Have a Fiesta at Home

Happy Cinco de Mayo people! A holiday devoted to eating Mexican food and drinking Corona -- I can get down with that! So of course, I need to share some party inspirations because, we all know I love to plan a festive and fabulous party. I swear, I live for holidays and theme parties -- why can't they be every day? Anyway here are some inspiration photos I pulled together from {Pinterest}. If you want to recreate a Cinco de Mayo party like this yourself, all original sources can be found {here}.

1. Festive chalkboard -- "Fiesta like there's no Manana"

2. Colorful plates

3. Fresh pico de gallo

4. Pink Grapefruit margaritas

5. Homemade guacamole served in a (mortar and pestle here)

8. Mexican corn with a squeeze of lime

7. Taco Bar chalkboard art

8. Ombre garlands for decor

9. mmmmm Taaaacos

10. Pinata cookies -- amazing.

11. Fuchsia peonies for pops of color

12. Stocked bar, including San Pellegrino (one of my new favs)

13. Margarita Lime cupcakes

I'm be sure to enjoy a Corona Light with lime and some fresh guac today to make my Monday afternoon a little more special.

What are your fun Cinco De Drinko plans for today?

xo Steph

Calling all Shark Week Fans!

It's that time of year again that people go bonkers for -- Discovery Channel's Shark Week!! If you're like me (and most of the population) there is a weird fascination with this terrifying creature. Even since I saw Jaws at a young age, I had this love/hate relationship with sharks. They terrify yet intrigue me. It was be the same party of me that loves Halloween so much -- I just love being scared. So with Shark Week 2014 alive and well, why not call some friends over and throw yourself a Shark Week viewing party. Go ahead and even create a drinking game around it too -- because there's always a reason to celebrate something!! All images I collected from pinterest and original sources can be found here. 

 Cute beachy themed table include a cupcake tower and salt water taffy.

 Cute cardboard shark cut outs I found on Etsy

Adorable cards -- could be used as invitations too!

Fancier table setting. How fun is that shark and shrimp bowl centerpiece??

Fruit salad or jello shots anyone?

Beach ball cake pops - genius!

"Sand dollar" cookies -- aka snickerdoodles -- my fav!!

More beachy cupcakes. Love the "sandy" beach with the umbrella!

Cute shark fin votive candles to set the mood.

And of course we can't forget a fun and cute outfit for the hostess with the mostess.

And I love shark week tee and ocean inspired sparkly nail polish!

And this little nugget was too cute not to share!!

So anyone else obsessed with Shark Week like me??

xo Steph

Father's Day Backyard BBQ

Reminder: Father's Day is this weekend people! For us, it's a joint father's day/dad's birthday weekend. Literally his birthday is on Friday and Father's Day is Sunday. So Saturday we are planning to do a low-key backyard BBQ, just the way my dad likes it. In his words, it's a good day if he doesn't have to leave the property! Our fiesta will most likely be even more low-key than this, at the end of the day my family likes to keep things simple -- but here are some party details I'm thinking of incorporating.

For original source details, you can find them on my Father's Day BBQ board on my Pinterest page. 

1. Arnold Palmers! What's not to like? Half lemonade, half iced tea. And for the adult drinkers, throw in some vodka :)

2. Outdoor games. Cornhole is a personal favorite of mine, as D and I were recently in a corn hole league (true story)

3. Outdoor bowling (D and I were also in a bowling league and that's how we met) fun fact, haha

 4. serve beers and cold beverages in cute metal bins

5. BBQ chicken on the grill to make the meat eaters very happy

6. lighten things up with an orzo salad with grilled summer veggies

7. Burgers with a twist. Stuff them for a caprese version.

8. Instead of traditional salads, serve iceberg wedges. I know my dad prefers iceberg lettuce opposed to the "weird other lettuce" aka romaine/spinach/spring mix.

9. The manliest of cupcakes. Made with beer too!

10.  Coke Floats. Or Ice Cream Sodas according to D. These one's were D's dad's favorite treat -- so they are a must for dessert :)

Just like the traditional root beer float, but better!

So what do you have planned for all the wonderful dads in your life?

xo Steph

Entertain: Host a Mother's Day Brunch

It's a funny thing about Mother's Day. Most moms I know like a big "ta-do" for their special day. Taking them out to a nice lunch (which is what I'll be doing for my momma and D's mom) or hosting a special event at home. The key is attention to detail! Where on the flip side, Father's Day usually consists of a low key day at home grilling (with Dad in charge of the grill of course) and beers on the patio. Why is that? Is anyone else's family like that? Maybe dads in general are more simple and don't like a lot of fuss? Anyway, I put together some inspiration for hosting a mother's day brunch of your own. I actually put these ideas together last year, so they are the perfect #tbt.  All original ideas can be found {here} on my {pinterest} page.

