After six long years of living with my outdated, poor excuse of a bathroom, we have finally decided to go ahead and take the first steps to a remodel! I have always dreamed of a spa-like bathroom, and it looks like I may finally be getting my chance. I have started this project like I start planning my events, with an inspiration board. I’ll keep you posted on all the progress, so stay tuned for before and after photos. Now, show me to the sledgehammer!
Love,
Sarah
Cherries have a very short growing season. The peak season for cherries is in the summer. In Australia they are usually at their peak around Christmas time, in southern Europe and North America in June, Canada in July to mid-August and in the UK in mid-July. In many parts of North America they are among the first tree fruits to ripen.
Now’s the time, peeps! Get out there and get you some cherries!
Images: Cherry Ice Cream, Cherry Limeade Cupcakes, Chocolate Waffles with Poached Chrries, Cherry Cream Pie, Cherry Pie in the Sky, Mini Cherry Cheesecake, Cherry Pie, Cherry Calfouti, Cherry Almond Donut, Chocolate Covered Cherry Bomb, White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread
Cheers to Cherry Time!
CC
Some trends come and go, but one thats always popping it’s head back in, is animal print. In fact, it’s the style trend watch in People this week. There is nothing like a burst of animal to catch your eye. Feel like adding a few pops of wow to your event? Add a jungle style rug or a cheetah cake table linen to keep it simple, but sweet. Want to add a little light at your party? Hang up leopard lanterns or set zebra candles on your cocktail tables. Need to rest your booty? Enjoy comfy zebra chair pads or soft pillows that will keep you cozy. Got food on your face? No sweat, wipe it off with animal print napkins and look chic while doing it. Anything you need, animal is there for YOU.
Don’t just decorate in animal – get dressed in animal… from head to toe. Taking forever to decide what to wear? Pair cheetah peep toes with dark skinnies or sport a colorful leopard romper to keep you cool in this heat. Wearing a simple outfit? Dec it up with a rhinestone snake ring or tuscan elephant necklace. Going to the beach? Whip out your snake skin tote and throw on your zebra flip flops. You know there’s an inner animal in you just itching to get out so don’t be afraid to make a roar.
Just think: lions and tigers and bears… OH WOW!!!
You know you love me!
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl
More times than not, when designing a room we tend to forget about the oh so important fifth wall. That’s right, I’m talking about the floor. Believe it or not, the flooring of a room can make a huge statement, especially if you have some not so fabulous hotel ballroom carpet to deal with. Don’t be fooled, it does not simply disappear when you add tables, chairs and furniture! You can transform a room by simply laying a few area rugs, or better yet lay inexpensive builder’s grade carpeting over the existing carpeting. You will be surprised, it’s not that expensive and it can make a huge over all impact to the decor in the room. Not only that, but afterwards you can donate the carpet to a local charity like Habitat for Humanity and it instantly becomes a tax write-off! Just look at this before and after!
Love, Sarah
My obsession with bangle bracelets started before I knew anything about fashion and too young to care. As I have gained a stronger appreciation for fashion and its various cultural influences, bangles will always be a timeless wardrobe must have!
The Indian craze has continued to grow in popularity, first starting with the Oscar winning, brilliant film, Slumdog Millionaire. Since then we have seen a stronger influence of this culture in our jewelry and clothing, where gold and saturated colored clothing is now a staple. If you need more proof of its popularity, just watch Sex in the City 2!
Bangle bracelets originate from India and are originally worn my women to signify matrimony. Several bracelets are usually worn on each arm (in my case more than a dozen!) and come in all different designs – anything from gold to silver to semi-precious stones, to precious stones like diamonds, gems, etc.
I had the opportunity to visit India last March and found myself in bangle heaven! In every color, around every corner, my eyes twinkled at the site of them as I uncontrollably scooped enough for a small country! And do you blame me when every corner I turn you see this…
My love for all things from India has come full circle as we are planning a wedding reception that is Indian inspired. The bride will be adorning the traditional sari, mehndi, and jewelry, and I am thrilled to see this event burst with color.
