Caplan Miller Events Blog

These days brides are strutting down the aisle in some very high fashion shoes. Gone are the days of plain white pumps, today’s bride is wearing anything from hot pink to glitter, and I could not be happier! I love to see just a little pop of color peeking out from the bottom of a wedding gown! Here are a few of my favorites in stores now.

A few of our brides show off their fancy footwear…

I just have one piece of advice: If you want your guests to dance at your wedding, then you have to dance too! Don’t get stuck with sore feet. Make sure you have at least two pair of shoes to rotate between!

love,
Sarah

Fourth of July is one of my absolute favorite holidays! And it’s not just about the fireworks, franks, and freedom…I love the Fourth because it’s a holiday about celebrating together without over-commercialization and extravagant gift-giving. It’s a holiday where anything goes, from watermelon seed spitting contests to gorgeous tablescapes on the front lawn for the neighborhood block party. There’s no high-bar expectations (think X-Mas trees, Easter egg hunts, or Halloween costumes and candy), and you’re free to celebrate in your own personal fashion. I love parties that incorporate unique family past-times with good old fashioned red-white-and-blue tradition (don’t forget the sparklers!)

Check out Martha’s crafty Independence Day ideas…

Images: Twig&Thistle, buylocalpa, Devian Tart, Epicurious, Natural Home Magazine, Epicurious, Country Living, Epicurious, Bakerella, Pottery Barn, I Am Baker, Project Wedding, Etsy (liltulip)

So for this Fourth of July, skip the decorations from Oriental Trading Co, and have a dIY celebration that is all your own! (Watermelon seed-spitters welcome!)

Xx
E

I was in Amsterdam over New Years a few years back and while strolling the canals, I was inspired by all of the holiday decorations. I noticed a restaurant with windows lined in gold tinsel curtain. They were bright, shiny and reflecting all of the twinkling Christmas lights in the street. As I passed by, I took out my camera and snapped a shot (always in event-planner-mode). I cannot find that darn photo, but here is a shot of the Amsterdam streets over the xmas holidays:

At that time I was working on a b’not mitzvah (b’not mitzvah is plural for bat mitzvah when two young gals are becoming a bat mitzvah together). When meeting with these spunky 12-year-old gals and trying to find out what they were into, I was shown a set of neon colored highlighters and they shouted (with Doritos in their braces), “we like these and anything that sparkles”!
Ok… So a neon, sparkly party. I can TOTALLY do that.

I took my Amsterdam inspiration and here is the end result:

Music awards theme, CD chandelier over dance floor, tinsel curtain draped walls, crystal trees used for centerpieces, black spandex chair covers, LED lights changed colors in the room all night. Girls got their sparkle and color for sure!

Until next time!
Safe travels,
CC

I’ve recently become obsessed with lavender. I’m dying to take a trip to Provence, France to do a little lavender sniffing. In the meantime, I’ve found a quick fix to this urge—Blanco, America! That’s right, Blanco and the beautiful Hill Country is the home to the oh-so fragrant lavender fields. I’m heading out this afternoon for a mini vaca to Blanco. This charming small town is filled with Live Music, Lavender Fields, Antique Stores, Biker Bars, and multiple old dancehalls.
YOU MUST CHECK IT OUT!!

A few images of lavender inspiration……………..

Lavender is such a fabulous element that can be incorporated into your event, home, or even your menu. Come join me in smelling the lavender this weekend in Blanco!

Cheers!
Elizabeth

Let me have the pleasure of taking you into my coffee heaven. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is the absolute best. I am obsessed and go there every single morning before work– just ask Patrick (my go-to Bean employee). My personal favorite is the iced vanilla soy latte – so delish!! If you’re running late or you over sleep, you can call ahead and they will have it ready and waiting. If you purchase enough goodies, sit tight and they will deliver sips of heaven straight to your desk. And even better news, they cater! Have mini vanilla ice blended drinks passed around at your outdoor summer bash or let your guests sip on warm cappuccinos at your winter soirée. Not only will they be begging for more, but they will be able to party all night long!!

Originated in LA in 1963, this family owned and operated joint is still the top celeb drink of choice. I spotted Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker at the Bean in Austin, so the next time you stop in at any location for a refreshing treat, look around – celebs are everywhere! There is no doubt that the purple straw is sweeping the nation.

