Monday, January 31, 2011

Superbowl Glamour!

If you are planning on hosting a Superbowl party, I think you should consider some of the suggestion my glamorous friend Elizabeth Scokin from Nashville has on her blog.  She makes some pretty amazing things from tortilla spiral snacks to fancy aprons!  Of course she has the perfect aprons for Superbowl Sunday no matter who you will be cheering on! 

Here is her recipe to help you score extra points with your guests this Sunday:

These little morsels are fun to make and yummy to eat. They can be stored in the refrigerator up to a week. I have even popped them in the oven to accompany my favorite bowl of Campbell's tomato soup for lunch.

6 ounces cream cheese, at room temp
4 ounces mild goat cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1 4oz can green chilies
4 sun dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained with oil reserved, thinly sliced
1/3 cup pitted black olives, minced
4 ounces shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chili powder
Dash of cayenne pepper
Sprinkle of grated salt
12 large flour tortillas


Whip the cream cheese and goat cheese together in a large bowl until smooth. Beat in all the remaining ingredients, except the tortillas and the oil from the sun dried tomatoes.

Spread 1 tortilla with a large dollop (about 2 tablespoons) of the cheese mixture. Top with a second tortilla and spread in the same fashion with the cheese mixture. Roll up the 2 tortillas tightly like a jelly roll and wrap in plastic wrap. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and cheese mixture. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Cut each tortilla roll into 1/2 inch slices and place on your favorite platter.
Makes 6 dozen
Yellow and Black Netted Apron will look great over a Steelers Jersey!

The Green Solid Pave Apron will make a statement for any Packers fan!  

This Black Duchesse Satin Apron with Gold Flounces is perfect for a Steelers household!

Check out www.hautehostessaprons.com to place your order of find her other fantastic recipes!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

I hope you can join us tonight at Oscar de la Renta for a Bridal Event. I will be answering your questions and signing copies of my book! Click here for details and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to stay in the know about our upcoming events.  See you there!

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Flower Etiquette

Sending flowers is such a wonderful gesture.  Here are a few tips to insure that you make the right impression when you are trying to make the best impression!

-Fragrant flowers are usually best in a powder room, entrance hall or living space.   They are not good for a kitchen or dining area as the fragrance can compete with the taste and smell of the food.  I love using hydrangea on the table but Calla Lilies, peonies, and most roses are fine too.

-Never send a bouquet of 13 flowers to someone.  It is considered unlucky!

-Red and Pink Roses should be reserved for a romantic gift.  Don't send them to a professional or friendly contact.

-Carnations, Lilies and Gladioli are often associated with funerals or Sympathy flowers.

-An Orchid can be given for almost any occasion and they last a long time!

-Daisies, Yellow or White Roses, or a mixed bouquet are ideal choices for friends or family.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Golden Globe Trends

Golden Globe Trends

Last week we got to see our first taste of the Awards season trend setting on the Golden Globe's Red Carpet. There were some strong statements made by some of our favorite actresses!  Here are a few of my trend predictions:

-Bangs!  Bangs!  Strong Bangs!  Anything that Sandra Bullock does is like-able so I predict that a heavy fringe will make a comeback!  Olivia Wilde sported them too!

-Green!  Green!  Green!  Emerald green, Kelly green and every shade in between could be found on the Golden Globes Red Carpet.  Angelina Jolie wore slinky green while Catherine Zeta Jones channeled Scarlett O'hara.  I adore green so I could not be more thrilled to see it trend.

-Long Sleeves!  I love long sleeves!  It is so much fun to channel your inner "lady" and wear dresses with sleeves.

To find the looks that you liked on the red carpet, check out one of my favorite sources for designer clothing at up to 70% off, Gilt.com


I adore this site and wanted you to know about it but is members only!  There is currently a wait list for membership but if you use the link below, your membership will be automatic!  Happy Shopping!


HTTP://WWW.GILT.COM/INVITE/F8WHITMAN

Monday, January 24, 2011

Bagadocious' Tips for Taking Care of Your Bags!

