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I've never been one for back packs... Apparently I'd rather suffer with a lead-weight purse painfully hanging off one shoulder in between visits to the chiropractor. {Ha, you think I'm kidding...} Well, Mr. Wonderful - also known as Marc Jacobs - may have just changed all of that. HOW CUTE is this little number?
*Photos courtesy of Endless.com
You're busy with work, errands, going to the gym {on a good day}, keeping the house clean, going to appointments, trying to relax {somewhere in the madness} and then... maintaining a social life? Birthday parties, get-togethers, showers and other celebrations pop up all the time. So what do you do if you're strapped for time but need to bring something? The clever and classy lady can follow these easy suggestions to make a Betty Crocker Box cake mix into stunning cupcakes. Start with these precious designer cupcake wrappers. Oh yes, they're real and worth every penny! Either match the theme of the party or keep some on hand for those last minute occasions.
And then get your hands on some decorating tips {also can be found on The Cupcake Social} such as these.
Follow the frosting tutorial on Decorate This to add some fancy frosting décor. It's really not as difficult as it looks!
And last, put them on a cute stand such as this one we found on Delightfully Lovely.
Now, you can party like the savvy yet busy woman that you are. How who wants an excuse to make cupcakes??
*Photos from respective sites
Our feet are dying to live in sandals and the weather is nearly there. In preparation for the warm summer nights, we think one of these 3 sandals will do just the trick - plus, you can dress 'em up or down. Which would you adorn your little piggies with?
*Photo courtesy of Endless.com
Happy Monday - After - Mothers Day! Did you show your mom some love this weekend? We are so blessed to have such wonderful mothers... one day of celebration just doesn't do them justice! Several years ago while living in Seattle, I started the tradition of getting my mom Glassy Baby's for Mothers Day.
After stumbling across the humble workshop {formerly in Greenlake}, I spent some time talking with the owner and watching the magic of each individual piece being created... and falling in love with these little babies! Since then, Glassy Baby has become a staple in many homes as candle holders, cups, toothbrush holders or bud vases.
They come in soooo many different colors and to make us love them even more, certain colors are tied to causes which receive a percentage of the revenue, such as:
{Happiness: 10% from the sale of each "happiness" Glassy Baby will be donated to Gilda's Club New York City to support cancer patients and their families}
If you're nerdy like me, you might enjoy seeing how they're made. :)
I'm kicking myself for failing to carry on the tradition of this Mothers Day gift this year.... they're just so beautiful, don't you agree??
There is something extraordinary about vintage pieces. Knowing something is from an era that is foreign to us and that it has a story behind it is kind of romantic, right? Knowing our love for vintage stamps in particular, a friend of Paper Moss brought these adorable pictures from Stamposaurus to our attention. It was love at first sight! AND if you buy one now, they're still offering 20% off in celebration of the Royal Wedding!!
How can so many fabulous things come out of the UK! :)
*Photo courtesy of Stamposaurus
We have been working away on an awesome invite suite these days that is all based around strong geometric shapes and striking patterns. One of our latest muses is that of the "Chevron Pattern" - we are seeing it everywhere! Inspired by our client, we found this extra large tote that is a must have for any of you pattern-loving girls. LOVE IT. And the color.... oh yes, the color...
*Photo courtesy of Beklina website
Maybe you already are in the know, but these spellings are definitely not interchangeable. Fiancé refers to a male engaged to be married, while fiancée refers to a female engaged to be married. Now that we're all clear on THAT fact... happy Wednesday! :)
* Photo courtesy of Beth Berry Photography
This shoe is sure to dress up any outfit with its sparkly & adorable bow. The price is right and they are comfy! Order yours today on Endless.com. Have a great week everyone!
*Photos courtesy of Endless.com
Have you ever been envious of a 6 year old? Prior to seeing this birthday party feature we never had, but apparently it's possible. This child clearly has one creative mother ~ Jen of The Cupcake Social. Perhaps one day we can attempt to replicate this fantastically fun soiree?
Check out her full post and the rest of the adorable details here.
*Photos courtesy of The Cupcake Social
Happy Wedding day to Prince William and Kate! We love weddings {obviously} as well as all things British {if you didn't know, now you do} and another favorite, would be cookies! Can you BELIEVE these royal cookies made by Katie of Katie's Something Sweet? This is an art form that we will never acquire, thanks to our appetite and lack of self control... but that makes us appreciate the art form all the more!!
{See the rest of the Royal Cookie Collection}
Ok, so did you wake up at 4 AM to watch the Royal Wedding?! One of us did - rather sleepily. The others will be watching it later, thanks to Tivo! :)
Just last week, we were asked to be in our brothers wedding {YAYYYY!} We adore his fiancée and are ecstatic about being a part of their big day in September. While getting in the mindset of being in the wedding party, it seemed appropriate to define some of the traditional responsibilities for wedding attendants. This is such a common question for many people, so what better time to find an answer?!
Maid or Matron of Honor
Bridesmaids
Best Man
Groomsmen and Ushers
For the FULL rundown of duties according to an etiquette expert, visit the Emily Post site.
*Photo courtesy of {bridesmaids} Jill Thomas Photography and {groomsmen} Rebekah Westover Photography
While flipping through the May issue of InStyle magazine, we were floored to see that a company called Baby Cakes came out with a Cake Pop maker! Remember those darling little balls of cakey goodness that we shared awhile back? Well, although we like to believe that Bakerella was the original founder of the pops, we are oh - so - grateful for this waffle - like maker to simplify the process. ESPECIALLY if you're making large quantities for party favors!
