jewelry display diy

April 18, 2017

Today I was styling some jewelry. I was being resourceful and using anything I could find that was readily available – household items, found items from outdoors, etc.

It occurred to me what a great item a clipboard can be to showcase jewelry. For such a ridiculously inexpensive, utilitarian object – it can really show a whole lot of style!

If you are putting together a display of your jewelry on your dresser or in a walk-in closet, consider using one or more clipboards. One clipboard can be displayed on a stand on it’s own or several can be displayed this way in a group. Or, several clipboards can be hung on a wall for a display of multiple pieces.

I created this super easy display piece in about 3 minutes. I grabbed some paint and sprayed the metal of the clipboard. There was only one can of spray paint handy and it happened to be off-white…if I had my choice, I would have used something more reminiscent of rust, but I used what I had. I rubbed a little metallic paint I found hanging around onto the cream paint – just so it wouldn’t look too perfect. Then, I used a page from an old book as the background for the display of the jewelry piece – first ripping the edges of the paper to give it a little character.

Super easy – right? A series of statement necklaces on clipboards would make cool wall decor. And, there are so many different ways to provide a background. Think about fabrics, book pages, wrapping paper, old photos, etc.

I hope I have inspired you to use a clipboard as a display piece. Have fun experimenting!

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

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happy spring friends!

April 14, 2017

Hello all! Please have the very happiest of weekends! It is a hectic one for me since I am working this weekend and also trying to get ready for a family meal on Sunday – I’m on desserts! I am taking inspiration from Chef Adam at Sift Bakery :)

For Friday field trip today, please enjoy my favorite homage to Earth Day, coming up on April 22^nd.

Click here to see Repurposed Brown Bags. Have a wonderful weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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anthropologie westport

April 7, 2017

Today, on Friday field trip, these photos from the reopened Anthropologie in Westport, Connecticut are sure to inspire!

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A homage to the former occupant of the building…the Westport YMCA.

The new store, located in the middle of town, is larger than the former location on the Post Road with plenty of room for some exciting surprises – like a section of wedding merchandise from sister store BHLDN (one of the 15 nationwide)!

Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things – like window shopping at the new Anthropologie in Westport! xo Jackie

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anthro’s reopening

April 4, 2017

The much anticipated (for me anyway) grand opening of the relocated Anthropologie in Westport, Connecticut has happened! I am excited to share some photos of the store on opening day – now located in the center of town in the old YMCA building.

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The view while making your purchases at the newly reopened Anthropologie store in Westport, Connecticut.

I planned on sharing some photos on Friday field trip this week to give you a sense of the gorgeous new space, but when I started going through my photos, I realized I needed more than one post to give you some sense of the aethestics.

So, today I will share a few photos as well as sharing a few more photos on Friday! Believe me, it deserves two posts! :)

The visual team did an amazing job at this store! More display people should take note of their use of negative space…my biggest pet peeve in styling is lack of restraint. Anthro are masters at using negative space in displaying their aesthetic in an artistic way.

If you live within commuting distance to Westport, be sure to check out this beautiful new location!

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

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art to help hunger

March 24, 2017

A work colleague was recently made aware of a really cool community service project and I – with a group of friends – got involved to help the cause!

The charity we identified created an ‘empty bowls’ event. This entailed a modest soup meal donated by a restaurant with the charity offering the meal for sale to the public. Guests at the event also had the opportunity, while enjoying some soup, to purchase an ‘empty bowl.’ The proceeds from the bowls, in addition to the meal, were then used to feed the hungry. A great idea, right?

Are you wondering why someone would be motivated to buy an empty bowl? Well, the bowls were all hand decorated! “Who decorated the bowls,” you ask? Why, myself and my group of friends – in addition to many other volunteers – all in all there were over 1,000 decorated bowls for sale at the event!For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing some photos of the bowls decorated by my inspired group!

Some simple pottery bowls were painted, and later fired, in preparation for the ‘empty bowls’ event. Every bowl we decorated (after it was fired) was sold at the event and the proceeds used to help feed the hungry. I love the whole concept of this event!

I hope today’s post has inspired you to participate in some community service – or, better yet, to create your own ‘empty bowls’ event in your area!

The bowls on the left are the ‘before’ and the bowls on the right are ‘after’ the firing process…ready to be sold at the event!

Thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy your weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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hanging plants in eggs diy

March 14, 2017

It does seem a little bit crazy to think that while the snow is piling up outside, I am posting an Easter project! But, hey – we have already changed the clocks and Target has more flavors of Peeps on display than I have ever seen in my entire life! There are even Peep Oreos on the shelves! So, I will not feel guilty about starting Easter DIYs!

And, if 2 feet of snow is happening while I post this, so be it! Today’s Easter DIY is a simple one – hanging plants…but, the plants are hanging in eggs! I guess I could have made the egg hangers myself. It would probably have been long and tedious work not to break any shells in the process. And, putting the holes in the eggs would be very delicate work!

Instead, I found the eggs at Terrain for $2.50 a piece…a price well worth the convenience! With hanging eggs at the ready, the project was super simple…I just planted – very carefully – in each of the eggs and hung them from branches. Don’t they look super festive!

