Author Archives: BAC

01.09.14

Everytime I remember you.

Today I decided to take a break from regular blogging to remember and celebrate the lives of my Godparents, aunt and uncle and role models; who were given their guardian angel wings 2 years ago today on January 9th, 2012.

My aunt helped raised me and was like a mother to me my entire life. She inspired me to finally start H&T and I like to think that she is somehow, some way, following along too.

Thank you for reading.

“I thank my God everytime I remember you.”
-Philippians 1:3

{Image via}

01.08.14

What I Wear: Makeup Faves

Now that the holidays are behind us, I thought I would take a little break (literally and blog-wise) from entertaining or “hosting”. I don’t think this will last long, (knowing me) as there is always something to plan or put together!

However, I wanted to share some of my favorite beauty products (aka makeup). Full Disclosure: I went to an ALL GIRLS high school – meaning that for those 4 years wearing makeup to school was basically taboo, but looking back it probably saved my skin. Oh yes and our teachers did not recognize us when we did dress up (i.e. graduation and prom).

Ironically, it was also in high school that I owned the most makeup in my life. My friends and I would jump at every opportunity to “get our makeup done” – prom, formals, concerts, just a night out – you name it, we were the first in line at Neiman’s or Saks counters to get the latest and greatest eye shadows (oy vey).

Being as girly as I am, it might be surprising that I still don’t wear a lot of makeup (nor do I wear it every day). I rarely wear foundation and would rather have my hair done (hello Drybar). I’m also perfectly happy leaving the house without it (perhaps this odd confidence comes from the all-girls days?). And I actually have learned to embrace my freckles.

With that being said, I do still have my favorite products when it is time to get dolled up…

1. Garnier BB Cream // 2. MAC Concealer //3. Sephora Eye Liner (Brown Black)

4. MAC, Bobbi Brown or Chanel Powder // 5. Chanel Bronzer

6. Chanel Blush (Incognito, similar here ) and NARS Blush (Orgasm)

7. Chanel Eyeshadow Quad (Spices) and/or Stila Trio (Warm)

8. Christian Dior Mascara (Diorshow Black) // 9. Eucerin Healing Ointment (on lips)

10. Chanel Lipstick (Pirate) or Bobbi Brown Lipgloss (Pretty in Pink)

I also adore Paula Dorf’s Brush-Out Bath for cleaning makeup brushes and Almay’s Soothing & Depuffing Eye Makeup Remover Pads at the end of a long day or night. Another tip is to invest in good brushes – they might be expensive but will last a long time if you take care of them and are completely worth it.

What about you? What’s your makeup routine?

01.06.14

Make.My.Monday with Dubarry of Ireland

For today’s Make.My.Monday, I thought I would share one of most loved Christmas gifts this year (from my little sister, Megan Elizabeth).

Dubarry of Ireland has the most adorable fur and fleece boot liners to keep you warm this winter. Plus, they’re Irish and I might be a little bias about that but they do fit perfectly in a pair of Hunter Boots. AND with the majority of the country feeling like the Arctic, it’s the perfect time to purchase your own pair.

Dubarry also has some of the cutest and warmest winter/fur accessories.

Fur Snood, anyone?

P.S. Hosting & Toasting is hiring an intern! If you or someone you know loves social media, blogging, events and lives in the DC area – email bac{at}hostingandtoasting{dot}com for more details.

01.01.14

New Years Resolution Giveaway

Happy New Year!!

I hope that everyone had a fabulous evening “toasting” the night away and counting down until midnight. I don’t know about you but I cannot believe it’s already the start of a brand new year!

Well, to kick off 2014, I have partnered up with Coupons.com, and some of my favorite bloggers (see below), to help you kickstart your own new years resolution with a $500 gift card to Amazon!

This year, I have made a few resolutions for myself…

1. Text less, Call more. How many texting “conversations” could be shortened immensely just by picking up the phone?

2. Pay it forward every day. The more small acts of kindness, the better! Strangers, coworkers, new friends – they all deserve a little more kindness even if it’s anonymous.

3. Step out of my comfort zone. We all get stuck in our own daily routines, weekend spots and the like. Well, I have made a promise to switch it up a bit in 2014! Besides, life gets too boring if you don’t, right?

4. Cook new Gluten Free recipes. I stopped eating gluten in 2012 and while this has changed my life for the better, it’s so easy to get stuck in a rut and eat the same things over and over when you have an allergy. I mean, a girl can only have so much quinoa, corn tacos and salad..so this year, I have made a promise to try new recipes! (I’ll be sure to document and share those here.)

What about you? What’s on your new years resolution list this year? How would you use this $500 giftcard?

ENTER BELOW:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oh yes and don’t forget to visit the other participating bloggers:

A Lacey Perspective
Belle de Couture
Comme Coco
District Dress Up
Julip Made
Katies Bliss
Kirstin Marie
Life with Emily
Living After Midnite
Living in Color Print
My Style Vita
Pearls and Twirls
Side Smile Style
So Much To Smile About
Sparkling Footsteps
Style Cusp
The Capital Barbie
The Serena Saga
What Dress Code

Good Luck!

12.30.13

pop, fizz, clink with tiny prints

Sometimes planning a New Year’s Eve party can be a little overwhelming with unnecessary pressures if you’re playing hostess. I’ve teamed up with Tiny Prints this week to bring you this post for an easy and fun way to serve your bubbly this New Year’s!

What You’ll Need:

Mini Bottles of Bubbly (Prosecco or Champagne will do)
“Pop Fizz Clink” Gift Tags by Tiny Prints
Sparklers
Paper Straws and Cocktail Napkins
Festive Serving Tray
“Pop Fizz Clink” New Year’s Greeting Cards by Tiny Prints
3 Champagne Glasses (optional for straw display)

The mini bottles are an alternative to serving bubbly out of traditional champagne glasses. Not only does this mean every guests gets his or her own bottle but you also don’t have to worry about buying extra glasses for the evening.

Tiny Print gift tags are perfect to tie on each bottle – you can add your own hand written message or customized them online. I did both! I think these also make creative New Year’s gifts for friends and family even if you’re not hosting a party on the 31st.

The best part? The sparklers, of course. Tie a sparkler to each bottle and then your guests will not only toast to 2014 at midnight but also enjoy a little fun and sparkle too.

The straws can be used once the bottles are popped and by displaying them in champagne glasses, this will tie the entire NYE theme together.

As you already know, this year I decided to forgo Christmas cards and instead mail New Year’s Cards to my list (also pictured here). The custom “Pop Fizz Clink” design matches the gift tags and if you’re hosting, you can also have a card ready for each guest to leave with or send later on via snailmail.

Hopefully this inspired you to ring in 2014 as the hostess with the mostest!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out Tiny Prints for cards and other customized products!