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something old, something borrowed

July 4, 2017

remade heart from heirloom wedding dress

When a wedding dress has been used for two generations and isn’t in good enough shape to sustain a third, how can it be incorporated into a third-generation wedding?

This was a recent project for me.  I accomplished this beautifully with help from my ‘go to’ for sewing projects – Ralph & Martha!

vintage wedding dress

The idea was to use the bride’s grandmother’s vintage dress to create a special piece to use in her wedding.  The dress had been worn by the bride’s grandmother as well as the bride’s mom and aunt.  Determined to help the bride use the dress in a special way, my collaboration with Ralph & Martha resulted in a heart constructed from the grandmother’s wedding dress.  Special care was given to use some of the trim – the bride’s favorite part of her grandmother’s dress.

remade wedding dress heirloom

The crowning detail was the inclusion of the three wedding dates embroidered onto the finished piece – the bride’s grandmother’s wedding date, the bride’s mother’s wedding date, and the bride’s wedding date.  Attaching the heart to her dress, the bride ensured her grandmother’s dress was worn by all three generations!

vintage wedding gown repurpose

The heart (something old) was attached to the dress with a diamond pin the bride’s grandfather gave her grandmother (something borrowed) before they were married.  Now deceased, the bride’s grandfather was remembered in a special way on her wedding day with the addition of the pin.

Isn’t this a beautiful remembrance for a beautiful day!  After the wedding, the heart can be framed as a lasting keepsake.

2 generations wedding dressI hope this has inspired you in some way to create a special remembrance of your own!

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

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artisan details

June 23, 2017

green moss and gray ribbon

I know not everyone gets as caught up in details as I do.  Some of the details of an event that really get me jazzed are things like paper products, fabric, ribbon, favors, flowers…

silk and willow package

Beauty is absolutely in the details and I often obsess over many of them when I am planning an event.  The details are what really ‘bring it home’ when creating an aesthetic.

Silk and Willow ribbon packaging

Today on Friday field trip, I am sharing with you a supplier that is fabulous for some of these details.   Silk & Willow creates labor-intensive plant dyed silk ribbon presented on hand carved and stained Acacia wood spools.  Can you see how a detail loving person like me would go nuts over a product like this?!

ribbon from plant dyed

The heirloom quality plant dyed silk ribbon is not the only product available from Silk & Willow.  Other artisan quality items include handmade paper, handspun twine, and 100% natural fiber table linens.

table runner silk and willow

To illustrate my point, the photos on today’s post are from a recent Silk & Willow order.  Can you see how a detail like a ribbon or a table runner can be transformed by the choice of your supplier?  These handcrafted details cannot be duplicated and truly make a special occasion special.

moss and ribbon

I hope you have enjoyed the photos on today’s Friday field trip.  To see more about Silk & Willow, located in Hudson Valley, New York, visit their gorgeous website.

spool silk and willow ribbon

Thanks for stopping by!

gray table runner silk and willow

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

P.S.  I wasn’t asked to endorse Silk & Willow and I have not received any consideration in exchange for this post.

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living in the moment

June 20, 2017

clouds in sky

As I reflect in the loss of a loved one, I challenge myself to live more in the moment going forward.  My post today is simply a list of reminders I put together for myself…

live my life

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you are inspired in some way to live by your own reminders.

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie xo

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the fountain at the breakers, palm beach

June 16, 2017

Front view Breakers Fountain

This month I have been on something of a plant/garden kick…it always happens this time of year.  I love go to nurseries and I love admiring plants and great plantings and containers.  Of course, part of the whole garden experience is to add some interesting features.  I have been thinking about and admiring water features of late and it got me thinking of the great fountain I saw on my recent Palm Beach trip.

Alligator detail Breakers Fountain

The great fountain I am talking about sits in front of the iconic Breakers Hotel.

Breakers Fountain

Of course it is not a water feature I could ever have in my garden, but I thought I would share it’s beauty with you on today’s Friday field trip.

boy fountain detail The Breakers

boy with alligator fountain detail

When I stayed at the hotel, I saw more photos staged in front of this fountain than in front of the magnificent coastline – certainly that was the case with new brides and grooms at the hotel!

