Memorial Day Fun

 

I want to start out today’s post by recognizing that the real reason for Memorial Day is to show gratitude to those who lost their lives to make us free. Yes, it is great to be off work, have a family BBQ, dress cute with patriotic colors, but all day on Memorial Day my heart is ever so thankful for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom.

 

 

Most of us are going to enjoy the day with family and friends and I wanted to give you a Memorial Day Fun Guide to make the most of this wonderful holiday.

 

First off here is a Patriotic playlist for your iPod to get your party in the spirit of the holiday:

 

If you are going to have kids at your family picnic or BBQ here are a few educational activities to keep the little ones busy while you are cooking:

 

Click here for the printable download.

Click here for the printable download. 

To add an easy, fun, colorful centerpiece to your party, take a look at these:

 

 

I also have you covered if you need outfit inspiration. These two looks have you covered if you are in Florida where it is 98 degrees or celebrating in upstate NY where it might be a bit chilly. Check out the links to see photo credits and jewelry listings:

 

Click Here to View Ruby Jewelry

Lastly, I found a few themed food platters that could double as a tasty appetizer or a table centerpiece:

 

 

I hope you have a safe and fun Memorial Day with your family! Happy Friday to you as well!!!

Click here to see our Pinterest board where we got inspiration and photos. 

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A Collage of Beauty

Life is filled with beauty collages. I see collages of beauty in layered clothes, in bundled peonies, in a natural kaleidoscope of colorfully paired foods, and in a cluster of diamonds set in a ring to catch the light as it moves. This week I would like to share these with you. I hope it brightens your weekend. Where else or what else shows you a collage of beauty???

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to see photo credits, shop directly, and see the rest of our Pinterest ideas of beauty collages.

May Gemstone & Fun Facts

 

We are already into the second week of May. May is one of my favorite months packed with exciting events and holidays: The Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. It kicks off the festivities of summer for me!

 

May babies are graced with one of Mother Nature’s most glorious gems. The emerald is one of the most popular gemstones and if the color/clarity is right, it can be more valuable than a diamond! The word “emerald” comes from the Persian name meaning “green gem” and is said that it was discovered by the Egyptians. Queen Cleopatra is also said to have loved her emerald gems the best and she wouldn’t be the only famous lady to have done so. Elizabeth Taylor was well known for her emeralds as well as Princess Diana and Angelina Jolie. Check out a few of these fabulous women donning their precious emeralds.

 

February 22, 2009: Angelina Jolie at The 81st Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California. Credit: INFevents.com Ref.: infusla-64

 

Emerald green has a very specific color that is being seen in even hair color today. The lush and rich tone of green can only be described as “emerald green.” Here is emerald green compared to other tones of green and I think all of us could probably pick out the famous color even if it wasn’t labeled.

 

 

Our Etsy store has some gorgeous emerald pieces if you are in the market for this glorious gem. It is often given as an anniversary gift and has even been used in engagement rings. Just keep in mind that emeralds are not as hard as diamonds (nothing really is) and they need to be worn with care.

Click Here to Shop These Looks in Our Etsy Store 

May Fun Facts:

~ The United Kingdom celebrates this month as National Smile Month

~ May Fourth is Star Wars Day “May the Fourth be with you”

~ May 2002 Spiderman was released and became the fastest movie ever to earn more than $100 million dollars in the box office

~ In May 1792 the New York Stock Exchange was formed

~ In May 2011 Oprah aired the final episode of her daytime show

~ No American president has ever died in the month of May, it is the only month with that distinction

 

Happy Spring and Happy Friday! Thank you for reading!

Featured Image Photo Credit:http://www.baselshows.com/basel-world/the-best-of-queen-elisabeths-jewelry-collection

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

“Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a Mother”

“Mothers are like buttons, they hold everything together”

“A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend”

“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother”

“Mom: A title just above queen”

 

Here’s a little list of popular “hot” items for mother’s day and a few all-time favorite “classics”.  We want to make our mothers feel special next weekend. And when I say “mothers” that could be your birth mom, your adopted mom, your grandmother, the mother of your children, or a loved one who has always shown you the special love of a mother.

 

• The classic coffee mug

I’m slowing learning that behind every great mom is a strong cup of coffee (or 3). Here are few mugs that are cute and will make her smile. These are also perfect for a gift basket if you wanted to include some of her special brew from Starbucks and some Biscottis.

Shop the mugs here, here, and here. 

• Jewelry

Here is an all-time classic and probably an all-time favorite with moms. I found a few treasures that would be perfect for mom.

 

Shop the rings here, the earrings here, the blue topaz necklace here, and the personalized necklace here. 

• Personalized Heirlooms

I love these family trees that would be perfect for a grandmother’s wall.

 

Shop this family tree here.

• Gift baskets

Some of these homemade, organic, goodies would be perfect for creating a gift basket. These baskets from World Market are affordable and reusable too. Check out the link below for how to build the perfect gift basket for any occasion. I like the spa basket, the gardening basket, and the cooking one.

Shop the World Market baskets here.

Click here for the link to DIY basket projects

• First time mom gifts

These adorable “mama bear” shirts are really popular right now and are a must have for the first time mom. I also love the “mommy and me” matching dresses if your little momma has a sweet little girl.

 

Click here for the Momma Bear shirt. Click here for the mommy and me outfits.

• The funny gifts

As you can imagine, with all the buzz of this past election, humorous political cards are popular this year.

 

Click here to shop these cards

• Out of the box gift ideas

Ancestry.com is unique gift idea for mom. It is an interesting history lesson all about your mom’s heritage and you will also find it interesting to know your roots.

 

• Food gifts

As moms, we are usually responsible for the never ending feat of figuring out what’s for dinner. You could treat your mom, wife, or grandmother to a home cooked meal or even a Sunday brunch. Check out a few of my mom’s favorite meal ideas.

 

Click here for the links to Pinterest for the individual recipes. 

I hope this has given you a few ideas for the perfect gift for your perfect mom. If you have a unique gift idea please comment below…I would love to hear your ideas as well. Thank you for reading!