Friday, August 31, 2012

DIY: Plastic Spoon Mirror

This isn't my first go around with decorating with spoons.  Awhile back I wrote about a plastic spoon wreath.  However, it looks like the spoon fun just won't quit.  If you love the idea of using inexpensive household objects to decorate then this spoon mirror tutorial is going to blow you away.  Hey...it's a three day weekend and I bet you have a lot of spoons left over from your summer entertaining.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Spotted: Everlane

A new concept in buying clothes has arrived by the name of Everlane.  Does this happen to you?  You're shopping and you run across a t-shirt that is so soft that you actually think about paying the $60 price tag.  But then you come to your senses and realize that you are going to spill your salad dressing down your front the first day you wear it.  This happens to every one of my t-shirts but when you pay $6 a pop it doesn't cause a panic.  Long story short...Everlane has cut out the middle man and is willing to sell you $15 super soft t-shirts with lots of designer details.  Check it out, it's not often someone offers you the best of both worlds.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Plastic Animals Please

Awhile back I posted a Friday DIY post about plastic animals turned chic.  Well it seems alot of crafty people have been busy turning a $1.00 bag of plastic animals into cool, modern party favors and decor.  Check these out.

Milkglass and Honey



hellobee



HGTV



kittenbear


Sugar and Cloth





Papery and Cakery



Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Link Love

BHG
Book pages as a table runner...lovely.



Book Cooking
Overnight Blueberry French Toast could come in handy on a long weekend.


hwtm
Adorable DIY party favor



All things stylish
Proof that details make everything more appetizing



Monday, August 27, 2012

Andouille Sliders

The long weekend is coming up and that means one last hurrah before fall moves in.  Hopefully we'll get another month or so of good weather but Labor Day is kind of an official reminder.  It's the perfect time to fire up the grill and try this new spin on an old favorite...The andouille slider with caramelized onions and creole mayonnaise.  I think I'm going to serve them as part of a trio with a traditional slider and a crab cake slider with a side of kettle chips.  Still easy but gives people a little something to talk about and a couple different flavors to try.  Let me know what you're planning for Labor Day?


Friday, August 24, 2012

DIY: Coastermatic

Do you know someone who is crazy about Instagram?  I myself like the concept but I only have so much time in the day for blogging, tweeting, etc.and Instagram has yet to make my daily list.  However,  Coastermatic is a great concept and kinda makes me want to try my hand.  Lord knows living in NYC you have photo worthy opportunities quite often. Let me know if any of you fellow hip hostess' use instagram and what you think? 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Spotted: Red Flower Bangle Bracelet

This red flower bangle bracelet would be a cute accent piece for anyone and at $8 it's a steal.  School is starting for most people over the coming 2-3 weeks.  What a great surprise for your daughter on her first day of school or a fantastic treat for yourself.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Hummus and Avocado Toasts

This stunning photo stopped me in my tracks.  Toasted bread, hummus, avocado and roasted tomato...yummy.  It's definitely going in the menu plan for the coming week.  I can't decide whether to add some grilled shrimp and make it a main or serve it on the side of grilled chicken and maybe a salad.  I love to add new things into the dinner rotation.  It gives me a reason to look forward to dinner and most likely try out a new wine to accompany the flavors. 



Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Link Love

Martha Stewart Weddings
Love the unique look of this fern bouquet.


Skinny Taste
These shrimp skewers aren't called bangin' for nothing.



Etsy
This flower garland is so cute!



iheartmotherhood
Ruffles on a cake...I'm in heaven.


Monday, August 20, 2012

No Cook Tomato Sauce

This is something I have been doing a lot this summer it is super easy and it is hard to beat the fresh taste.  I think it tastes like summer.  If you can find farmer's market heirloom tomatoes the flavor is remarkable.  However, in a pinch I have used some cherry tomatoes I had in the fridge from the grocery store and the taste was still pretty darn good. So next time you are at your farmer's market or grocery store, grab the ingredients and you'll have a delicious meal on hand that will be ready in 30 minutes.  Hard day at work, get a glass of wine and have a delicious dinner on the table in no time with easy clean up.  Then sit on the couch and watch mindless t.v. and let your stress disappear.  Trust me this no cook tomato sauce CAN do all that.

