House Plants Even You Can't Kill!

Whenever I decorate for a client, I like to use plants to finish the room.  Plants warm up the room and add life to your space.  There are other benefits including good feng-sui, and air purification. 

Some clients welcome the idea of using plants as decoration. Others are hesitant, thinking that a perishable decoration could leave a future hole in the room.  Nevertheless, I head to the plant store on a mission and engage in a conversation traditionally sounding like this:

Me: “I’m decorating for a client. She has a black thumb. What do you have around here that is very low maintenance?”

Plant Store Employee: “Yes, these require very little maintenance.”

Me: “So, you’re saying that they are virtually impossible to kill?”

Don’t be hesitant.  You can do it.  It’s really not difficult, and it’s an inexpensive addition to any space.  Here are some of my favorite “independent” plants:

Cactus/Succulents: Cacti and succulents are super trendy right now and add a fun flair to a home.  Here are some of my favorite looks with these plants.

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Air Plants:  Air plants take up very little space in your home and require very little maintenance.  Very little.  Generally, you can find interesting and fun ways to display these plants.  Here are some of my favorite holders that will help to pack a punch to any vignette.

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Snake Plant or Mother-in-law’s Tongue: The plants are sure to add personality to any room and have even been called the next Fiddle Leaf Fig.  These plants are also very good for air purification in your home.

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Maidenhair Fern: The Maidenhair Fern is one of my favorite plants to use in my client’s homes.  I have even seen this plant stay alive months longer than the owner would have predicted.  The leaves and wiry nature of this plant give off a strong personality and add flair to the room.  

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My Favorite Candles!

There is nothing I love more than a candle that makes my home smell lovely.  There is nothing I hate more than a candle I spend money on and it doesn't smell at all.  If you're anything like me and you love the ambience and smell that a lit candle provides, you're probably always on the hunt for the perfect candle!  Whether you're looking for a travel candle to take on a road trip, the perfect smell to welcome guests, or a great hostess gift, here are a few summer go-to scents that are both affordable and pack a punch in the scent department.

Japanese Quince by Seda France:  This candle is strong and almost immediately releases aromatic goodness into the air.  The candle puts off a clean smell followed by a hint of florals. The first time I smelled this candle it was burning in my mom's house.  Like most "mature' adults, I promptly packed up my mom's candle and enjoyed it in my own home until I could find it's replacement.  Sorry, mom.
Bob's Flower Shop by Trapp: One Friday afternoon I walked into my local liquor store only to be greeted by the most amazing smell of fresh flowers. I stopped in my tracks and asked something silly like, "do you guys have fresh flowers in here?"  They explained to me that they were burning "Bob's Flower Shop" by Trapp.  I was hooked. After searching local retailers I picked up a few sizes of this candle for my living space, guest rooms, and bathrooms.  If you love the smell of fresh flowers this candle is for you.  It's strong, so burn accordingly!

Mokara by Voluspa: I love the 3 wick candle in a decorative tin for my living spaces.  As well, I really like a petite candle in colored jar with metallic lid for my guest rooms and bathrooms.  Similar to Japanese Quince this is a soft fragrance with simple floral undertones.  (I'm noticing a trend here).  This candle smells clean and classic.  It's a great way to add a summer aroma to your house.

Rainbarrel by Himalayan Trading Post:  This candle has a different smell than all of the rest.  It's simple and classic and reminds me of fresh linens.  When this candle is lit, your home will have a clean, fresh smell that immediately welcomes your guests. These candles also come in various jars that are appealing to the eye and can be reused later!

If you also love candles and have a favorite, I would love to know what it is! I'm always on the hunt and love sharing with my readers!

Devil's in the details! Menu Cards

You have read a lot about one of my favorite hobbies, interior decorating. The other passion I pursue? Party planning. There is something so special about planning a celebration for your friends or family. It can be a lot of work, but just do it. Nothing shows someone how much you care like throwing them a party. 

