with peeps, reeses eggs and jelly beans (my fav!) filling the shelves, Easter is right around the corner...one week to be precise. Easter is always a fun occasion to decorate with bright colors, pretty dresses and of course, candy. i love egg trees as centerpieces. if you buy artificial they last forever. if you don't they aren't as difficult to keep looking good as fresh flowers are. it's also fun to decorate a tree outside your house to welcome the Easter holiday. no matter what your age, dyeing eggs is always a good time. check out the basics and beyond to create colorful egg masterpieces. i love the carrot napkin rings to add a pop of color to your linens. for a sweet treat, gather different colors...think light orange, green, yellow, pink and baby blue...of jelly beans and fill fun apothecary jars of different sizes to decorate your dessert table or to add a fun treat around your house. plus, the jelly beans are perfect to fill your eggs for your hunt!
in my family, Easter treats included a lamb cake -- white cake baked into a mold, covered with white frosting, coconut and a jelly bean nose. we also bake a grain pie...recipes to come.
with a hand-painted look, this colorful floral printed dress is perfect for Easter with a higher neckline and short sleeves. or choose a brightly colored strapless dress, and pair it with a sweet white cardigan. a floral spaghetti strap option keeps things fun and flowing with the silk material. alternative to a dress? a skirt, of course!
enjoy decorating your house and your Easter wardrobe this week!
the very best, always,
alexandra
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
day twenty-one
greetings from sunny virginia! i hope you're going to keep up with the excitement of the masters this weekend.
the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about your home for spring is flowers! i know i know, it's not always sunny in the month of april, but bring some sunshine into your home with freshly cut flowers. i love bundling hydrangeas together to look like big puffy snowballs. you can't go wrong with daisies. remember your filler greenery! some simple tips to keep your flowers happy...and hopefully for more than one week!
the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about your home for spring is flowers! i know i know, it's not always sunny in the month of april, but bring some sunshine into your home with freshly cut flowers. i love bundling hydrangeas together to look like big puffy snowballs. you can't go wrong with daisies. remember your filler greenery! some simple tips to keep your flowers happy...and hopefully for more than one week!
1. cut your flowers using scissors under water
2. cut your flowers at an angle
3. remove all leaves that will be under water
4. don't use all the flower food in the first watering! change the water after about 4 days
5. add ice cubes if they start to look sad. you will be amazed, especially with roses, at how they bloom with just a few ice cubes in the water!
if fresh flowers just don't last long enough for you, whatever you do, incorporate a few fun, bold pillows. these are perfect for outside as long as your patio is screened in.
if you're looking for an inexpensive fun but messy project, check out the thrifty chick's how-to on moss covered letters. i love how the moss makes such a statement against a mirror and looks great as any door wreath. speaking of wreaths, i have been working very hard at a cork wreath...okay i know drinking wine is such a drag... pictures to come soon!
update your coffee table with must-have fashion reads. great conversation starters, and such a simple way to make a change to your living room. i hope you find inspiration in your every day adventures and bring them into your life in many ways.
the very best, always,
alexandra
if you're looking for an inexpensive fun but messy project, check out the thrifty chick's how-to on moss covered letters. i love how the moss makes such a statement against a mirror and looks great as any door wreath. speaking of wreaths, i have been working very hard at a cork wreath...okay i know drinking wine is such a drag... pictures to come soon!
update your coffee table with must-have fashion reads. great conversation starters, and such a simple way to make a change to your living room. i hope you find inspiration in your every day adventures and bring them into your life in many ways.
the very best, always,
alexandra
Sunday, April 3, 2011
day twenty
oh april, the joy you bring, the showers you bring, finally, spring is here.
spring cleaning is always fun -- you get to make room for more decor, apparel and even people if you are deciding to renovate! pull out your spring wardrobe and see what is in, is out, what fits and what doesn't. donate any clothing you didn't wear last season, that doesn't fit or is really out of style. if you have certain high-end pieces that you coveted -- think purses and designer jeans -- and think someone else will, too, look for a consignment shop, you'll make some money and some room for your spring closet.
