10.09.14

Barre Tech Gear & Promo Code

As I mentioned earlier this week, I have been addicted to Barre Tech and my routine lately. Not only is it a challenging workout but you see results quickly and it builds amazing strength. (I need strong arms to carry all those hostess trays I own, right?) I have been sticking to a 4-5 times a week plan alternating between a more rigorous 45 minute class and the 1 hour class. They also offer yoga mixes and more cardio-based classes too.

What I also LOVE about barre is all the cute little workout outfits I can now justify buying if I’m going to be there 5 days a week. From Lululemon, Athleta and even Old Navy – the barre loose top and tight bottoms (read: leggings) is so comfortable. Truth be told, I even run errands on lazier days in barre gear.

I’m super excited to show off some of Barre Tech‘s new branded workout gear in my first ever fitness outfit post – no make up, side braid and my new kicks! I love their leggings, tanks and these off-the-shoulder tops to wear on cooler mornings and over tanks. I wear branded barre socks to class but love these new ASICs from Off Broadway. They are part of their cancer awareness collection and from now until the end of October, they will donate $10 for every pair sold to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. There is also a breast cancer awareness pair.

What’s even better news? H&T readers now get 10% off all Barre Tech classes with promo code: barretech10 (click on my side banner and hope to see you in a class in the Arlington or Alexandria studios soon!)

{Workout Attire c/o* Barre Tech // ASICS c/o* Off Broadway // Sunnies: Karen Walker}

10.07.14

Life Lately – H&T Updates

Things have be a little quiet this past week on H&T so I wanted to do a quick post today to check in and let you know what I’ve been up to! I don’t often reveal too much of my life here on H&T outside the “hosting and toasting” but I think a little glimpse from time to time is needed. First & foremost, I’ve hired a new fall H&T intern – Ashley is the greatest and a tremendous help!

Some more BAC updates?

I just got back from Florida last week after a quick visit to see my family and attend an engagement dinner party that was hosted for my sister. If you followed along on instagram, you know that this past weekend was spent in the DC area with friends – brunching, sailing and celebrating.

On the events front, I am working on some exciting collaborations and events soon with some of my favorite brands and bloggers (more deets to come). AND in just a few short weeks, I will be a presenter at DC’s Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show! Don’t forget to get your tickets and come and see one of my Holiday Tips & Tricks workshops the weekend of Nov 8th-9th (Bobby Flay is also a good reason to come!). I’m so excited to share with you how I host & toast in person and meet everyone!

On the fitness front, I have been on a non-stop barre class plan at Barre Tech (4-5x a week) and am determined to have Jennifer Aniston’s arms by the time my sister’s wedding comes along, ha! If you haven’t tried a class, you’re missing out! There will be a special promo code for H&T readers who purchase classes so stay tuned. I’m working on styling some of my favorite Barre Tech gear this week for my first ever workout outfit post too.

On the beauty front, I have also been following a strict skincare routine with the help of Reagan and Beautycounter and OMG – my skin is absolutely radiant! I’m also excited to try their new lip colors soon in an outfit post. Shop my picks here and click on “Hosting & Toasting Social” for more.

On the hosting front – next weekend, I will be hosting a small fall-themed brunch for a group of friends (spoiler: pumpkin pancakes will be involved) with my good friend, Cori Sue of Bitches Who Brunch.

On the fashion front, the H&T Shop has been updated for Fall – and check out some of my staples in my latest post too. I have a slight obsession with vests and leopard as evident by my picks and new outfit posts are also coming next week (see below).

And finally, if you liked my Labor Day weekend recap post series – stay tuned next week for a fall trip recap. This weekend I am headed to The Omni Homestead for a girls weekend full of wine, dining, spa days and skeet shooting. I have partnered with GM again on this road trip and The Homestead has been so gracious to host us – it’s one of my favorite spots and just a few hours from DC. Much needed R&R!

I have a few more trips lined up this fall and am headed up to NYC soon too – cannot wait! Carly and I have already made some fun plans and I’m looking forward to seeing all my friends up there.

On top of all that, I have been feeling a little under the weather this week (#seasonsarechanging) and there seems to never be enough hours in the day as I also work full time as an event planner. Who else can relate to this? So thank you for baring with me as I took a little blog break to catch up on emails and light a few pumpkin candles.

Up next? Stay tuned this week as I share some of my “Fall” tips & tricks to get your house ready and check out my pumpkin patch post from last year & fall drink recipes in case you need some inspiration early!

