Sparkly New Years, Indeed!

Guys, I just found the coolest tackiest thing ever.  I'm in love.  I must find a way to incorporate this into my new place.  Because, let's face it, the world always needs more sparkle, shine, glitter, and sequins! 

(Be Different Act Normal)

Although it's always overrated, chaotic and a mess, I love New Years Eve for 1 reason, and  1 reason only -  SPARKLES.  It's the best night of the year to sparkle browse.  I could people watch all night! I for one, will be rockin' this little number (2nd year in a row!). It has a super interesting back deep cowl neck, so it's definitely a fun one to wear! 

Be safe out there, kids! Seriously, make smart choices, and most certainly - indulge yourself (responsibly)! HAPPY (SPARKLY) NEW YEAR!

Dorie's (and My) Mantra

One of those weeks, guys.

Holiday Ridiculousness

Hello! 

Hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!! I had a lovely long weekend.  It was my first Thanksgiving away from home, without my mom's home cooking (yeah right!).   But luckily, I have a pretty sweet boyfriend and a pretty rockin' Dallas family - so it helped to spend the holiday with them.  I got a lot of rest, and much-needed relaxation (and braved   the Black Friday crowds!).  Why?  BECAUSE IT'S FINALLY THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR. 

IT'S CHRISTMASTIME!!

Oh, did you not know? I'm completely obsessed with Christmas. The lights, snow, love, and spirit.  It just electrifies me and restores my faith in humanity - year after year.  Christmas never fails me, and it swallows me whole.  And yes, if you're wondering, I am that really obnoxious girl who listens to Christmas Carols, and watches those horribly cheesy Christmas movies.  And I am not sorry about it one bit.  I've been listening and watching since July, it's about time the rest of the US catches up! :)

My roommate and I put up our decorations yesterday. But I am always itching to find new things to put up!  Any fun ideas ya'll do? The cheesier, the better! 

In true girly-girl form, I came across these tables the other day, and squealed.  I must  have one!

I am currently revamping my room.  It used to be just an assortment of old college decorations, and free furniture.  It was a mish-mash of, well, free stuff, like, serious ADD when it comes to settling. I tend to have way too many ideas in my head, and have major issues to sit with one idea and stick to it. But, considering that I have been out of college for longer than I was in it, I've decided that it's time to start being an adult and redecorate to express who I really am.  So, slowly but surely, we're making some progress.

I'm ridiculously attracted to any and all things Shabby Chic (thanks to Target for lowering the prices and getting me hooked!)  I found a huge, beautiful glass vase with fake peonies in it, which now sits by my white Ikea dresser.  It was the most inspiring things I've ever bought.  I've basically decorated my room around this vase and flower.

The last major project I worked on, was in July of this year (like I said, slowly but surely!), which was painting my bright yellow and bright pink bench.  I made this bench my senior year of HS, and have become quite attached to it, considering I'm not super handy when it comes to actually constructing of things, without directions.  I decided to paint it bright yellow (I'm talking a little more neon than a taxi cab) and stencil designs in hot pink.  I know what you're all thinking. Hmm... BUT it fit my personality at the time.  I refuse to get rid of it, but it's begun sticking out like a sore thumb in my rose pink and white room. One day, I took the plunge and went to Lowe's and bought some ocean-teal paint and just went to work.  I can't even describe the difference it made. It totally brings the room together without looking like it doesn't belong and that I made it when I was 18.

So, long story long, but I came across these painted tables via Glitter Guide, I knew that this was my next project.  I am moving into my own place in February and can't wait to fix up a table to call my own. It's the little things in life, really.  Seriously though, how stinkin' cute are these?

Nothing But Perfect Advice

I always strive to be the ultimate hostess.  I LOVE having people over, having some appetizers, drinks, and entertaining. It's absolutely top 3 favorite thing to do in my life.  However, since my income is less than adequate (I'm talking lottery amounts here, folks!) I don't have a chance to always keep things on hand,  just in case someone drops by, or plans change.  

I was reading on Thoughtfully Simple the other day, the solution to my problems!! I also added some of my own opinions and additions!

