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Party

Summer Solstice with Minted!

June 23, 2014

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I love a reason for a great dinner party… and when I was offered the opportunity to collaborate with Minted, I jumped at the opportunity to host a Summer Solstice party to celebrate the longest day of the year – and the start of my favorite season!

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As you have seen here, here and here, Minted is a company I hold near and dear to my heart.  I used them for my wedding invitations, have their art hanging in my home, and designed my business cards on their website.  When I found out they provide a WIDE range of party decor options, I had to learn more!

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Be sure to make your way to their Party page and browse the wide variety of “pre assembled party packages,” as well as their a la carte items.  They have everything from fun banners, photo backdrops, and place cards to favors, table runners and signage!

Last Minute Prep

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I love the mix and match capability, and once you find some designs you like, you can go in and customize wording, fonts and (depending on the product) layouts and colors!  Then after purchasing your items all you have to do is approve the final proof and your party products will be shipped straight to your door!

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Nametags

For our Summer Solstice party, I grabbed up some gold glitter banners, personalized table signs (for appetizer and drink stations), mini notecards (that I used as place cards) and menus (even my dad couldn’t get over “how nice they are!”).  Mixed with some Mediterranean inspired decor and an alfresco meal we were good to go!

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With wedding season and baby shower season in full swing, Minted is the PERFECT stop for your paper good needs… but make sure to check out their journals,  artwork and stationary while you are browsing their site!

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I love the idea of stations – serve yourself drinks, appetizers, dessert… and these signage cards are a really nice touch to jazzing up a tray or designated space.

Wine Station

Libations

Decanter

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Hope everyone is having a great start to summer!!

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(my dad hasn’t mastered the art of “posing candidly”)

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(while my mom and sister obviously “get it”)

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Thank you Minted for your help with planning an amazing evening!

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Sip

Berry Mint Cooler

June 20, 2014

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I had some extra raspberries, strawberries and blueberries that I wasn’t going to be able to consume in time, so I covered them in vodka and let sit in the fridge for a few days.  After straining them I was left with the most gorgeously pink vodka and couldn’t wait to put together a refreshing poolside cocktail!

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Berry Mint Cooler

  • 3-4 oz berry infused vodka
  • 5 sprigs of mint
  • Club soda
  • Juice of one lemon or lime
  1. Muddle mint in the glass and top with crushed ice
  2. Add vodka and lemon/lime juice
  3. Stir and top with club soda
  4. Stir and garnish with mint and top with more ice

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Domestic

How to Clean a Clarisonic Brush

June 19, 2014

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I always have to have a little laugh when it comes to cleaning cleaning devices – bleaching your washing machine, disinfecting your dishwasher, or boiling your toothbrush… How can things used to clean get so dirty?!

Now that I’ve added another product to my daily beauty regimen, I also have added another product to my cleaning to do list – Le sigh.

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Clarisonic BrushMurad Facial Cleanser

So for those of you with a Clarisonic brush here are a few tips on how to keep yours squeaky clean:

1. Once a week unscrew the brush head and remove it from the handle.

2. Put a few drops of Dawn (or antibacterial dish soap) onto a toothbrush and scrub bristles (I also use my fingers and a couple drops of shampoo on the brush head daily for a quick clean).

3. Let the brush head air dry separately from the handle (best overnight).

4. I store mine upright in the shower (the whole device is waterproof, so I use mine as part of my shower routine) but I think you are supposed to store it face down with the cap on (you just want to make sure the bristles are protected.

5. Every 3 months change out the brush head. Personally my skin starts to take a turn for the worst if I push the usage any longer.

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Happy Cleaning!

Tasty

The Easiest Miso Soup

June 18, 2014

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I love a dinner that makes for a great lunch the next day and this soup was an answer to my prayers!  Super easy, quick and VERY delicious!

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Miso Soup 

  • 1 portion of soba noodles (usually about 3 oz)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • dash sesame oil
  • 7 cups water
  • 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
  • 5 tbsp. white miso paste
  • 1-2 tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 lb extra firm tofu, cubed
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, sliced
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • sesame seeds
  1. Cook soba noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside (make sure to run under cool water to stop cooking).
  2. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat and sautee garlic and ginger for about one minute.
  3. Add water and bring to a boil.
  4. Add carrot and boil for about two minutes.
  5. Reduce to a simmer, then add miso and soy sauce and stir.
  6. Add tofu, soba noodles and spinach to pot and stir until spinach is wilted.
  7. Serve soup and top with scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

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Looks

Romp Around Town

June 17, 2014

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Pebble Beach was the perfect backdrop to kick start our amazing weekend… and for a couple quick snaps of one of my favorite summer outfits – the romper.  It’s super comfortable, easy to wear, and a great piece to layer with.  Whether it’s wearing it solo in the sun, with a sweater in the shade, or a blazer for a fun dinner out, rompers are definitely going to be in heavy rotation for me this summer.

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LOFT Romper,  Vince SweaterDolce Vita SandalsGiGi Cross-bodyMarc Jacobs Sunglasses

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Note: LOFT is having a 40% off sale on summer styles (including my favorite eyelet cami!) – no code needed (discount applied at checkout)!  I’ve added these, this and this to my cart!