September 18, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts

We are less than 1 week away from my favorite season of all, sweet fall! I am beginning to build up all of my crisp air staples and can’t wait to share a few on the blog over the next few weeks. 

{Denim Jacket: Loft}
{Top: BB Dakota from J. Ashley Boutique}
{Jeans: Forever 21} {Boots: Target, doppelganger}
{Bag: Stella & Dot}
{Jewelry: Gorjana & Kendra Scott; Rocksbox}

Happy Fri-yay friends! I have been wanting a denim jacket for quite some time. I was a little apprehensive at first because I have not worn one since the 90’s. I always LOVE how adorable all the ladies out there look in them, but I was worried I would not be able to pull one off or something. This girl has been searching high and low for the perfect jean jacket for weeks now. I finally found the perfect one at Loft! This jacket is the perfect mix between thick and soft denim. It has a great worn in feel, which was exactly what I was looking for. This jacket will probably be my most worn fall piece. It is perfect for Florida weather and you an throw it on with anything! I think my other fall staple this year is going to be tunics, I can’t wait to share a few of my favs.

We enjoyed meeting friends at the Jaxson’s night market this week. If you are local in Jax, you have to check out the gourmet food trucks and stands that are set up in Hemming Park every third Thursday of the month!! It is similar to Art Walk (every first Wednesday of the month), but it had a more local and sophisticated vibe. The hubs and I indulged in Nitro Ice Cream last night. It’s a new food truck here in Jax where they make the ice cream with liquid nitrogen! So cool!!!

After 2 months, I finished job training today so next week is my first official week that I am in the field with my new job. On a real note, I wish I could be a stay at home blogger, but until then I will use my degrees with a smile. I am a state contracted worker (for those who have asked) and deal with Child Protectives Services cases. It is going to be a new, scary adventure for me. I am praying that I do not ignore my baby, aka Drafts & Crafts. I am a religious planner and agenda organizer so hopefully that will help keep my blog & Etsy biz in check. Wanna share any tips or tricks on how you get it all done??

Have a lovely weekend pretties and thanks for following my little dream!

Keep in touch,
Dani

September 9, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts

Summer is for mini’s and fall is for midi’s. A comfortable and feminine dress will always get my attention, here is my first midi of fall.

{Dress: Loft currently 40% off} {Bag: Michael Kors, similar love!}
{Sandals: Loeffler Randall, similar}
{Pearl Bracelet: Kate Spade}

I hope everyone had a wonderful labor day weekend filled with fun, sunshine, relaxation, and maybe a sip or two!

Midi, midi, midi can’t you see, sometimes your style hypnotizes me. Am I right? Who else is excited for midi season, midi dresses and skirts are my jam!! This dress is my first purchase from Loft’s fall line that just came into stores! Loft is currently having 40% off all of their new fall styles… have I mentioned I love the Loft! They are tons of grey, camel, and plaid tones that I am swooning over. Now, I am just keeping my fingers crossed for some cooler weather so I can break out the sweaters!!

I wore this dress for a lovely day trip to Amelia Island. My husband and I, along with my parents, had a awesome visit to the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island! We drank DIY bloodies (see my DIY bloody bar here), visited the beach, and browsed all of the adorable boutiques in the hotel. We then traveled into Downtown Fernandina, where we strolled up and down the historic strip. If you are ever in Jacksonville and want to take a day trip, I highly recommend visiting Amelia Island or St. Augustine. There is just so much charm and history packed into one adorable town!!

Keep in touch,
Dani 

September 4, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts

I saved the best for last! Get the details of this gorgeous blush blouse in this last summer sale post. 

Photos by Sarahdipity Photography

{Top: Anthropologie} {Jeans: J. Crew Factory}
{Bag: Zac Posen} {Shoes: J. Crew, similar}
{Cactus Earrings: Gorjana}
{Rings: Kendra Scott}

As I mentioned a few weeks ago in my first summer sale installment, Anthropologie is my favorite to place to shop a summer sale for several reasons. One, since everything is adorable & two because it is much more affordable that way. I saved the best blouse for last summer sale post! This may the cheesiest thing that I have said (I have definitely said cheesier), but this blouse makes me blush! This tank is the perfect blend between classy and playful. I wore it for a more casual look with my worn jeans and heels, but it also looks adorable tucked into a skirt. Hello, work outfit! 🙂

I have been looking for nutral pieces that will transition nicely into fall. This top comes in both blush and white. It has that timeless look that will be great with a blazer or leather jacket in cooler weather. Is anyone else counting down the days until the first official day of fall (insert hand-raising emoji)??? I will be enjoying labor day weekend with my darling parents and we’re going to visit Amelia Island! Then it’s my sister-in-law and BFF’s birthdays next week, lots of fun!! I hope you all have a lovely weekend and get some relaxation too this labor day!!

