lifestyle – Page 114

05/06

in with the old

I can happily admit the fact that I am an “old soul” in that I appreciate all things vintage and antique when it comes to fashion, furniture, accessories, music, manners, etc. But I have noticed more and more, that I am not the only one … everywhere I look fashions from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s are resurrecting, record players are coming back in popularity, and vintage broaches and jewelry are all the rave.

I have collected a few vintage broaches from Etsy.com and was given a vintage typewriter from my grandparents. It is so beautiful, and yet very meaningful. As a matter of fact, I used the typewriter as the guest book at my wedding! I found this great store Frock in New York from the-coveted.com/blog that has all vintage fashions (and the good labels!) – next time I’m in the big city, I’m going to have to stroll on in … I would also love a stack of vintage Louis Vuitton suitcases stacked in my house – a girl can dream!

Vintage jewelry locally collected and re-created into new pieces by Madeliene O’Connell (a local artist in the Highlands) are definitely statement pieces. You can find these jewels at Fleur de Lis.

Oh Audrey Hepburn, you are such an inspiration to brands and women’s fashion all around the world! You are the standard for elegant dress and timeless style. Even Ray Ban Sunglasses was inspired by Audrey’s famous black frames in Breakfast at Tiffany’s … affordable vintage fashions can be found at modcloth.com. Happy Shopping!

{images via Fleur de Lis, Tutiz.com, the-coveted.com/blog, Fashion & Luxury}

posted by jenna Leave a Comment
Filed Under: fashion, lifestyle, vintage, wedding Tagged: fashion, jewelry, vintage, wedding

05/05

Sunflower Cupcakes and Potted Mint Pudding

Sunflowers make me happy, and food makes me happy too, so both of them combined is pure bliss. I love this simple and adorable Sunflower Cupcake Cake idea from Martha Stewart Living magazine, March 2011.

And if your bringing “plants” in to your kitchen (and your belly), these Potted Chocolate Mint Puddings look delicious and fun for the kiddos too.

{images via Martha Stewart}

posted by jessica Leave a Comment
Filed Under: decor, lifestyle, recipe Tagged: cupcake, sunflower

05/03

kentucky derby party, a run for the roses

On May 7, dust off your hats and seersucker suits…this party is for the ladies and the gentlemen. Though most of us will not be sitting on Millionaire’s Row during this year’s Kentucky Derby, we will enjoy the traditions, the fabulous and ridiculous hats and betting against all odds. Though they call it the “greatest two minutes in sports,” with the party ideas below, you’ll be celebrating more than just two minutes.

Color: red, white and green

Decor: DIY Run for the Roses centerpiece following instructions from Hostess with the Mostess. Or, opt for low, white hydrangea arrangements in mint julep style cups and large tall arrangements of red roses in a large trophy. Red Ribbon DIY wreath on the front door to greet guests. Bar of Bourbon and Whiskey for the gentlemen arranged in an antique wagon or box.

Drinks: Mint Juleps, of course, served in the traditional julep cup. Also serve iced tea and lemonade.

Place cards: Pony-size horseshoes (you can purchase from your local horseshoe manufacturer) with a small hang tag with your guest’s name.

Food: Kentucky favorite, fried chicken, Paula Deen-style. Bobby Flay’s Kentucky Hot Browns. If you’re not a fan of the mint julep cocktail, try a mint julep cupcake, courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess. Bourbon Ball French Toast, from Bobby Flay. Derby Cheese Hat and Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie by Southern Living.

Atmosphere: Kentucky Derby on the television. Play My Old Kentucky Home song in the background.

Don’t forget about those fantastic hats. Remind your friends to wear their most fabulous hat accessory. For the best hat, award a DIY prize ribbon to the ladies, and for the best suit or brightest colored shirt, award a DIY trophy boutonniere for the men (by Postcards and Pretties).

{images via Kentucky Derby, Astor and Black, Elizabeth Anne Designs, Social Couture, The Food Network, Southern Living, The Knot, Hostess with the Mostess}

posted by jessica Leave a Comment
Filed Under: lifestyle, party, recipe Tagged: cupcake, party, recipe

04/27

royal wedding viewing party

To most women (or at least to me), the royal wedding is equivalent to the Super Bowl… times 10. I am beyond excited to watch the historic events unfold. I’m a sucker for romance, and it’s a true Cinderella story. A commoner (a beautiful one) meets a handsome prince. They date. Fall in love. He proposes with Princess Diana’s gorgeous sapphire ring. She says yes. They are to be wed in front of millions at the Westminster Abbey.

At least for a day, girls everywhere believe, even more than ever, that they too can and will meet their prince charming and be a ‘princess.’

It’s a perfect opportunity for a royal wedding viewing party. Here are my ideas and inspiration board. Invite your girlfriends over…it’s a party fit for royalty.

Cheers!

P.S. Be sure to TiVo the event, as it will be aired either really early in the morning or really late at night, depending on where you live.

royalteawatchingparty

Food: Serve blueberry scones with jam. Shortbread cookies with a variety of teas, of course. Strawberry champagne. Assortment of tea sandwiches and strawberries and cream on cake stands and pretty platters. Champagne cupcakes courtesy of With Style and Grace.

Decor: DIY Britain flag table cloth. Floral arrangements in vintage or new tea tins. Tea cups placed on DIY mini cupcake stands (tutorial to arrive soon). DIY or store-bought British flag banner. British cupcake toppers or free printable from The TomKat Studio. For place cards at the table, remove the tags from tea bags, replace them with small handwritten name tags for each one of your friends.

Favors: Each friend receives a pearl necklace wrapped around a napkin (set at each place setting) with a replica diamond sapphire ring on top so she is made to feel like a princess. Or tell your girlfriends to pucker up with royal lip gloss.

Be sure to tell guests to wear their best hat. Ask each guest to bring a vintage tea cup and saucer. You can stack and use as decor, and even swap a tea cup and saucer set with a friend at the end of the party.

{images via Martha Stewart, The Party Dress, People online, The Charm of Home, All Things Nice, HGTV, Food Network, Celebrations at Home}

posted by jessica 4 Comments
Filed Under: adult, lifestyle, party Tagged: diy, party, recipe, wedding

04/23

evil “eye”dea

Kara Ackerman’s evil eye necklaces may be small in size … but boy do they stand out. The authentic diamonds encase a bright cobalt or teal eye image . This “evil eye” supposedly wards off evil spirits. I just learned from my aunt (who comes from a Greek family) that this “evil eye” imagery originated in Greece ages ago.

These gorgeous gems come in sterling silver, yellow gold, and rose gold (so hot right now!). Be part of the hottest fashion trend, and ward off evil spirits … sign me up! What a great “eye”dea!

You can find these gorgeous necklaces and bracelets at Fleur de Lis (a paperie) boutique.