Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Summer Reviews - Eden Boutique


Entrance of Eden Boutique - San Diego, CA
Eden Boutique and Summer Fashion Trends:

Truthfully, I have had a bit of a struggle channeling my inner diva this summer, maintaining the blog, heading three volunteer projects concurrently, staying in shape and lately, having an event almost every night. I did however, manage to say, “Hello, Self, isn’t this a lovely break” on a business trip with my husband a few weeks back in San Diego. The plane ride allowed me some much needed time to catch up on current fashion trends. The fresh seafood (and lemon-drop martini) revived me from my jet lag. The shopping...oh, the shopping, was just as I expected nothing less than marvelous west coast style. 

I discovered this whimsical little shop, Eden Boutique, it was not overly pricey, had nice brands, and many attractive pieces. They have a fantastic merchandizing lay-out which first caught my eye. It was almost fairytale-like with shadowy leaves stenciled across the floor, interesting windy displays, and tranquil (faux) blue sky above. It was like shopping in a forest...a forest in a Disney movie! As I meandered through the store I noticed one display after another demonstrating my summer trend research. I thought this would be a nice way to bring you some trend information while simultaneously highlighting a boutique that I consider a great find. 

This season it may be easier to name what is not in style than the multitude of looks that are: 80’s, 70’s, 60’s, lace, color blocking, sheer layering, Eastern influence, nautical influence, bohemian, glam, wide leg, tailored, high waist, mid rise, masculine suits, feminine prints, circle skirts, fitted below-the-knee skirts, sequins, seductive blacks, pure whites, deep blues, bright reds, maxi’s, mini’s, tribal prints and skins. There are probably some that I have missed, but in this plethora of trends you should be able to find something that suits you. I want to touch on a few easily attainable trends to help you find your summer style. I have also attached this YouTube video link, because it illustrates multiple trends (waistlines, hemlines, colors, silhouettes, and fabrics) not just stripes. 

YouTube Video: Trends: Stripes 1 Spring-Summer 2011

Reds: 
“When in doubt, wear red.” - Bill Blass. I have been known to follow this quote many a time and it looks like this year the runways agree. Though bright red is really all the rage most people can find a shade of red to flatter them. If you have lots of red undertones in your skin you may try wearing red on bottom instead of against your face. I do not have red tones nor do I fear the red and I am searching for some red jeans or tailored (60’s inspired) capris because they are a great piece. If you are uncomfortable with red try incorporating it with another color as in the patterned dresses or red bags shown below. Red is projected to remain hot through the Fall, so rest assured your purchases will pay off. 
Display at Eden Boutique

Stripes: 
I absolutely love the nautical look! A variety of stripes graced the runways this season, but the blue/white, black/white combo appeared to pull most of the weight. So many people have a fear of horizontal stripes because, “They will make me look even bigger!” Yes and no. It is how you wear them and if you do it correctly it is one of the most polished looks in daily wear. The horizontal striped shirt when paired with the navy blue cardigan with it’s vertical red striping diminishes the widening effect and creates a slimming blend as shown below. If you are symmetrical top and bottom try adding white shorts/pants/skirt to a striped top or if you are bigger on top and slim on bottom add the white shorts and keep the cardigan. If you do not want to accentuate your bottom half, say you are pear-shaped, opt for a dark navy jean with a striped top. Also, consider other ways to rock the stripe! Try a big floppy striped beach hat or cute shorts with a ticking-like stripe. Keep in mind stripes in other colors are great too and pump up your stripes with a color pop like the red bag below. 
Display at Eden Boutique

Neutrals and Flesh tones: 
We started seeing this look last year. It has remained in vogue for the summer, and looks to hang around through the Fall. I am pale and blonde and even find these tones quite pleasing to wear. I would compare the look to a very tasteful nude in an art museum. It is a simple and lovely, yet completely effortless style. You want to achieve some shade variance between the garment and your skin. If you are dark skinned you should have no problems. If you are light like me you may want add a statement necklace or something to keep the garment from draining all of your color. 
Display at Eden Boutique

And don’t worry. Maxis, minis and jumpers are still wildly popular this summer. With the economic slump styles are more surmounting than changing. Keep the ones you have, but be looking for the sheer maxi trend. Done well it looks great. I wanted to mention lace’s resurgence to the runway. I have always been very picky and often turned off by lace, but I love the nuevo look for lace. I am talking about the all lace dresses and tops. This is another one where you will either look like you have been locked out of your house in lingerie, or simply stunning. Know your body type, your limits, and your degree of confidence when trying some of these new trends. It is never a bad idea to ease into a new look one piece at a time.

