Hi sweet friends! I have something special to share with you locals before I'm off to enjoy my birthday weekend. And by "locals", I mean my friends back home in the Mt. Dora/Orlando area.

A couple of cute, sweet blogger friends of mine are hosting a really fun workshop coming up on Thursday, November 16th. Grab your girlfriends and enjoy a night out together creating eucalyptus garlands that can be used in your home decorating - think fireplace mantles, tabletops, etc.  

You'll meet at the West Elm Orlando location off of Conroy road from 6:00-8:00 and all of the supplies, cute custom gifts and yummy refreshments are included. Now THAT sounds like my kind of girls night out.

GRAB YOUR TICKETS HERE! - and grab them quickly...it's coming up soon!!

Now...if you'll excuse me, I have some birthday celebrations to start! *wink*
Happy Weekend! And Happy Birthday to me!

xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Almost decided to sleep my birthday away since I stayed up way too late last night and was overly emotional this morning. I woke up to two separate text messages from my two oldest daughters, sent at midnight...while I was sleeping, wishing me a Happy Birthday. It was such a wonderful surprise to wake up to and then it hit me like a ton of bricks that this is the very first birthday I'm having to celebrate without them here with me. *tears* Good news is, Ema is driving up either Saturday or Sunday and Clara will arrive on Monday. *tossing birthday confetti* So it's not all that bad. I'm just a big baby. *wink*

SHARE | The Evolution of the Fridge :: Big Chill

While I'm finishing up a few things I'm working on and sooo looking forward to sharing with you, 

I thought you might enjoy looking over this "Evolution of the Fridge" infographic from Big Chill. 

Isn't it fun to see how far we've come?
So I'm curious...
Would you do color for your next fridge?

Have the best day ever friends!!
And remember, when I'm not here on the blog, you can find me HERE and on Snapchat most days!
(Snapchat handle is: pnpflowers)

xoxo,
Jessica

KEEPiNG iT REAL
My daughter Ema and I are making a small dream of mine come true behind the scenes.
She was looking for work...and I was looking for someone to help me make it happen.

SHARE | What I Love about Snapchat

Remember a little while back when I mentioned I'd been spending a lot of time on Snapchat this Summer, (even after having avoided the app completely for years)?

And remember I said I'd come back here to share a little bit more as to WHY I love Snapchat?
Well today is your lucky day!

First of all...let me just say...
from what I understand about the original intent of the creation of the Snapchat app...
it definitely wasn't something that suited my particular needs or interests. Ha!
(for those of you who don't know...it's original purpose was to be able to send racy pictures to specific people that would "disappear" after viewing for a few seconds and could not be opened, saved or viewed again).

Anyway...Snapchat has come a LONG way.
Snapchat, for me, is a way for me to lighten up and not take myself so seriously.
It's a place for my wacky sense of humor to shine and I feel it's a #judgefreezone !

It's simply a place to be silly...quite frankly! And to keep things real + human.
It's an app you don't hide behind...unless you're like me and you like to get into character with the mix of funny lenses that distort or alter your appearance, allowing you to instantly become someone else. Ha!

More than being silly though, Snapchat is actually a brilliant and fun way to document life as it's happening; completely raw and real and unedited.

Perhaps you've assumed Snapchat to be a waste of time, just as I once did. 
I incorrectly thought your videos and photos just disappeared after 24 hours, so what's the point right? BUT NO!! You have the option to save ANY and ALL the Snaps you post to your story or save to your Snap Memories. 

I've saved a lot of my Snaps so I thought what better way to demonstrate the different things I love about Snapchat than by actually sharing with you some Snaps I've taken over the last few months...along with some TIPS + TRICKS I've learned along the way.
Let's go...

I LOVE that you have the option to 

TAKE PHOTOS OR VIDEOS 

+ instantly add words, fun stickers and filters

Post photos for up to 10 seconds long or 7-second videos.

Front porch with text and emojis added.

Video of my master bedroom with a filter added

TIP: There are some face lenses that have cool effects 

even when you switch from front-facing to rear-facing.

Herbs I photographed and added stickers and words to

TIP: Add a plethora of sticker options to your photos and videos.

You can enlarge, rotate and place them where you want.

Video I shot with one hand - not an easy task BTW

TIP: Include music in your Snap videos by 

choosing a song on your phone within iTunes 

or just have music playing in the background from a radio or other source.

I LOVE that I can

RECORD SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

and label them right on the spot.

Snapping a photo or video and then being able to add

text to it immediately is great for two reasons. 

First, if I post it, whoever sees it will know what the photo is about 

and second, I'll remember what was happening when I look back at saved Snaps.

