I feel like having a party

For some reason, I got home from teaching today and I felt like dressing up and having an afternoon party. I don’t know if it’s the warm weather, my excitement over my party clothes shipment from Asos.com or the fact that I am looking forward to baking 30 lemon cupcakes for the weekend.  Something says it is time to entertain.  In my fantasy entertaining world, if I was to dream up my afternoon party I would make sure to fill my table and home with the following items.

1. Flowers from Saipua in Brooklyn.  I like how the fuscia stands out from the pack.

via saipua

2. Invitations, hand done by Plurabelle Calligraphy. I like the look of the calligraphy on the chalk boards below.

via plurabelle calligraphy

3. This ombre cake by Apt2B Baking Co. first because I love ombre, second because the cake is almond, another fav.

via apt 2b baking co

4. Chocolate pumps for my guests from Jordino in Amsterdam. I swear these things call out to you when you walk by the window.  I want to crunch on a chocolate shoe with sprinkles.

via foursquare

5. Finally, a fun mix of colourful and interesting table top items to accessorise the food and drink. Yes, I threw in two bright clutches, not as a table top accessory but more as a thought of what my guests would be holding to brighten up their outfits.

Blushington Makeup + Beauty Lounge

Is this the next Blow Dry Bar?  It could very well be (and I secretly hope so).  Blushington Makeup + Beauty Lounge, based in West Hollywood (LA), California, is the place to go to get beautiful makeup looks with names like “Cutting Edge,” “Smoke and Mirrors,” and “Simply Glowing.”

Similar to Blow Dry Bar, you go in and pick your look and walk out looking fabulous for an affordable price.  And talk about a stunning interior.  I love the colour palette of this place.  It is clear that owner, Stephi Maron and her stacked team of business partners and make-up artists have developed a fabulous concept.  I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Pictures via  DailyCandy (1) Blushington (2-4)

Tea Bar + Weekend Round-Up

Boy do I love this idea for an event: Aake your own tea bar.  I am in the process of brainstorming my own catering plans for the wedding that will take place later this summer.  We have already talked about an espresso bar for my darling, coffee snob groom, but this is the year 2012, and now that I’ve opened my eyes to possibility,  I think equal rights for beverage drinkers should apply.  If the coffee snob groom gets special coffee, then the tea snob bride should get her own canisters filled with her favourite blends.  What’s fair is fair right?!?  I may have to look into this further and do some investigation on how to make it happen.

Rubber Stamps

I am in the market for some rubber stamps to use with my wedding invitations but don’t know which to choose! There are so many exciting designs, shapes, patterns and colours, I am not sure how I am going to make a choice.

I love that stamps have gotten so creative.  There are as many stamps as stationery choices.  Mind boggling really.  Fortunately Etsy makes it super easy to find someone to work with!!

Photos via Etsy 1, 2, 3, 4

New Trend: Dessert in a Jar

You heard it here first.  The trend is coming- desserts in a jar.

What’s not to love.  They are portable. They are filled with delicious goodness.  They are fun and they are attractive. Feast your eyes on these beauties below!!

On a non-dessert note, we had a delicious dinner tonight braised chicken with black olives, onions and tomatoes with roasted brussels sprouts and a mixed cabbage salad with cherries, apples and carrots.