garlands

With the Super Bowl behind us [maybe next year, Buffalo] it’s time to focus on Valentine’s Day! And I don’t know about you, but when I think of Valentine’s Day, I picture bunches of balloons, sweet cupcakes, heart-shaped confetti and streamers, garlands and bunting galore. So, in honour of my own love for swag, here are some awesome examples of paper and fabric garlands used to perfection at events! 

By the way, my favourite garlands are these, which are reusable time after time!

 

 

 

roundup: it’s a Mod Mod Mod Mod wedding

Mod Cloth is one of the cutest women’s clothing websites around. It’s like raiding your coolest friend’s closet right after she went on a blowout shopping spree. From vintage to vintage-inspired, they have a huge range of interesting pieces that will make you stand out in a crowd, but as I was browsing the party dresses page this morning, I noticed how many cute options there are for alternative wedding gowns. Check out a few of my favourites below!

{photo credit: Mod Cloth}

This Grecian frock would look magnificent with gladiator sandals and a headband. Maybe this can be your something gold? Wait… that’s not right.

{photo credit: Mod Cloth}

For a low-key backyard celebration or a simple city hall ceremony, this little cutie would be perfect with a sash or belt and a frilly hair piece.

{photo credit: Mod Cloth}

Oh, hello there, modern Grace Kelly. Congrats on your wedding. Seriously, is this not the most amazing updated 1950′s princess party dress ever?

roundup!: jessica’s holiday gift guide

looking for something unique to give those on your list this Christmas? try some of these joyful and fun finds!

{photo credit: theontariotable.com}

My boyfriend and I purchased this cookbook back in August at the CNE. In a week we had tried four recipes from it and after that running start, we haven’t looked back. We are giving this book to everyone on our list who enjoys good food, beautiful photography and keeping it local. Check out Lynn Ogryzlo’s website to purchase the book, or visit your local Chapter’s to find this well-priced gem.

[photo credit: PortugueseVintage}

I love owls… I blame this on my nana, she had them everywhere in her house when I was a kid and I now have a soft-spot for these smart looking little guys and anything and everything they adorn. Here is a cute vintage owl sculpture from PortugeseVintage on Etsy. How can you resist this?!

{photo credit: starshapedpress}

I also love pigs… this one I blame on my gramma. How adorable is this handmade letterpress poster from starshapedpress? Perfect for that quirky locovore or design lover. Like, seriously perfect.

{photo credit: ella's Botanicals}

Great stocking stuffers or as a hostess gift, you might actually be tempted to eat this all-natural biodegradable soap it smells so yummy! All of Ella’s Botanicals gorgeous products are sensational quick gifts!

{photo credit: LCBO.com}

Beer connoisseur on your list? Get ‘em the Mill St. Brewery Seasonal Sampler Pack! You can’t really go wrong, there are 6 different types of brews inside the box, and everyone enjoys variety!

wedding wednesday roundup!

{photo credit: Martha Stewart}

 

• Champagne lover? Re-purpose those wire cages from the bottles to create adorable little chairs that would be perfect for place card holders or on top of the cake!- Martha Stewart Crafts
  
• Toronto’s charlie boutique shares their favourite holiday party dresses, great for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve and seasonal weddings!  – charlieluvsyou
• Getting engaged or ring shopping over the holidays? Educate yourself about conflict diamonds and certification processes- Brilliant Earth
  
• Many weddings create more waste than you can even imagine. Donate your extra, leftover and unneeded items after the big day - Eco-Beatuiful

advent calendars

who doesn’t love an advent calendar? even if it’s just a cheapy from Zeller’s, the excitement of opening up the little door each day is the same. I will even admit to fast-forwarding through mine a few times each season! There are some really beautiful and unique ideas out there for alternative advent calendars that really add to the the decor in your home or can jazz up your Christmas event… even some that are reusable and eco-friendly.

{photo credit: love nordic}

{photo credit: atypical type A}

{photo credit: Victoria with Roses}

{photo credit: Etsy shop Tuuni}

winter wonderful

It’s starting to get colder! Though we are still experiencing temperatures at or above normal seasonal highs, there is a distinct nip in the air that reminds us winter is on its way!

{photo credit: WildRidge Design}

{photo credit: Better Homes and Gardens}

{photo credit: Good Housekeeping}

{photo credit: Project Wedding/Mary Swenson}

{photo credit: kimberley hurst Photography}

baker’s twine

I love baker’s twine! this versatile little string can add an adorable final touch to any project. here are some cute holiday-themed  offerings!

{photo credit: GreenMunch.ca}

{photo credit: swann & smerlin}

{photo credit: elizabeth st.}

{photo credit: elizabeth anne designs}

{photo credit: Craftapalooza}

Trick or Treat!

Happy Hallowe’en everyone! I just love this day, I have since I was a little kid. I’d classify myself as a Hallowe’en purist, I prefer classic Halowe’en costumes,  movies and TV specials, activities, decorations and treats. Give me a black cat, witch or Frankenstein’s monster over the latest pop culture costume, tarted up fairytale character or ironic non-costume every time! So in honour of the classic spirit of this day, here are a few spooky images of Hallowe’en fun!

{photo credit: The Cookie Queen}

{Photo Credit: Getty}

{Photo Credit:SkiptomyLou.org}

 

{Photo Credit: Pear Tree Greetings}

wedding wednesday roundup!

Photo Credit: Emily Berl for The New York Times

 

• Is working up a sweat with your besties the new way to celebrate your final days of being a single lady?- The New York Times
  
• Where to look for “Happy Meat” in the city of Toronto, perfect if you are sourcing your own food for a small DIY wedding or event!    – Julie Kinnear Team blog
  
• Beautiful urban Toronto Fall engagement shoot - Sam Obeid
  
• How AMAZING would an edible botanical garden be as a backdrop for your sustainable wedding or special event?! Bruce Botanical Food Gardens aims to produce just that – an agricultural edu-tourism destination that is completely one-of-a-kind! [But they need your support to keep the gears in motion!] - FarmStart News
  

ampersands & events!

unique curvature and millions of stylisation options lend the ampersand perfectly to infinite design possibilities.  & i love when they are used in events and weddings!

{photo credit: katherineophoto}

{photo credit: Sam Lane}

{photo credit: minted}

{photo credit: anne mcgowan}