pen n' paper flowers

books | Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas

2012-01-25T10:10:00.000-05:00

For those of you who've been anxiously awaiting the release of the book by Amy Atlas...
(the one she's been working on behind the scenes for over the past two years)...

Well it's here...

image via Amy Atlas Events

Amy revealed the book cover yesterday and shared some insights into what we can expect...
• 352 pages
• 270 never-before-seen photos (including dessert tables)
• 15 chapters
• 100 "eye-popping" recipes
• 75 affordable DIY craft projects

I. Can't. Wait!!!

The book will be on shelves April 24th...
BUT you can....
PRE-ORDER yours NOW via Amazon.com at an amazing discounted price.
I purchased TWO...
one to keep pretty as a "coffee table book"
and the other one to keep in the kitchen.
GREAT idea...right?!
I should probably go back and order another one as a gift too?
What do you think?

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Want to know one of the reasons I've been so excited about this book release?
This has been a two-year project for Amy.
She took her time and put her heart into the pages.
It never felt to me that Amy was merely trying to capitalize on her success and large fan base by releasing a book.
She often shared her book journey and the behind-the-scenes with her readers over the past two years.
And guess what...
When Amy mentioned yesterday...
she worked really hard to keep the price point low for all of us...
my suspicions were confirmed! *wink*
Thank you for always being so genuine Amy!
I couldn't be more thrilled for you!!
I can't WAiT to get lost in the pages...

in the studio | Quilted Blooms Collection

2012-01-23T10:40:00.000-05:00

This adorable design was inspired by the quilt I shared with you last week...
The one lovingly sewn by a mother, for her daughter...
The quilt used as inspiration for the baptismal program I designed for her daughter's baptism...
(One of the most beautiful, intricate quilts I've ever seen)?

I'm in LOVE with the results of the final design...

(last names/personal information removed)

I'm calling it the "Quilted Blooms Collection"...
and it will be available in the shoppe later this week.

I hope you love it too...
and that it added a bit of "lovely" to your Monday!!

Ila...thank you for letting me play a small part in Ava's special day!
I'm amazed by your quilting talents!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I worked all weekend getting caught up on orders.

It's been QUiTE a busy month.

Lots of celebrations going on!!

Seriously getting closer and closer to the need for an assistant.

promise ME | Bake Me A Cake • goal #29

2012-01-19T10:15:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday...

I was able to cross off a few things on my "promise ME" list!!

One of those things happened to be my long awaited visit to "Bake Me A Cake" Pastry Shop & Bakery.

I'd come across their pastries in a local mall some time back and vowed to visit their actual bakery shop.

Little did I know...

This Pastry Shop has received quite a few impressive accolades since first opening in 2001.

The husband-wife team (Mercedes & Alex Strachwsky) that own, operate and are the creative forces behind the beautiful confections...

have managed to gain an impressive clientele base...

(including some celebrity clients such as Shaquille O'Neal and Paris Hilton).

In addition to that...

Bake Me A Cake has been awarded:

• The Knot's Best of Awards for 2011

• Top 10 Cake Artists featured in Dessert Professional Magazine

• 2009 Grand National Wedding Cake Grand Prize Winner

• Wedding Wire's Bride Choice Award for 2010 and 2011

Quite impressive, wouldn't you say?
I feel so fortunate to have their shop located in Central Florida.

At Bake Me A Cake, an array of pastries, cookies and breads are offered...

in addition to beautiful custom cakes.

On Saturday, we walked out the door with these gorgeous mini cupcakes...

They look GREAT on The Pastry Pedestal™...don't they!?

Want more information about Bake Me A Cake?
Here are their social media links:
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Blog
•Website

Promise #29...DONE!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I almost missed being able to visit Bake Me A Cake on Saturday.

I didn't realize the shoppe was supposed to close at 2p.m. Saturday afternoon...

I should've called...I know...

We arrived at 2:07p.m. *sigh*

BUT...

As luck would have it...

There was a cake consultation still going on...

so the shoppe remained open.

We LUCKED out!!

I was SO happy!!

coming up | color inspiration

2012-01-17T11:51:00.001-05:00

Since I took the day off yesterday to spend with my girls...
I'm working overtime to catch up on all my orders...

In the meantime, I thought I'd share with you some beautiful COLOR inspiration

I photographed this quilt as inspiration for a customized baptismal program I just designed...
The details are amazing!! One of the most beautiful quilts I've ever seen!!

I'll share the whole scoop on it later...

but it turned out A. dorable!!!

Have a great Tuesday!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

We had the most wonderful Family Night last night...

A "pizza picnic" followed by a game of football...

finished up with roasting marshmallows and making s'mores.

I, of course, am sticking to my vegan "promise ME" goal...

which means I couldn't partake of the s'mores.

But...

it was still fun roasting them and just having good...quality...family time!!

family night | Family Wishes Jar • 2012

2012-01-16T10:24:00.000-05:00

Good Monday Morning everyone!! (and Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Day)

I'm feelin' fired up from a productive weekend...
and I'm looking forward to a great week ahead.

It's the 3rd week of January...can you believe it?
almost the end of the first month of a brand-new year!?
Some of us may still be creating resolutions...
and setting goals.

With that said...
I wanted to share with you something we did for Family Night a couple of weeks ago.
Since I'm always looking for ways to strengthen our family...
by actively keeping our connections alive and well...
I came up with the idea of creating a "Family Wishes" Jar!

(My inspiration came from this post/photo from Green Wedding Shoes).

We sat down as a family...
I gave everyone 4 slips of paper...
and we each came up with activities we'd like to do together at some point over the course of 2012.
The activities were not meant to cost money, necessarily...
but to promote engaging family activities - in some form or fashion.

Some of the ideas were as simple as:
• getting outside and playing together...(game of volleyball, football)

• heading to a location for some fun...(park, beach)

• staying inside for a game of cards/dice.

With our ideas gathered, I stuck them in an ordinary, random jar I had and set them to the side.

It wasn't until this past week...
I took some time to transform a jar I already had into what is now our official
"FAMiLY WiSHES JAR".
It's something we can keep on display...
Selecting items one-by-one until we've accomplished them all.
(All I need to do is change out the tag every year).

I started out with this look...

But I really wanted it to match my creamy white home decor so I changed out the blue ribbon for creamy tulle...

Here's how I created the jar...
(all of these items I already had on hand - no need to purchase anything new)

SUPPLiES:
• jar from Target
• Armour Etching Cream
• Paintbrush
• Scotch Tape
• Vinyl Stickers from Office Depot
• Pink Felt Sticker from Martha Stewart

STEP ONE
Apply stickers to jar using scotch tape as a guide for keeping them aligned
AND...to create a frame around the letters.

STEP TWO
Apply Etching Cream and wait 90 seconds

STEP THREE
Rinse under running water to remove etching cream

STEP FOUR
Wipe off excess water and peel stickers off. Done!

You've seen me use this process before.

It's a fast...

simple way...

to personalize any glass or mirrored item.

Want more specifics on this technique?

See this post...

Don't let the jar distract you...

If it inspires you...GREAT!

My real goal today was to inspire you to create your own FAMiLY WiSHES.

They could be in the form of a list instead of a jar.

It's not about the container...

It's about sitting down together and coming up with ideas...

and then following through on those ideas.

THAT'S what's important!

Presentation is just the icing on the cake! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL

So excited to have checked off some things on my "promise ME" list this weekend.

(I'll share details with you this week).

Feelin' good and motivated...

How are YOU doing?

holiday | 2011 Holiday Recap

2012-01-13T09:45:00.000-05:00

Since my Christmas tree is still up...(no laughing anyone)
I figured I could still get away with sharing with you my recap of our holidays...

• LOTS OF HOLIDAY BAKING •

I'm so glad I caught these photos of Ella helping me sift powdered sugar one day...

She got a little carried away with spinning the handle...
making it an adorable photo to capture after she unexpectedly dusted herself...*wink*

• ANNUAL COOKIE BAKING •
Our annual cookie baking was a HUGE success.
While the adults focused on making traditional cookies...
The kids had fun with their annual task of decorating the sugar cookies.
They are getting quite creative as they get older...
We had everything from a "baby elf", several melted snowmen and even a bearded gingerbread man...

Things got even better when I broke out the "Disco Dust"...
Next thing I knew the girls were using it as eye shadow and lip gloss...
(I LOVED the look so much, I just may consider doing it for my next "GLAM" outing). *wink*

• ELF ON THE SHELF TRADITION BEGINS •
This year, our family welcomed our sweet little adopted Elf named Stuart.
He surprised us each morning with a new, precarious hiding place...

• MINI ELF DONUTS •
Because he was such a funny little elf and added an extra element of magic to our holidays...
We decided to make him some mini Elf Donuts and left them with Santa's cookies and milk...
He must've loved them because they were all gobbled up when we awoke Christmas morning... *wink*

I know the Christmas holidays have passed...
but I hope you've taken a minute to recap/document your own festivities of 2011.

Stay tuned for our:
"Family Wishes" Project

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I. am. soooooo behind...

on absolutely every aspect of my life right now!

Stay focused Jessica!

Just. stay. focused! *wink*

promise ME | 20 days & counting...

2012-01-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Can you believe we are counting down our last 20 days of the "promise ME" journey?
I spent part of yesterday actually "mapping out" exactly how to accomplish my remaining goals...
(I've still got quite a few to finish up.)

For today though...
Instead of focusing on what I still need to get done...
Let's talk about what I've been able to accomplish!
(and hopefully that'll help those of you who have been participating, to reflect on all that you have achieved as well).

I did it!!!
Angel Food Cake...(my 2nd attempt)

Although my first attempt was a complete failure...(see the shameful ViDEO here)
I couldn't give up.
Yes...I could've easily marked this off my "promise ME" list after the first attempt...
Afterall...it just stated "Make an angel food cake"...
It didn't actually say "Successfully make an angel food cake"...
But like I said in the video...
I was determined to succeed.
And I did...
with this second attempt!!
Woo Hoo!!

However...
I can't really tell you if it "tasted" good or not.
I was only able to rely on the feedback from my family.
Why?

Yes...
I started my "completely vegan" adventure on December 27th...
Yesterday marked exactly 2 weeks of successfully avoiding eating any type of animal product.
Although my usual diet consisted mainly of chicken and fish as my main sources of protein anyway...
The challenge has still been quite difficult eliminating those...
as well as avoiding all products with dairy in them.
My original thoughts were that I would turn to eating more vegetables because I already eat a good amount of fruits...
Unfortunately though, I seem to be reaching for more carbs. *grumbling*
Why this promise?
I've always wondered if I could ever actually do it. (and not be miserable). *wink*
And honestly, I'm not miserable at all.
(Except that I still have to prepare "un-vegan-friendly" dinners for the rest of the family).

Moving on...

Although we haven't performed the Random Acts of Kindness yet...(scheduled for Saturday, January 28th)
We have started making our list.
Here's where I need your help...
I thought it would be fun to hear YOUR suggestions as to some things we can add to...

Our current list:
Inspirational quotes left on windshields.
Paying for somebody's drive-thru meal.
Collecting grocery carts from the parking lot and pushing them into the store.
Anonymously leaving change on a vending machine.
Picking up trash in a public area.
Writing thank you letters to people we appreciate, love and admire.
Bake Cookies for the Fire Department.
Take a New Baby Care Package to Hospital Maternity Ward.
Leave treats for hospital staff and nurses.
Donate some books to the local library.
Pay for someone's cupcake at Cupcake Delights.
Leave a bouquet of balloons for kids at the park.
Leave a tub of cold water bottles where there may be thirsty people.
Make a HUGE card for Chick-Fil-A -
thanking them for always being courteous, prompt and never forgetting anything.

As you are thinking of some creative things for us to add to our list...
Keep in mind these are things we'd like to accomplish in a 3-4 hour time span.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Using my Google Calendar...
I have mapped out my remaining promises so that I can be sure to achieve each one.
I hope those of you participating have been enjoying your adventure...
I look forward to sharing more with you and hearing all about your own accomplishments!!
TWENTY DAYS AND COUNTiNG...
I'm excited!!
Let's do this peeps!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Have I recapped 2011 yet?

No.

Have I shared with you my favorite holiday photos yet?

Nope.

