Showing posts with label party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party. Show all posts
Wedding Highlight Video
I'm taking the blog a little too personal maybe...
Many old friends, new acquaintances and fellow bloggers out there have been asking to view our wedding video. Today it is my pleasure to share the highlight reel with you. Sorry folks, this is likely all you'll get.... unless you receive the coveted invitation to the viewing party! ;)
Best wishes and much love to all!
White Lady
Everyone has family traditions for the holidays. Those of us that are lucky enough to have unique family situations have the opportunity to celebrate holidays many times over... it's during one of my favorite holidays each year that family comes together to enjoy these. Delicious. Highly recommended. Currently craving a White Lady...
{image & recipe courtesy of Serious Eats}
- 4 parts dry gin such as Martin Miller's or Beefeater (2 ounces)
- 1 part Cointreau (1/2 ounce)
- 1 part fresh lemon juice (1/2 ounce)
- Shake in ice and serve.
We typically enjoy the version that also has an egg white incorporated... give it a try, you will not be disappointed! Let me know how it goes; and if this drink gets added to your family tradition.
I love Pink Memo
I love Pink Memo.
I did before and I do now... even more so!
Check out this phenomenal write-up done by Pink Memo writer Jamie Ng Rose following last week's millinery event at Mulberry & Me! A wonderful time was had by all, thanks to all who were involved!
I did before and I do now... even more so!
Check out this phenomenal write-up done by Pink Memo writer Jamie Ng Rose following last week's millinery event at Mulberry & Me! A wonderful time was had by all, thanks to all who were involved!
We've also just posted a sneak peek of 20 photos on our Facebook page here!
Vegas Whirlwind
When I discovered I was without plans for Labor Day, I quickly phoned my cousin in San Antonio (let's call her 'Texas') to see if she'd enjoy a little summertime Chi... Little did I know what she'd have in store for me. As you've probably guessed, based alone by the name of this blog post, we ended up spending three nights of jammed packed fun in Vegas. Our first non-hometown visit together, this was a weekend of excitement waiting to happen.
The night before I set-off into the other world, I packed. And packed. And packed. I thought I was overpacking, but turns out I had the smallest suitcase in the entire town.
I did being four pairs of shoes though. I think that's pretty standard for Vegas, right?
Texas has planned this trip with several girlfriends, one of which has a friend that is, lucky for us, one of the most phenomenal concierges in Sin City. He set us, five unassuming girls from San Antonio, New York and Chicago, up to be pleasantly busy attending the best parties in town. (Many thanks to him, by the way, and prince charming and I will gladly return the favor should a Chicago visit be on the agenda!)
Upon landing, I met up with the girls at Fashion Show mall for some spending action. A dressing room, or four, later we're headed to the MGM Grand Hotel for showers and make-overs.
Friday night was filled with adventures of Tao. Both dinner and festivities were consumed within the walls of the home of the best hiphop I heard all weekend.
Saturday Texas and I did some last minute shopping and headed to the pool to meet up with the gang.
Here's me with Texas. We're darn cute.
Side note: the lion habitat is found at MGM. Always a good viewing opportunity.
As you could imagine, with five girls living in one room for three nights could get pretty crowded, pretty quickly. I decided the hallway would be my powder room and did my hair and make-up each night under the watchful gaze of Sammy Davis Jr. He's quite the opinionated on-looker with much advice on this lip color or that.
Saturday night we headed to Craftsteak, a spot not to be missed on your next visit. It was at this locale that we also ha our first celebrity sighting. LeAnne Rimes was dining at the table next to us in celebration o her birthday. Like any good, respectful Chicagoan, I ignore her presence. Right after i took her photo on the sly. Just kidding.
Debauchery continued at Tryst that night, a night that found me asleep at least 6 hours before the rest of the group retuned 'home.' Ah, to be young again! ;)
Tryst has an amazing ambience that is best enjoyed perhaps NOT on a holiday weekend.
Sunday I stayed true to my core and visited my favorite spa on the planet, The Bathhouse at The Hotel within the confines of Mandalay Bay. One word describes my afternoon: delightful. Oh, and I did receive a bit of a sunburn that morning at the pool. Last sun of the summer, I was willing to take it all in!
Our last evening of indulgence was enhanced by a wonderful meal at Yellow Tail at the Bellagio, overlooking the fountain. You'd like us to enjoy the awe inspiring show every 15 minutes right behind our table? Don't mind if we do!
The night inched along to Pure, where we were blessed with a table and bottle service on the roof, complete with personal body guard, of course.
