Easter at Home | Life Lately

Hello loves, 

Today I'm coming to you with a post from my mom's blog - Bluebird 1959.  Since I am currently traveling and not able to be with family I wanted to share with all of you what Easter looked like back home this year.   Not only did my mom's side of the family gather together yesterday to celebrate Easter, but also to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday!  

Luckily, I am spending the day with a wonderful advisor from the sorority I work for who has invited me into her home and is having her family over for a big dinner tonight.  I'm not going to lie and say it isn't a little awkward to spend Easter with someone I met just last night - but it is a reminder of how lucky I am to be part of such a welcoming and loving group of women. 

So wherever you are and whatever you believe, I hope you are spending today with people you love - or doing something you love.

Let me know what you are up to today in the comments!

Be sure to visit Bluebird 1959!

xxx Traci J

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I want to wish  you all a very happy and blessed Easter.

Not much for words today, but I will share with you some Easter "candy!"

My lovely, sweet mom turns 90 tomorrow and yesterday our family got together to celebrate with her.  "Kids," grandkids and great grandkids spent the afternoon together  to mark the day.

Hoping your day is filled with joy, happiness and love.

Thanks for stopping by,
Jane
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Reposted with permission from www.bluebird1959.blogspot.com 

Time to Drink Champagne and Dance on the Table

Hello loves,

Today I thought I'd share with you the little diy champagne bar I put together for my family Christmas party!  It is super simple and an easy thing to make for a holiday party, brunch, or hey - anytime at all!

I purchased the champagne flutes from Walmart for $2 a piece - you could use any champagne flutes you have - glass - plastic - whatever works for you.  For rimming the flutes - I bought white candy melts (you can find these in the baking or party supply aisle) and gold sugar sprinkles.  I also picked up some cute paper straws.

Follow the directions on the candy melts to melt them down.  Dip the top of the champagne flute into the candy and then quickly coat it in the sprinkles.  Pat on any excess and let dry.  Ta- da! DIY rimmed champagne flutes (that also double as a quick snack if your guests get hungry). 

I did this process for 12 flutes and it only took 15- 30 minutes!  

Here are the finished products!  Unfortunately I ran out of gold sprinkles - but I had some white in the cupboard - problem solved.  

For mixers, I bought orange juice and cranberry juice.  I also had peach slices, a mix of berries (black berries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries), and lemon and lime wedges.  My mom had this cute serving dish complete with a cute present decoration, how festive.  

I purchased a few bottles of champagne and one bottle of sparkling cider (that when any kids that wanted to join us in the festivities were able to do so)!  I let them chill on ice in my dad's custom ice bucket (thanks Pottery Barn).  I lined all of the sugar-rimmed champagne flutes on a beautiful mirrored tray that my dad bought my mom for Christmas.  It says "Time to Drink Champagne and Dance on the Table!" It was just so perfect.

Party guests were able to make their own champagne cocktail.  The one pictured above has a splash of cranberry juice, berries, and peaches. Yum!  Time to Drink Champagne and Dance on the Table!

What did you do to make your holiday party special this season?  I'd love to hear your ideas and get links to your posts.  Comment below!

Happy New Year!

With love,

Traci J

Maybe Christmas, Perhaps, Means a Little Bit More | What I Got for Christmas 2014

Hello loves - and merry Christmas!

I hope you had a lovely holiday - spent relaxing by the fire, drinking plenty of hot cocoa, and spending time with loved ones.  It's in the evening on Christmas day as I type this, and I am using this time to wind down and reflect on the lovely few days I've had.  On Christmas Eve, my mother and I spent time decorating a gingerbread house (poorly - I might add - but it's the effort that counts), making cookies, and then watching It's a Wonderful Life with my Dad.  Truly, it was a beautiful evening.  During the day today - we opened presents - exchanged laughs - and had a wonderful supper with my grandmother and aunt.  

I cannot express how much I love this time of year. Everyone is in a generous mood, and everyone is just more cheerful.  For a long while now I have agreed with the Grinch - that Christmas might not come from a store "maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."  Receiving gifts is a great thing - but giving gifts - and just spending time with those that are special to you are really what this season is all about.  I feel very fortunate that I have the opportunity to do so. 

That aside - I still would like to share with you what I received this Christmas!  I snapped some pictures this afternoon to share with all of you. :)

 Lorac "The Royal" 3 Palette Set

Daisy by Marc Jacobs

Giftcard to Ulta

Nancy Drew: The Shattered Medallion

Philosophy Gift Set - Gingerbread Cookie Shower Gel and Frosting Lotion

Viniq Shimmering Liqueur- This stuff GLITTERS

See for yourself here!!!

Brown Handbag by Ivanka Trump

Racoon Reusable Handwarmers

Black Vans (I've been longing for these!!!)

Sparkling Moscato

Cosmetic Bag by Zoella

Zoella Soak Opera Bath Soak

Blue Flannel from Kohl's

Cosmetic Bags from Forever 21

Bath Fizzers from The Pampery

Cozy Socks

What were your favorite gifts from this Christmas? What was the best gift you gave ? Let me know in the comments.

XOXO - Happy Holidays

Traci J