Easter Decor 2022

Just like the sight of the first robin for the year, putting up the Easter decor around my home signifies the arrival of spring to me. The bright colors and cheery additions instantly brighten my mood. I hope by viewing my decor, you get some ideas for your own home as well. 

I began, of course, by changing the front door wreath. This wreath below is actually a garland I wired onto a grapevine wreath and added a bow to. 

Inside the door, I changed my usual display to add more lighter colors by filling a glass urn with bright faux Easter eggs and small bunny knickknacks found in the Target dollar spot this year. 

To the other side, I decided to pull my whimsical Easter village out of storage. I hadn't used these pieces in years! I collected these several years ago from JoAnn's, I don't believe they still make a village.  displayed the pieces at varying heights to be able to fit them all into a small space. 

To further brighten the living room, I added an Easter throw and covered the pillows with covers from Hobby Lobby.  I am also always amazed how Dante somehow knows to change his toys out with the seasons as well. He pulled this bunny toy out on his own!

The jackalope pillow cover on the chair inspired me to change by usual dough bowl out for a gold horn adorned catch all bowl as well on the ottoman. 

In the dining room, I changed the usual chicken fruit bowl on the buffet for this adorable straw figurine of a bunny couple in a gondola. 

I also opted to update the display on the fireplace to showcase my hand painted Orthodox Easter egg collection. 

To view a video of a complete Easter decor tour, visit my YouTube page! Comment below... what inspires you to feel spring? What decor have you added for Easter? Also please be sure to subscribe to receive notice of new posts. 

 

My Spring 2022 Fashion Wish List

Just last week here in NE Ohio we were teased with weather pushing 70 degrees and now as I write this post it is snowing outside again! I am determined to still not let that get me down.... the warmer weather is just around the corner, and I still have the spring fever bug! 

 Below is my Spring wish list of things to get for the new season.....

1. Toile print... this print seems to be just about everywhere this year from cute dresses, tops, and swimwear to home decor and bedding, and I am definitely jumping on the trend! The print is reminiscent to me of Grandma's old dishes....and of course has been synonymous for the last several years with Christian Dior fashions, especially the book tote.  Below are some of my top picks in the trend.
 

https://swim-she.com/collections/one-piece/products/reversible-tie-shoulder-one-piece-swimsuit

https://us.shein.com/Square-Neck-Floral-Print-Ruffle-Hem-Dress-p-1547666-cat-1727.html?scici=Search~~SuggestionSearch~~1~~Blue_20Toile_20Dress~~SPcSearchWordsSuggest~~0

2. Cute flat slide sandals.... I have been leaning toward seeking out a pair of the Hermes Oran sandals or the Dior slides (also fitting to the toile trend) but I do understand these can be pricy. Below I was able to find more budget friendly alternatives. 

Amazon.com: Amazon Essentials Women's H Band Flat Sandal : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

https://www.6pm.com/p/jack-rogers-sofia-slide-white-daisy-white/product/9528267/color/918766

And of course, my spring/ summer shoe wish list always includes Sperry, Jack Rogers, and cute sandals. 

3. A lady-like cross body bag.... last year I carried a large Neverfull tote in white almost all summer and tucked anything and everything in there at flea markets and farmers' markets but this year I think I want to be more hand free. This of course does not entirely mean my eye is not on the LV On the Go tote though! Below are my top picks for a new bag but I am sure a budget-friendly option or two could be found. Look for quilting and chain strap detail when trying to find a dupe. 

Chanel Pearl Crush- Chanel.com

4. Feel good pretty underthings and sleepwear.... My late Grandma Dee also taught me that it is just as important what underneath to make a woman feel good, so some lingerie is always on my list every season as well...

Recently, I have discovered a new brand for lingerie affordably from Italy and am loving the quality. I mean how cute is this floral set and both pieces are only $59!

https://www.intimissimi.com/us/product/bloom_e_blossom_sofia_balconette_bra-RID2451.html?dwvar_RID2451_Z_COL_INTD=869I

All photo credits to site they were found on as linked below photos. This is not a sponsored post. Also please be sure to subscribe for notifications of future posts. 

What is on your spring wish list? Comment below.....

St. Joseph's Day Dinner

 Just as in year's past I am celebrating St. Joseph's Day with my family. It falls on March 19th each year after the drunken haze of St. Pat's celebrations are well behind us. 

St. Joseph's Day has been celebrated by Italians since the Middle Ages. There was a major drought in Southern Italy and Sicily.  They prayed to St. Joseph for rain and the rain came saving the fava bean crop while other crops failed which kept them from starvation. As they prayed they said that if they were to be spared then they would celebrate a feast in the Saint's name every year to remember the miracle.  Depending on the region of Italy one is from they may celebrate a little differently but it is always a Lentin meal.