A wonderful time was had by all this weekend, and I'm especially happy about being able to share this time with my cousin. I love her to pieces and this was a great time for us together!
We are truly thankful for the gracious hospitality of our favorite Las Vegas-Ian, who shall remain nameless to protect his identity. He certainly came thru for us on many counts, including but not limited to the hotel, dinner reservations and our after hour festivities. Thanks, H, for looking out for us!
The night before I set-off into the other world, I packed. And packed. And packed. I thought I was overpacking, but turns out I had the smallest suitcase in the entire town.
I did being four pairs of shoes though. I think that's pretty standard for Vegas, right?
Texas has planned this trip with several girlfriends, one of which has a friend that is, lucky for us, one of the most phenomenal concierges in Sin City. He set us, five unassuming girls from San Antonio, New York and Chicago, up to be pleasantly busy attending the best parties in town. (Many thanks to him, by the way, and prince charming and I will gladly return the favor should a Chicago visit be on the agenda!)
Upon landing, I met up with the girls at Fashion Show mall for some spending action. A dressing room, or four, later we're headed to the MGM Grand Hotel for showers and make-overs.
Friday night was filled with adventures of Tao. Both dinner and festivities were consumed within the walls of the home of the best hiphop I heard all weekend.
Saturday Texas and I did some last minute shopping and headed to the pool to meet up with the gang.
Here's me with Texas. We're darn cute.
Side note: the lion habitat is found at MGM. Always a good viewing opportunity.
As you could imagine, with five girls living in one room for three nights could get pretty crowded, pretty quickly. I decided the hallway would be my powder room and did my hair and make-up each night under the watchful gaze of Sammy Davis Jr. He's quite the opinionated on-looker with much advice on this lip color or that.
Saturday night we headed to Craftsteak, a spot not to be missed on your next visit. It was at this locale that we also ha our first celebrity sighting. LeAnne Rimes was dining at the table next to us in celebration o her birthday. Like any good, respectful Chicagoan, I ignore her presence. Right after i took her photo on the sly. Just kidding.
Debauchery continued at Tryst that night, a night that found me asleep at least 6 hours before the rest of the group retuned 'home.' Ah, to be young again! ;)
Tryst has an amazing ambience that is best enjoyed perhaps NOT on a holiday weekend.
Sunday I stayed true to my core and visited my favorite spa on the planet, The Bathhouse at The Hotel within the confines of Mandalay Bay. One word describes my afternoon: delightful. Oh, and I did receive a bit of a sunburn that morning at the pool. Last sun of the summer, I was willing to take it all in!
Our last evening of indulgence was enhanced by a wonderful meal at Yellow Tail at the Bellagio, overlooking the fountain. You'd like us to enjoy the awe inspiring show every 15 minutes right behind our table? Don't mind if we do!
The night inched along to Pure, where we were blessed with a table and bottle service on the roof, complete with personal body guard, of course.
A wonderful time was had by all this weekend, and I'm especially happy about being able to share this time with my cousin. I love her to pieces and this was a great time for us together!
We are truly thankful for the gracious hospitality of our favorite Las Vegas-Ian, who shall remain nameless to protect his identity. He certainly came thru for us on many counts, including but not limited to the hotel, dinner reservations and our after hour festivities. Thanks, H, for looking out for us!
super bowl plans
The Super Bowl is in two weeks (right?)... what are your plans?
My Prince Charming is going to be with his nearest & dearest in a remote part of Wisconsin, while I'll be sitting at home partaking in spa treatments. Maybe. We shall see!
name your favorites
Who are some of your favorite Chicago-based blog writers?
We are looking for nominations...
... of blog writers to invite...
...to a shindig in a few weeks.
Nominate your favorite, and maybe they'll bring you along as their +1!
We are looking for nominations...
... of blog writers to invite...
...to a shindig in a few weeks.
Nominate your favorite, and maybe they'll bring you along as their +1!
End of year celebration
The end of year celebration, also known as New Year's Eve, is observed around the world. This we know. It's one holiday that transcends most nations, most religions, most people and you don't have to worry about wishing someone an incorrect holiday...
While most people think of New Year's Eve as a time to celebrate the year to come and 'ring in the new year,' this year I am thinking of the past 12 months... where I've been, where I've gone, what I've done, how I've changed and reflect on the world around me. I am going to reserve this holiday to celebrate the past year, rather than to only look forward to what's to come. 2009 was a wild ride, and it deserves one more blow-out bash.
Happy New Year everyone... see you in 2010!
