jamnjilly

valentine hearts

2012-02-16T09:14:00.000-05:00

i am a little late but i just had to share these little sweet hearts.

i love how they turned out.

even more, i love how easy they were.

lucky for me because i made all 45 of them the morning of valentines

and was able to hand them out during their valentine parties that afternoon.

i have been so busy the past couple of weeks.

so now that valentines has come and gone

i can take a break.

maybe?!

i hope you had a sweet valentine's day!

one of my favorite gifts

2012-01-09T08:15:00.000-05:00

this was a gift i bought for the two of them for Christmas.

actually it has turned out to be a gift for me too.

it is one of my favorites.

just look at those titles.

we just finished the first week and i have to tell you that its perfect.

perfect for them

to read, understand, and discuss.

it has become part of our morning routine.

it is never too late to start a daily devotional with your kids.

what a sweet way to start their day.

and yours.

happy new year

2012-01-03T08:14:00.000-05:00

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wow!

a new year!

i am feeling good about this new year even though its only the third day.

of course, i have many things i want to try, accomplish, change.

resolutions?

i guess you could call it that.

change?

definitely.

i am looking forward to 2012!

i hope you are too.

happy new year!

fall~ around the house

2011-11-22T20:47:00.012-05:00

i love fall!

i love decorating for fall.

pumpkins, wheat, wood, all things natural.

i have had fun looking around at all the beautiful thanksgiving decorating.

i thought i would join in and show you some fall touches around my home.

i want to wish everyone a lovely thanksgiving!

enjoy your friends and family!

*julie

birthday picnic

2011-11-09T08:04:00.000-05:00

ok!

i know i said i wasn't doing a party this year, but..

. it was just a little picnic after school with her two best girlfriends.

i have to say that having a party for three was very simple.

no stress!

i think they had a fun time!

halloween gifts

2011-10-27T07:59:00.000-04:00

why not give halloween gifts?

i love giving gifts!

especially to our teachers!

and especially when i get to make them!

these were made with a

tin can,

some scrapbook paper,

crepe paper,

stickers,

pipe cleaner,

and some pom pom fringe!

the kids loved giving them to their teachers

and the teachers loved getting them stuff with their favorite candy!

and when thats gone they have a fun pencil holder!

celebrating in october

2011-10-24T20:25:00.000-04:00

October.

this is a very special month because its my baby girls birthday month!

our birthday celebrations last for a week.

this year was the first year i decided not to do a party.

it was a hard decision!

i love putting together a party but i felt like i needed a break.

it wasn't an easy decision but i let myself take the year off.

however, we did celebrate!

we had a celebration at school with her class,

we had a celebration at the park with her two best girlfriends,

and we celebrated disney princess style!

all in all, i think my baby girl had a blast turning six!

i love you jilly bean!

fiddle leaf fig tree

2011-09-30T08:27:00.002-04:00

all photos from pinterest

so, i have been thinking about buying a fig tree for my home.

i am so not a green thumb,

but i do like the look of the fig tree and the benefits of having an indoor plant.

and i love the texture and color of the basket in the last photo!

do you have one?

i would love to hear all about it.

have a great weekend!

*julie

ps. sorry the pictures are so small. hope you can still enjoy them!

what makes me happy...

2011-09-23T08:14:00.000-04:00

what makes me happy.....

that it is finally fall

frequent rain storms

my favorite tv shows are back

adding "fall" to my home

and cupcakes for sure

what makes you happy?

butternut squash soup

2011-09-21T08:42:00.000-04:00

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fall.

my favorite time of year!

this is what we had for dinner last night.

we kinda made up our recipe as we went.

a simple and low-fat butternut squash soup.

however, i do plan on trying this soup with heavy whipping cream.

and i will definately be trying this recipe.

goat cheese makes everything taste better.

turning the big 4-0!

2011-09-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

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ok.

i think i can talk about it now.

wow!

i am a huge birthday person.

i mean, the celebration needs to last for days.

but this year was different.

totally different!

i really took this one hard.

really?

julie is 40?!

when did that happen?

i still think i am in my early 20's.

maybe even 18 at times!

(ok, maybe not 18)

i just wanted this birthday to quietly pass by.

however, my sweet husband thought otherwise.

on my real birthday, we dined out with a few of my friends.

then the following weekend he "surprised" me with a surprise birthday party.

with an 80's theme!

ok, it was fun.

i will spare you the silly pictures.

i am so very happy and blessed with my life!

and its just a number.

right?!

now lets move on!

*julie

apple of my eye treat and a thank you!

2011-09-05T08:05:00.001-04:00

i am so excited to show you a creation from happy little art!

aren't they sweet!

and she topped them off with one of the tags i created!

what a thrill!

thank you so much colleen!

it makes me smile that someone else is enjoying my tags too!

i love these!

they are perfect for a teacher or a student!

they are too cute and i bet just as tasty!

thanks for sharing!

*julie

fun school supplies ~ lunch box notes

2011-08-12T08:12:00.002-04:00

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ok, so now we have the backpack and lunch box taken care of. now its time to fill those bags with some love. i plan on tucking in a couple of love notes here and there for little surprises throughout the year. whether its the first day, a test day, or just because. there are so many free printables out there but these are a few of my favorites that i wanted to share.

created by me

created by me

you could even design your own.

i am having some fun with picnik.

tuck them in their lunch box, school book, or notebook.

they are sure to bring a smile during the day!

*julie

fun school supplies ~ the lunch box

2011-08-10T08:06:00.000-04:00

monday we talked about some cute backpacks.

thats great for all the folders, papers, and books.

now we need to figure out what to do for lunch.

well, i am sure you might of already heard about the packit.

i have yet to use one and they are not giving me one for writing this post.

i just love the concept.

i am always worried when i pack their favorite yogurt, cheese,

or really anything in their lunch box.

i mean, how cold and fresh are they when they go to devour them?

i am so happy that this will not be of concern this year.

the packit can go directly into the freezer and will stay cold up to ten hours!

so, now i can pack anything their little heart desires!

i ordered the polka dot for her and the solid blue for him.

one way to make making lunch alittle easier.

they are having a bogo sale for a limited time.

cant wait to try it.

let me know if you have tried one and what you think.

*julie

fun school supplies ~ backpacks

2011-08-08T08:07:00.001-04:00

wow!

i can not believe my cuties start school next week!

where did the summer go?

i think this was one of the fastest summers.

its funny how their little bodies start to go alittle haywire towards the end.

like they are ready for some structure.

i am sad that its coming to an end.

you see, my baby is going into kindergarten.

that means both will be in school every day, all day.

i feel like i am going to experience empty nest syndrome.

but to keep my mind focus on the excitement of a new year,

i am having fun finding some cute school supplies!

since my baby girl is starting "real" school, she needs a backpack.

we had a polka dot backpack picked out and ready to order

but i wanted to look around alittle more for something different.

i am so glad i did!

look what i found on esty!

these sweet custom backpacks by paige holliday.

they come in three different sizes

and you get to pick the mix of fabrics you want.

she has the cutest fabrics to choose from.

for girls and boys.

and she is wonderful to work with!

i had a hard time deciding, so i let go and let her pick which one she wanted.

and here it is!

cute, right?!

of course, we are having her name embroidered on the front.

i cant wait to see it!

you know they need a backpack,

why not let them be alittle different with a cute, custom backpack?

go visit paige and let me know which one you picked!

have fun!

*julie

our coffee table

2011-07-28T08:11:00.002-04:00

i have been wanting to share pictures of my home for awhile

however, i am terrible at taking good pictures.

i have tried but they just come out blah.

i guess i think my home looks better in person.

here is my attempt of some pictures of our coffee table.

.............................................................................

i wanted to show you the coffee table that my sweet husband made for me.

i have been looking for a table since we moved in almost five years ago.

he made this one for me last month.

and wouldnt you believe that i found a perfect ( i hope) table!

so, i wanted to show you the table even though it is not completely decorated

before things change!

if you have any tips on taking better pictures of your home,

please share!

*julie

joining the party at the shabby nest

smore on a stick!

2011-07-08T08:08:00.000-04:00

so simple!

*toast one end of the marshmallow.

{ we used our kitchen torch that we use for creme brulee }

*insert the stick on the toasted end and dip the non-toasted end into melted chocolatee.

{ we used the candy melts from the craft store. it stays hard and does not melt. }

*while the chocolate is still wet, dip into crushed graham crackers.

*place in the refrigerator for 10 - 15 minutes.

*done!

they had a blast at VBS last week at our church!

i headed up the "encouragement team".

as a team, we each had a day to bring in a little treat to say thank you to our awesome volunteers!

i found this great idea here and knew it would be a hit.

i mean, we are talking about a smore on a stick!

how can you go wrong!

wouldnt these be perfect for a camp themed party?

thats what i am thinking about for noah's next birthday.

enjoy!

*julie

butterfly cloche via sweet paul

2011-06-30T23:43:00.007-04:00

how beautiful!

want to make one?

visit sweet paul he will show you how!

check out his blog and online magazine!

beautiful!

tell him hi for me!

enjoy!

*julie

summer time fun (not involving a tv)

2011-06-24T16:56:00.010-04:00

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we are going into our fifth week of summer break.

i don't know about you, but we are in need of some new, creative, not involving a tv kind of fun!

so, i thought i would share with you some of the great ideas i have found online.

each one is simple and inexpensive.

you probably have everything already!

these are just a few ideas.

i might share some more.

fun = check

creative = check

tv off = check

your welcomed!

enjoy!

*julie

lego party... finally

2011-06-07T20:48:00.024-04:00

Marco?

POLO!!!

Here I am!

Wow! Two months and no posts.

I just needed to take a break.

Life has been busy but a good busy.

I have missed my blog.

I have really missed my blog friends!

So, here I am.

No promises.

We will see how the summer goes.

I guess I left you with the cliff hanger of more lego birthday party.

Well, you can stop holding your breath now!

Ha! Ha!

He was happy!

sources:

banner & favor bags - made by me

lego marshmellow heads & cupcakes - made by my sister (who made these too)

lego cupcake toppers - bumble cakes etsy shop

lego pack favor - amazon

miniman lollipop - sweetniks etsy shop

miniman soaps - broken road farm etsy shop

enjoy!

*julie

lego invite

2011-03-29T07:45:00.001-04:00

here are a few of the items that turned into this...

noah's lego birthday party invitation!

it looks like a lego brick, right? i hope!

its that time again!

party planning!

i love it!

i am in full lego party mode!

i have been planning and ordering and crafting!

this was a fun and easy invite to make and the kids loved it!

i have said it here, and here, and here!

i love a 3-d invite!

i will be sharing the other details soon!

