9.30.2011

A Little Friday Lovin' {Let's Hang}

I'm a huge fan of hanging things from the ceiling. I don't really care what it is, but my first thought is to always hang it from the ceiling. I know it may seem a little strange, but nothing fills a space more than if there is something hanging from the ceiling. Think about it, if everything you have is the same height on tables that look the same, the room will only have one dimension. Hence why I always want to hang things from the ceiling. Plus, it will make a blah room look more festive. Take for example tomorrow's carnival. The room, which is a very nice room, is a strange shade of blue teal with a darker shade of blue teal boarder on the door frames and floor boards. Just slightly strange. But, since clearly they won't let me paint the room with red and white stripes, I'm hanging red and white pom poms from the ceiling. How do you feel about things hanging from the ceiling?

9.29.2011

Delightful Dining {Hot Dog Bar}

Continuing with this week's dedication to carnivals (and my obsession with food served in a bar format), I bring to you a hot dog bar. Hello, what's more carnival than a hot dog. Personally, I've been craving hot dogs ever since we decided to do this! So we've rented a hot dog machine and this party is ready to rock! While we are not going as extreme as this picture with all of the toppings, I wish we could include it all! My dream hot dog would include chili, ketchup, and red peppers. But, what's best about this, is you could easily make some burger and brats too for those who don't like hot dogs. And if you include chili on your bar, people could just have just chili if they feel so inclined! 
What would your dream hot dog have on it? No limits! 

9.28.2011

Get Creative {Guest Books}

Let's be honest, I hate guest books. I've always thought they were kind of cheesy. Having your guests sign their names in a kind of unattractive book that is going to go into a box that will never get looked at again is a little overdone. But, it is nice to have a way to remember all of the people who attended your special day. Thus, I have found a couple of non-cheesy options for a guest book. I love this option of a giant tree with leaves that guests can sign. It can be made in your wedding colors and after, you can frame it and hang it on the wall. Plus, I like the two little love birds in the corner! And, I think it looks a little better then one of those frames where people can sign the matting. 
I also love this idea of having guests put on props and take pictures. The pictures from the photobooth will develop immediately and they can stick in a book and sign a cute little message underneath. They still get to sign their names but it is so much more fun to look at! 
Here's what I did for the 90th birthday this weekend. I got a bunch of old pictures from my client, and put them in a Shutterfly book. I left plenty of empty pages for people to sign, but this way, guests can enjoy it by looking at pictures of the girl of the hour, or the happy couple if you do this for a wedding, and it creates a scrapbook for you. Because, it's always more fun to look at pictures than it is to read a bunch of ineligible signatures! 




9.27.2011

Fun and Games {Ring Toss}

What's a carnival without ring toss? It's one of my favorite carnival games from when I was little. And, by the way, there is a huge gap in the market for purchasing/renting ring toss games. Hence why I decided to make my own! After many, many beers (over the course of a couple months...), 4 cans of spray paint, and countless hours of label peeling later, it is finished. I made two sets of this game so that more than one person could play at a time. So here's what you need to make it....
{50} label-less beer bottles -> note. It's better to use bottles with paper labels rather than ones that have sticker labels. The sticker labels leave a residue that DOES NOT come off. Trust me...
{4} cans of spray paint -> I used "Caramel Latte" to add a splash of something different. I was starting to get a little over the top on all of the navy, red, and yellow details. However, feel free to use whatever color you like. 
{1} pack of shower rings. 

So the best method for getting the labels off the bottles I discovered, is to fill a bucket with hot water and submerge the bottles in the water. The longer it can soak the easier it is to peel off the label. Once it's peeled off, you will still need to scrub it with a wash cloth to get the remaining residue off. Once the bottles are clean, dry them off and begin to spray paint. Once all the bottles are spray painted, let them dry. I left mine outside for a couple of hours. Maybe 3 or 4. After they are dry, you are good to go! 

Have fun! 

9.26.2011

This Week I Feel...Like Clowning Around

Who doesn't love a good carnival? For months now, I've been planning a huge carnival themed party for a client's 90th birthday. And this week, I'm going to tempt you with little carnival treats, starting with some carnival inspiration. Stripes, games, popcorn and tons of candy is just about all you need. Maybe. With this carnival, I wanted everything to quirky, fun, and a kind of over the top. While we are lacking a kissing booth, we do have a fortune teller, clown, and a balloon man! All the details are dripping in red, yellow, navy, and white. I'm getting excited for all the fun on Saturday and I can't wait to share more details with you throughout the week! Wait till you see what fun I have in store for you tomorrow....