From the unbelievably affordable to the uncontrollably delectable, here are a few of my favorites:
Devon Leigh Designs, Wood and Polished Silver Tone Metal
Melinda Maria Jewelry, way too many to choose from! All so gorg!
Roberto Coin, simple yet luxe with pavé diamonds
Kenneth Jay Lane, I heart his animal bangle bracelets and they are fun to collect (and he now sells on QVC!)
FOR THE FINALE!!! DRUM ROLL PLEASE……..
Hermes, the word LOVE cannot even to beginning to express how much I adore these enamel bangles! I would go broke for these babies!
So ladies…mix and match, stack them high, and don’t be afraid to jingle a little! Bangles are here to stay and with the endless styles and combinations, these are the perfect accoutrement to any wardrobe!
Happy shopping!
Xx
E
Today we are traveling back in time to a place where the words fondant, butter cream, stacked, tiers, and sugar flowers were NEVER part of my vocabulary. I took a quick poll of my co-workers and bf to find out what their most memorable childhood cake was.
Here are the results…
Sarah remembers the record cake that her big sis made her for her 50s sock hop party. She said it turned everyone’s teeth black!
Elizabeth loved a buttery pound cake that her mom would top with whipped cream and strawberries.
Erika says, “Ice-cream cake from DQ! I worshiped it! Gel icing and crunchy fudge center…tastes a little freezer burned….yummmmm”
Amy’s favorite – “the Barbie cake, duh!”
My boyfriend, Justin, remembers getting Dinosaur cakes – from the grocery store, of course.
And me… I loooooved a good cookie cake, but my favorite was my Cookie Monster Cake!
Images: Barbie CakeIce Cream Cake, Cookie Cake, Pound Cake, Record Cake, Dino Cake
What was your favorite childhood cake?!
Yum!
CC
I have a confession……I secretly want to be a hipster. Not much of a secret now! For those of you that know me very well, this may come as a surprise. For those of you who don’t, allow me to explain. I grew up in a small Texas town in somewhat of a conservative home. I’m a girlie girl to the core and tend to have a classic/slightly preppy style. I’m not a huge fan of tattoos and I have a hard time rockin me some skinny jeans. In spite of all this, I SO desperately want to be that cool hipster chick. This obsession recently surfaced after I fell in love with a few east side hot spots. Join me on a quick journey and introduction into the life as an Austin hipster. Below is a guide for an evening on how to be a phony hipster if you are a wannabe like myself………..
FIRST STOP:
This restaurant is the coolest of the cool. As you arrive, it feels as though you have traveled to a café if Paris. The front patio is outfitted with eclectic tables and you will find a long narrow area to the right that is perfect for Bache ball. The interior is small, quaint and full of flavor……flavorful HIPSTERS and food! The Justine’s staff always inspires me with their HIPSTER flair. Menu must haves—Escargots a la Bourguignonne, Soupe a l ‘Oignon, and Frites (yes, please!).
SECOND STOP:
Oh the Good Knight is good to me! This place is great for an after dinner drink, but they also have a few yummy items on their menu if you don’t make it to Justine’s. Their potpie is lip smacking good, but their fried green tomatoes are memorable. You MUST have! However, they have the coolest cocktails perfect for a HIPSTER. With names like the Hanky Panky, Bee’s Knees, and June Rose it’s hard to resist.
THIRD STOP:
Inspired by the Cafes from Eastern European to Texas in the pre World World II era, the turn of the century Music Halls of Berlin, and the1920’s avant-garde theatres of NY, this joint is one of kind. The energy, ambiance, and the people watching (HIPSTERS all the way!) are contagious. I’m addictive!
FOURTH STOP:
The perfect ending to a night as a HIPSTER is the Shangri-La. From the street this bar doesn’t look like anything special, but once you walk past their bright blue wall you walk into a chill watering hole. The inside bar is dark and mysterious, but the outdoor area is the best. It’s an invitation to hang out under the trees and look cool……as a HIPSTER.
I’m far from a HIPSTER, but a girl can dream! Let me know if you ever want to join me as a wannabe HIPSTER on the east side.
Cheers!