*julie

spring break fun

2011-03-28T07:33:00.000-04:00

well, spring break is officially over but we had a blast!

we visited hollywood studios and the kennedy space center!

we collected new signatures in their autograph books!

we celebrated a little for his upcoming birthday!

and then we headed home!

and for the record, i didn't ask them to pose for this picture!

they have their moments!

good and bad!

we played hard this spring break

and i enjoyed every minute!

*julie

welcoming spring or summer

2011-03-21T07:51:00.001-04:00

welcome spring!

or for us in florida, it feels like we are welcoming summer!

we did have the perfect springtime weather for the last few weeks

but this weekend it is starting to feel like summer is making an entrance!

i am finally switching out my winter to spring/summer details!

i am ready for the change of decor but i think i have opened a can of worms!

there are so many projects i would like to do which has me feeling a little loopy!

i am hoping to finish a couple of little projects around the house tomorrow!

what about you?

*julie

for japan with love

2011-03-17T20:06:00.013-04:00

i know there has been alot of heartfelt blog posts on the terrible events that have happened in japan and that keep happening!

i see the unbelievable pictures!

i read about their fears!

and i pray!

there are many ways to donate but i have seen this awesome mission on a few of the blogs i follow!

utterly engaged and ever ours are working with shelterbox!

they are able to send supplies that are so desperately needed!

please take a minute to check it out here !

you will also see that they have met and exceeded their goal!

the blogging world is a wonderful place!

*julie

our first stop

2011-03-02T09:50:00.000-05:00

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we left on thursday afternoon and headed to our first stop!

dinner at the 700 drayton

which is located in the mansion on forsyth park in historical downtown savannah!

i got a little fancy in my black dress, peep toe heels and my new chunky necklace!

we started with an appetizer and finished with dessert!

the food was delicious and the decor was fabulous!

and that was just the beginning!

*julie

anniversary celebration

2011-02-28T08:31:00.001-05:00

we recently celebrated our ten year anniversary!

he surprised me with a long weekend away!

just the two of us!

he arranged the

babysitting,

the hotel,

every dinner reservation,

the shopping,

the historical home tours,

a handwritten love letter,

gifts,

every little detail!

yes, he is good like that!

we had the best time!

thank you Lord for blessing me with such a sweet and giving husband!

*julie

we baked cookies

2011-02-21T07:58:00.000-05:00

we baked the "famous" cookies i told you about here!

they are so easy and so yummy!

these sweet cookies are what we delivered to teachers and staff at our awesome school!

we placed them in clear bags with a little white doily and red ribbon!

and i have had more than my share!

yum!

*julie

sweet valentines

2011-02-17T19:20:00.007-05:00

i have the sweetest valentines!

we baked, created, and shared the love!

they have huge hearts in those little bodies!

and whats best of all... their hearts are full of God's love!

hope you have a wonderful weekend!

*julie

happy valentine's day

2011-02-14T08:24:00.000-05:00

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happy valentine's day!

whether you celebrate it or not,

i hope you have a sweet day!

enjoy!

julie

happy anniversary to my one and only

2011-02-03T14:35:00.000-05:00

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"if you live to be 100, i hope i live to be 100 minus 1 day, so i never have to live without you."

happy anniversary to my best friend!

it has been a wonderful 10 years!

thank you for being such a sweet, patience, and loving husband!

i am so glad that you are the one God chose for me!

i love you unconditionally!

xoxo

brownie candy cups via bakerella

2011-01-31T16:41:00.008-05:00

bakerella

this weekend was my better half's birthday!

we made him these yummy brownies with his favorite,

reeses peanutbutter cups!

they were very easy to make and just think of the different things you could stuff in these brownie cupcakes!

*julie

life:beautiful magazine

2011-01-24T09:35:00.000-05:00

have you heard of life:beautiful magazine?

its a christian magazine.

and i love it!

its full of

inspirational articles,

bible verses,

simple and pretty tutorials,

and some yummy recipes!

you can go here to find out where to buy it or to sign up for a subscription.

i'm signing up for mine today!

you wont be disappointed!

*julie

antique flooring love

2011-01-17T17:12:00.006-05:00

i found this wonderful wood flooring on craigslist.

it is from an old cotton gin built in the 1800s!

they are practically giving it away.

and i want it!

i would love to have this throughout my whole house.

the thing is, i would not want to put it in the house we are living life in now.

i want it for my "forever" house which i am hoping is our next move.

but that would mean i would have to fork out the money now and find somewhere safe to store it.

and we are talking about another four to five years!

agh!

i really want it!

i cant stop thinking about it!

so, do i buy this

absolutely,

wonderful,

dreamy antique flooring or pay for my children's tuition for next year.

hmmm...

of course i pick the children!

so, if you want to donate to my dreamy antique flooring account just let me know.

ha!

*julie

vintage crewel fabric

2011-01-10T07:33:00.000-05:00

i went to my favorite antique store and found this beautiful vintage crewel fabric!

it was hiding behind some shutters.

there are beautiful flowers, leaves, and birds throughout it

and i love the blue, green, and taupe colors!

it also has a few stains.

any suggestions on how to clean this type of fabric?

i am not sure what it was used for before.

it came in one long piece.

so, i am thinking pillows!

got any ideas?

*julie

well, happy new year

2011-01-04T20:47:00.006-05:00

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well, happy new year!

ok, i know it is the 4th (already?!) but better late than never!

if you are here and still with me, thank you for checking in!

i am so excited about a new year!

a fresh start to try something new and to be better at what is important!

i, like everyone else, have a list of things i want to accomplish in 2011!

organize,

projects around the house,

losing weight,

saying no,

going with the flow,

and to be the best wife and mama i can be!

i hope to post more this year and be to be more creative!

i am ready to jump in!

are you?

