The Oscars

The Oscars are this Sunday!  Have you watched any of the movies up for Best Picture? I've watched three of the films. I'm so excited. A friend and I are planning a party. Honestly, I don't think I've ever watched the Oscars in it's entirety. Why? I don't know. Maybe now that I'm older and at a less stressful place in life I can relax a little and enjoy something like the Oscars? Whatever the reason, it's exciting.
So we're trying to pull everything together and make it a spectacular evening for our friends. Here's a pic of some of the fabulous stars that will be out Sunday night. Are any of you planning a party?





































xo, jen

Read: January Books

So I wanted to give a little update on the books I read in January. One of my new years resolutions is to read a new (to me) book each week. Well, that hasn't exactly happened...actually I cheated a little. Really my resolution is to read an adult titled book each week, but the last week of January I read new children's books. I say cheated because it's actually part of my job to order and read the new children's books. And honestly for the month of February I haven't finished one book yet. I know, I know, I've got to pull it together.
Ahhh, it feels good to come clean about my "setbacks." and with that here's my list of books read in January:
1. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman 2. Lessons from Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott 3. Barefoot Contessa Foolproof by Ina Garten and 4. the Smitten Kitchen by Deb Perlman. Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy by Eleanor Winters is a book that I continue to refer back to as I try to teach myself calligraphy.

Have a great weekend!
xo, jen

Obsessed

Did you guys watch the Grammy's? We went to a friends house and watched. Loved it! I think this was the first Grammy show that I was so wrapped up in. The performances were great (minus one, but I won't say HIS name), despite some sound issues, the sets where amazing, and for the most part everyone looked good. The Bob Marley tribute, Justin Timberlake, and the band tribute (the girl from Alabama Shakes is AMAZING) were highlights for me, but this Miguel that came out with Wiz Khalifa blew me away. I'm totally OBSESSED with his voice and the song Adorn. Even when Kelly Clarkson got on stage to accept her Grammy, she wanted to know who he was and suggested they work together. That's a huge shout out. I downloaded his song that night and it's on repeat. Anyway in case you're not in the know, like I was, check out Miguel's video Adorn:


I also suggest watching his performance at the Grammy's. Hope you you enjoy as much as I did/do.
xo, jen
p.s. Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine Roundup :: No. 3

Roundup number three. I think it's safe to say that every DIY posted here is super cute! There are so many floating out there over the web, it's really hard to pick just two for each post. This first one is from Made Made DIY. This would be great valentine for a husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, or you can make prints of each family member make it a "family" valentine. You have options.




















This little gem from Giddy Giddy is so darling that I must also do this one. I love it and already have ideas for my words and who to give them to.


I hope you've enjoyed these few roundups and if I find myself with some extra free time, I will post more. If you decide to try one or all of them, please share a pic. Have a great weekend!

xo, jen 

Valentine DIY Roundup:: No.2

Valentine roundup two!!! Fun, fun, fun just waiting to happen.

1. How about Orange- these are so stinking cuuute! I want some on my walls. Just might have to try these out this weekend.








































2. Mer Mag- I really like that these are so different. A valentine outside the box.





































xo, jen

Valentine Roundup::Purl Bee

This week I'll be sharing Valentine's Day DIY's from some of my favorite online blogs/websites. Some are new and some are oldies, but always goodies! One of my fave websites is Purl SOHO. I fell in love with the site right around the time I was learning how to sew. I would just lose myself reading the blog and perusing their wonderful selection of fabrics and notions. Fortunately, on my last couple of trips to NYC, I was able to stop into the cute little shops to pick up a few yards of japanese fabric. They've since outgrown their cute small spaces and now have a large space in SoHo. Oh, but for those of you out here on the West Coast, they have a warehouse in Tustin that you can visit & pick up items. The hours there are limited so it's probably best to call before heading over. Anyway with no more delay here are two of their cute and simple valentine DIY's. Enjoy

1. Valentine Pins- simple and great to make with the kids for their valentine exchanges, make for your girlfriends, yourself, etc.






























2. Valentine Pouch- so adorable. fairly simple if you know access to a sewing machine and know how to sew. you can fill them with valentine sweets or a special little gift.

xo, jen

It's February!

Seems like February is the month that's all about love. We have Valentine's day coming up in just two short weeks and some of us may not have had the chance to even think about it. So starting Monday, I'll be posting ideas/ DIY's to help jumpstart and get you in gear for creating a wonderful Valentine's Day for someone else and/or yourself. Stay tuned and...

xo, jen