Have I been able to do anything else except design work and fulfilling orders?

Not.

However, I'm feeling extremely blessed to be so busy.

With that said...

If I'm ever going to be able to get back to blogging consistently...

it looks like I'm going to have to carve out some time in the evenings...

mornings just aren't working for me anymore! *wink*

Bunny update:

We are down to 3 healthy babies.

One of the 4 has seemed to developed something called "Wry Neck".

I'm certain it's directly related to having found three of the babies trapped under the food bowl last week.

(The mama bunny apparently flipped her bowl over right on top of them).

We have no idea as to how long they were under there...

but I happened to check on them in the middle of the day...

and about FREAKED when I found them.

They were all lethargic and sweating.

I'm certain if I wouldn't have found them when I did...

We would only have 1 baby left.

We've been taking videos so I hope to share them with you soon!

did you know? | I am an overachiever...

2012-01-05T15:38:00.000-05:00

Not sure if you've picked up on the fact that...
I tend to be an overachiever.

Sometimes this is a very good quality to have.
And other times I find it quite annoying.

Regardless...
it's part of who I am.
And because of it...
I have come to learn so much about myself.

One of the hardest things I've had to learn over the past few years...
(yes...this particular piece of self-discovery is still sort of new)...
Is this...

Source: jenniferjohner.typepad.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Growing up...
There wasn't anything I didn't think I could conquer, if I put my mind to it.
Not only conquer...
But excel at...
and even, perhaps, be the very best at...
(whatever it was).

No...
I wasn't that person who participated in every extra-curricular activity in school.
And aside from cheerleading for a short period in my life...
I wasn't involved in competitive sports.
I didn't run for class president...
I wasn't a straight-A student either.

I guess you'd call it "selective" over-achieving.
I HAVE to find it interesting...
I HAVE to be passionate about it...
and it HAS to hold my attention....
otherwise, once I've conquered it...
I'm done with it.

I had no fear of whatever challenge was before me.
Whatever I put my mind to...
I could do it.
And I could do it well.

It either stemmed from a very strong sense of self-confidence...
or developed due to a lack of confidence...
and the need to prove myself to others. (and to myself)?
I haven't figured out which one it was yet.
Probably a combination of the two since I think we are born with such innocence...
not yet fully aware of the sting of failure...
or the fear that somehow creeps into our lives as we are exposed to pain...
frustration...
embarrassment...
and all of the other emotions and experiences that continually shape and mold us.

This "overachiever" mindset was carried over into adulthood...
And it became particularly prominent when I became a mother.
I grew up wanting to be the "perfect" Mom.
I'm certain I'm no different than so many of you out there.

I want to be good at everything I do.
And most importantly...
I want to be able to do everything I want to do.
I have dreams...
And I have my heart and mind set on achieving so many different things...
This list includes everything from:
• being that "perfect Mom"
• being the perfect daughter
• the perfect friend
• the perfect neighbor
• the woman who religiously works out for health and fitness
• the girl who's baking everyone loves
• the girl who's cooking everyone craves
• the one who's home feels comfortable to all who enter
• the person who's home is always neat and tidy
• the woman who provides a safe haven for her family by creating warmth and love in her home

Not the girl who necessarily HAS it all...(although that would be nice too.) *wink*
but the girl who can DO it all.
I get extremely frustrated when I feel like I'm having to choose between the things I want to do.

I don't want to have to choose...
I really want to be able to do EVERYTHiNG!!
And sometimes I let my own frustration get the best of me.
I refer to it as "swimming against the current".
I don't want to prioritize...
because EVERYTHiNG is a priority.
I sometimes feel that if I let go of something I sincerely feel is important...
I will somehow end up with a lot of missing pieces to my "life puzzle".

I resist surrendering to the fact that there are only so many hours in the day...
and that there's only so much energy I'm alloted on a daily basis...
and that there is a cut-off point as to the number of irons I have in the fire...

And then...
this arrived via email today from Brave Girls Club...

I DO love to do things in a "beautiful, soulful way".
But if try to do everything...
"sacred things will suffer...especially [me]."

This is something I know I will have to continually remind myself of.
And as much as it pains me...
I DO have to "give myself permission to put some things on a different timetable..."
It's VERY hard for me to accept when I have to leave something "undone".
It's difficult to let go of anything I feel is important...

But I completely agree with this:
"It does not make you weak or powerless...
it shows your strength and commitment to all that is best for your own precious life".

Anyone else out there need that message today?

I genuinely love you guys.
I'm SO grateful for every single one of you who takes the time to read my posts.
I'm grateful for all of you who leave comments...
and share your own personal stories.
I adore each of you.
Thank you for enriching my life...
I especially thank you for listening...*wink*

It's time...almost

2012-01-04T11:36:00.000-05:00

Time to get back into the swing of things...
My two older girls officially headed back to school this morning...
So now it's time for mom to get back to business! *wink*

The holidays were great.
The extra time with my girls through Winter Break is always nice.
It's also always nice to get back to some normalcy and routine.

Looking forward to sharing a variety of things with you.
And I will.
After I get caught up on some design work and orders.

I've still got my recap of the holidays to share with you...
Highlights of 2011...
Ella's birthday party details...
(want a peek right now)?

I knew you would say yes...
So here you go...
Cuz I love ya...
And I know you've been patiently waiting on "SOMETHING"

There you go...
The theme has finally been revealed!!
"A Pocket Full of Posies"...
Do you LOVE it!?
I hope you ADORE what you see so far!
Remember the surprise giveaway I did the other day...
They were the "Matching Game" pieces I made for party favors that you see pictured here.

I have to warn you though...
It still may be a few weeks before I get the final post together with ALL of the details.
The good news?
I'm also putting together some party-related DiY's to share with you...
to go along with the party post! Woo Hoo!!

I hope you all are having a wonderful New Year so far.
Excited to be getting back to regular posting!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'm kickin' things into high gear...
February is fast-approaching and I still have MANY things to cross off my "promise ME" list.
(Why did I have to be such an over-achiever and choose to do over 40 different items??!!)
If you are one of the many "promise ME peeps" participating with me...
How are you doing?
Tell me! Tell me!!
I cannot WAiT to hear your stories all about your journey/adventure!!

TWENTY-TWELVE

2012-01-02T11:40:00.001-05:00

Happy TWENTY-TWELVE everyone!!

My kids are still out on Winter Break so aside from filling orders from my Etsy shoppe and The Pastry Pedestal™...
I've tried VERY hard not to be on the computer, in order to take advantage of time with them.

I've got so much to share...
and so much to say...
about 2011...
as well as the new year ahead of us...

I don't want to be rushed though.
You know I like for my posts to be heartfelt...
so as much as I want to hurry and post something...
you'll just need to be a little more patient with me until the kids are back in school.

While you are patiently awaiting regularly scheduled ~~programming~~ blogging...*wink*
Feast your eyes on these gorgeous "Pink Champagne" cake pops by the ever-so-talented Rosie from Sweetapolita!!

Source: sweetapolita.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Wishing you all a very Healthy, Prosperous, Fulfilling, Happy, and Meaningful 2012!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Our holidays have involved some unexpected turn of events...
My daughter, Clara, volunteered to care for a rabbit over the Holiday Break - for one of her classes.
We're familiar with caring for rabbits since my other daughter, Ema, had one as a pet at one point.
(Not to mention having rescued and nursed back to health a wild baby rabbit several years ago).
After having the floppy-eared rabbit for 4 days...
we awoke one morning to find it had given birth to six babies. What!?
We had NO clue the bunny was pregnant.
The teacher was equally surprised when we called her to give her the news.
One of the babies was deceased. *frown*
So...
for the past two weeks...
We have been doting on the five remaining baby bunnies.
One of the five seemed quite small...
so we have been very concerned about it.
Even after holding the momma bunny on her back so the tiny baby could eat...
We ended up purchasing kitten milk...
and then goat milk to supplement the baby's diet.
We repeatedly used a warmer to elevate the baby's temperature each time we felt it needed it...

We knew nature would take its course...

and that despite every effort made...

there was the potential that it wouldn't work out the way we wanted.

Just before midnight last night...
Through tear-stained faces...
and following a very long night on New Year's Eve as well...
We lost the sweet little bunny.

Clara and I prayed...

hugged one other...

and just continued to cry together.

Heart-broken to lose the sweet little bunny...

and yet relieved to know it was no longer suffering.

I know it's just a bunny.
But our hearts ache for any of God's creations that suffer...
and ultimately pass from this life.

Definitely wasn't expecting THAT for the holidays!!
Not the way I wanted to spend the first day of the New Year.
I REALLY did not need to be riding THAT emotional roller coaster. *huge...huge sigh*

holiday | Gift Wrapping 2011

2011-12-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

I promised to share with you some of my favorite images from our holiday season this year...
Today...it's all about presentation.

To me, it doesn't necessarily matter what's in the box...

it's the love and care put into making the wrapping intriguing and magical.
(not claiming the receiver agrees with me on this...*wink*)

I was fortunate this year to actually REALLY enjoy this process...

I wasn't rushed and it was very therapeutic.

The best part is...
aside from purchasing a $3.00 roll of masking paper from the hardware store...
I used materials I already had on hand...

• leftover wrapping paper

• tea-stained doilies and simple doily flowers

• yarn, fabric ribbon, string, twine and other trimmings from the Holiday Warmth Dessert Table I styled.

• branches I intentionally saved after trimming our tree the day we brought it home
• cupcake liners
• artificial berries taken from my annual tree trimmings

Here's how it all came together...

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Although I like for all of the presents under the tree to match...

and I generally pick a different theme every year for the gift wrapping...

It doesn't necessarily always come together like it did this year.

I'm so sincerely grateful for the sense of peace I felt through the holidays this year...

It's the little things/details I love pouring my heart into.

holiday | Holiday Wishes 2011

2011-12-26T10:39:00.001-05:00

I have to say...
This was one of the most "relaxed" holiday seasons I've experienced in a very long time.
We had no visitors...
We didn't need to travel anywhere...
I didn't host any dinners or breakfasts...
And I found myself really able to take the time to enjoy everything.

From the wrapping...
To the baking...
To addressing and mailing out the holiday cards
(despite it being two days prior to Christmas)
I just had a real sense of peace this year.

I hope you were able to enjoy the same feelings...
and really savor your family and friends.

With my kids on Winter Break...
It will continue to be a bit quiet here on the blog.
I will, however, be sharing some of my favorite holiday images with you this week.

Merry Christmas...Happy New Year...
and warm wishes for whatever Holiday you may be celebrating!

holiday | Elf on the Shelf

2011-12-20T11:01:00.000-05:00

When my cousin mentioned Elf on the Shelf at Thanksgiving...
I KNEW it was a tradition I wanted to start with my family this year...

You get a book explaining the story...
and a cute little "scout elf" that reports back to Santa each night while you sleep.

You even have to name your Elf...

We chose "Stuart" as the name for our little Elf.
He's got quite a sense of humor...
showing up in different, sometimes precarious places, each morning.

Today, we found him singing Silent Night while sitting
right in the middle of our Willow Tree Nativity Scene.

He's been a fun addition to our Holiday Traditions...

Here are a few videos taken straight from the Elf on the Shelf website...
I think you'll find them quite entertaining...

Hope you all are enjoying these last few days of holiday preparations...

KEEPiNG iT REAL

No lights on the house or bushes...yet.

Holiday cards ordered just last night...

Wrapping to be started...

Shopping to be finished...

Tree is up and decorated but still missing the tree skirt...

Ate a good majority of the cookies I was going to give away as gifts for the neighbors...

Still feeling jolly though...

how about you? *wink*

holiday | inspiration

2011-12-16T10:30:00.001-05:00

Today I thought I'd share some of the inspiring images I've been collecting on my Pinterest Boards...
And they are ALL about the holidays...

With a little over a week before the big day arrives...
I hope some of these photos help to inspire you to put the finishing touches on your holiday preparations...

Source: laurawinslowphotography.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: eabdesigns.typepad.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: laurawinslowphotography.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: sweetpaul.typepad.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: susieharrisblog.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: nicety.livejournal.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: potterybarn.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: twoshadesofpink.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: olderandwisor.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: laurawinslowphotography.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: thetomkatstudio.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: sprinklebakes.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: bakerella.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: glorioustreats.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: bakerella.com via Jessica on Pinterest

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Still no lights on the house but at least the tree is up and decorated.

