SO LONG, JANUARY!

Happy last day of January! I hope this was a good one for each of you, I sincerely do! I really can't complain- it was unseasonably mild in Ohio this month (I am used to being trapped by ice storms by now!) I made tons of great projects, had amazing times with my family, and I accomplished reading my book for the month of January.

One of my resolutions this year is to read one book a month and for January I read 'The Art of Happiness' by the Dalai Lama. I won't go too deep but I highly recommend. I think anyone could walk away from this book feeling more inspired to be compassionate and kind to make a better world!

For February I have chosen the 'Everythings World Religion Book'. One of my personal goals for my 25th year of life is to learn more about spirituality and other religions/cultures to be more educated in the subject. I was going to pick something light and fun for the month of my favorite holiday but I can't put off my curiosity any longer. We bought this book back in November and its time to crack it open :)

Did any of you guys participate in the January Photo-a-day on Instagram this month? Nate and I both did and it was a lot of fun- you know, as fun as an instagram photo can be :) Here are some highlights...

So excited for February 1st! I am off to start my baking ...

Xo-
Janae

MONDAY.

Happy Monday! Things I am looking forward to this week:

1. Launching Valentine-palooza on Wednesday! We have a fun mini makeover for the blog to get you in the spirit :)

2. Having a SALE in the shop ... thats right, starting 02.01-02.14 we will be offering 14% off (details to come!)

3. Baking lots of yummy treats and getting to wear as much pink and red as I please!

4. I have some really fun craft projects lined up for myself this week: fun Valentine Cards, homemade votive candle holders, and starting to work on the misters V-Day gift.

5. Enjoying almost 60 degree weather in FEBRUARY. In OHIO. Unheard of!

6. Expecting some fun packages in the mail any day now, don't you just love packages in the mail?

7. Busting out the new sewing machine for the first time and thinking up endless projects to keep me busy for months to come.

What are you looking forward to this week??

Xo-
Janae

DIY: MONOCHROMATIC OWLS

Thrift store porcelain owls and figurines are a dime a dozen, but I have an affinity for giving them a good home. But as my collection has grown I have gotten a little bored with their browns and taupes and wanted a fresh take on an old collection. Thanks to the ingenious idea of the husb I set out to make a set of lovely owls that fit a more modern home decor.

 Supplies needed: porcelain figurines- the ones I chose did not have a gloss finish on them, I didn't test but I would assume the paint would not adhere as easily to this finish, Paint, paint brush, gloss varnish (if you so choose). STEP ONE: Paint your owls. It took about two coats for both of these, the lighter color I had to go back and do minor touch ups because the paint had a thinner consistency. Let completely dry. STEP TWO: Varnish your figurines. I used a high gloss varnish, one coat was sufficient. STEP THREE: enjoy :) ** TIP: don't put your paint on too heavily, you will start to notice that as you paint your figurines amazing little details come out, like ridges on their feathers or faux wood grains. If you apply with a heavy hand you risk loosing these to pooled paint**

Aren't they just the cutest?? And it only took about an hour thanks to the modern marvel of acrylic paint!

Happy crafting!

Xo-

Janae

WHAT A DAY FOR A DAYDREAM.

Another simply beautiful day. This weekend is probably in my top 5 favorite weekends of all times, and we didn't even really do anything special!

I have been working non-stop on special Valentine crafts and projects and I cannot wait till February 1st, I am just bursting to share all these fun things with you! If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram then you have seen the sneak peeks ... lets just say there will be lots of hearts, pink, and glitter :)

Today we mostly worked around the house and then popped out for a bit to visit the in-laws. These are my 'casual-running-around-town-shoes'.  Ha.

 she wore: Forever21 jacket, white woven, and jeggings; Target Cardigan; Fossil bag

he wore: Target Thermal and Leather jacket; H&M sunnies; Vans sneaks

And because you all know I am so smitten with my puppers ... here is a precious moment that Stella Bean had with her Lamb Chop pal today.

 They just needed a little rest :)

Happy Sunday all, I hope its sweet as pie!

Xo-
Janae

BRUSCHETTA.

in this Bruschetta: a simple mix of onion, red pepper, salami, basil, salt and pepper. Fresh grated parmesan on top.

Lately I have been on a Bruschetta kick- this is the base recipe I use, there are so many ways to customize this delicious appetizer!

Ingredients:
8 pieces of French Bread
1 tomato finely chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper chopped
1/2 orange bell pepper chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 basil leaf, chopped (or a sprinkling of dried to taste)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Fresh mozzarella or my favorite- parmesan

** you can also add a meat if you like- salami or pastrami would be yum!**


Lets get cooking!
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Add onions, garlic, and peppers and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Add tomato and cook until veggies soften- about 3 minutes. Add your spices and remove from heat. Make sure you mix well!

In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bread slices and cook until a golden brown on both sides. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate.

Add your toppings to your bread slices and grate fresh cheese over your veggies.

