brown paper flowers for easter

What did I do with a couple free hours {nap time}, brown paper bags, easter eggs and inspiration from The Nate Berkus Show?

Brown paper flowers for easter, of course.

This might be the cheapest project I’ve ever done – the eggs were .50 cents, and I already had brown paper bags and hot glue. My husband would say the word ‘cheap’ is not in my vocabulary, but after this project I beg to differ.

The creator of this simple and adorable project {that can be used for holidays, or even decor for birthday parties} is Destiny from A Place For Us. She created them for her mantle, and has a wonderful tutorial on how to make the flowers.

I followed her tutorial, then made the flowers Easter-friendly by gluing one side of a plastic easter egg to the center of the flower.

Step 1:
Draw and cut out a leaf template or find one online. I used three different sized leaf templates, small, medium and large.

Step 2:
Trace your leaf template onto brown paper bags. I used about 20 bags for this project.

Step 3:
Fold each leaf length-wise so it will help create a multi-dimensional effect when displayed.

Step 4:
Start with the largest size leaf, and begin to glue {I used a hot glue gun} each leaf on top of one another in the same central point. Continue to glue leaves on your flower, layering the large leaves, then the medium-sized leaves, finishing with the small leaves.


Step 5:
Cut one side of a plastic egg and glue to the middle of the flower.

Step 6:
Add tape to the back and find the perfect spot to display in your home.

{images via Tutto Bella}

neon lights

I’m having slight flashbacks to the 80’s with all this bright NEON everywhere. It’s bold and bright, so I’m just sticking to pops of color with these neon accessory must-haves for summer…rock it while it’s hot y’all.

images from left to right/top to bottom via: Fergie Protest Pumps from Zappos, $69.95 | ASOS Pack of Three Neon Love Rings, $14.32 | Tribal Mosaic Necklace from BaubleBar {I love this…and the price is good}, $38 | Urban Outfitters Elastic Hair-Tie Ball, $6 | Jessica Simpson Collection Color Blocked Floppy Hat, $42 | Jonathan Adler Watercress Pop Candle, $38 | Anotherline ‘Updated’ Skinny Patent Belt from Nordstrom, $28 |  Urban Outfitters Cooperative Neon Open Weave Scarf, $24 | Kate Spade Hopper House Little Shyla, $298| Filigree Cutout Cuff from Forever 21, $4.80| Neon Nailpolish in a rainbow of colors from American Apparel,  $9 | MICHAEL Michael Kors Aviator Sunglasses from Nordstrom, $99 and come in many different colors | Rebecca Minkoff ‘Boyfriend’ Tote from Nordstrom, $195 | Don’t Pink Twice Vintage Jacket from Modcloth, $67.99

revived with vintage revivals

I knew I was impressed with Mandi at Vintage Revivals when I saw her Anthropologie-inspired teapot lamp and DIY rug, but after I saw her again on The Nate Berkus Show last week, now I know Mandi is extremely talented and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. I want to hire her to come into my house. Her blog and Nate will have to do for now.

Hope you find some inspiration for your own home with these DIY beauties. Click on the links below to read Mandi’s how-to tutorials.

Yarn Ombre Lamp

PVC Pipe Dresser

Mirrored Dresser

{images via Vintage Revivals}

minty fresh

I can’t say it was love at first sight with the whole mint fashion trend for spring. I LOVE green, just wasn’t sure about the particular mint and sea foam green painting stores shelves and hangers. It’s grown on me, and I’ve found a couple minty fresh finds you may like too on this day before we celebrate the Irish in all of us…

1. Mint Patent Macabee Loafers, ASOS $68.04
2. Drape Front Long Sleeve Top, TopShop $72
3. Mint To Be Scarf, ModCloth $17.99
4. Mossimo Women’s Kimono Sleeve Maxi Dress, under $25 from Target
5. Pleated Trousers, Zara $79
6. Pale Mint Green Post Earrings, Ever So Lovely $10
7. Sparkle and Fade Pleated Chiffon Miniskirt, Urban Outfitters $49
8. Fossil Purse $198
9. Table Setting
10. Dotted Swiss Shirt, Zara $35.90

st pattys day fancy

Being married to an Irish man, I think I’ll win major points when I fancy up my St. Patty’s Day bash with these fun party ideas!

DECOR:

Too cute to pass up from {where else?} Better Homes and Gardens

DRINKS:

Jameson, Guinness and Baileys, duh 🙂

APPS:

Be Different Act Normal puts a cute spin on sweet snacks.

Green paper straws from The Cupcake Social via Etsy

Rainbow fruit skewers from Quick Dish by Tablespoon are a MUST!

FOOD:

Irish Mashed Potatoes from Cooking Quinn
{find complete recipe here}

Lucky Spinach Quiche from Diamonds for Dessert
{find complete recipe here}

DESSERTS

Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes with Bailey’s Cream Cheese Frosting from Nook & Pantry
I love my Bailey’s and my hubby loves his Guinness – I’d say this is the perfect dessert for us!
{find the complete recipe here}

Irish Style Dirt Cake from Quick Dish by Tablespoon
Can you say YUM?!
{find the complete recipe here}

Mint Bailey’s Brownie Bites from Just Call Me Maria.
{find the complete recipe here}

{images via Be Different Act NormalNook & Pantry,  Quick Dish by Tablespoon, Diamonds for DessertCooking QuinnBetter Homes and Gardens, Etsy, All’s Fare Food BlogJust Call Me Maria}