jillivictorio@gmail.com /

Happy Earth Day 2023!

Photo courtesy of Gather and Gab

With the lovely spring weather in Texas and Mother’s Day around the corner, there’s no better time to enjoy a picnic outside!

Earlier this month, I took my youngest kid to the park for a park playdate and doubled the fun with an Easter Mommy & Me pop-up picnic, hosted by Gather and Gab. Gather and Gab is a Dallas based luxury picnic business designed to help women cultivate their closest relationships.

Gather and Gab also hosts a few seasonal pop-up picnics throughout the year, so you’ll definitely want to snag a ticket to the next one! These pop-up picnics are a great way to experience Gather and Gab’s services on a smaller scale. Since the pop-up picnics are ticketed events and open to the public, anyone can purchase seats and join in the fun. The pop-up picnics are not only adorable, but they are a budget-friendly activity you can enjoy with your kids and friends! Tickets for this picnic included admission for 2, charcuterie boxes for 2, one activity, one craft, a private Easter egg hunt, and a gift basket. A great value for a curated event!

Our little picnic was a delightful experience and perfect down to the last details. Whitney of Gather and Gab thought of everything and all the little touches and attention to detail made for a special morning out with my kiddo.

When we arrived, a beautiful table setting for our group was already waiting for us at Heritage Park as the perfect location and outdoor environment. We had a large grassy field all to ourselves surrounded by large mature trees for shade and breeze. Our table was decorated with an Easter theme and festive spring elements. Next to the grassy field was the stellar playground so kids could play there after. The picnic started with a slime making activity for the kids using fun spring colors, followed by a DIY bird feeder craft that us moms could participate in with our kids.  While we let our painted crafts dry, picnic foods were served with individual charcuterie boxes by Board and Brie!

 

Our hostess Whitney also had a couple of lawn games set out so kids could get up throughout the picnic and play. After grazing and crafting, our kids were treated to a surprise Easter egg hunt with eggs filled with little toys and trinkets strategically hidden throughout the park. This worked out very well with our small group as each kid was given a limit of finding and keeping 12 eggs and wandering at their own pace. No competition, no racing for eggs.

 

The finishing touch; we loved the gift baskets filled with Easter activities for each kid to take home!

Photo courtesy of Gather and Gab

Gather and Gab also specializes in other luxury picnics (without kids!) if you are looking to host a special gathering with girlfriends, family members, or even a date! You can customize and add-on other services to any of their packages.

Check out their packages here: (pricing and availability can be found on their website)

 

If you simply want to attend one of Gather and Gab’s pop-up picnics, which are ticketed events, check out their Facebook and IG pages for upcoming events around DFW!

Thank you Whitney for a lovely morning!

 

 

 

 

jillivictorio@gmail.com /

One of my favorite Easter traditions is putting together baskets for the boys. Our boys will receive these modest sized Easter baskets, and while they definitely dream about it being filled with candy, I include only a few of their favorite candy treats, while incorporating fun little personalized gifts too.

Jonah & Baron’s Easter Basket Details: Easter Baskets: Magnolia Hearth & Hand for Target | Monogram Basket Charms: Spritz for Target  | Chocolate Bunny: Peeps | Cotton Candy Cones: Maud Borup | Garden Gloves: Kid Made Modern| Kinder Easter Eggs: you can find these at just about any grocery store near the checkout lines!

 

Easter baskets can be as simple or as eggstragavant as you wish to make them.

Here are a few ideas for Easter gifts or basket fillers for kids, all under $20:

  1. Tamagotchi – I had one from the 90s! The updated versions are a hit and still affordable. $12
  2. Peter Rabbit books – a classic! Gift set includes 4 books that can be divided among siblings and family members. $16
  3. Dinosaur Eggs – great value for 60 pieces. $13
  4. Hatchimal Puzzle  $7.99
  5. Garden Tools – for your little helpers in the garden, $19, and another version $8
  6. Mad Libs  – Diary of a Wimpy Kid version! Great for older kids to build a richer vocabulary to master grammar. $9

What are your favorite things to put in your kids’ Easter baskets?

jillivictorio@gmail.com /

A couple of weeks ago during Jonah’s spring break, we took a family road trip down to Waco for the annual Spring At The Silos event.  This was my very first time attending Spring At The Silos and I knew I couldn’t miss it this year, especially since it featured the release of Joanna Gaines’ new children’s book ‘We Are The Gardeners’. When I first heard of Joanna’s book launch in January, I bought my ticket right away and counted down the days until Spring At The Silos. After all, it was the garden at the Silos that inspired our family garden we started last year.