I may go out today with Ella and put lights on the bushes...*wink*

Cannot locate my wreath hangers so those are still sitting by the front door.

And I've only bought a total of three gifts.

Game on this weekend! *wink*

find | Castle Key Bottle Opener

2011-12-14T12:41:00.000-05:00

If you've been searching for a fabulous, unique gift...

You.

are.

going to...

LOVE me...

I've found it for you...

Check out this FABULOUS Castle Key Bottle Opener from Anthropologie...

This little lovely was part of the decor for the "Holiday Warmth" dessert table
I recently styled for the Holiday Issue of The Party Dress Magazine...

To find out more about how PERFECT this little treasure is...
even if you don't need a bottle opener...

Check out the
FABULOUS FINDS post I did on Hostess with the Mostess today...

Thank you Anthropologie!!!

You always have THE BEST finds!!!

tutorial | All-Season DiY Wreath

2011-12-12T21:05:00.000-05:00

As promised...
The DiY year-round wreath tutorial I've been promising to share with you.

To start with, you'll need to create some SiMPLE doily flowers...
(I'm using tea-stained paper doilies because I like the shabby-vintage look).
Go HERE for the tutorial.
Using plain white doilies is perfectly fine and will also save you the extra step. *wink*

STEP ONE and STEP TWO

STEP THREE and STEP FOUR

You may actually remember this same technique from THiS POST...
in which I demonstrated how to make hand-painted paper flowers for cake decorating...

Now it's time to add the flowers to the grapevine wreath.
You'll be grouping the flowers together in clusters of three...
in three separate places on the wreath.

(If the wreath were a clock I placed one grouping between 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock,

a second grouping at 6 o'clock and the third grouping at 9 o'clock)

Start with one flower and place it on the wreath.
Add flower two and then flower three until you like the way the grouping looks together.

Repeat this process until you have all three groupings on the wreath.
Keep adjusting until you like the way it looks on the wreath.
If you like the overall placement of the three groupings of flowers...
it's time to get your glue gun out.
(Remember to leave space at the top of the wreath for hanging)

Secure the doily flowers to the wreath with the hot glue gun.

You could stop here and be done with the wreath.

It's a gorgeous, rustic-vintage-shabby wreath with just the paper flower doilies on it.

However...
How about gathering some faux floral picks for a splash of color...

Since we're in the holiday season right now...
You could use small festive clusters of red berries...

Or a larger spray of red berries - which is what I stuck with.

Don't use a glue gun for the berries/floral picks.
(unless you want to use the wreaths for one particular season only).

Just stick the floral picks into the wreath around the clusters of paper flowers.
Use the spaces between the gathered grapevines to secure the picks.
This will allow you to swap out the floral picks to accommodate every season.

Here's the finished wreath...

Simple.
Versatile.
Beautiful.

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I've got two of these wreaths done...

and neither one of them are hanging on my front door yet.

I sure hope to have them hanging before Christmas comes and goes! *wink*

5 minute blog post....

2011-12-12T11:10:00.001-05:00

The rooster has already crowed...(see this post)

which means I've got to get off of the computer and devote the next few hours to spending time with Ella.

So...
I will be back later this afternoon...
to finally share the details of this DIY wreath...

I promise...

KEEPiNG iT REAL

If you actually had to have a voice for blogging...

I would not be able to share anything today.

This cold has taken its toll on me...

along with the festivities from the weekend:

• Ella's 3rd birthday party

• Annual Holiday Baking with family.
(which both turned out fabulous, by the way). *wink*

behind the scenes | The show must go on...

2011-12-09T12:13:00.000-05:00

Because I've officially been bitten by the cold I've been desperately trying to avoid...*grumbling*
Because I've got a low level of energy...
And because I've got to use every little bit of time and ~~lack of~~ energy I have left...
to finalize everything for Ella's birthday party tomorrow...

I'm not sharing the wreath or flower tutorial yet. *wincing*
(Truth be told...I've got all of the photos ready for you...
I'm just too exhausted to finish the post *sigh*)

But the show must go on...
Right?!
I've got to make things happen around here.
It's time to give everything I've got to do this thing!! (Ella's party)

So...
I'm going to turn things around today.
How about a little fun?
How about I send you off into the weekend with a little game.
A game in which you could WiN something!!!
Woo Hoo!!

The very first person to guess what this photo is all about...

will WiN what this photo is all about!!

How's that for a game?
You've got no idea what I'm working on...
But you're going to win it!? *wink*

Who doesn't LOVE surprises?

Just leave your guess as a comment here on the blog.
Ready?
Set?
Go....

I promise to let you know as soon as we have a winner!!

ONE rule:
You can't "kind-of-sort-of" make a guess.
The guess has to be "right-on-the-nose".
The guess has to be "exact". *wink*

Make it a WONDERFUL weekend everyone!!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Okay...so here's where I'm allowed to whine a little...
• I feel like doo-doo train (anyone else use that term?)
• I've got 1,000+ things to do and I'm about to FREAK!
• I've already missed a deadline for HWTM that was due yesterday! (sorry Jenn)
• my head is spinning right now
• All I want to do is curl up in a ball and fall asleep
• I could totally cancel Ella's party tomorrow and not care right now.

BUT...
I'll SO care later...
and so the show must go on!!
Let's ROCK THiS OUT Jessica!
You. Can. Do. This!!!
And I will...

tutorial | Tea Stained Paper Doilies

2011-12-06T12:04:00.003-05:00

There's something magical to me about the process of tea-staining.
More than likely it's just the fact that new objects suddenly appear vintage...
And it just so happens, anything shabby, vintage, or farmhouse-chic completely rocks my world!!

Take for instance these tea-stained paper doilies...
(The contrast between the original white doily and the three variety of tea-stained doilies is gorgeous!)

I've cut small tea-stained doilies in half
and used them as decorative wraps for shot glasses...

I've turned them into flowers...

And then used the flowers to adorn dessert tables...

Wreaths...

And added some to Ella's hat to go with her
"Vintage Good Witch" costume this year.

If you are interested in learning all about the simple technique of tea staining...
keep reading!!

You'll need some white doilies and a large pot of tea.
I bought my doilies HERE -
a fabulous kit containing both square and round varieties.

TEA STAINING PROCESS

1. Fill a large pot with water and place on stove.

2. Bring water to a boil, add your choice of 5 tea bags to the boiling water. (I used peppermint tea, which tends to be a bit lighter than normal tea. But you can use whatever tea you like).

3. Turn off stove and let pot cool completely. (VERY IMPORTANT or your doilies will tear)

4. Remove the tea bags once you think you've achieved a deep enough stain for your taste.

5. Add 1-3 doilies at a time to the pot - depending on their size. (They will try to float on top so push them under the water with a pair of tongs to attain even staining).

6. Remove doilies to a drying/cooling rack when you've achieved the desired results.

• 5 minutes - very faint stain

• 20-30 minutes - a nice apparent aged stain

• 1 or more hours - a richer stain

• overnight - a deep stain

I have found my favorite soaking time seems to be between 30 minutes to an hour.
(Again, this is based on my selection of peppermint tea).

7. Once the doilies have dried completely, it's time to get creative!!

I'll be back with the tutorial for the flowers and wreath later this week...

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I have been M.I.A. due to a house full of sickos...*wink*
Ella got sick last week with a cold/cough. (still has the cough)
She then gave it to Jay, Clara and Ema.
And then Ema woke up Sunday night/Monday morning with a stomach bug.
Plug your ears and close your eyes...
I've never seen so much vomit...
You can open your eyes and unplug your ears now.

Despite all of that we've managed to:
• get our Christmas tree up - fully decorated as of last night.
• attend the local Christmas Parade that both of my older girls participated in.
• watch/listen to the Christmas Choir program on Sunday evening that Clara has been preparing for. (sore throat and all).
• go to Jay's company Christmas party on Saturday evening

I've been the only one spared from the illnesses...
Thank you Airborne and Vitamin C!!
(please continue to get me through this very important weekend coming up)!!

And then there's the news I received yesterday...
A sweet friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
She was actually Clara's 3rd grade teacher.
That's how we met and became friends.
I've photographed her beautiful family several times.
She's got two gorgeous girls and a sweet husband.
We've been out of touch for awhile due to our busy lives...
so the news that she was diagnosed at the end of October
and has already lost her hair due to chemo was quite devastating.
I'd love for you to send some prayers her way...

promise ME | goals #3 and #43

2011-12-01T15:23:00.001-05:00

I hope this video puts a smile on your face
and adds a bit of sunshine to your day...

KEEPiNG iT REAL

It's incredibly unbelievable how long it takes to create a video...

The time spent saving, editing, cutting, adding music...

not to mention the fact that I have to convert the files from .MOD to .mpeg and then to a movie file.

Craziness I tell ya!!

But I figure the more I do it...

the faster I'll get.

Right?! *wink*

coming up | DiY Fall and Winter Wreath

2011-11-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

With the month of December just days away...
I wanted to share a preview of the DiY wreath I'll be sharing with you this week...
A wreath that easily transitions from Fall to Winter...
and possibly every season in between...

A rustic wreath with a shabby-vintage vibe...

I'll be back with more details and the how-to...
just wanted to give you a little teaser...

Have a GREAT Tuesday everyone...

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I'll be posting ALL about the Mini Angel Food cakes from yesterday...

Trust me when I say...

You won't want to miss it...

behind the scenes | Ella's 3rd birthday

2011-11-28T10:55:00.000-05:00

I'm thrilled this Monday morning to share a few details from

Ella's 3rd birthday party prepartions...

I can't wait to reveal all of the party details...
especially the theme...
I'm in LOVE with it.
Preparing for it over the past few months has been SUCH complete fun!

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday!!
I was thrilled to spend time with family!
A warm thank you to my aunt and uncle for hosting it this year! Love you Susan and Dan!
And a huge thanks to the Lossing family for making the trek from South Carolina - miss you already!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

• I think I gained 10lbs from the Thanksgiving Holidays! (not a good thing since I scheduled our family photos yesterday)

• The Pastry Pedestals™ have been on backorder after selling out several times. (a good thing for me...not so good for my sweet, patient customers)

• I have no idea where the month of November went and now I'm frantically trying to transition into December festivities!!

• It's "Baking Monday" for Ella and I and we're doing mini Angel Food Cakes for our Family Night theme.

(I specifically picked Angel Food Cake because it's one of the things on my "promise ME" list)

• Speaking of the "promise ME" journey...

feeling SO very guilty for not keeping you more in the loop as to my progress...

as well as doing a better job at checking in with all of you participating...

my "promise ME peeps"!

(We've only got until February to keep our promises...how are you doing?)

• My sweet Ella has a cold...it's so hard seeing her little watery eyes, hearing her little sniffles and cough and knowing she's not feeling 100%.

working from home | periods of reevaluation

2011-11-22T12:04:00.001-05:00

I'm grateful for Mondays...

Mondays are "BAKING DAY" at my house...

Ella and I made Molasses Crinkles yesterday...

(one of my very favorite cookies, thanks to Grandma Ambs)

BAKING DAY works out perfectly with the fact that
Monday nights are our designated "Family Night"

(and I LOVE to have a treat for everyone afterwards)

In my quest to achieve balance...
mostly between being the mother I NEED to be and the successful business owner I WANT to be
I'd reached another period of reevaluation.
I decided it was time to revise my work day a little bit.

Well actually...

A LOT of bit...*wink*

AND...

I've rededicated myself to making sure we have Family Night every Monday again.

Our focus last night was on this project completely stolen from Becky Higgins...

I can't wait to see this completely filled with things our family is grateful for...
(I made mine with a cheap poster frame, a roll of poster paper cut to size and some 2" black vinyl letters.

The plexiglass that came with the frame was placed behind the white poster paper

to provide us with a hard surface for writing/adding the things we are grateful for).

