January 1, 2013 by Sara

A Year in Review

As we relax and recover on this first day of 2013, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the past year. Since today is a day for goal setting and good fortune, it helps me to know where I am going when I see where I came from, both personally and professionally. Care to take a journey of 2012 in pictures?

The year started out with much excitement and hope as we settled into a new routine in Washington DC.

I managed some weddings for a few amazing couples– {Helen & Joel, A bike couple, Erin & Adam}

And one incredible 5 year-old’s birthday party.

Hosted some casual parties– {book club, dinner party, gold cocktails, kitty party, impromptu hosting, indoor picnic}

And did some fun DIYs.{Sprinkle covered marshmallows, Christmas tree, Gold planters, drip paint pots, flower design, balloon backdrop, polka dot tablecloths, gold barrettes, star chandelier}

I also had the good fortune to travel a good bit this year.

And, most recently, picked up the family and moved to Hong Kong.

Thank you so much for taking this journey with me, whether today, this past year, or over the past nearly 3 years since I’ve been blogging. I am so grateful at all I’ve been able to do and share with you. I’m looking forward to seeing what 2013 has in store — and hope you will join me!! xoxo

November 8, 2012 by Sara

Do you love Almonds?

I remember when square nails were really in, then square with rounded edges, then super short. {am I showing my age?} But I am intrigued by this trend of almond nails, like the ladies of the 60′s. And with Rihanna rockin’ it, I think we will be seeing lots more of it. How better to be a hot hostess than with perfect housewife nails? {via Fiore Beauty}

October 22, 2012 by Sara

Fall is Fighting

You guys know I am a total summer girl. I’d wear tank tops year round if the seasons allowed it…but I have to admit that fall is doing it’s best to make me fall in love. The boots, the perfect sunny weather, and you know what? The best things always happen to me in the fall. Let’s hope this year keeps up the trend.

Some things I’m {starting} to love this fall…

Adorable syrup favors.

Vegan chocolate pots. Eat hot or cold.

Foxes are everywhere.

I love this not too serious take on fall colors.

Apple drinks. Of course.

Gorgeous flowers.

October 10, 2012 by Sara

Favorite Things October

Somethings I am loving right now.

Gold Mustache Glasses/Moss art/polka dot decals for your bike/hare styles (get it??)/A Liz Lemon Box. Awesomeness/My favorite gathering made into a cute invitation? Yes, Please.

September 18, 2012 by Sara

Whales Are The New Birds

Do you watch Portlandia? I’ve only watch a few episodes, but I laugh hysterical through them. They have a skit about the popularity of the hipster use of birds called “Put A Bird On It.”

Well, Whales are the new birds. Expect to see these gentle giants everywhere.

Top row: Whales at a party: card/tray/mobile/straw/salad tongs

Bottom row: Whales at home: tissue box/book ends/pillow/box/vase

September 6, 2012 by Sara

Summer Drinks

To help cling on to the last moments of summer {as you know I am} I put together some of my favorite cocktails. Some from bars, some from my own kitchen, but all delicious. These drinks got me through the summer…and then some.

Margarita {tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup,triple sec, a dash of beer}

Glamourous @ the Mandarin Oriental {Bombay Sapphire Gin, Grand Marnier, Galliano, rose syrup, fresh lemon juice}

Elderflower Spritzer@ Busboys & Poets {St. Germain, vodka, muddled strawberries and lemons, champagne}

Paloma {grapefruit soda, silver tequila, fresh lime juice}

September 5, 2012 by Sara

Seafoam and Gold

I love this color combination of a soft green and shiny gold. It’s a bit unexpected and perfect for September, bridging summer and fall.

Images: cake, ring, pomegranate, card and envelope, place setting, wallpaper, bracelet, nails}

August 30, 2012 by Sara

Trend Watch: Nail Tips

I’m not big on nail art {it’s time consuming and looks a bit tacky} even as I love bold colors. But this new trend of fun tips is really making me rethink my stance. It adds a classy bit of color and excitement to plain nails or a bit of design to fully painted ones. Either way, it’s a trend to try!

{Images left to right: 1st row: black tips, gold tips, coral and gold. 2nd row: nautical tips, coral wave, black and gold}

August 29, 2012 by Sara

Triangles Triangles Everywhere!

Are you all noticing this triangle trend? It’s everywhere, from structured chevron to free flow shapes to tribal looks. This look is definitely ”in.” {via Oh So Beautiful Paper}

Photos by Avery House, Escort Cards and Place Cards by Pitbulls and Posies via 100 Layer Cake

Photo by Lee Bird Photography, Favor Tag by Ham & Pea Design & Paperie via Style Me Pretty

Photo by Jenny Jimenez, Table Number by Matthew Parker Events via Ruffled (left), Photo by Katie Osgood Photography, Place Cards by Lara Kahn via Style Me Pretty (right)

Photo by KIM+PHIL Photography, Escort Cards by Paper Bloom via Brooklyn Bride

Guest Book via Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo by Zoom Photography, Place Card by Press Engaged

Photo by Paige Newton Photography, Cards by The Creative Parasol

Printable Table Numbers via Martha Stewart Weddings (left), Photo by Susan Jackson, Seating Chart by Cheree Berry Paper via Martha Stewart Weddings (right)