Fountain detail and palms

No matter what it’s form, you certainly can not beat the sound of water to create a sense of calm!

close up Breakers fountain

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Flag front Breakers

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things – like the sound of water in a fountain!  xo Jackie

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ferns in urns diy

June 13, 2017

boston fern

I have a really easy DIY I’d like to share today.

When I found that florists charged hundreds of dollars for a simple urn with ferns (plus delivery!), I decided there had to be a less expensive way to have create the same result.

Well, I turned hundreds of dollars into less than $40!

fern diy

First, I went to my go-to home store, HomeGoods, to find an appropriate urn.  They had plenty of low priced urns in stoneware, ceramic, or acrylic choices.  I opted for the acrylic since I wanted to create something as inexpensive as possible that would be easy to transport to a special event.

All the acrylic choices were in dark colors, so I would have to give my urns a coat of spray paint!  I took the two urns I purchased into the yard and sprayed them to coat – a very quick process.

urn diy

I had purchased two large hanging Boston Fern plants from Lowe’s when they were on sale for $9.99.  My plan was to plant them in the urns until one of my friends suggested it would be easier to transport them if they weren’t planted!  Of course!  So, I stuffed the bottoms of the two urns with some Styrofoam left from some packaging and now I plan to just drop the plants on top of the Styrofoam when I am ready for my event!  The planters weigh next to nothing – even filled with the material – and the plants are very light as well.

Ferns in urns

What a savings…and, so easy!  And the urns really look like stoneware.  When I get to the event, I will simply add the plants to the urns and remove the plastic hangers!  (I am leaving them on for now because it is easier to move the plants with the hangers as handles.)

ferns in urns diy

I hope you I have inspired you in some way for planning the décor for your next special event!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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shakespeare’s garden in brookfield, ct

June 9, 2017

shakespeare 10

My friends have been holding out on me!  They have just recently shared what is currently one of my favorite nurseries!

shakespeare gardens bethel ct 9

Shakespeare’s Garden in Brookfield, Connecticut now joins a list that includes places like White’s Flower Farm and Terrain.

shakespeare gardens bethel, ct 7

What makes a great nursery?  For me, three important criteria!  First, and foremost, creativity!  The plants need to be presented in a beautiful way…with creative, imaginative, and even innovative added to the mix!

shakespeare gardens bethel,ct 4

Of course, plants can easily be purchased at a local grocery or warehouse store.  So, for a nursery to become a favorite means the plants aren’t just offered for sale, but are displayed in a creative way.

shakespeare gardens bethel ct 11

The second way to become a favorite is to have plenty of unique containers for plantings.  Vintage pieces or repurposed items used as planters are an example.  I’m looking for containers that help create an organic look or enhance the beauty of the planting it contains.

shakespeare gardens bethel ct1

The third criteria is for the nursery to employ a knowledgeable staff.  I want to be able to ask a question about caring for a particular plant or about the habit of a perennial I am purchasing and be confident I am getting an educated response.

shakespeare gardens bethel, ct 6

Those are my top three.  The bonus number four for me is a great gift shop!  Finding some unique and aesthetically beautiful items for sale is always a plus!

shakespeare gardens bethel, ct 8

Because Shakespeare’s Garden checked all the boxes for me – including the bonus item (!) – I am including some photos I took on my visit for today’s Friday field trip.

Shakespeare gardens bethel, ct 16

I hope they have inspired you in some way!  Shakespeare’s Garden is worth a visit if you are in commuting distance.

shakespeare gardens bethel ct 15

Have a wonderful weekend!  Remember take pleasure in simple things – like visiting a favorite nursery!  xo Jackie

P.S. If you go, remember to say hello to Romeo – the resident cat.