9.23.2011

Happy 100th!

Woo! Today marks my 100th post! Nothing has made me happier these last couple months than blogging for y'all. Naturally, with any big milestone, I would plan on celebrating with a party. But given my lack of free time, it's simply out of the question right now. So instead, I'm celebrating with a post inspired by what this amazing party would be if I had the time to throw it. I'm imagining all things that sparkle and shine. Sparklers, shiny pom poms, glittery cupcakes, and bottles of champagne adorned with rock candy. Of course, there would be touches of corks everywhere seeing as it is an Uncorked party! 

Thank you all for reading over the past few months and I can't wait to see what the future brings! xo

9.22.2011

Delightful Dining {Vanilla Bean Coconut Peanut Butter}

It's true. I just said Vanilla Bean Coconut Peanut Butter. I mean, how can you go wrong. A) I love vanilla bean. A lot. B) I love coconut even more than I love vanilla bean. And C) I live off peanut butter. Seriously, I have to have my own jar in the pantry and if someone else touches it, I freak. So, imagine the scream I let out when I stumbled upon this on Pinterest (my other obsession). I'm imagining this on a crostini and topped with chocolate shavings. Or even better, a vanilla bean coconut peanut butter and nutella sandwich. Okay, I have to stop because I'm starting to droll on my computer and I really can't afford to soak my keyboard again and have to have it replaced...again. I can't wait to try this recipe from Tasty Kitchen! Here it is...
   Ingredients
  • 1-½ cup Roasted, Salted Peanuts
  • ¼ cups Coconut Butter
  • 2 teaspoons Cane Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
  • Preparation Instructions
  • Place peanuts into the bowl of a food processor. Process until peanuts break down into a paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary, about 3-5 minutes.
  • With the motor running, stream the coconut butter in through the feed tube and continue processing until well-combined and smooth.
    Add in the sugar and vanilla bean paste and process until incorporated. That’s it!
    I store my nut butters at room temperature. Some oil separation may occur with this peanut butter; just give it a good stir before eating.
    *If you don’t have a food processor, simply stir 1 cup lightly salted unsweetened creamy peanut butter (instead of the peanuts) together with the other ingredients until smooth and well-combined.

    Let me know if you try it! I can't wait to hear what you think about it! 


9.21.2011

All Wrapped Up

Hi, my name is Sarah and I love Divine Twine. I kind of think it's amazing. It's such a fun way to tie things up, packages, bags, envelops, gift tags, etc. I think you can use it for anything! If I actually had time to bake like I want to, I would totally tie up loaves of bread in parchment paper and divine twine.

 Plus it comes in so many colors that you could always match it to your wrapping. I just bought 50 yards or so in red to use for a carnival party and I'm kind of hoping I don't need it all so I can keep it to myself.
Plus they have in multi colors for holidays. Like this orange and black twine for Halloween! I'm totally wrapping this around the candy I'm handing out just for added flair because I can!

9.20.2011

Swanky Soiree {Bad Girl}

Well as if you hadn't already guessed it, the second half to the title of yesterday's post is Bad Girl. So, I'm taking today's Bad Girl theme totally rocker. Deep red and black with splashes of lace and studs. What could be better right? While pretty white lace flocked yesterday's post, I feel nothing is more rocker than black lace. Check out the top to that dress. Gorgeous! Imagine worn with those studded Christian Louboutins. I would die! What I think makes a wedding totally rock n' roll is taking traditional details and giving them a tough twist. Take that crochet chandelier for example. By making it out of black yarn, it takes on a completely different feel. I'm kind of obsessing over this rock n' roll theme! It really makes me want to rock on! Cheesy pun I know....


9.19.2011

Swanky Soirée {Good Girl}

In case you haven't read your September issues yet, a huge trend/feature title, is Good Girl vs.... (the ellipsis, yes I know I'm cool because I actually know the name of it, is there because the second half of that trend is coming tomorrow). And what is more good girl than an all white wedding. Plus it's absolutely stunning. Hello, are you looking at the white tent with the strings of lights in the bottom corner. Talk about gorgeous! And that wall of white flowers is beyond! The key to an all white wedding though, lots of texture. Mix in lace, ruffles, chiffon, and silks to keep the monochromatic pallet interesting. Otherwise it might just look plain. And a plain party is simply just not as fun! 

