Super "Bowl" Snacks for the Big Game

Serve these tasty big-bowl snacks at your Superbowl party this weekend:


Peach and Berry Trifle Recipe
from Bon Appetite via Epicurious.com

Ingredients

• 4 peaches, halved, pitted, cut into 1/2-inch pieces or thinly sliced
• 2 1-pint baskets strawberries, halved or quartered (if large)
• 2 1/2-pint baskets raspberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups chilled whipping cream
• 48 purchased sponge-cake-type ladyfingers
• 1 cup seedless raspberry jam
• Additional whole strawberries (optional)

Preparation

Mix first 5 ingredients in large bowl and toss to blend; let stand 10 minutes. Beat chilled cream in another large bowl until stiff peaks form.

Arrange 16 ladyfingers in 10- to 12-cup glass bowl or trifle dish to cover bottom. Spread with 1/3 cup raspberry jam. Top with 2 cups fruit mixture, then 2 cups whipped cream. Repeat layering 2 more times with ladyfingers, raspberry jam, fruit mixture and cream. Garnish with whole strawberries, if desired.

Refrigerate trifle at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours before serving.

Easy Microwave Snack Mix
from SouthernLiving magazine via MyRecipes.com

Ingredients

• 2 (1-oz.) envelopes Ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups crisp oatmeal cereal squares
• 3 cups corn-and-rice cereal
• 3 cups crisp wheat cereal squares
• 2 cups pretzel sticks
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces

Preparation

1. Whisk together Ranch dressing mix and 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large microwave-safe glass bowl. Stir in oatmeal cereal squares and next 3 ingredients.

2. Microwave mixture at HIGH 2 minutes, and stir well. Microwave at HIGH 2 more minutes, and stir well. Spread mixture in a single layer on wax paper, and let cool 30 minutes. Add cherries and candy pieces. Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Quaker Essentials Oatmeal Squares for crisp oatmeal cereal squares, Crispix for corn-and-rice cereal, and Wheat Chex for wheat cereal squares.

Asian Party Mix
from Cooking Light magazine via MyRecipes.com

Ingredients

• 2 cups crispy corn cereal squares (such as Corn Chex)
• 2 cups crispy rice cereal squares (such as Rice Chex)
• 2 cups sesame rice crackers, broken
• 1 cup tiny fat-free pretzel twists
• 3/4 cup wasabi peas
• 1/4 cup lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• Cooking spray

Preparation

Preheat oven to 200°.

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; set aside. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, tossing gently to coat. Spread the mixture onto a jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 200° for 45 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

Peony Perfection

One of my favorite things to do in the springtime is to take a trip to Winterthur Gardens, a local estate built by a family of infamous Delawareans, the DuPonts. There is a section of the garden that is dedicated entirely to peonies-- in my opinion, the most beautiful flower ever created. This petal laden flower droops easily with the sheer weight of its own blossom. Yet, the petals are so soft and fluffy, you could compare it to holding a piece of cloud or cotton candy within the palm of your hands.

I could sit in that little garden for hours, surrounded by the beauty of those feminine blooms. The pale pink blossoms are my favorite and I hope to one day have a garden full of them in my own backyard.

While many brides opt for roses, I would highly recommend trying this bountiful bloom for bridal bouquets and wedding decor. Whether your style is soft and sweet or bold and beautiful, you're sure to find a shade of this pretty pick that's perfect for your big day.




Peony images from The Knot and Martha Stewart. Peony thank you note and invitation available from FineStationery.com

P.S. Aren't those paper peonies fabulous? Learn to make them by watching this video on MarthaStewart.com.

Big Band Bash

Warm up your feet and dance away those winter blues by hosting a Big Band Bash. Hire a band to play all your favorite swing tunes and invite friends to join you for a jive. Guests should dress in vintage 40s style attire: bright red lips and pin curl hair for the gals and dress slacks and tweed hats for the guys.



1. A dress with vintage class -- LuLu's
2. Consider hiring a swing instructor to give your guests confidence on the dance floor -- Swing and the City
3. A fun and glamorous invitation will set the tone for a jump n' jiving party -- FineStationery.com
4. For the modern gentleman, a zoot suit with preppy style -- Ralph Lauren
5. A tweed hat throwback -- Nordstrom
6. Strawberry cocktails will help make your party the toast of the town -- Martha Stewart
7. A professional big band is a must -- Len Phillips Big Band
8. Red hot mary-janes, need I say more? -- Zappos.com

Just In Time for Valentines...

