say yes diamonds + a giveaway!

it's   G I V E A W A Y   time!

Oh hi there! It's been a while since I've hosted a giveaway and I am so excited about this one ♥

I paired up with Alan from Say Yes Diamonds to giveaway once of these beautiful pastel ring boxes (ooh la la, aren't they just amazing?!)

First, I should talk a bit about why this is a special one to me and about my wedding ring(s)! So, when Pete proposed to me in Ireland back in 2015, he wanted to make sure it was a surprise for me. Since we had never talked about rings, and I had no idea what I wanted, he popped the question with his Nana's wedding ring (how sweet right?!) and he said we could make my dream ring.

Well, let me tell you - I had no idea what that ring was. I love jewellery (esp rings) and knew I wanted something unique, and fun and something that felt very "me". There's also really special about doing something custom and knowing you're the only one with that exact ring! When we met Alan he was so amazing and great to work with, and together we created those gold beauties you see below. We used some diamonds and gold from our grandmothers old wedding rings (I just love that part so much) and Alan literally brought  my dreams to life with these rings! The engagement ring is perfect and classic and I love the yellow gold too! I knew I wanted two bands (because I am extra like that, lol) and they just fit so perfectly together.

I get compliments on my ring all the time, it's actually so lovely! I meet strangers in coffee shops and stores who just admire it so much - and it's all because of Say Yes Diamonds bringing my dream to life. 

When we got married I reallllllly wanted a pretty pastel ring box but found them hard to find, especially in Canada. Well, Say Yes just did a beaaaautiful re-brand and these boxes are just perfect!

We thought it'd be fun to host a giveaway of one of the boxes for y'all! So comment here to enter and also check out my Instagram for more photo's and info.

& while you're at it, find or create your dream ring and follow Say Yes on Instagram (or perhaps send the links to your bestie or boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse etc!)

enjoy & don't let anyone dull your sparkle!

Happy Easter + Homemade Macaroon Baskets!

Hello! + Happy Sunday! + Happy Easter!

It's been such an amazing and relaxing weekend. I am feeling happy and refreshed and smiley on this (chilly) Easter Sunday. Yesterday I decided to make some Easter treats that I saw on the cover of my Martha Stewart Living magazine -They are perfectly cute and delicious and easy as pie to make!

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 pkg (14 ounces) sweetened shredded coconut (fyi - this is 2 bags, 400 grams for my canadian bakers out there!)
• mini eggs (make sure you hide from your boyfriend/hubby)
• 4 large egg whites
• vegetable cooking spray
• 1/2 teaspoon of course salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Coat mini muffin tins with cooking spray. 
2. In a bowl, stir together whites and salt with a fork; mix in coconut. Drop 2 tablespoons of mixture into each prepared tin. 
3. Lightly press mixture into bottom and up sides of each cup. Bake until light golden on top, 28 to 30 minutes. 
4. Let cool in tins on a wire rack 10 minutes, then run a thin metal spatula around sides to loosen. Lift out of cups; let cool completely.

Here's how these little cuties turned out! Oh they are just too adorable, and look even better on this  beautiful vintage plate that Pete's Mom gave to me. They belonged to Pete's Nana and they are SO lovely and the most amazing colour. 

Perfect Pastel Baby Shower!

TGIF! Happy Friday to you all ♥

One of my besties asked me to help her plan her sisters baby shower. Of course I jumped at the chance to put my creative mind to work! The colours we chose were coral, mint green, sky blue and gold! Oh the most perfect combination!

Sarah's Dad wanted to do cupcakes as the party favour (how cute is that?) and since I also bake cupcakes I did those too. I decided to just do a simple "thank you" tag, hand written with a cute little gold glitter dot! I attached them with the cutest little clothes pins! 

Other added touches for the celebration table :

♥ Confetti

♥ Hand painted mason jar with flowers in it

♥ Paper straws with custom flags

♥ Balloons, because they are so essential

♥ Tags for advice cards for the Mom & Dad

I love sticking to a colour theme and not the classic blue for a boy and pink for a girl. This looked so pretty and fun and people were gathered around the table and taking it all in. We also made a delicious pink lemonade punch!

Hopefully in the future I can start planning more events and parties and putting the "cute by jules" touch on them! Enjoy & Happy weekend!

I am heading to Blog Podium tomorrow, so excited.