Best Mojito Ever!

Can't believe the new school year starts next Monday!  I plan on ending this summer in style, with lot of these.  I love mojitos and this recipe has served me well this summer.  Hope this recipe helps you end your summer on a high note.  It really is the best mojito recipe!

FALL-ing for Grey!

Are you ready for Fall?  The start of the new school year means that Fall is not far behind.  I will miss those lazy days of summer but welcome the call of cozy sweaters, fun scarves and fabulous nail colors like these.

I know they'll make my Fall a little more fun!  Crushing on all three......which one will you try?

image via Pinterest

White Sangria Popsicles

I'm so fighting the end of summer......I can't believe the girls start school in less than two weeks.  We have had such a fun summer, although I'd be telling a lie if I didn't say there is a part of me (ok a big part) that is so looking forward to dropping them off to school!!    But still, there are a few more lazy days of summer and I'm determined to enjoy every last bit of it.

So to keep me in my summer state of mind, I'm sharing with you a popsicle made for the grown-ups and perfect for a summer evening or day!!

You can find the recipe here.

Oh So Stylish: Seaside Estate Bridal Shower

There are bridal showers and then there are BRIDAL SHOWERS!  This amazing shower took place at a private estate in Malibu and was featured on inspired by this.  I tell you....I drooled and gazed at these pictures over and over.  Shot by THE Elizabeth Messina, love her, and florals by JL Designs, this bridal shower will leave you speechless.  Take a look!

j'adore!!!....this scent bar by Ka-Mil-Yin

Raising the Bar Friday: Equestrian Themed

 Hi my dear readers!  I apologize for the silence on the blog.  But as summer winds down, we squeezed in a family vacation to the Berkshires and VT.  Not too mention a website redesign (yes, we are getting a make-over but that's for another post) and several events have been keeping me busy.  Since I missed yesterday's post, I decided to give you a Bat Mitzvah feature today.

When I stumbled o this equestrian themed Bat Mitzvah on The Martha Blog  I was truly impressed. It is truly a reflection of the young lady who wanted green glitter and took an active roll in planning it with her mother.  I love the  fresh take on white and green.  This is definitely a high-end mitzvah celebration, but I do think there are lots of element here that you can use that won't break the bank.  Read on and I'll tell you how!

Guests were greeted by these stunning horses borrowed from Bergdorff Goodman, a department store in NYC.

These pictures are definitely drool worthy, so sit back and enjoy!  The Bat Mitzvah was held at Center 548 in Chelsea neighborhood of NYC.  The photos were taken by Donna Newman.

The horses were covered in natural elements...moss, stone, flowers,etc.  The hoof were glitzy with diamonds.

The fabric used in the decor is a green horseshoe pattern.

Yes, even the ping pong table is glittered up and serve as one of the entertainment options for the kids.

Entertainment also included a Japanese schultor and a roller coaster simulation ride

The equestrian theme was backdrop was simple but quite elegant....

The bar table was decorated with tho of these flower made equestrian trophies.  Notice how the two horseshoe's from the letter E for Emma.

There was lots of sparkle on these horseshoes!

This was the kids' dining area. I love how the "flower arrangements" were candy.  If you look closely you'll see green gummy rings, bubble gum, etc.  Plus these tables got the same treatment as the pin-pong tables.

The parents' dining area...check out the mirrors running along the wall!

Adult menu

Kids' menu

Dessert included a rice pudding bar from Rice to Riches.  These place makes the best rice pudding ever!
There was also a candy bar for the kids....

This is probably my favorite element of the party......

the favor bags looked like feed bags.

So what elements of this party can you do on a budget you're asking???   Well, here are some ideas.  The fabric is an excellent one. Fabric can cost as little or as much as you'd like.  A place like Jo-Ann Fabrics  offers lots of choices at a reasonable price.  The candy centerpieces are a great DIY project.  Michaels  or Hobby Lobby are great places to get vases, flower foam, ribbon, glitter, etc at a great price.  The candy for the centerpieces and for the candy bar can be bought online at places like the Candy Warehouse.   Lastly, those feed bags are an easy DIY project, enlist the help of a friend or family member who can sew and see what you come up with!  

Bar Friday or Raising the Bar: Stylish Bar & Bat Mitzvah Features

Over the past two months I have had more and more request for Bar and Bat Mitzvah ideas and features.    In response to this, I have decided  to dedicate Fridays to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.  But you've got to do some work to do too!  I'm trying to decide on the name for these posts:  Bar Friday or Raising the Bar.  I'll let you, my readers, decide!

The male Bar Mitzvah and the female Bat Mitzvah are both coming of age rituals in the Jewish faith. In the Jewish religion, when children reach the age of thirteen, they are responsible for their actions.  Once someone has completed the Bar or Bat Mitzvah, they gain the responsibilities of an adult Jew under Jewish law.  Of course, they are prepared for this by going to Temple,  Hebrew school and studying the Torah.

So these Friday posts will be dedicated to the fabulous party that takes place after the religious ceremony.  Here you'll find the latest trends like pre-Mitzvah photo shoots and kicking it up a notch with GOBOs, color and decor themes, and entertainment pizzazz.  We'll also feature lots of eye candy with real stylish Bar and Bat Mitzvahs features.  So sit back, relax and grab yourself a drink, Fridays will never be the same.  Even if you are not planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, these details can transfer to other celebrations.....Sweet Sixteens, Quincenaras, 21st Birthday Party, etc.

So today I'm kicking it off with a very cool lacrosse club inspired Bar Mitzvah by Party Perfect. It's always harder to design a really cool boy's party but I think this one hit the jackpot.  The lacrosse theme was nicely woven into the modern lounge feel without being overwhelming or cheesy.  Take a look!  If you've got a lax fanatic, this might do it.































Event design and planning by Party Perfect

I'd love to hear what you though and please don't forget to pick the past name: Bar Friday or Raising the Bar!

Happy Friday!

Pudding Cups

I love how these pudding cups from Bakerella are so easy to make.  These are a great summer treat you can make with the kids....and you can fill them more then just pudding.  My girls love them filled with strawberries and whipped cream