Monthly Archives: January 2014

01.31.14

Super Bowl Sunday

I’m not hosting anything special this year for Super Bowl (did that a few years ago and had food for weeks!) but I thought I would post some of my recommended appetizers, sweets, drinks and party ideas for those of you that are entertaining this weekend!

Oh and who is this-I-don’t-care-about-professional-football-girl cheering for on Sunday? (Notice which straws I posted FIRST).

Happy Super Bowl Weekend!

01.30.14

here & there with julie leah: local sweets

This month, Julie of Julie Leah and I have teamed up for another “Here & There” series. Last time, we each shared our own DIY ornaments . This month, we’re talking local bakeries and our favorites.

If you find yourself in the DC area and don’t want to stand in line at the original Georgetown Cupcake; may I suggest Baked & Wired?

(Disclaimer: they both get lines out the door but why not try something different?)

It is also located in the Georgetown neighborhood but a little off the path.

While it’s gained in popularity, this local find and coffee bar could not be more fulfilling. With a hipster-esque vibe, eclectic decor, couches to lounge on, large cupcake displays and even its own “hippie crack” (read: granola); there’s something for everyone.

Flavors read names like “Pretty Bitchin” chocolate and my personal recommendation; “Strawberry Fields” (which also happens to be gluten free for yours truly).

{All Photos by Carleigh Smith}

Check out Julie’s favorite spot in Virginia – from the looks of it, it appears to be delish!

01.29.14

be mine with tiny prints

I’ve teamed up once again with my friends at Tiny Prints to bring you this Valentine’s Day sponsored post! (In case you missed it, we did a fun NYE party favor last month).

Whether you plan on spending February 14th with your one-and-only or a clan of single girl friends – I have a few ideas to celebrate appropriately. I decided to post this pre-February so you would have plenty of time to enjoy cupid’s favorite holiday – and I promise they aren’t THAT cheesy for those of you that wish this day didn’t exist.

1. Make Your Own Candy Bar.

I’ve done this around Halloween for guests (and myself) to enjoy and it’s always a hit. This is a great way to decorate for the holiday around your house or make a mini one at the office for your favorite colleagues.

What You Need:

Vases or Jars
Valentine’s Day inspired candy (red and pink)
Tiny Print’s Gift Tag Stickers (customized to say SWEETS & TREATS)
Ribbon for the vases or jars
Festive lights, gift bags and scoops (optional)

You can also set out plastic gift bags or mason jars for guests to fill up and take more sweets home with them. These make adorable gifts for friends, family, coworkers and teachers. I also made these gift tags from Tiny Prints to stick on them to add a personalized touch.

2. Send Valentines.

By now, you probably know that I keep the U.S. Postal Service in business with my love of and appreciation for #snailmail. This is also why I believe you’re never too old to send a Valentine or two. I made these mini cards from Tiny Prints to pass out to friends and colleagues. Spoiler Alert.

3. Mix Festive Drinks (girl friends only).

If you’re planning a fun evening out or in with the girls, here is a simple and festive drink to sip on and repeat.

Ingredients:

Champagne or Prosecco (Bubbles required.)
Fresh Strawberries
Splash of cranberry juice (optional)
Pink Sugar (to decorate the rim)
Striped paper straws, gift tags and flutes

Mix, enjoy and cue the chick flicks.

Cheers!

01.27.14

Ski Bunny vs. Island Getaway

I don’t know about you, but right about now, I’m in need of a vacation or two. Snow days are welcomed but not quite the same as a vacay.

How about a ski weekend (or perhaps just a spa weekend in my case – not exactly that skilled on the slopes; I’ll join for apres ski?) or better yet, an island getaway (read: BEACH)? And what’s better than planning one of these excursions? Shopping for them.

For those of you with upcoming long weekends and Spring breaks (okay, that might be a little far off but I’m still jealous), here are my must-haves for you.

SKI BUNNY PICKS

(otherwise known as Polar Vortex picks these days)

ISLAND GETAWAY PICKS

(can you tell I’m ready for summer?)

01.20.14

make.my.monday: 2014 planners

I realize that January is more than half way over but if we’re being really honest here, I didn’t get my 2014 planner until a week or so ago so I won’t judge you if you haven’t either.

Without sounding like I am 20 years older than I am (still have a few years in my 20-somethings left…), I am super old fashioned when it comes to calendars/planners/agendas/schedules. Sure, I accept Google calendar invites and use Outlook at work and add appointments to my iPhone – but there is something about writing, making lists and looking physically at the week in front of me that I can’t give up.

So if you’re like me and you haven’t purchased yours yet or if it’s a new years resolution of yours to get more organized – here are my 2014 planner recommendations whether you want something super simple or every aspect of your life customized and recorded.

1. The Day Designer by Whitney English