Keep in touch,
Dani

August 31, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts

Yes, you heard correctly, a boozy popsicle! Put an all new spin to cocktail hour with this pop that features milk, honey, raspberries, cheese, and bourbon! 

I could not imagine a better way to end a summer social than with these boozy popsicles. These popsicles are like eating a cheese plate that is garnished with all of my fav fixings: cheese, honey, nuts, fruit, and enjoyed with a sip of bourbon. Don’t mind if I do y’all! I know you may be thinking, cheese in a popsicle?? But don’t knock it until you try it. This is what I call a sophisticated adult pop for sure! I could definitely see some of my favorite restaurants serving this pop on a dessert menu. On the other hand, it even makes an awesome happy hour treat! Have you tried any boozy popsicles?

{Time} 45 mins
{Amount} 8 large popsicles or 12 small
{Ingredients}

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• pinch of thyme (around 1/2 teaspoon)
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups raspberries
• 1 cup brown sugar

You are going to put half of the ingredients in a small pot and the others in a saucepan. At the end you will spoon each mixture into the popsicle casks. 

1. In small pot combine almond milk, goat cheese, thyme, honey, and almond extract on medium heat. Do not let come to a total boil, but whisk and let it get warm. Let the mixture cool and when it reaches room temperature, add the 1/2 cup bourbon.

2. In a saucepan, combine raspberries and brown sugar. It will become like a sauce. I made sure my sauce only had small chunks of raspberries.

3. Set up 12 dixie cups if you do not have a popsicle mold. Spoon some raspberry sauce at the bottom and then spoon some liquid mixture right on top until the cup in 3/4 full. Do not worry about it all mixing together. Add a splash of water AND stir each dixie cup so the popsicle will freeze entirely. The dixie cup should be almost filled to top!

4. Popsicles should freeze for 8 hours or overnight. After 2 or 3 hours of freezing you can stick popsicles sticks right in the center. When you are ready to eat, make a small cut in the paper cup and peal the rest off. Enjoy!!!

We enjoyed these popsicles at a dinner that I hosted and they were delightful! Hope everyone is off to a good week! Can you believe that it is September tomorrow, time is just flying!! I can’t wait for all of fall’s festivities that will be here before we know it! What about you, excited for fall?

Keep in touch, 
Dani

August 28, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts

I am a firm believer that just because fall is around the corner, does not mean you have to give up all things colorful. Join in the fun & learn how to win a tassel necklace via Instagram!

{Rose gold T-shirt: J. Crew} {Pants: J. Crew}
{Tassel necklace: Perle by Lola}
{Clutch: Target, several similar} {Flats: J. Crew}

TGIF friends, let’s talk some fall style! I know that we are just one week away from labor day weekend, so everyone is thinking, gotta finish wearing white before I am no longer allowed. While that cliche statement may be true for some, it does not personally apply to my style and wardrobe. I do cut back on white doing fall and winter, but you will not see it totally disappear. I love a good white top or sweater with a dark jacket or jeans. With that being said, I did purchase these corals pants for fall. They are going to be something that I can wear to both work and play. If you are like me and like dresses and skirts more than pants, than these pants are a pair for you to try! They are super comfortable, elastic at the waist with the perfect crop at the bottom. They can be worn with a heel and dressed up, or downplayed with a flat or sandal for a super casual look. Total great purchase by my books!

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls… the search for the perfect tassel necklace is over!! I have been admiring the jewelry collection, Perle by Lola, for quite some time. I love the organic and feminine look of this tassel necklace and it can be worn tons of different ways! The necklace features authentic bone, semi-precious stone, and a high-quality tassel. AND YOU ARE IN LUCK because Drafts & Crafts and Perle by Lola is teaming up this weekend to bring our sweet followers an Instagram giveaway. You can win your own necklace designed and hand-crafted by Lola. The giveaway entry will begin tomorrow, so be sure to check out my Instagram feed!

The photos for this post were taken by Sarah of Sarahdipity Photos (you must see her amazing website!!). Sarah is a local photographer in Jax and I have had the pleasure of getting to know her and her business through local networking. Sarah is such an amazing photographer and fellow creative. I can truly say that she is kind and genuine in her work and all that she does! Sarah shoots a wide variety of photography, so if you are in the market for a photographer, she is your girl!!

Keep in touch,
Dani