Phew! Happy Tuesday!

10.01.14

H&T Fall Fashion Picks

Happy October!

Now that we have passed the official start of fall, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my fashion picks for this upcoming season. (If you didn’t check out my last outfit post – be sure to see why I also love this transitional little dress so much.)

Transitioning from summer attire to fall is often a little daunting for me personally. I’ve packed away my sweaters, booties and vests all summer long and the fickle weather in DC certainly does not help either (summer one day, fall the next). It’s a slow gradual process because just as I was getting used to throwing on a dress and Jack Rogers, it seems like it’s time to pull back out the puffer vests, boots, scarves and begin to layer. Truth be told, I literally wore Jacks & a puffer vest on the plane when I traveled yesterday (hello nonstop flight from FL to DC!)

Alas, here are some of my fall staples this year – and don’t forget to check out H&T’s updated fall shop for more picks and faves!

Puffer Vests

Outerwear

Tops & Sweaters

Skirts & Pants

Dresses

Boots

Shoes

Handbags

Scarves & Sunnies

Do you think I might have a thing for leopard?

Happy Fall Shopping!

09.26.14

Recap: Stock the Bar Engagement Party!

If you followed along on instagram, you might know that I was recently captured on camera hosting and toasting – literally (thanks to my friend, Dan!). Last weekend, I had the honor of being one of the hostesses for my good friend/former roomie’s engagement party. Today, I am showcasing a little recap from that party and my inspiration for it (see what I wore here).

First and foremost, guests were sent invitations via snailmail with inserts that read:

“a bottle of red or a bottle of white,

maybe tequila and salt for a margarita delight,

glasses, napkins or an ice bucket too –

Let’s stock their bar before they say “I do!”

I went with a “Stock the Bar” theme for this particular engagement (no pun intended). For those of you not familiar with this type of party or shower – guests are encouraged to “stock the bar” for the couple. To some that meant gifting items on the couple’s registry (wine glasses, cocktail glasses, wine openers, ice buckets etc) and to others, that meant giving bottles of nice wine, bourbon, Veuve and the like. The invite inserts made sure that no one had any questions about what to bring or buy for the happy couple.

This party theme also works for “couple showers” since it’s female AND male friendly (what guy doesn’t want his bar stocked?), compared to other showers that sometimes only keep the bride in mind.

I teamed up once again with Nico and Lala for everything from the invites to the details and the perfect favor for an affair of this sort – a custom koozie, of course.

We kept everything simple, somewhat gender neutral and casual as well. Urbanstems provided gorgeous orange roses and I picked up some white spider mums (my new favorite bloom) to arrange in vases around the house.

We kept the menu hearty (because there was lots of toasting, of course, not to mention, lots of men in attendance) with some of the bride and groom’s favorites. Mini grilled cheeses and tomato soup, mini sliders, crabcakes, bruschetta and cookie sandwiches – all of which were gone in a minute (or two!).

For catering and bartending, I worked with DC Taste. They are absolutely amazing and if you live in the DC area, they come highly recommended by H&T. Their staff is delightful to work with and their food is delicious. (I am also pretty sure they thought I was a little crazy because I insisted on helping set up.) For drinks, we did the bride and groom’s beer and wine picks passed plus a bubbly toast that included an impromptu speech by yours truly (cheers!).

It was so much fun having everyone all together under one roof in Sarah’s former stomping grounds (our house), before their big day next year. Also, it is such a small world because two guests just happened to also be H&T readers and had no idea they were coming over to celebrate at my house!

Congratulations again to the newly engaged couple and special thank you to all my fellow hostesses!

09.22.14

OOTD: Fall Transition Dress

So I cannot tell you how much I adore this new dress of mine. I saw it online under new arrivals and rushed to the store to buy it ASAP!

If you follow on insta, you probably know I’ve worn it about 2 million times since it was purchased. I wore it wine tasting for a bachelorette weekend with sandals and at an engagement party I hosted this past weekend (more on the party later this week!). I also have worn it to the office and out and about. For today’s post, I paired it with booties and added a puffer vest as we transition into fall weather. I would also add tights as it gets closer to winter. I love that it’s so versatile. Best dress ever.

I also was so excited when my new Dagne Dover mini tote arrived last week! I have two large ones and I am in love. It helps keep everything organized and the new designs are better than ever (check out the inside details here – remember the DC event I hosted for them?).