This hot weather has me wishing for colder weather. There's nothing I love more than fall, more specifically, parties in the fall. This past year I hosted one of my most memorable parties, my husband's 40th birthday celebration. When hosting a party, it's important to factor in the guest of honor's personality and things they love most. My husband's a good Kentucky boy who loves his Bourbon, so a theme came easy. My favorite part was the menu, one I called "The Good Stuff" -- a delicious Southern meal of BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, salad (for good measure) and a flowing bourbon bar. True to the guest of honor, this theme doubled as a delicious party success on a cold night. 

 

As a fun added touch, I asked my mother-in-law to send me various pictures from throughout my husband's life. They incorporated friends and family members throughout his life, many who attended the party. What a fun way for these friends from different phases of his life to connect on such a special occasion. Everyone once in a while, and probably more frequently than we do, a special person deserves a special party, one custom made for them. When hosting your next party, for a milestone or for no reason at all, always add a special touch. It makes for a party you and your guest of honor will never forget. 

Sunday Supper Success: Summer Edition

Sunday night it was our turn to host Sunday Supper!  We realized on the drive home from church that we had not yet been to the grocery, or decided on a menu. An afternoon round of golf and flower class were standing in between us and dinner. We had to do something fast and easy.

I grabbed my latest copy of 'Cooking Light' and began flipping through the ear marked pages.  Cooking Light is my go-to when trying to find new seasonal recipes.  'Cooking Light,' 15 minutes/5 ingredient recipes basically taught me how to cook and remain some of my favorites!  I digress. We decided to make chicken served with a side of this golden corn salad with fresh basil.  Understanding it's grilling season, we decided to cook the chicken in the skillet.  It's a fool proof, no fail, recipe I learned from a chef a few years back.  The meal provided the perfect summer supper and was ready in no time!  Recipes and details are below.  Let me know what you think when you make this for your friends and family! 

Chicken: 

Ingredients: 

• Chicken
• Olive Oil
• Salt

Instructions: 

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
• Place chicken on a plate and drizzle with olive oil and salt. No pepper.  
• Please note this was a game changer for me.  I always oiled the pan and applied salt, no pepper.  As it turns out, you should put oil directly on the chicken.  Salt enhances the taste of the food while pepper seasons the food.  It's amazing! I was serving chicken all wrong for so many years.
• Heat an oven proof skillet on the stove until hot.  We use our cast iron skillet and it never fails.
• Once hot, place the chicken on the pan and allow to cook for roughly two minutes on each side. If you try and remove the chicken from the pan and it sticks to the pan, its not ready to turn.  When it's ready to turn, it will no longer stick to the pan. Who knew?
• Flip the chicken and cook on the other side for two to three minutes.
• Place the chicken in the oven and cook until finished.  Roughly 15-20 minutes.  I use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temp always abiding by the safety minimums (articles posted here and here). 

Grilled Corn Salad with Fresh Basil: 

Ingredients: 

• 8 ounces small yellow Finnish potatoes or small red potatoes
• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears) - i used a bag of steamed corn for ease
• 2 cups assorted tear-drop cherry tomatoes (pear-shaped), halved
• 1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup minced shallots
• 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 cups arugula, trimmed
• 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves
• 2 ounces goat cheese, sliced

Instructions: 

• Place potatoes in a small saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; cook 11 minutes or until tender. Drain and chill. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Combine potatoes, corn, tomatoes, and bell pepper in a large bowl.
• Combine shallots and next 4 ingredients (through black pepper) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Slowly pour oil into shallot mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Drizzle over corn mixture; toss well. Add arugula; toss. Sprinkle with basil; top evenly with goat cheese.

The grilled chicken and corn salad went together very well and provided the perfect summer meal.  I had the corn salad for lunch the next day and it was tasty cold as well!  If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, you won't be disappointed!

Tips for Arranging Flowers!

Over the weekend some friends and I took a flower arranging class from The Farmer's Florist.  Not only is she super cool to work with, but she's also doing great things for Nashville communities! My friends and I met her at her shop on Sunday afternoon.  We popped open the champagne (naturally) and got down to business!