1. bright & colorful flowers are a must (tulips are my pick)

2 have an arrangement of various teas and display them in a pretty way

3. Momma's day chalk board art -- love this song : )

When it comes to breakfast/brunch food, I'm one of those people who can never decide if they want a sweet or savory choice. Egg and bacon or french toast -- I just can't decide!! The ultimate food dilemma. So why not have both? A little it of everything we surely please all hungry bellies.

4.  Bloody mary shooters garnished with shrimp 

(sans alcohol for my momma who doesn't drink)

5. Egg and bacon mini cups - why haven't I thought of this?

6. Nutella & strawberry french toast. 

I have died and gone to heaven

7. Fruit & munchkin skewers because, well they're too stinkin' cute not to have.

We're almost at the weekend folks!

xo Steph

Entertain: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Happy Cinco de Mayo people! A holiday devoted to eating Mexican food and drinking Corona -- I can get down with that! So of course, I need to share some party inspirations because, we all know I love to plan a festive and fabulous party. I swear, I live for holidays and theme parties -- why can't they be every day? Anyway here are some inspiration photos I pulled together from {Pinterest}. If you want to recreate a Cinco de Mayo party like this yourself, all original sources can be found {here}.

1. Festive chalkboard -- "Fiesta like there's no Manana"

2. Colorful plates

3. Fresh pico de gallo

4. Pink Grapefruit margaritas

5. Homemade guacamole served in a (mortar and pestle here)

8. Mexican corn with a squeeze of lime

7. Taco Bar chalkboard art

8. Ombre garlands for decor

9. mmmmm Taaaacos

10. Pinata cookies -- amazing.

11. Fuchsia peonies for pops of color

12. Stocked bar, including San Pellegrino (one of my new favs)

13. Margarita Lime cupcakes

I'm be sure to enjoy a Corona Light with lime and some fresh guac today to make my Monday afternoon a little more special.

What are your fun Cinco De Drinko plans for today?

xo Steph

decorating for thanksgiving

So are you one to decorate for Thanksgiving or have you already fast-forwarded to Christmas? Confession: one of my biggest pet peeves is putting your Christmas stuff up for Thanksgiving. What happened to Thanksgiving? When did Thanksgiving become the red headed step child of holidays that gets no love? Thanksgiving for me has always been one of my favorite holidays as a kid, so I think its important to give it it's day, complete with festive, harvesty decor and enjoy the day for what it is: being thankful! And don't worry, I have NO problem breaking out the Christmas stuff on black friday. In fact, we're going out as a family to get our Christmas tree on Friday. Just like the Griswald family cutting down their tree. Let's just hope Todd and Margo don't spoil all our fun ; )

all original sources can be found on my Thanksgiving board on my Pinterest page : )

 | Decor |

1. spray leaves gold and write names for pretty name cards

2. gold leaves also look gorgeous on white pumpkins

3. LOVE this entryway with the cornstalks, mums, and pumpkins galore

4. baskets of pumpkins and gourds for simple arrangements

5. stencil "give thanks" on a white pumpkin

6. love this thankful burlap banner

 7. frame printables in simple frames

8. Thanksgiving sangria

9. These Thanksgiving plates are adorable

10. use candles and bittersweets for decor

| Make Yearly Traditions |

11. make a pumpkin "snow man" with the kids and have a contest to see who builds the best one

12. make someone wear the turkey hat for whoever shows up the latest to the party

13. have a pumpking smashing party after dinner to work off that turkey coma. Plus its a fun way to symbolically go out with the pumpkins and in with the pine trees : )

So do you all decorate for Thanksgiving or have you turned your house into a winter wonderland already?

xo Steph

entertain | celebrate Oktoberfest

Amidst all the pumpkins, and spooky and scary everything we surround ourselves with in October to prepare for Halloween - celebrating Oktoberfest is a fabulous German tradition and perfect excuse to celebrate some other favorites of mine -- beer and food! So why not have an Oktoberfest themed get together this weekend? Especially for those who hate Halloween (who are those people by the way??) get festive with all that fall has to offer sans the scary stuff. Take a look at all these details below. 

