Easter Treats

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Perris

From top left to bottom right: Pastel Flag Garland / Sugar Paper Hippity Hop Card / Riegelein Gold Chocolate Bunny / Crate&Barrel Easter Baskets / Brach’s Malted Milk Chocolate Easter Eggs / Easter Steiff Chick / Decorating Easter Eggs / Freshly Picked Platinum Moccasins / Chick n’ Egg Dishtowels

I really love Easter. Something about celebrating the arrival of spring, the excitement of a grand egg hunt, brunch with family and an excuse for a new dress…The whole day just puts me in the best of moods. Lucky for me, this day is already next weekend! So whether you’ll be creating a special easter basket for a little one or celebrating on your own, these festive finds should put you in the Easter spirit if you’re not already!

Easter always seems like the perfect time to send a care package to my nieces and this year Sugar Paper made my card selection extremely easy. Throw in a couple of malted eggs and a chocolate bunny and mission complete! While I don’t yet have kids of my own, if I did I would be gifting my tots a few new pairs of Freshly Picked Moccasins. These adorable moccs are my go-to baby gift and with new color releases regularly, the options just keep getting better. Easter is also a great time for gifting classic items like Steiff stuffed animals. Steiff completely reminds me of my childhood and this little chick is perfect for a special Easter basket. Adults can of course enjoy Easter baskets too in which case I’m loving these themed dishtowels and Martha Stewart’s ever challenging and amazing egg creations. Wherever you celebrate next week (and if you celebrate at all), I hope you all have a lovely Easter Sunday!

Show and Tell- Volume 4

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Perris

1 lemlem for Jcrew Lilly Scarf 2 Parachute Sheet Set 3 Castle Artwork 4 Tortoise Gem Necklace 5 L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag 6 Jcrew Metallic Low Wedges

As I work on wrapping up travel itineraries, finalizing a big birthday bash and handling many other to-do’s in between- my thoughts are all over the place and this post reflects that! Outside of work, my husband and I are starting to design our new home. A remodel is in the works but I of course am focused on final decor (premature!). I’m in love with these playful pieces of art from the talented Castle who is based in Australia. I’m a sucker for inspirational words and can’t think of anything better than bringing them to life in a fun and playful way. I hope to frame one of Castle’s beauties over a cozy new bed fitted with Parachute sheets. Parachute Home keeps popping up everywhere- affordable, luxurious, simple sheets designed in CA and made in Italy- yes please! When I’m not thinking about the new house, I’m focused on packing for my upcoming trip to Amsterdam. I picked up these fab shoes last week as they’re the perfect item to wear with casual jeans or dress up a dinner outfit. I also have my eye on this bright scarf (I adore lemlem, founded by supermodel Liya Kebede) and an affordable new statement necklace. You seriously can’t go wrong with BaubleBar’s prices. With so many fun items to bring on my trip, I’ll surely be making use of my hardy go-to L.L.Bean tote. A classic piece for everyone to own!

What’s on your mind this Spring? Wherever you are, I hope you’re soaking it up!

Spring Organics

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Perris

1 RMS Beauty 2 RMS Mascara 3 COOLA Sunscreen 4 Mrs. Meyer’s Dish Soap 5 Late July Organic Snacks 6 One Love Organics Skin Savior

For me, Spring isn’t just about cleaning my closets and stopping to smell the tulips. It’s a time of year that always inspires me to reflect on my health and lifestyle choices. As the snow melts away, I’m motivated to exercise more and fill my body with healthy veggies and whole grains. I focus on my post-winter skin by nourishing it with moisture and protecting it from the sun rays it’s not used to feeling. Minnesotans experiences such seasonal extremes that force you to a heightened awareness of seasonal transitions. After six months in the frozen tundra, Spring is by far the most long awaited transition. Every year I go through a “spring renewal” ritual and pamper myself with healthy organic food, fabulous new products and even an annual moisturizing body wrap. It’s a way to say hello to Spring and start six months of warmth feeling refreshed and energized.

This year, I’m loving so many wonderful organic products I don’t even know where to start with my pampering. RMS “”un” cover-up was a favorite throughout winter and I’m now loving their living luminizer, mascara and just about every other product they make. I recently discovered One Love Organics through the fabulously curated local online boutique, Love Crate, and am using it as both a cleanser and moisturizer. Perfect not only for spring but also next winter! I discovered COOLA Organic Suncare Collection after a malfunctioning aerosol sunscreen incident in Hawaii last all. Our resort came to the rescue with this fabulous replacement and it’s now my go-to sunscreen- it smells divine! Speaking of fabulous scents, I am such a sucker for Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products and the amazing scents they come in- Radish, Basil, Rosemary– yes please! While her products make doing dishes a little less painful, I often choose to stick to my Late July Organic Snacks to avoid dirty dishes all together.

What fabulous organic products are keeping you healthy and happy this spring?!

Show and Tell- Volume 3

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Perris

1 Tory Burch Calita Dress 2 Teil Duncan Artwork 3 Illume Go Be Lovely Soap 4 Illume Sketchbook Ceramic Candle 5 Truce Juice 6 Letter For You Pillow 7 Rifle Happy Stripe Wrapping Paper

I am embracing the arrival of April with open arms. The ~~snow is falling~~ sun is shining and all I can think about is summers out on the lake (yes, I realize this is a bit premature).

I plan to be sporting a series of breezy dresses all summer with this boho-chic number on the top of my list. Summer also gives me reason to end my winter diet (hello red wine and pasta) and start eating healthy again. What better way to get your daily veggies than to drink them?! Truce is my favorite local juice company with options like The Vacay which actually taste as if you’re on vacation. On the topic of local companies, Minnesota based candle company Illume, is killing it lately with their gorgeous illustrated candles and soaps giving fans like me a reason to shop not only for scent (how amazing do pineapple cilantro and cactus verde sound?!) but also for pattern. Speaking of talented illustrators, how fabulous is Teil Duncan? I’m head over heels for this talented girls work and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of new originals so one can come live with me on Lake Minnnetonka. There’s nothing I love more than amazing artwork other than fun pillows. This option is whimsical yet neutral and is sure to add character to any room. Wrap it up pretty for an April birthday girl and she’ll love you right back.

Grosgrain Love

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Perris

From left to right: Linen Striped Grosgrain Napkin Set / Vera Wang Golden Grosgrain Teacup / Typographer’s Linen Table Runner / Grosgrain Ribbon / Sperry for Jcrew Boat Shoes / Italian Grosgrain Sheet Set

Grosgrain: (noun): A heavy, corded ribbon or cloth of silk or rayon.

While I’ve always loved wrapping with grosgrain ribbon, I’ve lately noticed it popping up everywhere! From shoe strings to napkin trim to the inspiration behind Vera Wang china– it’s safe to say this ribbed textile has staying power.

Living What You Love

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Perris

I am constantly preaching “live what you love”. It is the phrase that inspired me to found Brass Tacks and also the sentiment behind each and every service I offer. It is what keeps me inspired day-to-day and is the wisdom I impart to those around me. I truly believe that when you live what you love you are better at what you do, resulting in a happier and more fulfilling and life. It’s that simple! Thomas Edison may have said it best when he quipped, “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun”. Or the legendary Steve Jobs who stated, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do”. I am clearly not the first to adopt this way of thinking, although I believe society still has a long way to go in producing our best results.

This article really got me thinking about the importance of living what you love. The author stresses the results we see when individuals think of their work as play. “Instead of grinding it out in jobs they hate, these people become passionate and highly skilled at what they do. They team up with other great players and collaborate on interesting projects. Then one day, they’re making magic. Their mastery shines through in everything they create, society reaps the benefits of their gifts, and our world changes.” Our world is already filled with endless opportunity. So what would life be like if each and every one of us embraced our passions and played for work? Would we all live a richer life?

I do not have all of the answers. But what I do know is that life can be short. And living what you love is the best way to look back on it with no regrets. As Leonardo Da Vinci said, “life well spent is long”. So how will you choose to live your life?

Show and tell- volume 2

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Perris

1 The Goldfinch 2 Faux Floral Arrangement 3 Beard Oil 4 Saved Rosé 5 RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek 6 Handmade Heirloom Scissors 7 Printed Espadrilles 8 Seagrass Flatweave Storage Basket

Spring always inspires me to bust out the bright colors, resume my consumption of rosé wine (after a long winter of sticking to heartier reds) and do a little home organizing. I’m loving these bright espadrilles from Jcrew- comfort, color and pattern all in one shoe. I plan to throw them on while enjoying a glass of rosé on my new front porch. This particular bottle is the brainchild of winemaker Clay Brock and tattoo artist Scott Campbell (hubby to Lake Bell). I hope it’s as good as it looks. Nothing goes better with wine and a sunny porch then a nice hefty novel. Speaking of reading, I’ve decided to start saving my favorite magazine issues (you know, the issues you just can’t throw away in case you may need that best restaurant tip some day) and I’m pretty sure this basket is the perfect home for them. While I love a good basket, nothing warms a room like a beautiful vase of flowers. If you’re anything like me you’re tired of killing your lovely blooms (I just can’t keep up with the regular trimming of the stems despite my awesome new scissors). Enter this fabulous faux version which will stay beautiful forever. Wine, shoes, good reads and flowers- what more could a girl need?! Kisses from her hubby of course. Thank heavens for beard oil making someone’s newly grown facial hair soft and kissable.

Ok Spring, I’m ready….now why is there still snow on the ground?!

Let’s get down to brass tacks

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Perris

I am often asked about the origin of my business name, Brass Tacks. Whether you’re familiar with the saying, “get down to brass tacks” or not, this brief history is a fun lesson in that tireless and charming chestnut.