perhaps you've scoured the magazines, websites even blogs, looking just searching for what's new, what's over and what is here to stay. i'm sure you've seen the neon and bold colored trend and in my opinion it takes a lot of gusto to wear bright yellow pants and to spend a lot of money on them because i know i won't be wearing them in a a year. plus, i always feel like when i wear something more bold than usual, people always remember the occasion i wore it to -- a birthday party, a wedding, etc. find a fun bracelet to pair with your outfit. a hot pink pedicure (manicure if you're feeling daring), will have your toes spring ready. hate the color? take it off! it's not as permanent and a hell of a lot less expensive than that pair of espadrilles you are so saving for. oh, kate spade... orrrr check out my other girl, tory's take on the wedge...
moving onto the tribal trend, turn a simple white tee into something more dramatic by adding an awesome necklace. you can't go wrong with a great flat sandal. the beading is fun without being over the top.
now where would a blog post be without some inspiration from my all-time go-to, jcrew? when it's spring, i always think cardigans! their jackie cardigan is wearable again and again, and not just in the spring. you can even pull the neon trend out with this favorite! a blazer is a must and can up the sophistication factor of any outfit. pencil skirts are hotter than ever this spring, and this is my go-to. dress it up with a blazer, dress it down with a patterned shirt.
stay tuned for spring decor and easter preparations!
the very best, always,
alexandra
spring cleaning is always fun -- you get to make room for more decor, apparel and even people if you are deciding to renovate! pull out your spring wardrobe and see what is in, is out, what fits and what doesn't. donate any clothing you didn't wear last season, that doesn't fit or is really out of style. if you have certain high-end pieces that you coveted -- think purses and designer jeans -- and think someone else will, too, look for a consignment shop, you'll make some money and some room for your spring closet.
perhaps you've scoured the magazines, websites even blogs, looking just searching for what's new, what's over and what is here to stay. i'm sure you've seen the neon and bold colored trend and in my opinion it takes a lot of gusto to wear bright yellow pants and to spend a lot of money on them because i know i won't be wearing them in a a year. plus, i always feel like when i wear something more bold than usual, people always remember the occasion i wore it to -- a birthday party, a wedding, etc. find a fun bracelet to pair with your outfit. a hot pink pedicure (manicure if you're feeling daring), will have your toes spring ready. hate the color? take it off! it's not as permanent and a hell of a lot less expensive than that pair of espadrilles you are so saving for. oh, kate spade... orrrr check out my other girl, tory's take on the wedge...
moving onto the tribal trend, turn a simple white tee into something more dramatic by adding an awesome necklace. you can't go wrong with a great flat sandal. the beading is fun without being over the top.
now where would a blog post be without some inspiration from my all-time go-to, jcrew? when it's spring, i always think cardigans! their jackie cardigan is wearable again and again, and not just in the spring. you can even pull the neon trend out with this favorite! a blazer is a must and can up the sophistication factor of any outfit. pencil skirts are hotter than ever this spring, and this is my go-to. dress it up with a blazer, dress it down with a patterned shirt.
stay tuned for spring decor and easter preparations!
the very best, always,
alexandra
Thursday, March 24, 2011
day nineteen
the last thing we ever want to do in this life is hurt. hurt someone physically, mentally or emotionally. unless you want to end up on the streets in a fight. no thanks, i'm good. we don't want hurt ourselves, in any of these forms either, and we certainly don't like it when we are hurt. if you throw a punch, you'll be punched back. in this crazy thing we call life, the pain comes with the good. if we don't hurt, we can't feel love. tomorrow is my birthday. as i embark on another year of life, i think of how much i've grown as a person and learned from the many people i have surrounded myself with, some are still around, some have gone in different directions, and some have passed away, in the past year.
i have been hurt, i'm sure as many of you have been, on mulitple occasions in the past year. my guard isn't always low, it isn't as tall as the berlin wall, although on some occassions, i'd like it to be. or maybe it's just as thick and stubborn as the berlin wall. we must learn from these hinderances and from the people who have hurt us. what do we want? what do we need? what do we not want? what do we not need? we can do our best to prepare ourselves for everything that is headed our way. make a list if you need to.
i feel as if i have hurt, and it is not something i am ever proud of, and many times, its not on purpose, its just how feelings swing and sway. with question marks. and "what ifs." and even, sometimes, with circumstances that may be out of our control. we are human. God gave us the gift...okay, sometimes more of an annoyance or stressor...of thinking. although thinking can create confusion and anxiety, it can also give us clarification. clarification of the postive things we have in life: health, family, friends, a job -- and its two jobs i love, to boot. it sounds Oprah and cliche but really, we have so much to live for.