The point is...
It is necessary to re-evaluate things in your life on a regular basis.
I found myself feeling extremely guilty at the end of most days...
feeling I had worked way too much...
and wishing I had spent more quality time with Ella.
(definitely red flags for a reevaluation)

So...
I had to come up with a solution.
And I did.
I've set "firm" work hours for myself.
I've even got an alarm on my phone that rings (crows like a rooster actually)
and Ella knows that it's time for mommy to get off of the computer...
and it's PLAY TIME!

I took things a step farther too.
I implemented something I used to do with my two older daughters when they were toddlers.
I've assigned a specific "focus" to each day of the week:
MONDAY : BAKING DAY
TUESDAY: SCIENCE DAY
WEDNESDAY: ELLA'S DAY WITH GRANDMA
THURSDAY: CRAFT DAY
FRIDAY: FREE DAY

At the end of our play time...
a sweet lullaby alarm on my phone reminds Ella and I both
that it's her naptime...

As silly as it all may sound.
I NEEDED this.
And so did Ella.
We have a focus.
I have a plan.
And we both have something to look forward to.

I feel more productive.
I feel more connected.
which means I FEEL more...
more of the things that are most important.

And I LOVE that feeling.
Perhaps you are struggling with some of the same things?
Maybe some of these ideas are something you can implement in your day/schedule.

With all of that said...
I'm GRATEFUL...
Grateful for my family.
Grateful for this time of year.
Grateful for the pies I'll be making on Wednesday.
Grateful my cousin and her family are coming for Thanksgiving.
Grateful for my mom that comes every Wednesday to spend time with Ella
(and provides me the opportunity to get a lot of work done)
Grateful for my life and the opportunities I've been given.
Grateful for my children and the fact that they make me a better person.
And today...
I'm especially grateful for
periods of reevaluation!

The rooster is crowing...
I'd better get going! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL

The Molasses Crinkles...

I still have yet to perfect this recipe.

They still turn out harder than Grandma Ambs and hers are always perfectly soft. *grumbling*

To top it off... J made this comment lastnight as he was sampling one of the cookies...

"They remind me of when I had my impacted wisdom teeth removed because of the ground cloves included in the recipe.

(I guess I know what to bake now if I want to torture him). *wink*

The Grateful Wall Art...

You've no idea how much I can't stand having a cheap poster frame hanging on the wall. ($7.99 from Target)

BUT...

it made NO sense to invest in an extravagant frame that I would be fretting over everyone breaking

every time they added something to the Grateful Wall Art.

And thank goodness those Vinyl letters are forgiving...

I had to reposition them several times to get them straight and centered.

I actually added the three dots to help center it within the frame...*wink*

And now you know...

books | Miette

2011-11-18T11:56:00.002-05:00

Busy behind the scenes = quiet on the blog. *wink*

So...

I thought I'd make it up to you by sending you off into the weekend...
with something I recently purchased that has me completely inspired.

A lovely baking book...

from Miette... "the most charming pastry shop in San Francisco"

Not only are the pages filled with charming recipes...
The photos of the shop itself are charming...
Charming enough to want to travel to San Francisco...
just to be able to walk through the doors.
Did you notice the scalloped pages?
So completely charming.
This baking book is so very charming...
I'd love to open up a charming pastry shop of my own.
Like. Right now! *wink*
If you are inspired...
I bought mine right here...

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Since I can't exactly go and open a pastry shoppe...

I feel inspired to make my studio FEEL like a pastry shoppe.

I'm seriously contemplating calling Miette and asking them for the name of the Wallpaper on the walls...

I'd LOVE to walk into my studio everyday and have that fabulousness to start my day off! YUM!!!

I LOVE it!!

By the way...Miette is the french word for "crumb". (so charming) *wink*

Family | Happy 3rd Birthday Ella

2011-11-15T07:11:00.000-05:00

It was Ella's birthday yesterday...

my baby turned three. *sigh*

Aside from a homemade chocolate chip cake (her request)

breakfast in bed...

picking up some birthday balloons...

eating her favorite dinner (spaghetti)...

a birthday photoshoot...
and celebrating with grandma and grandpa...

We kept things pretty simple. *wink*
(the birthday party with her little friends isn't until later)

Happy Birthday Ella Pie!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I have no idea where the chocolate chip cake request came from?

Sunday night she'd decided on strawberry cake...(even though I was trying to push carrot cake) *wink*

and then...

Monday morning she decided to change up the cake??

I scrambled for a good recipe - ended up just using my fave white cake...adding chocolate chips...

and then adding chocolate chips to my fave cream cheese frosting recipe.

YUM!!

Best part is...

she helped me bake it.

(That is, until she got in trouble for continuing to eat the chocolate chips). *wink*

A HUGE thank you to Grandma A for making homemade spaghetti sauce!!

It. was. YUM!!

Oh...and she was pretty excited about getting her very 1st bike...

along with a Hello Kitty helmet and sunglasses!

Thanks Dad!!

press | Sweets on a Stick Book

2011-11-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Good Monday Morning everyone.
Nothing like coming back from a nice weekend with some exciting news...

Linda from Bubble and Sweet contacted me months ago...
asking if she could include The Pastry Pedestal™ in the book she was working on...
A book all about "sweets on a stick".

"Sweets on a Stick" by Linda Vandermeer

I, of course, jumped at the opportunity and shipped some to her...

all the way to Australia!!

I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email from her over the weekend...

sharing the photo used of The Pastry Pedestal™...

A Boston Cream Pie Pop Never Looked so Cute!!

And here's the official supplier credits...Yay!!!

Thank you SO much Linda!!

I'm thrilled to be part of your new book!!

I can't wait to get my hands on it!!
To pre-order the book, GO HERE!
(due to be released in December)

KEEPiNG iT REAL

It's officially Ella's 3rd birthday today.

Em and I will be surprising her with her first official birthday breakfast in bed this morning!

I'll be catching it all on video.

Depending on how grumpy she is...

I may share the video with you later! *wink*

Also...
got a habit you want to make or break?
Join me for another round of Rhonna Farrer's 21-day challenge!
She's starting another round TODAY...

Here's the habit I want to establish:
Incorporate the NFL Play 60 into our daily family activity.

Here's the habit I want to break:
Reaching for sweets when I'm feeling stressed
Replace this with veggies or whole fruit!!

holiday | veteran's day 2011

2011-11-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all a Happy Veteran's Day!!

I hope you'll take a minute today to reflect on the daily sacrifices made by our servicemen and their families.
Today I can't help but think of my grandfather.
A few years before he passed away...
my family and I attended the annual local Veteran's Day Parade.
I was always so proud to be sitting on the curb, waving to him as he went by...

I'm grateful for the sacrifices he made for our country...
I'm grateful for the many other men and women who have valiantly served...
who ARE serving...
and who are preparing to serve our nation.
A huge heart-felt thank you for all you do...every. day.

I've created some FREE patriotic printables for you...
These ought to help you celebrate our servicemen and women,
our freedom and our country with some real style...

Click here to download the FREE .pdf file

For those of you who own The Pastry Pedestal™ - you know what to do with these.

Those of you who don't own a set yet or are waiting patiently for yours to arrive...
You can create a simple banner by stringing these together...
OR...
make some simple parade signs for the kids to hold by attaching a wooden popsicle stick to the circles.

Enjoy!!
And I do hope we'll all remember, reflect and respect our Nation's veterans!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

The cupcake is a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcake I made...

recipe taken from My Baking Addiction.

I'll have more on that for you next week...

building family ties | Dear Daughter

2011-11-09T08:30:00.002-05:00

It's official...

The "Dear Daughter" journey

has officially begun in my home!!

(Go here to see where I got the inspiration from and what this is all about exactly)

I strategically purchased spiral-bound journals to fit perfectly in the mailboxes I created for the girls.
(I love it that I'm able to combine the two projects together).

I'm very excited to begin this journey with my girls.

I expect our relationships to blossom in ways I never even imagined!!

What are you doing to strengthen relationships in your home...

with your children...

with your family?

I'd love for you to share some traditions or projects you've embarked on with your own family.

Inspire me!!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Off to whip up some cupcakes for a fabulous ceremony I'm attending today!

My 17 year old cousin - senior in high school...

is having an official "signing" ceremony for being recruited by The Citadel.

He's got some MAD Baseball Skills...among other amazing athletic talent...

PLUS...

he's super smart...

handsome...

and humble.

He is SUCH a gem!!

LOVE him and I'm so very proud of him!!

Congrats Nate!!!

press | The Party Dress Magazine • November 2011

2011-11-07T10:08:00.045-05:00

It's here!!!!
The Holiday Issue of The Party Dress Magazine has officially launched...
and it is overflowing with inspiration for the holidays!!!

I'm thrilled to be one of the contributors again...
which means...
the photo shoot I did last month...
the one with the gorgeous products I gave you sneek peaks from...
(Cloth & Patina, Bee's Knees Creative and The French Nest Co.)...

Well now you can see exactly what I did with them all!!
I hope you enjoy it!!!

Introducing the vintage-french dessert table I created using the theme

"Unlock the Spirit of the Holiday Season"

For all of the details and even more inspiration for the holidays...
Go now and check out
The Party Dress Magazine RIGHT HERE!!

A very special thank you to Kelly Lyden from The Party Dress for including me in her FABULOUS magazine.
Also thank you to the wonderful vendors who helped bring everything to life:
Cloth & Patina
Bee's Knees Creative
The French Nest Co.

What a wonderful way to start the week...don't you think?

Did you know? | My grandfather...my hero

2011-11-04T11:48:00.000-04:00

Did you know...

My grandfather is/was my hero?

A couple of weeks ago...
I felt inspired to start sharing little things about me that you might not know.
Things that will ultimately connect us in ways that might not otherwise be possible.
I've decided to call these my "Did you know?" posts.

They will be random little things about me...
my life...
my experiences...
my family...
my beliefs...
insights into my life I feel will help open the doors
and shed light on the path that has made me the person I am today.

Also, with the first few days of November behind us...
I felt inspired to share some feelings/things about gratitude throughout the month...
because ultimately being genuinely grateful for what we have...
is the magic key for unlocking the door to the happiness in life we are all seeking.

So today's "Did you know" post happens to combine BOTH of those desires:
My desire for sharing a little something about myself...
and sharing with you someone I'm eternally grateful for...

my grandfather....Charles J. Richardson, Jr.

My grandfather was my only male role model growing up since I never really knew my dad.

(My parents were divorced when I was two years old. My dad never played an active role in my life.

I vaguely remembered him while growing up and honestly, I finally had the opportunity to meet him about 10 years ago).

My grandfather was handsome, funny, devoted, kind, loving, generous, creative, imaginative and intelligent...

He loved life...

He loved his family...

He loved his country...

He loved his friends...

And he loved and adored the love of his life...my grandmother, Dorothy Louisette

I've decided to share a segment of the Family Reunion Slideshow I put together over the summer.
This particular part of the slideshow is one of the most emotional parts since it's a tribute to my grandfather...

I must tell you...
The images are mostly gripping emotional photos...from his grave side burial.
Yes...
I know that sounds a little strange.
Who takes photos at a funeral?
I'd never really thought about doing that before...
but I felt inspired to do-so because my grandfather
was honored with a military gun salute for his 20+ years of service in the Navy
and his 6 months spent as a P.O.W. in Ofuna, Japan during World War II.
It was important to me to capture those images.

I am SO grateful I stepped out of my comfort zone...
and put aside the hesitation/skepticism I had about photographing something so personal.
I can't tell you how much I treasure the images because they truly capture the emotion of the day.
Priceless images of family and friends that have experienced a deep sense of loss without him here now...
People who will forever be touched by my grandfather's example.
He truly was an incredible man...
A person I hold in the highest regard.

I feel so incredibly lucky.
Lucky to have known him...
to have shared part of his life with him.

I'm also proud of him.
Proud of the person he was...
the profound character he had...
the incredible ability to find humor even in the midst of sorrow, heartache and trials...
the amazing legacy he left behind...
and especially proud to call him my grandfather.

So...
turn your music off if you have it playing...
turn your volume up if it's down...
There's music you'll want to hear as you watch the slideshow...

Without further adieu...

My grandfather...my hero

And now you know...

KEEPiNG iT REAL

After taking a few photos myself...
I of course was overcome with emotion.

I ended up handing the camera off to Tina...my brother's girlfriend at the time, who has since become his wife.

I'm grateful she managed to capture most of the moving images in the video...

