Lusting After {Bicycles}

Happy Friday! I’m so glad today is finally here. I’m off tomorrow for a couple much needed days at the beach full of sunshine and relaxation. It's been a long week and I can't wait to park my car and travel everywhere by bike. No matter where I need to go, whenever I'm home, my bike seems to get me there. It's a symbol of the freedom, relaxation, and fun I feel being near the ocean, and I think it's the perfect laid back accent for any event. Use the bike as a welcome sign showing guests to the party or a statement piece by filling the basket with flowers. Better yet, pop the kickstand and construct and secure a table top to use the bike as a unique bar. Whichever way you accent it, it's a detail sure to surprise and impress guests!  

*Top Image: Southern Weddings

*Bottom Image: Marigold Vintage Event Rentals

Indulge In {Rosemary Garlic Fries}

Like everyone else, I indulged in a few too many orders of french fries as a kid. They were always at the top of my daily consumption list. The older I got, the more I realized how unhealthy my consumption was becoming. But, my love of deep fried potatoes never really went anywhere. To this day I still cook potatoes at least once a week for dinner. This past weekend, I was in the middle of a potato crave and decided to experiment with my old favorite, the french fry. Except this time, I decided to kick it up a bit. With flavors of rosemary, garlic, and a bit of sea salt, these oven fries are the perfect adult (and healthier) version of a childhood favorite. No need for ketchup. The subtle but robust flavor accompanied my the perfect crunch is all you need to compliment any meal, big or small. Sometimes, I just eat them as a meal on their own. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::

3 T Olive Oil

3 T Fresh Rosemary, chopped

4 Cloves Garlic, minced

2 Lb. Idaho Potatoes

Sea Salt to Taste

:: Directions ::

1. Mix together olive oil, rosemary, and garlic in a bowl and let sit 1 hour. 

2. Preheat oven to 375.

3. Chop potatoes and place in a single layer on a sheet pan. 

4. Pour olive oil mixture over potatoes and coat completely. Sprinkle with sea salt and bake for 35-45 minutes.

Enjoy with burgers, chicken, steak and more. Whether it be the party of the year or a Tuesday night dinner, I think you will really enjoy this indulgence!

It's All In The Bag

Happy Wednesday dolls! I am prepping this week for a much needed trip home to the beach. I'm constantly finding my thoughts drifting off during the day to sand, surf, lots of sun, and fruity cocktails. As I dragged my beach gear out from storage this past weekend, I realized one thing was missing...a straw tote. It's the perfect summer accessory and big enough to hold all my beach essentials. Plus, it has such an amazing summer chic factor that can carry the bag into night.  So, realizing my wardrobe gap, I jotted off the store and found the perfect straw tote. The only thing is that it was missing that personal factor that I am always after. So, I grabbed a brush, a bottle of outdoor acrylic paint in my favorite shade of blue, and some stencils and got to work. Opting for an anchor to portray the nautical feel I was after, I printed off an image from the internet, cut it out, and taped it in the desired location.

After realizing that pencil does not work well on straw, I grabbed my brush and hoped for the best. I had to outline in paint which left no room for mistakes. And, trust me, my shaky left hand was nervous about making a mistake and ruining what could possibly be my new favorite bag. After the anchor was complete, all that was left were the "S" and "E" for my initials. That part was easy compared the anchor. After all the painting was done, I let it dry for a few hour and it was good to go. 

Not only is this bag great for long summer days, I love the idea of customizing them as welcome bags for guests at destination beach weddings. Fill with sunscreen, bottles of water, a beach towel, and maps of all the local hot spots to create the ultimate experience! 

The Pink Drink

Because there's not really a better name for it. I love my family more than anything. They are probably one of the funniest, most random groups of people you will ever meet. Living three hours away can be difficult, but they always try to include me when they can through pictures, texts, and phone calls. One Saturday night I was enjoying a relaxing evening at home with R when I get my scheduled weekend update. This one came from my aunt. It was a simple text stating that my Dad's "Pink Drink" was great. In my 23 years of existence, never has he made a "Pink Drink". Confused by this so called "great" drink I had never heard of, I was dying to know what was in it. A combination of prosecco, limoncello, and raspberry, my aunt was convinced that it was absolutely fabulous. Ever since I got that text a couple months ago, I've been dying to recreate it for myself. Of course I couldn't pass up this "great" drink recipe, and this weekend I headed off to the store to pick up the necessary ingredients. Skipping the outrageously priced raspberries, I opted instead for strawberries. With bottles, and fruit, in hand, I headed home and here's what I created...