You can find all of the looks pictured in today’s post at: 
Eden 
520 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 
619.696.3336 
 

Monday, June 27, 2011

Summer Reviews - Better Bodies Day Spa

In my first post I explained my “made-up” word - Do∙mes∙tress: noun, a woman possessing great capability and keen skill in the design and beautification for her family, household, self and societal affairs while sometimes using unlikely objects and processes to achieve a desired result. This week I would like to introduce you to some of my favorite summertime finds that will help you attain your own inner and outer “domestress”. 


Better Bodies Day Spa 

I love spa treatments! They revive my inner self when I am feeling over-worked and under appreciated, make me feel swimwear confident when I have a couple pounds to lose, and have a way of depleting the noise of all the nagging “have to’s” life brings. I typically only treat myself to spa-time on vacation; mostly because treatments are often expensive and not really a necessity. Given that I often experience my moments of blissful spa pleasure on vacation I have tried a variety of wraps, massages, and other treatments throughout the USA and Mexico. I always return to tell Shelly how I like her wraps better than all those I have had any where else when I feel cheated from my vacation wrap and go to get a wrap at Better Bodies...thankfully they are also reasonably priced. 

The spa has the quaint ambiance you can only find in a small town and the staff has the sweet southern hospitality to match. It is such a great find. If you are not a local or former local you may never hear about Better Bodies Day Spa. In fact, when I return to Oklahoma City after receiving one of the inch reducing body wraps and graciously accepting “skinny” compliments, I always tell people I had a wrap in my hometown of Altus. They give me a puzzled look, trying to formulate where they have seen that on a map and follow it by, “Isn’t that that really hot, dry place down in the southwest part of the state?” Well, yes it is, but, it is also near Quartz Mountain State Park/Lodge where the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute is held annually. So you could make your visit into a nice little (even family friendly) weekend excursion. 

Basically what I am saying is Shelly’s body wraps are AWESOME, so, try one! I consistently, over the past ten years, have lost between seven and nine inches per spot wrap, yes, tiny little me. The best part is that it also diminishes cellulite and the results last for a few weeks. I do not believe in cellulite creams and would never think that topical, non-laser, non-invasive spa treatments are permanent, but I love this wrap! I like to know the science of why things work, but in this case I do not know how or why it works just that it does, and it does every time. Truly, it is the best way I have found to jump start my summer diet and workout plan. It is like having a sneak preview of the result of months of diet and exercise with only investing an hour of relaxation in a warm capsule. 

Now that I have raved about the wraps, here is the list of body treatments/wraps as listed on the brochure that Better Bodies performs ranging in price from $20-$65: 

Body Treatments: 
EnWRAPture: Our most popular wrap is a three step pressure wrap. The citrus scent mist opens the pores. Ancient sea bed clays are applied to form, compress, firm and tighten the skin. After the masking, pressure wrapping compresses fat cells eliminates toxins and guarantees inch loss (This wrap is not a temporary water loss.) 

Aloe Herbal Wrap: Our wraps are soaked in enzyme active aloe vera to penetrate the toxin cleansing herbs to the fatty deposits and the cellulite. They then dissolve into the lymph system. (This is an excellent choice for those who take prescription medication.) 

Celiminate Body Wrap: Advanced formula to improve the appearance of problem areas. Celiminate toning and sculpting cream, is a unique formulation for reducing and diminishing the appearance of cellulite. Celiminate is an exclusive blend containing theophylline, whole leaf ale vera and Chinese slimming herbs. All noted for their abilities to break down and eliminate fat. This an advanced wrap. 

Wrap-N-Nap: Your choice of essential oils are applied to the body. Your are then wrapped in a cocoon of comfort to drift away in the Alpha Spa. 

Chocolate Fondue Body Wrap: A totally unique experience for these who wish to detoxify and balance excess body fluids, you can achieve excellent results in smoothing, firming and contouring problem areas of the body. Contains wild yam which helps to balance hormones. 