9.16.2011

All Dolled Up {Fashion Week}



Jenny Packham
As if you didn't already know, this week completes the Spring 2012 presentations at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  Fashion Week to me is almost as exciting as Christmas or my birthday...almost. It's just so excited seeing what designers have created. As I flip through images, I'm already mentally making my spring style shopping list. It's become quite a problem actually because I haven't even begun to buy for fall and I'm already thinking about what I want for next spring. Anyways, watching the shows is about a little more than making my shopping list. These trends also influence parties. Think about it. Last year on the runway we were seeing lots of flowy tops in small floral prints, denim shirts, cowboy boots, etc. Everything that is very reminiscent of a good girl, down home look. And this year, the huge trend in events was mason jars, small buds, and nothing too over the top. It was all very southern. Which was good for me since I am southern and consider myself an aficionado of all things southern.  So, anyways, before this gets too long, here are some of my favorite images from fashion week showing the trends that I'm sure will be popping up in all sorts of events next year!
Carolina Herrara
Cynthia Rowley 
Vera Wang
J.Crew
Diane von Furstenberg 

9.15.2011

Delightful Dining {Bacon Pancakes}

Uh huh. That's right. Bacon IN your pancake. I mean holy deliciousness. It seems like such a crazy thought. But think about it. If you are anything like me, you dip your bacon in syrup. And naturally, you dip your pancakes in syrup. So why wouldn't you put the bacon in the pancake and dip them both in syrup? Together. Okay, so if you aren't already convinced, allow me to persuade you. 

Pancake: nice texture, subtle sweetness, soft, melt in your mouth
Bacon: crunchy, salty, delicious
Syrup: sweet, goes good with pancakes and bacon

My suggestion to you, try this asap. R and his brother were so skeptical and I'm pretty sure thought I was crazy...Until they ate it.  Okay so here's how it works....

{1} Fry the bacon
{2} Mix the pancake mix (I use Bisquik because well I use Bisquik for everything.)
{3} Place the bacon on the griddle, pour the pancake mix over it, and cook till done. 
{4} Smother in syrup and enjoy!



9.14.2011

So Sweet {Cake Bar}

Okay so let's talk cake for a minute. I'm kind of obsessed with cake. And by kind of, I mean totally and utterly in love with cake. Once, freshman year, I ate half a cake by myself. On my roommates birthday. This actually happened twice. I ate another half a cake on my other roommates birthday. Thankfully my third roommate's birthday was over Christmas break. Otherwise, I may have gained the freshman 50. So anyways, given my obsession with cake and my obsession with bars, I have a new obsession with cake bars. It's kind of like a fat kids dream. Imagine a bar with different flavors of cake, different flavors and types of icings, fillings, toppings, infusions, etc. The list of the cake bar accouterments could possibly go on forever. Therefore, I will leave you with three words to remember. Cake. Bar. Deliciousness. 

You can thank me later... 

9.13.2011

Time to Get Creative {Guest Libs}

Weddings are typically all about tradition, the vows, the first dance, the cutting of the cake, the bouquet toss, etc. But, if you follow all of those traditions without the addition of anything new and fun, it almost becomes cookie cutter, just like every other wedding that your guests have been to. Except with different decorations. Well, it's time to bring something unique to your big day! And I'm not talking about doing the garter toss before the bouquet toss. No. I'm talking about adding mad libs for your guests. Hence for known as guest libs. Skip the guest book. You know you will never read it anyways. Instead, have guests play mad libs about you. Just think, it will be so much funnier to read that in 20 years than it will be to read a list of names! To make it even funnier, have someone read it to them so they can't see the paragraph and are inserting words that don't even really make sense! 

What unique element would you add to your wedding or party?


9.12.2011

This Party Inspired By {Love}

It's what every party should be inspired by right? Especially such a party like a wedding. While, admittedly I've never been fond of "lovey" details such as hearts or abundantly using the word love, they are starting to grow on me. I'm obsession over how fabulous and simple that cake is. The pop of love just catches my eye.  My other obsession, those steps. I mean how cute would it be to see the bride and groom walking up with that saying behind them? Let's be frank. I'm kind of obsession over each of these images from the scrabble letters to having guests write love notes. Who knows, maybe I'll become a love convert after all. Maybe. How would you incorporate love into your big day? 


9.09.2011

Let's Get Crafty {Wine Bottle Tiki Torches}

Why yes, I did just say wine bottle tiki torches. I mean, hello, talk about the most amazing way to keep annoying bugs away. Plus, they are so easy to make and you don't have to worry about having a place to stick the base of the torch in the ground. Oh and let's not forget to mention that it's cheap. Cheaper than buying a brand new tiki torch. Yes, the wine it probably a little expensive, but if you are like me, you have the wine already and a recycling bin full of empty wine bottles. Okay, so here is what you are going to need...

