Not so Wedding Wednesday

Happy Howl-o-ween!

In the spirit of this fun holiday, and to celebrate the long-awaited cool Fall weather, we thought we would post a few pictures of our favorite pups getting in the spirit of things. We usually reserve the Nacho and Lucy pictures for the "other" blog, but it's a special occassion!

Nacho sporting a stylish, classic orange coat. He is ready for Halloween or to help UVA celebrate a big victory over Wake Forest this weekend.

Lucy (unhappily) modeling her lobster Halloween costume. I think she will just stick to festive collars from now on, but we couldn't resist trying this on her!

Feta Pesto Spread

When the weather starts getting cold, I start craving warm comfort food – usually with melted cheese (surprise). Just the other day, I served this favorite of mine to friends that were over for bookclub, and it was a hit. I got the recipe from a colleague, but I have heard that it originated in an old issue of Southern Living.

Feta Pesto Spread
8 oz. cream cheese softened to room temperature
2 oz. grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup basil pesto sauce
4 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray shallow 2 -cup oval baking dish with cooking spray
Mix cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, stir in pesto, mix well
Stir in Roma tomatoes and red onion, mix well
Place mixture in baking dish
Sprinkle top with feta cheese
Bake for 30 min. or until bubbly

Serve warm with crackers, flatbread, etc.

Enjoy!
flj

Costumes, Anyone?

So the husband and I are in search of last-minute Halloween costumes for Saturday night. Any brilliant ideas? Admittedly, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to observe - but not participate in. I am just never that creative!

Suggestions welcome!

flj

Pretty Girls, Pretty Dresses

On Monday I represented my company at a Lela Rose couture gown showing. This was not nearly as exciting and glamorous as expected. Although I arrived right on time for my 5:00pm appointment, knowing that everything in Manhattan runs a little late, I found that they were already packing the dresses at 5:01! I don't know what happened, but I do know this: I loved the Thread Design bridesmaids dresses. I think the company is pretty well known for using traditional, preppy fabrics (seersucker) in more fashion forward shapes. I do love those designs, but I was excited to find that they have some other options that definitely pass the "would the girls wear this again" test. On the down side, one hopes they would wear them again, considering the price ($450?). Anyway, if you have bridesmaids with big budgets, consider Thread Design. My favorite option is to the left. - LG

Fancy Pants

This weekend I attended a "fancy pants" party. Although I wasn't sure what to expect, this ended up being a great idea for a multi-generational party. Everyone from the grandparents to the youngest cousins were decked out in their finest pants. As expected, a large selection of "critters" were in attendance- my favorites were pink crabs on light blue pants. Here is a picture of what my date and I wore:

And here are a pair of golf knickers quite similar to ones I saw at the party. They were paired with red knee sox and a red shirt. - LG

Bring on Fall!

I just got my Halloween/Fall Paper Source catalog in the mail. I love all of the spooky ideas, some of which can carry over through the rest of the Fall season!

One of my neighbors is proudly displaying the Fall Leaf Wreath on her door already (who cares that it was nearly 80 degrees in DC today?). It is really cute and funky in person, and although it looks like it takes a little patience to assemble, I love it!

How are you welcoming in the season?

flj

More Stationery

One interesting thing about my current job is that I come into contact with some very nice vendors in the New York area. Although I can't afford their services any time soon, it is nice to know about them. One such person is Bernard Maisner. He is a premier calligrapher, and his work is really beautiful. His handpainted notecards run about $12.50 each and can be purchased at Bergdorf Goodman, online and at a few select stores around the country. Other items include menu, thank you, and place cards, as well as personal stationery. Above is a picture of his engraved "Diamond Ring" cards. At $7 each, it might take an engagement to justify the price, but you are bound to feel special when you send announcements on these engraved cards.

Sweet and Salty

How cute are these treats that someone brought to our tailgate last weekend? I love the sweet/salty combo, so these were perfect!

To make them:

Preheat oven to 150.

Line baking sheet with foil.

Place round "wheel" pretzels (Utz recommended) on baking sheet.

Place Hershey's Hug or Kiss on each wheel. Hugs will create the cute striped look above.

Bake for 3 minutes or until Hug begins to soften and melt.

Remove from oven and immediately press regular M&Ms into the center of each.

You can do seasonal variations on these treats: Red/Green M&Ms for the holidays, pastels for Spring, Brown/Orange for Halloween, even the colors of your favorite team if you can get your hands on the right M&Ms.

flj

Wedding Wednesday

While doing wedding industry research, I came across an ad for Coren Moore. To be honest with you, I think a lot of these bridesmaids companies are a dime a dozen, but I like their about section and their main store is on the same block as my office. I haven't checked it out yet, but I will report back once I do...

Hmmmm

I worked my first event this weekend- a $500,000 bar mitzvah. Orders were given to the wait staff to take away the family style platters of food when they were halfway finished. They were then replaced with full plates. Needless to say, there was a LOT of uneaten food. My boyfriend has always said there should be a non-profit that goes in after charity events and major parties to take away leftover food and distribute it to the needy. Does anyone know of a program like this? I think it's a great idea, and would probably result in a ton of food, especially in places like New York...

Beer Margaritas

We helped UVA ring in a great win over Pitt this weekend, all kicked off with a five hour tailgate in Charlottesville. Night games really are just so much better for tailgating.

We had some great food and fun with good friends. Searching for some excitement in a sea of Miller Lites and bourbon and ginger ales, I decided to try the much-talked about Beer Margaritas. As a connoisseur of margaritas, I was a bit skeptical, but these did not disappoint. The addition of beer to these (Corona in my case) really cut the sweetness that sometimes overpower traditional margaritas.
They were a hit with the entire group!
flj