:: Ingredients ::

6 Strawberries, pureed, plus more for garnish

Prosecco

Limoncell

:: Directions ::

1. Puree the strawberries

2. Mix one part strawberry puree, one part Limoncello, and two parts Prosecco

3. Garnish with a strawberry and Enjoy!

After a little afternoon indulgence, I realized my aunt was right. The "Pink Drink" truly is great! 

Color Me {Sunshine Sky}

One of my favorite things about living in Florida is the abundant sunshine and the gorgeous color of blue it turns the sky. With all the sunny days we've been having recently, I'm feeling inspired by the colors right outside my window. These vibrant shades inspire happiness and scream of long, fun days spent enjoying good friends and beautiful weather. Lounging by a pool, sipping on a cocktail, and snacking on succulent treats is the perfect accompaniment to this relaxing color combo. Play it up by pouring Blue Curacaos and indulging in fresh mango. Send guests home with custom beach bags, yellow chevron towels, turquoise shades and of course a bottle of sunscreen. It will be the pool party of a lifetime! 

Lusting After {Chalk Art}

Recently I've been seeing these beautifully designed chalk boards everywhere, most of them done by this amazing lady named Dana Tanamachi. Her flawless graphics with the usually messy medium have left me lusting after her amazing works and wishing I could do the same. Because trust me, if I could, I'm pretty sure my whole house would be covered in chalk board graphics. Think about it how amazing it would be if at the next get together you through has a beautifully designed chalk board welcoming guests or featuring the menu or drink specials. And because it is erasable, the possibilities are endless. With the right skill, it could be used for wedding announcements, invitations, birth announcements, or to mark any special occasion with a photo and a chalk description. I'm loving the idea. Now if I only had the talent of Dana! Maybe I'll learn...

Indulge In {Mango Coconut Cake}

One of my favorite foods has always been, and will always be, cake. It's one of the many reasons I love birthdays so much. Once, freshman year of college, I ate four whole cakes by myself. It's not something I'm proud of, but I'm willing to admit it as an example of my true love for cake. Anyways. Now that spring is upon us, I've been eating a lot lighter. I'm sure your thinking that cake doesn't exactly fit the bill for eating lighter, but this cake is moist, fluffy, and the perfect balance of sweetness. With coconut and mango flavors exploding in your mouth on every bite, it's like a tropical vacation in a cake. By only icing between the layers and the top, you loose the heaviness of all the icing. Top with fruit for a refreshing sweetness even the non cake lovers (Trust me. They do exist.) will fall for! Here's the recipe...

:: Cake Ingredients ::
1 box Vanilla Cake Mix (Yes, I cheated this time and used the box. I'm busy and it was good so I have no regrets.)
Ingredients as required by box

:: Cake Directions ::
Mix all ingredients together and split batter between (2) 8" Round baking dishes.
Bake according to box directions.

:: Icing Ingredients ::
1 can Coconut Milk
1 cups Confectioner's Sugar

:: Icing Directions ::
{1} Place coconut milk in refrigerator to get cold. If you can leave it over night, that would be best. Otherwise, 3-4 hours will do.
{2} Remove from fridge, open and drain off oil.
{3} With cold beaters, begin whipping coconut milk slowly adding confectioner's sugar until stiff peaks are formed.

:: Assembly Directions ::
{1} Once cakes have cooled, remove from pans and place on a cake stand.
{2} Ice the top of cake 1 and layer mango slices
{3} Place the second cake on top of the mango slices and ice the top. Layer with additional mangos and serve!

Enjoy!

