Thursday, June 30, 2011

I love all bubbly drinks so I cannot tell you how excited I was when I discovered this new product: The Twist 'n Sparkle by iSi.  It allows you to add a festive fizz to all your favorite drinks- including cocktails and wine! Ahh!! Dying for this! Want to know how it works? Read the How-To.

If you are wanting to gift it to me it is available at Williams-Sonoma for $49.95!
 -a.e.h.

Wedding Inspiration: Red White & Blue

With the July 4th holiday this weekend, I thought it would be the perfect time to put together a red, white and blue inspiration board. Words of caution: when you are using a theme do not go overboard! Let yourself be inspired by something rather than let it take over your event.  The more subtle you are with your theme references the more appealing the event will be- trust me!



I am loving the bold look of the red envelopes with the white calligraphy!
-a.e.h.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Cool Down This Weekend

This weekend while you are celebrating our independence cool down with this sweet treat: Raspberry-Coconut Popsicles!  The raspberry, blueberry, and coconut ingredients keep the colors festive!  

Picture and Recipe Via Everything Fab


Ingredients {makes roughly twenty 3 oz. popsicles}
*1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
*1 cup blueberries (fresh of frozen)
*1 can coconut milk (full-fat or light)
*2 cups water
*1 cup apple juice (or any other juice you have on hand)
*1/2 cup honey (or more–adjust to taste)
*5 oz. Dixie cups
*wooden popsicle sticks

Preparation
1. Combine all of the ingredients in your blender.
2. Pour mixture into 5 oz. Dixie cups, filling 2/3 of the way.
3. Freeze for 30 minutes, insert sticks, and continue to chill until the popsicles are fully frozen, 2 hours or more.
4. Carefully cut and tear the Dixie cups off of the popsicles, and seal in a plastic bag.



Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

All American

The Kennedys have always been what I imagined as the quintessential American family.  Yes, they have their problems, curses, etc. but they are so effortlessly chic and beautiful!  It was at a very young age that I developed a crush on JFK AND his east coast lifestyle. Sigh.  In honor of the holiday weekend I wanted to share with you some all American images I adore...

Via Pinterest

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

Via Tumblr

-a.e.h.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Getaway for the 4th

1. Straw Tote 2. Striped Boatneck Tee 3. Nautical Rope Bucket 4. White Shift Dress
5. Red Cut-Off Shorts 6. Pom Pom Sandal


Watermelon Sours in a Melon Keg
(makes 10-12 drinks)


4 cups watermelon chunks, pureed
4 oz Alizé Red Passion, or any other fruit-flavored liqueur
8 oz gin
2 cups sour mix
Sparkling rosé
Lime slices, for garnish
Watermelon, to turn into a keg


Prepare your watermelon by cutting a lid from the top and scooping out the fruit (use 4 cups of the fruit later for your watermelon puree). Drill a small hole near the bottom of the melon, then use a knife to widen the hole until it’s just slightly smaller than the keg shank. Attach the shank and faucet and you’re ready to add your cocktail.

After pureeing 4 cups of watermelon chunks, strain. Stir in your fruit-flavored liqueur, gin and sour mix. Chill. Add sparkling rosé before serving. Garnish with lime slice and enjoy!

Recipe from Food Network

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

-a.e.h.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Dream Closets

I, like most girls, hope that one day I will have an extremely large closet filled with extremely beautiful clothes. A girl can dream, right?  The problem is that my room and closet are extremely unorganized.  I tell myself that if I had a huge closet that was also beautifully decorated I would change my ways. Take a look at some of my favorites.

Modern Family (one of my favorite shows) actress Julie Bowen's amazing closet! Via House and Home
Mariah Carey's SHOE closet! Via Pinterest
LOVE!! Via My Design Chic
Love the black built-ins Via Pinterest
Via Tumblr
Love how much space there is! Via Pinterest
Love the mirrored doors Via Pinterest

I hope they come with maids…

Have a great weekend!

-a.e.h.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Pink Places and Spaces

Pink Places and Spaces for National Pink Day...Enjoy!


Jonathan Adler via Mix and Chic

Love this dining room with the ping gingham bamboo chairs
IN LOVE with this room Via Design Sponge
Via Knotting Hill
Via Peacock Feather Events
Beautiful dining room by one of my favorites- Designer Suzanne Kasler
Via Pinterest
Missoni inspired walls! Via The Beautiful Shop
Pink living room

-a.e.h.

June 23: National Pink Day!

It wasn't until recently that I realized that I really do love the color pink.  I don't know why I tried to deny my love for this rosy hue for so long, because it is such a fun color! Since today is National Pink Day I thought it was the perfect time to "come out" about my recently discovered obsession. Take a look at some perfectly pink finds...


2. I have been dying for this Halston Heritage dress & it is on SALE, $247.50 net-a-porter!
4. Set of 6 hand painted elephant cards from John Robshaw, $40.00
5. Strip Tea Coasters Set of 10, $3.95 from Fishseddy
6. Adorable linen cocktail napkin, $60 for set of four from Dransfield & Ross
7. Carafe in pale pink, $78 from  Apartment 48 via House Beautiful
8. I've been living in my Perfect shirt in neon gingham from Jcrew
9. Headphones in cerise, $60 from Urbanears
10. Love this hilarious quote by Kate Moss so I am really loving that it is on a needlepoint pillow!, $116 from Jonathan Adler


Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Luggage Lust

I know what you are thinking, luggage lust? reallyyy?  But, let me explain! My boyfriend and I are going to Playa del Carmen, Mexico next month, and I am in desperate need of new luggage! The suitcase I have been working with is pretty unfortunate. Imagine a pattern very similar to the one on Mary Poppin's carpet bag and then imagine it missing a wheel.  I am dying for these from SteamLine Luggage! They are beautiful AND much more affordable than similar styles.