Buy your Cake Pop machine here, and take note that they also offer mini- doughnut and whoopie pie makers!! If you're looking for some cake pop inspiration {or a cute gift} get your hands on a copy of this:
We couldn't resist a sharing the good news!! Hope you all had a lovely weekend!
*Photos courtesy of Baby Cakes & Bakerella
It's easter weekend! Whatever plans you have in store for the next few days, we hope you have a fabulous weekend. We'll be spending time with the fam, playing outside, dying eggs and eating sweets. Love this time of year!
If you want to get crafty this weekend, try a new spin on this old tradition of coloring eggs. Find out how on Tip Junkie. It's a good Friday indeed!
*Photo courtesy of Easter Tip Junkie
Okay it's not really a purse, but it might be the cutest, most fashionable lap top case we've ever seen. Thank you, Marc Jacobs. I think we love everything you make... seriously.
*Photo courtesy of endless.com
Plastic flowers are near the top of my hate list. Well, not that a "hate list" actually exists, but if it did, we know where fake flowers stand. Perhaps it was an overindulgence in the 80s and early 90s? Bleh! Well, when a friend mentioned that she was in search of alternatives to fresh flowers for her wedding {due to severe allergies of a bridesmaid} I was excited to come across this idea from A Field Journal. These are pretty stinkin' cute for D.I.Y Flowers! And you know how much we LOVE paper...
For the full scoop on how to make these, visit The Brides Cafe. Loving this as a plastic flower alternative!!
*Photos courtesy of A Field Journal
Let's add some bling to more that just that ring finger ladies... check out these glamourous Manolo Blahnik Satin Sandals in a vibrant magenta. Not only are we in love with the embellishment on the toes, check out the heel! Oh my heavens...
*Photos courtesy of Nordstrom.com
Happy Monday! We wanted to pass along a little inspiration to start the week off right. You see, today is Marathon Monday in Boston... the day of the legendary Boston Marathon. Of all the things in our book that are distinctly inspirational, seeing people achieve their goals takes the cake.
The city has been hopping with tourists- both runners and supporters- all weekend. And a little later today, we will be there {with thousands of others} cheering on those athletes who have worked so hard to even qualify to participate in the worlds OLDEST annual marathon. A runner must have completed a qualifying marathon within the last year and a half , and they have to have one of the below qualifying times in order to be considered:
| Age | Men | Women |
| 18-34 | 3:10 | 3:40 |
| 35-39 | 3:15 | 3:45 |
| 40-44 | 3:20 | 3:50 |
| 45-49 | 3:30 | 4:00 |
| 50-54 | 3:35 | 4:05 |
| 55-59 | 3:45 | 4:15 |
| 60-64 | 4:00 | 4:30 |
| 65-69 | 4:15 | 4:45 |
| 70-74 | 4:30 | 5:00 |
| 75-79 | 4:45 | 5:15 |
| 80+ | 5:00 | 5:30 |
Here is the route they'll be running... all 26.22 miles. So intimidating, yet SO inspiring!!
We'll be cheering at the finish line... with a latte in one hand and a tissue in the other! Happy Marathon Monday, everyone!
*Photos courtesy of Boston Athletic Association
You may have heard that April is National Grilled Cheese month. If you were "out of the loop", don't fret, it's not too late to pay tribute to that childhood classic. Why not host a tasting party {as if we need another reason to throw a party} and feature some of the gourmet combinations that have revitalized this comfort food. Perhaps a wine pairing is in order?? Mmmm :)
Goat Cheese and Strawberry Grilled Cheese
{via}
Spread 1 (4-oz.) goat cheese log, softened, on 1 side of 3 whole grain bread slices. Spread 4 1/2 tsp. red pepper jelly on 1 side of 3 whole grain bread slices; layer with 3/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries, 6 large basil leaves, and 1 1/2 cups fresh watercress or arugula. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Top with remaining bread, goat cheese sides down. Cook sandwiches in a large, lightly greased nonstick skillet over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Smoked Salmon and Gruyere Grilled Cheese
{via}
Lay out 4 slices of French bread. On top of them layer slices of smoked salmon (4 ounces total), Gruyere cheese (4 ounces sliced or shredded) and chives (1 tablespoon). Use a fork to lift the lemon slices out of the pan and add one large lemon slice to each sandwich. Butter the top slices of bread and let cook on medium heat until both the top and bottom are well toasted. If the cheese isn't melting, turn the heat to low, cover the pan and let cook for a few minutes more.
Sauteed Jalapeno and Aged Jack Grilled Cheese
{via}
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. When it’s heated, add oil and 2 jalapeños, seeded & thinly sliced lengthwise. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper; sauté peppers until tender, about 5 minutes. Set jalapeños aside and let cool slightly. Combine 1.5 ounces of grated aged Monterey Jack cheese and jalapeños in a small bowl. Spread butter on 1 side of each slice of bread. Return the pan to medium-low heat. Once the pan is warm, add 1 slice of bread (buttered side down), top with cheese mixture, then close sandwich with second bread slice (buttered side up). Cook until bread is toasted and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes per side.
BLT Grilled Cheese
{via}
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add 1 cup onion and garlic; cook for 10 minutes or until tender and golden brown, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat sharp white cheddar cheese over each of 4 bread slices. Top each slice with 1/2 cup spinach, 2 tomato slices, 2 tablespoons onion mixture, and 1 1/2 bacon slices. Sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons cheese; top with the remaining 4 bread slices. Heat skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Place sandwiches in pan, and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cheese melts.
Well even if you dont feel so ambitious to have a tasting party, one of these recipes is sure to spice up your weekend! Happy cooking!!
xo
*Photos from respective sites
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