i have learned recently --mom, its the big one -- to let many [i'm not quite at all] things go -- okay mom, small steps here. if you can't live this life, and not sweat the small stuff, it's gonna be okay. find AND do things that make you happy. learn to do them well. i don't care if its gardening or the killer heels you just scored for the summer. if the flowers make you happy, grow them with love and as tall as you can. if the heels give you confidence and make you feel good, so be it. do it for yourself.
for us to have love, we have to have hurt. maybe the hurt lasts a day, a week, a month, a year, or more. everyone is different, everyone feels different, and these feelings need to be taken into consideration with not just new relationships, whether personal or friendly, but with older and pre-existing relationships as well. happiness and love is contagious, give some today. read my amazing friend libby's blog and her post on how love enhances our life. help others find love, i know people who need it, i'm sure you do too.
a very big thank you to my family and friends who have been there and supported me through my drama and this-and-that. i love you.
now, im not saying go out and be all sensitive and heart on sleeve. find a balance because in this life, a strong backbone is an important foundation. don't put up with the bs. stand up for yourself. use your head wisely.
its life, and its all we got.
the very best, always,
alexandra
i have been hurt, i'm sure as many of you have been, on mulitple occasions in the past year. my guard isn't always low, it isn't as tall as the berlin wall, although on some occassions, i'd like it to be. or maybe it's just as thick and stubborn as the berlin wall. we must learn from these hinderances and from the people who have hurt us. what do we want? what do we need? what do we not want? what do we not need? we can do our best to prepare ourselves for everything that is headed our way. make a list if you need to.
i feel as if i have hurt, and it is not something i am ever proud of, and many times, its not on purpose, its just how feelings swing and sway. with question marks. and "what ifs." and even, sometimes, with circumstances that may be out of our control. we are human. God gave us the gift...okay, sometimes more of an annoyance or stressor...of thinking. although thinking can create confusion and anxiety, it can also give us clarification. clarification of the postive things we have in life: health, family, friends, a job -- and its two jobs i love, to boot. it sounds Oprah and cliche but really, we have so much to live for.
i have learned recently --mom, its the big one -- to let many [i'm not quite at all] things go -- okay mom, small steps here. if you can't live this life, and not sweat the small stuff, it's gonna be okay. find AND do things that make you happy. learn to do them well. i don't care if its gardening or the killer heels you just scored for the summer. if the flowers make you happy, grow them with love and as tall as you can. if the heels give you confidence and make you feel good, so be it. do it for yourself.
for us to have love, we have to have hurt. maybe the hurt lasts a day, a week, a month, a year, or more. everyone is different, everyone feels different, and these feelings need to be taken into consideration with not just new relationships, whether personal or friendly, but with older and pre-existing relationships as well. happiness and love is contagious, give some today. read my amazing friend libby's blog and her post on how love enhances our life. help others find love, i know people who need it, i'm sure you do too.
a very big thank you to my family and friends who have been there and supported me through my drama and this-and-that. i love you.
now, im not saying go out and be all sensitive and heart on sleeve. find a balance because in this life, a strong backbone is an important foundation. don't put up with the bs. stand up for yourself. use your head wisely.
its life, and its all we got.
the very best, always,
alexandra
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
day eighteen
i hope you all survived mardi gras! are you ready for St. Patrick's day? before you put away all your beads, keep the green ones and reuse for this occasion!
so, chances are, this isn't your first St. Patty's day rodeo. you wear green. you drink green beer. you may even eat green eggs (and ham). it's the holiday where everyone is Irish for a day, right? i like to think that after St. Patrick's day, spring just flies on in.
this is the perfect occasion to host a group of people for heavy hors d'o'euvres, allow and prepare 12-15 pieces per person. when choosing the perfect menu, think guinness, both as drink and dessert, and choose the perfect soda bread -- traditional or with a twist. You also must remember the "water of life," Irish whiskey, yes, with an "e," it symbolizes that it came from Ireland or the UK, Jamesons or Bushmills is the perfect addition. make sure you have the correct glassware, not plastic cups, noone wants to worry about a ping pong ball from university flying into their cup.
after reading twitter this morning, i was inspired by the tissue paper flowers, from fellow planner Lauren Grove and Nicole Lucciola. make green ones special for St. Patrick's day, and sprinkle four leaf clovers (if you're lucky) around your table settings. after the holiday is over, make more flowers in other colors and decorate giftbags, centerpieces, or a shadowbox frame. stay creative and have fun!
