[Foodie Friday: Patriotic Eye Candy]

It's been quite a while since I blogged (sorry about that!), but I am still here reading your blogs every spare chance I get in between party planning my husband's 30th birthday party (which is in less than a month! eek!) and of course chasing around my 2 1/2 year old daughter. But I just wanted to quickly share with you some beautiful eye candy to start off your weekend. :0)

Since Memorial Day is coming up for everyone here in the U.S., I thought it would be only appropriate to share with you some food ideas to help celebrate the occasion. Bonus: these ideas could also be used for 4th of July! After searching for some yummy ideas on Pinterest, my latest obsession, I found some amazing and creative ideas to help even your desserts be a little patriotic.

• Cupcake Flag - gordongossip.blogspot.com
• Cheescake in a Jar - mybakingaddiction.com
• Red, White, & Blue Strawberries - allrecipes.com
• 3-tier Patriotic Cake - hostessblog.com

To follow me on Pinterest, click [HERE]! :0)

[Jen]

[Frame Friday: Gallery Wall by Dream Book Design]

Yesterday I stumbled on Dream Book Design blog (a DIY design blog that I suggest you go and visit!) and saw this amazing gallery wall. Absolutely stunning! I have been wanting to create a gallery wall in a hallway in my house, and this has definitely given me that much more motivation.

Oh how I love all those white frames! They look so clean and chic against that wall color. Those 3 frames inside the larger frame is simply fabulous. And that fish-eye mirror really adds character to the entire gallery wall.

And you're not going to believe how much it cost her to put it all together...only about $50! What a steal!! Most of the frames were thrifty finds that she simply painted white. A technique that I plan on using in the near future. :0)

To view the original blog post on her gallery wall, click [HERE].

Thank you so much Adri for letting me feature your project! You are such an inspiration! :0)

[Jen]

[Scrapperday: Another Birthday Card]

Here's yet another birthday card I recently created. There always seems to be so many birthdays around me this time of year. Anyways, just thought I'd quickly share this fun little card. I love it because it's so bright and colorful. Perfect for spring/summer birthdays!

As usual, I followed Kristina Werner's video tutorial and made some changes/personal touches of my own. I think my favorite part about this card are the little presents. So cute! And the "Happy Birthday" sentiment was actually hand-written with an embossing pen, sprinkled on some white embossing powder, and heat-embossed. So easy and it looks fabulous! :0)

I'll be linking this card up to these parties! Come join me!!

[Jen]

[Frame Friday: Stencil Frame by In Between Laundry]

I am always looking around blogland for unique & creative ideas on using frames. This DIY stencil frame by Erin over at In Between Laundry definitely caught my eye. I love the whole look of a frame inside a "frame". It adds such depth and character!

The stencil Erin used was created on her Silhouette machine, and I just love the pattern she chose. It's simple yet eye-catching! She simply painted around the stencil directly onto the wall with a small paintbrush.

She framed the stenciled section with molding to complete the look and added a distressed picture frame inside to give it that personal touch. Doesn't it look amazing?!

Great job, Erin! Thank you so much for letting me feature this fabulous project!

To view her full tutorial, please visit her blog [HERE].

[Jen]

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the fabulous moms out there!

Shouldn't every day be Mother's Day?? :0)

[Jen]

[Foodie Friday: Royal Wedding]

Well, I meant to post this last Friday but better late than never, right? If you're wondering, I did stay up to watch the wedding in the middle of the night, even though my husband thought I was crazy. I thought the Royal Wedding was a beautiful fairytale wedding. Everything went just perfectly.

[Such a gorgeous dress!]

[The sweetest kiss ever! I love how the little bridesmaid is covering her ears. So adorable!]

Anyways, last Friday I decided to do something small to celebrate the royal wedding. My daughter and I celebrated by eating this for dessert:

Just blueberries & strawberries arranged on top of whipped cream. It was supposed to look like the Union flag... Didn't quite turn out how I envisioned.

I really wanted to do this:

[via Birthday Girl]

{sigh} Maybe I make this some other time. I mean, Harry gotta get married sometime, right? :0)

And of course, while we had dessert, we had a little tea party. It was such a lovely day. :0)

[Jen]

[Tuesday Top 10: Spring Fashion Trends Under $100]

There are so many fun Spring fashion trends going on this season that I just had to share a few of them. And the best part about these trends? It's all about comfort!! Finally, I can keep up with the trends without feeling out of place and uncomfortable!

Shoes:

[Soludos; $28]

[Toms; $54]

[Piperlime; $99.50]

Espadrilles and wedges are very much in style this season. And for once, style does not compromise with comfort.While walking around the mall the other day, I couldn't help but notice how many people were wearing espadrilles/Tom shoes. P.S. I am loving the silver Toms shoes! So fun!

Maxis:

[Piperlime; $69]

[Gap; $89.95]

Maxi dresses were super hot last year and are making an encore appearance this season. I think what people like most about them is that they are super comfy and hide all of the things you would rather not show off (i.e. belly, butt, etc.). Plus, they are easy to put on and would work for both wearing day & night.

Jewelry:

[Charlotte Russe; $4]

[Charlotte Russe; $4]

[White House Black House; $64]

[JCPenney; $10]

In the fall/winter months, we are layering up on coats and jackets that we never really get to show off our jewelry. So this season, jewelry has become more of a conversation piece. Coil bracelets and necklaces with a mixture of layers & texture can help make any outfit interesting. I have those 2 rings pictured above from Charlotte Russe and have been complimented multiple times on both of them (especially the double snake ring!).

Scarves:

[Target; $20, but currently out of stock]

Scarves in the spring? Well, it's not just for the colder months. Lightweight scarves are very trendy this season. They're the perfect way to dress up a white t-shirt and jeans! :0)

[Jen]