The one of my brother and I in a tear-filled, heartfelt embrace...wow.

So many emotions.

Sweet Treats | Tadpole & Lily Product Launch

2011-11-03T08:15:00.002-04:00

I'm thrilled to be part of helping to spread the word about the brand new product launch from

You may remember me discovering Tadpole and Lily's adorable hair accessories last year
and even using one of their headbands for Ella's 2nd birthday party outfit...

Well I'm thrilled to announce they've expanded their product line...

Collaborating with Anders Ruff and Becca Bond Photgraphy
Tadpole and Lily created a magical photoshoot to showcase their brand-new products.

Take a peek at their super adorable...
ADJUSTABLE hand-cut and carefully sewn
bow ties and neck ties collection for boys...
(with patterns available in plaids, stripes, polka dots, buffalo check and paisley)
along with the new coordinating color palette of headbands for girls...

Congratulations Tadpole and Lily...
Your new line is absolutely adorable!!
It's going to make a lot of moms out there extremely happy!!

Want to WIN something from their new line?
Simply do these TWO things:
1. Leave a comment on the Tadpole and Lily Facebook Fan Page telling them Pen N' Paperflowers sent you.
2.. Leave a comment on Pen N' Paperflowers Studio & Design's Fan Page letting me know you entered the contest!
(I'll be keeping track of my readers/fans that have entered, so it's important to do BOTH of those things).
Good Luck everyone!!
••••••••••••••••
Giveaway begins today: Thursday, November 3rd
Giveaway ends: Thursday, November 10th
Winner to be announced: Friday, November 11th

On My Radar | Family Projects to Inspire

2011-11-02T10:27:00.000-04:00

Before diving into the tasks ahead of me today...
I felt a STRONG desire to share with you a few projects/diys I've come across recently...
The type of projects that deeply inspire me because they are family-focused.
They are the type of projects I want to do RIGHT. NOW.
The kind of projects I feel if I don't drop everything I'm doing...
right.
this.
second...
and do these instead...
I could miss out on some SERIOUS opportunities to connect with my family.

These are the type of inspirational ideas that make my heart sing...
They bring me back to what's most important...
They clear away the cobwebs of life that quietly inhibit my view of all that I love...
all that REALLY matters...
and they are a perfectly beautiful blend of tapping into my creativity...
all while adding tremendous value to my own life...
and especially to the life of my children.

The first two projects are from Becky Higgins and the third is from How Does She?

Click on the links for all of the information on each project.

PROJECT ONE:

Grateful Poster

PROJECT TWO:

"I love you because" Wall Art

PROJECT THREE:

Dear Daughter Diary

I hope you'll take some time to find out what each project is all about...

The Grateful Poster is the PERFECT way to get your November started off right.

The "I love you because" Wall Art is something every child should have

And the Dear Daughter Diary is just SUCH a precious keepsake...

a wonderful way to connect in a very magical way.

I'm so inspired...

Thank you SO much Becky Higgins and How Does She?

If you aren't following these sites...

you are MiSSiNG out!!

Enjoy your Wednesday everyone!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Do I REALLY have time for more projects?

No.

But these...

these are time-sensitive projects...

My children are growing up.

Opportunities for teaching, strengthening, fortifying, connecting, lifting and loving...

those are opportunities I should ALWAYS make time for.

They are the opportunities that matter most.

holiday | Happy Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T09:14:00.000-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Love these little ghost cookies the kids made for our Annual Operation Phantom Pumpkin?

My three girls and two of my cousins spent their day off of school last Monday...baking!

And helping to prepare the Phantom Pumpkin treats we'd be delivering to neighbors and family...

Kalie, my 15 year old cousin, frosted most all of the cookies.
Then between her, Ema and Beau, (my 12 year old cousin),
they added the little black eyes to create little ghosts.

We waited until it was dark and then it was time...
The usual dark shirts, black under our eyes, treats and signs printed & ready to go.

We decided to wrap all of our treats (cookies & candy) in tissue paper rolls this year. *wink*
The girls did a GREAT job wrapping them and tying them off with curly ribbon.

It's an annual tradition we all look forward to every year...
I just can't believe it's been over 15 years I've been doing this!
I don't even feel 15.
(most days anyway) *wink*
It's nuts!!

Thanks Kalie & Beau for the extra help this year!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
Be safe everyone and have fun!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Aside from preparing the paper printables and making the frosting...

the kids really did everything else.

Oh...

I forgot.

I did have to clean up the mess...

I'll have to work with them more on that next year! *wink*

Guest Blogging | Half Baked - The Cake Blog {Halloween Centerpiece}

2011-10-28T12:24:00.000-04:00

I'm guest blogging today for the amazingly talented Carrie over at Half Baked - the Cake Blog.
And when I say talented...
I mean talented!

She was just featured for the SECOND time in BRIDES Magazine

with this stunning cake...

Read all about it from Carrie's blog

Gorgeous...right!?

LOVE her style...

and she's just as sweet as the cakes she bakes! *wink*

(Pinch me because I get to spend a little time with her next Saturday)!!

Anyway...

back to what I was saying...

Go check out this post on Carrie's Blog to find out what I did with this...

A brown paper bag and a few extras...*wink*

Have a great weekend everyone!
See you back here on Halloween!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I'm beside myself with excitement...

I'll be meeting up with Kim from The TomKat Studio, Kori from Paper & Pigtails

and Paula from Frog Prince Paperie tomorrow!!

What a GREAT way to start the weekend!!

halloween | special delivery

2011-10-25T10:45:00.001-04:00

I received a VERY special package in the mail yesterday...
A package for my soon-to-be three year old, Ella....
Sent from Made by Morgan...

Inspired by the Vintage Style Haunted Halloween Party styled by Anders Ruff Custom Designs
and featured on HWTM...
I knew immediately Ella would be a little Vintage Witch for Halloween this year.
I LOVE it!!!

A VERY special thank you to Morgan...
You made my day yesterday!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I was so excited and surprised to see the witch hat included in the package as well!

When Morgan and I first discussed the order, the hat wasn't something that would be included.

I intended to try to find one on my own.

I settled on one I found at WalMart over the weekend.

I was beyond thrilled to have received a perfectly plain black little witch hat in the package yesterday!

There's also a little cape that I ordered with the outfit as well...

But we'll have to wait until Halloween night to share the full costume! *wink*

Ella is SO excited!

She helped me open the box yesterday and

she's already put on her dress and hat.

life | family time...

2011-10-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

I'm up extra early trying to wrap up some loose ends in the studio...
Hoping to free up a good portion of my day since my girls have the day off of school.
A couple of my cousins will be spending the day with us as well so...

Looking forward to a productive morning...
and ultimately a fun day filled with...

FAMILY TIME!!!

If you happened to miss the TWO late-afternoon posts on Friday...

you won't want to miss them.

Cupcake Coring

Cupcake Frosting Technique with my favorite French Pastry Tip

Have a great Monday everyone!!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Because of several conflicts in our schedule this weekend...

we couldn't do our annual "Operation Phantom Pumpkin". (free printables HERE)

So guess what we'll be doing tonight?!

Shhhh...

tutorial | Cupcake Coring

2011-10-21T03:17:00.002-04:00

I gave you the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake recipe yesterday...
Now I'd like to share with you a super easy way to add a filling to your cupcakes...

Start with cupcakes that have cooled completely.

Introducing the Cuisipro Cupcake Corer
(or some people use an apple corer)

An easy-to-use gadget that works like a charm.

Twist and push the Cupcake Corer into the middle of your cupcake

Remove the Cupcake Corer
Your cupcake is now a "crater cake"
with an easy to dispense leftover "cupcake core"

Fill the empty cupcake with a cupcake filling of choice
(Use a piping bag or ziploc bag with a snipped corner)

Continue coring and filling all of your cupcakes
Don't be scared...Fill them up.
I even tapped my filled cupcakes on the counter to help the filling settle so I could add more *wink*

I even used a plastic syringe-type piping tool I happened to have in my kitchen drawers
(it came with the Babycakes Cake Pop Maker and is actually a filling tool)

to make tiny wells into my mini cupcakes so I could fill those too. *wink*

With the cupcakes filled...
it's time for the frosting!!

Go HERE to check out a tutorial for achieving this FUN frosting finish...

I hope you found this tutorial informative, easy, and especially inspiring!!
Here's to many delicious center-filled cupcakes ahead for all of us...
Think of the possibilities...
all of the little surprises you could add to your cupcakes!!
(little candies, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips...)

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Let's face it...

there are plenty of "gimmick" kitchen tools out there that we ALL buy.

You know...

the ones we realize later are completely unnecessary and a total scam.

I sort of thought this cupcake corer might end up being one of those gimmick gadgets.

I'd use it once...

realize it was a waste of my money...

and add it to my collection of unwanted kitchen gadgets for the next garage sale.

I. was. so. wrong.

And I'm SO glad.

I bought the Cuisipro Cupcake Corer months ago...

finally having the opportunity to use it made me a believer.

It really took the cupcakes to a whole new level and it was really fun to use.

You could TOTALLY have your kids help you core the cupcakes too...

tutorial | Cupcake Frosting Finish using French Pastry Tip

2011-10-21T03:16:00.001-04:00

Want to know how to achieve this frosting finish for your next batch of cupcakes?

You'll need one of these...
a JUMBO French Pastry Tip

Insert the tip into a pastry bag or ziploc bag and then fill the bag with frosting.

The frosting will need to be light and fluffy but somewhat dense/thick in order to hold it's shape.

I used a Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Frosting for these cupcakes.

SQUIRT
Start with a squirt/blob of frosting that looks something like this...

TAP
Tap your cupcake on the counter or flat surface until the frosting settles to your liking...

TOP
Top with a candy of your choice...

Works like a charm for regular cupcakes...
(These are peanut butter-filled cupcakes...go HERE for the tutorial on cupcake coring)

and even mini cupcakes too!

GET A LITTLE MORE FANCY...TAP and TOP
If you want to get a little more fancy...try a three tier effect using the same technique.
The trick is to pipe on the first layer, lifting up but not completely detaching from the first layer to begin the 2nd layer.
Make the 2nd layer slightly smaller...lift without detaching and repeat with smaller circle of frosting to complete 3rd tier.
(I SO hope that makes sense)
Again, tap the cupcake on the counter or flat surface until the frosting settles and add a small topping of choice.

I've fallen in love with how easy this tip is to use.
I can't wait to come up with other creative ways to use it.
Enjoy!!

recipes | chocolate peanut butter cupcakes

2011-10-20T12:49:00.000-04:00

As promised...
THEE Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake recipe I promised to share with you...

Use this link to download the recipe card
(folds in 1/2 to form a 4x6)

recipe adapted from relishmag.com

Those of you who know me well and have been following along for quite some time...

You know I have a weakness for any treat with a peanut butter and chocolate combination.

I've been holding onto this recipe for some time...

just dyin' to try it out and just not having a free moment.

But I made it happen...

and it was worth the wait.

I altered the recipe to include using the peanut butter filling AFTER baking...
instead of including it as part of the baking process. (I think it's easier this way anyway??)

Tutorial on this coming tomorrow using a new cute little tool I finally tried after purchasing a couple of months ago.

I must warn you...

These are very rich...and very peanut buttery.

Which for me is heaven.

If you don't want so much peanut butter - skip the filling.

TIME SAVING TIPS & A CLEVER TRICK

• buy a box of chocolate cake mix

• skip the filling (although not recommended because it's so yummy and it's really a cinch to make)
• make your own buttermilk by adding 1 TBSP. of vinegar to 1 cup of milk.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I think I've had the recipe for almost a year now...
Can't believe I've JUST gotten around to trying them out.

the pastry pedestal | weekly styling inspiration

2011-10-18T09:45:00.001-04:00

While I'm finishing up the post(s) for the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes recipe
along with a fun cupcake filling and icing tutorial...
and a super simple centerpiece idea...

I wanted to share with you the latest collection of images from creative customers
struttin' their stuff using The Pastry Pedestal™...

Jenn from HWTM

Celebrating her 5th Blogiversary with a computer-techy-blogger theme...

serving up mini cupcake BYTES...

and "MAC" and cheese...

