Table for Twelve: Pool Party!

It seems like it's been forever since our last Table for Twelve post!  Probably because it pretty much has been.  Well good news...it's baaaaack!  Our latest adventure took us up to my parents house in New Jersey for a weekend full of parties and celebrations- but first we needed to rest up poolside.  Our fun in the sun wasn't the most traditional of Table for Twelves (no table, for starters) but it was an outdoor wonderland and you had to see it.  We set up a small library of magazines and an SPF bar (safety first!) and added a few special touches to make it Table for Twelve worthy (check out that "ring for a drink" bell, ha).  Many thanks to the good Lord for the gorgeous weather...what a perfect day!

Since the perfect pool day involves finding a comfy spot and not moving for as long as possible, we gave everyone a bucket full of ice (to hold as many beverages as they so desired) and a spray bottle full of cool water (in case they needed a misting and weren't quite ready for a dip in the pool).  It ended up being a fun little treat.

In terms of food, we kept it light, fresh and snack-y.  Nadine made her world famous guacamole, my Dad whipped up some killer mojitos and we had an assortment of fruits, veggies, nuts, spreads, chips and other finger foods...perfect for our poolside extravaganza.  

Check out these gorgeous gals living it up!  There's nothing better than getting your daily dose of vitamin D with your BFFs.  Now go call yours and set up a pool date for this weekend...you deserve it! :)

For more information on this or any Table for Twelve (Have you checked them all out?  You probably should...they're really fun!  Here's a few shortcuts if you're interested...Sugary Sweet Goodbye Party, Picnic in the Park, Royal Wedding, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Valentine's Day)  or to find out about Design-Muse's party planning services, contact me here.

Working for the Weekend

In case you missed the announcement, I made a few changes to our editorial calendar last week...nothing monumental, just a few shifts and additions.  Based on the feedback I've received thus far, you guys seemed to like week one of our new column, Working for the Weekend, which makes me seriously happy.  Hows about a week two?

I've waited all year and it's finally here...SHARK WEEK!

New Rue!  Woo Hoo! (oh, the rhyming...)

10 of the Strangest Unclaimed Airline Baggage Items Ever Found

Lady A's new song & video.  Pretty great if you ask me.

Best times to buy anything year round.

One of my new (ironically) favorite blogs.

Famous Logos with Hidden Images- so cool.

Prom Dress made of Starburst wrappers...that took SIX years to make!

Top 100 speeches of all time

Lovely movie, lovely post.  Just beautiful all around.

Paradise Island: Nikki

As we saunter into week 8 of our Paradise Island series I just want to take a second and say how on earth have the last few months flown by so fast?  I can't, for the life of me, figure it out.  We only have a few weeks left in our fun summer series but don't worry, this isn't the last you'll see of the Table for Twelve ladies.  I've got some fun things up my sleeve and I can't wait to share them!  But for now, let's talk about Nikki!  Were it not for Nik, my hair would be a disaster, my eyebrows would be running a muck and my life would be waaaaay less fun.  I've never met a person more devoted to her family, friends and her trash (did I say trash?  I meant reality) television than my lovely cousin Nikki- she's one in a bazillion for sure.  She wears a lot of hats but whether she's acting as stylist, chef, travel agent, nanny, counselor, cousin, sister, daughter or friend- you can bet she's doing a darn fine job and looking fabulous.

Nikki & her buddy, Ken Paves :)

Q&A: If Nikki was famous it would be for having lots of famous friends and doing their hair.  Her celebrity BFF would be Tiffani Amber Thiessen and she would help her steal every last piece from Jennifer Aniston's closet.

1. Bamboo Dreams Pajama Pants, Upland Waters $22.36  2. Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, Clinique $24.50  3. Moroccan Oil, $40  4. BADgal Lash Mascara, Benefit $19  5. Vietnamese Coffee Filter Set, Amazon $3.25  6. DVR box, TiVo $99-$299  7. Hammock Water Lounger, Amazon $30

The Foodie Files

I was in a breakfast for dinner kind of mood the other night and whipped up some extra special Captain Crunch French Toast...and I do mean extra special.  Courtney and I decided it's a birthday breakfast kind of meal- fun for special occasions but a little too heavy for everyday use.  It may or may not be a bit of a caloric nightmare but that's easy to look past once you've tasted it.  It's a pretty delish little treat!