Imagines: Paris Hilton, Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, Jessica Alba, Nicole Richie, Hilary Duff, Ashley Tisdale, Harlow Madden, Renee Zellweger, Mary-Kate Olsen, Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox, David Beckham, Whitney Port, Good Charlotte

Starbucks is SO last season. See ya at the Bean!! Until next time…

You know you love me!
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl

Want to be the hit of your Fourth of July party this year? I’ve got five words for you: Nutter Butter Banana Pudding Trifle! I have made this Southern Living dessert on many occasions and it is always a winner with adults as well as the kiddos. Try whipping up a batch for your bash this year. Trust me, you’ve never had banana pudding like this before!

Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients
3 cups milk
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 medium-size ripe bananas
1 (1-lb.) package peanut butter sandwich cookies
2 cups sweetened whipped cream
Garnishes: peanut butter sandwich cookies, dried banana chips, fresh mint sprigs

Preparation
1. Whisk together first 4 ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, whisking constantly, 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla until butter is melted.
2. Fill a large bowl with ice. Place saucepan in ice, and let stand, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until mixture is thoroughly chilled.
3. Meanwhile, cut bananas into 1/4-inch slices. Break cookies into thirds.
4. Spoon half of pudding mixture into a 3-qt. bowl or pitcher. Top with bananas and cookies. Spoon remaining pudding mixture over bananas and cookies. Top with sweetened whipped cream. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours. Garnish, if desired.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Nabisco Nutter Butter® Sandwich Cookies. For photography, we divided mixture between 2 (1 1/2- to 2-qt.) wide-mouthed pitchers.
Shortcut Nutter Butter®-Banana Pudding Trifle: Omit eggs, sugar, flour, and butter. Substitute thawed extra creamy whipped topping for sweetened whipped cream. Reduce vanilla to 1 tsp. Place 3 cups milk and vanilla in large bowl; add 2 (3.4-oz.) packages vanilla instant pudding mix. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed 2 minutes or until thickened; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in 1 (8-oz.) container sour cream. Proceed with recipe as directed in Steps 2 through 4.
Note: For testing purposes only, we used Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding and Pie Filling and Cool Whip Extra Creamy.
Southern Living, FEB

Love,
Sarah

I am taking a slight departure from my fashionista ways and treading into the territory of the travel guru and domestic goddess! I moved into my downtown apartment this past January…the space is very industrious, a blank palette with gorgeous views. I have a love for all things antique – something with a story, a bit of history. With not as much time on my hands as I would like, I have had a hard time finding just the perfect pieces to furnish my apartment, specifically in my room and bathroom. For the last week I have been thinking about the little things I could do spruce up the rooms and realized hanging some art would give me that quick fix! I have a true appreciation for all art, but specifically a love affair with photography. Anyone can be an artist when it comes to taking photographs and using those photos of your favorite memory and place in time is a wonderful way to make a space personal and add that history I love so much.

So after sifting through all my photos I noticed I had taken a lot of pictures of various doors from the places I have traveled. Not realizing my fascination with doors, I starting pulling the images together and seeing how beautiful they looked next to one another. It was then I knew the perfect piece of art I would put in my bathroom…a collection of doors to be framed side by side, noting only the city and year by each photo to tell the story. Though I am still in the framing process, I wanted to give you a sneak peak to what the final piece will look like…

Images: Rothenburg ob de ter, Germany 2005; Santorini, Greece 2005; Santorini, Greece 2005; Santorini, Greece 2005; Rothenburg ob de ter, Germany 2005; Santorini, Greece 2005; Mykonos, Greece 2005; Jaipur, Indian 2009, Santorini, Greece 2005

But the one door I love the most and holds the most memories for me, will always be my door from my last apartment in New York City…98 Thompson Street. And this one deserves a frame all of its one, in all it’s glory…

Image: 98 Thompson Street, Soho, New York City

I am currently on a vacation with my family traveling in Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Italy (I know… pretty rough). I have been to some of these destinations before and love getting “Evil Eyes”. I have a huge one hanging in my house from a past trip to Turkey after college.

The evil eye bead is worn to protect oneself from evil looks. The symbol of the eye is regarded as a potent amulet for protection against evil forces in almost every culture of the world -Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian. 

It is believed that the evil eye deflects the negative energy that is being directed towards a person onto itself, thus dispersing its powers. 



It is blue in color and the age-old belief is that it is actually the blue color of the stone, which holds the real shielding power and absorbs the negative energy. 

This is not surprising since the people in many Mediterranean nations believe in the protective powers of the blue color. That is why front doors of houses in these Mediterranean countries are painted blue to ward off evil spirits. There is no religious bar in the use of the evil eye pendant – Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, use this lucky charm. 

