Nautical Items You’ll Love for Hot Summer Days

Let’s face it, the weather is scorching, so, turn the AC all the way up, and dress your home up with our favorite beach themed items. Also, wear nothing but flowy cotton dresses around your house. Our nightgowns are where it’s at because they are comfortable, loose, and breezy. Other than these gorgeous nightgowns, we also have other ideas to keep you busy this summer like gifting friends and neighbors gorgeous nautical embroidered towels, pillows, and tissue box covers. Check out our roundup below and let us know what’s your favorite!

Beach Life 

Let’s get nautical! We’re into the end of July – have you dressed up your home with some fun beachy designs? Start with our Siesta lady….

Soak in the rays like our Siesta Lady… nothing like beach days and taking dips in between naps.

and our gorgeous coral embroidery….

Can’t get enough of our coral embroidery! Who is looking for new gift ideas this summer?

Coral Embroidered Items

Host in style with our beautiful coral embroidered cocktail napkins and tissue box cover for the bathroom.
Sand Dollar embroidery or Coral? What’s your favorite?!

School of Fishies are divine in summertime or for your beach house. Gift it to a friend who loves to fish, snorkel or scuba dive!

For Children

I’m sure your little girls and boys are complaining about this heatwave too so put them in cool cotton pant sets and English girl’s dresses. Some of our favorites (including pillow designs) for summer below:

sweet cheeks wearing our sweet pea little girl’s dress 💗💗💗. Order one today for your little girl! #JacarandaLiving
childrens pillow
Meet Freddie the Fish 🐠 children’s boudoir pillows available to shop online 💗
Beach days in our Ava cotton dress with rosebud embroidery is a great choice for your little one.
Snack time! Little Caroline wearing our Wendy Whale dress and looking adorable in her pink bow.

 

For Ladies

The smocked Lisa nightgown will keep you cool during this #heatwave. Order one for you and a friend today.
Cool Cotton Nightgowns are the BEST for hot summer days.
Smocked detail of the Lisa Cotton Nightgown for ladies…. keep cool out there!

Heading to the beach? There’s nothing quite like our new one-size fits all floral embroidered caftans for carefree caftan days. A great cover up and 100% cotton, easy to wash and dry and most convenient to pull over a bikini or wear while pottering around the house trying to keep cool.

Beautiful floral embroidered cotton caftan for carefree summer days! The perfect beach cover-up with drawstring ties at the waist and butterfly sleeves, shop it now online🦋

Sealife Cosmetic Bags

To keep all your small possessions organized like sun screen, make up, car keys, sunglasses and more.
Gift ideas (cosmetic bag and terry towel) that will bring good beach vibes this summer 😎

Have a wonderful time choosing from our roundup. We can’t get enough of some of these gift ideas for friends. Also if you’re looking for a comfortable night’s sleep during summer, we recommend not only wearing one of our breezy nighties but sleeping on a CBD infused pillow from pilozzz – every pillow is made of hypoallergenic down alternative fibre and a superior double knit cover. It is the most luxurious cooling pillow you will ever own! A new company that seems to please a lot of our customers.

Have a great rest of your week! We’ll leave you with these happy new mermaid designs because…. we all want to be a mermaid in summer, don’t we?

We’ve been so excited about these new mermaid embroideries, custom ordered for a sweet shop in Bermuda! Now available online for you and your girlfriends. 🧜🏻‍♀️🧜🏼‍♀️🧜🏽‍♀️🧜🏾‍♀️🧜🏿‍♀️

Tips To Stay Sane and Comfortable While Working From Home

It is important to stay comfortable and sane during this pandemic crisis especially while you work from home and spend the majority of time at home. Here are tips to help you have a routine that works for you so you don’t feel flustered. Scroll through to find what might work for you and bookmark this page to come back to it.