Ingredients:

8 slices Texas Toast

3 eggs

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cinnamon

8 oz Captain Crunch cereal

1/4 cup butter

Pour Captain Crunch into a ziplock bag and crush with a spoon- some pieces should be all but disintegrated and a few should stay relatively intact.  When finished, pour pieces into a 9x13 baking dish.

Combine eggs, cream, cinnamon and vanilla in a large bowl.

Soak your bread for about ten seconds a side, then dredge in cereal.  

Butter your griddle, then cook each slice for approximately three minutes a side, or until Captain Crunch caramelizes to a light brown.  And there you have it!

Mirror, Mirror

I wanted to give this outfit a bit of an au natural feel (in a non-naked kind of way) so I threw a couple feathers in there and some real wood (that cuff...so cool, right?).  I just can't get enough of that saddle color...it's my new favorite!   

1. Afternoon Express Top, Mod Cloth $37.99  2. Rebecca Minkoff Passport Wallet, Swank Boutique Online $125  3. Whiskered Skinny Jeans, Forever 21 $17.80  4. Wood Cuff, A+R Store $74  5. Festooned Feather Earrings, Francesca's $22  6. Trentinara Wedge Sandals, Aldo Shoes $74.98

Boo and Boo Factory

So, let's talk about this brilliant little Etsy shop I stumbled across the other day...it's called Boo and Boo Factory and it's all kinds of fun.  Not only do they offer unique, handmade statement jewelry- they do it at a price point that'll blow your mind...seriously- I was floored.  Christina Anton, the crazy talented artist behind the Boo and Boo Factory curtain, is- not surprisingly- in the process of getting her masters at the Southern California University of Architecture.  What an eye that girl has!   

1. Geometric Leather Links Necklace, $42  2. Hexagon Honeycomb Leather Earrings, $28  3. Mini Molecular Series Leather Necklace, $38  4. Molecular Leather Earrings, $28  5. Low Elevation Leather Ring, $24  6. Lattice Leather Necklace, $42  7. Molecular Series Hair Clip, $32

Get It Together: Over the River & Through the Woods

1. Rhododendron Chandelier, Anthropologie $898  2. Bloomsbury Pillow, Anthropologie $88  3. Candlestick Phone, Crosley Radio $79.99  4. Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar, Anthropologie $28  5. Blake Lounge Chair, Crate&Barrel $699  6. Vintage Glass Display Dome, Etsy  7. Pascual Coffee Table, Z Gallerie $699

Fair-ly Fantastic

There's only one day a year where you'll find me welcoming nausea with open arms and that day is quickly approaching.  Soon and very soon (August 12th to be exact) I'm making my way over to the Wilson County Fair for an evening of spiraled potatoes, corn on the cob, deep fried Oreos (don't you dare judge me), games, rides, carnies and more.  Considering it's still a few weeks away I'm almost embarrassingly excited.  I've been filing carnival inspired pieces since the beginning of Summer and just can't wait any longer to share them!  I especially love the Carl Christensen photos (1. & 7.)...in fact, his whole Polaroid and Viewfinder series is downright amazing.  Almost as amazing as the Wilson County Fair.  Almost...  

1. Fly High Photo, Bucks County Photography $35-$275, 2. Pennant Necklace, Etsy $72  3. Ferris Wheel Mini Notecards, Etsy $3 for 10  4. Carnival Pillow, Envelop €19.99  5. Oval Pendant, Etsy $20  6. Striped Mini Cupcake Wrappers, Etsy $8  7. Wheel in the Sky Photo, Bucks County Photography $35-$275

Walk Like an Egyptian

Good morning, sunshine!  How was your weekend?  Terrific in every way, I hope.  I've gotta tell you, I'm excited about this week...I think it's gonna be a great one.  As a nod to the legit Cleopatra biography I've been reading (not to mention my lifelong obsession with Egypt), I put together this little roundup.  Loads of fun, don't you think?

