Our Easter Tree is Up!

I had the most fun putting my Easter tree together this year. I retired my little Easter tree (actually Lilly adopted it for her room). I can't stop buying glittery butterflies, birds and eggs so I had to upsize.

I used oak leaf branches I found in the woods behind my house. I spray painted them a light green. Then, I mixed in some arificial blossoming branches from Michael's. I was really pleased with how natural they look . I tucked in a little nest I made at the base of the tree. I made the robin's eggs last year using this tutorial.

I bought this ornament on a trip to Austria my husband and I took back in 2001 during the Easter season. I just adore the little love chicks (cuddling at the bottom right) and the daisies.

This beautiful swan is my newest addition to my tree. It was made by artist Heidi Wallingford. The minute I saw it at the Marie Event, I knew it had to be mine :)

I bought this egg a few weeks ago while visiting the historic town of Micanopy. I just think it is amazing! It came from a magical little place called "The Shop". My Mimi used to take me there to shop for holiday decorations when I was little. If you live in Florida or are visiting the Ocala/Gainesville area you must visit downtown Micanopy. It is a lovely little street lined with antique and gift shops.

I am in full party planning mode getting ready for Lilly's Easter girly tea party. More to come on that soon! Enjoy your day!~Molly

A Spring Day in Mt. Dora, Florida

Last Saturday we headed over to Mt. Dora for the annual antique boat show. My Dad restores vintage fiberglass boats from the 1960's. We go over each year to see his boat(s) on display at the show. It is so much fun being out on a spring day in Florida and enjoying the water and the sunshine. While in Mt. Dora, Mom, Lilly and I had lunch at the "Garden Gate Tea Room". It was recommended by Cassandra of "An Artful Adventure". The atmosphere is beyond words and the tea and food are delicious! I can't wait to go back! Here are some pictures I took of the tea room to share with you... Chicken salad on a bed of fresh greens, surrounded by fresh fruit and topped off with muffins and an edible orchid dusted with powdered sugar. It was almost too beautiful to eat.

btw, Lilly ate the orchid :)

Lilly loved the little muffins dusted in powdered sugar. They served her homemade lemonade in a china teacup. They have an assortment of vintage hats that you can wear while you are sipping your tea. I LOVED this hat on Lilly.

Isn't it dreamy? Hope you are having a dreamy week! ~Molly

Easter Party Invitations

Next month Lilly and I are throwing an Easter Party. It is going to be a girly girl party complete with tea, lemonade, cupcakes and glitter! We are going to eat, craft and go on a spring time scavenger hunt. I will be posting my party projects and plans in the weeks ahead. This weekend I created the invitations. I used a vintage Easter card image that I found at "Two Crazy Crafters". The minute I saw it I knew it was exactly what I wanted for the cards. I printed the lambs, cut them out and then glued them to hot pink blank cards. Next, I embellished them with small silk and paper posies and sugary glitter. Finally, I made little banners out of paper labels and toothpicks. I wrote the girls' names on them and used hot glue to affix them to the card. I think it looks like the little lamb is proudly inviting each guest personally.

I can't wait to show you my next project! Have a great week ! Love, Molly

Giveaway at "An Artful Adventure"

Happy Spring! To celebrate, hop on over to the sweet and talented Cassandra VanCuren's new blog, "An Artful Adventure". You must check it out, it is absolutely gorgeous and inspiring. To celebrate reaching 600 followers on her former blog "My Artful Adventures", she is doing a giveaway. If you stop by her new blog and leave a comment you could win this...

Isn't it unbelievably beautiful?!

It is like a springtime dream come true.

Good luck!

Exhibit A and B

OK, I have to apologize if you read my blog yesterday before I corrected all of the typos...maybe there are still some there...please don't check :) Anyway, I was rushing to do that post because I was in between a dentist appointment, mopping my house, grocery shopping and a trip to the gym, plus I had a whining 4 year old outside my door and a barking dog in the other room...

Exhibit A:

Exhibit BThey only look sweet and innocent :)

Have a great weekend and if you haven't already, you must check out the spring edition of the online magazine "Inspired Ideas" . It is put together by Amy Powers. She is genius!

Last Friday night's Marie Market Soiree, hosted by Cassandra VanCuren, did not disappoint. Christie and I had a blast! Here we are at the market...

This is me in my Marie look, Christie snapped this one as we were leaving my house When we arrived at the event, the doors to the ballroom were flanked with two breathtakingly beautiful dresses made by Cassandra... These were the tables set up for the ladies attending the weekend art event... "cake" made by Jennifer Hayslip To my shock, surprise and delight the shoes I made for myself won first place! I won this gorgeous ruffle bag made by Bryanna Fuller-Lenan . The pair I made for Christie won honorable mention so to say I was thrilled would be an understatement. I tried to play it cool but inside I was definately doing the happy dance :) Me and Jen Hayslip of "Sweet Eye Candy Creations" Me and Heidi of "Birds of a Feather" Me and the host Cassi Here is photographer extraordinaire, Tiffany Kirchner Dixon, she photographed the event. I got to meet these great women that I blogged about in my previous post and I was just on cloud 9! It was a night I will not soon forget. Cassi did an amazing job putting the event together and I only saw a fraction of it. If you would like to check out more about what went on at the event visit her Marie's Danse des Fleurs site. I can promise you will be gasping at all the beautiful art and costumes! Love and blessings, Molly