Leslie Fuller of Bagadocious makes the cutest dust covers for handbags.  You can place your custom order by sending her a photograph of your handbag and she prints it right on to your bag!  That way, you can protect your bag but know what is inside at the same time!

Here are her tips for caring for your bags:

-Empty out the purse and check it for little things that can get left behind.  Be sure to get out every little piece of trash, candy, and quarter that might get left behind.

-Vacum the inside of the bag and, if possible, every seam and pocket.

-Clean the lining with warm soapy water and a white cloth.  If you are not sure about the material being cleaned, test a small patch on the bottom of the bag.

-Never rub...just Blot Blot Blot.

-Dry the outside of the bag with a hair dryer.  If you don't dry the bag completely, it can mildew and be ruined.

-Add a fragrance sachet.

-Stuff your purse with a plastic bag.  Be sure it is almost overstuffed to help keeps it's shape.

-Criss cross the hands or straps across the bag so that they don't crease.  Don't completely close the bag so that you can keep air flow.

-Use an envelope or drawstring storage bag and always store your bags off the floor.

To order your own bag,  watch Leslie's video on You Tube for a 20% discount and ordering instructions.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

How to remember Birthdays!

My gracious!  Although I have the best intentions, I miss the birthdays of so many of my friends!  One tool that has really helped me is www.birthdayalarm.com.  I simply list the birthday's of my friends and family and the website sends me an email both two weeks in advance and the day before!

I try to keep a stock of great cards at home in a card file I created. Some people use a binder with pockets to store their cards but I use a shoe box with tabs in it to separate cards by occasion.  I made a card file for my grandmother using an accordion file as well.  When I have a few extra minutes at a store I browse the card section and purchase a bundle to file away for the perfect occasion.  Then, when I get an emailed birthday reminder, I have the cards right at my fingertips.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

I love you!

I just love the I Love You Cards sold on www.ILoveYouCards.org. They are there to bring a smile to someone's face and spread a little love.  What a simple and sweet way to make someone's day!
Doing something nice for other's is a great way to bring a little bit of sunshine into our own lives and these cards are such a simple way to do it.  For $5 you get a pack of 20 and you can place them wherever you like, in a book that someone is reading, tucked inside a lunch box, or left on a table at a coffee shop.  I am ordering mine today!  
Now, if you find one, you can pass it forward two ways!  Snap a photo or write in to www.ILoveYouCards.org and tell the world about where you were and how you felt when you found it. Then leave it around for someone else!
Help spread the love!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Postage with the Mostage!

You put a lot of thought in to the invitations and notes that you send out so why not put a personalized spin on your postage too! Check out Zazzle and order some personalized stamps of your own. You can add an image of your guest of honor, your pet, your children or maybe even give your guests a sneak peek at the flowers that they might enjoy at your special event. You could also add a logo or monogram! Simply go on line and follow the three simple steps.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Simple Supper Club

Cecilia Vaughn of Fairview, Texas wrote the following question to me:

We are members of a supper club and it is our turn to host for 6 couples. This is our only our second time to host and I have to admit that our first attempt was very stressful and I did not feel like I had time to enjoy the company of my guests. Any suggestions on theme or menu? 


I am so sad that you were stressed out during your first Supper Club but I am thrilled that you are sticking with it and giving it another shot.  Here are a few of my suggestions for taking the stress out of entertaining.


-Simplify the menu.  Don't try to create the fanciest and most complicated dinner.  Keep it simple and consider serving some old classic comfort foods instead of formal haute cuisine. 


-Never attempt a recipe for the first time while entertaining.  If you are determined to serve a certain recipe, schedule a trial run for your family dinner.


-Set your table several days before your event.  Check that off your list early so that you don't need to worry about it the day of your dinner party.  Everything should be out on the table including candles and a matchbook!  Think through all of the different things you will need so that you don't need to rush to find things while the party is taking place. 


