Such Pretty Things

Pretty Organized: Hair Accessories

I may have mentioned in the past that the girls and I are a pretty hairy bunch.  Yes, we all have rather long locks and keeping them in place requires a lot of hair accessories!

I used to just keep everything in a basket, but we could never easily find what we wanted - especially when we had about two seconds to locate it before we had to rush out the door to get to school. So, to avoid hair accessory chaos on busy mornings, I devised a simple way to store and display them.  All you need is some ribbon (I used satin, but I've found that grosgrain works even better), a bit of glue, and a few thumbtacks. This is so easy, you won't believe it...just cut a length of ribbon to suite the size of your accessory collection, fold over the ends and glue (this is more for appearance than function), and thumbtack your ribbon to an easily accessible place (we have ours tacked on the side of a built-in bookcase in our kitchen).

Then just clip away!

I made one for our flower-type clips...

And one for our rhinestone bobby pins...

The hair accessories look so pretty gathered together as a collection and now the girls can quickly find what they need!

I have seen expensive hair accessory/bow organizers for sale in children's boutiques, but why waste the money?  This costs just pennies to make and works just as well!

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Packed Lunch

With the girls going back to school this week, I am once again faced with the dreaded task of packing lunches every day.  Both of my girls are good eaters, but they are also picky and, therefore, do not love the lunches that the school has to offer.  And, since they have such a long day at school, I really want them to eat! So, I find myself making packed lunches...day after day after day.  Not my favorite activity. Can you relate?

To make this rather mundane chore a bit more palatable, I have learned a few tricks along the way.  So, today I thought I'd share a few tips with you: 

1. Lunch Box: Yes, this is obvious, but shop around.  There are so many cute options out here. My girls always pick out their own lunch boxes and I am happy to say that, after many, many years, we have finally graduated from the "princess" lunch box phase!  This year we found some adorable, floral versions at Cath Kidston. 

2. Storage Containers: You will need a bunch of little storage containers for sandwiches, snacks, etc... While I must admit that I do resort to using the occasional plastic bag, I do try to use storage containers whenever possible. HomeGoods, Pottery Barn Kids, Target and the Container Store are all good places to find cute storage options. I found these at PBK, Borders Bookstore, and Cath Kidston...

3. Ice Packs: These are obviously necessary for keeping lunch fresh if it won't be refrigerated. I look for ones with pretty, colorful designs. These are from Target  - collected over the years.

4. The Details: My favorite part - adding in all the pretty, little details. Colorful napkins are a must.  I buy these whenever I find them on sale.  HomeGoods has an especially wonderful selection and the prices are always great.

Pretty straws make drinking your milk so much more fun!

And a handi-wipe can't hurt for those sticky fruit leathers and sweet treats!

5. A sweet note: I also always like to include a little note - just something as simple as "I love you" or "eat your veggies" lets the girls know that I am thinking about them...

6. A little Something Special: For special occasions such as birthdays or the first week of school, I like to include a special little treat - just a small trinket - like some stickers, a piece of candy, or a Squinkie (Mini-mini-me's fav at the moment)...

I know this may all sound like a lot of extra work, but it honestly only adds about one or two extra minutes to my lunch-packing process.  I just stock up on pretty, fun things when I see them. You can even write out a bunch of notes all in one sitting. Packing a "pretty" lunch makes making lunch so much more enjoyable for me... and I know my kiddies really love all the special touches. :-)

Happy Back-to-school!

XOXO

Jessica

P.S. Yes, we did survive Irene. Thank you so much to everyone who so kindly wrote and expressed their concern for our safety.  We were very lucky around here and managed to come out of the whole thing without any injuries to ourselves or damage to our home. Sadly, many others along the East Coast have not been as fortunate and my heart goes out to everyone whose lives have been forever changed...

Target Tuesday: Sprinkle Containment

My sprinkle collection has really gotten a bit out of control lately.  I think it was my last visit to HomeGoods that really pushed me over the edge of reasonableness.  I mean, did I really need six bottles of this pretty, sparkly sugar when just one or two would have been plenty?

Well, yes.  It was so pretty.

But, what to do? It seemed that some sprinkle containment was desperately needed.  Soooooo, I went on over to Target and got these...

Target has a wonderful selection of inexpensively priced jars and storage containers in their kitchenware aisles. I chose some cute little acrylic canisters (RE Style Brand, three in a set) and the Anchor Hocking glass jars (my favorites for storing just about anything). The adorable mini canisters are great for storing smaller quantities of sprinkles and baking bits...

And the glass jars are perfect for storing larger quantities of bulk baking supplies. For example, I was magically able to turn those six bottles of sugar into just one! Presto...total sprinkle containment!

Happy Tuesday!

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Organized: Cupcake Cases

I am of the belief that pretty things should be seen and not stashed hidden away in a drawer or cabinet somewhere.  "Case" in point, there pretty cupcake cases...