*julie

brown sugar pecans

2010-12-17T07:41:00.000-05:00

warning: these are very, very addicting!

i am blessed to have so many wonderful people in our day to day life!

i love to give each of them a little gift, so i try to come up with something simple but special!

this is what i came up with this year!

red and white houndstooth cones with a "merry christmas" note filled with the sweetest treats!

brown sugar pecans!

here is the recipe, but dont say i didnt warn you!

ingredients:

16 ounce package pecan halves

1/2 cup of butter

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. while the butter is melting, preheat the oven to 325 degrees and spread the pecans in a foil lined 9x13 inch baking pan then set aside. add the brown sugar, vanilla, and salt to the melted butter and stir for 1 minute. remove from heat and keep stirring until the sugar dissolves. pour over the pecans and stir to coat. place in the oven for 25-35 minutes stirring every 10 minutes. cool the pecans on a sheet of wax paper.

heres where it gets tricky!

divide them into pretty bags and give them away!

enjoy!

*julie

christmas candle

2010-12-13T18:14:00.007-05:00

saturday night we were invited to a party!

i was excited about this one!

it was kid friendly and involved eating comfort food, roasting marshmallows, and a lighted boat parade!

i forgot that i wanted to make a hostess gift until it was almost time to leave!

so, i took what i had and made this simple but festive candle in a matter of ten minutes!

i found everything at the dollar store!

religious candle (blank), white satin ribbon, green faux pine stems, twine, and jingle bells!

i hot glued the white ribbon onto the candle, twisted the stems into a wreath and hot glued it onto the ribbon, and tied the jingle bell onto the wreath with some twine!

and there you have it!

a quick and i think, beautiful gift!

i had other plans for all these items but now i think i will be making some of these for my home!

stay warm!

*julie

i joined the party at tatertots & jello homemade gift ideas and shabby nest frugal friday!

check it out!

winter mantel

2010-12-07T19:04:00.000-05:00

the mantel!

our "snowy" christmas!

a dream for my florida cuties!

ok, and for me too!

glittery houses, bottle brush trees, tiny wreaths, and a little silver tucked in!

it is very simple but hopefully not boring!

i love it!

i think i might add some faux snow!

what do you think?

more christmas pictures to come!

*julie

in the process...

2010-12-03T23:18:00.004-05:00

i am in the process of decorating for christmas!

my plan!

to be done by monday!

i want to be able to enjoy it for the whole month of december!

i better get going!

have a great weekend!

*julie

organic vanilla sugar

2010-12-01T21:03:00.007-05:00

i thought i might show you an inexpensive and yummy gift you can put together in a matter of minutes!

this is perfect for anyone!

it can be used in their favorite coffee or a favorite recipe!

you will need some organic sugar, vanilla beans, and a glass jar!

i picked up mine at world market but just found a smaller version at the dollar store!

just fill the canister with the sugar and stick the vanilla beans in making sure that it is mostly buried in the sugar!

close the lid!

soon the sugar will soon be infused with the yummy vanilla!

make a cute tag and attached it with some twine!

and there you go!

give it as a hostess gift!

or as a christmas gift for a friend or teacher!

enjoy!

*julie

happy thanksgiving

2010-11-25T07:31:00.000-05:00

country living

i want to wish everyone a wonderful thanksgiving!

be happy, be thankful, and be full!

enjoy!

*julie

twig pumpkins

2010-11-22T18:38:00.000-05:00

crate and barrel

dont you just love when you find something in a fabulous store or on a beautiful blog that looks just like something you have decorating your home?

well, i know i do!

i give myself a little pat on the back and then run to my hubby to brag!

fun!

i purchased these twig pumpkins after the holidays at target!

and that was a couple of years ago!

ps. we are in the process of taking down our fall decorations to put up our christmas decorations!

yay!

*julie

another simple place card

2010-11-15T09:45:00.001-05:00

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how simple and organic!

no need for shopping or spending!

just go to your backyard and pick up some fallen leaves!

all it needs is a handwritten name for each guest!

it can not get any easier!

*julie

thanksgiving is coming

2010-11-11T23:24:00.009-05:00

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i am having such a hard time keeping my mind focused on the upcoming thanksgiving holiday with all the christmas pretties i am seeing around blog world!

here are some simple and festive thanksgiving decor i love!

i am sure if i just focus on the feast i will have no problem keeping my eye on thanksgiving!

*julie

a simple place card

2010-11-09T20:21:00.009-05:00

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love this place card!

its elegant with a rustic touch!

perfect for the upcoming thanksgiving holiday!

*julie

a day at the market

2010-11-02T11:25:00.000-04:00

we went to the riverside arts market last weekend!

it was my first time!

and i loved it!

its on the water and under a bridge!

yes, under a big, busy bridge!

but i was in awe of the the food, antique cars, vendors, the weather, and did i mention the food!

they had different food to eat from healthy and organic to junky but oh so yummy!

we brought home some raisin bread, blue cheese and walnut bread, orange blossom honey, fruits and vegetables!

i think the best part was learning all about honey!

it was just so neat to talk to the bee keeper lady who was more than happy to explain the making of honey to my honeys!

i cant wait to go again!

so, if your ever in my neck of the woods you should check it out!