Journaling and Writing a Daily Schedule

Have you been writing down everything you want to accomplish in the day? Working from home has taken a toll on a lot of people because it’s different, and people don’t like to adjust to a completely new way of life. There are ways to cope, however, and you can make it a lot easier on yourself if you take some pressure away and you make lists. By writing down a schedule you will be sure to accomplish at least 80% of the things you planned on getting to that morning.

Make Your Home Pretty

Get a few things for your home that make you smile. Either tissue box covers or pretty embroidered pillows that will keep you from going insane. It’s important to take the trash out and scrub the floors because no one likes journaling or living in a house that gets dirty. One little idea to add to every room in the house is this:

Decorate your home with pretty things. Our embroidered tissue box covers are the perfect addition to jazz up any room in the house.

Picking Out Your Child’s Outfits

Kids don’t like to be forced into uncomfortable outfits that will be a mission to get them in and they just want to be comfortable at home. If you want them to be dressed in something that is decent and makes them at least look nice but isn’t a pain to wash, then pick something from the children’s section on our website. There are white cotton pants and shirt sets for little boys with embroidered sailboats and then there are a dozen of cute English cotton dresses for your little girls. These outfits are very easy to be washed and will have the kids smiling as they can play around the house freely without any discomfort, and they’ll look pretty and elegant. Nothing is nicer than seeing your kids happy and smiling in something that you can toss into the wash after without worrying about wrinkles or shrinkage.

Some favorite outfits for the children are below:

 Boy’s Ship Shape Shorts Set

Einor Elephant and Wendy Whale dress

💘 stay home with your cute little ones. Enjoy cooking, doing puzzles, playing games and sharing laughs.

Lucy Dress

Lucy dress with embroidered flowers and butterflies. Just darling.

Amelia Dress

New arrival! So perfect for spring.

Yoga Pants and Meditate

Ladies, I’m sure you want nothing more than to just lounge and relax after all your chores and hustle around the house. If you’re a mom, you probably have resorted to keeping on your pajama pants for most of the morning unless you go straight into yoga pants which you’ll be wearing all day. We suggest a morning routine of working out or doing yoga to get you in the zone for the day. There’s a lot to be done especially if you’re a working mom and it’s hard enough being the teacher to your kids on top of your full time job. The world is crazy right now but remind yourself this is only temporary, and you are a boss woman.

Kick on those yoga pants and do an at home workout video to calm your mind. We suggest checking out @whitsich from Instagram or any Yoga and Pilates class from HYP Yoga (based in Needham, Massachusetts). Such a favorite and all the instructors are passionate about their practice. Don’t be shy to donate to the tip jar via Venmo after you take a class. Their classes are free but tip jars are highly encouraged to keep small businesses like these from sinking.

After you do your little morning workout and have a meditation session, your mind will be feeling at ease. You are ready to take on the day and your next list of things that are listed on your schedule. Pick out something comfortable to wear and get to it.

Lounge in Cotton Pants or Breezy Nightshirts

Once you’ve checked off a few more work or house related tasks from your list, take a shower, and get into something cozy and comfortable.

If you’re not a nightgown lady, we suggest a cotton nightshirt or comfortable cotton PJ pants and classy top. These options might seem like Pajamas but they’re really just chic loungewear. You can dress them with flip flops and a lightweight cardigan and no one will know! These days pajamas are hardly looked down upon and if you wear any of the below around the house before 5pm, no one will call you out for it. Get comfortable!

Pru PJ set

ON SALE now too!

Cute Nightshirts

Do Some Puzzles and Set the Table

It’s puzzle time. Set out a plate of carrots, homemade hummus, with custom monogrammed dinner table napkins by yours truly for an elegant table setting.

It’s important to differentiate work time and relaxing time. After most of your list is checked off and you are in your cozy little Jacaranda Living outfit and the house looks somewhat tidy, then you can unwind from your day. It’s APERITIVO TIME!

Play some music (we’ve personally been loving Rita Wilson’s Quarantine Playlist on Spotify) and put the news on in the background so you can keep up with the news on the pandemic. It’s important to be in the know so you and your family are aware but it is also important to keep to your old schedule and have a little fun and time to relax.