To get started you need three types of flowers: 

• Greenery - Christie recommends two types when making various arrangements
• Focal Flowers
• Details Flowers - Christie recommends having a couple of different detail flowers when making various arrangements

You want to start building your arrangement by "covering the hole" with your greenery. As you cut your stems, always on an angle to allow for more absorption, make sure to cut them down to their most potential.  For example, one stem could have various limbs that can be broken down and used throughout the arrangement.  Use your vase as a tool/ruler to easily measure the desired height of your stems. When covering the hole, you want to create a grid which allows movement in your arrangement. Don't be afraid to turn your arrangement as you build, allowing yourself a view from all sides.  Let the greenery rest on the side, covering the lip of the vase. Be sure to strip any leaves that will get into your water as the leaves will create bacteria and make your water turn more quickly.  Placing a dropper of bleach in your water can help! 

Now that you have your base, you want to pick one focal flower and details flowers.  My focal flower was a beautiful pink color with slight purple undertones.  To compliment, I chose a detail flower with a soft purple hue. Christie recommends picking two colors then use your other detail flowers to bridge the gap. Having too many colors causes your arrangement to look less curated.  Once you have your color palette and flowers you should simply begin to fill any holes created by the greenery grid.  One helpful tip was to cut off any knobs on the stem.  This way, as you poke around and play with your arrangement you have less of a chance at moving the other flowers around.  There is no science to the art of arranging, you simply have to play around, filling the holes until you're happy with your arrangement.  When my focal flower would not cooperate, Christie wove a piece of greenery underneath for the focal flower to rest upon and also prodding the flower to face in the right direction.  After filling the holes with a few more detail flowers I had created one beautiful arrangement.  

The same approach applies when working with smaller vases. Build with your greenery, focal flowers, and detail flowers.  When working with bud vases you will likely want to use one flower, a bit taller than the vase, allowing the stem's personality to be on display. 

Stop by your local flower store or find a farmer in the area and start building beautiful arrangements to fill your home! Don't wait for guests to create a lovely space you can enjoy!  If you're simply too busy to create your own arrangement, The Farmers Florist offers weekly subscriptions! Love your space, create a place you love, one flower arrangement at a time!

Turkish T Curtains

Last year, Craig and I turned our original bedroom into an office/study.  I wanted it to be a room we could use day-to-day but still offer a space for guests.  I wanted the room to be welcoming while evoking the feel of an intimate library in an older home. Hoping to make the room the perfect juxtaposition between handsome and beautiful, as it would serve as an office for both Craig and me. To get there, I painted the room a high gloss brown.  Some of my favorite browns are Fallen Timber and Coriander Seed from Benjamin Moore. The high gloss was a recommendation from one of my favorite Memphis designers, Lauren Patterson.  It really gives the walls a little extra dimension and depth that you don't typically see.  

With the room painted such a strong statement color, I knew I wanted lighter, less defined curtains.  And, I was on a budget.  I couldn't land on any fabric that had the relaxed feel for which I was looking.  I happened to be out shopping with friends when I saw this Cabana Beach Towel by Turkish T and decided it would be the perfect fabric for my guest room window shades.  

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The decision was made. I picked up two, one for each window, and called my "curtain lady."  We decided on roman shades, keeping the original tassels at the bottom for the relaxed feel.  Originally, we actually decided to make them "relaxed' (arched) roman shades.  We then decided that the arched look didn't work at all.  Full disclosure, we all make mistakes.  We went back to a classic roman shade and in the end I am so pleased with the way they turned out.  They are an affordable alternative that provided the perfect feel for the room!  Stay tuned for more details on the rest of the room!

Tips for Traveling for Work!

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I hope you enjoyed your long weekend! Now that it's over, we're back to the grind.  My new job requires I travel quite a bit for work.  Traveling can be exhausting if you aren't used to it.  Over this past year I have learned a few tips and tricks that make packing for and recovering from traveling easier. Here are a few helpful hints when traveling for work:

• Luggage: Carry on! Find a carry on that works for you! Use one for your clothes/toiletries and the other for your computer and work necessities.  I shared some of my favorite carry ons in an earlier post. 
• TSA Precheck: I recently got TSA Precheck.  My boss asked me if I wanted him to take my picture on this "special" day. I should have let him. It was that importatnt. If you don't have it, and travel for work, you need to get it! 
• Toiletries: Most hotels have shampoo and conditioner in the rooms for utilization.  I bought the soap version of my face wash and keep it in my carry on.  I also have a travel toothbrush, with a case, that stays packed so I can easily grab and go.  I keep a Ziploc bag in my carry on so I can easily throw in the toothpaste and other liquid makeup used on a daily basis.  Generally, the hotels have blowdryers, so you can leave that at home and save space! 
• Comfy clothes:  Generally when you're on the road for work you need business clothes for meetings, etc. I always pack an extra pair of flats and comfy clothes to change into for the plane ride/car ride home.  I didn't always do this but when I did it was a game changer. 
• House shoes: I like to have a pair of house shoes or flats to walk around the hotel.  You can grab a cheap pair at Target or TJ Maxx and keep them in your carry on. 
• Work clothes:  If I have a few days of meetings I will pack one black dress with various blazers to transition.  You can also pack a pair of pants, white blouse, blazer.  Rinse and repeat. Here's a tip I got a few years back. Save your plastic dry cleaning bags or the plastic bags you get when you purchases hanging clothes.  Fold each outfit and wrap a plastic hanging bag around each. The plastic wrap prevents wrinkles when traveling, making it easy to be fresh for your business meeting with little fuss. 
• Wet wipes: Pick up a box of wet wipes - it will last you for months.  When I'm packing for a trip I grab two sanitary wipes and throw those in my bag.  When I get into the hotel room I wipe down the bathroom counter and remote control.  If you use the trays on the airplanes, you can also wipe those down too! Imagine how often those get used vs. how much they get cleaned! 
• Sweater/Wrap: When I fly I prefer not to have any body part touch the seat.  I always bring a sweater or wrap to throw on allowing me to have something between my seat and/or that neighbor that doesn't understand airplane seat etiquette.
• Travel water bottle: Pick up a water bottle that you can easily be filled up once you have gotten through security.  My good friend puts lemons and limes in hers before leaving the house. Once she's gotten through security she fills it up with water for a spa like experience.  

I hope these tips are helpful if you're traveling for work!  Are there others that you use I didn't mention?  I would love it if you could share! 

Butter, Mayo, or Both?!?

Butter, mayo, or both?!? That is the question when ordering your lobster rolls.  

A few weeks back I posted all about our trip to Hidden Pond! What I didn't share was that Craig and I ate our weight in lobster rolls.  After a trip, Craig and I love to attempt to cook a favorite recipe from our travels and share it with friends.  I knew after our trip to Maine we should learn to put together a lobster roll.  A little timid, I stumbled upon this super simple lobster roll recipe  from one of my favorite bloggers, Joanna Goddard. If you don't live near the ocean, you can get lobster shipped in, find a local fish market, or run to Whole Foods.  Letting the lobster rolls be the star of the show, and wanting to keep things simple, I served fries on the side.  

With the menu decided, it was time to set the table.  I picked up these red and white gingham napkins at Pier One Imports.  Here's an easy way to create a nice presentation for your utensils:  1) fold them half lengthwise,  2)  fold the top flap down one third from the top (towards the bottom), 3) fold over, in thirds, from left to right, creating a pocket for the silverware.  This is a simple and fun way to dress up your table for guests!  

For easy clean up, I spread newspaper across the table. In addition to the napkins, I grabbed these adorable fry baskets which will likely find their way onto many a table going forward.  The lobster rolls sat in the middle on a cutting board for everyone to grab and eat as they liked.   

This meal was super easy and can be fun for friends! Think outside the box when you're entertaining, it doesn't have to be fancy but guests will know when you have put in a little effort! Enjoy, butter, mayo, definitely both!

It's a Dayt! Plan your Next Day Date!

Day dates are all the rage! For me, at least! We recently celebrated our anniversary. A date (June 11) and learned we share the date with some of our good friends. I was intrigued when they told me of their plans to celebrate. They wake up around 5 am, sneak out to watch the sunrise and enjoy breakfast following. I loved the idea! Life is crazy busy for most of us these days. Often times the afternoons and evenings are filled with rush hour, homework, and family dinner.  Why not take advantage of the early morning hours?