Center of Attention {Dinner Party}

I talk a lot about amazing centerpieces and decor for large scale parties, but I spend relatively little time focusing on the daily celebrations. Even our slogan states that Life's a Party, and I haven't been emphasizing that lately. So, today, I am taking the opportunity to enjoy the true center of attention love of my life, the Saturday night dinner party. There is nothing I love more than gathering around a table with good wine, good friends, and good food. With such an event, simplicity is key. A simple arrangement of beautiful buds is really all you need. That and a loaf of warm bread accompanied by a bowl of fragrant olive oil and flavorful herbs. I like when the food takes the attention. If it's really that good, then you don't need other things to distract from it. Place loves every couple of seats with beautifully (or custom) designed bottles of olive oil and dinner guest will feel welcome and ready to enjoy the perfect low key Saturday evening!

The Secret Garden

Happy First Day of Spring! The spirit of the season is already filling the air here with warm temperatures and pollen everywhere. But none of that matters because finally the flowers will begin to bloom and no longer will I be forced to stare at bare, lifeless trees (The one outside my front door is especially ugly during winter months.). With such beauty now returning outside my window, it is taking everything in me not to spend every minute soaking up the sun and I'm sure all of you feel the same. So in honor of our urge to spend more time enjoying the outdoors, let's throw a garden party with no hot tea or cucumber sandwiches required! While pastels and fresh cut blooms are a must, impress your guests with a table set under the trees. Serve up champagne and macaroons, fruity salads and fresh roasted vegetables. Keep everything light and airy, just like the season, to create the ultimate impact. Encourage floral frocks, sandals, and a good time at a wonderful garden soiree to open the party season!

Color Me {Pink Flamingo}

Does anybody else remember those cheesy pink flamingo yard ornaments? I haven't seen them anywhere in years, but my grandmother used to have at least three or four in her yard at a time, and I loved them! Well, the other day I was in a store and spotted a pair in garnet and gold (for FSU of course). It instantly reminded me of their original pink counterparts that my grandmother loved so dearly. Ever since, I've been searching for a pair for memories sake, and can't seem to find them any where. While that is neither here nor there, it left me wishing to throw a summer bash with those cheesy pink flamingos as my inspiration. Their bright pink shade and vintage feel would make for some sure fire welcome to summer fun! Imagine 1950's style wicker furniture topped with bright pink cushions surrounding a glass top table topped with a boldly printed pink tablecloth. With orange centerpieces, guests will feel the flamingo vibe everywhere they look. Intermittently place pink flamingos all over the backyard and allow each guest to take one home as they leave. Encourage everyone to dawn their vintage swimwear and this will be a welcome to summer throw back none are soon to forget! 

Lusting After {Palm Fronds}

If you are blessed enough to live in, or be from, the Sunshine State, you can relate to my obsession with palm frond accents. Whether as decor for your home or soiree, their vibrant green hue brings a sense of the tropical outdoors in. Right now I'm lusting after the idea of removing the stem and using the frond as a placemat or charger. This inexpensive, chic table accent is just what my summer loving heart is craving. Another great option is to use them as a bold accent in an oversized vase. I know I've got one turquoise vintage rum carboy that is in need of the bright whisping leaves of a palm. If planning a tropical bash this summer, try using them as an oversized centerpiece on a few tables. It's bold, eye catching and something your guests are sure not to forget. 

I could talk all day about the possibilities for these luscious beauties, but I believe I will just leave the rest up to your creative imagination. No matter indoors or out, palm fronds add the right amount of natural beauty, bright color, and island vibe! 

Indulge In {Irish Cream}

We are slowing getting closer to one of my favorite holidays of the year. With St. Patrick's Day a short two days away, it's time to start thinking about your menu. While serving up corned beef and cabbage is a must and a little expected, guests will be wowed when you pour them a glass of your homemade Irish Cream. The best part about this delectable after dinner drink is how incredibly simple it is to make. Combine the ingredients and you are good to go. Of course I made mine with vanilla soy milk, but you can use real milk. If you do, however, be sure to add additional sugar for needed sweetness. Here's the recipe for pouring up all the yummy deliciousness...