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Petite Social
A gorgeous display of princess themed cupcakes and treats with
The Pastry Pedestal™ taking center stage...

A clever display of spell-bounding treats
served up in mini cauldrons on The Pastry Pedestal™ for this Wizard-themed birthday party

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Chris Nease • Celebrations at Home
A gorgeous display of beautifully glittered (and completely edible)
chocolate bonbons from Bedazzle My Bonbons.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Fun Baby Shower Ideas and More
A fun, cheerful rainbow themed party using chocolate candies and ribbon
to adorn the outer rim of The Pastry Pedestal™.
LOVE the clever use of Jumbo Candy Dots lining the truffle bowl.

I'm just LOVING all of the photos pouring in from customers.
It makes me BEYOND happy to see the creative things people are doing with The Pastry Pedestal™.
I hope you are inspired as well...

I also have two bits of EXCiTiNG news regarding The Pastry Pedestal™
• They will be making a small debut at a NYC Tradeshow this week, thanks to Bedazzle My Bonbons
• Preparations for the next phase/accessory launch for The Pastry Pedestal™are underway...
(The new accessory will debut in the upcoming Holiday Issue of The Party Dress Magazine)!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Happy to report that Ella is feeling much better - almost back to 100%.
That means I'll be playing "catch up" over the next couple of days...*wink*

In the kitchen | a peek at the results

2011-10-17T07:00:00.017-04:00

For those of you who happened to check in on Friday...
You know Ella and I did a little bit of baking...

If you happened to guess that we were making Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes then you were right...
Here are just a few photos of our YUMMY and FUN results...

I can't wait to get these on The Pastry Pedestal!!!
Full recipe, simple tutorial and some really easy centerpiece ideas coming up later this week...

Here's to a GREAT Monday for all of us
and a super productive week ahead!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Ended up at the Urgent Care with Ella (my almost-three year old) on Saturday morning.

By Friday night she'd developed a croup-like cough with a relatively high fever.

I couldn't bare to wait until Monday to take her to our regular pediatrician.

So...a couple of days of antibiotics and she's on her way to being 100% again.

I'm SO grateful!!!

in the kitchen | can you guess what I'm baking...

2011-10-14T13:03:00.000-04:00

Another free photo slideshow by Smilebox

Thought I'd leave you with a little something fun as we head into our weekend...
I'll be back next week to show you the outcome of what this is all about...

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Ella's been battling a fever on and off for the past few days.
It finally spiked last night...
and she has since developed a cough along with it.
Pretty much NO sleep last night for her...
or me.

No sleep = grumpy me.
No sleep + cough + fever = grumpy Ella.

So...
The best remedy for the both of us?
Do something that makes us BOTH happy...
Baking!!

behind the scenes | it starts with a vision

2011-10-10T13:47:00.001-04:00

For any of you out there who've hosted...
planned...
organized...
created...
or collaborated on an event...
celebration...
or photo shoot...

You know good and well...
It takes a lot of planning...
a lot of prep work...
tons of inspiration...
and a vision.

That's right.
It starts with a vision.
If you can see the outcome in your mind...
you will miraculously orchestrate everything...
so that it comes together beautifully.
In fact...
I often find the process a bit magical.

Today I wanted to share some photos with you...
some of the key elements that added the "magic" I was looking for...
as I put together a photo shoot for another upcoming feature in The Party Dress Magazine.

I'm not going to give away the "theme" of the shoot...
Nor can I share the photos that will soon be published...

But...
I definitely want to share the gorgeous design elements...
created by some very talented...
amazingly creative vendors I was fortunate to work with...
Items from fabulous vendors that ultimately brought life to my vision...

Enjoy...

Cloth & Patina

A gorgeous shoppe filled with an abundance of stunning Vintage Rustic Wedding and Home Decor items...

Bee's Knees Creative
Lovely, delicious confections custom designed to match any celebration.
I simply relayed to Renee my vision for tone-on-tone confections...
with an elegant french-vintage touch and she worked her magic.
Coordinating gorgeous sugar cookies and petit fours...

The French Nest Co.
Vintage inspired Hand-stamped spools of fabric, lovely trimmings, lace, embellished clothespins and more...
All packaged just as beautifully as the items themselves!

A very special thank you to these vendors who provided beautiful products for a magical photo shoot...
I hope you're inspired!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

This was one of my very favorite photo shoots to put together to-date.

The feeling...

vibe...

magic...

spirit...

everything about it just struck a chord in my heart.

I love when that happens!

styling | Rustic Popcorn Bar

2011-10-05T12:31:00.001-04:00

Well it's about time I posted the full details from the Rustic Popcorn Bar I created for the September issue of
The Party Dress Magazine...

The inspiration behind its creation was my Family Reunion this summer.
I wanted to do something special for our "movie night"...
We'd be watching a slideshow of family photos I was asked to put together...
So....
a POPCORN BAR was the perfect answer!
I mean really...
What goes better with watching a movie, afterall?
(and it WAS a movie - the slideshow ended up being one hour and twenty minutes long) *gasp*

Repurposing this cart as the focal point along with some borrowed rustic wooden barrels...
I designed the popcorn bar to be interactive so that everyone, (even the kids), could customize their own bags of popcorn.
The food prep was SUPER simple since I bought bags of fresh pre-popped popcorn I ordered from my local grocery store.
I picked up some salt shakers from a local restaurant supply store...
dressed them up with some labels...
and filled them with a variety of popcorn seasonings I ordered from Kernel Seasons.
Additional candies and peanuts were offered for those wanting a sweet and salty mix...
and there were also Popcorn Balls from Kernel Encore available for the kids.
The kids LOVED those almost as much as I loved displaying them on The Pastry Pedestal™ *wink*

I also ordered five unusual popcorn flavors from Kernel Encore, (no easy task from their 200+ flavor selection),
and created a simple game called "Mystery Popcorn Flavors".
(the person to guess all five of the flavors was the winner).

Okay - that's enough explaining...
I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking...

I hope you feel inspired to create your own popcorn bar...

It's seriously one of the easiest "dessert" buffets I've ever put together.

And just to make things easier...

All of the printables you see here are now available for purchase in my shoppe!

You can either purchase items separately or everything comes in a

"Printable Bundle"

• 24x36 Olde Fashioned Popcorn Poster

• 8 Popcorn Seasoning Salt Shaker Labels

• 4 Candy Topping Labels (including label for Popcorn Balls)

• Mystery Popcorn Game Label and Coordinating Numbers (1-5)

• Coordinating 8.5 x 11 "Instructions" sign for guests

KEEPiNG iT REAL

First of all...

As I mentioned before in this post...

The Popcorn Bar looked nothing like this for my family reunion.

The cart was damaged in transit so my plans/vision were drastically changed...

everything was set up on the kitchen counter instead. *frown*

(Not quite the effect I was going for - but thankfully my family appreciated everything anyway). *wink*

Once the cart was put back together (only good enough for the photo shoot, mind you)

I had to recreate everything for the magazine feature.

On a different note...

I enjoyed some WONDERFUL and much needed alone time over the past three days.

Aside from spending an evening with my mom watching movies and eating stir fry...

most of my precious, quiet hours were spent working...

on projects...

on design work...

on filling orders...

on painting my studio...

and on a gorgeous photo shoot I can't wait to share with you!!

find | Halloween Handsoap

2011-09-30T10:57:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share a little something fun...
before we all officially begin our weekend...

Adorable "Glow in the Dark" Bottles of Halloween Handsoap...

J picked these up from the grocery store last weekend and brought them home as a surprise...

(if you didn't know this, he does all of the grocery shopping every Saturday - his request believe it or not).

These are SO fun...
and such a SUPER easy, no-fuss way to add some Halloween decor around the house.
(and the bottles REALLY do glow in the dark - I tested them immediately) *wink*
If you are looking for A LOT of "glow"...the ghost version is the one you want.

Here's to a wonderful weekend everyone!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Two silly admissions...

FIRST ADMISSION

I've tortured my kids, (mainly Ella), by not letting anyone use the Halloween Handsoaps until October 1st.

(We have to AT LEAST be in the same month of the holiday, right?)

SECOND ADMISSION

I'm looking forward to tackling a lot of projects while J and Ella are in Illinois. (Saturday thru Tuesday)

But the reality of missing them has been tugging at my heartstrings all week...

I've never been without my sweet Ella.

I cried myself to sleep lastnight...

I'm SUCH a baby. *wink*

styling | DiY Centerpiece

2011-09-28T11:24:00.000-04:00

I just know you've been in suspense...
awaiting the DiY Centerpiece I told you I would be posting soon.

Well the wait is over my friends...

I'm sharing a simple technique for creating a super easy foundation for a centerpiece for any special occasion

This one just happens to be perfect for Halloween...and a bit on the GLAM side...

Start with a container of your choice.

I used a clear glass cylinder and then wrapped it with a strip of wrapping paper - securing with double stick tape.

(You could use tissue paper, scrapbooking paper, or even fabric).

Fill it with sugar...just below the rim of the wrapping paper.

Add some festive candy of your choice...
(I chose to use Double Bubble Gumballs I picked up at Cracker Barrel.)
And since sugar fills most of the container - less decorative candy needed! *wink*

Add a strip of black ribbon.
I inserted my pre-decorated Pastry Pedestals™ (using THESE Halloween printables)...
and then I added these FABULOUS and FUN
Diamond Accent Picks from David Tutera's Bridal Collection found at JoAnn's.

You could add a little spider if you'd like?
But most importantly...you need to add your choice of a petite sweets/treats/desserts...

How about saving yourself from baking and just top them with
Snickers Peanut Butter Squared? (like I did the other day)

And did you notice I swapped out the gumballs for candy corn?
I did that especially for my mom...she LOVES candy corn!! *wink*

It's that easy.
And even if you don't have The Pastry Pedestal™ Starter Kit....
you can still create a FUN bouquet of things using this as the foundation for
displaying faux floral picks, fabric tied onto wooden skewers, paper or fabric flowers, etc.
You can do so many different things with this simple technique.

I hope you are inspired!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I really am all about using what you have on hand when you can.

Look closely at the black ribbon I wrapped around the container...

It's really a black and white polka dot piece of ribbon I inverted...

You can see the polka dots peeking through...

just a tiny bit - but I think it totally worked!!

They almost look silver! *wink*

coming up | DiY Centerpiece...

2011-09-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

Good Morning Everyone!!
It's already been a busy morning for me...
and the day is only going to get busier.

I wanted to give you a preview of what's coming up...

How to create a quick...simple DiY Centerpiece

It's super simple and pretty darn glamtacular!! *wink*
Stay tuned...

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Big news.

Ella and J will be leaving Saturday to visit family in Illinois.

That means I'll have Monday and Tuesday completely FREE

to focus on work and enjoy a little down time.

There's no denying I'm excited.

Although...

I've never been away from Ella since she was born.

(and she's almost three years old).

Nope...not even just for an overnight stay.

I'm ready...

I think?! *wink*

crafts | Glam Spiders

2011-09-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

So yesterday...
I decided to carve out some time in the day...
to do a couple of craft projects with Ella.
(my sweet, almost-three-year-old daughter).

Simple projects that wouldn't take a lot of time...
but enough time to make Ella feel special...
and just the right amount of time to help eliminate a little bit of the guilt I've been feeling for being SO busy with work.

Today...I'm sharing one of the fun...
silly little projects we did together.

Remember these spiders from this post?

Well I decided they needed a little something to make them special...

A little bit of rhinestones and a cute pink felt heart...
and you've got some super girly...super cute ...not-so-scary
GLAM spiders!! *wink*

Believe it or not...it was Ella's idea to add the pink felt heart...
Which I believe was the perfect touch!!

We then went into the kitchen for a very different project...
I'm keeping that one a secret for right now though! *wink*

Before heading off for the weekend...
Remember today is the last day to snatch up those adorable 3" Halloween Paper Rounds for $2.50!

AND...
If you'd like to win The Pastry Pedestal™ starter kit...
among 5 other fabulous gifts from participating vendors...
Enter Bella Grey's Birthday giveaway!
The contest ends tonight at midnight!!
Don't miss out!!

Have a FUN weekend everyone.
I'm learning you just have to SCHEDULE the fun...
otherwise, it's just not going to happen!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Ella got to pick out the color rhinestones she wanted for her spider.