Clara's 20th Birthday - with a crown sticker added + text

All three of my girls together for Mother's Day Brunch

Ella - in the bathroom on the night of her talent show

about to perform a gymnastics routine

Getting frozen yogurt AFTER the talent show with her bestie, Elise

POST Talent Show video

TIP: You can turn the sound off before posting videos

I LOVE that I can record

LIFE'S LITTLE MOMENTS

Ella at a doctor's appointment

TIP: Fast-forward, Slo-Mo and Reverse are available AFTER you take a video.

They are included in the filter options and I love that you can decide 

AFTERWARDS whether or not to speed it up or slow it down or play it backwards.

Ella's First Grade "Good Pie" Party

Ella + Elise having their very first sleepover

This is what the backseat looks like when riding with Ella 

and I wanted to capture it.

TIP:  Draw on your photos too! 

Snapchat has a slide bar of colors to choose from.

A quick snap of Ella in the bathtub 

with her collection of My Little Ponies.

Waiting in the car line at school...Ella really liked the

"charming" flowers in this Snap lens.

Having brunch with Clara

TIP: The funny lenses can be added to someone else by 

double-tapping the screen to flip the camera from front-facing to rear-facing

Clara and I after Ella's Talent Show

TIP: When doing a selfie with a lens,

other people in the screen can "steal" your lens...

and even better...some of the lenses have now been designed for two people.

Slow-Mo feature 

This is Clara holding her phone, creating her own Snap

while I'm over her shoulder with my phone recording her...

I LOVE that I can

JUST BE MY SILLY SELF

One of Snapchat's floral crown lens

+ The Chainsmoker's "Don't Let Me Down"

Snapchat's Marilyn Monroe lens 

+ Gwen Stefani's "Me Without You"

Snapchat's Lion lens

I LOVE that I can

DOCUMENT AN ENTIRE EVENT

from an entirely different RAW + FUN perspective

Snapchat can literally be the life of the party 

by giving everyone in attendance permission to be silly + fun!

This was the first 24 hours of my family reunion this Summer -

completely photographed and recorded using Snapchat.

Aren't they a crazy, wild bunch of lovely people!!

I still need to post all of the details about that too!

TIP: You can save all of the videos and photos you've recorded within a 24 hour period (and posted to your Snapchat Story) in ONE video - which is awesome for a quick recap of events.

I hope I've enlightened you guys today...

or at least made you laugh out loud, having exposed my sense of humor I rarely get to share here on the blog. 

If you are aren't already on Snapchat, have I at least caused you to consider looking into creating an account and trying it out?

If you still aren't convinced, stay tuned for my post about how I used the silliness of Snapchat to get me through a more serious situation over the Summer.

And if you are already a fan of Snapchat, you can find me by searching for: pnpflowers 

I'd love to find you over there!

Here's to being silly...and not so serious!

Life's too short!

xoxo,

Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL

There's a lens I use on Snapchat quite a bit that I didn't even share today.

I'm not sure why, but every time I see the lens on my face my voice immediately changes into

a backwoods-country bumpkin character. I just can't help myself!

And what do my older girls think about me having a Snapchat account? 

Honestly, they make me feel as though I've overstepped my bounds as a parent and that I'm treading on their territory. And actually, they've stopped using it as frequently...probably because they think if I'm on there...it can't possibly be as cool anymore. (and maybe they are right). *wink*

So, yes! They think I'm a complete dork and I probably embarrass them with my posts. 

But I don't even care! *wink*

SHARE | Pretzel Bar by Chandice Probst

Good Morning friends!
Today, I've got another fun "bar" idea to share with you for your next celebration!
You gluten-free people out there are going to be exceptionally excited about this one...

PRETZEL BAR

by Gluten Free Frenzy

I recently had the opportunity to work with Chandice from Gluten Free Frenzy on a couple of Chalkboard Signs for a Pretzel Bar she was working on in collaboration with Glutino.

It turned out really cute and I'm thinking you all might be inspired to create one yourself!!

Such a cute idea, right?
Especially knowing even your guests with gluten sensitivities can join in on the fun!!
Are you feeling inspired to create one of your own?

The signs are now available in my shoppe...

 24x36 Pretzel Bar :: Casual sign 

24x36 Pretzel Bar :: Sophisticated Sign

11x14 "The Works" Sign

Be sure to check out Chandice's full blog post with all of the details of her set up and the inspiration behind the whole Pretzel party and "The Works" sign. Such a cute story!!

Happy "almost Friday" my friends!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
It's always so fun to be introduced to new people through referrals from previous collaborations.
Thrilled that Jessica with Fantabulosity is the one that sent Chandice my way!

P.S. I'm back in yoga pants again today...but there are only so many days in a row I can wear my uniform. *giggling* (see my Stitch Fix post).

SHARE | Cute Coffee Bar by Jessica Burgess

How cute is this COFFEE BAR you guys?
Jessica Burgess from Fantabulosity reached out to me a few weeks back about a custom chalkboard sign for a Coffee Bar she was putting together in collaboration with Coffee Mate®.

