Donut Craze

I'm sure you all have noticed this sudden surge of donuts going around. I mean let's talk about that cronut which I'm still dying to try (Dominque Ansel, hook it up!). But anyway, I've seen donuts everywhere lately from the regular sprinkled donuts kind to donut cakes. Yes, I said donut cakes. So I thought I would show you guys some regular and funky iterations of the donut and hopefully you'll add a donut to your next party or dinner. I mean, how about those balloons and piñata? Also, check Jordan of Oh Happy Day's post on how to throw a fancy donut party! And can we all just say that thank god the cupcake fad is over?

balloon. bday cake. pumpkin. piñata. tower. 

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Hanging Floral

I love finding out new ways to use flowers at events and parties. And lately I've noticed flowers hung from ceilings or used as chandeliers. I think it's such great idea and definitely an eye catching moment in any space. DIY anyone? The fourth image is actually a pendant light. Now, how amazing is that?

one. two. three. four.

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Vision Board: November

I'm sure you've all heard of the law of attraction. If not, it states that positive thoughts bring positive results and negative thoughts bring negative results. In other words, think positively and the universe will listen. Anyway, one way I've heard that helps with this is is the use of vision boards. Making vision boards are not only a fun DIY project but placing it where you would see it every day helps with the positive thinking. My approach to this is making monthly vision boards of things that are inspiring me and things I hope to accomplish within the month. So, below you'll find my November vision board and a brief explanation on each of my goals. I hope this is something that inspires you also and helps you visualize some amazing things!

One: Blogging blogging blogging. I will definitely be focusing on my blog more and posting much more often. Promise!
Two: I used to run a lot a couple of months ago and suddenly stopped. I've made way too many excuses not to run anymore but now I'm definitely going back at it. P.S. those are my actual running shoes.
Three: This is a great article from Refinery 29 on saving money which I'm horrible at, like horrible.
Four: Flower arrangements. Something I've been wanting to try for a while now. Looking forward to the challenge and I'll probably share my experience on here, IF it all goes well.
Five: Not a bad mantra to live bad right? Major style renovation currently happening.
Six: Something major happened in October so I'm totally clearing out my head and focusing on my future and goals.
Seven: I've been wanting to read Lean In since it came out and I never got around to it. I've heard Sheryl Sandberg talk about it so many times and she states a lot of valid points about women in the workforce. I really look forward to reading it!

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Pinning: 2

Round 2 of some of the things I've pinned recently. My boards are themed on event planning and I always use it as a source of inspiration for upcoming projects. And if you haven't done so already, please follow!

Sources: cocktails. event inspiration. details. florals. favors. small bites. invites. tablescapes. cakes.

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Tablescape Re-do: 2

Rue Magazine recently celebrated their 3rd anniversary with the help of party planners Confetti Pop. I truly love the simplicity of this tablescape and it is extremely easy to replicate yourself. My favorite elements are the florals, the wood and silver flatware (you have no idea how hard it was to find ones like them) and the striped table runner. In my re-do, I decided to use gold flatware and chargers, I think they would go extremely well with the runner and other elements on the table. For the table not be all wood (or gold, in my case), Confetti Pop used a black and white striped runner which I thought was a great idea to cut it off yet bring all the elements together. I could go on and on about other elements from this tablescape I loved but check out more images from the party here!

Sources: images. glassware. flatware. plate. hurricane. runner. charger

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12 Fabulous Cakes

Who doesn't love a great cake? I'm not very picky on what flavors are used, red velvet, rum, vanilla are all fine with me. I love a good dessert at the end of an event that's why I think a dessert table is extremely necessary when planning them. Whether it's cake, cupcakes, or candy everyone's sweet tooth should be fulfilled by the end of the party. I've picked out 12 cakes that I think are fabulous for a wedding, birthday, or any event. I can't decide on a favorite but I do love numbers 1, 7, and 9. Which are your favorites?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

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Beach Bound: Towels and Bags