Set the table with elegant table napkins and proper glassware to add some sanity back into your work from home life.

After an hour or two of relaxed chilling, you and the family can get to cooking together and setting the table.

Back to Journal and Lights Out

The next few hours are time to relax, laugh, unwind to a movie or TV show (we’ve already binged Tiger King) and before bed journal a few things down. What did you love about the day? What scares you about the pandemic? What do you want to tell your future self after all of this dies down? Has this new routine given you hope or made you tap into a new creative side you didn’t realize you had? This is a crazy time for everyone but it will help you stay sane by keeping to a schedule and jotting down your thoughts along the way. I hope it helps.

xoxo,

The Jacaranda Team

 

Important Health Resources for Those in Their Golden Years

It is important to have the best health resources at hand for everyone but especially people in their golden years. Thank you to Karen Weeks for sharing this article on how to find the best health tips for the elderly. Now that we’re all dealing with a coronavirus pandemic and are forced to stay home, there are ways to make the best of this situation and it is important to be well educated on the best health resources. Karen’s article below explains everything there is to know when looking out for someone in their golden years.

golden years_jacarandaliving
Our 90 year old fun-loving Granny Judy wearing the Botanical Garden Raincoat for a brunch at her home in Hermanus, South Africa. Looking so stylish and cute!

Important Health Resources for Those in Their Golden Years

Contrary to what you’ve been led to believe, good physical and mental health are possible for people of all ages. Lifestyle changes, paying attention to your physical and mental health, and ensuring you have adequate health coverage can help you not only stray strong, but it can also help you continue to thrive and stay independent well into your golden years. So, here are some ways you can stay healthy for many years to come.

Staying Home vs. Exploring Living Options

On the other side of the family, Jamma and Jumps, loving the outdoors in 1995. Living up their golden years as grandparents to 20 kids!

Your living situation can have a positive or negative impact on your health and well-being. Some people choose to stay at home as they grow older, while others prefer to move to retirement communities. So, consider your ability to maintain and move around your home. Additionally, determine whether you can meet the financial obligations associated with your house. Some cities have programs or grants that can assist seniors with these obligations.

Moving to an independent living facility is great for those who want the freedom to live life on their terms without the hassle of having to maintain a home. These facilities are smaller and easier to look after. They are built with the needs of senior citizens in mind and usually offer activities that help you build a community. Rules, regulations, and costs can vary depending on the location or amenities offered. In the New York City area, the monthly cost of an independent living facility usually runs between $1,500 and $17,250.

Mark Your Calendar

Chic and stylish, youthful Granny Judy exudes confidence every day up til her golden years.

Make sure you visit or call your doctor regularly, even if you are in perfect health. Everyone benefits from having a physical and mental health screening at least once per year. Before your appointment, make sure you’re ready to discuss your family’s medical history or any recent concerns. Communicate any changes in your appetite, sleep, and general well-being. Let your doctor know if you have any current vision or hearing issues, and bring a list of medications, supplements, or vitamins you may be taking. You can usually expect your doctor to check your blood sugar level and blood pressure during your regular appointment.

Medicare is a great resource for senior citizens who want to keep tabs on their health. The program covers the cost of an annual wellness visit, and your doctor can refer to a specialist for anything that requires a closer look. There is a seven-month enrollment period for people who sign up for Medicare the year they turn 65. It begins three months before they turn 65, lasts through the month you turn 65, and then three months after you turn 65; otherwise, open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. Make sure you assess your coverage annually so you can check up on changes to costs or coverage. Finally, you can talk to your doctor about any services you feel you’ll need in the coming year.

Check Your Habits

Now that you’ve decided where you want to live, made your doctor’s appointments, and signed up for Medicare, you can boost your well-being by creating some healthy habits. Exercise is known to improve your mood, decrease blood pressure, and even sustain bone and joint health. Experts suggest strength training two to three days per week with a rest day between each session, a minimum of 150 minutes of cardio on a weekly basis, and simple stretches every day. Talk to your physician before revamping your exercise routine.