Seaweed Anti-Age Body Renewal Treatment: The first of its kind! A gel for the body that brings life back to dry, dull, dehydrated, and sagging skin. Packed with a nutrient blend of seaweed concentrate, Vitamins A, C, & E, Goru Kola and echinacea. This mask helps to rejuvenate, rebuild, rebalance & restore moisture level healthy & firm skin! 

Alpha Spa Session: Including relaxation, skin care, pain relief, detoxification, weight loss and sleep. 


Better Bodies Day Spa and Salon also offers a variety of other services you may be interested in trying: 

Massages: 
Swedish Massage 
Mother-to-be Massage 
Deep Tissue Massage 
Face-Lift Massage 
LaStone Massage 
Lypossage 
(Massage prices range between $25-$75) 
I had the hot stone massage several years ago...It is an hour and a half of relaxation.

Skin Treatments: 
Face/Body Waxing 
Make-up Services 
(Waxing prices start at $10) 

Skin Care Products: 
Jan Marini Skin Research 
Belli Skincare: allergy tested and free of artificial dyes and paraben preservatives 
Pregnancy Line 
Motherhood Line 
Baby Line 
(I have never been pregnant nor plan to be anytime soon, but I hear that this line is great for when and if that ever happens) 

Facials and Treatments: 
European Skin Treatment 
Petite Facial 
Teen Acne Treatment Facial 
Acne Treatment Facial 
Signature C-Esta and Enzyme Facial 
Blue Peel 
Age Intervention Resurfacing Facial 
Salicylic Gel Facial 
Glycolic Facial Treatment 
Green Peel 
UltraSonic Facial 
Youth Light 2010 
The Diamond Peel (Microdermabrasion) 
Back Treatment 
Hydra Four Layer Facial by Tanya 
(Facial and treatment prices start at $25) 

Salon: 
Men, Women and Children’s Haircut and Styling 
Up-do’s for Women (and little girls) 
Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment 
Hair color (foils) 
Perms 
Straightener 
(Salon service prices start at $15) 
Lindsey created my lovely up-do for my wedding.

Nails: 
The Ultimate Manicure with Paraffin 
Hot Oil Manicure 
Manicure 
The Works Pedicure 
The Works Pedicure with Paraffin 
Express Pedicure 
Acrylics, Wraps, and Sculptured Nail Sets and Fills 
Bio Gel 
(Nail service prices start at $25) 
My mom and I have enjoyed a nice mani/pedi by Melody. 

If you are looking for a more outrageous statement for your nail art Ryoko is the 2011 Nailpro competition ISSE Long beach Hand painted nail art Veteran 1st place winner for her theme "Paris By Night" 

Spa Getaway Packages starting at $50 

Relaxation Room: 
Enjoy a relaxing, quiet space between spa treatments 
Delivered lunch available 

Four Levels of Tanning including “Bed 4” the Ultra Mega Tanning: 
50 bulbs and 4 facial bulbs, air-conditioned, and roomy for larger bodies (I am told men like this one too, but I personally haven’t tanned indoors in years). Available for purchase in single sessions or packages. 

Toning Machines: 
Upper Body Shaper 
Tummy-Hip Shaper 
Waist Shaper 
Thigh-Calve Shaper 
Waist-Tummy-Hip Shaper 
The Sit Up Table 
The Circulator 
Sessions available for purchase in packages. 

I have not tried all that this spa has to offer, and I have mostly mentioned the treatments that I have, but in writing this post I have noticed several items on the menu of services that I would like to try someday.

For an appointment contact Better Bodies Day Spa and Salon - Altus' only full service spa, salon, tanning, and fitness center by phone: 580.480.0986. 

1117 N. Spurgeon St., Suite B 
Altus, OK 73521 
 Owner and Fantastic Wrapper: Shelly Blaske 

Friday, June 24, 2011

Crispy, Creamy, Flakey Peanut Butter Bars


Peanut butter bars

Wow! What a day...what a week! I have been stressed and often disappointed in myself this week. Needless to say, it has been long, very long, and not looking to slow down anytime soon. I do feel blessed to see several instances that God chose to smile upon me this week...as I write you from the apple store where the face of my phone was just replaced for free and not under warranty. I enjoy bringing this blog to you, though I am often blogging in the wee hours of the morning winding down from the activities the day has brought to my life. 

I tried to minimize the calories in this yummy treat. It’s easy, quick and delicious, and combines all the right tastes for whatever fix you are needing. I really like that you can cut squares right from the pan and self serve at a cookout or display the squares on a nice dessert plate for a dinner. 