Spring At The Silos is an annual event in celebration of the arrival of spring, and features a free vendor fair, additional food trucks, and no shortage of florals! Vendors from across the country were featured at this year’s vendor fair. The artisans and craftsmen are handpicked to come share their art, wares, and products, and is the highlight of the event. Everything from jewelry and home decor to dresses and hats and more.

Spring Displays

As always, the visual team at Magnolia does an amazing job with the seasonal displays and their floral displays were some of my favorites I’ve seen.  There were spring flowers everywhere with a mix of fresh flowers and paper flowers that surrounded the grounds.

 

Garden

The garden team is just as amazing in planning and cultivating an inspiring landscape. The tulips and daffodils bloomed in time for the weekend festival setting the scene. Oh how I wish I could afford to have a dedicated garden team in my own garden who carefully and meticulously tend to the garden 24/7. For now, I’m totally content with my little helpers that tend to our veggie and flower beds, and John to do the dirty work! 🙂

The giant teepee in the garden is still one of my favorite features as kids love it was much as grownups do. A beautiful climbing vine wraps around the teepee covered in yellow flowers. I would love to  (have John) build a structure like this in our backyard.

SILOS LAWN

Despite the crowds which we were prepared for, the experience during Spring At The Silos is still refreshing and inspiring. To see the gardens come to life is truly one of the highlights. The kids also enjoyed hanging out on the lawn playing games. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the lawn while people watching and taking it all in.

We Are The Gardeners Book Launch Event

While the kids played in the garden, I ventured off to grab my wristband and signed book before the evening’s launch event.  I’m so happy the staff distributed books early for those who could not stay for the actual book launch event in the evening, and there was NO LINE for early book pickups!  As we were leaving Spring At The Silos, there was already a huge line beginning to form for the book launch event immediately after.  Our kids are early sleepers and early risers, so any event past 7:00pm that includes long lines of waiting, plus a long drive home after would not have been fun.  Along with a signed book by Joanna Gaines, we were gifted a cute terra-cotta plant pot and a packet of carrot seeds – perfect to plant in our family garden!

After picking up my signed book, as if the day couldn’t get any better, I ran in to Joanna’s mom, Mrs. Stevens!  I introduced myself and asked to take a photo with her. She was so sweet and totally happy to stop and chat for a photo. Mrs. Stevens is known to regularly help out and work at Magnolia Market.

I can’t wait to dive into the book with the kids! I’ll be sharing my review on the book in a future gardening post so stay tuned!

Vendor Fair

On the way out, we stopped and visited with some of the vendors and checked out the additional food trucks. We were on the hunt for The Hyppo for quite some time as Jonah is my ice pop fanatic.

 

 

We couldn’t have asked for a more blessed day at our first Spring At The Silos. The weather was perfect to wear spring styles and for enjoying the outdoors. I definitely plan to return next spring and hopefully find some artisan treasures to bring home.

Outfit Details: Knit Duster: Wild Fable  Jumpsuit: ANewDay , Sandals  Blush (also comes in White), Hat:  Brixton

Tips for Your Visit:

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind for your visit:

  • Go early: We visited on a Thursday afternoon on the first day of the 4-day event. It was already super crowded for a weekday, but keep in mind, the event is also held during Spring Break.
  • Avoid Weekends: If you’re not a fan of big crowds and long lines, avoid Saturdays if you can.
  • Come hungry: Plan to buy from the food trucks and grab a spot at a picnic table or the lawn. Pack snacks and drinks for the kids!
  • Snap photos: There are so many beautiful photo opps throughout the grounds. Take your time and take it all in.
  • Parking: The parking lot cost $10 but if you drive around the blocks, you should be able to find several parking spots for free. There is also a free trolly if you have park further from the venue.
  • Research Vendors In Advance: This will give you a idea of what wares and products the vendors will be selling during Spring At The Silos.