1. Egyptian Sunburst Earrings, Etsy $44  2. Egyptian Falcon Tee, Urban Outfitters  3. Bandage Stretch Jersey, Net-A-Porter $1,260  4. Art Deco Ring, Guides to Buy  5. Scarab Ring, Jewel Mint  6. Filisky Star, Le Souk €54.95  7. Liquid Eyeliner, Sephora $10  8. Egyptians Revival Earrings, Joy Hughes $375  9. Egyptian Patterns Mugs, The Met Store $25

Design Musings

Working for the Weekend

I'm making a few adjustments in our Editorial Calendar today, starting with the re-working of our Que Bella column.  First off, I want to say I love sharing little bits of my life with you all.  I always want to keep the fact that I'm a real person, not some photo-shopping bot, at the center of Design-Muse.  That being said, I've decided to take Que Bella out of our weekly rotation and have, instead, put it onto our monthly calendar.  This will allow me to focus on the highlights worth talking about rather than having to manipulate a non-event into something that sounds exciting :).  When I first came up with the idea for a Que Bella column (a post on the most beautiful thing I saw all week), what I envisioned was less autobiographical than what the column morphed into.  Looking back, however, I'm really glad it took the turn that it did- I think it filled a gap I didn't even know existed.  Moving forward, I'm excited to share pictures and stories from my life in the once monthly updates to come...and I reeeally think you're gonna like the newest edition to our weekly calendar: Working for the Weekend.

So- million dollar question- what the heck is this new column about?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  I was thinking about it and realized that I spend all week putting together (what I hope are) interesting posts for your enjoyment.  You're kind enough to find time during your busy week to read them.  Then, come the weekend when you're actually a little bored and looking for something interesting to peruse, I abandon you.  I'm not gonna lie, I feel kind of bad about it (although not bad enough to give you my whole weekend...gotta draw the line somewhere, ha).  Working for the Weekend is the solution to absolve my guilt.  Every Friday from now on you'll find ten links that, however random, are sure to make you smile 'til we meet again on Monday.  Some will highlight design, some will feature music, and a few are sure to be downright ridiculous.  All will be fun.  Hope you enjoy!

Obsessed with this song...can't wait 'til her record is released!

I want this for my home office.

What happens when you order every mix-in at Cold Stone Creamery? 

Can't get enough Ombre as of late. 

Are these cupcakes adorable or what?!

"Try this hair tutorial" just made my weekend to-do list.

I'm starting my mornings like this from now on...

If this doesn't make you want to look fabulous this weekend...well...I give up.

Calligraphy makes me happy.

This is amazing.  *note to friends & family- Jessie has already shotgunned this for her wedding.  If you try & steal it she may come after you.  & she's freakishly strong...sooo...consider yourself warned* :)

Alexander McQueen at the Met

This last Tuesday my Mom and I ventured into New York City with the express purpose of catching the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met.  We hit a couple snafus on our way (our one hour journey ended up taking almost four...long story) but luckily we rolled with the punches and made it into the city unscathed and with our good attitudes intact.  I always have fun when I'm with my Mom, but thanks to the brilliant, late Mr. McQueen this trip turned out to be especially wonderful.  I can't even tell you how spectacular the exhibit was...both of us were in our glory and totally blown away.  If you live anywhere near the Big Apple I'm telling you- you have to get to go see it before it closes August 7th.  Have to.

As far as the exhibit itself goes, the pieces were divided and displayed according to the most prevalent themes in McQueen's work- Romantic Gothic, Romantic Nationalism, Romantic Exoticism, Romantic Primitivism, and Romantic Naturalism.  Overall, I'd say there was an other-worldly quality to it...not sweet enough to be a dream or dark enough to be a nightmare but somewhere smack dab in the middle of the two.  I've honestly never seen anything like it.  As you can imagine, pictures do it no justice whatsoever but it'll at least show you a glimpse.

Check out a few of the pieces that took my breath away in particular:

The legendary spray paint dress.  Very chic on it's own...cooler still when you see how it was made.

Red and black dyed ostrich feather dress featuring bodice made of glass medical slides painted red.  Made to represent how “there’s blood beneath every layer of skin.”

Sarabande floral dress, inspired by Handel's triple metre dance and made of nude silk organza embroidered with real and fresh flowers.

Scanners Sequined dress, made to reference traditional construction techniques used by the Japanese in their warrior outfits.

Shipwreck dress, made of hundreds of layers of silk organza.  Three skilled workers labored over this dress for three months.  Amazing.

The Foodie Files

I saw this recipe on one of my favorite blogs, Camille Styles, and just haven't been able to stop thinking about it for the last few days.  I tried a variation of it for dinner tonight and it was SO fresh, SO summery and SO good.  It's simple but delicious (especially in this heat)...I give it two thumbs way up!

Ingredients:

8 chicken tenders

1 clove diced garlic

Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup corn
1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
6 cups mixed baby greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp crumbled feta
1/4 cup marcona almonds
salt & pepper, to taste

dressing:
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey
1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing: Place all ingredients in a screw top jar and shake to combine.

