travel savvy: part one

June 2nd, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Style - (1 Comments)

Well, it’s June and summer is officially upon us. There are plenty of reasons to travel this summer: destinations weddings (either your own or someone else’s), music festivals, vacays, etc. Here’s my list of ten things I never travel without! Spoiler alert: there are more than ten items on this list, don’t be mad, I’ve never been a stickler for the rules!

1. Rose Bud Salve

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2. Renee Rouleau Products (skin drink and mineral spf powder)

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3. Cashmere Wrap

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4. Panama Hat

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5. Great Suitcase or Weekender Bag

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6. Electronics (for me it’s my iPhone, Computer and Bang and Olufsen Headphones)

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(more…)

trend: mimosas

June 1st, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Parties - (Comments Off)

balloons

The mimosa seems to be latest of many long-standing party staples that have been treated to elaborate foodie makeovers. The mainstream brunch concoction of cheap champagne and carton orange juice has been seriously upgraded with better bubbly, a myriad of fresh juices and, of course, amazing presentation. This grapefruit juice and elderflower riff, paired with a contemporary Glinda-meets-Martha set up has been my personal favorite take so far!

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The 522 North Pinckney Cocktail

You’ll Need…

  • 2 cups fresh pink grapefruit juice (from 2-3 grapefruits)
  • 1/2 cup St-Germain (elderflower liqueur)
  • 1/4 cup Campari
  • 1 750-ml. bottle chilled sparkling wine

Do This…

  • Combine grapefruit juice, St-Germain, and Campari in a large pitcher. Cover and chill until cold, about 2 hours.
  • Divide grapefruit mixture among glasses and top off with sparkling wine.
  • Grapefruit mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

Using a regular size bottle of champagne is certainly the more practical option, but if only having a few guests, the single-serve bottles are a fun option. Lining them up in rows on your table will add visual impact to your display.

The bubble motif, while possibly expected for champagne, is simple and chic. The amazing ballon display shown above is beautiful, but simpler solutions exist. Look no further than Geronimo Balloons. They make stunning oversize balloons in a beautiful color palette, which are great for so many occasions. The size alone makes an amazing impact, and the festive streamers add more sparkle.

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Drink identification can always be a challenge at any get together – try having guests write their name on Washi tape and adhere to the base of their glass. Pattern mixing is a great way to add variety to any decor whether its a small display or large room. While a gold dot is available, too, I love this stripe option from Sweet Bella. Keep these cocktail napkins with a bit of shimmer on hand for any spills (it happens to the best of us…) and pop the champagne!

Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources: Pintrest, Bon Appetit, Ladies Lotto, Flickr, BHLDN, Sweet Bella, BHLDN