Editor Series


Producer Series

I am also loving these double sided leather luggage tags.  They feature hand stitching and an adjustable strap. The tags can also be personalized with your own contact information or phrases like, "Hands Off", "Not Your Bag" and my personal favorite, "My Clothes Won't Fit You". 

They are so pretty!


These luggage tags also make great wedding or shower gifts for a jet-setting couple. They start at $35.00 from Hong Kong based HarLex shop on Etsy.com.


-a.e.h.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Bring Summer Inside

Today is the first official day of summer!  To celebrate, I want to share with you some of my favorite summer finds.  I believe you should change out a few things in each room of your home every season. This helps you to stay excited about your space year after year without making any major renovations.  Although it is a small change- switching out a pillow, throw, or even serving on seasonal plates or platters can make a huge impact.  If your walls need some color, but you don't want to commit to a crazy paint color try finding a colorful print (like below) to frame and hang.  You can even frame a colorful piece of wallpaper or wrapping paper! 


Polka Dot GlassesBlue Milk GlassStorm LanternOrange Crush Lamp FinialMonogrammed block letter cocktail napkinsVintage Marbro Murano Lamps in Apple GreenWatercolor print via Pinterest


Do you have any plans to bring summer inside?
  - a.e.h. 

Monday, June 20, 2011

Miami on My Mind...

Until today I had never had a desire to visit Miami. That all changed when I got my first glimpse of The Raleigh Hotel in South Beach. Take a look...

The Raleigh Hotel Pool- Amazing!



The Pool Bar



The Royal Restaurant

The Oasis- an outdoor event space at The Raleigh has been home to many fashion shows and celeb parties




"When it comes to South Beach hotels, those fortunate enough to have experienced The Raleigh, claim it has a perfect blend of characteristics:  Chic, yet warm and inviting; glamorous, yet without attitude; historically iconic, yet tastefully modernized." - Raleighhotel.com


I am ready to pack my bags! Who is coming with me?


-a.e.h.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

The Bob

My best friend and I have both been dying over bob haircuts recently. It is a flattering haircut for almost any face!  We decided, since we live in different cities, it wasn't a big deal if we had the same haircut.  She went with a longer bob, and I opted for a shorter style.  Since I won't be sharing any pics of my new do- here are some of my favorite celeb bobs...

via hollywoodlife.com

Carrie Bradshaw via cupcakestastenice.com

Elizabeth Olsen's long wavy bob is my friends absolute fave! via Just Jared


Dianna Agron via Stylelist.com

Olivia Munn via stylebistro.com


What do you think of this classic cut? 

-a.e.h.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Sarah Cihat: The Dr. Drew for Dinnerware

If you, like many others I imagine, are confused about the lame title of this post- let me explain. Sarah Cihat is an artist and designer in Brooklyn, NY who rehabilitates old dinnerware she finds at resale shops, thrift stores, salvation army, etc. What a great idea, huh?! Sarah turns these rejected ceramics into lively and modern pieces you will be dying to serve dinner on. 


BEFORE








These Sarah Cihat plates make great gifts- especially for your eco-friendly friends!  Are you loving these as much as I am!?


-a.e.h.




Bright Ideas



Bright neon colors had a huge presence on the 2011 Spring/Summer runways.  Luckily, designers today are getting it right and these rainbow hues look much different than they did in the 1980’s! The combination of sleek design and neon color is feeling, oh-so-chic!  While Spring and Summer brides may not be asking their maids to wear electric blue- that doesn’t mean these vibrant colors cannot find their way onto your registry or bridesmaid gift list!   Take a look at some of these bright ideas for fun ways to use neon this season!

1)      Your bridesmaids are sure to love the Mercer Street Mini Lacey by Kate Spade- This yellow wallet is sure to brighten their darkest day.  Not to mention this gift is very functional!

2)      Jil Sander has always been an advocate for bright hues, so it is no surprise her Spring/Summer runway looks got extra attention this year.  Wear this Jil Sander look with your favorite bauble necklace to an engagement party, shower, or even your rehearsal dinner! Then, wear it again on your honeymoon with a simple white tank.  If Jil Sander prices don’t fit into your budget- BCBG’s Sofia Pleated Full-Length Skirt is a more affordable option. I have the BCBG version and I have been living in it!

3)      Love entertaining? Put this Dom Perignon Champagne Cooler by Marc Newson on your wish-list!  This cooler was the first creation from Dom Perignon Designers' Studio. Marc Newson reinterpreted the iconic Dom Perignon bottle into a monolithic, neon green cooler.

4)      Add some color to your walls and turn your engagement or wedding pictures into pop art!  MyDavinci.com, PopArtWorks.com, AllPopArt.com all offer this service. 

5)      Pack these Ray-Ban sunglasses for your honeymoon.  The bright colors in the collection are so fun, and the classic cat eye shape looks great on almost every face! 

6)      Not your momma’s kitchen- KitchenAid has added some style to their standup mixer.  Your registry just got a little more exciting! 



-a.e.h.