the very best, always,
alexandra
so, chances are, this isn't your first St. Patty's day rodeo. you wear green. you drink green beer. you may even eat green eggs (and ham). it's the holiday where everyone is Irish for a day, right? i like to think that after St. Patrick's day, spring just flies on in.
this is the perfect occasion to host a group of people for heavy hors d'o'euvres, allow and prepare 12-15 pieces per person. when choosing the perfect menu, think guinness, both as drink and dessert, and choose the perfect soda bread -- traditional or with a twist. You also must remember the "water of life," Irish whiskey, yes, with an "e," it symbolizes that it came from Ireland or the UK, Jamesons or Bushmills is the perfect addition. make sure you have the correct glassware, not plastic cups, noone wants to worry about a ping pong ball from university flying into their cup.
after reading twitter this morning, i was inspired by the tissue paper flowers, from fellow planner Lauren Grove and Nicole Lucciola. make green ones special for St. Patrick's day, and sprinkle four leaf clovers (if you're lucky) around your table settings. after the holiday is over, make more flowers in other colors and decorate giftbags, centerpieces, or a shadowbox frame. stay creative and have fun!
the very best, always,
alexandra
Sunday, March 6, 2011
day seventeen
bonjour!
i hope you all have your plans set for mardi gras aka "fat tuesday!"
if you are hosting a party, remember: purple, gold and green as your accent colors. create simple centerpieces. tie tight bunches of purple flowers, such as daisies, with nice greenery around and a few pieces of gold groovy willow, or colored feathers. beads are a MUST. decorate your table with them and have baskets filled, ready for your guests. remember, lighting is everything! keep with the purple, gold and green, by layering colored sand and inserting candles into the sand. the Fleur De Lis is a great example of New Orleans tradition. Find confetti to accent your table.
now, your menu. entertain with a menu fit for Bourbon Street restaurant. Begin with the classic seafood gumbo, or craw fish with horseradish sauce . When the Spaniards took over the colony from Louisiana to west of the Mississippi, influenced by the French cuisine and the classic Spanish dish, paella, they introduced jambalaya, a great main course. Whatever the correct history is on the word jambalaya, one things for sure -- its a one pot dinner that's sure to impress. Finish your evening with a king cake. Believed to have been originated in the 12th century in France, it is a celebration to the three Kings. Hidden inside the sweet cake filled with fresh fruit or cream, is a small plastic baby to symbolize Christ Child, whoever finds the baby inside their piece is said to have luck but they must continue the tradition with the King Cake next!
if you are attending the party, pre mix or bring the special ingredients needed and help bartend to make one of the five cocktails that were said to have originated in the big easy.
remember when picking out the perfect outfit that you incorporate all of the classic mardi gras colors. find a great gold or purple pump to accent your look. gold bangles are always the perfect accessory, and you will wear them on more than one occasion, i promise! invest! pair a skinny green belt with a black cardigan, and you are doubling up on the bright color trend for spring!
either way you are spending mardi gras, celebrate this occasion responsibly, call a cab or have a reliable safe ride home!
the very best, always,
Monday, February 21, 2011
day sixteen
good afternoon loves!
after another hiatus, i am back at my computer ready again to explore and share all things fabulous with you. i hope your valentine's day was extra special, whether you were sharing it with a boyfriend or girlfriend, your family, or even your roommates! its a day to show love, not just for people in relationships. remember to keep loving every day.
one week later, we find ourselves with another occasion at hand -- presidents day. remember to honor our presidents, past and present, without them, where would we be. but you just can't take it all so seriously! did you know that Ronald Reagans acting career was going so terribly that he opted for a stand-up comedy show in Vegas for a few weeks?! John Quincy Adams wore the same hat for 10 years...talk about a classic! It is said that Van Buren coined the hand gesture for "a-okay." check out the other facts, and share some knowledge at the dinner table tonight. i hope if you have had the day off, you have something planned, whether its a home-cooked meal in or a nice night out.
Celebrate the 39th president Jimmy Carter, who was actually a peanut farmer before he became president. In his honor, I'd like to share a very quick and simple recipe (it's no-bake!) adapted from February 2011's Southern Living. Treat your family, friends or loved ones to Peanut Butter Truffles.
1. Microwave first 3 ingredients in a medium-size microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-second intervals. Let cool 10 minutes.