*julie

the pumpkin patch

2010-10-28T18:51:00.009-04:00

we love to visit the pumpkin patch!

all the different shapes, sizes, and colors!

he is on the hunt for a perfectly round pumpkin!

she wants a curly cue stem!

and i want a good picture!

we are all happy!

*julie

garnish and a gift

2010-10-27T11:20:00.000-04:00

have you heard of "garnish"?

its the shop online that i purchased the fun little details for jillian's party!

i have to tell you that they have great stuff, great prices and the greatest customer service!

they offer different packaging, stripped straws, twine, and wooden utensils!

and here are a few creative ideas using their stuff!

remember this?

garnish

garnish

well, here is the gift i was talking about!

suzanne from garnish is offering my wonderful readers a 10% discount off your total purchase!

yes, i know!

fun, right?

gift giving, table setting, and sharing!

so, grab the code, head on over there and stock up for the holidays!

~the code: garnishjulie

~expires: december 1, 2010

i would love to know what you picked and the creative ideas you come up with!

oh! maybe i will have my first linky party!

have fun shopping!

*julie

he's with the band

2010-10-26T19:00:00.000-04:00

i wanted to give a shout out to my brother-in-law, craig!

i am so excited for him!

he plays the drums in a band called "donovan frankenreiter"!

i have their music playing on my blog!

you like?

i know, its awesome!

they have 5 major albums,

been on numerous tours around the world,

and will be on jimmy kimmel live tonight!

so, stay up late or set your tivo!

let me know if you checked it out!

enjoy!

*julie

halloween book wreath

2010-10-25T17:00:00.007-04:00

i did it!

everybody was doing it!

i made a book wreath last new years eve!

and i am glad i did!

i am happy with the way it turned out!

i love how versatile it is!

i thought i might show you how i added a little halloween to my wreath!

i just hung a glittery happy halloween sign and "poof" instant halloween!

the small branch was a token my little guy picked up when we went here!

i just added a black bird!

come back soon because i will have a little gift to share with you!

*julie

i am linking up to emily's share your project!

party menu

2010-10-19T20:46:00.010-04:00

the "chef created" menu:

mac-n-cheese - fun shaped pasta, different cheeses, bread crumbs, peas, and ham

fruit yogurt parfait - vanilla yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, and granola

cupcakes - frosting and sprinkles

these were very simple ingredients that gave each little chef a chance to create their own recipe!

as you can see from my sweet girls face, she loved it!

and i did too!

*julie

party details

2010-10-14T21:20:00.022-04:00

another thing i love is coming up with and creating all the little details!

remember these?

i cut out over 150 with the help of my crafty friend, the cricut!

and they make the sweetest, retro-looking banner!

i made the rosette the same way i made this!

my talented friend, megan, made this beautiful monogrammed apron for my birthday girl!

i made each chef their own apron and personalized placemat!

and of course, we had to make the classic pasta necklace!

all the little chefs went home with a full tummy and a handful of goodies!

what did they whip up for lunch?

come back to find out!

*julie

the invitation

2010-10-13T22:00:00.001-04:00

here is the invitation i came up with for her cooking party!

very easy, very simple!

i love the red and blue color scheme!

very retro!

i used a recipe card, a wooden spoon, and silk ribbon!

you know i love an invitation with a 3-d design!

i had fun with the wording:

..............................

see whats cookin' in the kitchen with chef jillian!

we will be stirring up some fun in celebration of her 5th birthday!

please join us on saturday october 9, 2010

the cooking class will begin at 11:00 a.m. in our kitchen!

please contact sous-chef julie to make your reservation!

..............................

coming up with the invitations is one of my favorite things!

i love thinking outside the invitation "box"!

*julie

i joined in over at stephanie's sunday showcase party!

go check it out!

her birthday party

2010-10-12T20:25:00.007-04:00

as you can see! we had a cooking party to celebrate her 5th birthday!

she loves to cook!

and i loved coming up with all the little details for this theme!

of course, i didnt get to a few things i really wanted to do!

but that is what procrastination will do!

i cant wait to show you some of the fun pictures taken by my sweet friend and wonderful sister!

so, this week will be all about her birthday party!

and a little fyi, cooking parties are alot of work but worth it!

*julie

sneak peeks

2010-10-07T21:42:00.000-04:00

here are a few sneak peeks for her party this weekend!

i am hoping to get all the little details done before saturday!

good luck to me!

can you tell what the party theme is!

*julie

banana cinnamon pancakes

2010-10-05T10:05:00.000-04:00

these yummies were what we served the birthday girl the morning she turned FIVE! (ugh!)

they are very easy to make and even easier to eat!

i thought i might share the recipe with you!

banana cinnamon pancakes

................................................................

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 cup flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

1 large egg lightly beaten

1 cup milk

1 large banana sliced

2 tablespoons of cinnamon

heat your griddle to 375 degrees or medium heat

whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl

add the egg, milk, banana and butter

whisk to combine

cook

we topped off our pancakes with

sliced bananas,

cinnamon sugar,

and of course, maple syrup!

enjoy!

*julie

i can't believe...

2010-10-03T17:16:00.001-04:00

image from bon appetit

i can't believe i am another year older!

i can't believe my baby girl turned five!

image from we heart it

i can't believe i have been without a computer for a month

and lived to tell about it!

image from woman's day

and i can't believe it is pumpkin time!

however, this one i am very excited about!

hope everyone is well!

