(photo source)

I've been "growing" an herb collection this Summer, friends!
I'm so proud of myself...except for the fact that everything is in a complete wilt right now with some of the plants yellowing. *covering my eyes*

I have been obsessing over the idea of creating a Potting Station for the back porch. (Isn't the one above just dreamy)?

I have really been trying to step up my game with caring for plants and flowers around my home. So far my results are shameful but nonetheless...I've started an "All Things Garden" Pinterest board to keep me inspired. I thought there might be a few of you out there who might enjoy some garden inspiration too...

This looks fun! And would also make a charming gift idea!

I'm totally trying it!!

I shared this photo on Instagram because I was inspired by the fact that @michelle_janeen makes a habit of bringing in her floral clippings and branches inside her home.

Which then inspired me to wrestle with my bougainvillea bush, (I've got scratches from the unforgiving thorns to prove it), to bring some pretty branches and blooms inside to display on my kitchen windowsill. (I shared this photo on my Instagram too).

This collection of old watering cans is a brilliant idea for dressing up your garden space.

(This was actually part of a chicken coop...hence the chicken shown in the photo). So cool, right?

Although my "All Things Garden" Pinterest board is a bit sparse right now...I intend on adding more and more to it so I hope you'll follow along and be inspired as I'm inspired!

Happy Monday, friends!
xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Ella is home sick today...making this her first official "sick" day of Second grade. Boo!
She tossed her cookies last night after eating at Grandma + Grandpa's house.
I'm pretty sure it was a combination of an afternoon filled with cotton candy, water slides, sno cones, food truck food and the torturous Florida Summer heat + sun that probably dehydrated her. *frown*

BOOK CLUB | May Selection :: The Secret Language of Flowers by Samantha Gray

image provided by Ryland, Peters and Small

The book selection for May, "The Secret Language of Flowers" by Samantha Gray published by CICO Books and illustrated by Sarah Perkins is so perfect in so many ways...

First and foremost...

SUGAR | Potted Cupcake Parfaits

How about starting off the week with some fun news!

I'm a blog contributor for Best Friends for Frosting and I've been anxiously awaiting the fun post that went live on the BFFF site late Friday.

Remember the "Rooted in Love" bridal shower I styled for Martha Stewart?

One of my favorite aspects of that styled shoot was the "Parfait Potting Station" I put together.

If you loved it too and were wondering about the specifics for assembling the edible plant parfaits,

all of the details are now posted over on the BFFF site.

Here's what you need to make them
and here's where to go to find out all about the how-to!!

I hope you enjoy the tutorial over on BFFF
and while you are there be sure to check out some of the other posts featuring everything from fashion, business, hairstyles, home decor and of course...desserts!

Here's one of my favorite recent posts...

Strawberry Frosted Ruffle Cookies

I hope you are sharing in my excitement to be part of the BFFF team.

I have some other fun things to share with you this week...
- tidbits from a special table I'm styling.
- BIG News for The Pastry Pedestal Platforms!!
- some new branding I've got coming to the PNPF site

You can get sneak peeks from my Instagram Feed as well as some inspirational "She Said" quotes I've been sharing over there too!

Wishing you all a great week ahead!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I joined a couple of Instagram friends on another round of Whole30.
I have re-started the program several times now since making it through my first attempt for an entire 76 days! I really rawked it that first time.

For whatever reason...I just keep falling short on the follow up attempts I keep making.
My last try I made it through 15 days and caved... into a cupcake! (and pizza and m&m's and...) *wink*
I just needed the extra push from the girls on IG and I'm happy to report
this is Day 3 for me and I'm feeling committed and strong and excited to crush this next challenge
for eating healthy and clean for the next 30 days. (27 and counting) *wink*

THE SHOPPE | NEW!! Rooted In Love Chalk Art Printables

So...
the winner for the MarthaCelebrations Pin Party I participated in last week was announced yesterday...
and as I much as I'd love to shout out the winner was ME...
darn it all...it wasn't. *frown*

BUT...
I have to say...there were a lot of other talented bloggers that contributed and I was thrilled to be among the ones that were hand-picked to participate in helping to launch the fun new party products from Martha Stewart! It was an honor! (See my party submission here - just in case you missed it).

I'll be doing a follow-up post with all of the details on the other fabulous party themes...including the fun ideas from the blogger chosen as the winner.

In the meantime...the rest of you will feel like winners!
You know the hand-drawn Chalkboard Poster shown in the party?
as well as the matching Chalk Art Food Labels and Parfait Potting Station Sign and labels?
Well I finally finished loading all of those INSTANT DOWNLOAD printables...into the shoppe.
The printables will make it super easy to create your own version of the...

"Rooted in Love" themed party I styled

Snapshot of the INSTANT DOWNLOAD Rooted in Love Collection

I hope you are as excited about printing them as I was about creating them!

Again...

if you missed the full party details...Click Here!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Summer is flying by already...

somebody please put the brakes on this bus!! *wink*

STYLE IT | MarthaCelebrations Launch Party - Rooted In Love Bridal Shower

It's been quiet on the blog…
which is always an accurate indication that things are super busy behind-the-scenes.

One of the fun projects I've been working on is helping to launch the new +Martha Stewart party product line for JCPenney - MarthaCelebrations.

I was chosen (along with a group of other party enthusiasts and bloggers) to style a party using a "Celebration in a Box" shipped to me. I had no idea what I would receive and was thrilled when the box arrived containing fun party items from this collection:

MarthaCelebrations - Sweetgrass Collection

My mind quickly took off and I'm thrilled to share with you today what I came up with...

"Rooted Deeply In Love" Themed Bridal Shower

It's a beautiful theme fit for a Bridal Shower, Baby Shower or even a