Such Pretty Things

Chocolate Covered Matzoh

The Jewish holiday of Passover begins this Friday night and if you celebrate (or even if you don't!), you might want to try making some chocolate covered matzoh. It's crunchy and sweet with just a little salt for contrast - sort of like a yummy chocolate covered pretzel. And so simple to make- only three ingredients!

Ingredients:

- Matzoh (I used the salted variety)

- Chocolate candy melts (white, milk, dark, etc...)

- Sprinkles, mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, etc...

Directions:

Lay your sheets of matzoh on a parchment covered baking sheet. Melt the chocolate according to the manufacturer's directions and spread evenly over the matzoh. I just covered one side, but if you want to make it truly decadent, let one side set up and then turn it over and coat the other side.

Working quickly, sprinkle on the toppings of your choice and allow to completely set up.

Once the chocolate is hardened, break up the matzoh into pieces and serve. Delish! And pretty, too!

Happy Passover!

XOXO

Jessica

DIY Honeycomb Easter Eggs

I have been collecting vintage honeycomb Easter eggs for many years...

I just adore their pastel colors...

But they are becoming harder and harder to find - especially at reasonable prices.  So, I thought it might be fun to try to make some similar ones myself...

I bought some honeycomb paper pads in white. You can find them here.  I just traced half an egg shape onto the pad, being careful to make sure the glue lines were running horizontally (hold the pad up to the light if you are having trouble seeing this). For a fully 3-D egg, I needed to cut two identical pieces for each egg.  Once I cut out one shape, I used it as a template for the others. Then I used a glue stick to join the two halves together and let them dry.

For my egg colors, I wanted to mimic the vintage two-toned ones, but I went for horizontal stripes rather than vertical ones (so much easier!). I used very watered down tempera paints and a light touch with my brush. Some tips: Don't over-do it.  Too much watery paint and it will ruin the delicate tissue paper. Just touch the paint brush to the outer surface and the paint will naturally dip down into the interior spaces. If you are using more than one color like I did, allow the first to dry before starting on the second.

I just love the results and they were so easy and fun to make! Ya gotta try it!

XOXO
Jessica

 

Stylish Home Sewing Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a copy of Torie Jayne's beautiful new book, Stylish Home Sewing! Unfortunately, there can only be one winner and that winner is....Koolchicken!  Congratulations "Koolchicken" (love the name!).  Please email me ([email protected]) your full name and address so that CICO Books can get your copy in the mail ASAP!

Happy Monday!

XOXO

Jessica

 

Pretty Books: Stylish Home Sewing & A Give-a-way!

I have followed Torie Jayne - blogger and designer extraordinaire - for many years now. Her beautiful, pastel colored designs are pure eye-candy!  So, I was absolutely delighted when I found out that she was coming out with her second book, Stylish Home Sewing...

Stylish Home Sewing was born out of Torie's childhood love of sewing on her grandmother's old Singer machine. The book is packed with 35 simple, but fabulous projects for your home - all with clear, detailed instructions and accompanying how-to illustrations.

Not a sewer?  Fear not, Torie uses the first chapter to introduce the reader to basic sewing techniques. These are truly projects that anyone can make and easily adapt to their own home and design style. The remainder of the book focuses on projects specifically designed for different rooms of the house.  From a tote bag to hang in the entrance hall to a padded headboard for the bedroom, the sewing projects range form the practical to the whimsical.

And the photographs are just gorgeous - so much pastel prettiness captured by the infinitely talented photographer, Sussie Bell.

CICO Books has generously offered my readers an opportunity to win a copy of Stylish Home Sewing! To enter to win, simply leave a comment here or follow me and comment on Facebook or Instagram. The drawing is only open to US and UK shipping addresses. I will pick a winner at random next Monday, February 23, 2015. And the blog tour continues - check-out these wonderful bloggers for more sneak peeks and reviews of Stylish Home Sewing...

Stylish Home Sewing by Torie Jayne, photography by Sussie Bell, is published by CICO Books, rrp £14.99.  You can purchase your very own copy right here!

Congratulations, Torie!

XOXO

Jessica

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We are celebrating with my favorite chocolates (delicious, but the packaging is even better!) and yummy sugar cookies for the girls...

Confetti is always a must no matter what the occasion...

And lots pretty pink roses courtesy of the husband.

Hope you have a lovely day!

XOXO

Jessica

Pretty Books: Bohemian Modern

If you love creative and eclectic interiors, then you are going to love Emily Henson's beautiful new book, Bohemian Modern.

Emily's world of Bohemian Modern is a very fun and vibrant place to be - filled with a fabulous mix of pattern, texture, color, and 1970's chic! It is a study in the juxtaposition of old and new elements - that wonderful combination of vintage and modern details that work so perfectly together.

The book begins with a very detailed look at each of the basic design elements that make up the Bohemian Modern design style. From textiles and house plants to styling and collecting, Emily shares her tips for incorporating each of these facets of design into a pretty and practical interior. Emily really understands that in addition to being beautiful, a home must be truly livable. This is evidenced in her sage advice on how to incorporate the items of everyday life into one's home styling.

Emily also believes that great design need not cost a fortune.  She demonstrates how being creative can be just as effective as spending a ton of cash. Case in point, the lovely display cabinet shown at the top of this post was built from old salvaged doors and windows.