On Friday morning, we awoke thirty minutes earlier than normal and headed out to enjoy breakfast prior to going to work. Having beat the crowds we were able to get right in and enjoy starting our day with some quality one on one time! If you're not an early bird consider taking the afternoon off to enjoy lunch, drinks, or a baseball game.  Mix it up! Often times the kids are taken care of during the day so why not take advantage of the extra help? Use this time to spend a little extra QT.

The days are long but life is short! Spend it with the ones you love! 

Tips for Traveling with Kids!

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It's Monday and we're back to the grind (and already looking forward to the weekend). I travel quite a bit, both for work and for fun!  Recently I flew next to a woman with her little girl. The little girl acted wonderfully but I could tell the mom was stressed!  When we landed, she noted that her daughter acted fine but the flight was really difficult and stressful.

Traveling with children can be an experience to say the least. Knowing this is a stressful situation and knowing I don't have kids, I enlisted help to provide tips! My friend Lindsey has a two year old and she has traveled with him 65+times, mostly alone. She definitely knows the drill. I asked her to share some of her secrets with parents.  Her tips below: 

• Start flying with them at as early an age as possible. The longer you wait, the more stressful it will be... and the stress really comes from the parent freaking out about what could happen. 
• TSA PreCheck is a must! Anything you can do to make the process faster is key.  In PreCheck you don't have to take off a light jacket or your shoes, etc.  You will still be stopped and asked to wipe your hands for testing and test all liquids. 
• Lounge Access - If you have a card for lounge access or a business ticket, then I would look ahead to see where lounges will be and if there is a family room. Many international airports have family rooms within the lounge or the lounge will let you use a conference room if they aren't booked. I pay a fee for Star Alliance card, so I can access any of those lounges. 

Basic Tips

• Try to book non-stop flights
• Get a middle or aisle seat: 
• some people prefer to take middle and window to trap their child at the window and manage the crisis. I always prefer the middle and aisle for access to the bathroom or to take a walk if the flight is long. Our flight is almost always 5 hours, so my kiddo will need a break.
• Check in online and curb check bag if possible: 
• This is much faster assuming weather conditions outside are ok to wait a few minutes. Have cash on hand to tip. Yes, in today's world it is nice to use the airline app on your phone and have your boarding pass, but with a child I always print or have skycap print the boarding pass. You don't want to hold up the line scrambling trying to find it or the phone when you are stressed out.
• Uber vs Cab: 
• It's much easier to Uber.  You can jump right out of the car and avoid a cash or card transaction.

How to Pack: 

• One Big Suitcase: 
• I have a large suitcase from Tumi that rolls easily that fits both of our things,.  This allows me to get around the airport alone with a stroller, diaper bag and one suitcase. It may seem cute to let your kid carry his/her bag, but make sure they are truly old enough to manage it the entire trip or you will be wishing you had an extra hand or three to manage it all. 
• Diaper Bag: 
• I highly recommend buying a diaper bag you can throw in the washing machine. I always wash my bag after trips. Think about how dirty the airplane and ground has been.  Yuck!

Items to Bring

• Wet Bag for clothes if you have an accident/change of clothes
• Extra set of shorts/tshirt
• Extra set of pjs
• Socks
• Thin small blanket: 
• Love Aden & Anais Swaddle (becomes perfect travel blanket)
• Munckin Diaper Bags:
• attachment to the outside of diaper bag to throw away dirty diapers in the plane as well as place for all of your garbage with a child as it accumulates. Everyone will appreciate this.
• Extra shirt for mommy if you have a baby who can throw up on you
• Coloring Book/Crayons
• Suckers are a hit at check-in line or if kiddo is having a breakdown. Organic ones are available at Whole Foods
• Hand Sanitizer attachment to diaper bag
• Bring a ziplock bag with some snacks and squeezable food bags:  
• I usually bring snacks in individual ziplock bags because you don't want to open a small snack and not be able to re-seal it. 
• Kid Headphones: 
• They make fun ones, and some airlines can have an anal flight attendant or passenger who is pissed if they can hear your kid's movie or game. Always good to have them
• Wireless headphone for parents: 
• Definitely easier to have them around your neck so you aren't trying to hold your phone or your kid is grabbing your phone. Depends on child's age.

