Bar Carts: Portable Party

I have seen some pictures of gorgeous bar carts and I really really want one.  I was poking around on Overstock and it suggested this industrial cart that isn't meant to be a bar cart, but sure would make a good one for $56.99! 

 Here are some of my favorites I've seen around the block...

Cupcakes & Cashmere

Apartment Therapy

Kitchenisms

Let Them Eat Cake

The most unique and unexpected Christmas present I got this year came from my dad.  It was an oil painting kit that came with everything you need to get started.  Paints, brushes, canvas, and a how-to book.   I felt a mixture of excitement, inspiration, and terror thinking about what in the world I was going to do with it.

The walls in my parents house feature a few of my dad's masterpieces from over the years.  After a long hiatus he started painting again, and I got dibs on one of the first ones he did when he started back up.  It's hanging in my kitchen, isn't it nice?  I left Christmas with some pointers from my dad, but was still terrified at tackling a landscape.

While reading Jordan Ferney's blog I saw an old post about a collection of cakes her husband Paul Ferney painted.  How freakin amazing is this?  And each painting has a cute little phrase like "After a slice of that chocolate cake she was in the mood to crash a party." and "As she sat there with her sisters, giggling and devouring an entire cake, she felt like she was 12 years old again." I love them all!

So while legitimately snowed in today, with my DVR bordering on empty and Netflix devoured, I pondered what to do with myself.  DING DING DING!  Today is painting day.

Not completely sure what I was doing, I pulled out all of my brushes and paints and planned my attack.  I took a look at a bunch of Paul Ferney's paintings and settled on which cake/cake stand/background combo I thought was do-able and I set up shop.  Do notice the laptop playing a marathon of Friday Night Lights on Netflix.

Now the smart thing to do would be to sketch out my attack plan with pencil, but I couldn't find one anywhere, so I drew ever so lightly with pen, which gave me enough of an idea of where to put paint to canvas.

I started with the cake stand, which I was hoping to be a nice jade green.  It came out a little darker than I was hoping, but I quickly realized that the more you try and fix a color the more paint you wind up with.  It was getting out of hand!

Next I moved onto the most fun part, the cake!  I outlined the cake and filled it in solid brown, then went back and really caked it on (no pun intended).  I wanted it to look like thick, gooey frosting.  I added a candle, painted in the background, and voila!  She was done.  And for the record, it may have been easier to paint the background before the rest of it instead of trying to paint around everything!

This is by no means a Paul Ferney, but I'm glad I took the plunge and gave it a try.  Here it is.  Not quite good enough to eat, but I tried.  I think I might attempt a painting class to actually learn what I'm doing, but this was a much better way to spend an afternoon than shoveling snow.  Although eating cake may have been better...

I Robbed The Gap!

Well, not litterally.

Growing up, one of my mom’s favorite activities was taking us to the Gap when they were having a major sale. We would clean out their clearance section then go home and huddle around the kitchen table with our shopping bags and a calculator. We would carefully peel back the sale stickers until we could see the original prices, and add up what we would have spent at full retail vs. what we actually paid.


This was the only time I ever showed even a modest interest in math.

Last night the nostalgia flowed back as I did this again. I had time to kill before a movie, and the Gap had a sign out front that all clearance was 40% off! I didn’t have a ton of time, but I did my best impression of Supermarket Sweep and snatched up the best stuff I could find including the ballet flats that I wanted before Christmas. Two pairs in fact. Worth the wait!

Here is a recap…

2011 Inspiration

Flash forward... there I am!

I wanted to wait a few days before doing an official New Years post.  I don't know why, I guess all the talk of resolutions and "new year new you" bologna was too much, but I'm ready.

In reading everyone else's New Years posts, I came across an amazing post from Mighty Girl about Esquire's "What I've Learned" section.  There were some serious gems in there that have definitely helped me to look at this coming year and my attitude in a new way.

Here are some of the best quotes, followed by my favorite "Get up off your ass and be proud of yourself, girlfriend" anthem. 

“Some people understand what it is to create something special, and others are thinking what they can get out of it.” -Al Pacino

“There was an incredible power that was against me. And that power, I hope I was able to use it to do something good. Power is power. It’s energy. And if you get big, big energy, you can use that in a good way.” -Yoko Ono

“People don’t remember who the critics were.” -Robert Redford

“Running from something and running to something are the same thing.”

“There’s always going to be someone smarter, prettier, nicer. It’s better to appreciate it instead of being threatened by it or defending yourself against it.” -Mary Louise Parker

“I don’t look ahead. I’m right here with you. It’s a good way to be.”

“I don’t want to impress people I wouldn’t cross the road to talk to. I want there to be a strict door policy at my club. I want to go, “You can’t come in. You won’t like this. And I don’t want you to like it.” -Ricky Gervais

Now, I dare you not to dance a little, and feel a whole lot better about yourself after this one. 

Update: While we're on the subject, check out this non-resolution from Bridget from It's a Hunt Life.