While you’re busy formulating your new fitness routine, make sure you get the right nutrients in your diet. Also, remember to stay hydrated, and make sure you’re getting healthy fats, protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Low-fat dairy is also recommended, but you can talk to your doctor about alternatives if you’re lactose intolerant.

There are plenty of resources for senior citizens who are concerned about starting or maintaining routines that will help them enjoy life, get some exercise, and eat the right foods. Follow these tips and your doctor’s recommendations, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.

Keeping your routine with family and loved ones at home until your golden years is key to happiness and better health.

**

Thanks for the awesome article Karen, we certainly learned a lot and where to check for the best health resources. Stay mindful out there everyone, try to stay in doors and look after each other. This is a scary time for all of us and the only way through it is by staying together at home, keeping your hands washed, and constantly disinfecting your home.

xoxo,

The Jacaranda Team

 

 

Cute Bridal Ideas for Your Best Friend’s Wedding

One of my dear friends is getting married in April and I have been coming up with creative ways to splurge on her with fun knick knacks and sweet gifts. Her wedding is going to be in Florida at Jupiter Beach Club and we decided that we would have all her bridesmaids wear Jacaranda Living while getting make up and hair done. I’m so excited to help make it happen.

FOR THE BRIDE

I had the bride go through the Jacaranda Living website and pick a few of her favorite things. It was interesting to see how much she really loved all the nighties as not just to wear to bed but to wear as a beach cover up on the beach and by the pool. The Lisa dress in particular works well for her wedding because it has her wedding logo colors with the blue stitching detail on the bodice. It immediately jumped out to her.

Lisa Nightgown

lisa nightgown_jacarandaliving
Adorable sleeveless ruffled trim nightie with blue smocking embroidery on bodice.

This will be a lovely cover up for her beach days before the wedding.

She fell in love with our new Caftan dress with embroidery and also ordered that as well as the short Kristen nightie.

The Caftan

jacaranda living caftan
Effortlessly chic caftan with drawstring waist and embroidered cascading flowers in blue & green. The perfect outfit for a bride to wear at her honeymoon in Bahamas and during her wedding weekend on the beach!

Nothing gets more comfortable than a caftan especially one that has a flattering adjustment with drawstring at the waist. The embroidered flowers along the body add some elegance and character while long sleeves keep you protected from the sun. It’s a perfect item for the beach and especially for the bride-to-be.

Now something for the bride that’s a bit more romantic…

The Kristen Nightie

kristen nightgown_jacarandaliving
What fun to twirl around in a mini nightie post wedding activities. This is a great dress for the bride’s wedding night! And just perfect for her honeymoon and romantic getaway post wedding. If you got it, flaunt it!

The last item she wants is the plain white nightshirt to monogram so she can match all her beautiful bridesmaids. The bridesmaids will be wearing nightshirts with blue piping and luxurious waffle weave slippers to keep their feet from getting dirty while getting ready on wedding day!

The Marjorie Nightshirt with White Piping

jacaranda living nightshirt for bride
Choose any monogramming and this blue is great for this particular wedding because it’s the same Tiffany blue she wants to match her wedding colors!

FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS

What the bridesmaids wear is very important on the wedding day for photos and to set the mood. It’s even better when bridesmaids are in the same outfit. My friend wants the bridesmaids to be in matching cotton nightshirts with the blue piping that matches her wedding colors. It’s the cutest idea and will look so nice to have all the bridesmaids in the same outfits while they get ready.

The Ginny Nightshirt with Blue Piping

All our sleepwear is made from pure, soft, lightweight, natural cotton fabric that is breathable, durable and extremely comfortable to wear. No need for dry cleaning. Our 100% cotton fabrics only need to be gently washed and cared for in your home. Keep washer and dryer options gentle and cool, not hot, to enable your fine fabric to become softer and cozier with every wash.