The evil eye pendant is still hand crafted today using primitive means, by highly skilled glass workers who are carrying on a 3000 year old craft.

eye’ll see you soon,
CC

The Femme Foodies (we finally named our girl’s dinner group) selected TNT—Tacos & Tequila—as our HOT SPOT to check out for June. Tacos and Tequila, how can you go wrong with that combination? Well, they did it ALL RIGHT and I’m here to share why!!

FOOD
Tacos are a staple in Austin America and TNT offers tacos every which way you can imagine it. They are flavored with extra lovin’ and are made fresh to order. Surprise Surprise, we all ordered tacos and loved every minute of it. The Chimayo market corn was super yummy. I had my eye on their corn crusted cardamon chicken salad-next time!

DRINKS
Think of the TACO as the ying and the TEQUILA as the yang. They are a match made in heaven…….and we were definitely in TEQUILA heaven. The Classic Blue Margarita was gulped down super fast by one of the femmes (she shall remain anonymous). I chose the cucumber jalapeno margarita and boy did I choose well. One of the “Tequila cold on tap” 1800 silver is infused with honeydew & cucumber was calling my name. Other tasty tequilas to check out: Orange Pineapple Crush, Cazadores Silver infused with pineapple ginger, pink hibiscus margarita. If you are a tequila lover this is your heaven!

MUSIC
Every Thursday is unplugged! That’s exactly what you get in the Live Music Capital of the World. They’ve done a great job of selecting artists with a local Austin flair. I would highly recommend dining at TNT on Thursday!

ART
As I made my way to the ladies room, the incredible art along the way invited me to escape into their world. There was something about these pieces that kept drawing me back. In fact, I was busted by the manager/owner admiring these pieces. Maybe it was the multiple trips to the restrooms or the fact that I took a picture of every piece in my new favorite restaurant.

I also fell in love with the tile work in the bathroom. Weird, I know, but ladies you have to check out the bathroom. Below is a little preview.

Food, Drinks, Music, Art—TACOS AND TEQUILA has it all. You must check it out. See you there……I will be in the corner with a margarita in my hand!

Cheers!
Elizabeth

This past weekend I had the luxury of going to Las Vegas with sixteen of my girlfriends from college. I know what you’re thinking… “16 girls???” Well that’s right, and I highly recommend it. I was able to do and see a lot in Vegas (while many details will remain untold – sorry ‘bout it!!) and found my vacation inspiration. Along with seeing the crazy cool lights, the overly populated casinos, and all the snazzy hotels, I got the pleasure of seeing some celebrities. And this is perfectly fitting as I am yours truly – Gossip Girl.

David Spade: Famous for his stints like Saturday Night Live and Just Shoot Me, he has proved himself as an outstanding comic. He has also made guest appearances on numerous shows. His sarcastic stand up is one of a kind and funny one-liners are bound to make you giggle.
Spotted: He was enjoying a deliciously stomach filling dinner at Tao (you must dine here and then go upstairs to the nightclub). Of course, I had to “go to the bathroom” so I could walk by his booth.

Alexis Bellino: If you are like me and can’t handle your Thursdays without watching the Real Housewives of Orange County than seeing Alexis would make your jaw drop. As the newest member of the pack, this spicy cookie keeps things very interesting around Orange County.
Spotted: Alexis made her pop in shout-out at the nonstop party pool, Tao Beach. We had the pleasure of seeing her again the next day at Barney’s where she was trying on $2000 shoes – no buy. This is where I told her we were big fans and her and her husband were pretty nice.

Shane West : You might not automatically remember who he is. Take a stroll back to memory lane with Mandy Moore in mind in A Walk To Remember. (Yes gals – I know your eyes just opened widely thinking about how hot he is!) He later made his debut on ER as Dr. Ray Barnett for five years.
Spotted: He passed by us when we were laying out and was then waiting in line with a friend to enter Tao Beach. He looked better than ever and I was waving my hands in the air trying to get his attention. Sadly, he did not come back over our way.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s get down to what this has really got me thinking about. For me – seeing celebrities is so awesome. Everyone needs a celebrity (or even a celebrity impersonator) at his or her event. It just makes things more fun and interesting. Next time you are planning a blowout bash hire someone cool and hip to DJ for your guests or a famous band that will make the crowd go wild. Get a reality star to make a small appearance or invite someone big to celebrate with you. Either way, heads will turn and your guests will be amazed. Although not everyone takes this approach, I run up and talk to them or wave – obviously. But either way, it is cool to see someone famous. It’s just another element that will add pizazz and make people release those oohs and aahs.

Between you and me, here are the real celebrities – and I know any one of us would love to entertain at your party!

You know you love me!
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl