CINCO DE MAYO

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What a week! I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't happy about it coming to a close. I took on a few too many things this week work wise and my health and sanity are paying for it. Even though I have work to do this weekend, I plan on taking a little time to relax and celebrate cinco de mayo. I could never say no to two of my favorite things, tortilla chips and tequila. Do you have any fun plans? 


Happy Weekend! xo

BABY LOVE

Last month I attended my friend Ali's baby shower above the restaurant Gjelina. Every detail was so adorable, not to mention the space is one of my all time favorites. I couldn't help but go around capturing every corner and moment. I also got to spend time with my dear friend Lilly and her insanely cute two month old daughter Clementine. Don't you want those yellow moccasins in your size?



EASTER BRUNCH

1. Wire Hare $69.95
2. Chevron Paper Napkins $7
3. Bamboo Tableware $7
4. Wire Hyacinth Basket $12
5. Robin's Egg Soaps $24
6. Chelsea Dining Table $499
7. The Country Bunny and The Little Gold Shoes
8. Valentina Chair $179
9. Glass Beverage Dispenser $49.95


{photo via}


Somehow it's April, which means Easter is just around the corner. Can you believe it?! Whether you're religious or not, I love the idea of having friends over for a potluck brunch. Set up a little Mimosa or Bloody Mary bar and you're good to go.  

COCKTAIL TIME

Since it's that time of year when cocktails are flowing, I thought I would share two of my current favorites. 
I first discovered the 19th Century at Raines Law in New York City two years ago. Ever since then it has become my absolute favorite cocktail. I only know of one bar in LA that serves this drink and it's a wonderful little speak easy called Varnish. Since this drink can be hard to find, I make it at home for my friends. I promise it's sure to impress!  
The Aperol Spritz is a new discovery and something I find myself craving a lot. Aperol is a slightly bitter orange liquor and combined with the sweetness of the sparkling wine It ends up being such a refreshing cocktail and so easy to make. It is an aperitif, so it would be lovely to serve before a meal.  

BABY LOVE

I had truly an amazing day at Lilly's baby shower in Ojai this past weekend. Grandmother to-be Mary thought of every detail, it couldn't have ben more beautiful. She even made those adorable centerpieces herself!

We were all chatting at the shower about how much can change in a year, and it's crazy to think how much has changed for Lilly. She got married, had her 30th birthday and now she is having a baby! Lilly is my oldest friend in the world, and it has been a pleasure to see her though such monumental moments. If you'd like to take a look back at some of them, I will be posting links at the bottom.   


Links
photos of me by lauren and kate

SNAPSHOTS FROM LAUREN'S STUDIO PARTY


My friend Lauren of the sphinx and the milky way and Spencer Studio had a fun all girls get together this past weekend in her art studio. Everyone had to bring a mix cd of their creation, one for each guest. Such an amazing idea, right?! Not only did I adore spending time with all ten lovely ladies {including lilly and kate}, but I got to take home a bunch of new music. I think this should be a regular event.


*make sure to head over to lauren's blog for more photos of the party- including a few of me!

THE GLITTER GUIDE LAUNCH PARTY

Guess what? I am blogging from the sky- flying from San Francisco to Martha's Vineyard. Afton and I had the best time on our trip, it just wasn't long enough. I took some photos of the city I will be sharing next week, but today I thought I'd share my photos from the Glitter Guide launch party. I had so much fun at the launch, even with the chilly temps and relentless wind {hey I'm a socal girl}! Thank you to everyone that made it out, I loved getting to meet all you SF bloggers. You were all as sweet and stylish as I imagined...  
wearing:
zara dress and belt
j. crew, madewell and h&m bracelets 
drugstore tights
rachel comey heels


Hope you all have an amazing 4th of July weekend! xx

FIESTA TIME

Cinco de Mayo is one week from today, and while I know it isn't an actual Mexican holiday, it's a fun excuse to gather with friends and drink margaritas. You won't catch me braving the crowds at my local Mexican restaurant, but the thought of throwing a colorful fiesta of my own sounds muy bueno...  