You will need: 

Crust: 
  • 8 pack crescent rolls (refrigerated dough)
  • 1 Tbs. light butter melted
Filling Ingredients: 
  • 1 brick of fat free cream cheese (softened)
  • 3 Tbs. creamy peanut butter
  • 2 Tbs. fat free sour cream
  • 1/4 c. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla 
  • Pinch of salt
Topping Ingredients: 
  • 1 c. cinnamon granola
  • 1/2 c. oats
  • 1/4 c. chopped almonds
  • 3 Tbs. cinnamon sugar
  • 3 Tbs. brown sugar
  • 1 Tbs. flour 
Roll out half (4 triangles) of the crescent rolls with a rolling pin. If you either do not want to use a rolling pin or do not have one you can stretch and mash the dough together in the baking dish. You want to create a thin flat rectangle, a 9”x 13” rectangle to be specific, without any gaps in the dough. Place the stretched dough in a 9” x 13” baking dish. Repeat the process for the second set of 4 rolls and set aside. 

Brush the dough (both rectangles) on both sides with the melted butter. 

Mix the filling ingredients in order in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer. Ingredients can be mixed by hand. If doing so, cream cheese must be very soft and mix until well blended...work those forearms! Spread the filling over the crescent rolls allowing about a 1/2 inch boarder of exposed dough. 

Cover with remaining dough and press the dough layers together around the edges. 

Bake at 375 degrees F for 5 minutes. 

While you wait, in a small mixing bowl mix your topping ingredients by hand in no particular order. Be sure the granola and oats are well covered in the sugars and flour. 

Remove the dish from the oven. Completely cover the top crescent roll layer with the topping. Give the topping a quick coat of butter flavored pan spray. Bake for 10 to 15 more minutes at 375 degrees F. 

Note* this dish took around 20 minutes total in my oven, but my oven is notorious for cooking slow. 

Voila! Crispy, Creamy, Flakey Peanut Butter Bars...yummy.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Independence Day Party Week - Nautical Napkins

Easy Summertime Napkins

Yesterday I showed you how to make cute, cheap, stylish napkin rings, so, today let’s create some cute, cheap stylish napkins to go in them. 

You will need: 
  • Woven fabric 
  • Ribbon 
  • Thread or iron-on hem tape 
  • Scissors 
  • Measuring device 
I selected a scrap of light-blue, woven cotton, basically, men’s dress shirt fabric. Which led me to think if my husband ever carried a pen in his pocket I would probably have quite a bit of this fabric at my disposal, so, check your husband’s shirts before you purchase anything. As long as you do not decide on some crazy, wild, totally out of your color palate, printed fabric most any smooth cotton woven fabric should work fine. Cut your napkins to a size you find comfortable to cover your lap, or in my case, however your fabric will divide before you run out. I was able to make four 10.75” x14” rectangles from my scrap of fabric. 

Pin your ribbon to the fabric. 

You want your ribbon to only halfway overlap the edge of your fabric because our goal is to cover and conceal the jagged edge. 

When you reach a corner insert a pin cross ways to the direction of your ribbon. 

Turn the ribbon. 

Insert a pin and remove the first corner pin. 

I chose a 1/4” spa-blue ribbon with two recessed areas in the weave along the edges. I preferred to use this recessed area as a guideline to sew along, especially because I used white contrasting thread. If you are concerned about your ability to sew a straight line even with the aide of an indention on the ribbon just match the thread to your ribbon. Better yet, iron it on with hem tape and do not use a sewing machine at all. Only sew the inner most edge of the ribbon to the fabric. 

Fold the right side of your ribbon to the back and iron. The fabric should be touching fabric, not ribbon. As you have probably determined by now the back side of the fabric will become the face side of the the napkin. Consider this in your planning. Some fabrics have noticeable front/back differences. 

What was the outermost side of the ribbon is now the innermost. Top stitch the innermost side of the ribbon (the side you haven’t sewn yet). 

This is what your completed product should look like. 

Voila! A fine finished napkin for your nautical set.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Independence Day Party Week - Nautical Napkin Rings


Make Nautical Napkin Rings:

These really put me in the mood to invite friends over for a summertime shrimp boil or bbq. The only problem is I only have a table for four, so, I only made four napkin rings. I suppose I could fill the remainder of my summer inviting people over in sets of two to enjoy the table settings or just share them with all of you to enjoy in your own homes. 

