eclipse cookies

August 18, 2017

I picked up a pair of glasses from my local library so I can watch the eclipse on Monday afternoon safely. But, after all the hype, is that it? Glance up to the sky wearing a pair of paper glasses? I feel like there should be more!

How about a special snack? For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing my eclipse snack idea…black and white cookies! Isn’t a classic New York black and white the perfect eclipse snack? I thought so!

I searched online for a recipe for the classic cookie and found many – I decided to go with a Gourmet Magazine recipe from February 2002.

Making the cookies makes the eclipse seem a little bit more like a celebration! Because, after all, don’t all good celebrations include good food?

My very first batch ever of black and white cookies was pretty successful! (My only advice is to avoid getting crumbs in the white frosting!) You still have time to make your own eclipse viewing snack! If not a black and white, how about making some whoopie pies?

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things!

Whoopie pies in 2024! Happy eclipse viewing, Jackie

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dreaming in black & white

August 15, 2017

For years I would respond “black” when anyone asked me my favorite color. Of course, as a former art student, I know black is not actually a color! Nonetheless, I do love black and I have always enjoyed incorporating black and white into my wardrobe, my decor, and even…into my garden.

As a black lover, it has been exciting for me to see so many black and white influences of late. Today, I am sharing of few of my current favorite black and white inspirations…like these adorable black and white face pots (above) from Anthropologie! Don’t you want them all?!

Here are a few more Anthropologie home decor items – the (jungle dreams) wallpaper and the lamp below. The beautifully simple clock is from Target.

This inspiring black and white bathroom is from Pottery Barn…

Black and white patterned pillows are showing up everywhere and this cool pouf is from Anthro…

This super hip couch is available at West Elm…

This black and white peel and stick wallpaper from Target doesn’t need to be used for the walls – how about covering books on a bookshelf or some old photo albums with faded covers…instant update! The pendant lamp is available at Crate & Barrel and looks so super with any decor. The decorative camel figurine is another idea for a Target item that can add an instant black and white update!

The first complete set of dishes I owned was solid black and I still have a soft spot for black dishware. I think this matte black batter bowl from Crate & Barrel is super chic!

These zig zag totes from Crate & Barrel add so personality to a linen closet and black and white check dish towels are a staple in my kitchen! The spreaders from Anthro go beautifully with wood or marble – an easy way to change the look of your current cheeseboard!

Of course, black and white is showing up in wearable items as well. Wouldn’t you love this dress and earrings from Anthro for your Labor Day picnic? The cool loafers are currently on clearance at Banana Republic.

Speaking of shoes…have you seen the Anna Rifle Keds? SO cool! Here is a pair in black.

Want a pretty way to add a little black and white to your day? Pack a lunch in one of these beautiful botanical print bags from Paper Source. You can even add a little contrast to the bag by sealing it with one of these cool washi tapes – the 3 pack is from Paper Source, the bottom one is available at Target.

If none of these black and white ideas appeal to you, you can always pick up some chalkboard paint and some chalk – try using the paint on something unique!

I hope I have inspired you to incorporate some new black and white accents into your life!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Note: The photos in this post are from the websites of the respective stores selling the items.

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4 ways to enjoy lavender in the kitchen

August 8, 2017

I love the floral note lavender adds to desserts – part of the reason why my ‘must have’ summer ice-cream flavor is lavender fig made at a nearby ice-cream shop!

I recently used a culinary grade lavender (I wouldn’t use it from the garden since I’d be worried about contaminants!) to experiment a little bit in the kitchen.

Here are a few ways I came up with to use it…I hope to inspire you to come up with some of your own creations!

Lavender Iced Butter Cookies. I added a tablespoon of dried lavender and 2 drops of lavender essential oil to a standard butter cookie recipe. After the cookies were baked and cooled, I glazed them with powdered sugar, thinned with milk, and garnished the top of each cookie with dried lavender while the glaze was still wet. The finished product – butter cookies with that great subtle floral note of lavender!

Lavender Butter. A fabulous butter to use on scones – I just crushed some dried lavender and added it to softened butter. Great to serve with tea and scones!

Lavender Lemon Bars. Adding a teaspoon of crushed, dried lavender to the crust of lemon bars, as well as using some as garnish, adds the floral note of the flower to this summer dessert classic!

In addition to baked goods, lavender is great in summer beverages. I played around a little with ingredient quantities and came up with this satisfying lemonade!

Honey Lavender Lemonade Recipe

3 cups cold water
Juice of 3 lemons
½ cup honey
¼ cup dried lavender (make sure it is culinary grade)
1 cup boiling water

Add the dried lavender to the boiling water, cover and let steep at least 15 minutes. Strain the water to remove the lavender. Dissolve the honey in the hot water. Add the cold water and lemon juice to the mixture. Serve over ice.

