a vintage pink millinery rose.  For this party, I was very fortunate to have a large quantity of new "old-stock" vintage flowers (we needed about 130), but you can also use new silk ones from the craft store (just remove the blooms from their stems).

I just love these favors - the clear boxes give them a modern feel and the ribbon and flowers add just the right vintage touch!

:-)

Jessica

Tinsel Trading Eye Candy

I rarely make it to NYC without making a trip to one of my all time favorite shops, Tinsel Trading. If you are looking for beautiful trims and ribbons, millinery flowers, or just some creative inspiration, it really can't be missed...

The millinery flowers (both vintage and reproduction) simply take my breath away.  Is it wrong of me to want this entire wall in my own studio?

Such a pretty way to display them and keep them organized...

Who knew that stamens could be just as pretty as the flowers themselves?

These vintage rosettes are to die for!

Tinsel trading specializes in vintage metallic threads.  Aren't they lovely...

There are rows and rows of ribbon.

And beautiful old trims.

I collect vintage sequins and I had to add some of these very unusual oblong ones to my collection.

These wonderful old spools are perfect for winding your bits of ribbon around...

What an incredible shop! I'll show you what I bought in a future post.  :-)

Have a lovely weekend!

Jessica

 

 

Finally...Laduree

Life has been super busy around here as of late, but we managed to take a little trip to New York City this past weekend.  I just love NYC - partially because I am from there originally, partially because I have beloved friends and family members living there (like my little sis), and partially because I love all the incredible shopping and fabulous restaurants! As always, I made a list of everywhere I wanted to get to before I went. Laduree was first on my list...

I was so excited when I heard they were finally opening a location here in the U.S. - right on Madison Avenue.

It's a lovely shop and the macarons are truly delicious.

Sadly, it wasn't quite Paris.  They do have a bunch of gift items and a nice selection of macarons...

...but there were none of the beautiful and elaborate pastries, cakes, or delicate candies that you will find in Paris. The shop windows were gorgeous though.

If you plan to go, know that the shop tends to get very crowded and I've heard stories of people waiting for an hour or more just to get in the door.  We went right when they opened for the day and had no wait at all. The packaging is just the prettiest - all those silky pastel ribbons.

I will be adding these sweet lavender and pink boxes to my ever-growing collection.

:-)

I'll be back soon with some more eye candy from our trip!

XOXO

Jessica

Target Tuesday: Magical Straws

When I was a little girl, my sister and I always loved to drink our milk with Crazy Straws.  Do you remember them?  They were these fun, plastic (reusable) straws with lots of loops and turns!  Well, when I found these colorful plastic straws at Target this week, I just had to buy them for my girls.

While these aren't quite as "crazy", they are quite magical - when placed in cold water they change colors! So pretty and fun!  They are called Color Change Straws and are actually made to fit the Aladdin To-Go Tumblers, but I see no reason why you can't use them in just a regular old glass.

They come in several colorways, are dishwasher safe, and BPA-free! Just $3.99 for a set of four. The ones on the left are shown after the color change and the ones on the right are from before:

Pretty cool, huh? :-)

Happy Tuesday!

Jessica

Target Tuesday: Latte Bowls

I am loving these pretty latte-esque bowls that I found at Target this week.  They come in three sizes - in the perfect cottage white.

I will no doubt be using these for everything from lattes to ice cream, but today I thought they would be perfect for an early Autumn arrangement...

The lovely Hydrangeas are from Trader Joe's (they really do have the prettiest and most inexpensive flowers around!) and the colors are so soft and beautiful...

Happy Tuesday!

:-)

Jessica