I bake a lot of cupcakes, so I've managed to amass quite a collection of them over the years.  I like to keep them displayed in this big glass jar on my kitchen counter...

The cases are so pretty and colorful - it would be such a shame not to see them on a daily basis.

The jar is practical, too. It has a wide opening, so it's easy to reach and grab just what I want. And because the glass is clear, I have no trouble finding exactly the ones that I need.

Plus, the best part is that they look like a jar full of beautiful candy...but without all the calories!

 :-)

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

Pretty Organized: Vintage Wallpaper Scraps

I had been on the hunt for a vintage wire bottle holder for the longest time. You see, I had a "vision" of using one to store all my smaller pieces and scraps of vintage wallpaper.  But, sadly, I was never able to find one. Then, the other day, I walked into HomeGoods (my home away from home) and found the cutest "vintage-inspired" bottle holder.

And, while I would have preferred a true vintage one, I figured that beggars can't be choosers and scooped it right up! It was originally a dark gray metal, so I spray -painted it a nice shade of cottage white.

Then, I started tackling my vintage wallpaper scraps.  I have lots of smaller sheets of wallpaper - pieces that are way too small for my large wallpaper tubes, but also too precious to just throw in the scrap bin.

So, I took these and loosely rolled each piece (being careful not to crack or damage the paper) and tied them with a thin piece of ribbon.

Then I just plopped them in the basket.  The divided compartments are perfect for organizing the little rolls and the open wire sides make it so easy to see everything...

Now my papers are protected and organized and I won't have to sort through heaps of papers to find the exact one that I want to use.

Next, I have to find a way to neatly store all those little bits and pieces of vintage wallpaper that I just can't bear to part with...any ideas???

:-)

Jessica

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

Target Tuesday: French Bath Bins

How cute are these new bath storage bins from Target!  I found them in the bath accessories aisle. They come two to a set and have the French words  "Savon" (soap) and Bain" (bath) printed on them.

I love that the rims and interiors are a pale aqua blue...

These are perfect for storing small items in your bathroom - washcloths, lotions, soaps, etc...

I think these would also make such a great shower or house-warming gift - just fill one up with a few favorite toiletry items and wrap the whole thing up in some clear cellophane and a pretty bow.

BTW, I've keep meaning to tell you all about my favorite new nail polish for Spring...it's called "Mint Candy Apple" by Essie.

It's such a pretty pale minty-aqua color - doesn't it make you want to get out the flip-flops right now!

Happy Tuesday!

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Organized: Office Supplies

In my studio, I have lots of office supplies - scissors, pencils, paper clips, tapes, etc...

Since they are necessities for my everyday life, my supplies need to be readily available and easy to find. So, I like to keep them out on my desk. And I figure that if I am always looking at them, they might as well look as good as possible, right?  Therefore, I am always on the lookout for pretty containers to store them in.  I particularly like to use vintage china pieces - cups, mugs, vases, shallow bowls or dishes - all provide pretty and practical storage.

Taller vases and larger mugs work well for storing things like scissors and hole punches...

Medium sized cups are perfect for holding pens and pencils...

This sweet little china swan all decked out in roses is just the right size for my binder clips...

And a shallow floral dish is perfect for corralling my paper clips...

Don't my candy-colored tapes look even prettier when stored in my vintage forget-me-not covered vase?

I just can't get enough of those forget-me-nots. 

And if you're wondering how it is that all my office supplies just happen to be in all my favorite colors...it's no accident.  I go waaaaaay out of my way to chose products in my favorite colors. Silly?  Perhaps.  But kinda pretty, too.  :-)

Have a great day!

Jessica

"The Cabinet"

From the outside, it looks just like your typical, unassuming kitchen cabinet. Nothing particularly special. Nothing super exciting.  But my family knows better.  Oh, yes, they know full well what lies behind the closed doors of "The Cabinet".  They also know that it is strictly off limits to all and that any unauthorized raids of "The Cabinet" will not be tolerated.  :-) 

So, have I piqued your curiosity?  Do you want a little look inside?  O.K., I'll show you...

It's just my sprinkle and candy cabinet...

However, this is not the cabinet to come to if you are just looking for some jimmies for your ice cream cone or if you are in need of a quick chocolate fix.  No, no, this is my beloved collection of sprinkles, sugars, and candies from all over the world and they are reserved for only my most special of baking projects.

I have beautiful dragees and candied violets from France, sugared almonds from the UK, and teeny, tiny pastel candies from Italy.

Of course, you will find the basic sprinkles and sugars in there as well.

The contents of "The Cabinet" are always changing as I use up products, find new ones, and (sadly) discard outdated ones.

I really do love "The Cabinet" and I must confess that sometimes (when I hope no one is looking), I just open the doors and stare into it.

The sight of those colorful sprinkles and candies just make me smile!

Have a great Monday and I'll be back tomorrow with Target Tuesday...

:-)

Jessica