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pink & gold nautical bridal shower

May 23, 2017

 Flowers pink and gold shower

Pink and gold may not seem the typical color choice for a nautical themed party, but who said anything about typical?  And, I certainly have no problem arranging a nautical party in any color scheme! :)

Since no décor can beat a coastal view, this bridal shower needed to take place at a yacht club!

a gold and pink invite
The gals in the bridal party, serving as hostesses for the event, dressed in the theme colors and all looked beautiful!  Of course, it helps when all the gals are gorgeous!  ;)

a coordinating bridal party

Soft pink and gold appeared in all the details of the day.

a nautical table signs for pink and gold

The tables were set with gold chargers and cream linens.  Table names were displayed in a brushed gold finish pedestal frame and displayed the names of bodies of water that held significance for the bride-to-be.  Examples include the name of a lake from a campground she frequented as a child and the name of a river from college crew.  Working with a florist, subtle and romantic blush and white free-form arrangements were created in gold compotes. (A smaller version for the powder room!)

a pink and gold shower flowers 2
a compass shower favor nautical pink and goldA small (personalized) brushed gold compass and gold dipped feather adorned each place setting.

Individually wrapped sea glass candy on the tables also added to the nautical vibe. (Oddly enough, I make sea glass candy every Christmas, but rarely at any other time of year!)  The bride’s favorite flavors were represented in the white (pear), pink (cotton candy), and brown (root beer) pieces of candy wrapped with raffia and adorned with a mini sand dollar.

 

a pink and gold shower favor

Standard cocktail napkins and water glasses were replaced with some on-theme choices and festive gold straws were added to the water station.

a pink and gold nautical bridal shower

Wedding photos of the bride-to-be’s mother, future mother-in-law, grandmother, and grandmother-to-be were displayed in the entry way in glass and gold frames to add a personal touch.

a pink and gold flowers 6

Themed prize baskets were given to winners of the games organized by the maid-of-honor, as well as the guest with the closest birthday, the guest that drove the farthest to attend the shower, etc.

The golden bracelets for the ‘bracelet bonanza’ game had everyone wearing a shiny gold bangle (right on theme) and provided some added interaction between guests.  The ‘he said, she said’ game was fun and added a glimpse into the personalities of the soon-to-be wed couple.

a bracelet game bridal shower

For the refreshments – a selection of assorted breads, coffee and mimosas were available when the guests arrived.  A fruit course, served in martini glasses, was followed by a plated brunch and later with cake and sorbet.

a pink and gold shower details
Adding to the theme of the day, the cake (vanilla with salted caramel filling) was created with an outside of soft pink ‘waves’ and garnished with fondant starfish dipped in gold.  The sorbet was provided by a friend of the bride’s mom, created specifically for the shower in coconut lemongrass from a local gourmet food store and served in take-home stemless wine glasses.  (The bridal party gals were each gifted a set of four.)

pink and gold wedding shower cake 2

Now, who said pink and gold wasn’t nautical?

a pink and gold flowers 24
I hope you are inspired to host a pink and gold coastal party of your own!

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

Sources are available upon request – I’m happy to share!

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plants of palm beach

May 9, 2017

succulent arrangement

As I start to clean up my garden and plant some annuals here in Connecticut, I can’t help but think of some of the inspiring plantings I saw on my first trip to Palm Beach, Florida.

Like all things in Palm Beach, the green spaces are magnificent. So today, as part of my Palm Beach homage, I am sharing some of my favorites from the great plantings I spotted!

Some of my favorite container plantings were located around the pool at The Breakers hotel…

container garden poolside at The Breakers

poolside container garden

This colorful orchid was one of many located in an interior courtyard at The Breakers. This beautiful variety of flower can easily grow on the trees in Palm Beach.

colorful orchids

The Living Wall (located on the west wall of Saks Fifth Avenue) on Worth Avenue, has to be the most high-profile garden in a Palm Beach public space! It was assembled in 2010 as part of the nearly $16 million beautification of Worth Avenue. A computerized system provides water and nutrients to the more than 10,000 plants in the 24-foot high, 36-foot wide grid. Amazingly beautiful!

Living wall in Palm Beach

These topiaries were also spotted on the famous high-end shopping street, Worth Avenue.