All original sources can be found on my Oktoberfest board on my pinterest page.

| the details |

1. the perfect party need a festive invitation

2. keep decor simple. sheafs of wheat, and a wide array of craft beer bottles

3. beer tasting are made that much more awesome in this rustic wooden glass holder

| the food |

4. no better companion for a german themed party other than freshly baked pretzels

5. beer cheese soup in a bread bowl -- hello!

6. beer mac and cheese

7. Oktober lager stew made with german sausage 

| the extras |

8. photo booth fun - try a giant sized pretzel as the ultimate photo booth for insta-fun 

9. Boozy Guinness root beet floats. um, yes please.

10. the perfect combination of salty & sweet. beer and pretzel cupcakes for guests to take home

Interested in more Oktoberfest accessories to get into the festive spirit? These slippers are perfect for the host and hostess who have been on their feet all day, brew your own beer  for the occasion, and this or this for serving beer to your guests.

So do you celebrate Oktoberfest?

hope you all have a lovely day -- prost!

xo Steph

sick days and breaking bad

First things first, I want to apologize for not posting in daaays (since last Thursday, but who's keeping track right?) but I have a really good explanation, I swear. So for one, I've been sick. I don't know if it's a cold, allergies, sinus infection or something else icky but I've been over here sneezing, blowing my nose, and drinking hot tea and chicken soup like it's my job. Totally not how I planned on spending my weekend. So that is one reason. My other reason for the lack of blogging. Two words: Breaking Bad. You either watch it or have at least heard of it, but either way I have to say this -- it. is. amazing. Seriously, the best show on tv hands down. I was late to the game, but better late than never. The show has run for 5 seasons and I decided to pick it up and see what everyone is talking about. With my trusty Netflix in hand, D and I became engulfed, immersed, OBSESSED with this show for hours on end. I'm talking coming home from working, plopping down on the couch and watching episode after episode on Netflix until 4am each night until we finished the series. Ok maybe not 4am considering we both wake up 5am every morning but you get the idea. We stayed up LATE.

Anyway, we just finished the show last night and I am suffering from withdrawals and currently experiencing PBBD (post Breaking Bad depression). Not sure anything will fill this void in my life, other than meth itself (kidding). So I'll just hang on to the memories that Jesse and Mr. White are still cooking up a batch somewhere out there ; )

So after all of this - I thought putting together a Breaking Bad themed party was just the thing to help me through this difficult time. For all my other Breaking Bad fans out there in blogger land - enjoy!

For all original sources and more fun, check out my Breaking Bad obsessed pinterest board.

And my apologies for anyone who won't get these BB references. 

For the festive theme party, it's all about the blue crystals. 99% pure

1. rock candy "crystal meth" cupcakes

2. festive blue drink - sign me up!

3. decorate with beakers. or better yet, use them for cocktails

4. fried chicken from los pollos hermanos. of course

5. funyuns. extra funyuns

6. breakfast all day every day. Walter Jr. would approve.

7. chamomile tea with soy milk. hold the stevia please.

8. love this print -- respect the chemistry.

9. mr. white and jesse doing their thing

10. cheers bryan cranston and aaron paul for a job well done!

and if you want to see a Breaking Bad video montage that will probably make you laugh and cry, check this one out over at buzzfeed. They have good stuff over there.

So please tell me, do I have any other Breaking Bad obsessed fans out there??

I'd love to chat with others about how depressed I am now that it's all over.

Who was your favorite character?

Did you like how it ended??

xo Steph

Happy October First!

In celebration of the first day of October (shouldn't that be a holiday, or at least celebrated?) I wanted to share some of my favorite fall inspirations. 'Tis the seasons for pumpkins and sweaters and everything scary!! Ohhhh I can't wait to start working on our Halloween costumes....

Anyway, get inspired! For all original sources and more fall inspirations check out my fall in love with autumn pinterest board : )

1. melt in your mouth pumpkin cookies - yes please.

2. bowl full of a gourds make the perfect centerpiece

3. Happy Fall, complete with chalkboard and festive garlands

 4. soup out of a pumpkin. why didn't I think of that?

5. colorful leaves. or better yet the smell of burning leaves always remind me of my home in PA.

6. ombre mantle action

7. fireplace overflowing with pumpkins upon pumpkins

8. a warm cup of tea (when you need a PSL alternative)

9. gourd garland if perfect for lining a porch or deck

10. a fall picnic in this vintage beauty

11. pumpkin picking is a must! hoping to recreate this picture

12. homemade apple cider donuts. tied up on trees. 

I'm sure I could make a game out of this!