Although the specific origin is unknown, the earlieriest attestation to the phrase is from Texas, USA circa 1863. Back in the 19th century most women made their own clothes, purchasing their cloth in small general stores. The material was kept in large rolls and the storekeeper cut off as much as was needed. Brass tacks along his work table helped him measure the exact length of cloth requested and was the only way to get a precise measurement.

Fast forward 150 years to convenient yard sticks at Joann Fabrics, but we’re still using that evolved phrasing in our daily lives. Think Quentin Tarantino’s “The Wolf” in Pulp Fiction, who instructs his blundering assassins “Let’s get down to brass tacks, gentlemen” while directing an impromptu clean-up crew.

The meaning of the phrase is “to engage with the basic facts or realities” or “to deal with the important details”. At Brass Tacks LLC that is what business is all about. From planning vacations to taking care of daily to-do’s, I take care of the important (and always time-consuming) details facing you so you can live what you love.

So lets get down to brass tacks, shall we?!

Show and tell- Volume 1

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Perris

1 Gold Stripe Cork Case 2 Lucite Ampersand 3 Jeweled Baseball Tee 4 Coconut Oil 5 The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book 6 Orange Water Bath Soak 7 Fresco Garden Pot 8 Printed Fabric Slingback Flats

Due to my love of gift guides I’m starting a series on the blog called “show and tell”. I’m always on the hunt for the latest and greatest goods so this new series will give you a glimpse in to my most recent favorite finds. To kick this off I’m bringing you an eclectic mix of fun items sourced on my latest trip to New York.

I’ve been on the hunt for a new iPhone case for quite some time and couldn’t help but snag this option for 40% off sale prices. Cork and gold stripes? On super sale? Yes please! I of course couldn’t make it out of Jcrew without a few other items catching my eye like this and these. While in NY I also made the obligatory stop at C Wonder and fell for this fun lucite ampersand which would be perfect in our new home. Speaking of new homes, I’m anxious to add a kumquat tree to our space and think this gorgeous pot will make the perfect little home for my new plant baby. We will also have a jacuzzi which will be such an indulgence for this bath lover. Locally, Room No. 3 carries this yummy line of bath salts and I can’t wait to get my hands on the new orange scent. Oranges won’t be the only aroma filling my house as I plan to be baking pies from this fabulous cookbook all summer long. With pie eating comes the need for dental hygiene. You seriously can’t go wrong with oil pulling.

What are your latest fun finds? Do share!

Spring Into travel season

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Perris

1 Prada Cat Eye Sunglasses 2 Jcrew Passport Case 3 Cuyana Panama Hat 4 Nike Running Shoes 5 Jcrew Printed Silk Snood 6 Josie Maran Argan Oil 7 RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream 8 Cuyana Leather Tote 9 Ugg Brigid Metallic Sandals 10 Jcrew Linen Tee

Happy Saint Patty’s Day! With April quickly approaching, Spring is in the air and so is travel. Many are headed off to warmer climates for Spring Break and others, including Brass Tacks, are knee deep in summer travel planning. I also have a lot of personal travel on the horizon which has me pondering what new items will be coming on the plane with me. While my upcoming trips are all over the map (literally and figuratively) there are many essentials that I bring no matter where I go. Whether it be a long winter weekend in New York, a spring vacation to Amsterdam, a weekend in Wine Country or a fall trip to Greece- I always have many of the same things packed in my bag. Here are just a few of my go-to’s.

A great bag- There is nothing like a great travel bag. Flies well as a carry on, doubles as a daily purse and has enough room to stash your fun finds on the way home.
Moisturizing skin treatments– Airplanes really suck the life out of your skin. The best way to combat a tired look post-arrival is to fly with premium moisturizing products. Josie Maran’s Argan Oil has become a staple of mine to combat dry air. Being a bit of a coconut oil addict (hello oil pulling), I’m also loving the look of RMS Beauty’s coconut cream.
Scarves- I never ever go on a trip without a scarf (or five). They are the perfect solution for getting cozy on the plane, days that get chilly or sprucing up an outfit.
Comfy shoes- I’m adopting a new policy of always bringing a fun pair of running shoes on every trip. Use them for the gym, a last minute hike or a full day of exploring- you can’t go wrong with something a little more practical and your feet will thank you.
A cozy tee- I typically fly in a cozy tee and surely bring a number of them to any destination. Throw a scarf over for a casual look during the day or dress one up with a blazer and some heels for an evening out. This option is just too fun for spring travel.
Stylin sunnies- I never leave home without a pair of great sunglasses. Sunnies are even more imperative when you’re spending your days outside exploring. They’re a perfect way to accessorize a basic outfit or cover puffy eyes after long hours on a plane.

Wherever you’re off to this year, I hope you travel in style and have a safe trip!