If you want to do this project completely on your own, you can empty out the eggs, make 2 holes and add twine for hanging, but I recommend purchasing eggs ready to go from Terrain! Or, if you prefer, plant in eggs that don’t hang. (I like to plant shamrocks or pansies in eggshells.) For this project, I chose to plant in natural eggs, but you may decide to plant in eggs that you have dyed. Have fun with it!

I hope I have inspired you to plant in eggshells!

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

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soup for a cold day

February 14, 2017

I know today is Valentine’s Day, but I don’t have any cute or romantic photos or projects…my valentine to you is a recipe for lentil soup!

On a recent cold and wet evening, I attended a soup class at my local Whole Foods. Of course, the best part of the class was trying the soups we learned to make! We made three soups that evening – my favorite was the red lentil soup with lemon. It is a super simple recipe shared with us by “Mrs. Wilson.”

Since the class was held at Whole Foods, there is no styling for today’s post, just a few photos I snapped during class to include with the recipe. Enjoy!

Red Lentil Soup with Lemon

Yield: 4 servings

3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of cayenne, more to taste
1 quart vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 cup red lentils
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
Juice of ½ lemon, more to taste

In a 6-quart sauce pot, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil until hot. Add garlic and onions, saute until golden.
Stir in cumin, salt, black pepper and cayenne, saute for 2 minutes.
Add broth, 2 cups water, lentils and carrot. Bring to a simmer, then partially cover pot and turn heat to medium-low. Simmer until lentils are soft. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Soup should be chunky for creamier consistency, puree half soup in blender, then add it back to pot.
Stir in lemon juice just before serving. Garnish with cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil.

Remember to take pleasure in simple things…like a good hot cup of soup on a cold day!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Jackie xo

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valentine coffee sleeve diy

February 7, 2017

Today, I am sharing a really easy Valentine DIY that is sure to make someone smile! For no cost at all, it is easy to upgrade those sleeves you get on your cup of morning Joe!

Why not make one to slip on your loved one’s coffee before delivering it on Valentine’s Day! Or, add a special message or photo to your child’s hot cocoa!

The supplies needed are easy: decorative paper, a knife or scissors, a used coffee sleeve (you don’t throw these out, do you?), spray adhesive, and a glue gun. Just cover a used coffee sleeve with a decorative paper!

If you want to get fancy, you can use fabric. Here I used some scrap felt. I cut a heart shape in the felt; adding a piece of decorative paper behind the opening before adhering the felt piece to the coffee sleeve.

For this one I used a birch bark looking paper. I drew on the heart and initials with a marker and rubbed it off some so the writing wouldn’t be as sharp.

Here I used a paper with some script writing…you may want to use some sheet music of a special song or an old book page with a special poem.

Think of the possibilities! The paper I used in the second photo was actually a recycled Terrain bag! (Click here for more Terrain bag uses!)

I hope I have inspired you to create a coffee sleeve for a special Valentine!

Thank you so much for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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my ‘punny’ valentine diy

February 3, 2017

The valentine season is not complete for me without at least one ‘punny’ candy gift!

I am sharing one from this year on today’s Friday field trip!

Here is my package candy topper for some gummy eggs! The candy came from Ikea’s candy bins…they have some cute, pun-worthy selections!

I created my topper, sizing the image 1200 x 1800 pixels. Then, I printed it four times on a sheet of 8 ½” x 11” card stock. Next, I attached the topper to a plastic bag of candy. For fun, I packaged some up in a mini frying pan…so cute, right?

I hope I have inspired you to create a ‘punny’ candy topper or tag of your own!

If you’d like my egg topper image, just shoot me an email and I will email it to you. This candy also works well with ‘don’t yolk with me’ or anything about being ‘egg-static!’

For more detailed assembly instructions for toppers or some additional ideas for puns, you may like:

To use with candy chalk, click here (printable included).
To use with candy lips, click here (printable included).
To use with candy olives, click here.
To use with candy sharks, click here (printable included).

Have a wonderful weekend! Remember to take pleasure in simple things…like a good pun! xo Jackie

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valentines at terrain

January 27, 2017

Today’s Friday field trip is to a familiar location if you frequent my blog. I made a quick trip to Terrain this week between some work meetings, and I wanted to share some Valentine’s Day inspiration! I always feel sorry for those of you that aren’t close enough to a Terrain to frequent it, but by sharing I hope I can inspire you just the same!

There are some signs of transitioning into spring with some new displays in the store…

But looking around at inspiration for Valentine’s Day, there is plenty! From the heart shaped planters…

…to creative sweets!

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Chocolate valentine hearts at Terrain in Westport, Connecticut.

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Some adorable heart shaped marshmallows at Terrain in Westport, Connecticut.

If you would rather buy a plant already potted, there are some cuties!

I was inspired to create some plantings of my own when I saw these pretty drinking glasses in the sale section! I bought a couple of these beauties as well as some ferns to create my own plantings! Won’t these be adorable as planters?