Halloween Hostess Must-Haves

Beauties!

I’ll be the first to admit (and be disappointed if you will), but Halloween just ain’t my thang. That being said, I do love a fabulous dinner party and a good glass of red. So here it is… the extent of my Halloween spirit in ideas to help you be a Halloween dinner part hostess extraordinaire.

1. Black Wine Glass Zara Home

2. Skull Candle Holders Zara Home

3. Oro Veijo Flatware Zara Home

4. Mini White Pumpkins from your local grocer

5. Artisanal Matte Dinner Plate Indigo

6. Helena Marigold Linen Napkin Crate and Barrel

7. Ghost Pines California Merlot LCBO

8. Black Lacquer Trays West Elm

9. Manzanita Candelabra West Elm

Et voila, Happy Halloween dinner-planning!

Long Weekend Lemonade Recipes

When life gives you lemons…

Image source: Edible Crafts

This post is inspired by a beautiful (inside and out!) client of mine, Melissa Vassallo of Melissa Thrives. She is one incredible lady. If you’re the type to be inspired by stories of overcoming adversity, look her up.

In a nutshell, she survived what most would never in a million life times imagine – a spring break car accident that left her (over 10 years later) with 92% of her body catastrophically impaired. When first brought to emergency, she was asked by her doctor: “Do you not want to die, or do you want to live? Because it’s going to take at least 10 years to get your life back.” This makes me goose-bumpy every time. Her response: “Of course I want to live. I’ll do it in 5!” BAM!

Well, it took just over 10 years, but she is a speaker, a motivational coach, a God mom, daughter, beautiful friend and so much more. In those years she developed a favourite saying: “When life gives you lemons… make lemon meringue pie.”

We’re not baking, but we’re encouraging a safe and happy long weekend with some deeee-licious lemonade recipes.

Recipes

Watermelon Lemonade

Recipe courtesy of Sugar and Charm 

Thyme Lemonade

Recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart

Lavender Lemonade

Recipe courtesy of Design Sponge

Peach Lemonade

Recipe courtesy of Kurry Leaves

Raspberry Lemonade

Recipe courtesy of Hello Brielle

Rosemary Lemonade

Recipe courtesy of Style Me Pretty

And what would be a fun lemonade party without cute straws?

Fun straws!

Image source: Wedding Bells

For more on Melissa’s story, check out her video:

HAPPY LONG WEEKEND, LOVELIES!

JDM

xo

{Fashion Fridays} Neutralize it

Happy Fashion Friday!

Today is all about adding and layering neutrals to an outfit. I’m a super fan of this. Wednesday’s outfit below is the proof in the pudding. Soft neutrals on top with fun, bold prints (J Crew) on the bottom. Get into mixing prints here by adding a leopard peep-toe pump!

For more on mixing prints, check out a recent {Fashion Fridays} post on it here.

White on white – layer it up!

You can also do neutral all around and pump up the colour in your accessories (below: Fischer Street). Rooftop for a glass of vino anyone?

Obsessed with white denim.

Some of my favourite neutral looks…

For those breezy Spring/Summer evenings when a little cozy is necessary.

Source

Rocker chic. Love this look.

Source: Sold Out Forever

Pop, pop, poppy!

Source: Could I Have That?

No but seriously, could I? Adorable office outfit (depending where you work, of course) that is perfect for day to evening!

With love, go rock neutrals and whites this weekend.

Jacklyn Denise

xo

Helloooo, Long Weekend!

Patio season is here at last.

A classic. Do it up!

Source: Zo Blog

Today’s post is dedicated to a Happy Long Weekend of sunshine, patio drinks and relaxation. Here are a few of our faves to kick off the weekend…

Love me some Lavender.

Flowers in your drink? Why yes! There is a cute little tin of edible lavender flowers staring at me every time the cupboard door opens. I found these at Olive & Olives after a long hunt for some Lavender Shortbread (which by the way, were a HUGE hit on Valentine’s Day). Now I have another use for it! Lavender Limemade.

Source: kirantarun.com

Slushy, slushy, slushy.

This yummy Riesling Strawberry Slushy is from one of my all time favourite bloggers, Lisa Thiele (tee-lee) from With Style and Grace. She has so many goodies on her blog, plus, they’re gluten free!

Source: withstyleandrageblog.com

Fresh Pineapple Margarita

Haven’t tried this one yet, bout sounds deeeelish! Hitting up the market for a fresh pineapple this weekend.

Source: Gimme Some Oven

That’s all for now. Happy Thursday! Happy Victoria Day Long Weekend!

Cheers (clink, clink!),

Jacklyn Denise

xo

{Fashion Fridays} Travel Bug

Just back this week from an UH-MAZING trip with some of the most inspiring women I know. Probably should have blogged about this before leaving, but I’ve got the travel bug in me now!

Packing light can be a challenge…I blame it on the shoes. While the outfits below don’t cut down on the shoes, here are few items that are sure to take you from casual day to date with the girls.

Tip: Come up with a solid base. Get creative with the accessories!

From day…

…into night!

Coral lips totally count as a base. I’m obsessed with this look. Never too much beauty in a coral lip (day or night!). Check out some more of my fave coral lips looks here in {Fashion Fridays} The Coral Lip.

What are your tips for traveling fashionably?

Sources:

joefresh.com

shopjessicajensen.com

studio1098.com

nikiandlola.com

pinterest.com

zara.com

{Fashion Fridays} Mixing Prints

Get yo print on.