{1} An empty wine bottle
{2} Tiki brand replacement wicks
{3} Tiki brand torch oil
{4} 1/2" x 3/8" copper coupling 
{5} 1/2" teflon tape

And here is what you are going to need to do...

{1} Take your wine bottle and peel the label off. I have determined that the best way to do this is under hot water in your sink.
{2} Take your copper coupling (1/2" side up) and slide it over the wick leaving approximately 1/2" of wick at the top.
{3} Use the teflon tape to tape the wick in place on the 3/8" side. It should be thick enough so that it will fit securely in the bottle.
{4} Fill the bottle with oil until it reaches the curve in the bottle.
{5} Put the secured wick in the bottle, grab a lighter, and enjoy a bug free evening!

9.08.2011

Delightful Dining {Sweet Cinnamon Biscuits}

Hopefully, your mouth has already started watering. But, if it hasn't already, forewarning, it's about to. First, let me tell you what this actually is. This delectable treat you are feasting your eyes on is a sweet cinnamon biscuit topped with warm cinnamon apples. And holy moly if it is not the best damn biscuit you have ever had, then you have had some damn good biscuits. Well last week, Paula Deen informed me that September is national biscuit month and clearly that meant that a batch of biscuits were in my future (and yours!).  But, these ain't your momma's biscuits. Let me tell you what we have going on here...

For the biscuits...
{1} 2 1/4 C Bisquik mix
{2} 2/3 C plus a dash of milk (I used Vanilla Soy instead of regular)
{3} 1/2 C cinnamon sugar (I mixed my own. I would say the ratio is about 2:1 sugar to cinnamon.)
{Instructions} Preheat the oven to 450. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on a cookie sheet. You now have two options. You can either roll it out and cut with a cookie cutter, or you can do what I did. Make drop biscuits. Take a spoon and just dollop it on to the cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. 

For the apples...
{1} 4 Granny Smith apples
{2} 1 C cinnamon sugar
{3} 1/3 C water
{Instructions} Peel, core, and cut your apples into bite sized pieces. Combine apples, cinnamon sugar, and water in a medium sized sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover, reduce to a simmer and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until apples are soft and sauce is thick. 

For assembly and enjoyment...
{1} Cut your biscuit in half
{2} Ladle cinnamon apple over the biscuit 
{3} Eat and enjoy!

9.07.2011

All Wrapped Up

So, I've decided I'm a little over traditional wrapping paper with a bow on top. I mean the wrapping is kind of like a preview to what's in the box. My new theory on wrapping is that you should be dying to rip that package open because the outside is just so pretty that what's on the inside has to be even better!  And I'm loving this idea of using a swatch of decorative fabric, a cloth napkin, or maybe even a table cloth if it's a big box and tying it in a knot at the top. And the best part about it, no scissors or tape! You know that is the worst part too. All I have to say is that this is adorable!

9.06.2011

Swanky Soiree {Emerald}

As I'm sure you all are aware, Fashion's Night Out and Fall Fashion Week are right around the corner. And as I promised last week on Twitter, I have a new, exciting post theme for you. Once a week, I will be giving you some inspiration based on one of Fall's hottest trends. This week, the winner is emerald. Ever since Mila Kunis wore that amazing emerald gown to the Golden Globes last year, I've been obsessed with the color. And, I'm so excited that it is a must have color for Fall. 

For a party, I'm imagining patterned, emerald linens, topped with amazing shiny gold dishes. I'm seeing luscious centerpieces of either peonies or anemones. Bring in a little more emerald with a complementing patterned napkin also in emerald and maybe even an emerald colored signature cocktail. Seeing as there are no emerald liquors or mixers, grab your food coloring because I can't imagine something chicer than sipping on an emerald cocktail with maybe a nice big emerald on your finger...

9.05.2011

Rainy Day Blues...

Happy Labor Day! I realize that Labor Day is the last hoo-rah of the summer and you should really be spending your day outdoors with friends and family. But, if your weather forecast is anything like mine, you will be spending the day inside shielding yourself from the rain. So, in honor of the rainy holiday and ruined outdoor plans, I'm going to plan for you the perfect rainy day.  May I suggest the following...
First, I would get a little nostalgic and build an indoor tent. Do you remember doing this when you were little, especially when it rained? I had the greatest forts built out of sofa cushions, blankets and pillows. I loved it. I always felt so cozy and safe from the storm. 