I hope you enjoyed my lavender experiment results! I’d love to hear how you have added lavender to your summer recipes! I recently found a recipe for lavender white chocolate ice cream that I may need to give a try before the summer is over!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S. Here are some links for other ways I have used lavender! Enjoy!

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2 ingredient ice pops

August 1, 2017

Ice pops are synonymous with summer! And, what could taste better on a hot, summer day?! I really love icy treats – evident since I own an ice pop mold, an ice shaver, and an old-fashioned ice cream maker!

Every year, I make many variations of homemade pops, but for today I am sharing a super-fast way to create some with a minimal amount of time and ingredients. Just two easy ingredients are needed – your favorite yogurt and some baby food!

Yes, baby food! Haven’t you ever bought banana baby food to make banana bread? Using baby food is an easy way to get some good quality prepared fruit for a recipe without any fruit cleaning or waste! Plus, you can keep some on hand without it going bad!

To make 6 pops, I use 3 jars (4.25 oz.) organic baby food (I like Beech-Nut in Just Mango) and 3 (5.3 oz.) containers of yogurt. Ice pop molds are super easy to come by these days – a quick trip to HomeGoods or Marshalls will fill the bill! If you don’t want to be bothered with another pan to clutter your cabinets, get small, 3 oz. paper cups and some wooden sticks – these will work just as well!

I use a plain yogurt because I like the tartness and it mixes well with the mango, but you may want to use vanilla or a favorite flavor that will mix well with mango (or whatever fruit you choose). For those of you that like extra sweetness – you can add maple syrup or honey to the yogurt before using it in the pop.

Just put the yogurt in the molds, alternating it with the fruit, and freeze – that’s it! The fruit gets so nice and icy! If you use the cup method, the yogurt is thick enough to keep the sticks standing up straight while the pops freeze.

I hope you enjoy this super easy ice pop recipe! Vary the yogurt and baby food flavors to come up with your own favorite combination! Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things…like enjoying a cold ice pop on a summer day! xo Jackie

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reading ahead

July 25, 2017

I am sharing a few soon-to-be released fiction titles I have read this summer that should make it to your reading list!

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

I was hesitant to read Celeste Ng’s second novel, wondering how I could possibly enjoy it as much as her first! (Click here for more on her first.) But, I had gotten the chance to meet her and she gave me a signed, advance copy of Little Fires Everywhere. That was more than enough encouragement to give the second novel a shot! And, you know what? I may have enjoyed Ms. Ng’s second book even more than her first! This one explores the weight of secrets and the dynamics of motherhood as well as examining the danger of believing that following the rules can avert disaster. A fabulous read and a fabulous book group selection! Release date: September 12, 2017

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

A new, smart thriller already in development as a major film. The story of an agoraphobic woman in New York City who believes she witnessed a crime in a neighboring house. Hearing the story told from inside one (rather colorful) woman’s mind, as she spies on her neighbors, gives this suspenseful novel a unique perspective. Release date: January 23, 2018

Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo

A first novel, written by a Nigerian author and set in Nigeria, the story gives a voice to both a husband and a wife as they tell the story of their marriage. After meeting and falling in love in college, Yejde and Akin marry and agree polygamy is not for them, though the practice is accepted in their culture. But, four years into their marriage, circumstances change. A great emotional read that examines how much we can sacrifice for the sake of family. This book makes for a great book group selection! Release date: August 22, 2017.

Note: An advance copy of this book will be the giveaway for August – leave a comment on the August giveaway post coming on July 28th to be entered to win it!

The Misfortune of Marion Palm by Emily Culliton

A debut novel that tells the story of Marion, a Brooklyn Heights woman, who has embezzled from her children’s private school and makes a run for it when she is close to becoming discovered. Told from the points of view of Marion’s husband, her two children, and Marion herself, this witty and engaging story makes for a quick read. Release date: August 8, 2017

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

A previous giveaway selection, this story examines the special relationships and dynamics of siblings in a unique way. Read more about this selection by clicking here. Release date: January 9, 2018

Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker

A smart, psychological thriller from the Connecticut author who gave us All is Not Forgotten, this title is a previous giveaway selection. Read more about it by clicking here. Release date: August 8, 2017

Happy Reading! Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things…like, reading a good book on the beach! xo Jackie

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popcorn with ‘everything’

July 21, 2017

I often eat popcorn. Using plain kernels and popping them in the microwave makes for a great snack with lots of fiber and no trans fats. I add my own seasonings, usually parmesan cheese and fresh rosemary, for a savory combination.

For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing my newest popcorn seasoning discovery.

Have you heard of Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend? This tasty blend makes any toasted bread with cream cheese taste like an everything bagel. And, I discovered, it also makes for a great popcorn seasoning!

