{Real Parties} A Modern Safari

Here is a beautiful Modern Safari party designed by Chris Nease of Celebrations at Home! I'm a little late in sharing this with you, but if you haven't seen this wonderful party yet, here are a few pictures from the seamless event...

This Modern Safari get together was for Chris and her friends who meet once a month for a girls night. She always goes above and beyond and her attention to detail is inspiring. Chris is so good at using inexpensive items in her tablescapes and makes them look amazing!

The pink zebra table runner is made from a SHEET she bought! The ceramic animals were found at Marshall's and Ross which she then spray painted white. The faux palm and tropical leaves, flowers and feathers complete the look.

I love this drink station! Chris draped mosquito netting above the cocktail table.

She served lemonade and a lemoncello cocktail.

AND her dessert table is perfect as it always is!!

Chris made the brownie pops, cheesecake tartlets and lemon bars and bought cookies and candy from the store. The dessert tags are great. I like the pop of pink!

Chris is such a sweet person. Although I do not really know her, I can tell what a genuine person she is just from talking. You can see her thoughtfulness in each party she designs and hosts. Be sure to visit Celebrations at Home to learn more details from this party!!

Just Back from Another Girls Weekend!

{Dinner at Rise: Alyson, Julianna, Whitney, Me and Mary. A few of the girls had not arrived yet.}

I just got home from another fabulous girls weekend in Dallas! What a treat to have two of these kind of trips so close together. Some of my closest friends live in Dallas and I LOVE getting to spend quality time with them. Pictured above are just some of the girls. I am always so bad about taking pictures, so I was proud of myself for getting at least a few!

(The Four Seasons at Las Colinas}

On Saturday, we headed out to the Four Seasons at Las Colinas and enjoyed the spa and sat by the pool for hours and just talked. I have not been able to do that since college! Two of the girls just had their third babies in December, so I'm glad they were able to enjoy a few hours away from the craziness. We then went to Rise for dinner which is absolutely delicious.

Backtracking....when I landed on Friday, we went to lunch at Taco Diner and enjoyed skinny margaritas at the strike of twelve. Shh, don't tell! Since they know me and my sweet tooth all too well, Julianna and Alyson took me to Nothing Bundt Cakes for an afternoon dessert! Can we talk about how cute that bakery name is??! The bundt cakes were delicious! I tried the cinnamon swirl and chocolate chip. Then, Whitney and I got manis and pedis on Lovers Lane and then all of my friends and their husbands and kids and I went to Patrizio's for dinner. Yum!

{Whitney, me, Alyson and Julianna...lots of hubbies and kids not pictured here!}

Here are a few of us at dinner on Friday. Sweet baby Leighton is asleep in the background. True friends are hard to come by and these girls are definitely just that! I love you all and can't wait to see you again!

{Recipes} A Few of My Fiesta Faves!

Cinco de Mayo is a reason for me to visit one of my many favorite Mexican restaurants and splurge! But if you do not want to face the crowds at the Mexican eateries, here are a few of my favorite Fiesta staples!

Fresh Salsa

* 1 small can diced green chiles, drained

* 1 small can chopped black olives, drained (I like to dice mine)

* 5-6 green onions, chopped

* 2-3 medium tomatoes, chopped (seeds and juices)

* 3 tbs olive oil

* 1 1/2 tsp tarragon vinegar

* 1 tsp salt (I typically add a bit more)

Mix all together and refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Mexican Cocktail

This is so simple to throw together and is great for a group

* 6, 12 oz bottles of Corona

* 1, 12 oz can of frozen limemade concentrate

* 1/2 a lime

In a large pitcher, combine the frozen limemade and beer. Allow the foam to settle, then squeeze the lime into the pitcher and stir.

Tres Leche

This recipe entails a little more effort, but I promise it is worth it!

Cake

* 6 eggs

* 2 cups sugar

* 2 cups flour

* 2 tsp baking powder

* 1 tsp vanilla

* 1/2 cup milk

Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Pour into a greased 13x9 baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done.

Syrup

* 2 cans evaporated milk

* 2 cans condensed milk

* 2 cans regular whole milk (use cans from condensed milk)

* 3 egg yolks (keep the egg whites for the icing)

Mix everything together in a bowl while cake is baking. When the cake is ready, cut cake in approximately 1 inch squares and pour the syrup all over. Let the cake absorb the syrup for a few minutes before you ice.

Icing

* 1 cup light karo syrup

* 1 cup sugar

* 3 egg whites

Place syrup and sugar in a small pot and bring to a gentle boil. Beat egg whites until they are sponge like and start pouring hot syrup into the mixing bowl, but do this slowly. Put a tiny drop of vinegar in the mix to kill the egg smell. When the icing is ready, spread over the cake and refrigerate.

Images: salsa (pioneer woman), drink (food network), tres leche (sylvia's)

{Real Parties} A Blue & Orange Baby Shower

Here is another incredible shower hosted by a Gatewood lady! This time, Cindy and the other hostesses went with the trendy palette of blue and orange. My friend, Hayley, designed the monogram along with the boxed invitation and other paper goods. She never disappoints!

Party guests sipped on "Mommy's Mocktail" which consisted of peach nectar, orange juice and grenadine. Cookies were passed out as favors that pictured the monogram used throughout the party. I love the use of baby bottles used as glasses! And how cute is the diaper napkin??!!

All photography by Angela Francis of Bella Smile

A few party details you might be interested in...

* Monogram, invitation and paper goods were designed by Hayley Hardcastle.

* The precious baby bump mannequin came from The Marketing Company.

* The gorgeous flowers were created by Plants and Petals.

* Distinctive Details provided the linens and the cake was made by Who Made the Cake.

* The monogrammed cookies were baked by Stephanie Conti in Galveston.

* The setting of the lovely shower was the tea room at The St. Regis Hotel.

***A little fun fact....the mommy-to-be had her baby TODAY!! Congratulations Katie!!

Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner! If there is one type of food that we love here in Texas, it's Mexican Food! Will you be doing anything special to celebrate?? We do not have any set plans, but I'll be sure to visit one of my favorite Mexican restaurants for a margarita or make a yummy meal at home with friends.

Decorating for a Mexican Fiesta is so easy! All you need are bright accents, simple flowers (sunflowers are a good choice) and delicious food! I have been dying to rent the Armando's taco truck for a block party. Armando's is a swanky Mexican bistro here in Houston. They now offer a taco truck which will park in front of your house and your friends can order right from the window. How fun is that?! To further set the mood, hire a mariachi band or a Spanish guitarist!

I have a delicious fresh salsa recipe to share with you soon along with the recipes for my favorite Sangria and margarita! Stay tuned...

Images

invitation, mason jars, entry way lantern decor, sunflower boot centerpiece (St. Louis Entertains), bell pepper votives and aqua tablescape (Keely Thorne Events), white tablescape, swanky couch, pitcher vase, kids table (D Jones Photography), fans and sombrero napkin rings (Caplan Miller Events), mariachi band, lanterns, pinata (allison events), taco truck (Armando's)