I was secretly hoping she would choose this really pretty aqua blue color.

And I also thought she would choose to adorn the entire backside of her spider

with a rainbow of colored gems.

To my surprise...

she kept it quite simple...

and her request for the pink felt hearts was too perfect.

By the way...

I burned the heck out of two of my fingers because I used my Bejeweler tool.

The top of my thumb is actually blistered still! *ouch*

Oh...and I was going to add a cute little hair bow to my spider too...

Still not ruling that out.*wink*

the pastry pedestal™ | Creative Styling - Halloween 2011

2011-09-22T10:54:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling the "slight" difference in the air over the past couple of days...
Trust me...
It's still hot here in Florida...
But there's a definitive difference in the way it feels when I step outside...
Which gets me excited for Fall!!

I'm even more excited to share with you my "gremlin-sized" Halloween creation using The Pastry Pedestal™...

Using the 2011 Halloween Paper Pedestal Rounds...
I just so happened to showcase the other day,

a little bit of webbing, spiders and some netting I picked up from the Dollar Store...
COMPLETE cuteness!!!

The Mini Sized Brownie Bite "Bon Bons" I purchased from the bakery at my local grocery store are cute...
BUT...
want to see what I've been itchin' to put on The Pastry Pedestal™???

Snickers Peanut Butter Squared....
The candy I have found myself hopelessly addicted to...*sigh*

How easy is that?!
The Pastry Pedestal™ isn't JUST for petite pastries, people...
Pre-packaged candy like this works like a charm too!
And they are SUPER CUTE!!!

Now that I've shown you how adorable the 2011 Halloween Paper Rounds look on The Pastry Pedestal™...

Be sure to take advantage of the 50% off dealio I've got going on in the shoppe right now!!

It ends tomorrow - so snatch up these little gems for a steal before the clock runs out! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Shhhh.....

Do NOT laugh...

I'm about to make a ridiculous confession.

Those Snickers Peanut Butter Squared Candies you see displayed...

Those are from the THiRD bag that I purchased over the past several weeks...
in anticipation of this photoshoot.

Yes...
somehow...
although I'm not fully committed on admitting to the "How"...

the first two bags disappeared!? *gasp*
Yes...

They are THAT good.

And yes...

It may also be true that I'm just THAT undisciplined when it comes to peanut butter and chocolate?! *wink*

holiday | Gettin' tricked out...

2011-09-20T09:09:00.001-04:00

Picked up a few things over the weekend from the Dollar Store...

A couple of things that will help to "trick out" (or treat)...

some of my halloween decor.

Wait'll you see what all of this turns into...

With just a few little ~~creeks~~ tweaks...

this will all be turned into a ghoulishous display of monstrous proportions...*wink*

(Okay...I'm exaggerating...it'll be more like "gremlin-sized proportions"...do you remember those little creatures from the 80's?)

I ADORE the color scheme and designs I've created for Halloween 2011.
Silver, Orange and Black...
Perfect combination, don't you think?

Do you own The Pastry Pedestal™?
You can snatch up these printable Pastry Pedestal Paper Rounds in my shoppe right now...
At 50% off...
Now until Friday, September 23rd.

Don't have The Pastry Pedestal™ Starter Kit yet?
No worries...you are not doomed...
You can still get in on the deal...
Make a ~~cute~~ eeky little banner with these 3" circles too!
So clever. So simple.

Enjoy your Tuesday everyone!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Random but appropriate...
With Halloween on our heels, I thought it was
apropos to find a term for something I found interesting...
and honestly...
something I have been dealing with personally.

"Energy Vampires" (taken from this website and this one)
I'd never heard the term until today and thought I'd share with you
what I've learned as far as how to recognize these particular people in your life right away...

• you experience a sense of being demeaned, constricted or attacked.
• you intuitively feel unsafe, tense or on guard.
• you sense prickly, off-putting vibes.
• You can't wait to get away from them.
• Your energy starts to fizzle.
• You may feel beleaguered or ill.

Bottom line is this...
"Negative people [energy vampires] are like human black holes which
suddenly come out of nowhere and just suck the life out of you.
You try to stay positive and remain strong but their negativity ends
up just completely draining you and you're left feeling exhausted."

One of the many suggestions for dealing with these types of people that I found particularly comforting?
Smile and stay detached! *wink*

I'd love to hear how you ward off the Energy Vampires in your life...

working from home | time management

2011-09-15T10:13:00.000-04:00

Working from home has got to be one of the most challenging things a woman/mother can do.
(It is for me anyway)...

You've heard me mention the word "balance" many times...(here, here and here)
and how the word seems so "elusive" when you are trying to juggle so many different things.

Juggle...
Such a funny little word to use when referring to life...
isn't it?
What exactly does it mean?
Here's a great definition I found from Jane S. Gould:

"to handle or deal with usually several things (as obligations) at one time so as to satisfy often competing requirements"

What stood out to me about that definition?
"so as to satisfy often competing requirements"....

Those "competing requirements" for me are all of the things I feel I should be doing as a mom...
as a daughter....
as a sister....
as a spouse...
as a friend...
as a business owner...
and as an individual...trying to maintain her sense of identity in the midst of it all.

I know there are many others of you out there who struggle with it as well.
The guilt felt when you think you've dropped a couple of the balls...
(and we know EVERY ball is important...otherwise we wouldn't include it)...
Right?
Or would we?
It's important to step back (often)...
and re-evaluate what's REALLY important.
(and the answers will be different for each of us).

Today...
I want to share with you a list I found recently from Becky Higgins...
(a long-time inspiration for me from WAY back in the day when scrapbooking was merely a concept vs. a way of life)
These are notes she took from Julie Morgenstern regarding time management tips..
Tips I believe will help me (and maybe you), re-evaluate...

Source: beckyhiggins.com via Jessica on Pinterest

There are several things on this list that really spoke to me.
Perhaps there are some things that will lift and inspire you as well...
While you too are juggling the things in your own life...

KEEPiNG iT REAL
As I'm trying to finish this post...
Ella, (my almost 3 year old)...
sleepily wanders into my studio...
holding her blanket...
in a grumpy mood, mind you...
a bit whiny and needy...
and so my day begins...*wink*

real parties | Jammin' with Jack Birthday Party • Intrigue Design

2011-09-14T09:00:00.001-04:00

Today's real party feature is "JAM"packed with adorable details...
Michele from Intrigue Design orchestrated the amazing elements of this "Jammin' with Jack" music-themed 4th birthday party she hosted for her son.

The fabulous dessert table was filled with music-themed goodies with the drum cake taking center stage. (cleverly displayed on a toy drum used as a make-shift cake stand.) The licorice "Guitar Stings", "Kickin' Krispie Treats, Eighth Note brownie pops, "Musical Munchies" and Marshmallow drum sticks were the perfect treats to offer groupies and guests. The "Jam Session" allowed Jack to showcase his mad skills on the drums too...what more could a little boy ask for!?

Party Host - Michele of Intrigue Design
Celebration Type: 4th Birthday Party
Party Theme: Music - "Jammin' with Jack
Inspiration: Her son's LOVE of music - (the drums, in particular)
Color Palette: Blue and Green (with Black, Red & Silver Accents)
Party Style: Edgy with a touch of Toddler whimsy...

You don't need sheet music or site-reading skills to get lost in the rockin' melody of details this party has to offer.
Keep reading for more inspiration and photos like these customized guitar and drum sugar cookies from Bee's Knees Creative...

The pure joy and magic captured in these photos of the birthday boy completely tug at my ~~heart~~ guitar strings!! And that's what it's all about...isn't it!!

My favorite party details:
• the clever use of a toy drum as the cakestand for the Drum Birthday Cake
• the Drum Cupcake Wrappers
• the Homemade Instruments Activity Table
• Jam Session Stage
• Cookie Board
• Marshmallow Drum Sticks (easy and SO perfect)
• The Microphone Drinking Cups sent home as favors
• 3D Elements used on the invitation

Thanks for sharing the magic of Jack's 4th birthday celebration with us Michele!
You did an amazing job. I don't know one little boy who wouldn't absolutely feel like a "rock star"
after a birthday celebration like this!!

Here are the party details as told by Michele...

"My son is very interested in music, among a lot of the typical things boys love. We have a drum set at home and he is constantly playing real songs on them so when I gave him three theme options for his birthday it was no surprise he chose the "music party". (Though I was secretly hoping for something a bit more unique.) We're not the "rockstar" type so it was a bit challenging coming up with something edgy & fun without it looking baby-ish or introducing the pointy guitars and such. I think the easiest part was the title of the theme "Jammin' with Jack."

The snack table is always fun for me as I love coming up with clever titles. "Kickin' Krispie Treats", "Musical Munchies" and "Jam 'n Triangles" were a few I like. I made the eighth note brownie pops, the triangles and the krispie treats along with the cupcakes and cake. The rest of the items were purchased. The kids loved it as well as the adults and I was kind of surprised at how fast the snacks disappeared.

When the guests arrived we made some craft instruments which we used for a couple of games later in the party. There was a story time with action words along with a rhythm repeating game. Before presents time we had our little jam session. Everyone went out to the patio where we'd set up a little stage area with the drum set and pretend microphone. My son had a blast playing drums for the band leader that joined us.

The favors were guitar or drum cookies made by Renee of Bees Knees along with a jar of "JAM". I added a label to the jars that said "Jam On". (For the adults) The guests were also given freedom at the cookie board where I posted my eighth note sugar cookies. The kids also got to take home cookies, craft & toy instruments and a Microphone shaped Drinking cup that I purchased from CelebrateExpress.com"

Vendor Credits and Supplies:
Party Printables - Intrigue Design
Eighth Note Brownie Pops - Intrigue Design
Eighth Note Sugar Cookies - Intrigue Design
Jam n' Triangles - Intrigue Design
Kickin' Krispie Treats - Intrigue Design
Cupcakes - Intrigue Design
Drum Cake - Intrigue Design
Drum Cookie Favors - Bee's Knees Creative
Microphone Drinking Cups - CelebrateExpress.com

press | The Party Dress Magazine • September 2011

2011-09-12T12:35:00.000-04:00

Remember me mentioning the Rustic Popcorn Bar I created for a family reunion from over the summer? (here & here)
Well...I'm happy to announce the details have officially been published in

the Fall issue of The Party Dress Magazine...

The entire issue is filled with absolute eye candy and Fall inspiration from other fabulous contributors:
Beth Beattie Branding, PR
Christi Bennett - P is for Party
Christina Nease - Celebrations at Home
Glory Albin - Glorious Treats
Kim Stoegbauer - The TomKat Studio
Maggie Hemsworth - Delish Catering Chicago
Rebecca Propes & Shannon Helliker - Fresh Chick Designs
Vana Chupp - Le Papier Studio

Be sure to check out all of the pages...

You'll be itchin' to get your "creative" on...trust me!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

It's with a grateful heart that I'm happy to be able to start off the week with a post filled with some fun news!

The weekend was filled with so many emotions...

related to the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

It's amazing that although it was 10 years ago...

the rush of emotions from the ceremonies and documentaries...
well...
it made it seem it was just yesterday.

It's certainly a day I will never forget...

A somber day that has profoundly effected me forever...

as well as our entire country.
Sending Prayers of Peace for us all...

it's been 10 years...

2011-09-09T14:47:00.000-04:00

This coming Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11...
A day that forever changed the lives of so many of us...
in so many VERY different ways.

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news...
(as I'm keenly aware so many of you do too).
I remember the feelings of disbelief...
The heartache...
The sick feeling in my stomach...
The intense anxiety within myself...
Being glued to the television for hours...
and ultimately sensing the fear felt around the world.

I also remember the "coming together"...
The resurgence of American pride...
The houses, cars, and businesses proudly adorning American Flags...
The sense that despite the tragedy...
we would prevail...
we would be stronger...
we would heal as a people...
and as a nation.

I felt I needed to do SOMETHiNG to commemorate the 10th Anniversary...
I was torn about how to do something respectfully...
tactfully...

I certainly didn't want to feel as though I was encouraging people to host a party...
But I do feel it important to encourage each of us...
to take time to reflect and recount the events of that day - with each other.
The loss of lives...
The acts of heroism...
Our feelings then...
and our feelings now.
Engage in conversation with your family...
especially with your children.

