Mason Jar Inspired Bridal Shower

Wedding season has officially begun...engagement parties, bridal showers and bachelorettes, OH MY!

Five of my friends/sorority sisters will be tying the knot this summer (yes I said FIVE)...and I can't wait for each of these beautiful brides to walk down the aisle!

As a bridesmaid and want to be party planner, I hosted a Bridal Shower, along with the other Bridesmaids at my house in Prairie Village, KS. Nikki's Wedding Reception will take place at Mildale Farm and we really wanted to capture some of the rustic wedding ideas from her reception into her shower...especially the Mason Jars!

Below are various pictures from the shower that I hope inspire you....

 

Mason jars lined the fire place with small votive candles and raffia tied around (candles not lit in pictures)

Burlap table runner with different sized mason jars as the center piece

 

The "bar"...we served punch in mason jars for a nice fun cocktail

We asked  each guest to write their "key to happiness" for the future bride and groom, this also served as a great guest book for the shower.

 

As a take away gift, granola in mini mason jars for all the guests

 Thank you to all the lovely Bridesmaids who helped plan this shower!!

-Jane

Spring Cleaning your Closet

Switching out your closet for the Spring season is always bittersweet! I am so excited to get out my sun dresses, sandals and shorts, but the process of bringing my Spring and Summer clothes from the basement, and storing my winter stuff, is not so exciting! Each time I trade out my wardrobe, i try to get rid of some things that I don't wear very often, or ever!

I came across this article on Apartment Therapy and thought it had some great tips that I wanted to share.

1) CHOOSE ONE CATEGORY AT A TIME

2) MAKE THREE PILES: KEEP, CONSIGN AND DONATE

3) IN ORDER TO KEEP AN ARTICLE OF CLOTHING, IT MUST PASS THIS TEST:

• Do I like/am I flattered by the cut AND the fabric AND the color?
• Am I comfortable in it?
• Does it fit me right this minute (not when I lose 10 lbs)?
• Can any damage (stains or holes be fixed)?
• Can I think of more than one place I can wear it?
• Does it go with other things in my wardrobe?
• Have I worn it in the past year?

I hope this helps you and I both with our Spring cleaning and Organizing!

-Whitney

 

Hungry for the Hunger Games

I just purchased my ticket to see The Hunger Games this evening and I couldn't be more excited. I have The Hunger Games fever and I don't care who knows it! I know people are sick of the hype but I have totally fallen for it.

These Posters of the movie are anything but hyped, I love the simplicity of them. Who is going to see the movie?

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-Megan 

Sauteed Shrimp with Coconut Oil, Ginger and Coriander

After reading about how good coconut oil is for your hair, I picked some up at Trader Joe's. Its a strange substance, it comes in a jar and it feels more like wax than oil, until you heat it up. Well I've only used it a few times, and barely made a dent in the jar. Then i started reading about how good it is to cook with, and how good it is for you. We came across this shrimp recipe, made with coconut oil and thought we would give it a try. I'm not a huge coconut fan, but man this was soooo delicious! (and very quick and easy). *This recipe serves 3 people, but there was plenty of sauce so add more shrimp if you are looking to feed more people, or want larger portions.

Ingredients

2 1/2 tbsp of coconut oil (we used just 2 and it was plenty)

6 scallions, white parts thinly sliced; green parts sliced and set to the side

1 tbsp finely chopped peeled ginger (a lemon zester works perfectly for this)

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1 lb large shrimp, shelled

1/2 tsp salt (optional)

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Lemon wedges, for serving

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, melt the coconut oil in the pan.

Add the white scallions, ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the coriander and cook for 30 seconds more.

Add the shrimp and salt (optional). Cook, tossing occasionally until the shrimp are opaque, about 2 or 3 minutes.

Stir in the green scallion pieces and cook until just wilted, 10 to 15 seconds. Season with lemon juice and black pepper, serve with lemon wedges.

You will love this recipe! We dipped whatever we could in the extra sauce, it was so delicious!

The Pretty and Popular Peplum

If you are like me you have noticed a new cute little ruffle popping up around waists, the term has now been defined as Peplum.  ShopSyle states "A short flared, gathered or pleated piece of fabric attached at the waist of a woman's jacket, dress or blouse.  Modern, sophisticated and undeniably flattering, this architectural element complements every body type."  I mean what girl doesn't want a closet full of Peplum's...

clockwise from the top-left:

Origami Bandeau Mini Dress (on Sale)

Open Hearted Peplum Dress (on Sale)

Peplum Moto Skirt

Lace Peplum Blouse

Nicole Peplum Dress (on Sale)

Parker Strapless Top (on Sale) Sold Out

Tra La La Bustier

Peplum Ponte Jacket

 Ribbed Peplum Bodycon Skirt

-Megan

Stairway to Heaven

I've been seeing a lot of fun and colorful stairways lately, and I'm really loving it! Patterns, numbers, text and colors galore! Here are some of my favorites:

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These Pantone stairs are so genius, not sure i love the color choices, but the idea is great!

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A great way to add color to this mostly white foyer.

Not sure what i would print on my stairs, but this is fun!

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Rulers!! This looks so awesome, especially on a small set of stairs.

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What a cool idea to spice up your house, and add a little fun to something as simple as your stairs. How would you jazz up your stairs?

-Whitney

Spring has Sprung

Today is the first day of spring and I couldn't be happier.  I think Robin Williams said it best...

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's Party!" 

images via Pinterest