-Set out a self serve bar tray so that, as your guests arrive, you can direct them to the area where they can pour their own drink.  If you want to have a lot of fun with it, you could set up a wine station and share descriptions of the various wines you are offering or create a signature drink and place all of the ingredients on a tray.  Frame the recipe for the drink next to the tray and invite your guests to make one!


-Make a seating plan and set out place cards. I know it sounds like it might be more work but it will actually give you one less thing to think about while the guests are there.  The trick to stress free entertaining is doing most of the work before the guests arrive!


-Accept that not everything thing will be perfect.  Try to take a few minutes for yourself before the party to sit, have a few moments with your spouse, and unwind before your first guest rings the door bell. 


-Accept help when offered.  Don't be afraid to assign a small and simple task to any guest who asks how they can help. 








Monday, January 10, 2011

Superbowl Party Planning Time!

Can you believe how the Superbowl is sneaking up on us!  I can't believe it is that time of year again!

Get on your game now and send out some invitations for your very own Superbowl party.  Paperless Post and CoCoDot have wonderful options for a Football themed event.

Make a centerpiece out of cheerleader pom poms.  Be sure to squish them up so that they have volume and then use the handles so secure them at the base.  Simply arrange a few of them down the center of your table as you would flowers.

Serve finger food and little munchies.  Don't try to get fancy on this fun-filled day.  It is best to stick to foods that don't require utensils so that people can grab a plate and take a seat to cheer on their favorite team.

Bake cupcakes and split them into two teams....frost them in opposing team colors and top them with a plastic toy whistle.

Put the decor emphasis your coffee table.  Purchase Wheat Germ grass from your local florist and have some fun with it!  You could add flowers to it in your teams colors or serve the cupcakes from there.  You could also place a simple football in the center for a simple modern look.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Chipping China?

It is a new year and a new time to take stock of all of your beautiful blessings.  From family and friends to china and glassware, all of the elements in your life are probably needing a little extra TLC this time of year.  Taking care of your china might be a little bit easier than taking care of your family though!  Especially if you have the help of these wonderful felt plate separators by Richards Homewares.  For less than $10 you can keep your fine china free from chips and dings, that is, until Uncle Jack's kids come back for your next holiday meal!  They are hassle free and are really worth the money.  You simply stack them in between each plate as you store your china away.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Thank You Note Time!

If you are anything like me, even though you had plenty of time to write your Thank You notes between Christmas and New Years, you still haven't done it!   Showing gratitude is so important, especially after the holidays! I am going to do mine today! 

If writing a note sounds daunting to you, check out this tip from etiquette expert, Colleen Richenbacker. She calls it the 3-3-3 of Thank You Notes!

1. It should only take THREE minutes to write a Thank You Note.
Always mention the gift, how it will be used and then end with the hope that you will see each other soon or work together soon, etc. Always be appropriate to the person you are writing to and the situation but make it personal.

2. A Thank You Note should only take THREE lines! 
This does not include the salutation (Dear Kelly) or the closing (My best, Kimberly).

3. You should send it out in THREE days!
Your goal should always be so send a note out within three days of receipt of the gift. Of course, this often doesn't happen. A thank you note is always appropriate so even if months have passed, write a note anyway!

Here is a sample from Colleen of a wonderful Thank You Note:

Dear Kimberly,
Thank you so much for the beautiful floral arrangement. It brightens up my office and is absolutely perfect. It was such a pleasure working with you on the event and I am looking foward to many more events together.
My best,
Colleen

I love that this note "sounds" like Colleen's voice. The best notes sound personal and show your personality.

