MANIC MONDAY INSPIRATION....

Manic Monday Inspiration...

What a manic Monday indeed!! I am headed to Los Angeles in the am and currently rushing to finish a bit of work at the office before I head over to the dentist for an emergency appointment.

I always dream of traveling by private jet but the environment conscious side of me would probably never allow it. I do believe that you can make commercial travel comfortable and easy for yourself. It won't be private jet status--but it doesn't have to be uncomfortable.

This week I will be covering Holiday Travel, being a guest, or host/hostess and overall being the most fabulous version of yourself.

be legendary...zm

picture from justjared.com (vanessa hudgens & zac efron)

Family & Friends Fall Activities

Family & Friends Fall Activities

The fall is a great time to take a day trip with family, friends or out of town guests to pick apples, go on hay rides, or get lost in a corn maize.

Apple picking is a fun activity because you can take a picnic find a spot in the orchard and have a nice lunch after picking your apples. There is something for everyone to do and all ages enjoy it. Most farms have a shop where they sell delicious home baked goods. I have bought apple-pecan butter, apple turnovers, variety of pies and jams (hint hint) good hostess gift!

I found this great website that lists apple orchards in your state/county. Check them out or google!

http://www.pickyourown.org/

It is a lot of fun picking a variety of apples but I suggest that you try to limit yourself to one bag. Do NOT wash the apples until you are ready to use because that will keep them fresh longer. I always end up picking more than I can use so I buy a few silver buckets and give the fresh apples to my neighbors and friends.

Have a fabulous weekend...

be legendary...zm

Easy Flower Arrangements

Easy Flower Arrangements....

I absolutely love fresh flowers all year round... Especially when entertaining at home or over the holidays they are a quick decor item. We go to our grocery store and purchase a mixed bouquet of flowers or a dozen roses and put them in a vase. You can go to the local shop and still make a stunning floral installation on your own.

For this installation I went to my local grocery store and bought bunches of red carnations (3 bunches for $9.00)--A COMPLETE STEAL! I came home and separated the flowers, pulled the leaves, cut the stems, and threw out the white filler. I have a set of 12 vases which I purchased for a party from SAV-ON-CRAFTS. You can order 12 vases for $30.00. I took a bunch of the carnations and tied them together with a green rubber band (you can also buy green floral tape), I prefer you use the tape if you are doing this for a party. I cut the stems and then I angled the flowers to reach out of the vases at varying heights.

The key to this installation is the symmetry of color and vases. The flowers don't have to be expensive to make a floral arrangement interesting and memorable. This would be a great piece for a mantle place, or a shorter version on a dinning room table. I will continue to post my easy do it yourself floral arrangements throughout the holidays!!

most importantly play around with the flowers...have fun

be legendary...zm

Entertaining Tips

Ten Legendary Entertaining Tips...

1.As the host/hostess YOUR mood sets the tone of the party...

Enjoy yourself and your guests will have a fabulous time

2.Never use plastic or paper. Invest in plates, glasses and real napkins! Even when serving something simple as pizza and soda.

3.Greet guests, offer them a drink & make introductions

4.Dress Glamorously & be comfortable! I fantasize of throwing a fabulous party in a t-shirt paired with a ball-gown skirt--(I remember seeing it on a Vogue cover & most recently on Carrie Bradshaw)

5.My guests always end up following me into the kitchen--make sure the kitchen is clean and ready to be seen. I always light a few candles in the kitchen. It should also feel like a room part of the party.

6.Food presentation is important even if you invited your best girlfriends & ordered takeout from your fave restaurant. Invest in white platters!

7.Provide plenty of drink options. Not everyone drinks alcohol. I love picking up sparkling water, Italian sodas and fresh juice.

8. The bathroom is also a part of your presentation. Make sure it is well stocked, take out your private things (people may rummage through your cabinets), light a candle (I would use scented in the bathroom although not anywhere else in the party), plenty of clean towel napkins and pretty soaps.

9. Know your guests diets and allergies! So important- or make sure you have enough options to cover a vegetarian, vegan, Muslim, Jew, etc.

10. I love favors... I like my guests to leave with something special marking the occasion and I keep plenty of take-out containers readily available in case anyone wants to take home leftovers.

be legendary...zm

My Favorite Fall Snacks....

Fall starts the season of entertaining....

These are my favorite Fall snacks that I like to have on hand for guests. Simple & fun snacks that look beautiful and taste delicious!

1. LOVE Pomegranates when September comes around... They are a great addition to yogurt or served simply in a martini glass with a little whipped creme on top.

2. Apple Pie! All-American Fave & also mine. I make apple pie every year for Thanksgiving! I make additions to the recipe on http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/grandma-oples-apple-pie/Detail.aspx. I will post my recipe closer to Thanksgiving...

3. Caramel Popcorn- I love caramel popcorn from the store. I add dried cranberries, peanuts and drizzle some chocolate on top to make a sweet & savory snack. You can also find delicious caramel popcorn online. Also a great teacher gift! http://www.thebakersconfections.com

4. Pumpkin Bars with creme cheese icing. I love this recipe and the bars are easy to make. I make them over the weekend for unexpected guests and they also are a great hostess gift!

http://nicolesrecipecollection.blogspot.com/

entertain fabulously....be legendary....zm

MANIC MONDAY INSPIRATION....

Fall Fun....

Fall is my favorite season... I especially love Fall in New York... It is beautiful, feels cozy and the leaves turn fabulous shades of yellow, orange and red. I always feel that November is the beginning of the Fall/Holiday Season... Apple picking, fireplaces, hot chocolate, shopping & my Fall Favorite FOOTBALL!!

be legendary....zm

picture is Central Park

from brownrice.tumblr.com

DELICIOUS TREAT...Orange&Chocolate Cupcakes

Orange&Chocolate Cupcakes

The Halloween fun continues with a simple and delicious cupcake recipe. You can make them for a school Halloween party or having your friends over for drinks.

Get a box of chocolate cake mix, (no-pulp) orange juice, mini chocolate chips, vanilla frosting, an orange, candy corn, and reese's pieces. Make the chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box BUT instead of adding water use orange juice.

Once the mix is done line the cupcake pan with Halloween cupcake liners I found mine at Michaels (love that store) from the Martha Stewart line.

I filled the liners with the mix and added a few chocolate chips to each cupcake.

If this is an adults only party--while the cupcakes are baking in a bowl mix vanilla frosting with a dash of grand marnier or limoncello whisk it well. You may have to play around with the consistency just add more frosting. Once the cupcakes are cool frost/decorate and serve!!

I decorated mine with orange zest, candy corn and reese's pieces.... ENJOY

being busy doesn't mean you can't

be legendary....zm