Changes to our Etsy Store!

We're making some big changes to our Etsy presence and I can't wait to share it all with you. We are starting an all new store, full of fresh ideas. While I don't want to share anything until it's all set, here is a sneak peak at our new Etsy Banner.

The hardest part of this overhaul is trying to stop from jumping in all directions at once. We have so many ideas and of course, me being a Gemini, I feel the need to do them all at once! I am making a conscious effort to pace myself and stick to very loose schedule. It kills me to wait when I am bursting with fresh ideas, but I have to trust that this is the right idea.

What do you think of the new banner? 

Chalkboard Wine Bottles

As the temperature keeps rising here in New Jersey, I am getting more and more motivated to get ready for entertaining this summer. Because I am so strapped for time, I have been looking for the quickest touches I can add until I have the time to take on the bigger tasks. I actually had to fit the one I am about to show you in while cooking dinner for my family. It wasn't pretty and it's probably the reason why the spray paint dripped.

But here it is! I've been holding on to this idea for a year now, and I have to admit I feel pretty satisfied having completed it.

Chalkboard wine bottles are great for any event, large or small. I would reuse one for when company stays over. Just fill it with water instead of wine and leave on a side table. Doing a wedding? These would make great table numbers.

And for my own use? I plan of filling my wine bottles (extra large size of you didn't notice) with homemade sangria as often as possible!

Fedoras for Summer!

I've always loved hats. When I was younger, I was always in one (thanks to my mom) and now that I have girls, I am always on the hunt for hats for them. But for some reason as I got older I stopped wearing them. I had forgotten just how much fun it was to try on all the different types of hats until you find the best one.

That was true until last week. I stumbled on some paper straw fedora hats and I have been obsessing over hats once more. I would love to throw a backyard party this summer and provide everyone with their very own straw fedora hat exactly like this image from allposters.com. Wouldn't that be a great takeway from any outdoor summer event?

So here is my own fedora with a little flare. I will try and add a picture of it actually on later. I added a giant flower to mine that was inspired by the Nordstrom style hat pictured below. I secured this one to the hat, but I think from now on I will make a pin and attached it that way because I am a little accessory bi-polar.

Now I am ready for the sun, which is particulary strong in New Jersey today - we are about to reach 90! If you're interested in having one made for you, just let me know. I will be listing these in our etsy store soon!

My Inspiration: from Nordstrom

Happy Scrabble Day!

It's National Scrabble Day and as a huge fan of the game (even if I really suck at it), I wanted to share this great picture of Scrabble decor. I've been dying to repurpose old Scrabble pieces into some jewlery or home item, but until then, I might do a few pillows like this for my living room.

These pillows would be great a great accent to include in a special event as a nod to a favorite game.


Photo from Stephen Reed Designs

It's National Pet Day!

Today is National Pet Day and while I resisted the urge to make a cake for our lovable dog, Sasha, I couldn't resist the urge to share a picture of her! She will be 9 years old this Christmas but she still has the spunk of a little puppy!

Warm Weather Inspiration

It's official! The lawn guys came today and mowed the lawn for the first time this year. I can't even tell you how long I have been anxiously waiting for them to come and help kick start my yard for me. I'm like a kid on Christmas today. It is now OK to start my backyard planning and using all the goodies I have collected sincce last season. You know, all the bottles, jars, and cans that have been driving my husband crazy. I can't wait to share the pictures with you. For now, here is a little backyard inspiration.

You can see more Spring and Summer inspiration ideas on my Spring and Summer Pinterest board

Photo from:http://nicety.livejournal.com/782106.html

My Easter Hairware

This Easter I finally did truly handmade gifts for my girls' Easter baskets. I has fun staying up late working on their things, especially the flower headbands. After years (literally) of trying to get my oldest daughter to wear hair clips, she is finally into her hair and headbands. She loved the headbands in the baskets and couldn't wait to switch her old one from the new one. I loved that the headband came from the DollarTree - $1 for a pack of 5 or 6 - as did the flowers I used on the bands. I spent $4 on an array of flowers to have a variety, ended up with 6 different headbands, and still have some left.

My youngest was able to keep the snap clip in her hair, and I have to say that yellow flower is one of my favorites.

I love my eco-friendly rolled fabric flowers, but I am so feeling these right now! I think I will search for some used
flowers instead of purchasing new. Always try to be green!

Hope you had a happy Easter!

Easter Inspiration on Pinterest

If you're looking for some inspiration for this Easter weekend, head on over and check out my Easter Pinterest board. From simple decorations to some inspiring Easter setups,

My favorite pin has to be the Easter eggs decorated with temporary tattoos. It's a great, inexpensive and quick way to decorate some eggs with style.


Photo from countryliving.com

I also love this bunny printable from frogprincepaperie.com. I usually design my own printables, but with the stomach flu hanging out in my house this week, this printable is a great alternative and time saver. I love including photo ops at every event - the photos you will have are priceless and a great reminder of a great party.



Have a happy and safe Easter weekend!

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest!

Mustaches at the DollarTree!

I was just in the DollarTree and look what I found - Oh so adorable peel and stick mustaches! I would imagine the peel and stick feature will only work so long, so I would probably opt to glue these onto a prop stick.

I haven't seen these there before, but this is why I love using all the DollarTrees in my area. Each one carries a few unique items that are worth the travel.