Dream Kitchen

I've always had a vision of what my dream kitchen would look like... and it was all just swept away in a matter of seconds when I came across this picture. I have never scene a back splash like that before and feel as though I have just got to have it! 

When you picture your dream kitchen (in your dream home with your dreamy husband/fiance of course) what do you see? Is it suddenly starting to look a lot like this photo?

Better Homes and Gardens

Brownberry Sunless Tanning

Whether your getting married, in a wedding, attending a wedding, or are just plain old pale- this is the perfect article for you. I had the pleasure of getting insider sunless tan tips from one of New York's best. Meredith Fish, owner of Brownberry NYC, answers our most frequently asked spray tanning questions.

Erin: How many days before [a wedding] should I start?

Meredith: Everyone's skin is different so I always suggest a trial first. That

way you can see exactly how you like the color the 1st, 2nd, 3rd day

post-application and best determine when to book before the big day.

Erin: What prep do I need before hand?

Meredith: Shower, lightly exfoliate (don't want to dry out your skin as you

shouldn't apply any lotions prior to application), and do any waxing

beforehand.

Erin: How do I make sure it won't rub off on my wedding dress?

Meredith: Be sure to use a clear solution and test it out beforehand by wearing

a white shirt once you've showered off the formula the next day or so.

Not all solutions are created equal!

Erin: How do I ensure even application?

Meredith: Go to a professional who can apply/customize the color for you! Booths

are riskier. It's worth the splurge for your wedding day.

Erin: How long does it typically last?

Meredith: A quality spray tan will last 5-8 days. You also can preserve your

color by moisturizing, avoiding exfoliating creams and not spending

too much time in the pool, shower, bath or excessively sweating at the

gym! A good indication of how long you hold a spray tan is similar to

how long you hold a bona fied suntan. Everyone skin exfoliation

process is different.

Thank you so much Meredith!!

Little Surprises

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Have you ever come home from a long day of work to see that your fiance has already made dinner? Or maybe your week feels like years and your fiance sent flowers to your office to cheer you up? What little surprises has he done that have totally made your day?

Valentine's Day Stationery

I mean... come on. Rifle Paper is the best. I am loving the postcard with those amazing edges and the mail man! How cleaver!?

Happy New Year!!

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Happy New Year!! Hope the start to everyone's 2012 was as wonderful as mine. I have a lot of faith in the New Year that it is going to be a good one. Lots of weddings, projects, and fun new things to discover this year. I look forward to sharing all those things here!!

New Years Eve

If you are going to be like me this year and are ringing in the new year at a friends house- then I am sure you have started making your appetizers and cocktails list. I can't even explain how excited I am to be spending the night in a warm, none crowded location where I can just get up and grab a drink rather than wait at a crowded bar with an expensive ticket fee. 

So- with that being said, what is on your beverage and appetizers list? 

Here's mine:

A bottle of champagne (a given, I'm sure)

2 bottles of Voga Pinot Grigio

Piggies in a blanket (these, actually!)

Cheesy spinach, artichoke and crab dip (check out this recipe)

And possibly some bruschetta. 

Sounds like a tasty way to hello to 2012, don't you think??

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2012

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!! It is definitely feeling like winter here in NJ and I feel like the snow is around the corner right along with the New Year. 

2012 is going to be amazing. There are so many great things on the horizon (personally and professionally) that I am eagerly awaiting. Are any of you getting married this year? Did a few of you maybe get engaged over the holiday weekend? 

What are you all looking forward to this New Year?

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Merry Christmas!!

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Merry Christmas all!! Hope everyone has an amazing day!!

Date Night: STK, Los Angeles

I was inspired to write an LA date night when I saw this date night outfit post on Glamour.com:

The thought of being able to wear a dress and tights in November (nearly December!) is almost unthinkable. My typical November New York City holiday season date night attire consists of a chunky sweater, black pants and knee high boots accompanied by a heavy coat, cashmere gloves and warm scarf. 

So, whether you are in Los Angeles in your tights and light jacket, or New York City with your scarf and gloves, enjoy a delightful date night at delicious STK Restaurant:

STK LA

Our Romantic Holiday Field Guide

I cannot wait to share these tips and ideas with you! 25 days, and 25 ways to enjoy your holiday season with your loved one. 

{photo found here}

Thanksgiving Eve

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So it's Thanksgiving Eve! Truth be told- this is actually one of the biggest drinking days of the year. Are you throwing your own little Friendsgiving? Or maybe meeting up at a local bar with some old HS friends? Whatever it is that you do, have so much fun! 

