I have a confession to make. I Kate, mother of young elementary school children, did not hard-boil nor dye any Easter eggs last year. I used fake ones from a craft store to set our Easter dinner table and plastic ones for the egg hunt. Boom, easy, done.

However. My youngest daughter requested that we engage in the traditional act of dyeing eggs this year, so we set out to dip, dye, and embellish with nailpolish, washi, and glitter tapes. It was a fun for 30 minutes until she got bored with the dipping and abandoned me to go play and I was left alone to finish. Just like three years ago and those paper maché eggs. But I wrapped up the project (ha!) by layering strips of washi and glitter tape in random abstract bands across the tops and I now I don’t believe I’ve ever loved Easter eggs more.

We started with hard boiled eggs, some dye from those kits you find everywhere, and a bunch of rolls of glitter and washi tape sent to me by my kind sponsor Wishy Washi.

To create a banded pattern, I wrapped a few with washi tape before dipping, then once my girl dipped the eggs and they were dry, peeled back the tape to reveal the pattern.

Layering a thin strip of tape over the top gives them a two tone banded effect.

Read the rest of this entry »

Hello friends, I have a treat for you today – an edible one just in time for Easter. My friend Matthew Mead, stylist, author, home decor design expert, and former style editor of Country Home magazine sent me this creative and simple idea to share with you for serving a sweet dessert on Easter Sunday. It’s Bunny Ears Mousse!

Please welcome back Matthew Mead and his recipe for Bunny Ears Mousse.

“I am a huge fan of innovation and a bigger fan of Trader Joe’s. I am always out looking for new ideas that are quick, simple and eye catching to bring to the dining room. This Easter I am making these charming mousse cups inspired by Palmiers Cookies that look just like bunny ears. With a few pantry supplies and some creativity you can create these adorable desserts yourself.

You Will Need: Two packages of mousse mix, select from white chocolate, vanilla, or milk chocolate (we used Dr. Oetker brand) and prepare according to package directions; 2 recipes of whipped cream, prepared (see below); angel hair pasta; mini marshmallows; Palmier cookies from Trader Joe’s*; colored icing (optional); jelly beans and sprinkles for garnish (if desired).

*If there is no Trader Joe’s near you, make your own Palmiers ear shaped cookies with several recipes available online.

Read the rest of this entry »

Christmas weekend hellos to you all, time to enjoy the last few days before the big holiday.  I’ve got most of my shopping done, but a few stocking stuffers remain.  We’re entertaining a crowd tomorrow so I’m in full party mode, but before signing off for the weekend, I wanted to share my latest articles over at the Better Homes & Gardens blog. 

I rounded up plenty of holiday inspiration this month, but also shared some tips on introducing color and creating storage, enjoy!  

No doubt you’re feeling the winter chill, so don’t miss my picks for staying cozy this winter with style. 

Also, a few other informative and inspiring posts I found this week

“Roots Before Shoots” (great insight on reducing stress)

Ten Ways to Entertain a Toddler on a Plane + more tips in comments

Hotel de Glace – beautiful!

A Wall of I Love Yous

50 of the Best Little Black Dresses of 2012

Colorized Historic Photographs

How to Take a Leap of Faith

Have a great weekend! 

My friend Nester is having her annual Christmas Tour of Homes party today so I thought I’d share a few images you haven’t seen (and a bunch you have, ha!).  I used a lot of blue around the house this season since it really is my favorite to decorate with, but there is some red in the courtyard and a dash of pink in my office and the kids’ room. 

Here’s the grand finale so to speak – with some scenes I’ve snapped over the last few weeks from different spaces in our home all dressed up for the season and ready for our weekend party which we throw every year.

Read the rest of this entry »