*julie

Unplugged

2010-08-24T19:37:00.002-04:00

this girl is unplugged!

yes! i am without a computer!

no computer access equals one sad, nonblogging girl!

but i am blessed to have my iphone which i can check email and facebook!

i hope to be glued to a new computer soon!

miss you all!

~ where will she go ~

2010-08-13T22:55:00.006-04:00

where will these feet take her today?

rainy day,

magic tricks,

movie night,

journaling,

drawing,

singing,

dancing!

thats what my day was filled with!

*julie

~ a bathroom update ~

2010-08-11T23:18:00.014-04:00

alright!

so, dressing up the master bath is taking way too long!

i thought it would be an easy and quick process!

boy, was i wrong!

whats the hold up you ask?

picking out the lighting fixtures!

i thought i had found them but during the last two months i have changed my mind at least three or four times!

have i ever told you that i am a very indecisive person! also, a very visual person!

i had picked out a rectangle rug for the bathroom, however it was too small!

so, i am returning it tomorrow to replace it with a bigger one!

oh, and a different one!

oh, and a round one!

see! indecisive!

so, i thought i would at least show a picture of a small part that is complete!

a little pretty, a little useful!

and you can see some of the white moulding that was used!

i am ready to order my light fixtures!

and i cant wait to show you!

*julie

~ she made cake ~

2010-08-08T21:00:00.008-04:00

she made cake!

in her easybake oven!

did you ever have one?

i did!

she was so excited to have her own pans!

she wanted to do everything herself!

she poured, she mixed, she waited!

and here she is in all her glory!

as you can see, it was finger lickin good!

(really, it was hard as a rock!)

i am wondering if there is a trick to making good cake in an easybake!

her teacher is coming for a home visit and guess what?

i think she wants to bake her a cookie in the easybake!

how sweet!

poor mrs. w!

*julie

~ thankful tuesday ~

2010-08-03T08:42:00.000-04:00

i was looking around my pictures and look what i found!

my sweet girl!

this was a couple of years ago!

and i miss it!

so little, so sweaty, so sweet!

i just love how girly she is!

i remember she had to wear that necklace everywhere!

and i love how she stopped steering just to kiss her babies bald head!

i love my babies and i need to stop "steering" life and take a moment to do the little things!

the little things matter so much!

*julie

~ eloise at the plaza ~

2010-07-30T21:58:00.014-04:00

unknown source

have you heard?

betsey johnson has designed an eloise suite at the plaza in new york!

source

it looks like every little girls dream!

so pink and girly!

the plaza

this is the living room!

mouldings, words, built ins!

oh my!

there is even a dress up room, a beauty salon, and a tea room!

my little girl would love it!

and so would i!

i would looove to live in the plaza!

(a little eloise talk)

*julie

~ hello ~

2010-07-29T20:31:00.007-04:00

oh, how i have missed my blog and all my bloggy friends!

i am so behind on my blog reading!

the summer is buzzing by!

and i am trying to catch it!

trying to squeeze in more fun!

along with juggling so many projects!

i have filled my plate full but with things i feel strong about!

my sweet hubby brought home these simple white daisies!

i had enough for two arrangements!

i love using my short clear drinking glasses and cutting the stems short!

its so easy and creates a full arrangement!

i am so glad to be back!

missed you!

*julie

~ look what came in the mail ~

2010-07-15T07:09:00.000-04:00

look what i got in the mail!

the new fall "blessed be the name" catalogs!

let me tell you each page is full of cute things!

go here to take a look for yourself!

but there is so much more than the catalog!

you can create your own

by choosing most any fabric they have to make into

pants or a skirt or a dress or even an applique on a shirt!

i also should tell you that i am having my trunk shows at the beginning of august!

if you would like to order!

let me know!

i would be happy to help you pick out a super duper cute outfit!

enjoy!

*julie

~ hello monday ~

2010-07-12T08:18:00.000-04:00

hello monday!

here so soon?

i hope you have great things in store for us!

enjoy!

*julie

~ i want one ~

2010-07-07T22:50:00.000-04:00

shannon bowers design

do you see it?

the horse perched on that beautiful, chippy cabinet!

thats what i want!

of course i would love the whole room

but i will be happy for now to just have a distressed horse!

source

i have been seeing a few around!

even brooke has one!

and willow decor has one right on her blog header!

so, this little guy is getting a makeover!

just you wait and see!

i found him on ebay!

i think with just a few tugs and pulls

and maybe some paint!

this guy can look like those guys!

coming soon!

*julie

~ i would love to... ~

2010-07-02T11:10:00.001-04:00

we heart it

we are heading into the holiday weekend!

i would love to...

have a picnic or two!

watch some fireworks!

take some pictures!

create some memories!

and maybe start a tradition!

what are you doing this holiday weekend?

whatever it is

i hope you have a great one!

