jessica – Page 22

03/21

spring fever

Spring is here! And, we all know Spring can bring uncertain weather, the feeling of rejuvenation, blossoming buds, muddy shoes and the anticipation of that warm summer breeze against our sun-kissed skin.

I know I’m happy Spring is here. I also know there are many brides who are anxiously awaiting their beautiful spring wedding day {and praying for good weather}. Here’s 11 beautiful ways brides can infuse a ‘touch’ of Spring to their wedding day.

1. Pack a pair of Hunter Boots
you can purchase here

2. Don’t forget a pretty Umbrella to waterproof your wedding day look
you can buy or rent umbrella’s at Bella Umbrella

3. Add Spring’s favorite flower, the tulip, in an all Tulip centerpiece
this centerpiece is definitely pretty in pink

4. Hold a romantic bouquet with peonies and soft colors

5. Ask your cake designer to add delicate sugar blooms to your cake

6. Give your guests some fresh greenery to take home

7. Make sure you and your bridesmaids get ready in style with a colorful Plum Pretty Sugar robe that sings spring

8. Add a vintage touch with antique watering cans filled with white flowers

9. Nothing says spring like an antique birdcage. Add a birdcage to the gift table, dessert table or specialty tables for an added spring, vintage touch

10. Take the time to smell the blossoming trees…and don’t forget to take a photo surrounded by the blooms too

11. Add fresh leaves and flowers at each place setting – we love the idea of designing fresh greenery {in this case, leaves} under a clear plate as a unique charger

{hunter boots image via Style Me Pretty, umbrella image via Green Wedding Shoes, tulip centerpiece via Epicurious, bouquet image via One Wed, cake image via 100 Layer Cake, green favor image via Grey Likes Weddings, robes via Plum Pretty Sugar, watering can image via Santa Barbara Chic, birdcage image via Style Me Pretty, blossoming crab apple trees via One Wed Bliss, leaves and fresh flowers image via Preston Bailey}

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Filed Under: fashion, lifestyle, style, wedding Tagged: birdcage, bridesmaids, flowers, hunter boots, plum pretty sugar robe, spring, tulip, umbrella, wedding

03/12

gluten free quinoa cakes

All three of us are gluten free {most of the time} so we are always looking for yummy recipes the whole family will enjoy as well. My family is obsessed with Quinoa. We eat it with stir-fry, chicken and veggies, chili and even as a complete meal with a dish like this.

When I told my husband I was attempting this recipe for breakfast this weekend, he had a skeptical look on his face, like “where’s the bacon?” But, after one bite, he quickly changed his mind and enjoyed several of them. This recipe is so easy, healthy and gluten free. Enjoy!

Quinoa Cakes
recipe adapted from a friend
yields 8-9 cakes

Ingredients
2 cups Quinoa, cooked and cooled
2 eggs
1/2 cup Parmesan
1/2 cup gluten free bread crumbs {if you are not gf, you can use regular bread crumbs, or even parmesan Panko bread crumbs}
1/4 cup fresh Parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
splash of milk or cream
1/4 shallot, finely chopped
1 tbsp pressed garlic

Directions
Pour all ingredients into a medium size bowl and mix together
Form into small cakes, about 2 inches diameter

Saute on the stove in olive oil until golden and crispy on each side, about 4-5 minutes {if they are not golden, they will fall apart easily}

Top with an over-easy egg with cheese melted on top and slices of avocado

{images via Tutto Bella}

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Filed Under: lifestyle, recipe Tagged: avocado, gluten-free, quinoa, recipe

03/11

unique gifts we love

We have an exciting announcement – Jenna at Fleur de Lis, a paperie, is rolling out an online store. Now everyone can get a taste of the fabulousness of her store, no matter where you live! More products will be added overtime, but there are some really fun gifts for sale now. Shop the boutique here.

Today, we have fabulous gift ideas for the bride, her bridesmaids and even the girl that just can’t find Mr. Right {we’ve all been there}. And, they are available online and at Fleur de Lis, a paperie.

FOR THE BRIDE
Minimergency Kit for Her
Luck favors the prepared and we certainly hope the bride is prepared for her wedding day…and of course lucky too. These minimergency kits are a lovely gift for the bride {or for any friend} who likes to be prepared. Includes 17 mini beauty and person care essentials. Breath freshener, clear nail polish, lip balm, clear elastics, hair spray, and earring backs, dental floss, mending kit, double-sided tape, safety pin, deodorant towelette, nail polish remover pad, stain remover, tampon, emery board.

FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS {AND THE BRIDE…AND LET’S BE HONEST, ANY AND ALL WINE LOVERS}
Vino2Go
I took one look at this new gift Jenna started to carry in her store {not available online yet, but call the store at 303.996.6885 to buy one today}, and I was totally in love.

FOR THE GIRL WHO JUST CAN’T FIND MR. RIGHT
Dammit Doll
Ever have those days where nothing goes right, Mr. Wrong just isn’t that into you, someone pushed your buttons or you just can’t catch a break? I know my hand was raised…was yours?

Well, when things don’t go your way, just grasp a DAMMIT DOLL firmly by the legs and find a place to slam it…and as you whack the doll, yell “DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT!” I promise, you’ll feel so much better, and no one will get hurt in the process.

{images via Tutto Bella}

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Filed Under: gifts, lifestyle Tagged: birthday, bride, bridesmaids, dammit doll, fleur de lis, Gift, minimergency, vino2go, wine

03/08

St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Charm Printable

Happy Friday. In honor of our Irish heritage {it’s small, but it’s there…and now its even greater since we married Irish men}, we have a Free Lucky Charms Printable for you today.

We used the printable, created by Fleur de Lis, a paperie, to create Fruity Cheerios necklaces for our kids and their friends.

BTW, this is a great activity to do with the kids. All you need is scissors, string {I used twine}, the labels and a box of Fruity Cheerios. Your kids can practice their fine motor skills and even color/pattern skills while creating sweet necklaces for their friends. Win, win if you ask me.

These labels would work on a small box of Lucky Charms too!

We hope you follow our inspiration for St. Patty’s Day and more on Pinterest.

Click here to download the free Lucky Charms printable.

Side Note: Since we’re on the topic of breakfast…if you haven’t tried Agave Nectar in your coffee in the morning in place of sugar and the flavored, bad-for-you creams, you are MISSING OUT. I love the Hazelnut flavor – it’s my fave – however since I am celebrating all things Irish this month and I can’t have actual Bailey’s Irish Cream in my coffee every morning, this has been the perfect fix. Really, this line of Agave Nectar has transformed my mornings and cup of joe. Try it…and if you don’t like flavor in your coffee, but you like a little sweetness, try Organic Blue Agave. It’s sweet like sugar…but healthier than sugar. Cheers!

{images via Tutto Bella}

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Filed Under: holiday, lifestyle, printables Tagged: coffee, diy, holiday, jewelry, lucky charms, st. patty's day, toddler

03/06

a favor to share

I’m obsessed with details at weddings, especially when the details are perfectly fitting to the bride and groom’s personalities. Favors, although not officially necessary {and guests often leave behind}, are a wonderful opportunity to incorporate details into a wedding day, and serve as a memento for guests to take home and remember a couple’s wedding day too.

The ideas are endless, but here’s some clever favor ideas I just adore lately, and they can be used at both weddings, parties and showers…

SPRING FAVORS
Honey Dipper at Place Setting
Elizabeth Anne Designs