"basically, i would just like to be a better person, but that's what we should all hope to be as each year flies by.  complain less.  love more.  be more patient.  take more time with the kids instead of shooing them away because i've got other things that can't wait (laundry can wait.  computer can wait.).  take more time to tell my husband what i'm proud of him for.  be grateful for at least five new things at the end of each and every day.  learn to be more like gracie (dogs really are the best teachers, aren't they?).  compliment more.  stress less.  read more.  eat well.  listen to beautiful music.  go to more concerts.  make some delicious new recipes.  write more snail-mail letters.  be a better person."

Amen Bridget!

Chic On The Cheap - Old Navy Edition

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In my attempt to be more financially responsible this year, I thought it would be a good idea to just write about things I want, and not buy them.  Well, not buy them all anyway.

I have always been pretty cheap when it comes to clothes, and people are shocked at the finds I get from places like Target and Old Navy.  So, while nursing a hangover (oh hey 2011) I put together some Old Navy Outfits.  One item is $50, most are $30 or less.  Can't beat that!

Essential Wide-Leg Trousers |  $32.50

Lightweight Ruffle-Trim Tops | $20 
Pom-Pom Ballet Flats | $19.99 
Tasseled Totes| $28.50 
Button-Front Boyfriend Cardigans | $24.99

Button-Front Boyfriend Cardigans | $24.99 

The Diva Skinny Jeans | $29.50 

Satiny Ruffle-Trim Tops | $19.50

Ballet Flats | $19.50 

Embellished Cluster Rings | $9.50

Twisted-Neck Roll-Up Tops | $14.50 

Rubber Rain Boots | $29.50 

The Flirt Skinny Jeans | $29.50 

Sequin-Trim Canvas Totes | $14.50 

Hooded Utility Jacket | $49.50

Gawker Stalker

Bye bye productivity...

For those of you not familiar with Food Gawker, kiss your afternoon goodbye.  You can scroll through page after page of the most beautiful food you've ever seen.  Then once you click on a picture, you are brought to a new food blog, which links to other food blogs.  Total Pandora's box that will suck hours out of your life, but well worth it. 

As if that wasn't enough, they now have Dwelling Gawker, Craft Gawker, and for those of you who aren't as jaded as I, Wedding Gawker.

You know where I will be until well into 2011...

The Coaster From Ipanema

I'm in full post-Christmas hangover, planning all of my resolutions that I won't call resolutions because no one keeps those.  Right?  Well, being more financially responsible is my "resolution that isn't a resolution".  So unfortunately these insanely adorable Jonathan Adler Jet Set coasters ($48) will not be a part of my life this year (tear)...

All I want is to sit in the sun and set down a Mai Tai or a Caipirinha on one of these bad boys.  Instead I'll sit at my desk and stare out the window.  At dirty snow. 

Holiday Gift Guide... A Little Late

Erin, one of  my few loyal readers commented on how long it's been since I've posted.  So in my effort to get into the holiday spirit (with 2 days to go) here are some gifts that I think would be lovely to give or receive.  Mostly receive.

Now it's back to hot cocoa and blasting Christmas music to try and de-Scrooge and get in the full Holiday swing with just minutes to spare.  It feels a lot like cramming for a test.

1. Wine Monkey - $10 |Fred & Friends 

2. Warm Slipper Socks - $10.80 | Forever 21 

3. Flour Cookbook - $23 | Amazon  

4. Summer Stone Ring – $59.50 | Banana Republic  

5. Sketch Art Cases - $15.95 ea | Z Gallery  

6. Floral appliqué slippers - $19.99 | Gap 

7. All You Need Is Gloss- $26 | Benefit  

8. Trousseau Apron - $38 | Anthropologie 

 

Chic On The Cheap - Holiday Cocktail Edition

My life philosophy is: Wear cheap clothes, take good vacations. I would much rather buy my sweaters at Old Navy & Target if that means there is extra money I can stash away to get out of town.  

With the holidays right around the corner, it had me thinking about cocktail dresses.  And, when you are babysitting on a Saturday night in Brooklyn, what else would you do but troll the interwebs looking for dresses you will never have the occasion to wear?  So I took the opportunity to put together some cocktail looks with pieces from some of my favorite cheapo depots.  Items range from $1 up to $100.  Yes, I said $1!

Also important is knowing what drink to pair with a dress, so I made some recommendations there as well.

Here goes...

When leaves fall one shoulder dress – Shop Ruche |  $44.99

Lace Platform Heels – Forever 21 | $28.80

Party Glam Bracelet Set – Forever 21 | $6.80

Pearl & Rhinestones Ring – Forever 21 | $5.80

Sonia Kashuk Starry Night Nail Enamel – Target | $4.99

Recommended Pairing – White Russian

Lunch With Mu Love Polka Dot Dress - $Shop Ruche | 47.99

Sophisticated Faceted Bead Ring -  Forever 21 } $5.80

Wino nail polish  - Lex Cosmetics  | $10  

Glaze by Adi Rose Trim High Heel Platform Bootie - Target |$39.99.