Here’s how to make it: After making plain popcorn in the microwave, spray it with sunflower oil. A spray bottle is the best because it distributes a small amount of the oil evenly over the popcorn. If you don’t have a spray bottle, drizzle the oil over the popcorn and toss lightly. Something is needed to make the seasoning ‘stick’ and sunflower oil is perfect since it has very little taste – plus, it is a healthful alternative to butter. Trader Joe’s has recently started selling sunflower oil, so both the seasoning and the oil can be purchased there. Next, just sprinkle the Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning over the prepared popcorn and toss.

Even if you don’t like popcorn, I suggest you buy the seasoning – for under $2. there is plenty of experimentation that can be done with this yummy spice mix!

Popcorn is ready…movie on the beach, anyone?

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things…like enjoying popcorn while watching an outdoor movie! xo Jackie

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repurposed calendar diy

July 18, 2017

Do you have a calendar that is just too pretty to throw away? This is the perfect DIY to repurpose it and to create something beautiful in the process!

Let me share how I repurposed pages from a calendar to create some special mementos!

The calendar I am using in this example is my Anna Rifle calendar. This beautiful calendar was actually one of my previous giveaways – if you were the one to win it, you already have the start to create some wonderful gifts!

All you need to do is to use the page of the month from the date you have chosen, circle the date, and frame to your liking! So pretty and so easy!

My calendar choice has metallic gold accents, so I circled my chosen date with a gold metallic marker. Use any permanent marker that coordinates with the page you have chosen. Gold leaf, calligraphy ink, or watercolor paint can also be used, based on your taste and the style of the calendar you are using.

Here, rather than using a frame, I have clipped the calendar page to a clipboard I covered with a metallic dot wrapping paper.

What special date do you want to remember? A baby’s birth date, a special anniversary, the arrival of a new pet – many possibilities – any date you may want to commemorate is fair game!

If you plan on framing the page, remember to think about the frame size when you purchase the calendar since the cost of your project will be much less if the calendar fits a stock mat/frame. Of course, you have the option to have the piece professionally framed, if you prefer. You may also come up with other ideas –using a clipboard as a frame or slipping the page under a piece of glass on a serving tray.

Think about gifts for showers, anniversaries, or wedding dates – if you don’t have a calendar to reuse, buy a beautiful calendar after the year begins, when they are drastically marked down in price!

I hope I have inspired you to create a special gift for yourself or for someone special!

Thanks for stopping by and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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diy home office on a budget

July 14, 2017

Change can be sad. As much as I enjoy a good redo, I was hesitant to change my daughter’s childhood bedroom. When she was young, I had put together a Polynesian themed bedroom for her that was filled with mahogany furniture and burgundy and gold bedding colors – all reminiscent of her favorite family trip to Florida.

When the room became empty, I decided to make it my home office. I started with an empty room, a soiled wall-to-wall carpet and some old dusty paper lantern light fixtures.

For Friday field trip today, a peek at the beginning of this new home office!

I painted the two-toned gold walls with a greige color neutral. I used a Behr custom mix from Home Depot – very close to their color Aged Beige. The ceiling was painted white as well as all the trim. What a great fresh start…except for the soiled rug, of course.

From there, I chose a desk first. I found a nice, simple writing desk at Target and purchased it during one of their huge sales when they offered free shipping. The desk has nice lines and would fit my computer comfortably. After assembling it, the only change I made was to the knobs – I replaced the ones provided with a pair in brushed gold. The desk chair was a previous diy…click here to see the before and after.

During the same Target sale when I acquired the desk, I also ordered a simple, gold toned floor lamp. The room already has a trio of paper lanterns (that required a heavy cleaning – I just couldn’t bear to get rid of them!).

I also added a second piece of renovated furniture I refinished years ago – a standing piece I use to store my photograph albums – the nondigital variety.

I covered the one window in the room with a $17. Roman shade that I ordered from JC Penney. How do they even sell them that cheap!?

Since the carpet in that room was SO trashed – my daughter did a number on it – and ignoring it didn’t seem to help, I opted to cover it. My budget did not allow for a complete floor renovation and since the room is so small, it wasn’t hard to find an area rug to cover most of it. I chose a circle shaped, natural fiber rug in a driftwood color from Ballard Designs. They were having a 25% off sale with free shipping – perfect!

Now the fun part of adding the accessories! I purchased all the decorative items at HomeGoods, including a gorgeous canvas that is a world map in greiges and metallic gold! I love this piece!

I still have work to do in the room – in scraps of free time I have a gallery wall to complete – I am in the midst of framing some favorite old photographs as well as hanging a white board calendar and an old doily made by my grandmother.