To showcase how all these elements come together, Bohemian Modern takes the reader on a tour of thirteen stunning homes. It is fascinating to see each homeowner's unique take on the boho-modern style. I just loved this old garage that was transformed into a bright and whimsical retreat...such a fun mix of brightly patterned pillows, vintage furniture, a floral rug and even a disco ball!

The "technicolor Home", a 19th century former factory in the Netherlands, is another personal favorite of mine. How cool are the pretty, pastel lanterns hung like a chandelier over the dining table!

And if bright, eye-popping colors are not your thing, Emily provides many examples of how the Bohemian Modern approach can work with a more subdued and tranquil palette. I just adore the combination of the worn wood planked floors next to that glossy, sleek white fridge...

Bohemian Modern is such a pretty and informative book! Well done, Emily!

Bohemian Modern by Emily Henson, with photography by Katya de Grunwald, is published by Ryland Peters & Small rrp: $29.95.  You can purchase your own copy right here.

Pretty Baking: Rice Krispie Caramel Bon-bons

I always like to give home-made sweets to family and friends for the holidays. In addition to the requisite cookies this year, I thought I'd make some Rice Krispie Caramel Bon-bons. These are truly delicious and so simple to make - only five ingredients and no baking required!

Ingredients:

- 8 cups Rice Krispie Cereal

- 3 T melted Butter

- 4 cups Mini Marshmallows (or 10 oz. large marshmallows)

- 8 oz. Caramels (I like Kraft)

- 1 package Chocolate Melts (white, milk, or dark)

- Sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies, nuts, etc... (optional)

- Toothpicks

Directions: Place rice krispie cereal in a large bowl. Melt Marshmallows with butter and stir to combine. Melt caramels according to package directions. Using a large spoon, quickly stir the melted marshmallow mixture and caramel into the cereal. It will be HOT, so be careful! Once it cools to the touch, you may want to use your hands to form the balls.  Try coating them with a little butter or cooking spray to keep the mixture from sticking to your fingers. Once mixed, quickly form little balls (approximately 1-inch in diameter) and place them on a cookies sheet to harden.

Melt chocolate according to directions. Pierce each bon-bon ball with a toothpick and use it to dip the ball in the chocolate. Decorate them immediately with sprinkles, if desired. Then place on a parchment or wax covered cookie sheet. Remove the toothpicks before the chocolate hardens and then allow the balls to set up completely.

Once set, you can present them in pretty boxes or tins.  I love these pretty berry baskets from Shop Sweet Lulu... 

Just fill them with colorful tissue and fill with your bon-bons! Of course, you can also just serve them to your family and guests! These really are yummy - the addition of creamy caramel elevates them (beyond the typical rice krispie treat) to true candy bar status!

Happy (no)baking!

XOXO

Jessica

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you all a lovely Thanksgiving Holiday!

XOXO

Jessica

Target Tuesday: Sparkly Tinsel Wreath

You may have seen the pretty vintage-style wreath at Anthropologie this season...

Sadly, it completely sold out before I could order it.  But thanks to Target and some vintage ornaments, I discovered I could easily make a similar one myself - and for under $10! I found the tinsel covered wreath in the Dollar Spot at Target. At only $3, it was a true bargain!

I love that the tinsel was a combination of silver and gold strands - it gives it more of a vintage-look, don't you think? And the wreath form is already covered with the tinsel - all ready for some decoration!

All I needed to complete the look were some mercury glass ornaments.  There are many reproductions out there, but if you want true vintage (and there really is nothing quite as beautiful), you can find them very inexpensively at yard sales and thrift shops - especially if you look in the off-season. I bought a bag of all the ones seen on my wreath for only $5!

If you can't find vintage, Target also has tubes of adorable mini ornaments - 16 for $1!

To attach the ornaments, you will need some thin jewelry wire - just thread a piece through the ring cap and twist a few times to secure.

You can then use the wire to easily secure the ornaments to the wreath.  Personally, I like to gild the lily, but you could certainly add fewer ornaments and it would still be lovely.

Although I was really disappointed to miss out on the Anthro wreath, I think I may even like mine a little bit better. :-)

Happy Tuesday!

XOXO

Jessica

Pretty Crafts: Paper Straw Garland

I don't know about you, but I just love paper straws.  And they seem to be available everywhere right now...and in so many pretty colors and patterns!

Well, I have a ton of them left over from previous parties and I have been trying to come up with something fun to do with them. Then I remembered making these as a kid...straw garlands!

If you want to make some, they are sooooo easy!  You will, of course, need some paper straws in your favorite colors and patterns (there are so many choices out there - striped, dotted, floral, chevron, etc...). I find mine primarily on Etsy, but almost every party and craft store carries them these days.

You will also need some string (I like this gold metallic beading thread) and some beads (I chose these because they reminded me of tiny Christmas ornaments)...

All you have to do is cut your straws into similar length pieces.  I just eyeballed it. The smaller the size, the more your garland will be able to curve tightly. You also might want to try varying the lengths for added interest. Alternate straw pieces and beads to make a pattern that you like.  HINT: Make sure your bead diameter is bigger than the opening of your straw or else the beads will not act as separators.

Settle down in front of the TV and in no time, you'll have a pretty, paper straw garland! These are fun to make with the kiddies, too!

XOXO

Jessica