13. DIY backyard bonfire

14. One word. October. Also the reason I will probably never leave the northeast.

15. pumpkin pancakes. 

I need to convince D to try making these since he is the pancake aficionado around here.

16. playing around with fall themed adult beverages. Like hot apple cider with caramel flavored vodka. Ummmmm amazing.

What else is inspiring me this lovely October first? These mercury glass pumpkins are fabulous, Wood Wick candles in Pumpkin Butter are amazing not only because of their scent but also the sound of a crackling fire, this for my inner Betty Crocker, and this because it intrigues me. Do you think it would be good on toast in the morning?

So happy October First everyone!

Hope you're feeling inspired today!

xo Steph

Soup Weather | Potato Leek Soup

With fall officially arriving, we've been experiencing some of those cold days where only soup will do the trick to take the chill out of your bones. Not to mention, soup on football Sundays are like the perfect combo - like peas and carrots, like mac and cheese! So make soup I did. I decided to whip up some potato leek soup, which is one of D's favorite childhood recipes. 

The recipe I used is his mother's family recipe (which is top secret) so I can't share it - but I found one online that is very similar, give or take a few tweaks -- so I feel ok sharing this. D likes it spicy, so I add LOTS of fresh black pepper, but you can season yours to take. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 large or 2 small leeks, about 1 pound
• 2 bay leaves
• 20 black peppercorns
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 1 to 1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes, diced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup creme fraiche or heavy cream ( I use cream)
• 2 tablespoons snipped chives

Directions

Trim the green portions of the leek and, using 2 of the largest and longest leaves, make a bouquet garni by folding the 2 leaves around the bay leaves, peppercorns and thyme. Tie into a package-shaped bundle with kitchen twine and set aside. (Alternately, tie 2 leek leaves, bay leaves, peppercorns and thyme together in a piece of cheesecloth.)

Using a sharp knife, halve the white part of the leek lengthwise and rinse well under cold running water to rid the leek of any sand. Slice thinly crosswise and set aside.

In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped leeks and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Add the reserved bouquet garni, chicken stock, potatoes, salt and white pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are falling apart and the soup is very flavorful.

Remove the bouquet garni and, working in batches, puree the soup in a food processor or blender. (Alternately, if you own an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot.) Stir in the creme fraiche and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Serve immediately, with some of the snipped chives sprinkled over the top of each bowl of soup.

Or if you're like me - serve with warm and crusty multi-grain bread. YUM-OOO.

And a nice cold beer. It is football Sunday after all.....

And speaking of beer, I always like trying different local or craft beers. Especially fun fruity or seasonal ones. And especially ones that have cute bottles and logos because I'm a sucker for nice design. I picked up a pack of Dogfish Head Tweason'ale -- that's right -- a special brew for in between the seasons, aka tweason. Which I think I love that word by the way, and plan on incorporating it into my everyday lingo. So the flavor of this one? Strawberries and buckwheat honey. The perfect combination bridging summer and fall. LOVE.

Anyone else been craving soup lately? 
I'm all about it right now!

xo Steph

Down by the Bay #strongerthanthestorm

A few weeks ago D and I went down to Tom's River, NJ for his annual Cousins Party -- which all of his family get together at a relatives house right on the water for good food, family times and some laughs. You can see last years pictures here. This was a particularly special party because the family who hosts this party (D's second cousins) were affected by Hurricane Sandy and lost the first level of their home, and their dock. We're standing on the newly built dock in the pic seen below. I'm so happy they were able to rebuild in less than a year and continue on with this special tradition. Even though they lost many of their possessions, photos, memories and family heirlooms, family is the most important thing, and they were blessed that no one was hurt.  

So a big cheers to that! : )

Gray Maxi from Target (similar) // Necklace: J.Crew in Sea Mist

Sunglasses: Loft (similar) // Wedge Sandals: Payless (nice option)

 always happiest near the water.

kisses // knuckle rings found here // Essie nail polish

these lovely ladies are like my second family : )

never a dull moment with this group!!

life is better at the bay : )

this is how Italians do parties. food, food, and more good food!

And you can't forget the desserts. A whole table of desserts to be specific.

and I kinda have a thing, obsession perhaps with these leaf cookies.

 sometimes outtake photos make the best pics! that and with a little help from cool photo editing apps.

 And ending the night with a little boardwalk action before driving home. It's so nice to see the Jersey shore slowly rebuilding itself after hurricane sandy. There are some tough and resilient people here -- proud to be #JerseyStrong!!

xo Steph

also linking up with Because Shanna Said So and The Pleated Poppy