2. Beat chocolate mixture at medium speed with an electric mixer 1 to 2 minutes or until whipped and smooth. Cover and chill 2 hours or until firm.
3. Shape chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls, using a small ice-cream scoop. Roll in chopped peanuts. (If chocolate mixture becomes too soft to shape, refrigerate until firm.) Place on wax paper-lined baking sheets. Chill 1 hour before serving. Store truffles in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 5 days.
*MY VARIATION:
Instead of using only semi-sweet, i mixed semi-sweet and milk chocolate.
I also added 1/3 cup of white sugar and a pinch of brown sugar. I also added a little more whipping cream to taste.
The lowfat peanut butter tasted just as good...i promise.
When rolling, in a few of the truffles, i rolled a whole peanut inside the truffle for an extra surprise, and crunch.
Parchment paper worked just as well.
enjoy!
remember, it's all about the presentation. group a few together at each place setting in a small bowl, or even in an antique cup & saucer. garnish with whole peanuts still in the shell!
the very best, always,
alexandra
after another hiatus, i am back at my computer ready again to explore and share all things fabulous with you. i hope your valentine's day was extra special, whether you were sharing it with a boyfriend or girlfriend, your family, or even your roommates! its a day to show love, not just for people in relationships. remember to keep loving every day.
one week later, we find ourselves with another occasion at hand -- presidents day. remember to honor our presidents, past and present, without them, where would we be. but you just can't take it all so seriously! did you know that Ronald Reagans acting career was going so terribly that he opted for a stand-up comedy show in Vegas for a few weeks?! John Quincy Adams wore the same hat for 10 years...talk about a classic! It is said that Van Buren coined the hand gesture for "a-okay." check out the other facts, and share some knowledge at the dinner table tonight. i hope if you have had the day off, you have something planned, whether its a home-cooked meal in or a nice night out.
Celebrate the 39th president Jimmy Carter, who was actually a peanut farmer before he became president. In his honor, I'd like to share a very quick and simple recipe (it's no-bake!) adapted from February 2011's Southern Living. Treat your family, friends or loved ones to Peanut Butter Truffles.
1 (12-oz.) package semisweet chocolate morsels*
1/2 cup whipping cream*
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter*
3/4 cup finely chopped, lightly salted roasted peanuts*
Wax paper*
1. Microwave first 3 ingredients in a medium-size microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-second intervals. Let cool 10 minutes.
2. Beat chocolate mixture at medium speed with an electric mixer 1 to 2 minutes or until whipped and smooth. Cover and chill 2 hours or until firm.
3. Shape chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls, using a small ice-cream scoop. Roll in chopped peanuts. (If chocolate mixture becomes too soft to shape, refrigerate until firm.) Place on wax paper-lined baking sheets. Chill 1 hour before serving. Store truffles in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 5 days.
*MY VARIATION:
Instead of using only semi-sweet, i mixed semi-sweet and milk chocolate.
I also added 1/3 cup of white sugar and a pinch of brown sugar. I also added a little more whipping cream to taste.
The lowfat peanut butter tasted just as good...i promise.
When rolling, in a few of the truffles, i rolled a whole peanut inside the truffle for an extra surprise, and crunch.
Parchment paper worked just as well.
enjoy!
remember, it's all about the presentation. group a few together at each place setting in a small bowl, or even in an antique cup & saucer. garnish with whole peanuts still in the shell!
the very best, always,
alexandra
Thursday, January 13, 2011
day fifteen
happy new year!
i hope this finds y'all well. how are you keeping up with your resolutions? stay positive and stay focused!
if you're looking to stay (or get!) in shape, try wireless headphones, because there is nothing worse than hitting a cord when you're at the peak of your run! need to get organized? plan all dates ahead! no double booking parties this year! the leather is divine and the monogramming adds a personalized touch. want to touch the lives of others? volunteer! its a great way to help the community and even your own business or organization.
the very best, always,
alexandra
i hope this finds y'all well. how are you keeping up with your resolutions? stay positive and stay focused!
if you're looking to stay (or get!) in shape, try wireless headphones, because there is nothing worse than hitting a cord when you're at the peak of your run! need to get organized? plan all dates ahead! no double booking parties this year! the leather is divine and the monogramming adds a personalized touch. want to touch the lives of others? volunteer! its a great way to help the community and even your own business or organization.
the very best, always,
alexandra
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