Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Black + White, Day to Night

Don't you love when you find a piece that you end up wearing over, and over again?  Usually for me, the item that I end up wearing living in is not always my most stunning piece in my closet but something fashionable yet comfortable.  You know, like those "lived in" jeans that are your faithful friend? 
For me, this striped crop top is a favorite piece for comfort + style because it's flattering and easy to wear.  These buckled wedges are my everyday comfort wedge; I even have them on cognac as well.  I love how simply trading the jean skirt for black skinnies completely switched up the look.  Perfect transition for a fun day in New Haven to a more evening look.
And let me tell you about Polette! Sunnies from $5, Rx sunglasses from $20, and the most amazing selection of eyeglasses for such an affordable price. 
 





 Day: Bar II top: Macy's similar here | Jean mini: J.C. Penny | Black laptop tote: Tutilo | Buckled wedges: Famous Footwear | Rx sunglasses c/o Polette
 
Night: Bar II top: Macy's | black high-rise  Topshop skinnies: Nordstrom| sunglasses: Burberry | Buckled wedges: Famous Footwear






Ever After,
Jamie

Monday, June 13, 2016

Think Outside the Dress






    Normally, my go-to summer attire for a semi-formal event is a light-weight sun dress or a maxi dressed up with bold accessories.  When I eyed this Free People linen jumpsuit when I was on vacation in Naples, Florida, I thought to myself it would be a perfect alternative to the predictable sundress. 
    My friend Amanda is getting married this August and we celebrated her bridal shower yesterday and I was happy to finally wear my jumpsuit! You know when you have something in your closet that you just can't wait to wear?  I kept accessories pretty simple with a beautiful bracelet that my friend, who has her own Etsy shop Dirt to Dirt, made me for Mother's Day. Nina's designs are gorgeous one-of-a-kind, and definitely perfect for boho summer style. 

Moonlight Mile jumper: Free People | Shoes: Famous Footwear | Sunglesses: Rue 21 (only $5!) | "Mama" bracelet: Dirt to Dirt | Necklace gifted similar here

Ever After,
Jamie

Friday, June 10, 2016

Primark Opens in Danbury, CT!

   Let me tell you about Primark!  I was lucky enough to go to the exclusive pre-opening blogger event last night and I was super-impressed with the selection of trendy items and basic for such amazing prices.  Flip flops for 90 cents, tops for $5, jeans for $9 and camis for $1.90.  You cannot go wrong with basic items that you need to stock up on.
   Primark's headquarters are in Ireland and the first location in Connecticut opens TODAY at Danbury Fair Mall. I stocked up on sunglasses for $1.50 (I lose them all the time so got a few pairs) and made sure to buy some adorable outfits for Gavin (their kid's selection is so cute!)
 
I also got a chance to shop and connect with other CT bloggers such as these lovely ladies Sandra from the rustic life and Yinka from Yours truly, Yinka.  We had a blast shopping and finding some fun looks for summer!





Ever After,
Jamie

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Under the Sea Snack Recipes

After posting Gavin's Under the Sea party pictures in my last post, I got a ton of emails and messages asking for the specific recipes and DIY details behind how I made the snacks so I figured I would do a post about each of the themed snacks that I made.  They were all no-bake and very easy.  I will be sharing the organic cake recipe as well in the next post. 





"Pearl Oysters"
You will need:
  • 1 package of shortbread cookies (I found at the grocery store)
  • 1 package Golden Oreos
  • small found "pearl candies" or can use anything that resembles a pearl
  • 1 container blue or pink frosting
Directions:  Take two shortbread cookies and generously frost both sides of the cookie.  Place one pearl candy in the middle front of the cookie and softy press the cookie together to complete.  Tip: press the back of the cookies together so the front opens up like an oyster.

To make the "sand":  Fill a large zip-loc bag with entire package of Golden Oreos.  Try to let as much air as possible out of the back and tightly close the zip-loc bag.  Smash into pieces with rolling pin and continue to do so until desired texture of crumbles.


"Ocean Water" Juice:
What You'll Need:
  • 1 Gallon Hawaiian Punch (Blue Variety), chilled
  • 1 Bottle of Sprite
  • 1 liter lemonade 
  • Garnish: Red Gummy Fish and Blue Gummy Sharks.  The ones I bought wouldn't float so I resorted to Gavin's fish from a fishing toy :) 
  • Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large drink dispenser, chilled.  

  • "Crabby Cakes"
    What You'll Need:

    • Two dozen large crescents
    • mayonnaise 
    • american cheese
    • honey ham
    • 12 toothpicks
    • 24 pack paste on googly eyes (can be found at craft store)
    • glue dots
    Directions:  For eyes-First make the crab eyes (I did the night before).  Place 1 glue dot in each googly eye and press toothpick firmly.  Make 2 eyes for each sandwich.  For sandwiches- Halve crescents and spread mayo on each side.  You can do any kind of sandwich for this as it's mostly about the presentation.  I did honey ham and cheese and the kids (and adults) loved them.  Stick toothpick eyes in and serve!

    Other snacks that did not require any work:  Gummy fish, chips served in beach pails, beach ball lolli-pops, and "sea-weed" dip which was store bought spinach dip!

    Ever After,
    Jamie

    Wednesday, June 1, 2016

    Gavin's Under the Sea 1st Birthday





       Gavin's birthday fell on the perfect weekend- Memorial Day weekend, which was perfect for an old-fashioned pool party!  I had never planned a kid's party before so I did what any millennial girl would do and looked to Pinterest for some support.
       Since I knew we would be spending most of the day at the pool, what better than an under the sea themed party with fish, oysters, and whales?  I had so much fun making all the snacks and decorations and Gavin had a blast trying his first piece of cake, opening his first birthday presents, and swimming in his kiddie pool that we got him.




       Some of the decor was ordered on Oriental Trading, including these adorable whale cups as favors for the kids.  They loved sipping their "ocean water" out of these adorable cups.. I even caught some adults putting sangria in their own whale cups!
       I used food as decoration such as the pearl oyster cookies, gold fish crackers, and gummy fishies served up in beach pales and decorated the table with sea shells and mini beach balls.  The party was a success!  I'll be sharing some recipes this week such as the organic cake recipe, and some of the DIY snacks.




















    Ever After,
    Jamie