I want to honor those who lost their lives...
Remember the many who sacrificed so much...
Reflect on those who performed acts of heroism...
Pray silently for children who lost parents...
and for parents who lost children.

A horrific day in the history of the United States of America.
And here we are...
10 years later...
Still healing...
For that...
there is cause for celebration....

I hope these free printables will inspire you to take a few minutes to remember and reflect...

(download .pdf here)

as well as to be grateful for the blessings we enjoy living in this country...

If you own The Pastry Pedestal™, use these to create a bouquet of patriotic petite pastries as a memorial
and then serve them up after dinner Sunday evening!

Otherwise, you can use these to create a quick banner to display somewhere in your home that will

serve as a reminder and perhaps spark some conversation between you and your loved ones.

Sending out a heartfelt thank you to those men and women who have served...

are serving...

and those that are preparing to serve our country...

I am indebted to your sacrifices...

as well as to the sacrifices that are silently made behind the scenes by your loved ones, family members and friends.

Thank you...

the Pastry Pedestal™ | Creative Styling - Pink Trim

2011-09-07T11:30:00.021-04:00

If you follow Pen N' Paperflowers on Facebook or The Pastry Pedestal™ on facebook...
You'll recognize these photos I shared last week...

I mentioned these would be perfect for a ballerina party...
Afterall...
the trimming I picked up from JoAnn's resembles a little tutu...
doesn't it?

But then....
after creating this Carousel-Themed birthday party invitation for a customer...

I immediately thought of how perfect

these would be for that party too!
Especially if you wrap The Pastry Pedestal rods with some pink ribbon to mimic the pole of the Carousel horse...

SO cute!!

What you'll need to recreate this look:

• The Pastry Pedestal™ Starter Kit (12 lucite rounds, 12 lucite rods and 12 rubber rings)

• white and pink petit fours or petite pastry of your choice. (store bought or homemade)

• pink fabric trim from JoAnn's

• white paper doily (like these)

• pink and white polka dot wrapping paper (or coordinating paper of your choice)

• styrofoam square or rectangle (similar to this from Hobby Lobby)

• double-stick tape

Directions:

1. Assemble The Pastry Pedestal™

2. Cut pink trim to fit around perimeter of The Pastry Pedestal round.

3. Use double-stick tape (folded in half lengthwise) to wrap and secure trim to the edge of The Pastry Pedestal Round.

4. Wrap styrofoam with wrapping paper. (Just as you would a gift).

5. Poke a hole in the center of doily using a toothpick.

6. Place doily on wrapped styrofoam base and insert The Pastry Pedestal, (already assembled and decorated), through the pre-punched hole in the doily.

7. Use a toothpick to poke a hole in the bottom center of your petite pastry of choice.

8. Push petite pastry onto The Pastry Pedestal rod to secure.

9. Repeat steps 5 through 8 until you are satisfied with your display.

I hope you feel inspired to dress up The Pastry Pedestal for your next event.

The endless assortment of trims available make it easy to change up the look SO easily!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I was going to photograph a cluster of these together...

but after realizing the petit fours had a rough ride home due to poor packaging from the bakery...

I could only salvage one to photograph.

(and even that one was questionable...if you look closely)...

But hey...

you get the idea...

right?! *wink*

promise ME | 1/2 way point...

2011-09-06T08:30:00.001-04:00

Can you believe it's been six months ago I (we) started our promise ME journey?

Source: penandpaperflowers.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

I've received emails and notes from those of you participating and your progress and goals inspire me!!

And that's what this year-long adventure is all about...
inspiration to be motivated to do that ONE thing...
(or those 42 things)...
you've got on your list. *wink*

And ultimately...

the things on your list are YOURS.

The promises you've made are to YOURSELF.

No one else will ever know if you accomplished what you've set out to do...

But YOU will.

So how are you doing?
Where are you at compared to Day One of this adventure?

Source: the-running-girl.tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Take a minute today and re-evaluate where you are in your journey...

Pat yourself on the back for the things you've accomplished. (promise #33 for me)

High-five yourself for the little steps you've taken to get you closer to keeping your promise(s). (promise #10 for me)

And if you happen to find you've allowed six months to pass without so much as taking a step...

There's still time.

You've got, (we've got), six more months to keep our promises to ourselves.

So...
If you've been stuck...
or have found yourself procrastinating...
it's time to look ahead and move on.

Source: whi.s3.prod.lg1x8.simplecdn.net via Jessica on Pinterest

You aren't answering to anyone but yourself on this journey.

And that's the beauty of it.
We can motivate each other...
Lift one another...
Encourage...

However...
When it all comes down to it...
it's on YOU!!
And it's important to make YOU a priority.
Afterall...YOU are the "main thing" it's going to take to keep your promises...

Remember to have FUN along the way...
(this is SUPPOSED to be joyful)

and for those of you feeling defeated...

Source: angslittlethings.tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

I hope you enjoyed your holiday yesterday!!!
It's a short work week...
Let's make the very most of it!!
See you back here tomorrow!!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Although it was Labor Day yesterday...
I took it literally and labored away on some design projects I needed to catch up on.
J had to work 1/2 day and the girls ended up hanging out with their cousin for the day.
As strange as it may sound...
It was actually really nice to have everyone else in the world enjoying a day off...
while I got caught up on work.
That meant less emails and distractions for me! *wink*

find your sunshine...

2011-09-01T12:09:00.000-04:00

I've posted photos here before of the beautiful roses I'm fortunate to have growing in my yard...

As simple as it sounds...

slipping on my garden gloves in the morning...

grabbing the garden shears...

snipping a few of these beautiful flowers...

and bringing them inside the house...

Well...

it's like bringing in a little sunshine...

and it just makes my heart happy.

And for me...

for some reason...

the vintage bottles I use as bud vases make my heart even happier.

What's the one simple pleasure in your life that makes YOUR heart happy?

What's YOUR sunshine?

If you aren't sure...

pay careful attention as you go about your day.

When you feel a little warmth in your heart...

or a quiet little peace fills your soul...

stop for a minute to find out what's causing the sensation(s).

And you will have discovered your sunshine...*wink*

I really needed this little bit of sunshine today...so I'm grateful!!

And I'm wishing you all LOTS of sunshine of your own!!

hugs!!

life | Happy 1st week back-to-school

2011-08-29T12:34:00.002-04:00

Earlier last week...
I saw Rhonna's post about her annual tradition of creating a candy-filled poster for her kids' 1st day back-to-school.
I was completely inspired...
but it was already the 2nd day of school here. *frown*

So...
I adapted the idea to celebrate my two older daughters completing their first WEEK back to school!

I started with a piece of poster board, some tape, a sharpie and a bucket of assorted candy...

and with a little bit of creativity, I ended up with this CANDY POSTER...

It was a complete surprise when they came home Friday afternoon...

(especially since I'm usually always saying no to candy). *wink*

They LOVED it!!
And I LOVED making it.

If you don't feel like you are creative enough to come up with wording on your own...
Here's what I came up with...just to help inspire you...*wink*

"Summer seemed like such a FAST BREAK and now here you are...
your first week of school already under your belts. Just wanted to say I
love you two little FIREBALLS to PIECES! You both are SMARTIES
so probably what I have to say...you already know. Take your education
seriously and work EXTRA hard to keep your grades up! It's not cool to
act like AIRHEADS or BLOW an exam. Make time to really study. I know
at times you'll need to TAKE 5 from the pressure of MOUNDS of homework.
But if you stay on top of your assignments instead of chillin' to your favorite
M&M song, you won't get yourself in a CRUNCH and SKOR a big, fat, ugly ZERO.

More than all of that though...
I want you to be yourself!!
(despite the SNICKERS you think you might get).
Be confident in who you are, otherwise you are just TWIX-ing yourself.
Choose your friends wisely and be a true friend.
And remember, sisters can be LIFESAVERS.
Be very wary of the WHATCHAMACALIT(S)! (defined as boys)
You'll thank me NOW & LATER.
Make it a fantastic 2011-2012 school year!
Come to me for anything and everything...
I'm here to listen always.
And I promise to make a few trips to Donnelly and 5TH AVENUE
for some ice cream and treats.

Claracakes and Emalove...
I love you both tremendously and
wish you nothing but happiness.
Hugs & KISSES...Mom!"
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This idea could also be used for:
• birthdays
• teacher gifts
• school office staff
• father's day, etc.

You can even make a much smaller poster and not have to use so much candy! *wink*

Thanks for the inspiration Rhonna!
I hope you all are inspired as well!

Have a fantastic Monday!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Ella, (my very sweet, almost three year old),
was here to help me while I was creating the poster.
I tried putting her in charge of putting the tape on the candy
and then putting it on the posterboard.
Unfortunately, she was only interested in the two Blow Pops and
insisted that she "borrow" them while I completed the project.
Lucky for me, (and Clara & Ema), she actually listened and did not
unwrap them and try to steal a few licks. (which is what I know
in her heart of hearts she REALLY wanted to do). *wink*

real parties | Lemon Luncheon - hosted by Creative Juice

2011-08-25T14:00:00.002-04:00

Get ready to have your day brightened by this lovely "Ladies Lemon Luncheon"...

created by Mindy & Crystal from Creative Juice.

I love the idea of having an afternoon filled with friendship and "mommy-time".

The color combination of this gorgeous luncheon is fabulous and was the perfect

backdrop for mingling, catching up and relaxing with friends...

Party Host: Mindy & Crystal from Creative Juice

Celebration Type: Mommy-timeout Luncheon

Party Theme: Ladies Lemon Luncheon

Inspiration: Lemon and Orange Trees in Mindy's backyard

Color Palette: Orange, Yellow and White

Party Style: Modern + Vintage

Not only is this get-together filled with delicious desserts and mouth-watering lemonade...

The Lemon Caper Chicken looks divine too! Keep reading for all of the gorgeous details,
as well as links to free printables, recipes and a diy project!!

I wasn't kidding yesterday when I mentioned I was preparing a post that would ward off any potential rain clouds...*wink*

This color scheme is bright, cheerful and lends itself to a feeling of happiness...

Which is absolutely what we all feel when we get those rare opportunities to sneak off and have some time with friends.

Mindy & Crystal did an absolutely beautiful job putting this together.

My favorite party details:

• mason jars tied with fabric for beverages

• the use of lemons and oranges from Mindy's backyard

• the simple silverware caddy created by tying together a cluster of four mason jars

• the coordinating table runner, placecards and menus

• flowers from the front yard

And if it wasn't enough to be inspired by Mindy and Crystal's creativity...

They've been generous enough to share some FREE printables, recipes and a diy with us too!! (see links below)

Want more party details from Creative Juice? go here

You can follow them on Facebook too!!

Vendor/Source Credits:

Party Printables - Creative Juice

DIY Party Lantern - Creative Juice

Banner - Kroger Kreations

Recipes (print all recipe cards here)

Lemon Caper Chicken - Cali Cooking Couple

Lemon Curd Cake Filling - Dawn, a friend of Mindy's

Cream Orange Jello Salad - Cali Cooking Couple

Thank you again for the party submission Mindy and Crystal...you both did a fabulous job!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Can anyone guess what I'll be making now for dinner tonight?
If you said Lemon Caper Chicken...
you'd be right!! *wink*

sunshine in the forecast...despite the forecast

2011-08-24T14:44:00.000-04:00

With Hurricane Irene off the East Coast...
and the forecast full of potential wind and rain...
I wanted to give you a peek at the fun details of the "real party" feature I'm working on for tomorrow...

The vibrant colors of this celebration are sure to chase away any approaching rain clouds...

Hope you are enjoying your Wednesday everyone!
For me...
it's been the most productive day I've had, (work-wise), in months.
It's amazing how much more I can get done when my mom comes to spend the day with Ella. (thank you Mom)!!!

Tomorrow is the last day to enter the Blush Envy giveaway!
Don't miss out on your chance to win one of their super cute accessories!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'm still not nearly caught up on all that needs to be done.
But a definite weight has been lifted from my shoulders...
knowing what I've been able to get done today.

And I've stolen the cutest idea to do for my girls.
(In celebration of getting through their first week back-to-school)!
I promise to share...