 

Have you visited Spring At The Silos? I’d love to hear about your favorite vendors!

jillivictorio@gmail.com /

Outfit Details: Crepe Blazer: Zara sold out (similar here), Floral Pants , Mules 

 

“What’s your style mood?”

The endless winter weather has us dreaming of color and warmer weather, and spring is just around the corner.

Infusing color into your winter wardrobe can lift your style and your mood, elevate seasonal neutrals, and can give a traditional print or floral a modern edge. Look for winter and early spring pieces that can be worn now, and into the warmer months ahead. The stores are blooming with florals this season, from moody and dark to bright and bold. Our old friend, neon, has reappeared, adding nostalgic sass.

On Friday, I attended The Spring Fashion Presentation hosted by Neiman Marcus Fort Worth. The Neiman Marcus team is taking a fresh perspective on the new season, working in terms of mood, rather than trend—style over “rules.” Moods change like the weather, so have fun creating a wardrobe that suits you whatever your daily inclination or inspiration.

The room was filled with many creative women in media and the industry, and all around style enthusiasts.  Some whose work I have followed and admired since moving to DFW, and others who I met and whose social media I recently discovered.

 

Without further delay, here are the five Style Moods presented for SS 2019:

The Hopeless Romantic

Layers of ruffles, sweeping pleats, ribbon bows and floral prints paired with a full range of chromatic values make a strong showing. White is a major player too, from statement shirts with feminine silhouettes to embroidered dresses. Strong but sweet makes a point.

This gorgeous number by Elliatt is perfect for a spring occasion whether it be Easter, a luncheon, tea, or a spring wedding.

Free Spirit

There’s wanderlust, and then there is truly artful travel. Choose a big, printed bag for both form and function, one where you can tuck all the essentials for a trip. The textures, rich color and tone of woven straw like this Rebecca Minkoff Straw Circle Tote and free-flowing fabrics like these Satin Cropped Cargo Pants conjure the relaxed feel of going where the wind takes you.

Colorful Personality

Nothing lightens a mood like a pop of color. Whether you add a colored bag or shoe to your look, or go bolder with a statement piece. Don’t shy away from a bit of neon; it adds a chic dimension to any look. We loved the bright colored Balenciaga minibags worn with everything from denim shorts to playful dresses.

 

Urban Sophisticate

In the mood for something sleek? Go for low-key neutrals, which are often seen in fall fashion, but reimagined in spring looks. Camel, rust, cream, taupe and black lend sophistication. Leopard on leopard was a hit on the runway. The Veronica Beard Double-Breasted Leopard Print Jacket is an investment piece that can be worn dressed up or dressed down. Here it is shown dressed up with sequins with the Dolce Gabbana High Rise Leopard Pants.

 

Go-Getter

Get ready to take on the week with modern, layered pieces made for maneuvering around the town.  Alice & Olivia’s Floral print bomber or duster paired with biker shorts work well together, whether dressing for work or play. Wear the Rag & Bone White Kitten Heel Booties, which will go with literally anything in your closet, or rock the Gucci platform sneakers for a bite of street style. Add a statement fanny pack or boob bag in a bright white like the fabulous fun of this Rebecca Minkoff Belt Bag.

For a more casual weekend or travel look, finish the look off with a Teva style sandal which I was especially excited to see incorporated into the style moods. I’ve been seeing Tevas all over NYFW posts and this 90s sandal is back and better than ever. For a designer take on the Teva, check out the Prada Grip-Strap Sandal.

So what’s YOUR FAVORITE STYLE MOOD? I would love to hear how you are going to try on style moods this Spring!

