Here's an affordable plus-sized dress by Jessica London that I saw in the new InStyle Makeover Magazine.
Priced at $19.99
Daily Inspiration for the Stylish Bride-To-Be
7/31/2010
Sweet Temptation: Charlotte Russe Infusion
Here's a reason for anyone to go off of their diet. From Publix grocery stores, try the Charlotte Russe Infusion Three moist layers of vanilla cake with strawberries and vanilla whipped topping. For the finish, delicate ladyfingers wrap the cake while hand-dipped chocolate and glazed strawberries adorn the top. Order yours today!
Price: $23.00
7/29/2010
Thursday's Wine: Mirassou Pinot Grigio 2008
Todays wine is a lovely Califonia Pinot Grigio. Mirassou Winery’s line of premium wines display bright, fruit-forward flavors and pair well with a variety of food styles. reveals intense aromas and flavors of ripe apple, peach, pear and citrus with crisp, lively acidity to create an exceptionally refreshing wine. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with spicy dishes as well as grilled poultry or seafood.
Sells for $12.99 at Wine.com
7/28/2010
7/27/2010
I'm a Shoe Junkie!
By now you know that I'm a complete handbag and shoe junkie. This black and white stripe damas fabric pump from Christian Louboutin is perfect for day with skinny pencil skirts and silky blouses and equally good for evening with fancy gowns. Don't act like I'm the only one who's a shoe junkie...deep down you know that you are too!
7/26/2010
Ivanka Trump "Affordable" Handbags
It looks like Ivanka Trump is getting ready to add handbags to her growing empire!
The line will be in stores next March.
Monday's Handbag: Valentino Fringed Bucket Bag
Bring a touch of tough to every look with Red Valentino's black leather tasseled and studded bucket bag. A lady will be wonderfully confident with this chic suitable bag.
Retail price: $3,340.00
7/23/2010
Apple-Ginger Sparkler
Here's a refreshing non-alcoholic drink for you! The apple-ginger sparkler is sparkling cider spiked with ginger and cinnamon. Have a great weekend!
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup Ginger Syrup
4 1/2 cups sparkling apple cider
6 cinnamon sticks
6 pieces crystallized ginger
DIRECTIONS
Place 2 tablespoons ginger syrup in each of six glasses. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in cider, and stir to combine. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and fresh ginger, and serve.
{Recipe and picture courtesy of Martha Stewart Living}
7/22/2010
Thursday's Wine: Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse 2009
Oooh la la! Thursday's wine brings us back to France. Here's a little backround at Pouilly-Fuisse.Pouilly and Fuissé are two distinct villages in the Mâconnais.
Although Pouilly Fuissé should be drunk when age 5, it can be forgotten in a cellar for a very long time as it can possibly age 20 years or even more !
Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse 2009 shows plenty of ripe apples and creaminess, the layered and rewarding '09 Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse exhibits fine balance and style; pleasingly, persistent aftertaste.
7/21/2010
I Do Venues!
Getting married in California? Check out I Do Venues- great inspiration and FREE wedding advice- Check out great rates on Day of Coordination!
7/19/2010
Monday's Handbag: Jimmy Choo
Check out Jimmy Choo's studded black leather shoulder bag. Tote this fabulous oversized carryall with everything from workwear to weekend separates.
Retail price: $1,995.00
7/16/2010
Woodhouse Chocolates
Woodhouse Chocolate is the perfect addition to your perfect day or if you are planning a trip to wine country, take a break from the grape and head over to the bean.
7/15/2010
7/14/2010
7/13/2010
7/12/2010
Dolce and Gabana IPod Case
Glam it up with this IPod holder designed by Dolce and Gabbana. Purchase price is $725.00 at Luisaviaroma.
7/09/2010
7/08/2010
Thursday's Wine: Va De Vi Ultra Cuvee
Va de Vi is a Spanish sparkling wine from Gloria Ferrer Vineyards located in Carneros-Sonoma, California.
"Va de Vi!" means "It's about the wine" in Spanish. I happen to love wine blends an Va de Vi is just that. It is a blend of 89% Pinot Noir, 8% Chardonnay and 3% Muscat.
The wine offers abundant aromas of ripe apple, Asian pear and Bing cherries amid enticing yeasty tones. On the palate, rich flavors of ripe peach, Meyer lemon, fresh berries and vanilla join with creamy textures in a lasting finish.
Va de Vi is a versatile accompaniment to savory hors d’oeuvres like paté or potstickers, delicious with spicy Indian or Thai cuisine, and pairs wonderfully with fruit-based desserts like pound cake with fresh berries, pear or apple tarts. Try it with fresh chèvre, brie or other semi-soft cheeses.
