Raise the Bar

One of our clients (also one of my favorite clients ;)  just received her bar yesterday.  Setting up your bar at home is fast and easy. (like a couple of people I'm sure we all know)  If you have a well stocked bar, you are sure to have a good time.  There are different ways to set up your bar depending on how dressy or casual you would like it.  For me, it usually depends on what room it's in or what type of party it is so stock up and have a drink...it's Friday!

For a list of basics to always keep on hand, I go to my entertaining Bible by Colin Cowie.  (who I secretly have a crush on...don't say anything)  Your party size will also determine how much wine, liquor or champagne to get.  To get started, here is what you will need:  (Jut....this is for you!)  Oh and don't forget the Skinny Girl!   

End of Summer Watermelon Party

My girlfriend just had a party Saturday night for her husband and I made Ina Garten's Watermelon Mojitos.  They were a huge hit so I wanted to share the recipe. I love watermelon colors so I thought how cute would an "End of Summer Watermelon" party be?? If I was organized, I would've had one right before school started.  As usual, I think of these things after the fact. Watermelon cupcakes for the kids and watermelon mojitos for the adults.  How refreshing!

The cutest Watermelon Cupcakes

Watermelon Baskets and Cones

Here is the recipe from Barefoot Contessa...Ina is my favorite. (not just because my real name is Contessa)  I like to crush the watermelon with a potato masher or you can use food processor.

Here is another sweet idea...Watermelon Slushies

I'm Loving Chocolate Walls

My girlfriend and I are working on a friend's house and just had her guest bedroom painted chocolate....it looks yummy! We are using crisp white bedding with splashes of yellow.  Since the room isn't finished yet, here are a few of my favorite pics using chocolate (and yellow).

New Outdoor Furniture

I just saw this new Galante outdoor collection from Ballard Designs and I absolutely love it.  I've had the same outdoor dining table for 12 years and I think it's time for a change. I think a round table covered with a blue white fabric, fresh flowers and candles would make a lovely table setting for a small intimate dinner outdoor by the pool. What do you think?

No Skinny Girl

3 liquor stores later... All sold out! Thank goodness my girlfriend, Ellen, found one last bottle for Arianna's birthday. We all had a taste and I actually love it. I know most people are used to the typical Margarita mix, but I like that they are not too strong and not too sweet. Aside from locating low calorie maragaritas this week, I was a few minutes late to my daughter's soccer game because I couldn't stop watching a movie on Lifetime and now I am standing at customer service at the grocery store with a cart full of groceries because I forgot my wallet at home. Funny considering it was Mother's Day a week ago.  Happy Monday Everyone!

bethenny ever after...

Enter to Win $50 Gift Card to Tiny Prints from Simplified Bee!

One of my favorite bloggers, Cristin Priest, from Simplified Bee is giving away a $50 gift card to Tiny Prints.  Go to her website for entry details!