I absolutely love the way it turned out and I knew you would too!
There are so many more adorable details to see over on her blog, including a recipe for the Vanilla Almond Pound Cake you see here as well as a darling idea for creating some "You Warm My Heart" gift baskets with your best girl friends! Be sure to head to the Fantabulosity website for the whole scoop.

The Chalkboard Coffee Bar sign is now available in the shoppe for anyone of you who now feels inspired to create your own!!

xoxo,
Jessica

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Heading out of the house for DIY adventure today. I've got an idea that won't stop talking in my head...so... I'm going to listen to it and see what I end up with. *wink*

SHARE | Blog Fête :: The One-Day Conference + Event

If you live in Central Florida or any nearby surrounding areas, you are definitely going to be interested in what I'm sharing with you today!!

And for those of you who don't fall into that category...I apologize in advance for any feelings of jealousy this post may conjure up!

There's a FUN, Orlando-based annual event that's coming up on Saturday, September 19th!!
It's a one-day conference filled to the hilt with inspiration for creatives, bloggers, shop owners, event planners, entrepreneurs and the creative at heart.

The day will start off with delicious coffee + macarons and will then be followed by 10 expert-lead round table discussions, an inspiring keynote speaker + presentation by Brandi Schaffran-Webb, wedding photographer of Alexis June Weddings, a catered lunch, craft hour, complimentary headshots, a fabulous dinner party to end the day and a fantastic swag bag filled with things to inspire!!

This intimate blogging conference held at East End Market is something designed to light your fire, educate and provide you with the opportunity to connect with others!! There are only 25 tickets available each year making it super exclusive and personal compared to a typical conference with 400+ attendees. As a mom, I LOVE that it's a one-day event so that I can have a day to myself without the hassle of planning, (or guilt), that comes from leaving my family for 3-4 days.

I'm really excited about the PROFESSIONAL COMPLIMENTARY HEADSHOTS each attendee will receive - that alone is worth the entire ticket price. 

I'm also super pumped about the CRAFT HOUR with Sarah Khandjian where we will be making motivational banners together!!

photo source: Urban Outfitters

There's going to be a swag bag filled with things to inspire...
like these beautiful gold-foiled Motto Journals from one of the event sponsors, my absolutely favorite inspirational company on the planet...Compendium!!

Attendees will also be receiving a COMPLIMENTARY MANI tucked in their swag bags from Marilyn Monroe Spas.

Then there's the dinner portion of the event...which is something I've actually been working on behind-the-scenes to help pull together!  It's going to be a wonderful way to end an amazing day!!

Again, if you are local, you should SO come to this!!
I know there are a few tickets left to snag and you can grab one for $50 off the ticket price by using the promo code: BuildingMyEmpire

Head to the Blog Fête website to find out more about the event sponsors, the team that helps put this all together, more specifics about the event itself and to purchase one of the last remaining Blog Fête tickets.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I could totally use a new headshot...
I better get to working on my fitness and get my hair done - *wink*

SHARE | Summer Fun List

It's the first day of Summer and Ella is already asking to make a list like we did last year.
I LOVE her!!

So....I did a quick update to the cute printable Go. See. Eat. Make. Do. Summer list I made last year ...

Go. See. Eat. Make. Do. - Summer 2015

Again, you can keep this as simple as you want...only choosing 5 things to check off for the whole Summer.

OR you can get all crazy and create one for each month or even crazier - one for each week during the Summer months.

Either way you choose, you can download the free printable RIGHT HERE!

Love you guys!!!

Enjoy!!

And if you use this free printable + love it, tag me (@pnpflowers) on social media so I can see what you're doing with your littles!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

It's been a busy week...last week of school.
A fun week...cute party for Ella's last day of Kindergarten. *throwing confetti*
An emotional week...Ella's last day of Kindergarten. *wiping tears*

CRAFT | Giant Paper Flowers

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

THIS IS A SPONSORED POST BY MICHAEL'S STORES.

PEN + PAPER FLOWERS HAS RECEIVED COMPENSATION AND/OR PRODUCTS 

IN EXCHANGE FOR SHARING.  AS ALWAYS, FRIENDS + READERS, 

I ONLY SHARE PRODUCTS  I'M EXCITED ABOUT + FEEL YOU WILL BE TOO!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Thanks to the new Recollections Big Blooms Flower Kits, I now have a beautiful piece of art hanging above my mantle. It's really high impact and was easy to make. That giant display is hanging by one little nail - thanks to my brilliant idea to secure them all to a piece of foam board.

By using the foam board as my base, besides the fact of only having to put one hole in my wall and avoid using adhesive strips altogether, I'm really excited to know I can move this art work anywhere I want to without a lot of hassle. It would look great in my entryway, hanging over Clara's bed, or displayed in the living room for a splash of color. But for now...it will remain in our dining room for us to admire over breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Of course, the party stylist in me knows how beautiful this would be for a dessert table backdrop.
And for my mommy friends out there...I can also see this in a baby's nursery too!!

