{ Be still my heart }

Goodness, It has been awhile. I am blessed to have a couple moments of stillness this morning and thought that I would at least try to write a little bit. Let's see how well I can gather my thoughts :)

I hope things have been going well for all of you! This has definitely been a season of busyness for me. I am beyond thankful for that though for sure.  I feel I have been saying the word "busy" a lot lately! 

In the midst of this season, the Lord has been doing a great job of reminding me that He is in control and more so, that He is what we are called to call on FIRST. So easily, I get caught up in the midst of all that is happening and forget to STOP. I  feel our culture is one that is always on the go, always looking for the next thing and always doing. 

This girl has had many breakdowns over the past couple months, due the my inability to slow down and focus more so on the one who created me rather than all the things that life is throwing at me. 

Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

What a sweet reminder that is! We are called to seek Him first, above all else, and everything else will follow. My prayer is that I am able to grasp this today and everyday.

 How can you slow down a bit today and focus on Him and His many blessings?

All my love,

Whit

{Breathe.}

[via]

::word of the week:: 

{breathe.}

Just when I think life is going to slow down, it speeds up!  Anyone else?  Unexpected twists and turns in my already jammed packed schedule leave me thinking...what day is it?..did I accomplish anything I was supposed to today?...where do I need to rush to next, because I am sure I'm late?!  I find my 'to-do' list getting longer and longer, yet the hours seem shorter and shorter.  Sometimes I'm afraid I'm on the 'fast track' through life functioning as a machine as opposed to a blossoming flower!  So I have to stop. {no really stop.} and just breathe!  Have you tried it lately?  Let's do it together...big inhale in through the nose...really expanding those lungs....and exhale ouuuttttt through the mouth...releasing every last bit of tension and stress..{aahhhh!}...now repeat throughout the day..every day!


So my ladies {and gents if you're reading}, if your life sounds anything like the above...don't forget to breathe, because in that moment we might catch a glimpse of life we may not ever get back!        


What techniques do you use to 'live in the moment' and slow down?  


Hope you are all having a wonderful week!!  Please excuse the lack of posting lately..life is, well..crazy!  So I'm learning to take this overwhelming season one day at a time and just breathe!  I cannot wait to catch you all up very soon!

xo,

Jess

Coconut Lime Margarita

Happy Weekend!  I hope you are all enjoying your Saturday!  Like I mentioned, here, I am coordinating a wedding today at Falcon Point Ranch!  Being that today is Cinco De Mayo and I'm a Texas girl, it isn't likely you would find me without a margarita on this day!!  SO, since I am working this weekend, I sort of celebrated on Monday with a Coconut Margarita!  My girlfriend and I went to one of our favorite sushi spots downtown Austin and the coconut marg was the 'specialty' cocktail of the evening!  It was just as delicious and refreshing as it sounds!  Unfortunately, I didn't grab the recipe, BUT searched around and found this yummy looking recipe that looks very simple!  I truly cannot wait to make it!!

............................................................................................................

{Coconut Lime Margarita}

Yield: 1 cocktail  Prep Time: 5 minutes  Total Time: 5 minutes


ingredients:


1 to 1 1/2 ounces silver tequila
1 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons cream of coconut milk*(found in cans with the cocktail mixers)


directions:


*Coconut cream turns to solid in cool temperatures {ie: in your house).  Re-liquefy coconut cream by steeping can in hot water for a few minutes.  Open can and stir to incorporate.


Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker or tall glass and shake and stir well. Pour ingredients over ice.

............................................................................................................

Doesn't that sound delicious??  AND, how absolutely perfect for a summer cocktail by the pool?!  [You can see the original recipe blog post here.  Also, be sure to hop on over and see their printable of the recipe here!] 

So if that isn't enough margarita for you, here's one more very simple margarita recipe that my boss just shared with me!

Ok, now go have a margarita for me would ya?? 

Have a great weekend and for those of you instagrammers, keep up with me today via @jessicarae11!

xo,

Jessica

[images: 1 & 2]

Party Planning :: Kentucky Derby

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8

Horses + hats + flowers + fashion + southern hospitality + mint julep...OH MY!!  I  absolutely LOVE the Kentucky Derby {not that I've ever been-but what's not to love?!} and am just itching to throw a Derby party!  This weekend I'm heading out of town to coordinate a destination wedding, so regretfully, I will not be able to partake in the festivities...BUT that doesn't mean I can't get excited and still be inspired!  Plus, there's always next year {and I definitely plan to take my wide brim hat with me this weekend!}! 

[For my party tips keep reading!]

The ideas are endless on all the different ways to style a Derby party!  So I just wanted to touch on a few of my personal favorites and share with you a few things I think would make a Derby party a sure success!  

Decor :: There are just a few key elements I would make sure to focus around!  The decor should be influenced by: horses, roses, award ribbons or trophys, mint julep, julep cups, and ginormous HATS!!  So first, pick a color scheme and then select the decor that fits those basics and you can't go wrong!  

Signature Drink :: Mint Julep is, of course, the traditional Derby drink typically served in an ice-frosted silver julep cup (pictured above).  Another Derby tradition is to serve a Mint Julep in a souvenir glass , but I personally prefer the silver cup.  If the guest list is lengthy or you want to cut costs, a cheaper alternative would be to serve them in mason jars or clear plastic cups. I would be sure to still incorporate the silver cups in your decor by purchasing a few and using them as vases for flowers (pictured above).  