Monday Night Dinners

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The colder months are definitely upon us. Warm up with an easy to make dinner for you and your loved one. 

Try this classic:

A cheddar cheese grilled cheese with tomato soup. 

My trick? Cook them in a pan. They come out crisped to perfection. 

Thanksgiving Cocktails

Looking to steer clear of the beer this Thanksgiving while trying to watch your bridal figure? I don't blame you. Try this yummy sparkling pomegranate punch sans sugar (add some extra fruit for extra sweetness). 

1 cup pomegranate juice

two 750-milliliter bottles sparkling wine, chilled

3/4 cup late-harvest white wine (such as a Riesling), chilled

2 oranges, thinly sliced crosswise

1 cup diced fresh pineapple

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

add ice cubs when serving

recipe found at food and wine

Date Night: David Burke Townhouse, NYC

{photos found here and here}

The David Burke Townhouse is the perfect place to relax and indulge after a long day at the office. The warm, chic interior is so incredibly inviting, don't you think? I could definitely see myself unwinding here with a tall drink and cheesecake lollipop tree. 

David Burke Townhouse

Bachelorette Party Guide To: The Borgata, Atlantic City

We are creating a new guide to the night that you either love, or hate. A night that can either be a fancy dinner followed by drinks at a low key bar, or a weekend consumed by afternoon drinking, bottle service, and your entire savings out the window. 

Our guide will capture the best cities to travel to, perfect places to stay at, delicious restaurants to dine at, and relaxing spas to soak at.  

We're starting with a weekend at: 

The Borgata, in Atlantic City. 

Unwind: Check in to your large hotel suite, mid afternoon with all your best girlfriends and let the fun begin. There is no better way to kick start your weekend than with some bubbly and some finger foods. 

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Eat: Once your all dolled up and ready to take on the night, choose from their list of 6 impressive, award winning fine dining restaurants to indulge at:

Bobby Flay Steak

Izakaya

Seablue

Wolfgang Puck American Grille

Play: Now with a full belly and cocktail in hand, be sure to find yourself at one of the 4,100 slot machines or 200 table games to start your evening of laughter and memories (and hopefully, big money!) 

Drink: After having some time at the slots, mosey on over to one of their gorgeous bars or night clubs. Choose from Mur.Mur (if your the bottle service type), Mix (if your looking to dance your hearts out), or Gypsy Bar, (if your looking for live music and the chance to possibly hold an actual conversation). 

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Relax: Yes, this is actually a word that can be used while away for a bachelorette party. Wake up from a long night of dancing and drinking to a wonderful brunch at one of their casual dining restaurants (or room service if you don't want to be seen yet). Follow brunch with a swedish massage at Spa Toccare and a dip in the pool. 

Sunday Morning Traditions

Do you and your fiance (or husband) have any Sunday morning traditions? Do you wake up to a cup of coffee and the paper, or maybe go for brunch, or possibly pour yourself a tall sparkling mimosa? I know every week we go out for a black eye and a venti skim latte over bagels (even though I have secretly been looking to incorporate the mimosa. But we'll get there!) 

Would love to hear your about Sunday!

{photo found here} 

Thanksgiving Entertaining

So your engaged and spending your first full holiday with his family. What's your first thought (other than sheer panic)? 

"What do I bring!?"

Win over his family (and his Mom!) with this Artichoke Dip with Fontina Cheese.  It's a perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. 

Recipe via Martha Stewart

Say Cheese! Paper Props

Photo Booths are the new thing to have at your wedding, and I have to tell you- I love them! They are so much fun- especially when you have fun props like this. Those lips are my favorite!

But who said their just for weddings? Looking for a way to make Christmas a bit more memorable? Set up a back drop, hook your camera up to a tripod and snap away!

Date Night: Agave Tequila Bar and Southwestern Restaurant

Agave, NYC

The ambiance in this place alone makes it a great date night destination. Not to mention- their a tequila bar, aka- unbelievably delicious beverages. This is a wonderful place to come to in the summer and sit out on the patio and sip frozen margaritas, or a place you can warm up inside with a romantic candle lit dinner. All sound delightfully inviting, if you ask me!

Busy City Brides: Ten over Ten Nail Salon

So, you just got engaged. What is the first thing you think of? "Oh my gosh, I have to get my nails done!!" If your anything like me, that would be one of your first engaged to do's. With everyone wanting to look at that shiny new ring of yours, the last thing you want is unpolished nails! 

TenOverTen is a nail salon that I have been dying to try. With gorgeous pedicure window views, and ipad's at manicure stations, how can you go wrong?

photos via vanity fair