We recently put together a Mother’s Day backyard brunch over on Style Me Pretty Living and I simply couldn’t resist sharing it here too. Because, honestly, is it not the prettiest thing that you ever did see? Our resident event planner is seriously a styling genius – I am constantly blown away by all of the things she whips up in no time flat. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend my dears!

Styling: Style Me Pretty Living | Photography: KT Merry

cupcakes | cinnamon buns | place cards | tulips | egg cup | easter eggs

With Easter just around the corner I thought it’d be fun to round up some of my very favourite festive posts from around the web. How clever are these guys!? They make me embarassingly happy

You might have seen this party on Style Me Pretty at Home not long ago, but I just couldn’t help but share it here as well. As far as I’m concerned it’s just far too lovely to not have its fair share of time in the spotlight! Inspired by all things copper, pink, and white, our resident DIY’er and crafter extraordinaire threw together this fantastic Valentines day inspired party  (go Jess!). Whether you’re celebrating Valentines day this year with your man friend, girl friends, or very favourite aunt, this makes for the perfect fete for all involved. I don’t know about you, but just thinking about it makes me all shades of happy.

design and styling & photography

photos are my own

I’m going to take a mini blog break over the holidays, but I’ll be back with lots more goodies next week! Before I go, I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and all the very best in the new year. If the holiday season happens to bring about heavy hearts for any of you, please know that you are in my thoughts this year.

ps: Thank you all for your wonderful words on my announcement last week. You sure do know how to make a girl feel special

With love,
Jacquelyn

clothespined gifts | boxed treats | a decorated window pane
24 days of tea | shadow boxed ornaments
a burlap sack filled with surprises

With December around the corner I’ve got advent calendars on the brain. That’s right. I am twenty-seven years old and I still look forward to advents. Each year my parents gift* my brother and I with one and I sincerely hope they never stop, no matter our age. Whether in the form of a shadow-box ornament display, a sweet surprise, or simply painted on ones window theres no shortage of ways to creatively count down the days.

*This year my mom picked up the David’s Tea 24 days of tea advent calendar for us and it might explain my over-eagerness for December to finally arrive. 24 days of different holiday-inspired tea? Why I never! And as an aside? If you’re feeling gluttonous, you could grab the oversized heavenly Lindt one. The thing is almost as big as I am. It’s fantastic!

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Who ever said that Halloween needed to be tacky? Though fake spider webs and caution tape have their respective time and place, a simple black and white approach to the holiday is a surefire way to get it done in style. I’ve never really been a fan of orange anyway.

Happy Halloween you guys!

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If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you’ll have noticed that I embrace holidays to the umpteenth degree. I don’t often struggle to find reasons to celebrate (Saturday mornings, for example, are totally celebration worthy), and I love any excuse to get together with loved ones over a meal. Easter brunch has always been one of my favourite activities (chocolate? family? it’s a no brainer!) and I can’t wait to enjoy it in full this weekend. If I had it my way, here’s how I’d decorate my table top for the occasion:

And just in case you need some inspiration, here are a few more ways to take your Easter brunch up to the next level:

{succulents & gold-dipped glasses}{shades of blue & green and a suspended wreath}{white on white with small bouquets of lily of the valley}

cutlery | plate | napkins | glasses
flowers | vases | burlap | table | chair

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I am far from what you would call a Valentines day enthusiast, but I do appreciate any reason to do something special for those whom I love. While I don’t partake in lavish gifts and over-the-top celebrations, I like to recognize the event in little ways. Whether it’s for your significant other, your best friend or that neighbour who simply needs a pick-me-up, here are a few great ways to celebrate in a simple fashion. Besides, everyone could use some additional love now and again:

one:: heart-shaped egg in a hole
two:: paint edible hearts and messages on your dishes at brunch
three:: heart-shaped sugar cookies
four:: diy sugar cube hearts (for their morning coffee)
five:: cupid’s arrow red velvet cupcakes
six:: diy glitter cards

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I want to thank each and every one of you for the love, encouragement and support you’ve all shown me throughout the last year. It’s been a whirlwind and I feel so lucky to have gotten to know so many of you. I wish you all a very very merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and everything in between. I’ll be taking a few days off next week to curl up with my friends and family but I’ll be back in the new year with lots more to share.

Love and flannel pyjamas,
Jacquelyn

I’ve mentioned before that I love incorporating some additional effort while wrapping my Christmas gifts. It isn’t difficult to add a little extra touch to your gift and the results are always well worth it. Today I’ve rounded up a few inexpensive, simple things you could do to spice up your present in a pinch.

Consider:
1. Tying a cinnamon stick or two to your package. Not only will they look great, but they’ll smell festive too.
2. Using tree trimmings, misletoe or boxwood bits to add a little special something (here’s an example).
3. Using twine for an organic feel (take a peek at this pretty gift here).
4. Purchasing some japanese washi tape in lieu of scotch tape. Using it on simple wrapping paper makes a great statement.
5. Felt (or fabric) flower adornments (as seen here; also, here’s a tutorial for making your own)
6. Stringing together your own garland with found objects (bits of wood, dried leafs or berries) and wrapping it around your gift.
7. Using newspaper. Add a bright red bow and you get instant Christmas at little to no cost (so festive).
8. Using bakers twine to attach gift tags

and while we’re on the subject; here are a few gift tags I’m loving:
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Happy wrapping!