Events:: Ultimate After Party Snacks

When I'm creating menus for clients for their parties or corporate events, I'm always looking for something different.  I want to create an experience for them.  Food can help with that experience, especially if it's done in a creative way.  Imagine you're attending an after party or even a reception, wouldn't you loved to be served these fun munchies.  

Quite a few of these images below are from two of my favorite caterers.  They definitely know how to hit it out of the park - Peter Callahan Catering and The Entertaining Company.  I've had the please of working with The Entertaining Company - well, Peter Callahan is on my wish list.

Here's a tip, like what you see, show the chef that you are working with photos of different types of food that you like.  Pictures speak 1000 words and they will have a clear vision of the look you are going for.

ROW 1: 1// hamburger, shake & fries 2// super blt bites 3// grilled cheese & tomato soup

ROW 2: 1// salad, slider, fries & taco 2// mini tacos

ROW 3: 1// mini steak, wedge & fries 2// lasagna cupcakes 3// chips

Encouragement:: Enjoy Life

Do you ever have one of those days that you say to yourself - I wish this day was over?  I think we would all be lying if we said - no that never happens to me.  Reality is that it happens all the time.  Sometimes 2 or 3 times a week, maybe even more.

I saw this saying and it got me thinking.  Enjoy Life.  Well that is simple enough.  Right?  Well if you are wishing the day was over, I would say, you weren't enjoying life to it's full potential.  Wouldn't you agree?

So this question came into my mind - well, how do I do that?  How do I enjoy life without wishing the day be over so I can get to one of those better days.

Tip #1:  Sometimes, I tell myself that I'm starting my day over right then and there.  Take a deep breathe and start again.  

Tip #2:  Step outside and take a walk around the block or just go outside and breathe in the fresh air.  It's amazing what that can do (especially if it's a sunny day).

Tip #3:  Call a friend that you haven't chatted with for a while or one that always brings a smile to your face.

Tip #4:  Head over to Pinterest for 10 minutes and repin.  (I know - that one was pretty funny, but if you can get your mind off what ever was troubling you, you will feel better.)

Tip #5:  Get rid of the drama, especially if you have friends that continuely cause it.  Drama is one of those things that you get sucked into and trust me, sometimes you need to clean the friend house.

Tip #6:  Treat yourself to one of your favorite things to do (bake, cook, run, knit, read, craft).

The bottom line is that life is really too short to get wrapped up in drama and not be happy.  If you are enjoying life, then you are guaranteed to have better days and you will have no reason to be wishing for any.

I would love to hear if you have tips that have worked for you when your having a bad day.  

Enjoy your Thursday!

Color Crush:: Black

I thought I would be smart and put together an editorial calendar so I would be able to plan out my posts a little better.  This way, if I know ahead of time what color I'm going to be crushing on, I can start gathering photos.  Well, I started out with one idea, then changed it and went another direction and then a completely different direction again.  Maybe because it was the mood I was in - not sure.  But I'm not going to fight it.  I'm just going to go with the flow.

So today's color crush is black - that oh so moody, hip, cool and elegant color.  I'm really digging it.  How about you?

ROW 1: 1// diamond floors 2// let them eat cake 3// sophisticated stripe ROW 2: 1// illustration & styling 2// glamour girl ROW 3: 1// flowers & stripes  2// eat and heads 3// black and white ladies ROW 4: 1// stripe lady illustration 2// man in a hat

What's In Your Carry-On with Victoria McGinley

I first met Victoria McGinley of vmac & cheese online prior to heading to the ALT Summit in Salt Lake City.  I was so excited to connect with another blogger in the bay area.  Oh and I absolutely loved the name of her blog.  Anyone who knows me, knows of my obsession with mac and cheese.

Well Victoria graduated a few years back from culinary school and she is one super duper chef.  Her blog not only talks about food (and there are some super yummy recipes up there), but also her savvy style.

She is getting married in a few months so she's got lots of trips planned.  Lake Tahoe twice, Houston, New York, and France (for the honeymoon).  Her bag is gonna be packed.

1. Lo & Sons bag -- I just got the OG bag and even though I haven't traveled with it, using it to cart all my junk around town has been amazing. I have FIVE out of town trips this summer, and I'm convinced this bag will basically save my life.

2. Purell and mini-Lysol spray -- Swear that I am not a huge germophobe typically, but last year, a co-worker sent me this article and I was completely disgusted. I can barely touch the seat tray these days.

3. The other thing? Getting work done. Nothing like having your laptop and wifi at 30,000 feet if you wanna power through that inbox!

4. Avene Thermal Spring Water spray -- It refreshes parched skin, reactivates makeup, and just feels plum delightful. They make these mini versions too that are carry-on friendly!

5. Nook Color -- An e-reader is a must! Air travel is fantastic for two things. Getting lost in a book with no one to bother you is one of them.

6. Roller perfume -- Good for a long flight when you're in desperate need of a shower...also convenient when the person next to you is in desperate need of a shower.

Thanks for popping by Victoria. 

Events:: The Inspired Table

It all started with a menu and the inspiration grew from there.  Feminine with a hint of modern.

The juicy details:

menu: cargo collective
plates: anthropologie
flowers: via pinterest
table: west elm
wine: david bruce pinot noir
glasses: anthropologie
chairs: crate & barrel