You will need: 
  • Textured woven fabric 
  • Navy thread or cross-stitch yarn 
  • Thin rope or thick yarn 
  • Scissors 
  • Paper towel or toilet paper rolls 
  • Glue 
You will use such small amounts of fabric that I suggest using fabric scraps. I have several interior fabric swatches for decision making on past projects such as drapes or recovering pieces. I am not insinuating That you go to the fabric shop and ask for free swatches to do this project. That is borderline rude, but if you have some already or are in the fabric store buying something it is not a bad idea to use swatches. You may also cut apart an old canvas bag or other fabrics items around the house that you are no longer using for this project.

Consider using a woven fabric that has some texture for a couple reasons. A basket weave, which is what I used, will give you a better guide on stitching the “x” design onto your fabric. You can clearly see the under, over pattern which will allow you to count down and across making your design symmetrical. Also, a dark, solid color thread design will pop better against a textured background. I am assuming that you are going to repeat the “nautical” look. Make sure you are using the right color choices of navies, whites, and tans with the occasional reds. As long as you stay in your designated color palate you can reverse the color placement. Make the napkin ring from a navy fabric and use white thread. Whatever works for you; just have a color palate and a game plan. 

After you decide your outside fabric and inside liner cut your fabric into strips. I cut my paper roll into 1.5” long pieces. I actually used something like a paper towel roll, but it was thinner in diameter and thicker in paper. You will choose the widths of your fabric depending on what you use for your base. Since I cut my paper roll in 1.5” tubes I cut the liner fabric to 1.5” wide and the outside fabric to 2.5” wide. The length will depend on the diameter of the tube. Make sure you are leaving adequate room the to turn under the seam for that finished look. Adjust accordingly. 

It is easier if you sew the “x” design on before attaching the fabric to the tube, but you will need to measure the placement on the tube before sewing your “x”. I sewed two designs on either side of the seam. This way you would only see one design at a time and the seam would be less noticeable on the side. 

Insert your yarn or rope into the seam with a dab of glue. You will want to add a bit of glue beneath the rope as it circles the napkin ring to secure it. When you have reached the beginning point tuck the rope end in the seam just as you began. Repeat at the bottom. Glue the remainder of the seam when you are finished adding rope. 

Turn under the flaps of outside fabric and glue them down to the inside wall of the napkin ring. 

I like to use alligator hair clips on projects such as this one. They hold the seams nice and flat while the glue has a chance to dry. 

Roll your inside liner into a tube. Insert it into your napkin ring and allow it to unroll against the sides. When you have it smooth against the inside wall fold in the edges, add your glue and press the inside fabric back into place. 

Voila! A nautical napkin ring for a Fourth of July party. If you will not be celebrating our holiday this is still very adaptable to a wide variety of summer get togethers and holidays, such as Canada Day, July 1st. 

I wanted to give you an example of how to put this weeks tips together to create a pretty, summertime, nautical-themed place setting.


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Independence Day Party Week - Pupsicles


A special cool treat for your special furry friend: 

Where do I even begin today? I decided to fill this week with Fourth of July party ideas and throw in a couple additional posts. I awoke this morning tired from Monday’s middle of the night post thinking about how I would efficiently create the remainder of and the additional posts for this week. I concluded I would go to the gym a little earlier and then have the rest of the day to work on the posts. I am sure you see where this is going...I came home from the gym, took Dash outside and when we were reentering the door he appeared to twist his ankle stepping through the threshold. He looked at me as if I had inflicted the pain he was feeling. I scooped him up (after I chased him across the living room) to find his foot was bleeding. We made a make-shift bandage and headed off to our vet’s office. It turns our Dash spilt his toenail in half all the way up into the quick. Meaning he had to be sedated and most of the toenail removed. How he manages these types of randomness I will never know. 

I had planned on adding these “pupsicles” later in the week, but was glad to have something special for my groggy little boy today. 