There are also always a few elements in every St. Joseph's Day display that are a must.  Lilies are always present as are doves.  Before Joseph was with Mary, he was suitor for the Blessed Mother and like every other suitor in the village he left a wooden staff to show his intentions outside her door. In the morning the staff left by Joseph had blossomed from the top into beautiful while lilies and doves flew from the staff. Mary knew he was the suitor to choose due to this and ever since we have associated these symbols with Joseph. Joseph also was a carpenter so wood is another essential element and just as the Irish have their St. Pat's green, it is red that is associated with St. Joseph.

While not as elaborate as some table scapes in Southern Italy, I made sure to still include all of the elements. I used red cloth napkins as a runner down the center of the table. I took three small bud vases to run down the table using olive branches on the outside but included the white lilies in the center vase. A small statue of St. Joseph and ceramic doves are of course also included.  For dishes, I used a mixture of my fine china with gold leave edge, green depression glass and fire king. 

My grandfather on my mom's side was "Grandpa Joe" and he always held St. Joseph's Day dear.  I chose to use the Fire King dishes because this light mint green was his favorite color. I think the mix of red, white and green gave an added Italian flair as well. 

Comment below, what ethnic traditions does your family celebrate that may not be mainstream?

Classic Transitional Outfits for March Weather!

 If you are anything like me, you will find this time of year one of the hardest to dress for as well. The mornings are still chilly but it's starting to warm up as the day goes on. Spring fever is setting in but it's not warm enough yet for the cute floral dresses or nautical wear and too warm for the chunky winter sweaters still. 

I have thrown together some outfits from my closet that fit this seasonal shift from winter to spring and I hope they bring you some inspiration as well. 

1. Equestrian Look outfit- incorporates fall/ winter colors with some elements of spring. 

Here I took a pair of olive-green jodhpurs I have had for years, an orange rust color cashmere sweater from a local boutique, and two-toned Ralph Lauren riding boots. I accessorized with an Hermes inspired silk scarf (also from a local boutique) and an LV cuff bangle. I used my Neverfull as my bag for the day. 

2. An "un-spring" floral dress- again some fall/winter colors but elements of spring with the fabrics

Here I paired a lightweight floral dress that I picked up at Maurices at the end of summer last year with a linen blazer from Ralph Lauren and brown boots also from Maurices last season. I replaced the tie belt that came with the dress with my more structured H belt. 

3. Traditional Preppy Look- An even closer to spring look with lighter colors

Here I paired a new lightweight flouncy blouse from a recent Shein haul with Kancan white jeans and an H&M basic cardigan. I finished off the look with a white belt and a Chanel pearl crush mini crossbody bag.

What are some of your go to transitional looks during this period before spring? Comment below and make sure to hit subscribe for notifications of future posts.

Celebrating Carnevale!

It's that time of year where we begin Lent and can look forward to Spring. Carnevale, much like the French Mardi Gras is a beloved celebration in Italian culture. In fact, while many associate the celebration more with Venice, the longest running Carnevale celebrations in Italy are actually held near the town of Puglia in the Calabrese region where my ancestors migrated from. While we now only celebrate one night with a decadent meal and good wine, some areas of Italy still revel in the celebrations for weeks or even months leading up to Ash Wednesday. 

In my table-scape and decor, I tried to bring in many of the elements of the traditional celebration. The traditional colors of course are purple and gold. It is also customary to throw beads just as it is in the French celebration as well, but Carnevale is even more widely known for its elaborate masks. Within the Carnevale celebration the masks are in fact worn to hide one's identity as it is the only time of year as well that the classes intermingle in the festivities. 

I pulled these elements into my own decor but using glitzy picks picked up after Christmas's to bring in the purple and gold elements. I strewed beads around and used masks into the decor as well. 

Below I added a mask even onto the chicken fruit bowl I often change up for different holidays. Inside I decorated using glittery gold and purple picks as well as beads. I thought leaving the wine decor around was fitting as well. 

On the mantle I also added a bead element as well as displaying my own Venetian made Carnevale mask. 

 For the table-scape, I used my everyday Fiesta dishes for a bright color element with gold chargers underneath. In the center, I added my wooden fluer-di-lis engraved lazy Susan with a Venetian style jester bowl. I strewed beads coming out of this as well and just used some colorful netting as filler around a glittery purple pillar candle. 

Let me know in the comments below if you celebrate Carnevale, or Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday? What do you do for the festivities? Also be sure to subscribe to receive notice of future posts. 

Buon Carnevale!