Saute garlic in extra virgin olive oil, season chicken to taste, then cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes.  In a bowl, combine baby greens, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, feta, and almonds.

Toss lightly with dressing to coat or serve dressing on the side.  Top with chicken and eat up!  Serves 2 as an entree, 4 as a side.

Paradise Island: Courtney

Time for Paradise Island, part 7!  If you missed weeks 1-6, check 'em out here.  This week it's my pleasure to introduce you to my roomie, Courtney.  Over the last several years I've gone from thinking of Court as my cousin's friend to considering her one of my best friends in the world...more like family, really.  She the loyal, consistent, encouraging confidant everyone should have but few are lucky enough to find.  Plus she's a stunner.  And her hair is awesome.  And she has perfect penmanship (I don't know why I'm so obsessed with her handwriting but I can't stop talking about it to people...I just think it's amazing).  She's a gem, that Courtney...a real gem.

Courtney & her gorgeous Mama

Q&A: If Courtney was famous it would be for bringing back handwritten letters.  Julia Roberts would be her celebrity BFF & she would help her steal every last item in Jackie O's closet.

1. Oversized Sunglasses, The Row $442  2. Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Markers, Staples $19.99  3. Digital Photo Frame, Best Buy $27.99  4. Paper Braid XI Stripe Hat, Diane's Beachwear $44 5. Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover, Amazon $12.74  6. Moroccan Straw Summer Beach Bag, Traders & Company $20  7. Maxi Dress, BCBGeneration $148  8. Recycled Sari Journal, Eden Project £16.59  9. Nikon D7000 DSLR Camera, Nikon $1,500  10. Blow Out Your Curls Straightening Cream, Hair Rules $20

Mirror, Mirror

1. Orange Sleeveless Tuck Shift Dress, Topshop $95  2. Mihalkovic Clutch, Aldo $40  3. Dita Vesoul Sunglasses, Shopbop $350  4. Love Sovereign Style Ring, Asos $13.79  5. Bendable Link Necklace, Shopbop $88  6. Forwood Wedges, Aldo $90

Before & After: My NJ Chambers

When I graduated from college my parents bought me a present they knew was right up my alley- a brand new room.  New furniture, new bed, new light fixtures, new decor- and to top it off, they handed me the reins and gave me full decorative control.  It was awesome.  I was about halfway through assembling my dream room when I accepted a job in Miami, Florida and the project came to a screeching halt.  And there it's remained- stuck in limbo for four years.  Tragic, right?  Well something finally snapped in both my mother and I this last week and, despite the fact that we had more on our to-do list than quite possibly ever before, we managed to give my old room a tiny bit of much needed attention.  With a little help from the Lillian's Paintbrush crew, we had the space painted and reworked in less time than it takes to watch a Harry Potter movie.

Due to the time crunch, we got all our key pieces from Pier 1 and Target (AKA 'ol faithful).  I love the color of the pillows we chose, but my favorite touch is the mini-gallery of photos from our Breakfast at Tiffany's Table for Twelve...it compliments my oversized Audrey picture brilliantly.  I think- all things considered- it came together quite nicely!  You like?

Get It Together: Attic Treasures

I think it's pretty clear that the operative word in today's Get It Together is vintage.  These pieces all share a look that says "check me out- I've got a story".  Some stories are more interesting than others, no doubt, but they're stories none the less.  And I like that.  

1. Sailboat Painting, Jayson Home & Garden $295  2. Antique Silver Cameras, Z Gallerie $9.95  3. Turkish Striped Pillow, Etsy $79.95  4. Vintage Ship Print, Etsy $8  5. Jamie Young Steam Punk Lamp, Layla Grayce $184  6. Log Vase, West Elm $29  7. Vintage Utensils, Jayson Home & Garden $24  8. Vintage Wood Table, Jayson Home & Garden $795  9. Vintage Ship Print, Etsy $8  10. Vintage Books, Jayson Home & Garden $40

Design Musings

Que Bella

So I've decided to switch things up a bit in our editorial calendar.  Starting next week we'll have a brand new Friday column!  I can't wait for the big reveal...I really think you're gonna love it.  I'm not doing away with Que Bella altogether, however I am making a few changes.  But more on that later.  For now, let's talk about the wonderfulness of the last few weeks.  I think the pictures speak for themselves but in case they don't here are the highlights: a VIP invite to the greatest carnival-themed birthday party ever thrown, a legendary U2 concert (thanks again Nadineski & Mark) and an outrageously fun night making and eating the most delicious Greek food I've ever encountered.  Life is good and the people I get to share it with are the best.  Table for Twelve mania starts today so wish me luck...can't wait to share it with you guys!