Lovely Scribbles
Don't you just love these darling Carnival themed placecards? It's official~we love Lovely Scribbles!
7/07/2010
Spumoni Sundaes with Espresso Hot Fudge Sauce
{Courtesy of bon appetit}
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup amaretto or other almond liqueur
3 tablespoons cherry preserves
1 cup (6 ounces) fresh cherries, pitted, halved
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or coffee powder
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 61% cacao), chopped
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 1/2 pints pistachio gelato or ice cream
1 pint vanilla gelato or ice cream
Unsweetened whipped cream
Chopped pistachios
PREPARATION
Bring amaretto and preserves to boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium; boil gently until mixture is reduced to 3 tablespoons, stirring often, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cherries; let soak at room temperature at least 3 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.
Bring 2/3 cup cream, honey, and espresso powder to simmer in another small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and butter; whisk until smooth. DO AHEAD: Fudge sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm just until pourable before using.
Spoon 1 tablespoon fudge sauce into each of 6 dessert glasses. Add 1 scoop pistachio gelato and 1 scoop vanilla gelato to each glass. Drizzle 1 tablespoon fudge sauce over gelato on each. Top with whipped cream, cherry mixture, and pistachios.
7/06/2010
Hosting Your First Dinner Party as Newlyweds
So you managed to get through the big day and the honeymoon is over. You're excited to break out your new china but don't have the first clue about hosting a dinner party. Here are a few tips for a successful dinner party!
To start, these are busy times so it's important to extend invitations to guest well in advance. For an informal occasion invitation should be extended a week ahead. More formal occasions, or parties to which you may be inviting people you don't know particularly well, require the courtesy of at least two weeks notice. It's very important to stay organized so make a shopping list. Divide it into those items that you can purchase at the grocery store, wine shop, specialty food store and flower shop.
As a wine consultant, I can tell you that with choosing the menu the occasion itself will guide you to the foods you might serve. I always remember color when choosing my menu. It's easy to choose great foods but they don't always look good together on the plate. Jazz up your menu with contrasting colors. Vegetables can provide all kinds of colors. Like squash, green beans and purple eggplant. Also remember to inquire if any of your guests have any important food issues--vegetarian, low fat, diabetic and serious allergies.
Once you've selected a menu, the next step is choosing the wine. Here are some general guidelines that will help you along the way. Have you ever heard the term "Red with meat, white with fish"? Well not anymore. It's more flexible these days. Poultry, veal, pork, salmon and lobster call for either light red wines or robust white wines. Don't get nervous! Speak with your local wine merchant to help you in your decision making. Also, don't feel as though you have to pay a fortune on a bottle of wine to get quality. I recommend places such as WineStyles, Vino 100 and Total Wine.
A well-planned centerpiece will enhance the party's festive air. Flowers are the mose obvious choice however, nicely arranged seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruits also make stunning nonfloral decorations. Keep you centerpieces low and spread out. This will allow guest to see each other across the table. Candles on the otherhand always add a lovely ambience and flatters anyone seen in its glow. Note: Avoid scented candles as this will detract your guests' appreciation of the food and wine.
our first dinner party as newlyweds should be an exciting occasion. After planning an entire wedding, you will already have all of the organizational skills in place to put together a terrific party!
{Photo courtesy of Mochatini}
{Special thanks to Williams-Sonoma Entertaining}
7/05/2010
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Classic Square Sunglasses
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is known as one of the most stylish women that has ever lived. The former First Lady had a sense of style and sofistication that was unparalleled. I've always loved the oversized sunglasses that she wore and now thanks to QVC you can purchase your own for less that $50.00!
7/02/2010
The Pink Palace
This elegant Italian Baroque-style mansion combines the best of classical Venetian architecture with the restoration methods and technology of the 21st century. Built for Joseph and Frances Rhodes, this home was completed in 1926 and is referred to locally as the Pink Palace, owing to the original color of the stucco and the pink dogwoods that flank the entry drive.The Pink Palace has been the scene for many a grand affair, from charity functions to children’s birthday parties and now weddings! For more information contact Lease Luxury Properties.
7/01/2010
Thursday's Wine: Pacific Rim Wallula Vineyard Riesling 2007
Many people have no idea that Washington state has crafted some of most wonderful wine in the world. Try Pacific Rim Wallula Vineyard Riesling 2007. The resulting wine shows some apricot and pineapple. It is very fresh and lively, tasting dry. The wine has great acidity with some apple fruit and nutmeg notes. This wine will pair perfectly with yesterday's Bleu Cheese-Bacon Dip recipe. Enjoy!
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