Here are a few more of Colleen's tips for addressing and stamping your Thank You Notes:
  • Always write and print clearly
  • Always hand write addresses (no labels)
  • Fill in notes are only appropriate if you are under age 6.
  • Use a stamp (not metered postage)
  • You may use a label, seal or stamp for your return address.
For more inspiration, check out my video about the Art of the Thank You Note.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Picking the Perfect Wedding Dress

My wedding gown laid out and ready to be steamed and put on!  I remember the excitement I felt when I walked into this room and saw it waiting for me!  I love seeing the reflection of one of my bridesmaids in the mirror!  I wish I knew which one it was!
My sister, Kari, is about to head out to her first bridal fitting after selecting her dress.  I am so honored that she asked me to come with her and I can't wait to see her in the gown!  It got me thinking about what a big deal it is to select that one dress that you dream about for years and years!  For some, it is simple.  They have had a vision of what their gown will be like since they were in the second grade.  For others, that vision is not as clear and selecting just one can be terrifying!  It is an important decision and one that you will reflect on for years to come.  Here are my tips for choosing the perfect wedding gown:

- After you are engaged, start browsing through the bridal magazines and tearing out images of dresses that you like.  You might notice a pattern in the styles, designers, and cuts that you are pulling.

- Be sure to try on all of the different shapes and cuts that the professionals at the bridal boutiques suggest.  Even though you may think a trumpet style will not work on your body shape, the pros are experienced and their knowledge and ideas might surprise you!  Be open minded and make it fun!

-Gowns can take anywhere from four to ten months to deliver and you might need to leave time in there for fittings and alterations as well.  Be sure to shop early and explain your deadlines to your boutique sales team.

-Make an appointment.  Most Bridal Boutiques work by appointment only so set aside some time and book  an hour or so at a few different places.

- Set a budget before you shop!  Ask the shops for the price range of the dresses they sell when you call to make an appointment.

- Take your trusted tastemakers with you but believe in your own reactions too.  Invite your mom, sisters, bridesmaids, or friends to go with you when you first try things on but don't let them talk you into something that just isn't you.

-Take shoes that are similar to the heel height you plan on wearing on your big day.  They really do make a difference!  After you select your dress and purchase your wedding day shoes, take them with you to your fittings so that the length can be measured appropriately.

- Take photographs!  Ask your mom or bridesmaid to take photographs of you in the dresses that you are considering.  They will help you look back and remember the little details that made one dress stand out from the others.

- Don't buy on your first visit.  Think about the dresses that are your top choices and sleep on it.  Go back and try them on a second time before you place your order.

- Keep the dress style appropriate to the time, season, style and location of your wedding.  A ball gown is not going to look right at the beach!

For more of my bridal tips, you can order my Wedding Workbook: A Time Saving Guide for the Busy Bride. 

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

My New Years Resolutions are already be challenged!


One of my New Year's resolutions was to be more spontaneous and it is being challenged right out of the gate!  When my friend called and invited me to join her in the Bahamas this week, I sort of laughed but then my husband said "GO!"  Well, why not?  I got on the phone, reserved a flight, and started dreaming about what I would pack.  I will definitely keep my other resolution of always packing only what I can carry on the plane!  No more over packing for me!

Here are my tips for packing light:

-Pick a color scheme and stick with it.  It will help you stay on track with the things you pack.

-Limit the amount of shoes you take.  They are heavy and take up a lot of space!

-Make sure that every item you pack can be worn with more than one thing.

-For impact, take dramatic accessories.  Chunky bracelets and necklaces are a great way to add a punch to your mix and match outfits.

-Wear your bulkiest and heaviest items on the plane.

Bon Voyage!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Setting Goals

I love sitting down with Justin about this time of year and talking about goals. We always look back at last years goals and set new ones too. Here are a few tips that we found work really well for us:
  • Write out your goals. Justin likes to use an Excel spread sheet to set goals out in categories. He makes a column of categories such as Personal, Professional and Financial. He then makes a column for the next year, five year and ten year projections. If that doesn't work for you, then make a simple list! I like to make the list on my computer so that I can print it out and put it above my desk on my bulletin board and I don't need to worry about loosing them!
  • Make your goals measurable and specific so that you can reward yourself when you reach them! They can be lofty but be sure they are specific. For example, instead of "travel more" your goal should be "take a trip to a Presidential Library."
  • Write your goals in the positive. For example, write out what you want to do (Save $1000) not what you want to stop doing (Stop spending so much).
  • Share your goals with your close friends or family. If you know that someone else knows what you want to do, you are more likely to do it!
 

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