Living in Miami, you're always prepared to go to the beach. Thank god for fairly great weather throughout the year, the beach is our go to escape. I've gathered some fun towels and beach bags that are perfect for your beach getaway. I'll be going to Punta Cana in June and all I can think about is the beach, ok and maybe the gym too :) Which ones are your faves?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

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Tablescape Re-Do: Boho Chic

I've decided on a new series where I recreate elements of great tablescapes. I found this tablescape on Ruffled, a really great wedding blog and inspiration resource. What I love about this tablescape is the fact that it's eclectic and colorful. I found some great items that closely match the tablescape but also great alternatives. I can't wait to start doing more of these redo's. Let me know what you think!

sources: image. plate. charger. glass. silverware. runner.  

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8 Quirky Wine Stoppers

I rarely think about wine stoppers when opening a bottle wine, I usually just put the original cork back in. But when making this list I realized how interesting wine bottles would look with an assortment of quirky wine stoppers. They'd also look awesome on a bar cart. Wine stoppers are actually an easy DIY project. Have you ever seen those cabinet/door knobs at Anthropologie? You can easily glue those to corks found on Amazon or the like and you'll have yourself an interesting wine stopper. It's hard for me to choose which ones are my faves so I'll let you choose!

one. two. three. four. five. six. seven. eight.

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Saturdaze: Coconut Mango Mojito

This drink completely screams Miami or any other tropical destination and I love it. It's great for the summer time and pretty easy to make. I got this recipe from How Sweet It Is; a really great food blog with some awesome drink recipes.

image: how sweet it is

Coconut Mango Mojitos

makes 1 mojito, but is easily quadrupled

6-8 fresh mint leaves

2 1/2 ounces of mint simple syrup

1 ounce of coconut rum

1 1/2 ounces of club soda

1-2 ounces of mango puree

the juice of one lime

To make the mango puree, combine 1 peeled + chopped, ripe mango in a food processor (or high speed blender) with the juice of 1 lime, and process until smooth (or at least almost smooth).

In the bottom of a glass, add 1 ounce of simple syrup and the mint leaves. Muddle with a muddler or use the clean bottom of something blunt, like a screwdriver! Add ice to the glass, and pour rum, syrup, mango puree, lime juice and club soda over top. Mix with a long spoon or knife and serve with an additional sprig of mint.

Note: depending on the sweetness of your fruit, you may want to add more/less simply syrup, so I suggest tasting as you go. Same with the rum – add more if you like your drinks strong. Malibu also makes a mango rum that you could combine with traditional coconut rum.

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Kate Spade Saturday

Have you guys checked out Kate Spade's newest project, Saturday? They have all sorts of things from clothes to home in great colors and prints at seriously great prices. Also, you can even design your own weekender bag! It's truly a great addition to the Kate Spade family and I love everything about it. So, I've picked out some of my favorite items from the home and travel section. What do you guys think about Saturday?

mirror. weekender. game. pillow1. pillow2. teapot. mug. napkin1. napkin2.

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Ride into Spring

I've been thinking about getting a bike for such a long time. Especially one in a bright color with a basket in front. With great weather ahead there's honestly no reason not go out and ride.

one. two. three. four. five.

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WILT: Pusher Love Girl

I fell in love with Pusher Love Girl ever since Justin Timberlake performed it at the Grammy's. His new album, The 20/20 Experience, recently came out and I haven't stopped listening to it. Any favorites on the album?

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Saturdaze: Spicy Cucumber Margarita

The only spicy cocktail I remember having was a margarita at this Mexican restaurant in NYC where the rim was salted with cayenne pepper. It was awesome! What I've never had was a cocktail with a jalepeno inside. Let alone, a cocktail with a veggie. With that, I bring you today's Saturdaze post, Spicy Cucumber Margarita, by Bon Appétit Magazine. Not only does it sound interesting but I bet it tastes great! 

