Red Carpet Favorites!

I have to admit, I didn't actually watch the Oscars last night. I caught Ellen's opening bit and Jared Leto winning best supporting actor, but that's about it. However, I did watch E's live coverage of the red carpet to get my fashion fill. Here are my favorite gowns from last night.....

While I am not crazy about the cape action in the back, I do love this dress. Kate looks fab in the shape and color. Home run!

The detailing in Portia's dress had me at hello.  Can she get any more elegant???

Sometimes you just can't beat a classic look! Sandra looks beautiful in this navy number. So glad its navy and not black...gives it a little bit of edge.

I couldn't wrap up this post without giving a shout out to this gorgeous mommy-to-be Olivia Wilde. She has been rocking the red carpet this year with her precious bump and amazing style. You go girl!

So did you have any favorites from last night? If so, I would love to hear your take on the Oscars fashion. What you loved or hated...I'm all ears!

Cocktails for the Oscars!

Are you going to be tuning in to the Oscar's tomorrow night?? Here are two fun cocktail ideas to try if you are gathering friends over to view the festivities....

CITRUS MANHATTAN

Ingredients:

1. 2 oz of bourbon whisky

2. 1oz dry vermouth

3. 3 dashes orange bitters

4. orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the whiskey, vermouth and bitters over ice and stir.

2. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a generous orange slice.

{image and recipe via Camille Styles}

French Pear Martini

Ingredients:

1. 1.5 oz st. germain elderflower liqueur

2. 1.5 oz pear vodka

3. chilled champagne

4. granulated sugar for the rim

5. 1 lemon, wedged

6. 1 pear, sliced

Instructions:

1. To prepare martini glasses, run a lemon wedge around the rim and dip into sugar.

2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine st. germain and pear vodka. Shake vigorously until well chilled.

3. Strain into a prepared martini glass and top with champagne.

4. Garnish with a round of pear and a festive stir stick.

{Image and Recipe via Style Me Pretty Living}

CHEERS!

XOXO

I can't believe that Valentine's Day is just around the corner! While this isn't my favorite holiday, I do love any excuse to celebrate. Hop on over to Celebrate Magazine's blog to check out my picks for your Valentine's gathering....Here is a sneak peek....

Click here to see the full post!

Birthday Cake!

Since today is my birthday, I thought I would post some of my favorite cakes lately...

Birthdays call for confetti, right? Love this pop of fun on this simple white cake.

It might be hard to write my age on a topper (ha!), but isn't this fabulous??

Who says you have to go the traditional route with your cake this year? Why not try a donut cake...or better yet, try cronuts instead.

You know my heart skips a beat when I see gold. I love the simple sophistication of this cake!

I never thought I would be drawn to a black cake, but something about this cake exudes coolness. Would be great for a guy minus the pink flowers.

Tonight I will be indulging in this.....

My sweet husband slaved away in the kitchen last night making this yummy cake from Barefoot Contessa. I can't wait!!!

Images via: 1. Champagne Reveries, 2. 100 Layer Cakelet, 3. Elizabeth Anne Designs, 4. & 5. Style Me Pretty 6. Food Network

Calligraphy

I freely admit that I have the most horrible handwriting. I blame it on the fact that with computers, we rarely pick up a pen and paper like we used to. Regardless, I've made it a goal of mine to learn calligraphy. Yep...I can hardly believe it myself. Can my hands really learn to actually make beautiful writing? The jury is out so far, but I keep telling myself practice makes perfect. I'm learning a very traditional calligraphy hand, but I'm hoping when I feel comfortable I will put my own little twist on it. Here are some images of calligraphy I am crazy about these days....

via Oh So Beautiful Paper

via A Fabulous Fete 

via Paper Tastebuds

via Oh Happy Day

Here is a little peek at my practice sheets. I need A LOT of practice! Stay tuned for updates on my progress!

Junior League DIY Sneak Peek...

Bargain Bash is this Thursday night and I couldn't be more excited to plunder through all the castaways to find some treasures. I dropped off my table and mirror earlier this week, but thought I would share one last sneak peek...

Here is a close up of the table legs. I decided to do an antique gold look by first spraying the legs with black spray paint and then using gold leaf rub and buff. Despite multiple attempts to clean the top of the table, I decided to lightly spray it with white spray paint to give it a crisp, fresh look. Hopefully someone will love it and give it a new home!!

DIY #2 and some progress pics...

When I was asked to DIY a piece of furniture for Junior League's Bargain Carousel, I figured I might need to tackle two pieces in case one was a total bust :). So, I also grabbed this painted mirror as well. 

When I started first to work on my table, I think my husband got a little jealous. He LOVES a project, so he decided he would take a stab at the mirror. Our plan was to use paint stripper to remove most of the white paint so the aluminum could show through. We thought this rustic look would be more appealing than the all white painted mirror.

Despite being a messy project and a little painful for the fingers (make sure to use heavy duty gloves when working with a harsh paint stripper!!!), this one turned out GREAT! This was a quick DIY that really made a huge difference. If you want to see the finished product you will just have to get yourself over to Bargain Bash on Thursday, April 25th because I have a feeling this mirror will be sold quick!!

Ok, so back to my table! My first step was to sand all the legs. After, that I put a coat of primer on the legs and then sanded again.

I decided to do a second coat of primer and of course afterwards I sanded for the third time. And yes, these steps were pretty boring :). I'm ready for the fun step of adding some gold to this table! But you will just have to wait until the next post for that....

No, this is not part of my DIY project but I couldn't help but post a pic of my favorite little helper. And, when I say helper, I really mean lazy observer! I figured if the project started to look too bad she would perk up and let me know.