Additional Tips: 

• Wipe down the trays as soon as you sit down as those are never cleaned, and your child will put snacks on it, etc. 
• Make sure your phone and iPad are charged up. Some flights have outlets so you can charge in flight.
• You can never have enough diapers, snacks, wipes in the event of a cancellation or delay.
• Make sure to bring milk. They should just scan it for you as most flights don't offer milk.
• Wear something comfortable and easy.
• Travel Formula is available from Similac so you can just open the bottle and pour it into a sippy cup. 
• Always have a bottle of water with you as you never know if the flight attendant will take awhile to get to your seat or with turbulence nothing can be served. Your little one always needs water or to mix formula
• Baby Carriers are helpful but make sure they are easy to get on and off.
• Since 99% of parents check a bag, you can forget that your bag might be lost. This happened to me from Panama to LAX to SD, and thank goodness I had my contacts. It's still a great idea to have a ziplock with extra contacts, makeup, etc. if your bag is lost. 

International Flights:

• Check if you need a Visa as rules constantly change. Have copies of your son or daughter's birth certificate.  Check to see if travel letter is required and have copies of all passports as well. 
• I am a huge advocate of Global Entry which can be done for kids as well. If you have an American Express Platinum, then the cost is reimbursed. There are a few other participating credit card companies as well you can check out. 
• You will still have to wait for you bag, but it's much better to skip the long line so you can get to the bathroom or handle whatever issue may arise

 Do your research, travel prepared, and hope for the best!  

#traveltheskies

How Much Beer and Wine should I get?

My friend Margaret is a wedding planner in Charleston!  I prefer to call her my party planner to the stars.  I reached out to Margaret to see if she could help answer a question that always seems to pop up.  How much beer and wine should I get?  Today, Margaret is sharing her tips for setting up the perfect bar. 

So let's say you are going to have a summer soirée at your home for 30 people, for 4 1/2 hours or so.  And you will have dinner, so your guests will have a full meal. 

Cocktail Hour:  Anticipate women having 1 to 2 drinks and men 2 to 3 drinks
Dinner:  (Assuming you're serving wine) women again will have 1 to 2 drinks and men 2 to 3.
After Dinner: Women may have 1 more drink (or a few more if you're friends with my friends!) and men might have 1 or 2 more.

If you're hosting 30 people for dinner in the summer Margaret recommends the following: 

• Water:  Make sure to have 2 cases of bottle water and, of course, water on the table.  And, in canisters on the bar for those who like to drink water in between alcoholic drinks.  She also recommends 1 case of La Croix or something as a non- alcoholic option. 
• Beer:  Margaret recommends serving 1 import, 1 local, and 2 domestic options: 3 cases of each because some ladies might drink beers in the summer:  You should have a cooler specifically for beer!
• Wine: 1 red and 2 white options: Do 6 bottles of each varietal (8 if you know you have some wine-o’s). 
• Liquor: Summer time means more clear liquor, vodka and gin, not too many brown water drinkers.  She recommends 1 handle of each. 
• A bag of limes and lemons, cut into wedges. 
• Mixers: 4 to 5 bottles of soda and tonic water;  a 12 pack of sodas of choice (Coke, Sprite, ginger ale) and you will be fine.
• Cocktail  napkins: She averages 3 per during cocktail hour (when there are passed HD’s)  so make sure you have at 100 plus cocktail napkins. 
• Ice: do not forget the ice! You should have a cooler devoted to just ice for drinks. 

Margaret always tell her clients to check with local liquor stores because 9 times out of 10 if you have not opened the bottles they will let you return unopened cases, bottles, etc. Always check.

When hosting a party she would average 4 to 5 drinks for women and 6 to 7 drinks for men. She recommends always overbuying. Depending on your party or your people you can adjust up or down accordingly.  But, generally speaking, this provides a great blueprint for setting up the perfect summer bar!

Host an Outdoor Movie Night!

This last Friday we had a few friends over to enjoy an outdoor movie night!  Surprisingly easy to organize, and so fun, this party was a huge success! We borrowed the equipment from my mom for the night but you can also rent one from the library, a local AV company, or even find one on your neighborhood list serve.  Take a white sheet from your bed and a movie night is made!

