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Affordable Holiday Party Must Haves, all under $75!

 

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Tis the season for fabulous fashion, while the price on clothes and shoes continue to rise, the trends in fashion changes in the blink of an eye. There are easy ways to update the wardrobe, so you are a hit at all those holiday parties.  Accessories are the go too for a quick and easy update for any event, I’m going to show you some simple steps to incorporate this season’s must have hues, textures, patterns, and all little black dress approved.

Rose Quartz and Metallic

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La Regale Quilted Mesh Bow Clutch $42.99

A Clutch is essential for any wardrobe, it’s small enough to keep all the necessities and still make a huge fashion impact. Metallic tones  go hand in hand with the holiday season, but this year Rose Quartz tones have been showing up on everything from couture fashions, to coffee cups and even classy chic inspired trash cans. The structured silhouette and mesh textured exterior adds glam to any outfit.

where to purchase  http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/la-regale-quilted-mesh-bow-clutch?ID=2401314&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-1-_-8-_-MP18&cm_mmc=Polyvore-_-n_-n-_-n

 

 

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ASOS Oversized Scarf In Dark Green Jewel Fur $72

An oversized fur scarf is often associated during the old Hollywood era, often around the shoulders of chic and sophisticated actresses and the trend remains till this day. This year is very special, because we are now seeing furs in beautiful jewel tone hues such as sapphire, garnet and emerald.  This would be the ideal statement piece on those chilly nights.

where to purchase  http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/shop?query=green+fur+scarf&.search_src=masthead_search

 

 

 

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PANDORA Sterling Silver & Cubic Zironia Majestic Feathers
Animal print is a trend that has been around for several years, but this year there is anew spin on things. Instead of the traditional leopard or zebra prints, there is a new emphasis on the silhouette of other animalistic attributes such horns and feathers. These gorgeous feather earrings are sure to add the glam to any holiday outfit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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December 11, 2015 · 8:23 pm
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Small Business Any Day

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After the chaos of slashed prices and door buster savings  that is “Black Friday,” and the cyber madness that is “cyber Monday” a friendlier, kinder, event takes place the day after known now as “Small Business Saturdays.”

What is Small Business Saturdays you ask?

Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. Small Business Saturday is a registered trademark of American Express corporation and was first recognized in 2010.

I am all for Small Business Saturdays, its a great cause to help support our local communities and the people who help enrich and provide those essential and unique items for consumers to purchase.

Supporting a small business such as a vineyard or supporting business at a local farmer’s market are great ways to get a jump start on all the exciting holiday festivities that are fast approaching. There is no better way than to ring in the holidays than with friends, family, food and drinks!

I recently visited the Bedell Cellar vineyard and winery, in the North Fork Region of Long Island. It is 80 arches of wonderful, fresh air, nature, beauty and allure. Bedell Cellar is a small family business, completely dedicated to the production of great tasting wine, made with preserving the  surrounding ecosystems within the region.

http://www.bedellcellars.com/

Farmers markets are a great way to buy fresh, tasty and seasonal produce and contrary  to popular belief, farmers markets aren’t expensive, in fact the prices are highly competitive and are either similar or lower than the prices you would find in a super market.

Farmers Market Meets Wine – Simple dishes to serve during holiday get-togethers.

Root Vegetable Gratin – A gratin is traditionally a  dish with a light browned crust of breadcrumbs or melted cheese. Since the winter season is prime time for delicious root vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, turnips, parsnips, celery root, carrots and the list goes on! This is a great recipe to try as a side dish for a holiday dinner or a holiday brunch.

For the recipe visit – http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/root-vegetable-gratin

Try paring a rich dish such as a Root Vegetable Gratin with a wine that is high in fresh acidity and citrus food flavor.

  1. Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $40.00 – (100% Sauvignon Blanc) extra dry, Intense citrus taste, saline mineral taste, tart, moderate alcohol, white flowers, crisp, bursting with acid, refreshing.

To purchase visit – http://www.bedellcellars.com/white-wines/sauvignon-blanc-2013

 

 

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November 28, 2015 · 10:38 pm
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Tips on planning those Holiday Events

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It is officially less than one month to go until the Christmas Day festivities are on their way! And while many people look forward to these holidays all year, there are quite a few who absolutely dread the idea of the holidays. Mainly because they can be very stressful, especially planning those holiday parties.

Whether you are a seasoned holiday party thrower, or this is your first time throwing a holiday party, it can all be a bit over whelming, or lets keep it real, it can be VERY overwhelming, especially with your already busy life, WHO HAS THE TIME!!!! Not to worry, I’m here to provide quick and easy tips to ensure that your holiday festivities go off without a hitch and are unforgettable, in the best way of course.

Firstly, before throwing an event it is important to plan, one should never underestimate the power of preplanning, it is guaranteed that plans do change, but it is always important to have an overall idea of what you want, and this is always a great place to start.

Here are some things to consider-

Venue – It is the quintessential element , it is the foundation on which every important pillar would build upon to ensure the makings of a successful event. Now, here are some things to consider, the layout of your venture, whether it is a residential or commercial event space, knowing the layout is key. Knowing how to correctly and efficiently to use a space is vital, make sure to know where the entrance, walk through and exits are for the space that you are using, the last thing you need is a hallway or tight corner collision.

Guests-  It is important to know the number of guests that are attending or are planning to    attend your party for a few reasons. Seating and food accommodations depend on how many people you expect to show up, remember it is always important to cater for 5% – 10% more seating and food availability, it is always important to have more then enough than to come up short.

Food – Whether it is buffet style, “pass around the dinner table” style of dinning there are some important things to consider.  Know your guests, their tastes and prepare food items that will cater to the majority.  If Foie Gras served over a bed of port wine marinated truffles and wild mushrooms is your fancy, by all means, enjoy and be merry! When catering to a large crowd or members at a dinner table, easy and simple is the way to go, and fortunately enough, it can be very delish as well.  Large cuts of meats such as a roaster chicken or a beef roast, would be recommended, and simple vegetable sides such as maple-honey roasted whole baby carrots, or pan roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon topped with a balsamic vinaigrette reduction.

Lastly, don’t forget to utilize all the great resources at your disposal such as the internet.

Remember to breathe and that preplanning is key.

I hope that your holiday event is a success!

 

 

 

 

 

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November 27, 2015 · 3:02 pm