You will need: 
  • Blender or juicer 
  • Popsicle forms 
  • Broth (low sodium chicken/beef) 
  • Apple 
  • Carrots 
  • Green beans 
  • Water 
I have a nice blender, thank you Mom and Dad, but I still need to soften fruits and vegetables before I can puree them. I boiled 1/2 c. chicken broth with 1/2 c. water and added 1/4 of a medium apple. The beans and carrots were already soft. I poured the apple/broth mixture in the blender with a cup of carrots and a cup of green beans. I added a splash more of broth and pureed. I would have added more broth, but I did not think the sodium content was low enough. That is why I added 1/2 c. water. Each of these ingredients are subject to your dog’s taste and digestive system. Blueberries, pumpkin puree, and natural peanut butter are all good ingredients too. If you are unsure, check with your veterinarian or credible sources such as ASPCA or AKC for dog ingredient lists. 

Pour the puree into popsicle forms and freeze. I punched a hole in the plastic handle and added a dog tag to identify these as “for dogs only”. They are all human-grade ingredients, but I think it may come as a bit of a shock to put one in your mouth...they smell awful! By the way, it is NOT a good idea to leave your dog unattended with a pupsicle unless you have left them only the icy section and removed all the non-edible parts. 

We just adore our vet, the other vets and the staff at Wedgewood Pet Clinic. They are so good to Dash!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Independence Day Party Decoration Week - Nautical Vases


Nautical Vases 

I originally made these vases for an event held at one of our local boathouses. I was in such a rush making them and was not sure I would post them at the time that I captured fewer pictures than I would typically, but it is a really easy project that requires little direction. 

Holiday and seasonal decorating is one of my favorite “home” activities. A few little changes every two to three months can revive a whole room (and it’s inhabitants). Something I like to consider when interior decorating is an object's ability to function with my decor for more than a week or two. These vases, for example, will work nicely with my other summer statements for another couple months. After July 4th replace the red roses with another color or flower, and you simply have a nautical inspired vase that no longer looks as patriotic...not that there is anything wrong with honoring our country year round. I have always loved this seafaring look, but some years it is more in vogue than others. This just happens to be one of those years...we will talk more about this in relation to home and fashion in posts to come. As for this week I would like to provide you with some ideas that you can prepare in time for an Independence Day celebration, but will last you the remainder of the summer season. 

You will need: 
  • Glass jars with lids 
  • Rope 
  • Scrapbook paper 
  • Ribbon 
  • Gold buttons 
  • Bottle caps 
  • Glue gun 
Buttons and Rope Nautical Vase: 
If the jar’s lid is navy, gold, tan or white it will make a nice pedestal for your vase, but is simply an added feature not an essential part. I hot glued this gold lid (open side to the glass bottom) before I began adding my rope. You want to use a 1/4”- 1/2” white or off-white-tan rope for this look. I found this white rope at Hobby Lobby on, I believe, a three yard spool. Dab a drop of hot glue inconspicuously on the bottom edge of your jar, then begin wrapping the rope tightly and closely around the jar. Add a drop of glue here and there as needed. This rope is soft and pliable so it can work nicely on oddly shaped jars also. The amount of rope to cover one jar will surprise you, so, you may want to pre-measure or buy an extra spool. 

When you have finished adhering the rope to the jar dab hot glue to the shank of a gold button. Work it between two pieces of rope to affix the button to the jar. I evenly spaced three buttons around the circumference of the vase. 

Bottle Cap and Rope Nautical Vase: 
Begin this vase just as you did the button and rope vase. When you have reached 1/2 to 3/4 of the way up the jar secure your rope and hot glue your ribbon onto the jar. Turn under your ends of the ribbon for a finished look. Cover the ribbon ends with a fun and flattened bottle cap. Consider your ribbon and bottle cap color and design. Remember we are going for a “nautical theme”, think navies, royal blues, golds, tans, and creams. This bottle cap has an anchor on it. Isn’t that just perfect for this look? This ribbon is about 1.5” wide, which works well to balance the bottle cap. Finish wrapping the remainder of your jar with the white rope. 

Faux Wood Scrapbook Paper Nautical Vase: 
This one is too easy and I could never lay claim to the original creation of this idea, but it pleasantly rounds out the variety of nautically themed vases. The peely image of white washed wood on the the scrapbook paper brings a smooth texture to the grouping while remaining visually interesting. Abstain from becoming too visually interesting by only adhering the paper to flat simple surfaces.

Add a wide ribbon to finish the top of the paper near the middle of the vase. Center a narrow ribbon on the wider ribbon and tie a bow to complete this vase. 

Voila! Three styles of nautical vases!