:: Ingredients ::

1 C Vanilla Soy Milk

1 C Coconut Milk

1 C Irish Whisky (I used Jameson)

1 C Boiling Water

1/4 C Sugar

2 1/2 Tsp. Chocolate Syrup

2 1/2 Tsp. Instant Hazelnut Cappuccino 

:: Directions ::

1. Boil Water

2. Mix in sugar and cappuccino and stir until dissolved

3. Combine with all other ingredients in serving pitcher and chill in refrigerator until cold

4. Serve over ice with a drizzle of chocolate syrup

Kiss Me...I'm Irish

No really, I am! But, no worries, you don't have to kiss me. But, you do have to help me celebrate in mean green style. One of our family traditions on St. Patrick's Day is to enjoy a meal of corned beef and cabbage and to make up our own Irish prayer. They all get written in a book of Irish prayers we picked up on our family trip to Ireland. It's so much fun to read back through them and see what we have written through the years. While I won't be with my family this year, I still plan on celebrating in style. Decked in green jeans, I'll sport a shamrock on my sweater and indulge in Irish treats. While I'm not a fan of Guinness, I will take a glass of Irish whisky. Not a fan of traditional Irish fare? Not a problem. Put a few drops of green food coloring into drinks and food and make all the other indulgences green with envy. 

What do you have planned for St. Patrick's Day?

Destination Dream {Ireland}

Hi there! I bet you're wondering what this is all about. I've decided to add another post to the mix all about throwing a dream destination bash. Featuring places from across the globe, Destination Dream will give you tips on planning the perfect destination soiree and teach how to incorporate the culture into your big day and give guest an experience they will truly remember! 

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we are focusing on Ireland today. This rustic celtic country is perfect if you value tradition, natural beauty, and a good time! Start the experience off by greeting guests with a welcome bag filled with maps of the area, local delicacies , and of course a Guinness and some Irish whisky. Continue the experience by planning lots of fun for guests such as castle tours and traditional dinners filled celtic dancing.  

Next step is the rehearsal dinner. Have some fun and host it in a local pub. Talk about an Irish good time! Host the ceremony amongst the lush green landscape and finish the festivities with a castle reception filled with traditional grub!

Color Me: Raspberry

Happy Monday! How is everyone doing with the time change? I must admit I'm still a little tired. That's okay though because in my book it's officially spring! One of my favorite flavors and colors for spring is raspberry. The light, refreshing taste and vibrant hue are a wonderful welcome from the dull heaviness of winter. Pair the shade with light sky blue to allow it's vibrancy to really pop. Imagine rich raspberry florals atop a printed sky blue linen. Can you imagine the gorgeousness? Intensify the color by treating guests with raspberry flavored treats. Raspberry macaroon with a lemon filling is a light and refreshing dessert perfect for the season. Serve up champagne topped with a little fresh raspberry puree and a raspberry garnish and your guests will be screaming of spring as much as you and your soiree!

Lusting After {Vintage Keys}

I was in an antique shop a couple of years ago and stumbled upon a big bucket full of hundreds of vintage keys. They were all sitting there like someone had just thrown them all away and I kept thinking there had to be something they could be used for. I bought a couple and made them into necklaces, but always wondered what other ways they could be repurposed. Recently it dawned on me that they would be a lovely vintage touch at a wedding. What's so perfect is they are so small and subtle, you could use them in 100 places and people wouldn't think you were having a key themed soiree. Tie them on escort cards, centerpieces, menu cards, and what ever else you can think of. You could even attach one to a key loop and make a vintage inspired key chain for your guests!

Indulge In {Grapefruit Margaritas}

There are very few things I love more than margaritas. I'm constantly on the hunt for a new margarita recipe to try. Whether it be savory, sweet, salt or no salt, there isn't a margarita I haven't liked. So, when I stumbled upon this recipe for grapefruit margaritas, I knew I had to try it immediately! Unlike the traditional margarita, this one is not quite as sweet but possibly even more delicious. With it's subtle flavor, this refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer day relaxing on a beach or by the pool. Heck, it's even great for relaxing on a Friday night! Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::

1 cup fresh grapefruit juice

1/2 cup fresh lime juice (approximately 4 limes)

1/2 Triple Sec

1 cup Tequila

Ice

:: Directions ::

Mix all ingredients together, shake, serve, and enjoy!

Image courtesy of There Goes Cupcake

Escorted {Summer Lemonade}

With Daylight Savings Time right around the corner (It's this Sunday!), it means spring and summer are soon to follow. And, the warmer temperatures can only mean lots of spring flings and summer soirees. Being from the south, only one thing screams of hot summer days more than running through the sprinklers, and that's ice cold lemonade! Planning a bash on a hot, southern afternoon? Greet guests with a bottle of San Pelligrino Limonata adorned with their table assignment and a floating striped straw.  It's summer chic and refreshing. How can you go wrong? If you want to spice it up just a little, pour out a little of the lemonade and add a shot of vodka to start the party early!