1. Always keep 2 bottles of red wine and 2 bottles of white wine on hand. 

You'll always have something to serve your guests. Plain and simple, entertain is keeping the belly full and tongue from being parched! Now, if you're going to be a guest in my abode, I will probably not offer the white wine - I have very little love for white wine.  It's too sweet! Most white wine drinkers I know will also drink red wine if need be.  I'd also suggest keeping a 6-pack on hand as well (something domestic).  Some people just prefer beer to wine.  This way, if a couple or couple of friends stop by, there really is something for everyone.  This being said - keep a couple of water bottles handy at all times.  People always want to quench their thirst, and you can always throw it in a nice tumbler with ice cubes to make it ice cold!

2. Keep ingredients on hand for simple appetizers.

I wish I was able to follow this one better.  My cooking skills are limited.  However, I am slowly inching my way up the foodie ladder (thanks Pinterest!).  Martini Kabobs are easy enough, and keep well (olives, prosciutto, cocktail onions).  I also would suggest keeping sour cream, mayonnaise, and a dip packet to mix in, and that's easy enough - since more likely than not, you have chips and crunchy veggies to dip on hand as well.  Not necessarily the most fancy of appetizers, but certainly works in a pinch! Who doesn't like chips and dip? 

3. Keep Supplies like cocktail napkins on hand and invest in a simple set of cocktail plates. 

Yup. Paper Towels don't exactly scream, "I was totally ready for you, and I'm not grasping at straws to accommodate for you". Something like cocktail napkins/plates say, "These might seem relatively formal, but I'm classy like that. No you didn't put me out at all!".

In my world, I follow this every day.  However, in real life, I don't keep wine on hand - because I'll find a reason to drink it.  I don't keep too many ingredients on hand - because it generally goes bad before I use/eat it.  I don't have cocktail napkins on hand because I hate to spend money that I shouldn't spend on non-absorbent, functional things. It's not a perfect world, but I sure do dream in one!!

Happy Week before Turkey Day! :)

Pom Pom Love

I've explained before about my enormous love for all things pom poms.  I just wanted to reiterate...I love them. I do. I love them and can't get enough of them! They are by far the easiest DIY decoration you can do to spice up any area, room, space, hallway, I don't care! 

I don't even know where to begin with pom poms and events.  To me, it just makes an event look tasteful.  Tasteful and put together. Pom poms look difficult and that the utmost care and diligence was given when creating the works of art - but let's be honest, they take two seconds and add so much! 

My latest obsession with pom poms is to put it together with different artistic mediums. Use twine and some Styrofoam and create a giant ball to mix it up and give the creation some different textures, sizes, and color. Pair it with some paper lanterns (because let's face it, between paper lanterns and pom poms - who can really choose which is best?) This helps create more of a 3d feel to any party, any room, and just makes things come to life! (Well, not literally).  

Don't you agree??

Job Hunting Organization Madness

I'm currently hunting around and looking to be inspired by all things parties. It feels so great to be excited and get my slightly-congealed blood rushing again!  

My night tonight consisted of job, whether full or part-time, hunting.  In event planning, the industry is really all about who you know and where you've been.  Being new to a city, with very little experience in the Big D, I've been struggling to find a way to do what I want and love to do.  The other day it came to me like a light bulb! I've got to start. I've got to start over, and bite the bullet.  I do have the luxury of having a job already - and I am aware and realize how very blessed and lucky I am to have one! With this, I also have the luxury to go out and really find something that suits me, and do something I love and am passionate about!  

So, what were my exciting plans this evening?

And how did it end?

With my little doggie on my lap, and full organization mode well squared away.  Sometimes I am ashamed of my organization binges, sometimes I am proud.  I am pretty proud of this one! I divided up the ads and listings in the magazines by: Event Planners & Companies, Hotels, Event Venues (other than hotels), and Other Vendors.  I really think this is a great start and I am really looking forward to the progress I hope to see with this.

My optimism is at an all time high right now.  Don't steal it away from me! :)

Have an amazing weekend, y'all! I know I am pretty super excited for my weekend! 

I'm baaaaaack!

Working on compartmentalizing my ideas.  Posts will soon follow, just wanted to share the good news!!

Happy Halloween Y'all!