So let's get down to the nitty gritty of how to make these giant paper blooms!!

SUPPLIES NEEDED

Recollections Big Blooms Paper Flower Kit

Hot Glue Gun - optional - a quicker option when doing a large amount of flowers. (caution: it's also more permanent too since it's not as forgiving as the double-sided adhesive).

Pencil with eraser tip - optional - for curling tips of flowers before assembling as shown above and for securing petals quickly using the eraser tip -  if you use a hot glue gun. 

Foam Board - optional - I used one to hot glue my flowers to so I could easily arrange the flowers and then quickly hang them all at one time. The foam board also allows me to easily move the art work to a different spot in my home when I want to change things up. I used black because I already had a leftover piece from a previous project.

The Big Bloom Flower Kits are offered in four different sizes: 6", 11" 14" and 16"

Here's what's in every Big Bloom Paper Flower Kits (no matter what size you pick):
9 large paper petals
6 medium paper petals
4 small paper petals
1 Roll of double-sided adhesive
1 small glitter cardstock circle - for flower center
1 medium fringed paper circle - for flower center
1 large paper circle - base for securing petals to

I have to tell you...using the visual directions that came with the box left me sooooo confused.
I was completely overthinking things as I was trying to follow the vague diagram without written instructions to accompany it. I tried several different ways of constructing the flowers and after about the 3rd or 4th attempt with lame results I finally realized it's all just a simple little trick. An easy little trick that shouldn't have left me so frustrated.

Place double-stick adhesive, (or a blob of hot glue), on one of the two bottom flaps of the paper petal. I chose to use the right side to apply adhesive but it really makes no difference. You then lift the other petal flap, slide it over the top of the adhesive and push down to secure both petal flaps together. You control how much your petal will "cup" (and thereby create a more 3D flower) by how far over you slide the 2nd petal flap onto the adhesive. The less you slide it the more flat your petal which yields a flatter flower. 

TIP: I highly advise using the adhesive that comes in the kit prior to jumping straight to a glue gun. I found it helpful to practice the petal placement a couple of times and get a feel for the spacing of the paper petals.  The tape adhesive allows you to reposition as necessary so your paper doesn't rip. HOWEVER - once I got the hang of things I got my glue gun out and never looked back because I had a lot of flowers to make. I also found the hot glue gun a better option for a permanent hold...especially on the larger blooms because they are essentially heavier. I had a couple of the larger flowers come undone after a couple of hours and I definitely didn't want that to happen after I had my masterpiece hanging on the wall.

Once your paper petals are all made you will begin securing them to the edge of the large paper circle that came in the kit. Start with the 9 large petals first and overlap them one by one until you've completed a full circle and covered your large paper circle. Tape or glue the 6 medium paper petals to the inside of the large paper petals - creating a 2nd layer inside the flower. Finish with the 4 small paper petals and top off with the fringed and glitter centers. 

Isn't it pretty?!

It's really that simple and once I got the hang of things, I was busting out beautiful paper flowers in a matter of minutes.

Confident with how easy the whole process was, my creativity was able to kick in and I found myself easily altering the look of each flower with some simple techniques. Check them out:

I used the light pink fringe center on the dark pink flower and the dark pink on the light pink. LOVE!

This was my favorite discovery!! I used the small 6" white flower as the center of the 16" blue flower.

I really like the clean look of the flower on the left by simply leaving off the fringe center and only using the glitter circle. It's just another fun way to change up the look of the flowers.

See how different these 3 flowers look?
The difference is all in the overlapping...that's it.

The white flower is the fullest flower with the most 3D effect. The petals were very overlapped in the creation process which created the deep cupping. I also curled the ends of the petals with a pencil prior to assembling them.

The dark pink/coral flower on the right has a bit more dimension. The petals had less cupping and I didn't curl the petals on this one.

The light pink flower is nearly flat with just a little bit of dimension on the small center petals - and again, no curling the petals on this one.

I love how different they each look.

Once I had my flowers made I put my foam board down on the ground and started playing around with the placement of each flower. Once I had the flowers in the exact position I felt would look good on my wall, I carefully added glue to the bottomside of each flower...one at a time...barely lifting them so as not to lose the positioning and throw off my whole arrangement and pressed them down onto the foam board.

It took me all of 10 minutes to glue them all down and my art was hanging before the kiddos got home from school! Yes!!

I love how simple these Big Bloom Flower Kits are.
And since they are oversized they really help make a huge impact on your space with very little effort.

I hope you'll try them out yourself!!
I know you are going to love them!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
It took me longer to write this blog post than it did to create the flowers and hang it up.