Happy New Year!

How are you? I hope you got some great rest over the holidays. As we usher in 2023, I am just truly grateful for everything. Last year, I embraced more intentional living, started learning to play the guitar, soaked up family time, we bought a few more properties(including the house next door to us-we affectionately call that one Grandma's house), I accomplished some awesome things creatively,  but I was also conscious about taking mental breaks, and shutting out the noise that is inherent to being on social media. I will continue to embrace the intentional living mindset this year and take joy in the little things. I have a number of projects that I haven't yet shared, so I am excited to share those with you. Of course, they're colorful!  Here's to more smiles, more color, more joy! xx
 

A Belated Happy New Year!

 

  I am a bit late, but I wanted to hop on here to wish you all a Happy New Year! May this year be your best year yet! Filled with healing, enlightenment, blessings, and much success.

     I am hoping to get back to normal blogging schedule this week, but currently soaking up invaluable family time with my Mom. xx


pic of me: photographer Courtney Cheatham

Good Vibes Only.

Happy New Year everyone! Such a blessing to embrace a new year and a fresh start. I intended to pop in before the New Year, but I got caught up enjoying family time and savoring every bit of it. I am not one to make resolutions, but I am big on living your best life and embracing positivity and carving out a space that facilitates good vibes do wonders to facilitate that. Here is a bit of inspiration...

Brother Vellies fashion studio via refinery29

Unicorn macarons most definitely equate to good vibes, right? Aren't these the cutest? Spotted them via mac_lab on instagram. 

Here's to a good vibes only for this year and always! xx

Fabulous and Thrifted Style for Your New Year's Eve Party.

The thrift store is always my go to when I need a one of a kind look for a photo shoot or a party. There is always something very colorful and different = so me! The perfect example is this beautiful dress in the above picture.

You'll be on trend in a green halter dress like this one-also thrifted!

If you're an all black kind of girl who loves some sparkle, the top pictured was thrifted and paired with a pencil skirt from my closet, the look is perfect for New Year's Eve. Though, I usually mix my finds with already existing pieces in my closet for a head to toe look, if you want to you can shop for your entire outfit (head to toe) at the thrift store.

via pinterest

 I'd recommend planning ahead and allotting some time to shop the perfect look, because sometimes you have to hunt to find the jewel waiting just for you. Also, you'd be amazed at the top brands you find there, so before you head to the mall, do your pocket book a favor, save some money, and check out the thrift store. Then you can shine bright like a diamond at your party. xx

photography: Lea Hartman

A Sneak Peek at Our New Year's Eve Table: Happy New Year!

For our New Year's Eve celebration, it's all about the sparkle and bling. I've been in a golden state of mind for sure! This look is the inspiration for New Year's Eve party outfit. Isn't is smashing? Love her wild hair too; so me!

Here's a sneak peek at what our table looks like:

I found those bells(being used as plate holders) while thrifting about a month ago and they are perfect for "ringing in the new year."

How are you spending New Year's Eve? Whatever you do be safe and enjoy! What a blessing to be able to celebrate the fact that we are still breathing! New Year everyone! xx

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are feeling refreshed and energized! As we embrace a New Year, I am filled with a spirit of gratitude and loads of optimism. I am looking forward to what 2015 has in store for all of us. Happy New Year to you all. Love and light. xx

P. S. Stay tuned for a lovely giveaway that will be posted shortly.

gif

The Best Craft Cocktails and Bartending with Flair: A Review

Just in time for New Year’s Eve

I am a coffee and cocktail snob. I love a classy, sophisticated looking cocktail although ones behavior may be quite the opposite at the end of consumption( though we should always drink responsibly). I just love when things look pretty! This book overflows with hip, fresh, and modern takes on cocktail creations. It’s no surprise since both authors are trendsetters. One of the the authors, Christine Dionese is a co-founder of Garden Eats, a place to learn about organic kitchen gardening that provides easy and tasty ways to facilitate a healthier lifestyle. The other author, Jeremy LeBlanc is the head mixologist for the well known Altitude Sky Lounge.


A well dressed bartender with a winning smile greeted me as soon as I opened the book AND then I flipped a few pages ahead where I saw this:

Of course since I have almost all of these already here, I plan on actually giving this a test try tomorrow for a New Year’s Eve "shinding" that I’m hosting.

I’ve highlighted a couple of my faves from the book below. I am also really smitten with their presentation.

Shake, Shake Twist on page 25

Basil Julep(perfect for Kentucky Derby parties too), page 39

Mon Cheri Moscow Mule. A mixture of cherries, ginger, vodka in carbonated ginger beer has to taste divine! I am in love with the container too! Page 115

Pressed and Minted can only mean refreshing and earthy. I imagine this would be a go to cocktail especially in the Summer. Page 182.

In the book, a craft cocktail is defined as one that has been constructed with time and thoughtfulness, intended to imprint an unforgettable taste.  I am looking forward to impressing guests and leaving an unforgettable taste in their mouths. Heck, I want to leave an unforgettable taste in my mouth so I will be trying these even if I am not entertaining!  It’s definitely worth your perusal. It’s almost 2014!! How amazing is that!? Blessings and one love. xx

P.S. I was given the book to review but the thoughts, adjectives, and unique expressions are all my own.

New Year’s Eve Party: Fantasy Style

This year, I’m thrilled to not be the one hosting the New Year's Eve party, thus this post will not be filled with how to decorate your table, what to serve, etc. Instead, I want you to join me as I prepare for the evening; free of the responsibilities that come with being a generous and meticulous hostess. Also, you’re going to be green with envy when you see where I will be ringing in the New Year…

The kiddos are with the in-laws which gave me the rare opportunity to take a rejuvenating long soak before getting dressed.

opulent jewelry is a must

makeup is applied with a light hand; after all I’ll be dancing the night away and too much make up would not be a good idea...

i think this bun is a success, don’t you?

so, what do you all think about my look? my dress is a Ferragamo btw

my girlfriends should be here any minute now…

one final check to make sure i have all the essentials...

and we’re off! time to partaay!!

O.K, my friends, while we’re on our way, feast your eyes on where the party will be…

Location: Miami

what a place right? perfect place to ring in the new year

O.k, darlings, what a ride we had this year! I have a feeling 2013 will be even more spectacular! Thank you for sharing 2012 with me, now onward to an even better 2013. I’m off to dance the night away; see you back here in January! Blessings and much love. XX

{images: fantasy story made possible by this Ferragamo shoot. House in Miami is on sale for a cool $38 mil. More here}