And lastly, the slippers and cosmetic bags. The cosmetic bags with blue embroidered holly hocks is a new design by Jacaranda Living and my friend chose it for her wedding because it’s such a beautiful flower that will go nicely with the floral arrangements at her wedding.

Bridesmaids Slippers and Cosmetic Bags

I hope these helped you when you start thinking about your wedding or a good friend’s. Jacaranda Living has so many items that work well for weddings, bridal parties, baby showers, bachelorettes, and more. What fun to choose items and then to also personally monogram them with your best friend’s initials? Have fun shopping our new arrivals today and let us know if you want to customize anything.

xx,

Gracie & the Jacaranda team

 

Dressing Vintage – Choose Your Own Personal Style

From frilly silk blouses to retro 70’s chic, vintage dressing can give you a chance to dress up or down with a style all your own. There is a trick though, to making it look like high fashion and dressing with intent rather than just wearing old clothes that don’t sync with today’s trends. Make sure you know how to combine true vintage, with modern clothing to give yourself a look that is uniquely you!

How Does Costume Differ from Vintage Dressing?

It’s all in how far you go. If you’re going for a 50s look, give your outfit a 50s flair. Don’t do shoes, bag, blouse, skirt AND hair. Choose one or two pieces that hit the chosen decade, and mix them up with something from today. As Glamour recommends, keep the other pieces simple, for example a simple black blouse, and slacks paired with a funky 50s coat and bag give a boost of vintage without looking like you’re playing dress up.

Updating a Vintage Look

From changing buttons, to adding a modern belt or layering, making just a tiny change can take a vintage look from drab to, you guessed it, fab! If you find an amazing dress but the length isn’t right, or it features shoulder pads that make you look like a well-known linebacker, take them to a local tailor for an update. Shorter hems, necklines with a modern edge, or even a shorter sleeve can give new life to a retro look. But it does result in an inexpensive item from the thrift store suddenly costing significantly more, so make sure it’s something you’ll want to wear more than once.

Pretty short set perfect for that vintage look
Comfortable enough for vacation wear

Used Clothing Aren’t the Only Way To “Go Vintage”

Some people have an issue with shopping through second hand clothing stores, or dealing with the mothball smell of clothing from grandmother’s attic. But you can still go vintage with sweet details like embroidery, lace, and quality pure fabrics like cotton and linen. Pair a pretty short sleeved pajama top (like the one featured in this picture from Jacaranda Living) with a mini jeans skirt, or a favorite pair of jeans and a belt and you’ll have a touch of delicate vintage. As Diana Jone of becomegorgeous.com points out, many modern clothes feature lace, ribbons, bows, and ruffles that will give you an air of vintage and add a fun feminine look to your wardrobe.

pretty lace pajama top can double as blouse
Lace-trimmed Summer Comfort

Vintage for Every Day

Some people feel vintage is something you need to save for a special occasion. A wedding, an afternoon tea, or a holiday seems like the perfect opportunity to highlight a special look. But sneaking a bit of vintage into everyday can be a great way to stand out, while also fitting in. Consider a lacy pajama top under a sweater or jacket for the office. Pack a sweet scarf-belted lace trimmed nightgown for summer days. Even this cute lace trimmed short set with a simple necklace and flats are perfect for traveling in warmer climates.

 

Vintage-style lace neckline

Vintage dressing is all about featuring one or two pieces that work with other items in your wardrobe. Whether it’s a one-time thing, or something you build into your own personal style, vintage dressing has a few guidelines:

  • Quality
  • Fit
  • Appropriate to the wearer

Give consideration to the setting, dress code, and your own comfort level. Vintage dressing can be fun while providing you with a unique way to stand out from the crowd.

Sources

http://www.glamour.com/gallery/dos-and-donts-of-wearing-vintage#4

http://www.becomegorgeous.com/fashion-style/new_trends/fashion_tips_how_to_dress_vintage-597.html

http://apairandasparediy.com/2013/05/how-to-wear-vintage/