Friday, August 17, 2012

DIY: Crayon Art

Looking to add some art into your baby nursery or child's room but don't have a lot of spare cash.  Check out this awesome DIY crayon art complete with tutorial here.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Spotted: Umami To Go

Do you want to be totally cool next time you eat your sushi.  How about picking up some of these little fish soy sauce's from Little Soya.  It's totally cute plus you know that you are definitely getting the low sodium soy sauce.  I got my eye on a couple restaurants that I am pretty sure are pulling the switcheroo.  Now thanks to these little beauties I can eat my favorite sushi and won't have to worry about blowing up like a balloon the next day.  Win Win.


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Julia Childs Centennial

Julia Child's is celebrating her centennial today and in celebration 100 restaurants across America are offering a few of her classic recipes.  If you can't make it to one of the restaurants then you can surely find something here to pay homage to a true pioneer in the culinary arts.  Grab a couple friends or your hubby and make a special Wednesday night French dinner.  Worst case scenario if the dinner fails at least you will have had a few laughs, some great wine and a good memory.  What better way to celebrate Julia.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Link Love

Etsy
Monochromatic bottles make such  a statement.



Martha Stewart
Lemon Meringue Cupcakes...what a great summer treat!



TaterTotsandJello
What a fantastic photo wall.




Iowa Girl Eats
Corn dog muffins would be awesome at a tailgate.


Monday, August 13, 2012

Figenza Fig Vodka

I know I've been talking a lot lately about flavored vodkas but c'mon there are so many to try.  So here is a new one to add to your list of must try's.  Figenza Fig Vodka it is light refreshing and deliciously fruity.  Check out the website for a ton of recipes and I especially recommend the Lychee Figitini.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Corn on the Cob

Normally corn on the cob is reserved for outdoor picnics and bbq's.  This is done mainly because it is hard to eat corn on the cob gracefully and let's face it you almost always come away with a face full of butter.  However, Sweet Paul has come up with a way that you could incorporate corn on the cob into even your fanciest dinner parties.  This presentation is beautiful and depending on the event you could either spear a small ear and delicately nibble or cut of the kernels of goodness with your knife while holding out your pinky.  Either way...I'm pretty excited to bring corn out of the back yard.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Spotted: Redken All Soft

I don't usually do this but every once in awhile I run across a product that needs to be shared.  Redken all soft heavy cream super treatment is one of those.  A couple months ago I received a call to put together a baby shower for one of the Redken V.P.'s.  It ended up being a great experience, mainly because they were such a pleasure to work with and let's face it baby showers are one of my favorite events to plan.  The event was a success and imagine my surprise when a fabulous gift of Redken products arrived at my doorstep a couple days later. 

I won't lie...I've never used Redken before as I am an Aveda girl.  However, one of the first products I grabbed was the all soft.  Now I can tell you I won't ever buy anything else...it was a life changer.  The product is just the right consistency to give your hair a little stucture and lift and it still feels super soft to the touch.  My dry hair is doing a happy dance and my styling has gotten so much easier all because of one product.  I'm not kidding this stuff is worth it's weight in gold and all you have to do is put a little dab on towel dried hair. Redken Rocks!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Olympic Interiors

The Olympics has everyone inspired.  I think we should take some of that inspiration and carry it into our every day decor.  I was loving these little sporty touches that CasaSugar put together.




















Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Link Love

Simply Recipes
Strawberry Shortcake Sliders!


Garnet Hill
What a great doorway.


Smitten Kitchen
Blackberry Gin Fizz...mmmm.


Not on the High Street
Awesome inexpensive way to add a little art to your home.











Monday, August 6, 2012

August is Sandwich Month

August is the summer month where most people kick into gear.  It's when you realize the the summer is flying by and you still have a list of fun things you want to get accomplished.  So therefore it ends up being a great month packed full of celebrations and activities.  On top of all that it is also National Sandwich Month...woot. woot.  Now I am a big fan of sandwiches but one sandwich which gets overlooked is ice cream sandwiches.  So while you are having all that fun, I say, eat as many ice cream sandwiches as you can handle!

Delish






Friday, August 3, 2012

DIY: Pomander

If you have an event coming up and you want to make an impression but don't have alot of cash to spend on tablescapes then this DIY is for you.  Check out these lovely pomanders that are cut out of cardstock and pinned into a styrofoam ball.  It's affordable and easy to customize to any color or theme.  Check out the tutorial at Pizzazzarie.