The Foodie Files

Well- I'm coming up for a quick breath then diving straight back into Table for Twelve madness.  The next couple days are sure to be buuuusy but TONS of fun (more details to follow).  Here's one of the recipes my Mom and I test-kitchened the other day.  I'm not even gonna tell you the theme of the Table for Twelve we're using it for...don't wanna ruin the surprise. :)  I will tell you that it's a delicious Watermelon Gazpacho and it's all kinds of refreshing.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

8 cups pureed watermelon (approximately 2 quarts cubed or 1/2 large watermelon)

1 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper

1 cup coarsely chopped english cucumber

1 cup coarsely chopped red onion

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

In the work bowl of a food processor, combine watermelon, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, cilantro, and lime juice, and pulse until finely chopped.

Transfer mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for several hours until cold.  Serve cold.

Paradise Island: Nina

Happy Thursday!  We're a whopping six weeks into our super fun summer series...if you missed out on any Paradise Island excitement, take a second to get caught up here.  Today is all about Nina, our skinny mini supermodel extraordinaire.  Nin and I have been friends for over a decade (can that even be right?  I just double checked my math four times...man...we're getting old) and I can tell you, she's as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside.  I love that she lives in Nashville, I love that she's a part of our little Table for Twelve crew, and I love that she has a killer sense of style.  In fact, when I saw her Paradise Island picks I literally said- out loud- "I hope we're going to the same hypothetical island cause I'm borrowing all of that".  True story.

Q&A: If Nina was famous it would be for writing a book on parenting & being the wife of Dinner & a Suit's bassist.  Mila Kunis would be her celebrity BFF and she would help her steal every last piece from Emma Watson's wardrobe.

1. Coral Pullover, Revolve Clothing $158  2. iPad, Apple $499+  3. Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Mineral Block Sunblock, Ulta $9.99  4. Turquoise Earrings, Etsy $145  5. Lane Lines Mailot Swimsuit, Anthropologie $49.95  6. EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR Camera, Canon $685  7. Organic Lip Balm, EOS $3.29  8. MMJ 187 Sunglasses, Marc Jacobs $110  9. Lindt Truffles, Lindt $15

Mirror, Mirror

Just try and tell me that dress wouldn't make you look like a billion dollars- go ahead...try, I dare you.  The color (can't stay away from it this week, apparently), the cut-I'm loving it all!  

1. Alys Ruched Jersey Dress, Paul & Joe $240  2. Mauna Loa Earrings, Anthropologie $28  3. Eye Dazzler Scarf, Antropologie $175  4. Aztec Purse, BCBGeneration $78  5. Russel Sandal, N.Y.L.A. $79  6. 22-karat gold-plated chrysanthemum ring, Alex Monroe $400

Guest Post: Mary Keller of MK Graces

I've got a special post lined up for you today, folks!  I asked Mary Keller of MK Graces to share a few of her world famous strategies for "living better" (her motto and mission) and- much to my delight- she obliged.  I'm a big fan of her site, especially her flawless library (seriously, such brilliant picks).  For a constant stream of killer advice, fabulous inspiration and solid gold resources, follow Mary on Twitter @mkgraces. Thanks so much for the awesome post, MK!

Love
Pick a wine bar with an outdoor patio for your summer rendez-vous. Sport your favorite cotton dress, bring a date (your boyfriend or best friend will do) and toss your agenda out the window. If you're in New York, pop over to Gottino. They have delicious small plates, too!

Play
Oh, to have lived in the 20s! So chic. The grand parties, love affairs, and losses are the perfect distraction from reality tv drama... Pull out this classic summer tale and find a shady spot at the park.

Work
It's easy for summer spending to get out of control. Manage your finances on the go - on your way to happy hour or en route to the beach - using Mint.com's iphone app.

Home
Spruce up your dinner table with these floral plates from Anthropologie. The colors and pattern just scream summer! Add a pitcher of pink lemonade, a vase of dahlias, and you're set!

