Fashion vs. Furniture: The Poolside Edition

How time gets away from me! I haven't written one of these since February! I'd say it's about time, eh?


This time around, the pool, and the cocktails that surround them, was my inspiration. I've paired an outdoor party theme with a signature drink and added a dash of fashion to bring a little summer to our little blog. Enjoy!


P.S. As you can see, I had a bit of fun with Poladroid. It's awesome!

I know Cinco de Mayo is in the past, but that's no reason not to throw an improptu fiesta en la playa! Serve up some top notch maragaritas and sport a bright patterned suit by Emilio Pucci.

recipe via Food Network

How about a sweet garden party complete with colorful butterflies and chic hats? Serve your guests a twist on a classic with a Peach Julep, and up the sugar factor in a floral maillot by Badgley Mischka.

recipe via Martha Stewart.

You can't not celebrate Independence Day! And just watching the Will Smith flick doesn't count. In addition to burgers and barbeque, whip up a colorful beverage in your star-spangled suit by Michael Kors.

recipe via Food Network.

Everybody's Hawaiian at a Luau! Especially when you're offering Honeyhole Punch in a tropical swimsuit by Jean Paul Gaultier.

recipe via The Knot.

I saved my favorite for last. Nothing beats a wine and cheese party, especially when the wine comes in Sangria form and the cheese is extra smelly! Put on something sophisticated in basic black, from Just Cavalli, with a hint of sparkle to play the perfect hostess.

recipe via Food Network.

Happy (Recession) Valentine's Day

Mmmm... caramels. The dish is really cute, too! I wouldn't mind painting one over at a ceramics studio to go with the gift! But I'm losing focus here. Find the recipe at House Beautiful.

Isn't love lovely? It's also costs an arm and a leg. You've got dinners to pay for, birthday and Christmas gifts, and the greatest money-sucker of all: Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong! I love the holiday! Any holiday that looks like pink exploded all over the world is A-ok with me. And my mom still gives me yummy heart shaped cookies. (If you're reading this, do I still get them this year even though I'm married?)

I swear I have a point with all of this rambling. My point is, I have vowed not to spend a fortune on a gift for my husband this V-Day. I'm going to use the old tactic of getting to his heart via his stomach with some baked goodies. Apparently, this is a popular idea, because a lot of my favorite magazines and blogs are supplying me with tasty recipes. So throw on your chef's hat and get to baking!

My apologies. The recipe for these delicious looking Chocolate Chunk & Cherry Cookies is not online, but you can get it in this month's issue of Country Living!

What is a holiday without a little Martha? Her Heart-Shaped Meringues with Passion Fruit Curd look refreshingly tasty!


I'm not a big coconut fan, but these won me over. Chocolate-dipped Macaroons via Domino.

I couldn't resist these. The icing looks like a sprinkled cloud! Red Velvet Cupcakes with Fluffy Meringue Icing via Food Network.