mother's day: goodies & brunch ideas

For anyone who is still scrambling to put together a mother's day gift -- here are some of my favorite picks. What do you get for the woman who has everything?? Whether you get a gift, send a card, make a phone call, or take your momma out to lunch -- remember to acknowledge the woman who gave you life, and the other amazing sacrifices that mother's do for their children. No really, the things moms do for their kids is crazy sometimes -- and not something I understand. Maybe one day if I become a mom myself, I might "get it."But for now, I'll be telling my momma how much I love her, and being a proud momma to my 12 lb. hot dog. That's enough for me ; )

Check out these Momma's Day goodies:

 Mason Jar Flowers Mother's Day Card // Essie Spring 2013 nail polish // Kate Spade bracelet bangle // Tory Burch earrings // Ikat Tea Pot Set //  Flower Table Arrangement &Vase // WoodWick Ikat Candle // Custom Mothers Day Engraved Wood Cutting Board

Mother's Day Brunch Inspirations

Also I put together some inspiration for hosting a mother's day brunch. 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 diner 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 & munchin skewers because, well they're too stinkin' cute not to have.

So what is everyone doing this mother's day?

Hope you all have a lovely day : )

xo Steph

Also linking up with Because Shanna Said So

Random thoughts and funnies....

Yeah it's Monday, and I'm tired and not at all feeling ready to take on this work week (anyone else feel me on that?) so rather than an outfit post I'm leaving you all with some funnies to make you smile and laugh this Monday. I know that's what I need this morning......Enjoy : )

Truth: This is why I am currently banning myself form entering a Target. I have no will power with that store. They seriously make toilet paper cute.

YES can I get an AMEN to that!

Lean Cuisine: leaving me unsatisfied and hungry since forever.

Am I the only one who still feel this way?

Real books all the way baby!!

 Love her. Get those mozzarella sticks girl!

Yes Paula, butter IS everything. 

That is, until you develop type II diabetes.

As a teacher in my previous career -- I am all too familiar with this elusive answer. 

You sneaky little rat!

 Guilty as charged......

Truth: sometimes I watch Hoarders while cleaning to give me that extra motivation. So I've vacuumed but don't really feel like dusting. Well at least I don't have two year old leftovers sitting on my kitchen counter. This is literally how I rationalize things.

Welp, that's it kids. Hope some of these made you chuckle. Have a great Monday -- I myself and having a slow start at things..... must have been the cinco de mayo festivities that did me in ; )

xo Steph

Also linking up with Still Being Molly

Cinco de Mayo festivities & party ideas.

Or what I'd like to call Cinco de Arts and Music Fest. Here in Hoboken we have the Music and Arts fest twice a year (once in the fall and spring) and it's seriously one of my favorite days of the year. They basically shut down the main street so local art vendors can set up shops and sell their amazing stuff. Along with that they have live bands, and food.....my God the food. You know the type of food you see at typical street fairs and carnivals. Corn on a stick, fried oreos, zeppoles, you get the deal. D usually hits up the Italian stands and I'm pretty much game for any kind of food. I'm hoping for a nice day to walk around and take in the spring air (please spring, pretty please?!) Maybe even a cool new piece of art to add to our apartment. In the morning we'll be meeting with some friends for Sangria Sunday during the festival, so overall -- this girl is pretty excited about that! ; )

Recreate this festive look for yourself:

John Lewis maxi (similar)  // Sandals // Straw clutch  // Chloé round sunglasses // Essie nail polish // Bobby Flay Hammered Margarita Glasses // Margarita shampoo & shower gel // Chip & Dip for your guac (similar)

And 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

Does anyone else celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Anyone have fun plans?

Happy Weekend everyone! 

xo Steph

also linking up with Two Thirty-Five Designs and Delusions of Grandeur

Hey it's May...it's time for a vacay!

This post is serving as a visual reminder to me and D that We. Need. A. Vacation. My busy season is over and we made it through alive so that means we have earned ourselves a well deserved vacation. Where? I'm  not sure yet. This slacker has an expired passport. So that will be task #1 to accomplish. From there, I'm thinking something warm, tropical, all inclusive...you get the picture. As long as we have all the time in the world to do nothing, I'll be happy. And getting that much needed tan won't be so bad either. Here are some items I'd love to see in my suitcase ; )

How to recreate this vacay look for yourself:

White tunic dress // Anchor bikini // Sandals // Striped tote bag // Straw fedora hat // Aviator Sunglasses // Beach party // blue nail polish // yellow nail polish

So where should we go? Does anyone have any good vacation recommendations of places to go without spending a fortune? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Hope you all have a lovely day and, Happy May!

xo Steph

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