Elizabeth
Summer is the brightest time of the year and with this seasons colors you are bound to make a statement. Although you may be sporting a super cute romper or neon fluorescent jellies (totes in right now), what will really catch your eye in this scorching heat is nail polish. Nail polish is the mandatory accessory for summer 2010. Ever since I can remember red shades have been the finger painting norm, but nail polish has broadened its horizons to colors galore. Every color of the rainbow has been tested, approved, and will be painted by YOU!
Oranges: OPI: Hot and Spicy, Chanel: Orange Fizz, Butter Jelly: Chuffed
Pinks: OPI: Elephantastic, Pop Beauty: Pinkest, Essie: Flirty Fuchsia
Purples: YSL: Luxe Lavender, OPI: Pamplona, Essie: Bermuda Shorts
Greens: Knock Out Cosmetics: Liberty, China Glazed: Turned Up Turquoise, Chanel: Jade Is the New Black
Blues: Butter London: Muggins, OPI: Suzi Says Feng Shui, Rococo: Eccentric Rococo
Going to a party? Glitz and glam it up with these sparkling confetti-like shades. I guarantee you will get invited back to the next one!! I mean come on… it’s like a party on your nails!! (obvz had to throw this in here!)
Sparkles: Lippman Collection: Happy Birthday, OPI: Mas As A Hatter, Rescue Beauty Lounge: Frugalista
Pick a shade that glistens with your summer tan or one that matches your fabulous outfit. Try a color that is flirty and fun or choose a new color you never thought you’d try. Or simply just paint whatever color you feel like painting! You can’t go wrong with any of these for the next three months. I paint my nails everyday and you can too! But whatever you do, please, PLEASE don’t let your nails go naked… no excuses!! Until next time…
You know you love me!
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl
It’s official, the unofficial start of summer is here. It’s 95 degrees outside and it’s totally acceptable to wear white!
One of my favorite things to serve this time of year are delicious agua frescas. They are simple to make, healthy and very refreshing. You can whip one up with any of your favorite fruits, but my absolute favorite is watermelon mint.
Start by processing 4 cups of cubed seedless watermelon, 1 mint sprig and 1/4 cup sugar in the blender. Next, pour the mixture through a wire-mess strainer into a pitcher, discarding the solids. Then, stir in two cups of chilled water. Serve over crushed ice and garnish with another sprig of mint and enjoy!
If you’re not feeling like breaking out the blender, head over the La Condessa or Maria’s Taco Express. They are serving up some of the best agua frescas in town!
Enjoy,
Sarah
Welcome back from the Memorial Day holiday! Boy was it HOT here in Texas and it got me thinking about my upcoming summer events…
No matter how fabulous an event is, if your guests are hot, that will be the only thing that they will remember about your party. We are already in the upper 90s here in Texas and waiting (dreading) for those 100+ degree-days in the months to come {eek!}.
Here are a few tips to keep your guests cool in the hot summer heat!
Port-a-cool Fans:
These are special fans that require water and power. They will cool an area by about 10 degrees. They may not be the prettiest to look at, but trust me, your guests DO NOT CARE! Once the sun sets, you will barely see them – all you feel is a cool breeze. You can strategically place them near plants or trees to hide their bulky exterior!
(Links: Portacool)
Lean Cuisine:
Do not serve heavy, rich food when your guests will be outdoors in the heat! Think about your menu and choose light items while still making sure to fill their bellies! Serve iced coffee drinks instead of a hot coffee. Pass mini fruit sorbets that you can pop in your mouth. Request crushed ice from your caterer so that your cool drinks are fun and memorable. A soup sip of gazpacho is a beautiful passed hors d’oeuvre in the summer. “Adult” snow cones and margarita popsicles are great to sip on while boogying on the dancefloor.
(Links: Iced Coffee, Mini Peach, Gazpacho, Adult Pop)
Program Fans, Hand Fans, Parasols and Patio Umbrellas are a nice touch:
Attire!
Let guests know that they need to dress light! “Summer Cocktail Attire” will do the trick. Add a coat (and tie!) check for the men upon arrival.
Makeup!
Austin’s own Rae Cosmetics has a Climate Control foundation that stays on all day – even if you sweat!
So at your summer event, make sure those guests get funky on the dance floor – not under their arms.
xo
CC