*julie

~ screened inn cottage ~

2010-06-29T06:53:00.001-04:00

so, saturday i made a trip to tybee island, georgia to meet layla and kevin!

but, i also wanted to see the cottage they decorated!

i was able to snap some pictures and thought i would take you on a little tour!

so off we go!

when you get to the cottage you walk up a small path

onto the screened front porch!

when you open the front door you walk right into the kitchen!

i love the open shelving, the "ocean" sign, the pops of color,

and how they placed the table in the center of the kitchen!

and look at those light fixture!

very fresh!

take a left and you will enter the "lettered love" aka the master bedroom!

i love this small turquoise dresser!

next is a tiny bedroom named "sand & sea"!

i did say it was tiny

however they were able to fit two twin beds, a dresser,

and table with room to walk around!

i love the bedding!

then you walk into the family room!

i am loving the soft stripes and the painting above the chippy white cabinet!

and those perfectly blue chairs!

i wanted to take this table home with me!

my sweet hubby was taking measurements to try to recreate one for me!

we will see!

this is the dining table in the family room!

i like that its very casual and can seat quite a few people!

ok, for the last stop on our tour!

the "lemonade mermaid" aka the bedroom!

i love how they were able to fit this twin bed

on the other side of this bedroom!

it fit perfect!

it felt like its own little bedroom!

these yellow shelves were wonderful!

i could of taken those too!

oh! this yellow stool!

there were so many small details i loved!

what a wonderful little cottage!

i am so glad i made the trip!

i almost chickened out

but pete was totally on board and wanted to take a day trip!

i was able to enjoy the cottage and meet some wonderful people!

i love their blog!

so, to meet them in person was awesome!

to bad i couldnt bring them back with me to hang out and help out!

thanks again layla and kevin for sharing your talent with us!

looking forward to more!

*julie

~ look who i met ~

2010-06-28T08:07:00.000-04:00

saturday i made a three hour trip to tybee island!

why?

to meet these two sweet and talented people!

and it was totally worth it!

i have to admit!

i was a little in awe!

thanks layla and kevin for making a girl feel at home!

*julie

~ summer bible study ~

2010-06-24T00:22:00.005-04:00

are you doing it?

beth moores third annual siesta summer bible study?

i am!

with a great bunch of girls!

we meet every other tuesday night at my house

to indulge in talking, dinner, and more talking!

its an awesome time!

i cant wait to see what God has planned for us!

you should give it a try!

fun, i tell ya!

let me know if you join in!

*julie

~ nosegays ~

2010-06-21T11:42:00.011-04:00

i love nosegays!

they are so pretty!

so simple!

so classic!

and so easy to make!

these are from her recital night!

i made the first one with pink roses from the store!

pink roses are her favorite!

the second one is from my parents that they purchased from a flower shop!

i love them both!

and so did she!

happy monday!

*julie

ps. we are working on the master bath some more today! yay!

~ simple fathers day gift ~

2010-06-18T15:04:00.011-04:00

we were at the craft store yesterday! trying to come up with ideas for

fathers day!

i went down every isle! these caught my eye!

plastic sun catchers!

they come in many different shapes!

so they picked out a shape they thought daddy would love!

great choices!

then i let them pick out the colors of paint they wanted to use!

we just used regular craft paint!

being that i have a ton of craft paint in many colors!

can you tell whos is whos?

they even added some silver glitter!

they love the way they turned out!

and so do i!

we were thinking they might look pretty cool hanging from

daddys rearview mirror!

why not?

*julie

~ gift ideas for fathers day ~

2010-06-17T09:36:00.002-04:00

fathers day is coming fast!

and i havent got a thing!

i really want something that he will use and that the kids can help create!

of course, i went to marthas to look for some inspiration!

and i thought i would share some with you!

my sweet hubby is in a mens bible study that meets every week!

and they have reading homework!

i know it will make him smile to open his book and see their sweet faces!

i love these labels!

and you cant go wrong with food!

everyone has to eat, right?

my sweet hubby loves to cook!

he does most of the cooking in our house!

a new sauce sounds yummy!

(not to mention, it looks cute!)

and the kiddos can help put it together!

what are you doing for fathers day?

*julie

~ her ballet recital ~

2010-06-15T20:35:00.003-04:00

saturday was her ballet recital!

she danced to "somewhere over the rainbow"

she was so excited!

she loves to dance!

she is our prima ballerina!

she is following in her mommys footprints!

i loved to dance!

so much that i took dance for thirteen years!

now, i get to experience it again with my little girl!

love you princess!

~ bathroom talk ~

2010-06-09T09:54:00.000-04:00

i am so very excited!

we are dressing up our master bath finally!

its a nice space however it is very blah!

i have been ignoring the space

but then i got an email from jess with csn stores!

they have everything from bathroom vanities to hardwood floors

and everything in between!

you have to check them out!

they have asked me to do a review of one of their products!

it was hard to choose

but then i found something i desperately need for my bathroom!

i cant wait to show you!

i have a few items i want to do to dress it up!

nothing elaborate or expensive!

just some "jewelry" for the bathroom!

stay tuned...

*julie

~ comment love ~

2010-06-08T09:00:00.010-04:00

source unknown

oh my goodness gracious!

i somehow, dont know how, i deleted all of my comments from my last post!

i was so upset!

but this has made me stop to say

"thank you"

so very much for taking the time to leave such sweet comments!

i truly love reading them!

they always make me smile!

its so nice to hear from my friends out there!

my pledge:

i will not touch the trash container icon again!

hope you will continue to leave that comment love!!!

*julie

~ good morning ~

2010-06-07T10:09:00.000-04:00

i guess you could say they like playing with their food!

banana cheerios!

happy monday!

*julie

~ summer pasta ~

2010-06-03T09:42:00.000-04:00

i love summer food!

its so light and fresh!

here is another way of using this recipe!

it is so simple!

great for week nights or dinner with friends!

enjoy!

*julie

~ end of the year party ~

2010-06-01T16:15:00.000-04:00

the preschool end of the year party!

here is another creative opportunity He threw my way!

and i am so glad He did!

it was so much fun putting together

especially when you have the best parents in the world!

i decided to do a carnival theme!

very fun!

i made pennant banners for each table!

snacks, decorate a cookie, and facepainting!

we also had a bounce house, four fun watersprinklers, bubbles,

and a playground!

of course, a few days before the party i thought of a couple of small things i could have done!

maybe next year!

both big and small had a ball!

*julie

~ welcome summer vacation ~

2010-05-29T20:27:00.009-04:00

country living

today was our first day of summer vacation!

i was sad about it yesterday but today i was enjoying the relaxing schedule!

i am looking forward to doing some fun learning with my kids, eating lighter, and just plain enjoying life!

these are top on my list to try this summer!

pineapple cooler with fresh lavender!

i just purchased some potted lavender!

she smells so good!

enjoy!

*julie

~ meg ryans beach house ~

2010-05-25T20:06:00.004-04:00

meg ryan is one of my favorites!

she just seems so sweet, silly, and a little quirky in a good way!

well, thats how she is portrayed on screen!

and i would hope she would be a little like that in person!

her beach house in marthas vineyard is in the recent issue of elle decor!

and its beautiful!

its soft and peaceful!

and you should see the view!

enjoy!

*julie

~ paper dogwood blooms ~

2010-05-24T10:23:00.003-04:00

remember when i was complaining about being in a funk!

well, God heard me and blessed me with a busy month of creativity!

the month of april was a busy one! every weekend was filled with decorating for some sort of event! noahs birthday party, marriage weekend at my church, a may day luncheon at church and a custom frame order!

i was going to use real flowers but then i saw these and decided i would make them instead!

these were the centerpieces on each table for the dinner at the marriage weekend!

then i changed them up with some faux green moss covered rocks for the may day luncheon!

and this is a much bigger version!

these were set on the dessert tables!

i even added some on tiny boxes filled with a piece of chocolate!

i think they turned out so simple and pretty!

they would be perfect for a baby shower, wedding shower, even a wedding!

all you need is card stock, scissors, and the template!

they were so easy, inexpensive, and beautiful!

enjoy!

*julie

i joined in at kimbas final diy day and funky junks saturday night special! go look around!

~ fundraising ideas? ~

2010-05-18T14:25:00.007-04:00

source: weheartit

hey friends! i need some input!

have you done or participated in a great fundraiser?

i am the head of our parents group at the kiddos school again and we are wanting to try to come up with some fresh ideas for next year!

i would love to hear what you have to say!

thanks!

*julie

~ bruschetta ~

2010-05-17T14:24:00.003-04:00

~ ingredients ~

9 roma tomatoes

5 garlic cloves

3/4 cup toasted pine nuts

2 sprigs of fresh basil leaves

10 tablespoons olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

toasted baguette rounds

shredded asiago cheese

~ recipe ~

chop the tomatoes in small bite size pieces.

mince garlic and basil.

gently toss tomatoes, garlic, basil, pine nuts, and olive oil until well blended.

top each baguette round with a heaping spoonful of mixture.

sprinkle asaigo cheese on top.

yum!!!

this bruschetta has such a wonderful fresh taste!

what a great way to use those tomato and herb gardens!

an easy summertime appetizer, snack, or even dinner!

enjoy!

*julie

i joined the fun at under the table and dreaming and the final diy day with kimba!

~ some of my favorites from sunday ~

2010-05-12T21:07:00.010-04:00

ahhhh! i am still thinking about that "day"!

here are a few of my favorite pictures!

some are taken by me and some are taken by my sweet boy!

who knew he liked taken pictures!

and he is great at it too!

if you ever visit the beaches in jacksonville, this place is a must see!

that is if you want some wonderful scenery, peace, fun, and

oh ya, great food!

enjoy!

*julie

jam*n*jilly

valentine hearts

one of my favorite gifts

happy new year

fall~ around the house

birthday picnic

halloween gifts

celebrating in october

fiddle leaf fig tree

what makes me happy...

butternut squash soup

turning the big 4-0!

apple of my eye treat and a thank you!

fun school supplies ~ lunch box notes

fun school supplies ~ the lunch box

fun school supplies ~ backpacks

our coffee table

smore on a stick!

butterfly cloche via sweet paul

summer time fun (not involving a tv)

lego party... finally

lego invite

spring break fun

welcoming spring or summer

for japan with love

our first stop

anniversary celebration

we baked cookies

sweet valentines

happy valentine's day

happy anniversary to my one and only

brownie candy cups via bakerella

life:beautiful magazine

antique flooring love

vintage crewel fabric

well, happy new year

brown sugar pecans

christmas candle

winter mantel

in the process...

organic vanilla sugar

happy thanksgiving

twig pumpkins

another simple place card

thanksgiving is coming

a simple place card

a day at the market

the pumpkin patch

garnish and a gift

he's with the band

halloween book wreath

party menu

party details

the invitation

her birthday party

sneak peeks

banana cinnamon pancakes

i can't believe...

Unplugged

~ where will she go ~

~ a bathroom update ~

~ she made cake ~

~ thankful tuesday ~

~ eloise at the plaza ~

~ hello ~

~ look what came in the mail ~

~ hello monday ~

~ i want one ~

~ i would love to... ~

~ screened inn cottage ~

~ look who i met ~

~ summer bible study ~

~ nosegays ~

~ simple fathers day gift ~

~ gift ideas for fathers day ~

~ her ballet recital ~

~ bathroom talk ~

~ comment love ~

~ good morning ~

~ summer pasta ~

jamnjilly