In preparation for the party we let the party goers pick their favorite movie! Guests were given four options and asked to RSVP with their top choice.  After a close race, Top Gun ultimately beat out Footloose, Goonies, and Dirty Dancing.  Now that the necessities were taken care of, we focused on the details.  

Hosting an outdoor party can be tricky.  It's important to consider the elements and have a back up plan in case of inclement weather.  A few days prior to the party we sprayed the yard for insects to cut down on pesky guests joining in on the fun.  Planning to be outside all night we provided mosquito spray for everyone's comfort as well.

We brought the inside out to provide ample seating.  The chairs from my cocktail porch, camp chairs, the garden bench, and blankets provided the perfect set up.  We asked guests to BYOBlanket.  Just in case.  We wanted the food to be just as casual as the evening and decided to serve boxed dinners.  They provided the perfect casual easy meal for people to eat as they waited for the show. Many restaurants offer boxed lunches on their catering menu.  When starting your search focus on sandwich shops, barbecue joints, or local caterers.  For those local to Nashville, we used Alexander's Catering upon recommendation from a friend who uses them for corporate functions.  I cannot say enough good things about working with them! 

At dusk we poured our cocktails and settled in for the show.  We surprised guests with a tray of movie treats to enjoy with the movie.  Guests chose from popcorn, sour patch kids, and various other goodies! It was such an easy get together with hardly any fuss but provided the perfect summer activity for friends and family to get together!

The Maine Attraction, Hidden Pond!

Craig and I recently got back from a long weekend in Maine! Neither of us had been and decided it would be a great spot for an anniversary trip.  We ate Lobster rolls everyday, sometimes twice a day.  We laid on Goose Rocks Beach and had drinks with the George Bush, Sr.  Well, actually, on a porch overlooking his property, but it counts. We hit up every antique store we could find in Wells, Maine, just down the road.  We spent the first two nights at The Tides Beach Club.  It's right on the beach.  Quintessentially Maine.  Only about a 5 minute drive from Kennebunkport.  The next two nights we stayed at The Tides Beach Club's sister property, Hidden Pond.  I think my quote was that "it's my new favorite place on earth."  It's tucked away in the coastal woods.  Very secluded and quiet.  

 

Upon arrival we checked into our bungalow.  We entered into the sleeping porch with glass doors that opened into the main room.  Each bungalow is perfectly decorated by a local designer.  With vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, marble bathroom, and outdoor shower, you may be tempted never to leave.  

Bungalow

Once settled, we hopped on our bikes to explore the property.  The resort provides beach cruisers for the guests. There are two pools on the property.  One is kid-friendly while the other is reserved for adults only.  Both offer cabanas and pool side bar service.  We stopped by Provisions, an on-site general store, to pick up a few snacks and drinks to have in the bungalow before dinner.  

The bike "shop"

Heated pool, Tree Spa, beyond

Provisions, the property's very own general store

After dropping off the goods, we headed to Earth, the on-site gourmet restaurant, for a late lunch.  It was only a 30 second walk from our bungalow!  Every inch of the restaurant was perfect. The food, the ambience, the drinks, the service.  Perfect.  A few hours at the pool followed by a nap on the sleeping porch, and we were back at Earth for dinner. We ended the night with drinks and dessert outside by the fire pit.  I could do the day over and over again. 

Earth restaurant bar

The next morning breakfast was served in a cooler that hung on the door of our little cabin.  Complete with a thermos of coffee and pastries.  I crawled out of bed early to sit on the sleeping porch enjoying the lovely Maine weather. Craig slept while I snuck out and enjoyed a massage at the Tree Spa.  Both relaxed and rejuvenated, we headed into Kennebunkport to spend our last day exploring the town. We had dinner where it all began, at the Tides Beach Club.  After having drinks on the lawn we hurried home to enjoy the fire pit and lovely atmosphere of Hidden Pond.  The next day we awoke to enjoy breakfast before heading off to the airport in Portland.  Before leaving I promised I would be back.   "Until next time, Hidden Pond" I shouted as we drove off the property.