The obvious next rainy day item is to make a slue of snacks. Skip the PB&Js and kick it up a notch with amazing Italian antipasti spread like this one. I'm imaging ripe tomatoes, prosciutto, fresh baked bread being dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, cheeses and fruit. Hey kids, this is not your average rainy day. It's okay to get a little fancy! Maybe even pour yourself a nice glass of wine. It is a holiday and all. Day drinking is totally allowed.
After a hefty snacking sesh, the next item on the perfect rainy day list is to catch up on some reading. Grab that September issue you have yet to flip through or maybe that book you bought a couple months ago and have yet to read (the new Chelsea Handler book has been on nightstand for weeks now!). Better yet, take a nap. You know you really want to. Plus, there is nothing better to do after chowing down than take a nap. Honestly, it's the best!
After that rainy day nap, may I suggest you finish off the day with a movie marathon. R is spending the day at the office catching up on some studying, and I plan on watching all of my favorite old movies he refuses to watch with me (movies like Breakfast at Tiffany's) until he gets home. I may even go crazy over the top and watch them from bed. 

Happy Labor Day! What do y'all have planned? Well, whatever it is, I hope it's fun and you stay safe! xo

9.02.2011

A Little Friday Lovin' {Florida State}

Keep calm. Football season is near. It's true. It's tomorrow! And I can hardly contain my excitement. With a top 10 ranking, I'm really feeling like this is our year! Then again, I think I say that every year. Anyways, I know this week's Friday Lovin' is a little different than usual, but it's right on track with what I'm loving right now. As the season kicks off tomorrow, I will be right there cheering on my Noles decked in garnet and gold! What are you lovin' this Friday?

Have a safe and fun holiday weekend! xo

9.01.2011

Dining Uncorked {Tailgate Grill Out}

So, I told you yesterday that I would provide you with the ultimate tailgating menu today. And well here it is! With Saturday's games quickly approaching, it's time to get your grilling game face on. While some people prefer to prep ahead and have bite sized little snacks, I prefer a grilled meal cook in a parking lot behind your car. While yes, there is some prep at home, to get the full tailgating experience, I think it should be actually cooked there. Here's what I make:

Sliders:
Easy. And plus, who doesn't love this tiny, cuter version of a burger? I tend to like sliders better because it's easier to control your portion. I'm one of those people that if you put a whole burger in front of me, I'll eat the whole thing right there and feel terrible the rest of the day because I ate way to much. Sliders are perfect for this problem. Here's what you need for the perfect slider...

{1} Ground Round or Sirloin (I like these because they have a lower fat percentage than ground chuck)
{2} Worcestershire Sauce
{3} Salt and Pepper
{4} Dinner Rolls (I get the ones from the bakery at Publix because I like how fresh and homemade they are.)

Seriously that's it for the perfect slider. And they are so moist and delicious. But here is the trick. Take your meat and form little patties. Remember that they will get a little smaller in diameter when you cook them, so make them a little bigger than you would think for a slider. Now put those patties in the fridge in a tupperware and grab it right before you leave. Don't season it; don't do anything to it. Seriously. Then, right before you put them on the grill (and I mean right before), season one side with salt, pepper, and splash some Worcestershire on it. Put the seasoned side on the grill and then season the other the exact same way. Wait for them to be cooked, top the way you please, and enjoy. Then the next day, tell me that these were not the most moist, juicy burgers you have ever had! Some great things to add to these burger: grilled onion, bacon, cheese, grilled peppers, lettuce, bbq sauce. That list could go on forever! What do you put on your burger?

Grilled Potatoes:
Yes, that's right. I said grilled potatoes. They are delicious. And crispy. And just like french fries but on the grill and round. You could do wedges if you like though. I like doing potatoes better than chips at a tailgate because potatoes are more filling and since there is drinking involved I feel that it's important to be full. Okay so here is what you need first.

{1} Baking Potatoes
{2} Garlic Powder
{3} Onion Powder
{4} Salt 
{5} Crushed Red Pepper
{6} Olive oil

The first thing you are going to do is obviously clean your potatoes. Slice them into rounds and boil them on the stove. You want to cook them till they are just a little soft but don't crumble to the touch. Drain and let cool. Once cool, put them in a tupperware and grab right before you walk out the door. Once at your tailgate, toss in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and red pepper. Grill each side till grill marks appear and they are nice and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside! 

Some other great grilled items that I think are easy and delicious for a tailgate....
{1} Grilled vegetables (because they are good for you)
{2} Grilled peaches (trust me on this one)
{3} Hummus and grilled pita chips (take a regular pita, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and grill)

What are some of your grilling favorites?