It does give me satisfaction to know there is still some of the old bedroom when you look hard enough – like the telltale signs of an old pet hamster gnawing on the carpet or pieces of memorabilia that haven’t been removed from the walk-in closet! In an odd way, this helps make the room that much more comforting…a perfect new office!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope I may have inspired you to think about redoing or updating a room!

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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botanical wedding details

July 11, 2017

For a botanical themed wedding held in the woods by a lake, I had a blast coming up with some fun little details to carry the vibe! Here are a few you may want to incorporate into your own event!

Beautiful paper products are always a must for any event I plan, and this wedding was no exception! I think a “hashtag card” should be a standard these days with social media having such a strong presence at a wedding. Creating something similar to a business card, but using the couple’s hashtag is a beautiful way to spread the word!

For this wedding, I created two different cards using illustrations on the front and the hashtag on the back. A fashion illustrator created two different designs for me at a very reasonable price. (You can use her too, by emailing inquiries to AlexaMackDesigns@gmail.com). One depicted the couple from behind and the other was an illustration of the gazebo where the couple was married. I used them to create square, heavyweight cards with rounded corners that I ordered online using Moo.

Another great paper product for a wedding is the recipe for the couple’s signature drink. In this case, the recipe cards were added to the couple’s hotel welcome boxes (Kraft paper boxes were used in place of bags) as well as provided at the bar (near the birch bark straws). This idea can also be incorporated into thank you cards if the drink proves a big hit at the wedding!

Personalized napkins are not new for weddings, but including ‘factoids’ about the couple is so much more personal than just printing them with initials. I created 6 different designs that included how the couple met and other interesting personal stories about them. These are simple to create online on Wedding Paper Divas. (I waited for a big sale and personalized to my liking.)

Doing away with a typical centerpiece by a florist opens up a whole new way of thinking for bridal tables! Why not create your own! Using a beautiful potted planting or designing a terrarium is fun to create and adds a personal touch to a celebration.

For this event, I got together with a few special friends (who happen to have huge green thumbs!) to build my terrarium vision…perfect for a botanical theme! The table numbers were written on rocks inside the terrariums and fairy lights were also added. Lanterns I purchased from HomeGoods were used for the vessels and plants were purchased from local nurseries, as well as Trader Joe’s. Event planners, take note: If you need reasonably priced plants for centerpieces, think of your local Trader Joe’s as a source…the flower department at the store could not be more helpful when ordering in bulk, and the pricing can’t be beat!

Plenty of moss, rocks, and organic materials added to the botanical vibe at the venue. Rocks ordered at Home Depot were used as escort cards. Table numbers were written on the underside of the rocks so the guests could reuse the beautifully lettered rocks as paperweights or decorative objects after the wedding. (If you want someone to do lettering for you, check out Sam Epstein Design on Etsy!) Fresh plantings in pretty containers joined the table arrangement of ‘escort rocks’ as well as tiny fairy lights, pretty votives (Jamali Garden), and a lighted moss wreath on a beautiful gray silk ribbon (Silk & Willow). A lantern was used for gifts of cards.

The favors. arranged on the salad plates. were small tin camp cups filled with gray-toned candy beach stones ordered from Stonewall Kitchen. A gray grosgrain ribbon, in keeping with the wedding accent color, (The bridesmaids wore gray Vera Wang dresses.) adorned the cup handles.

I hope you found some of the details at this botanical themed wedding inspiring…I will share photos at the venue in an upcoming post! If you need any ideas for your own celebration, shoot me an email – I’d be happy to help you brainstorm some ideas to personalize your own celebration!

mens bathroom basket at botanical wedding

The women’s room wasn’t the only bathroom to get attention – the men’s room had a necessity basket on-theme as well!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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mugs for days

July 7, 2017

Recently, I found myself in a salon in a part of Connecticut I never frequent. I visited the most gorgeous spot, called All Dolled Up, in Southington, Connecticut. The owner certainly channeled her inner Kate Spade when she created the beautiful black and white with pops of green décor.

Just to check out the drool-worthy interior with its fabulous attention to detail is worth a visit, but the shop offers so much more…wonderful services offered by talented (as well as beautiful – Jen, the owner, actually looks like Kate Spade!) women.

Today’s Friday field trip is a very specific piece of the décor in this fabulous spot – the coffee station!

After this post, you will definitely want to revamp the beverage area in your own place!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope today’s post will inspire you to create your own beautiful coffee station, doll up the one you have…or, maybe just inspire you to replace those old coffee mugs! Have a wonderful weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things…like drinking from a coffee mug with a sassy saying! Jackie xo

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eclipse cookies

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2 ingredient ice pops

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popcorn with ‘everything’

repurposed calendar diy

diy home office on a budget

botanical wedding details

mugs for days