Center of Attention {Colored Pencils}

Colored pencils as a centerpiece? Yes! I know it might seem a little off, but if you think about it from a different perspective, it's quite possibly perfect! Imagine this atop a sheet of craft paper covering the kids table. Filled with bright pencils and a blank canvas, kids will be entertained for hours. Want to kick this kid friendly centerpiece up a notch? Try creating a wood shape fitting to the theme of your event, whether it be a flower or an anchor. Drill holes to hold the colored pencils and call it a day! Don't want to use a wood base? Try creating the colored pencil centerpiece with mason jars, vintage tins, old crates, or whatever else you come across. 

Color Me {Fuschia}

I've finally broken off my blue kick! I know it's taken awhile but I am branching out to a color that has always scared me a little because it is so bold, fuschia. I'm in love with how this color just pops against every surface. Whether it be in a bouquet, on a house, in your food, or on your feet, it illuminates every surface. It's a perfect shade to waken up all your winter blues and bloom into spring. This bold shade is perfect paired with navy, lime, gray, or white. Whatever color you pair it with, gives it a completely different feel. The lime accent will give off a preppy feel with the white let's the color shine all on its own. The navy brings a bit of nautical to the glam shade while the gray gives it a bit of a modern feel. Too scared to use it as the primary color for your soiree? Let is pop as the accent against colors that make you feel more comfortable. Whether as an accent or the show stopper, fuschia is the perfect shade for your spring soiree!

Lusting After {Driftwood}

Hi there! We made it through another week and boy was it a long one for me. It left me dreaming of white sandy beaches and relaxing with refreshing cocktail in hand most days. Longing for the beach made me wish my house was filled with more stray pieces of driftwood that always remind me of lazy summer days. With their rustic, natural feel, driftwood takes me back to place that is so calming and refreshing. It got me thinking, why don't I use it more often? A plank running through the middle of long table adorned with candles and some lose buds would be perfect for an intimate dinner party or wedding. On of my favorite uses is to paint it in bright colors with sayings and pictures to use as a sign. In fact, in the small town of Hope Town in the Bahamas, all the street signs are made of old driftwood pieces. It's absolutely charming! But the uses for driftwood aren't just limited to fabulous soirees, it's a perfect home and store accent as well adding the perfect natural element to make guests and customers alike feel relaxed and comfortable. 

I hope you get a chance to "drift" away this weekend and enjoy! xoxo

Indulge In {Bourbon Banana Pudding}

Yes, you read that correctly, Bourbon Banana Pudding. Dreaming up wonderfully Southern things last week for the Southern Weddings Magazine burlap challenge, I couldn't get my mind off the ultimate southern treat, banana pudding. Itching to mix it up a bit, I decided to add in my other favorite southern treat, Bourbon. Hey, why not? And holy moly, talk about an indulgence. This banana pudding is creamy, sweet, and just like your momma used to make but with just the right amount of Bourbon burn as it's going down. I made mine with soy milk, but feel free to use your tried and true banana pudding recipe and add a little bourbon. I wish I could invite you all over for a nice big bowl so you didn't have to wait to enjoy it's utter deliciousness, but since that seems a slight bit impossible, here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::

3/4 C packed light brown sugar

3.5 T corn starch

1/4 t salt

3 C vanilla soy milk

4 large egg yolks

3 T unsalted butter

5 T Bourbon

3 medium bananas

Nilla Wafers

:: Directions ::

1. In a medium size sauce pan, whisk together brown sugar, corn starch and salt. On medium heat slowly whisk in your milk.

2. Whisk for 3-5 minutes until warm and slightly thick. 

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks. Once combined, add to pudding mixture on stove and combine.

4. Add in butter and Bourbon while continuing to whisk. 

5. Once thick, remove from heat, pour into a bowl and add in 2 chopped bananas. Refrigerate until cold, approximately 2 hours.

6. Once cold, layer with banana slices in individual serving glasses and garnish with Nilla Wafers.

Enjoy!