DIY PAINTED PICTURE FRAME MAT

So, I got up to some major DIYing this weekend, how about you?  I painted my fall pumpkins gold, gold leafed a ceiling medallion AND spruced up an old picture frame mat to give it some much needed colour. Because I knew it would take me another year to decide on a new piece of art that was a bit more colourful, I decided to go about it in a different way; I painted the mat.

The blase before...

Before

The tools were as simple as craft paint, mini roller and IKEA picture frame (I experimented with an inexpensive frame just in case it didn't turn out the way I wanted).

And the process was even simpler, dip roller in paint and roll on the mat (making sure to get the inside edges so you don't see any white).

After it dried, I popped it back in to the frame and found it a new home.

After

Instant facelift! Love.

HOW TO MAKE A QUICK DIY VASE IN A PICKLE...JAR

Hello!!! I know it's been a while, I've been busy getting my life back on track after my loooong vacation; laundry piles, bills and fallen leaves have been top priority; however I did mange to get away for a weekend with friends (they come before laundry).

Last weekend we made the trek up north to a friends cottage to celebrate two birthdays, an anniversary and one engagement! I was in charge of the flowers for the bride-to-be and in my post vacay daze I didn't even think to bring a container to put them in for her to transport back on the 4 hour drive home. Yikes!  

One of my super crafty girlfriends came to the rescue, she spotted a pickle jar in the fridge and decided we could make something pretty to keep these flowers perky.  

We emptied the pickles into Tupperware, washed the vase,  arranged the flowers (not sure why we did this before we wrapped it) and wrapped in twine (taping the first end down and the last end as well).

Ta da...make-shift pickle jar vase!  It turned out beautifully, very rustic-chic.

When you get desperate, your get creative; think beyond the everyday use for items you have on hand...it just might get you out of a pickle.

FETE || beautiful bachelorette party how to's

Hi lovlies!  Yep, it’s that time of year when frazzled brides start to wonder what their dutiful bridesmaids have in store for them for their last hoorah as a sexy single lady.  The idea of a bachelorette party can conjour up some pretty tacky images; I won’t get in to those details but rather share some pretty ones with you that are sure to make any bachelorette fete a fab one for the bride and all of her besties.

Create a theme 

I find when planning a party it’s always easiest to start with a theme. It’s a great jumping off point when selecting; the venue, food and drink, activities, décor and favours. Make sure your chosen motif is something that the bride will connect with, pick something that’s personal to her, maybe a hobby, a favourite travel destination or even a certain era she enjoys.

Vineyard vacation; my girlfriend's bachelorette in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Location, location, location

A beautiful location is the best way to start the day/evening off right. Make an effort to select a unique venue that is both welcoming and impressive.  It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to get something unique, there are plenty of free venue options including; local botanical gardens, parks, private dining nooks inside restaurants, the party room in a friend’s condo building, or a secluded beach.  The options are truly endless, get creative.

Ravine Vineyard, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Personalize the details

You can never have too many details! Adding layers of personal touches will only enhance the experience for all.   Use the bride's favourite flower or colour to decorate, dream up games that center around her, give favours or prizes that relate to your theme or are items the bride swears by,  customize everything; the invites, menu, place settings, name tags, and activities.        

Glazed salmon on risotto, our bride's fave foods

Pamper the bride

The number one rule when planning a bachelorette party; make the bride feel special. If you’re keeping the details of the day a surprise, make sure to inform her of what to wear and what to bring – there’s nothing worse than a bride that feels underdressed or ill prepared.  Identify her as the bride (in a pretty way of course), carry her bags, give her the best seat in the house, make a lovely toast to her, ensure she’s not privy to any glitches that may come up, and give her a memento to remind her of this special occasion.

I know, this all sounds wonderful in theory, but pulling together a bachelorette party can be a challenge. Just remember, ultimately  it’s about celebrating the bride-to-be and friendship; don’t let the special meaning of this day get lost in the details.