1. Margarita Glasses $49.95 for 6
2. Poppy Pom Pom $4.50
8. Peacock Plate $23.60
9. Mini Luminaria $7.72
10. Paper Poppies $13

SNAPSHOTS FROM OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY

I had so much fun at our holiday party this past weekend. I was too busy talking to friends to remember to stop and take photos, but I got a few quick ones in of the spread before people arrived. 
James ended up bringing the camera out much later in the night and between him and the extraordinary Jesse B. I have some fun pics to share. I only wish I had captured more of my friends throughout the night! I have a HUGE smile on my face in every photo, so I must have been having a blast. We didn't manage any full outfit photos, but I am wearing a lovely Rebecca Taylor number I promise to photograph again...


lilly/kate/james/jesse b./phil/lauren/jesse

Loving all the beards and tartan!

ITS BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE...

Christmas!


Oh my, this week seriously flew by. I am having a little Holiday soiree this weekend and I have been a busy bee, decorating the house and grabbing any last bits and bobs. I do love having friends over during the holidays. There is something about the colder nights, I just want to light a fire in my fireplace, drink peppermint hot cocoa and socialize with friends.
I just put the finishing touches on my house. Here it is, decorated for the holidays...

{holiday decor from target, kmart, 99 cent store, trader joes, kate's paperie, hand me downs}




Happy Weekend Everyone!!! xx

A WINE TASTING SOIREE

The boy and I went to a wine tasting party this past weekend.It's quite a fun idea, so I thought I would share! 
 {photo via Wine Tasting Party}


How to throw a wine tasting party
1. Everyone brings a bottle somewhere between $10-16. As soon as you get to the party, the host/hostess covers the label with paper and numbers it. 
2. You throw some money in to a pot, grab some paper and a pen and start tasting wines. Make sure you write down what you thought of each. 
3. Everyone votes on two, a first favorite and a second favorite. The winner gets the majority of the money and second place gets a little bit as well. The money makes it interesting, trust me. 
4. I think it's key not to invite too many people, keep it intimate. We tasted ten wines the other night and believe me, I was a little wined out when the night was over. I just don't know how to taste and spit out like the pros. 
Believe it or not, James and I won! Yes we did!
Find out about the winning bottle below...

 
What to serve
 You don't want your guests getting too intoxicated, now do you. Here are some ideas of what to serve...

1.White Bean and Rosemary Bruschetta
Gently toss drained and rinsed contents of 12.7-ounce jar of white beans with 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt, and spoon onto toasted baguette slices. Makes about 12
{recipe via Martha Stewart}
2.Cheese Plate
Put out a selection of hard, medium and soft cheeses. Some Marcona almonds, figs, apricots and crackers.
3.Bacon Wrapped Dates
24 large moist dates, such as medjool
12 slices of bacon
2 oz. softened goat cheese
24 whole toasted unsalted almonds
a. Move oven rack to upper third of oven and preheat oven to 500 °.
b. Pit dates, tearing them open as little as possible. Set dates aside. Halve the 12 slices of bacon crosswise. Put the goat cheese into a pastry bag fitted with a round, plain 1⁄4" tip.
c. Stuff cavity of each date with 1 almond. Pipe goat cheese into each stuffed date. Wrap 1 piece of bacon around width of each date.
d. Put dates on a baking sheet, seam side down, at least 1⁄2" apart. Bake until bacon is golden and crisp, 6-8 minutes. Set aside to cool briefly before serving.
{recipe via Saveur}



The winning bottle...


{Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend}


How we chose our bottle
We went to a local wine store, told the sales clerk about the party and he grabbed this bottle for us. He said "I'll split the money with you." Something about the bottle design and the name screamed Christian Audigier and I didn't want to believe it. A blend? Well, at least the label would be covered for the party. We went with it and I am glad we did. I guess you can't judge a wine by it's label {or name}.

Happy Weekend Everyone!!! xx

PAAARTAY!!!

I have a few friend's birthdays coming up and it's got me in party mode. I am loving all the fun and cheeky party decorations I've been seeing. They make me want to throw a party just for the heck of it. Hmm, might have to wait for the holidays. If only there were a way to incorporate #1 into my home decor, sigh...

6. Classic Candy $3-6
 Happy Weekend Everyone! 
Party on! xx