FOR THE LOVE OF FLOWERS

Talk about FLOWER POWER. I’m a sucker for all things floral and I absolutely love how an artfully styled arrangement can transform your tablescape. We all know how expensive floral arrangements can be, and given that I find it necessary to incorporate flowers into my weekly décor, I had to start arranging them myself.

My love for florals inspired me to take a class with the QUEEN, Holly Chapple, who taught me the essentials that I needed to make a balanced and romantic arrangement.  And, I recently had the opportunity to put my amateur skills to the test in designing the centerpieces for a bridal shower. Let me just say that they turned out to be total SHOWSTOPPERS. Humble brag.

Flowers bring me joy and symbolize LOVE. We could all do better in spreading a little more love and happiness. The world could use it. So, build yourself, friend or someone random a beautiful Fall bouquet this weekend and follow my tips below. :)

  

Jefferson Lane Tips:

·        1. Trim your beauties (on a slant). I typically cut at least 1” off of each stem to ensure that the flowers suck up the water they need to survive.

2. In creating the arrangements, you will need green floral foam or coated chicken wire. Both mediums create stability for your centerpiece. When using green floral foam, make sure to pre-soak the foam beforehand.
3. Start with greenery, then layer in your statement flowers (personal favorite: David Austin garden roses). Don’t be afraid to mix colors and textures. Contrast can make for the most unique and beautiful arrangements. 

Cosmo Girl

It has been awhile since I've shared one of my favorite cocktails!!! Life has kept me busy, but there is always enough time to create and indulge in a libation, or two. A cosmopolitan is one of my go-to drinks. Not only is it pretty to look at, but the martini glass/coupe helps to gauge my level of intoxication. I always monitor the drink slosh. Once it starts going over the edge, I know I have had a cocktail or two too many. Am I right?!? Don't worry, I only consumed one cosmo in the writing of this post. :)

This blood orange cosmo is pretty amazing and it's a fun twist on the traditional recipe. Cheers!

Blood Orange Cosmo

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz orange liqueur
• 1/2 oz blood orange soda
• lime wedge
• orange wedge
• lemon wedge 
• ice

1. Muddle lime, orange and lemon wedge in shaker. 
2. Add orange liqueur, cranberry juice, blood orange soda, vodka and ice. Shake. 
3. Pour into martini glasses. Rub the rim of the glass with an orange peel. It adds to it, trust me. 
4. Garnish with an orange or lime twist.  

Makes 1 cocktail

Comment below and let me know if you would like to see more cocktail posts! Maybe once a week?!! I have so many great recipes to share, but want to make sure it is something YOU want to read about! 

The Gallery Wall Trend

I've always wanted to create a gallery wall, but the actual process of putting it together was intimidating. I always felt overwhelmed by the idea of committing to an arrangement because it meant that I wasn't allowed to change my mind or put 100 holes in the wall. Anyway, I finally did it! And, I'm kind of proud of myself for taking my time and sitting on the idea for a couple of days. Gallery walls don't need to be rushed. Think it through and follow my easy steps below to ensure that you have the look you want before you put the hammer to the nail. :)

Step 1: Decide on your gallery wall theme and what items you want to include

• Choose a focal point. For me, I was obsessed with this Gray Malin print that my husband got me this past Christmas, and I thought it fit perfect with the overall vibe of my room. 
• Choose frames and/or items that have different shapes and textures. It can add so much dimension and personality to your wall. Also, don't be afraid to mix in different prints! I'm a lover of all things printed and I clearly went out of my way to ensure that there was some splash of Katie Kime. 
• Work in odd numbers. Symmetry isn't everything, so don't get hung up on spacing your wall items perfectly, having the same frames, etc. 

Step 2: Prep

• Patience is key in creating a gallery wall. Take the time to trace and cut out shapes of paper that match the dimensions of your wall items. You can then use painter's tape to hang the silhouettes on the wall. This will allow you to step back and play with your arrangement design. 

Step 3: Hang your items

• Transform your vision into reality. 

The Jefferson Lane Design Look

• Framed fabric - I repurposed leftover Katie Kime banana leaf fabric by framing it! Such an easy DIY. Measure, cut and voila! 
• The modern antique - I'm all about reviving antiques and incorporating them into my design style. There's something about this paradox that I love. 
• Animals - If you knew the number of different faux animal heads I had in my personal collection, you might throw up. My house is HomeGoods. 

Stitch & B$tch

Stitching and b$tching - a new obsession of mine. Sewing is making a comeback, but in a different way and with a different demographic, Generation Y. The traditional "Home Sweet Home" cross-stitch pattern that was once hanging in your mother's kitchen isn't all that popular anymore. Instead, "Home of where the Fart is" and pop culture references that better resonate with Generation Y are the patterns that are selling and trendy.

For my wedding, my mother made an amazing hand stitched handkerchief that said "Keep Your Shit Together." It was personal, special, hysterical, and obviously a great DIY. Hence, I had to make one myself to share with you! I figured "No Ugly Crying" was quite fitting and appropriate for a handkerchief. We all know that cinched up, somewhat unattractive look our face makes when the tears are about to roll. It's certainly not cute, at least not for me.  Anyway, this is the perfect DIY if you can't think of a good, personalized gift for a friend that is getting married. It's a humorous keepsake that he or she will for sure treasure.