Food  :: Think 'southern hospitality' and you can find some great menu choices here and here.  I personally love having finger foods prepared as a pre-snack, like Kentucky Benedictine Tea Sandwiches {so delicious!}!   

Dessert :: Pie is the way to go!  Continuing with the 'southern hospitality' theme, an apple or cherry pie influence would really fit perfectly!  As some of you know I'm a cupcake lover, and well, all sweets really.  So I would personally have a nice spread of bite-sized desserts, incorporating festive cuppies and mini-pies in the mix!  {I'm absolutely swooning over this and this  perfect Derby dessert spread!}  

Attire :: Make sure to give your guests a heads up in the invitation about the 'Derby' attire.  Also, guide them to examples such as this, so that they have a clear picture of what others will be wearing!  I would have some outrageous hats scattered for the guests to play with {...photo opp!}.  Some fun racing memorabilia, like racing hat props and winner sashes would be fun for the guests too!    

**Speaking of attire, this cute ensemble would look smashing for the affair!  And ladies, the dress below is by Dorothy Perkins, her collection is fabulous and very budget friendly, so go check her out! (I do believe the below dress is sold-out, but she has several gorgeous dresses to choose from!)** 

[above items can be found here]

So that was just a touch on some of the fun ways to throw a Derby party!  Have you ever been to the Kentucky Derby?  

Kentucky Derby is totally on the 'bucket list' so fingers crossed I will get to go someday!!  Until then, I will have to pretend and wear my fabulous wide brimmed hat and sip on mint juleps with friends gathered around the television!

xo,
Jessica

Five Senses {May}

[image]

Happy May, lovies!! I found this lovely little 'five senses' list via Elisha Blaha and slipped in the senses I'm most looking forward to this month!

I love the taste of..

juicy strawberries

I love the sound of..

crashing ocean waves

I love the sight of..

a charming sunset

I love the smell of..

lemon zest

I love the feel of..

the wind in my hair

What senses & life moments are you most looking forward to in May?

xo

Jess

Today is Fabulous {Liebster Award}

Happy Friday lovelies!!

Guess what?  Today has been fabulous, here's why..

[a] I had a {bbq + egg} taco for breakfast

[b]  I'm rockin' a messy side bun thanks to this (cute as a button) beauty I found on YouTube, who does hair + makeup tutorials. Check her out here!  

[c] I look fabulous like Kim Kardashian because I picked up some of her makeup tips here.  

[d] Katniss Everdeen started following me on Twitter

[e] Liebster Blog Award!!

[So, what is the Liebster Blog Award you ask? The Liebster is an award given to up and coming blogs, having less than 200 followers. The word "Liebster" is of german origin, meaning "Beloved, Dearest, or Favorite."]

I am so tickled that Fanciful received the Liebster Blog Award from {4} fantastic bloggettes!!  I cannot tell you how honored we are to be chosen by them!  It is by no surprise that these fabulous ladies received this award!  Their blogs are so much fun, and if you haven't visited them, you must hop on over and see why I adore them!

Elizabeth @ Book of Leisure

Sarah @ Simply Sarah

Holly @ Three Layer Cake  

Andrea @ Left brain, right brain, pug brain.

Thanks again ladies!! You are the best! XOXO

Although, Fanciful has been thought about much before it was conceived, it is still such a baby and I'm so thrilled to see it grow!  Little things like this blog award really inspire and encourage the process!  So without further ado, I'd like to encourage and introduce some other fabulous new bloggers that I've completely crushed over lately!  Like the ladies above, they seriously inspire me on the daily and I have enjoyed watching them grow over the last couple of months!

Meet these lovely and talented ladies that I'm giving the Liebster Blog Award to!!

1. Meggan @ Lila Grace {inspiration}
2. Morgan @ XOXO, me {style + lovelies}
3. Shannon @ Wine Taste Girl  {fabulous on a budget}
4. Kelley @ Keep Sitting Pretty  {positivity + motivation}
5. Dana @ Big City Farm Girl  {part country/part city-girl after my heart!}

Seriously adore each one of them!!  Go say hello!  Also, more fabulous lovies to mention next week!    

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!!  See you soon!!

xo, Jess {and Whit}

Books + Honesty

[source: Pinterest, via ]

I've been sooo busy lately ironing out details for things 'in the works'...and...well every time I sit down to do some blog reading, The Hunger Games book series whisks me away!  So in anticipation of completing these books (just finished book 2 this week), I'm pretty sure I'll need to have a good one lined up so I don't go into HG withdrawals {my word, they're addicting}!  So I'd love to hear your suggestions on what I should obsess over next!  Maybe we can start a book club? 


Next question...


Friends, I need your absolute honest opinion.  So, as I mentioned here, I am planning for upcoming summer adventures.  One of those adventures is a trip to Belize {sooo excited!} to celebrate one of my very best friend's 30th Birthday!  I'm on a strict budget, but may just have to splurge on a couple of 'fancies' for the trip.  The below dress is one that caught my eye and I wanted your honest opinion.  I haven't been excited about 'cutouts' since the 90's, but I must admit this little number charmed me!  I could just picture myself slipping it on after a day at the beach to go have a festive cocktail with the ladies or even just wear it prancing around the beach {again with a festive cocktail}!


Honestly, I'm not even sure I could pull it off, but even if I could I just need to know, is this a 20-something and under dress?  Is this cute or tacky?  I am a pretty modest one when it comes to dressing, but don't we all want to feel sexy from time to time? So friends, please tell me your thoughts!!    

[dress + image]

Thanks m'darlings!  Hope your day is fantastic!!

xo, Jess