Ingredients:

1/3 cup sugar

3 cups tequila blanco

1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice

1 1/4 cups fresh lime juice

1/2 cup triple sec

1 jalapeño, halved lengthwise

Lime wedge

Kosher salt

Sliced cucumber

Directions

Bring sugar and 1/3 cup of water to a boil in a saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Let simple syrup cool.

Combine simple syrup, tequila blanco, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, triple sec, and jalapeño, in a pitcher. 

Chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours (taste every 1/2 hour or so until spiced to your liking); remove jalapeño.

Rub a lime wedge over half the rim of highball or rocks glasses; dip into kosher salt. 

Serve Margaritas over ice in prepared glasses; garnish with sliced cucumber and jalapeño.

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Top Event Planning Books

I could read books on events/weddings all day long if I had the chance. They're extremely inspirational and get me really excited about the career path I'm heading on. I've decided to list some essential books on event planning from the best designers ever! They also make great coffee table books and conversation starters. Looking forward to purchasing all of these soon!
Books and where to get them are listed below!

Celebrations by Preston Bailey (Buy Here)

Wedding Chic by Colin Cowie (Buy Here)

The Party Planner by David Tutera (Buy Here)

Party Like a Rockstar by Jes Gordon (Buy Here)

David Stark Design by David Stark (Buy Here)

P.S. David is actually coming out with a new book in May named Art of the Party. Look out for it!

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Thank You Cards

Handwritten thank you cards are a must in my book. It's a gesture that's incomparable to a text, email, or phone call. Even when I worked in retail, I was required to write hand written thank you notes. So, I've picked out some colorful thank you cards that I think would definitely be appreciated by all recipients. How amazing do these look?

one. two. three. four. five. six.

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Pinning: 1

Bits and pieces of what I've been pinning/re-pinning lately! Make sure to follow me on Pinterest :)

The lips DIY art is extremely easy and fun! It's a great idea for those who just need a small accent in a room. This seating chart is visually amazing and that's why I love it. I do question it's functionality though. I can't imagine having guests at an looking for their names like that. It would definitely have to be well organized but it's definitely possible.

 

How awesome is this living area. The leopards are amazing! The perfume bar is such a great idea! It would be amazing for intimate events and such a great take he gift for guest!

one. two. three. four.

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Statement Chairs

We've all heard of statement jewelry. That one pair of earrings, necklace, or ring that is the highlight of every outfit. Well, I believe the same goes with your home.  What better way to spice things up than with a chair that throws everything off but they somehow fit together? Well, I've gathered a few chairs that completely caught my eye and make that statement.

sources: one. two. three. four.

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What I'm Listening To (WILT): Carried Away

Sunday Funday. I've decided to post what I'm currently listening to (WILT) on Sundays. Why? Because what's better than chilling out and listening to music on a Sunday? So, today we have Carried Away by Passion Pit. Enjoy. I'd love to hear some of your suggestions as well!

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Saturdaze: Chandon Brut Mojito

Saturdays are all about relaxing with a drink in hand, hence "Saturdaze". To start off this series, I went with a modification of one of my favorite cocktails, the mojito. It's definitely one of my favorite drinks after vodka tonics. I'm not a big fan of sweet cocktails because a good cocktail doesn't need much. Some lime, tonic water, or soda and it's good to go in my book. I found this recipe on Epicurious and thought it was a genius idea. I would've never thought of putting those two together and the recipe is extremely simple.

Ingredients:

7 to 10 fresh mint leaves, plus 1 leaf for garnish

1/2 oz Simple Syrup

Juice of 1/4 lime. plus 1 lime wedge for garnish

1 oz rum

Ice cubes

1 oz chilled sparkling wine

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker, combine the mint leaves with the Simple Syrup and lime juice.

Using a muddler or the handle of a long wooden spoon, crush the mint.

Add the rum and fill the cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice cubes.

Cover and shake vigorously for 5-10 seconds.

Strain through a strainer or fine-mesh sieve into a rocks glass filled with ice.

Top with the sparkling wine.

Garnish with the reserved mint leaf and a wedge of lime. 

Serve at once. 

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