While most people think of New Year's Eve as a time to celebrate the year to come and 'ring in the new year,' this year I am thinking of the past 12 months... where I've been, where I've gone, what I've done, how I've changed and reflect on the world around me. I am going to reserve this holiday to celebrate the past year, rather than to only look forward to what's to come. 2009 was a wild ride, and it deserves one more blow-out bash.
Happy New Year everyone... see you in 2010!
happy holidays
Cheers to you & yours enjoying
a holiday made of memories, love,
good eats and smiles!
photo via design2share
a holiday made of memories, love,
good eats and smiles!
photo via design2share
special request
Prince Charming and I are hosting a festive soiree at our home this weekend and naturally I will be making a sweet to serve... I've received a special request {from him} to bake Molasses Cookies. I found an interesting recipe and may just give these a try!
ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 3 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 2 large eggs
- Preheat oven to 325°F. and lightly grease 2 large baking sheets.
- In a large bowl whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon.
- In another large bowl with an electric mixer beat together butter, shortening, and 3 cups sugar until light and fluffy and beat in molasses. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture and combine well.
- In a small shallow bowl put remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Form dough into 2-inch balls and roll in sugar. On baking sheets arrange balls about 4 inches apart and flatten slightly with bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake cookies in batches in middle of the oven 15 minutes, or until puffed and golden. (Cookies should be soft.) Transfer cookies with a metal spatula to racks to cool.
Thank you, Epicurious.com and Gourmet!
Last chance to get tickets for the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty
Registration closes at 10AM on 12/9!
I know what you're thinking...
what does the $35 ticket actually get me?
I know what you're thinking...
what does the $35 ticket actually get me?
2 premium cocktails by X-Rated Fusion Liqueur during the event 3 fashion shows 1 Second City act 2 dance performances cupcakes & goodies by Luscious Layers & Chocolate Gourmet music by Toast & Jam DJ Company manicure by Aniko Salon & Spa fabulous shopping with 25 local businesses (see the CRAVE website to find out who's in!) a chance to win many amazing raffle prizes for restaurants, some of our favorite designers and more; all valued over $50 each
FREE PARKING fabulous goody bag containing vodka and makeup samples, and so much more! 1 after-party cocktail at Jbar and so much more!
AND... a party you'll never forget!
See you there!
{buy your tickets online here}Looking forward to this!
Indulge Your “Holiday Cravings” This Season With
CRAVE Chicago’s Winter Wonderland Shopping Party
CRAVE Chicago Announces the “Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty”: A Shopping Event Supporting Local Female-owned Businesses and Offering Irresistible Goods and Exciting Entertainment.
CRAVE Chicago announces the “Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty” - a holiday shopping party made up of local female-owned boutiques, designers, and businesses in Chicago, taking place on December 9th (7-10pm) at the fabulous, historic Stan Mansion (2408 North Kedzie). A CRAVEparty is an exclusive, festive, glam-gal gathering for fun, entertainment, personal pampering, sippin’ and noshin’ on great food.
Hosted by Nancy Loo and Felicia Joy, amplified by fresh tunes via Toast & Jam DJs and enhanced with amazing raffles throughout the night, the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty will offer Chicagoland’s ladies and gents (those who dare) the perfect opportunity to enjoy themselves before the hectic holiday season and complete their holiday shopping list in one evening & location. “Winter Wonderland” will offer stylish vendor booths brimming with Chicago’s very own in the latest and greatest clothing, jewelry, handbags, girly gifts, delicious treats, fun items for you pets, home decor and so much more – not to mention a fashion show, mini-manicures by Aniko Salon & Spa and enchanting dance performances!
“2009 has been an incredible and exhilarating year for CRAVE Chicago: marking the debut of the CRAVE Chicago guide and my influence on the company. I’m thrilled to be working with some of the top local female-owned businesses of Chicago, while creating an unforgettable experience for consumers. The Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty is certainly the big-bang event of the season and marks the end of a marvelous year for CRAVE Chicago. That said, stay tuned to learn about our exciting line-up of events for 2010,” says Michele Kravetz, CRAVE Chicago Coordinator.
Tickets are available for $35 at http://thecravecompany.com/chicago and will not be sold at the door. First 300 tickets purchased will receive two X-Rated Fusion Liqueur cocktail tickets and a complimentary goody bag brimming with fabulousness! All ticket holders are invited to join us for an after-party at JBar, where we will be treated to a complimentary cocktail and music by KeysnKrates! Stay tuned to our website for more information and a complete list of participants.
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