Beauty
I am obsessed with this Iomoi tote. Simple, classic, and navy... it will go with every summer frock and is big enough to hold your laptop or a beach towel.

Health
When I can't make it to Pinkberry, the Fage Greek Yogurt packs satisfy my sweet tooth. They're the perfect quick, healthy, and portable snack for summer.

Get It Together: Hooray for Hollywood

1. Currey and Company Beesthorpe Lantern, Layla Grace $942  2. Typewriter Pillow, Z Gallerie $49.95  3. Ampersand Marquee Light, Urban Outfitters $199  4. Sip of Gold Tea Pot, Fitzsu $1,518  5. Stray Dog Side Table, West Elm $149  6. Oly Studio Abe Lounge Chair, Layla Grace  7.  Decorative Wood Candle Holder, Etsy 

Design Musings

Cut It Out

I think I can summarize my thoughts on these cute little numbers with this simple equation: off the shoulder + minimized risk of wardrobe malfunction = sign me up.  Can't wait to get my hands on this look!

1. Funktional Asteroid Dress, Tobi $89  2. Cutout Shirt, Mara Hoffman  3. Two-tone Silk Crepe de Chine Dress, Richard Nicoll $535  4. Embellished Cutout Silk Dress, 3.1 Phillip Lim $375

Haute Nails

When it comes to nail art, there tends to be a paper thin line between gorgeous and ghetto fabulous.  I'm thinking these designs are way too fun to keep to myself, so if I cross that line you'll just have to forgive me.  Since my toes are substantially braver than my fingers, I'd be more apt to try these in pedicure form (though I can't say I'd rule out a manicure all together).  They're fun ideas, right?!

Photos via Splitskin, Live Journal, We Heart It, Flickr, Pinterest 

The Foodie Files

One of my favorite quick eats in Nashville is a deli-esque restaurant called Bread & Company.  Although their signature selections are delish, I'm all about their make your own sandwich option...I just love how many choices they give you!  As a result of options overload, dining with me at Bread & Company is not for the faint of heart.  Let's just say I get my $5.50 worth.  So, as a tribute to my newfound appreciation for "the works"...I give you the Balsamic Chicken mini-masterpiece sandwich.  

Ingredients:

(makes 5 sandwiches)

10 chicken tenderloins

1 shallot clove, diced

1 TBS extra virgin olive oil

3 TBS balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper

10 slices of Italian loaf

1 tomato, sliced

5 slices of white cheddar cheese

lettuce

1 orange bell pepper, sliced

Roasted red pepper & Feta bruschetta

Kalamata olive tapenade

Brown shallots in olive oil, then add seasoned chicken.  Allow chicken to brown just slightly (about 4 minutes a side), then add balsamic vinegar.  Cook, uncovered, for 15-20 additional minutes and allow the balsamic vinegar to reduce.  Side note: I used an 18 year old aged balsamic vinegar and it made all the difference in the world.  It's expensive but worth it!

Lightly toast bread, then spread the roasted red pepper & Feta bruschetta on one slice and the Kalamata olive tapenade on the other.

Stack chicken, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, cheese and anything else your little heart desires and open wide!  So simple, but so good!

Paradise Island: Natalie B.

Can you believe we're already into week five of our Paradise Island series?  Somebody pump the brakes cause summer is flying by way too fast!  Today it's all eyes on our resident Twi-Mom (her words, not mine), Natalie.  Not only is she absolutely beautiful, she's brilliant too.  And she has a husband we all adore.  And she gave birth to a perfect human being.  If I didn't love her so much, I'd have to hate her. :)  Nat is fiercely competitive, so you can bet your bottom dollar her picks are legit (although I still can't bring myself to read Twilight- sorry girls)!  

Natalie's beautiful family

Q&A: If Natalie was famous, it would be for having a famous son.  Nicole Richie would be her celebrity BFF and she would help her steal every last piece in Lauren Conrad's closet.

1. 3pk of 14oz Skittles Crazy Cores, $8.64 Walmart  2. Wallflowers Creamy Nutmeg Home Fragrance, Bath & Body Works $12.30  3. The Twilight Saga, Amazon $55.63  4. Dirt Texturizing Paste, Jonathan Product $14  5. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Spray, Nordstrom $100-$150  6. Ceramic Flat Iron, Chi $101  7. Studio Fix Powder, MAC Cosmetics $26.50  8. Fruit Tea, Bread & Company  9. La Viva Vera Hipster, Vera Bradley $58