 

jillivictorio@gmail.com /

I get eager as March approaches as I can feel spring just around the corner.  I love the renewal and rebirth of nature. As a family, this is our first spring season in Texas and we are seeing signs of spring earlier than we are used to from springtime in the Pacific NW.   I’ve always dreamed of having lots of yard space to grow a garden for flowers, trees, vegetables and herbs, and yard space for the kids to play.  Now that we have the yard space at our Texas home, it was time to make it all happen.  We spent the past couple of weekends starting a new gardening project that involved installing raised garden beds, selecting seeds and fruit trees, and getting the seeds and starts in the soil.  I would eventually love to have a greenhouse, but I’ll save that goal for a later time and focus on starting small with raised beds and a few fruit trees.  We planned and plotted the northern portion of our property that receives full sun to place our garden.

Our gardening project consisted of three phases over two weekends:

  1. Phase One: Inspiration, planning and and plotting
  2. Phase Two: Select trees, seeds and space, and install raised beds
  3. Phase Three: Add soil, sow the seeds, plant the starts

Phase 1: The Inspiration

We recently returned from our first trip to Waco and the Magnolia Silos and what a better time to visit and get a burst of inspiration as we were in the beginning stages of our gardening project.  The gardens outside of the Seed and Supply store truly inspired me to get my garden dream going and #gardengoals accomplished.

Not to mention, reading up on my Magnolia Journal with a cup of coffee led to me plot out where this garden would go and what would go in it.  I’m still not sure how all this will turn out, but I will give it a try and enjoy the process and hopefully be rewarded with a beautiful harvest.

Early morning reading and inspiration to start a garden (January 2018)

 

 

 

First rough sketch of where the raised beds and trees will go (February 2018)

 

Phase 2: Tree and Seed Selection

We got our fruit trees from Guerin Nursery in Granbury. This is a great local nursery that carries many native plants and varieties of annuals and perennials, with the largest selection of fruit and flowering trees. We knew we wanted apple trees and peach trees for their spring blossoms and of course for their fruit! We were thrilled to find Honeycrisp Apples (our favorite) and Fuji Apples.  We let the boys each pick out their own trees. For seeds, Eden Brothers offers one of the largest seed and flower bulb assortment available in the United States from heirloom, rare and hard to find flower seeds, vegetable seeds and herb seeds.

Nursery with the boys to pick out fruit trees that will be planted in the garden (February)

 

Seeds I selected, thanks to Joanna Gaines’ inspiration from her Garden Shed episode on Fixer Upper: Hyacinth Beans, Sweet Peas, Zinnia, and Wild Flower seeds

Vegetable and herb seeds for John’s salsa garden

 

3L x 6W ft cedar wood raised beds installed by John with Baron’s help :). (March)

 

Adding a water seal on the exterior to protect the wood from the outdoor elements

Lining the interior of the beds with landscape fabric to prevent weeds from growing into the soil and plants

 

Phase 3: Add potting soil, sow seeds and plant starts

I wanted to involve the kids as much as possible in the process of planning and creating our new garden.  They had fun choosing the fruit trees at the local nursery that would be planted in the ground, along with what types of fruit and vegetables they wanted to grow.  Jonah chose strawberries and Baron chose carrots!  The boys will have their own dedicated garden bed that they will tend to, while John and I will share three garden beds dedicated to growing ingredients for his salsa garden and my very own cut flower garden.

Jonah’s strawberry starts

Jonah and Baron sowing their first seeds in their garden bed

Jonah’s sweet pea seeds

Baron’s hyacinth bean seed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now we wait for the grass and trees to turn green and bloom again, and let Mother Nature take its course.  I can’t wait to see how everyone’s gardens will grow: my cut flower garden, John’s salsa garden, and the boys’ fruit and vegetable garden. My hope is that gardening with our kids teaches them to appreciate nature, the virtue of patience, and to celebrate wonder. The past weekend with my little gardeners, we planted the seeds of hope—which is what a seed is and what a garden is—a promise of what will come.