Bon appetite!

Xo-
Janae

OH HAPPY SATURDEEEE.

Today was pretty marvelous. Not to brag or anything!

We woke up at an unsightly hour thanks to a certain little smush-face, had good conversation over delicious coffees, and then went on a crafting day date. My love for Martha Stewart has only grown 10 fold today- I finally got my very own pair of fringing scissors! Its the small things in life, you know?

Today was pretty cold- 38 degrees and oh so windy. So not really a great day for a skirt and a cape but I went for it anyway :)

 she wore: Love21 Cape; Forever21 sweater; Target Skirt; Fossil bag; American Apparel knot thigh highs; Francesca Boutique flats

he wore: Target thermal, jacket, and sneaks; Levi Denim

I am pretty excited for tomorrow, so many crafts to photograph- including a cute one for pups!

Hope your Saturday evening is full of fun and love :)

Xo-
Janae

TOP 5: CABIN FEVER BUSTERS.

We are well into the winter season, and I don't know about you and your neck of the woods but in Ohio its cold. And dark. And most days cloudy with some sort of something falling from the sky. It can be hard to feel motivated to do anything! Here are our Top 5 Cabin Fever Busters to keep those winter blues away:

1. Candles! I love nothing more than a candle glow- making your home feel more cozy than outdoors can definitely lift your spirits. Right now I am loving the scents of baked goods and Creme Brulee and Apple Crumble are top of my list!

2. Impromptu Dance parties- These are very underrated in my opinion! Turning on a great playlist (my favorite of late has been the Rolling Stones) and letting loose is a great way to get a rush of energy and just have fun. It has also been my go-to method for shaking off a frustrating day. I promise- it works!

3. Projects- Keeping busy in a well lit space can help you forget that the sun peaced out at 5:30! Fun little crafts and prototypes are a great way to spend weeknights. I will plan on doing some run thrus during the week so I can be ready to photograph on weekends.

4. Hot Beverages- nothing says comfy cozy like a hot cup of tea after work or running errands or a post dinner coffee!

5. Favorite movies and shows- we LOVE netflix :) Its been amazing this winter when we are starting to wind down for the night. Finding old favorite tv series has been a favorite thing to do this winter. Wonder Years? Yes, Please!

What are you guys doing to keep from getting bested by winter? We have also tried board games, some friendly mariokart racing (confession: I am pretty terrible) and of course reading!

Xo-
Janae

HAPPY DAY.

How is it that its already Wednesday?

I finally sifted through all the photos from our wedding celebrations this past weekend and have thoroughly reminisced on all accounts of the happiness and love. I can't get over how much I love the sight of people in love, and getting the opportunity to share it with them! So here are some fun glimpses into our day, mostly of me and the mister :)

 Xo-
Janae

KOOPLES.

This is kind of clothing website was made for me. Couples, in love, loving fashion and looking beautiful together. Perfect for my pre-Valentine state of mind!

 Kooples

Xo-

Janae

HEY STRANGER.

So its been pretty quiet around here. I honest to blog (ha ... ha ha) don't know where the last two weeks have gone, and I can't remember the last time I did an outfit post. The first of the year? Thats crazy!

Since the hubsters started his new job last week, finding daylight hours and a photographer for my ensembles has been a challenge. I guess this just means I will have to start having multiple outfit changes on Saturdays and Sundays. And no, I don't think thats a bad thing at all :)

 she wore: Forever21 hat, scarf, blue woven, sweater, and leggings; Charlotte Russe boots; Copco eco friendly cup (a favorite)

 These are my 'Little Miss Sunshine' boots- you know how Abigail Breslen wears amazing red cowgirl boots through the movie?? Well, I had to have some. I found them a few years ago and I will cherish them forever and ever!

Yesterday was a dear friends wedding and I was so honored to be a part of her and the new misters beautiful day. Nate and I had a fabulous time sipping on Diet Cokes (ok, that part is just me) getting gussied up and just basking in the joy of love for a few hours.

Today though- today is going to be catch up! This lovely post, a little lookbooking, some crafting and some much needed little family time. And an update: Valentine-palooza is all planned, now for the fun part- crafting, baking, photographing, and watching lots and lots of mushy gushy movies :)

Happy Sunday!

Xo-

Janae

THIS WEEKEND.

 

via

This weekend I am happily participating in my best friends wedding ... I love love. Its so magical!

Happy Friday!
Xo-
Janae

IN THE SHOP: ANGEL IN THE SNOW.

A new painting from the mister.

shop this painting and others HERE.

Xo-

Janae

BEST OF THE WEEK: A RETURN.

 Its been awhile for one of these! This week has been full of January Photo-A-Day via Instagram, Valentines preparations, delicious food, and of course coffee and little family time.

I made Bruschetta for the first time tonight. It.was.so.good. Can't wait to share the recipe with you!

Here is to a great start to the week!

Xo-
Janae