I’m loving this season’s trend of mixing prints, but it can be tricky to pull off without looking like you went a wacky print version of colour-blind. Here are a few basics to help you rock prints on the top, bottom or in accessories all summer long.

love, love, love the bold stripes on top

oh so feminine

i need a printed blazer, stat.

leopard (when done tastefully) is like sparkle (again, tastefully). always acceptable.

Happy print-pairing!

Jacklyn Denise

xo

Sources:

http://pinterest.com/pin/198510296047396845/

http://pinterest.com/pin/22166223136309021/

http://pinterest.com/pin/50384089553549788/

http://pinterest.com/pin/104286547591431343/

http://pinterest.com/pin/262897696968604070/

http://pinterest.com/pin/287597126174258728/

http://pinterest.com/pin/82401868153191102/

http://pinterest.com/pin/68468856807486101/

Earth-Friendly Favourites

Good day, Sunshine!

Today, I share a few of my favourite earth-friendly brands or products. Enjoy!

Good day, Sunshine!

Image source

Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics Nail Polish: If you know me, you know I’m a nail polish addict and let me tell you… you’ll want to check these guys out. I warn you, they are far from conventional. They have fun (and like to be a little bold – okay maybe a lot bold) with their colour names. Fun aside, Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics means business when taking care of the environment. Cheeky Monkey nail polish is 3-Free. What does that mean, exactly? (direct from their site)

•  No TFF and no DBP
• Sourced from around globe–creates best
• Colours leading trends-not following fads

Nail Me

Now go rock some seriously hot mani/pedis.

Retails at: $15.00 (CAN)

Image source

Arbonne Awaken Sea Salt Scrub: I’m obsessed with this product. Citrus-y (one of my fave scents – fresh just like summer!), and leaves my skin feeling oh so silky smooth. It’s especially awesome after shaving your legs. Ou-la-la! When it comes to caring for the environment, Arbonne is all about being green friendly (for real). From ingredients to packaging, they are all about being “pure, safe and beneficial”.

Awaken my senses!

Now go yourself some sexy smooth skin!

Retails at: $35.00 (CAN)

Image source

Forever New Laundry Detergent: Another product I am obsessed with. Before trying Forever New, I refused to buy powder laundry detergent. Forever New, forever changed that. My bras have never been happier! I love my clothes and this incredible fresh scent makes it smell like Spring year-round. Pretty, clean scents and a beautiful wash aside, Forever New cares about the environment and you! All detergents and washes are hypo-allergenic, biodegradable, phthalate- and paraben-free. Plus, the 3kg bag comes with the most adorable white tin for your laundry room.

Love my clothes

What’s not to love?

Retails at: $10 – $40 (CAN)

Shop now

Encircled’s Chrysalis Cardi: Met the lovely owner of this brand a few weeks ago. She’s got it going on. From yoga, to the airport, to a afternoon brunch with your beau, there is a way to way this uber-soft closet essential. Not only is it cute, comfy and practical, the maker of this product has some mad love for taking care of this planet. The fabric is eco-conscious, everything is made right here in Canada (love local), and she cares about how you receive your present – right down to the type of packaging and wrapping paper she uses.

1 of 8 ways to wear

Okay, I’ve just sold myself on one of these.

Retails at: $138 (CAN)

Shop now

What are you doing to take care of our beautiful planet? Would love to hear about some of your favourite eco-friendly fashion finds in the comments below.

Happy Earth Day!

Jacklyn Denise

xo

{Fashion Fridays} Umbrella…ella…ella…

April showers, bring May flowers!

Today’s post is all about the umbrella. Have fun with this accessory – why not go for bright colours and bold patterns? Enjoy this little tidbit of rainy day fashion inspiration.

Would love to hear about your favourite rainy day accessory in the comments below.

Oh so Vogue

“La Vie En Rose”

Show me your polka-dots!

Ouu la la

So chic

Sources:

http://eatsleepdraw.com/page/3

http://cashmeregyrl.tumblr.com

http://prettystuff.tumblr.com/page/35

http://hellolovelydecor.blogspot.ca/2012/06/pretty-polka-dots.html

http://apositivelybeautifulblog.tumblr.com/post/31637804649

Am I Beautiful?

Give me three words that describe how beautiful you are. Ready, set, go!

It sounds easy. Sadly, the majority of women on this planet feel otherwise. Dove recently conducted a social experiment whereby they individually invited  women to (unknowingly) describe how they look to a forensic sketch artist. Next, they invited other individuals to come in and describe the same woman to the sketch artist.

Once all drawings were complete, each of the women were presented how they viewed themselves, beside the sketch as they were described by total strangers. The differences in features, shocking.

An eye-opener, isn’t it? For more info on the campaign, visit the Dove Facebook page.

I’ll leave you with this…

Wise words

Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Have a lovely day, beautiful!

Jacklyn Denise

xo

{Fashion Fridays} Coral Lips

Today we’re looking at one of my favourite trends this Spring: The coral lip.

Too much for everyday? Never! LOVE the coral lips. In fact, to be honest, I’d rock it year-round. Looks fresh during the day, and an easy beauty touch-up to bring you from day to evening.

Here are a few faves:

Gorgeous Cara Delevingne

Source: Lextravagance blog

Missoni Spring 13 Runway

Source: Style.com

J.Crew Spring 2013 Runway

Source: The Cut

Get the look with the must-have lipstick in my purse by Smashbox. Stays forever. Tip: Put a lip balm or moisturizer on first. At least for me, it can dry out the lips.

Be Legendary

Source: smashboxcanada

Who’s with me on this one?

Kiss, kiss.

Jacklyn Denise