Palm Beach Topiaries

I found this cool looking flower in some shrubbery on the grounds of The Breakers hotel…not too sure what it is, but I thought it was uniquely beautiful.

flowers at The Breakers

This simple but majestic container planting was spotted outside Henry Flagler’s 1902 Palm Beach estate. Flagler was the gentlemen that established Palm Beach as a resort.

plant outside Flagler Estate

And, of course, you can’t help but notice the beautiful palms when in Palm Beach! They are everywhere! The coconut palm is not native to Florida. It’s presence in Palm Beach is due to a shipwreck back in 1878. The ship, traveling to Spain from Havana, was carrying a cargo of coconut palms and many of the coconuts were salvaged; many planted.

outside landscape at The Breakers

evening palms

I hope you enjoyed sharing a few of the many plants that caught my eye while in Palm Beach. While inspiring, they certainly make my humble garden seem a lot less exciting! I have to remind myself that Connecticut is lacking the tropical rain forest climate of Palm Beach!

dish garden The Breakers

A dish garden I admired on a table inside The Breakers hotel.

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

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palm beach style

May 2, 2017

sand dollar key chain pleasure in simple things blog

You know how I love a good theme!  Currently, it is all about Palm Beach!  Today, I am sharing a glimpse of a super cool project I created with Ralph & Martha.

sail key chain pleasure in simple things blog

For a gal that is all about neutrals, embracing Palm Beach – in all its pink and green glory – has been a big departure from my usual color palette!  But, what a fun time I have had immersing myself in all things Palm Beach!

anchor key chain pleasure in simple things

For this specific project, I chose some fabrics and ribbons to create some key chain gifts.  So fun!

flamingo key chain pleasure in simple things

The construction part was all Ralph & Martha and they are such professionals (and perfectionists), I knew my end result would be fabulous!

sand dollar key chain pleasure in simple things

Aren’t they great!  I think we nailed the Palm Beach vibe!  ;)  Think about what great wedding favors these could make for a summer celebration!

sail boat key chain pleasure in simple things

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

 

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making old school ice cream sandwiches

April 25, 2017

old school ice cream sandwiches

Not since Alton Brown made his candy corn recipe public, have I been so excited about trying out an old school recipe! And, even more important than the recipe, I found a pan that bakes the cookie layers with the appropriate design of imprinted holes! (It is just not the same without the holes!)

The recipe and the baking pan (a genius 3 piece creation) come together in a set. The set makes baking the cookie pieces, as well as assembling the sandwiches, super easy.

Halo Top ice cream sandwiches

Since I wanted to make some special ice-cream sandwiches for my daughter’s birthday as my first use of the set, I chose to use her favorite ice-cream – Halo Top. My plan was to use birthday cake ice-cream and garnish the sides of the sandwiches with multi-colored sprinkles! Adorable, right?

When I got to the grocery store, I couldn’t find Halo Top in birthday cake flavor, so I purchased two alternate flavors, and decided to make two ice-cream sandwiches in each flavor. The ice cream sandwiches might look old school, but I have replaced the standard vanilla ice cream with mint chip and peanut butter cup – I don’t ever remember these flavors as options back in the day. ;)

ice cream sandwich making set

The instructions provided with the pan were very easy to follow. The only part of the process that took a little time was smoothing out the batter for the cookies in the pan, but even that was pretty painless. Measuring out an exact 1 tablespoon of batter for each mold created a perfect result!

I was happy with the ice cream sandwiches I made on my first attempt! I can’t wait to try making some using home churned ice-cream this summer!

making old school ice cream sandwiches

If you are interested in making your own, I found the ice cream sandwich making set at Sur La Table. You can purchase one through their website. Currently, the set to make 4 sandwiches is on sale for under $10!

ice cream sandwich collageA word of advice: The set makes 4 ice cream sandwiches. If you choose to make only four, do not make the entire recipe of cookie batter. You will only use 8 tablespoons of batter to create the cookies for 4 sandwiches and the batter from the recipe provided probably makes enough for 50! Cut the recipe way down if you only plan to make four! Enjoy!

making old fashion ice cream sandwiches

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things – like enjoying an old school ice-cream sandwich on a warm afternoon!
xo Jackie

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