What you need:
- Light box
- Template to Download - I included a couple of different "No Ugly Crying" styles for you to choose from
- Pencil (6B) for tracing
- Embroidery needle
- Embroidery floss
- White handkerchief - I love scallops, so I bought these
- Tape

Get it done:
1. Print out your template and tape it to the light box.
2. Place your handkerchief over the paper template and use your 6B pencil to trace around the letters.
3. Start stitching! If you don't know how to sew, don't stress! There are so many YouTube tutorials out there for you to watch and learn. :)

The Jefferson Lane Guide to St. Barths

St. Barths is the French Riviera of the Caribbean. It's serene, clean and the beaches are just as beautiful as the people on the island. My husband and I recently visited St. Barths for the first leg of our honeymoon and I was blown away. Even though we were there during "off-season",  the weather was spectacular and you could get reservations with ease. Although I'm no seasoned traveler, I would have to say that St. Barths is a destination that you must put on your bucket list. It's totally worth the nail bitter landing in St. Jean and the high-priced cocktails. I promise that you will love it!


STAY
Regardless of where you stay, it's guaranteed to have top-notch service and spectacular views. You honestly can't go wrong.
1. Hotel Cristopher - This is where we stayed!! Hotel Cristopher has the best spa on the island (Sisley Spa), and we sure did indulge. From couples massages to Japanese baths, you could say we were truly in paradise.
2. Cheval Blanc
3. Eden Rock
4. Le Sereno

EAT
1. Bistrot Bagatelle - All I can say is, you better get the white pizza with the black truffles for your starter. We were so in love with it that we actually went back a second time and ordered it as our main entree.
2. Bonito St. Barth - Wow. If you are a cocktail connoisseur,  you will actually fall in love with Bonito. There are cocktails in miniature baths with rubber duckies and crystal globes...need I say more? Most importantly, the seafood is exquisite. From the scallops to the Bonito tuna tacos, the South American cuisine and French flair will certainly impress you and leave you wanting to go back for more.
3. L'Isola - If you need an Italian fix, you have to go here!
4. On the Rocks - You are literally in a tower up "On the Rocks" of Eden Rock and overlooking St. Jean Beach. The food is to die for, but make sure you save room for the sorbet and coconut ice cream. Also, when you make a reservation, request that they seat you on the ledge. It has the best view. :)
5. Bo Kao - Talk about trendy and delicious. Bo Kao is an amazing little restaurant and bar tucked away in the courtyard beside Hermes and Calypso St. Barths. According to seasoned St. Barths aficionados and locals, Bo Kao has the best bartender on the island, which totally makes sense. All of their cocktails are artfully prepared and completely worth the price tag. My favorite drink was the "Gin & Juice."
6. Shellona - Located right on Shell Beach, this is a fantastic lunch and dinner spot. When I say right on the beach, I mean RIGHT. ON. SHELL. BEACH., sand and all. The ambiance is great!
7. Le Select - If you are looking for a cheap and quick American burger, there is no better place than Le Select. This local spot is best known as the dive that inspired Jimmy Buffet's Cheeseburger in Paradise.

DO
1. Reserve a table at Nikki Beach on Sunday - On Sundays, Nikki Beach is out of control. It's fabulous people watching with sparklers, cigars, yachts, and magnum champagne and rosé bottles everywhere. You obviously go there to be seen and dance on tables. Make sure you rest up beforehand.
2. Hike to Colombier Beach - A hidden gem. This beach is absolutely breathtaking. It's about a 45 minute hike down to the beach, but boy was it worth it. There aren't any restaurants or bathrooms, so you better make sure to pack a picnic lunch and handle your business beforehand. Otherwise, it's a hell of a hot hike back up.
3. Book a sunset catamaran cruise - This was my absolute favorite activity!
4. Rent a car - Trust me, you will want to do this. Our hotel package at Hotel Christopher came with a car rental for the week and it was so nice to be able to explore the island at our leisure. Plus, taking cabs everywhere adds up quickly. It cost 30/35 euros per way every time we wanted to leave the hotel to go to St. Jean or Gustavia.
5. Stroll around the shops in Gustavia
6. Swim with sea turtles

DIY Pom-Pom Earrings

I don't know about you, but I go nuts for all things POM-POM and NEON. Always have, always will. To me, pom-poms are the peonies of earrings (hence my photo pairing). :) They are intricate in their layers and Basic B's obviously love them. I'm always on the hunt for a fun earring and I figured that it was about time for me to DIY some to share. They are so easy to make and will cost you next to nothing. Plus, it's kind of awesome to throw out a humble brag when someone asks you where you got your earrings from and you can simply say "I made them" (insert diva emoji). Enjoy your jewelry making!

Supplies:
- Yarn
- Beads
- Bead Stringing Wire
- Gold Earring Posts/Fishhook Earring
- Gold Chain
- Pom-Pom Maker
- Scissors
- Nipper Tool
* All beading supplies are from Michaels

How to make the pom-poms: See old post for detail. Make sure you tie the pom-pom together with the Bead Stringing Wire instead of a piece of yarn (about 10" in length to be safe).

Beaded Pom-Pom Earring

1. Once you have tied your pom-pom together with the Bead Stringing Wire, add your beads to one of the strings and continue to add beads until you have reached your desired earring length.
2. Then, loop the wire around the ring of the earring post and feed the wire back through all of your beads until you are back at the base (where you started from). 
3. Lastly, tie a knot and trim the excess wire. 
4. Fluff your pom-pom and you are set!

Gold Chain Pom-Pom Earring

1. Once you have tied your pom-pom together with the Beaded Stringing Wire, use your Nipper Tool to cut the gold chain to your desired earring length.  
2. Tie your wire around the last link and knot securely. Trim excess wire.
3. Lastly, pull the last link of the top part of the chain over the fishhook earring until it is at the base. Depending on the type of fishhook earring you buy, you may need to use needle nose jewelry pliers to open and close the base hoop in order to attach your chain. 
4. Fluff your pom-pom and you are set!