Recommended Pairing – Gin & Tonic

Clarabella Dress – Shop Ruche| $35.99

Smooth Stiletto Pumps -  Forever 21 | $22.80

Zipper Flap Clutch – Forever 21 | $17.80

OPI  I'm Not Really a Waitress – Drugstore.com | $8

Recommended Pairing – Single malt scotch on the rocks

 

Grand Finale Dress – Modcloth |$67.99

Amazing Lace Heels – Modcloth | $39.99

Mineral Lipstick in Cheerful Cherry – ELF | $5

Rhinestone Cluster Earrings – Forever 21 | $3.80

Recommended Pairing – Pino Noir

 

Gold Dust Gal Dress - Modcloth |$89.99

Doxie Boot– Aldo | $90

e.l.f. Essentials Super Glossy Lip Shine in Candlelight – E.L.F. | $1

Metallic Nail Polish  in Bellydancing – Sephora | $3

Recommended Pairing – Ketel One martini, blue cheese stuffed olives

 

Weak in The Knees Dress - Modcloth | $67.99

Techno Dive Pumps – Forever 21 | $22.80

Merona® Jeweled Bag – Silver – Target | $16.99

Structured Rhinestone Earrings – Forever 21 |$6.80

Recommended Pairing - Veuve Clicquot Champagne

Simple elegance navy dress – Shop Ruche -  $62.99

Mossimo® Black Peri Platform Pumps – Grey – Target | $32.99

Structured Sequin Clutch – Forever 21 | $20.80

Recommended Pairing - Cakebread Savignon Blanc 

We’ve Come So Noir – Modcloth | $57.99

Impression Suedette Heels – Forever 21 | $27.99

Faux Diamond Ring Set – Forever 21 | $5.80

e.l.f. Essentials Nail Polish in in Burgundy – E.L.F. 

Recommended Pairing  - Kir Royale

There you have it.  Throw on your party dress and throw back some cocktails! 

 

London Calling!

I don't think I have ever needed a vacation more in my entire life, and in just three days I am heading to London!

I was there about a year ago, but we tried to cram all possible tourist activities into just a few days, so this trip will be a little different.  No real plans except bakeries, high tea,, and lots and lots of street markets.  I can't wait to eat tons, relax, and spend some quality time with one of my bestest buds. 

I will have a full report and lots of pictures when I return!

Sticky Icky Crunchy Chewy Goodness - Flour Bakery

A couple weeks ago, the SOWA Open Market hosted a food truck rally. All of the amazing local food trucks in one place? I could feel my cholesterol rising as a bunch of friends made plans to meet there one Sunday afternoon. Then the heartbreak. I met my friend Lara, and we were walking over when we get the call. The lines at every truck are an hour plus, and they are running out of food. My dreams of chicken and waffles were dashed, and it was time to come up with a plan B.


If you are ever going to be in this (or any) food situation, you want to be with my girl Lara. I mean, she has a blog called Ham on a Plane. She knows and loves food more than anyone I know. Since we were in the South End, our obvious Plan B was to hit up Flour Bakery. My mouth literally just watered when I typed “Flour Bakery”.

This place is insane. I have never had ANYTHING that came out of this place that did not blow my mind. Amazing cookies, cakes, sandwiches, and a sticky bun to die for. Like, I would really lay down and die for this little ball of heaven. It’s been featured on the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate” and “Throw Down”.  Bobby Flay is a super fan.  No big deal.

By the time we got to Flour, Lara and I were ready to pass out. Neither one of us had eaten yet, saving all the room in our stomachs for chicken and waffles. We couldn’t wait got our sandwiches, so we started with the sticky bun. Sticky bun as an appetizer. H-E-A-V-E-N.   You can try to make them yourself, but I doubt anyone could be as successful.  I mean, they marinate them overnight in the sticky "goo" and then baste them in it once they are done.  Don't try this at home.  Just go to Flour!  Here is a before and after.

Then it was time for lunch.  In my opinion, a true friend is one who likes to get two things and share.  Love this Lara.  We got the roast beef and the tomato, basil, mozzarella.  Let me start by saying that they are made on house made bread.  MMMMMMMMM!!!!  The roast beef is topped with horseradish cream and the most delicious fried onions.  The TBM was grilled to perfection on nutty bread thats almost a little sweet.  Deeeelish.

To wash it down, no ordinary drink would do.  Of course Flour makes their own fresh raspberry seltzetr. What else would you expect?

After we devoured everything else, it was time for dessert dessert.  The sticky bun before lunch was not dessert, don't get it twisted.  That was breakfast.  Dessert was a house made "oreo" and a chocolate chunk hazlenut cookie.  For the record, this "oreo" was also featured on Food Network.  This place is no joke.  The faux-reo was divine.  Cakier than the packaged variety with a buttery delicious filling.  The chocolate chunk hazlenut cookie was kind of like if you made a jar of Nutella magically crunchy, and mixed in a little butter.  It is by far one of the best cookies I have ever had (outside of this masterpiece)

So if you couldn't tell, I thought this meal totally sucked.  Kidding.  Bummed I missed out on chicken and waffles, but the day was totally redeemed by Flour.  I can not recommend this place enough.  I bet my bottom dollar that you won't be disappointed.  You might gain a couple L-Bs in the process, but well worth the weight.