It’s my birthday and my big plan for today is to take the advice of poet Derek Walcott and “Feast on [my] Life.”

This year has been such a blessing. Already, I knew I was blessed with amazing friends and family but I don’t think a year ago I would have thought I would be living and working in an almost-new-to-me city. And did I mention loving it? I can’t wait to see what wonderful opportunities and adventures the next year brings!

Oh…and this is pretty sound birthday advice too {winking at DWJ}…

It’s my Birthday! I’m in  the  mood to celebrate all day long! Actually I started celebrating on Friday. Thanks to my lovely coworkers (who celebrated with me yesterday and brought scrumptious cupcakes), friends and family, who make every day amazing, I have a feeling I may continue to celebrate all month!

{image via little plastic horse}

Ok, really I started last month with my Paris trip. Which is why I think this ad, above, for Miss Cherie by Dior is so appropriate.  But I would love some Pucci balloons and that sofa like in the image below!

{Image via papermag.com}

{image via flickr}

I kind of feel like the image above too! Love it! It just dreamy!

{image via diane pernet}

So many wonderful things have happened  in the last year. If you had told me that I would have a wonderful blog (with fabulous readers no less) or that House Beautiful would feature me on their site, I’m not sure I would have believed you.  I can’t wait to see what the next year brings!

Just for fun

I thought I would show the snippet from Betsey Johnson’s party. Now Here’s a woman (and a fellow Leo) who celebrates life like no other. Now she’s inspiration…

I have a thing for outdoor entertaining and parties as well as a serious jones for lounging pool or beach-side. This is why I will forever love Kelly Wearstler’s cabana designs for the Viceroy Palm Springs and Santa Monica Hotels.

So while perusing Z Gallerie, I saw the Soho Pavilion and got so excited because now it’s possible to have the look at home (pool and/or beach not included).

The Soho Pavilion is the perfect setting for lounging or a small garden party because it lends some outdoor glamour to even the most modest of backyards. And who doesn’t love a little glamour now and then? I know I do.

And it comes in an orange version as well:

Now that the sun has shown up for spring, I’m dying to spend more time playing outdoors. I can hardly contain myself!

So go play and enjoy Spring (and carry an umbrella if you’re on the east coast)!  Have a Fun Weekend!

xoxo, Jessica

I am tea obsessed and I am proud of it. It started as a little kid when my grandmother used to take me to lunch at the tea room at Woodward and Lothrop in downtown Washington, DC. Those lunches with my grandmother are some of my favorite memories and ever since I have been drawn to tea. To sit and actually enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea is actually my idea of a simple everyday luxury.

{image via flickr}

Well recently I’ve been thinking about my birthday.  Its several months away but I’m excited about it and like to plan, so for me it is never to early to start. One of the ideas I’ve been kicking around the idea for a Tea Party.  Then I saw this video of a Alice in Wonderland /Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, hosted by Tracy Stern and designed by expert party planner Cathy Riva. This is love!!

Here’s the video:

Cathy Riva came up with some lovely ideas that made me wish I was at the party. I loved the colors, the wheat grass and teapot centerpieces, the fun mushroom accents. I’m also a sucker for a good cupcake. So a tea party is definitely on the list of potential birthday plans.

here are some books on from my party planning wish list:

Susannah Blake’s Afternoon Tea Parties

And Tracy Stern’s book Tea Party:

I’m pretty sure that if I go with this Idea, my party will have a suprising, fun twist (My wheels are already turning). And these books should help get me started on my research.