These valentines by Stacy Claire Boyd are just as witty as they are cute. Be sure to stop by FineStationery.com to check out the rest of the collection!

Momma Mondays: Soulmates for Tiny Toes

While out on one of my weekly Marshalls shopping adventures I stumbled across a pair of the most darling baby girl shoes. Stitched out of a soft cable knit sweater material, the slippers were the palest shade of pink and had a dainty brown velvet bow on each rounded, Mary-Jane style toe. *sigh* They were really lovely, and I knew the perfect gal to wear them; my friend's 3 month-old daughter, Sophie. With a name full of such sweet classical elegance, it was as if this shoe was destined to be worn by her tiny toes. Needless to say, I purchased the shoes and presented her with them yesterday.

As you can see, baby shoes are a real weakness of mine. Thick socks would do just as good of a job keeping those tiny toes toasty, but these shoes fashioned especially for petite piggies are just too cute to pass up (I actually just purchased the tot-sized boat shoes for my little tyke):



Looking for a unique way to introduce your little one to the world? Help him put his best foot forward with these adorable bootie birth announcements by Stacy Claire Boyd:

• Preppy boat shoe by Circo -- Target
  
• Andy chocolate brown suede shoe by PediPed -- TinySoles (huge selection)
• Gracie polka dot shoe by PediPed -- Zappos.com
• Pink espadrille by Ralph Lauren -- If the Shoe Fits, Etc.
  
• Boy and girl bootie announcements by Stacy Claire Boyd -- FineStationery.com

Share the LUV

Yesterday, The Finer Things received a real honor-- our first LUV award nomination. Thanks so much to Dawn at Not Just A Mommy! for sharing her love with us :)

My own picks are listed below. To you chosen few, please follow these instructions and share the LUV!

1. Put the logo on your blog or post. (You can highlight the photo and text of this post and copy/paste wherever you need to)

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show GREAT ATTITUDE and/or GRATITUDE

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award.


1. What Junebug Loves -- Weddings
2. Coco + Kelley
3. Stem Parties
4. Style Me Pretty
5. The Hyper Homemaker
6. The Little Things
7. Cup of Jo
8. Posh Cravings -- specifically the blogs of Isabelle & Eliza
9. Pretty Little Things
10. Southern Weddings - the blog

Have a lovely weekend!

Kathlin Argiro: A Bridesmaid's Best Friend

I had never experienced love at first sight, that is, until I stumbled across the work of up-and-coming dress designer Kathlin Argiro.

Kathlin's designs have been worn by fashion experts like the TLC's Stacy London as well as nightly news leading lady, Katie Couric. And attention brides-to-be: she also specializes in stylish bridesmaid dresses that your maids will want to wear again.

I recently had the opportunity to ask Kathlin a few questions regarding her bridesmaid line and impeccable style. The Q & A style interview is below. Be sure to check out all of Kathlin's designs at www.kathlinargirochic.com.


Jess (JP): What inspired you to design a line of bridesmaids dresses?

Kathlin Argiro (KA): I discovered my “passion for fashion” when I was just fourteen years old and needed a dress for my first high school dance. After graduating with honors from Parsons School of Design, I honed my knowledge of couture dressmaking techniques while working for designers Arnold Scaasi and Carmen Marc Valvo. But making couture alone wasn’t profitable. So I created a line of semi-customable bridesmaids dresses that incorporates my knowledge of eveningwear into the designs through the use of beautiful fabrics, exclusive prints and embroideries.

JP: Why is it important for bridesmaids to look and feel stylish?

KA: I want real women with real curves to look and feel amazing in my dresses so I keep real bodies and sizes in mind when designing. Bridesmaids are ultimately supposed to be there for the bride on her special day, but they need to look and feel fabulous as well. With my collection I’ve really kept all the silhouettes and styles pretty and streamlined so bridal parties can come in and design their own unique “bridal party collection.” It has been a popular trend for the bride to pick a fabric and a trim such as a particular ribbon, sash or flower and her bridesmaids choose different silhouettes that flatter their body the best. This way each girl feels totally comfortable in her choice of dress!

JP: What dress colors do you suggest for a Spring 2009 wedding?

KA: The trend that keeps popping up again and again this season are jewel-toned colors. Purple is huge right now. It’s fresh and vibrant and has so many different variations that there is sure to be a hue for everyone’s taste. In our Spring 2009 collection we introduced some


fabulous new shades such as Victorian Purple, French Rose, Pinkberry, and Lavender. The colors are romantic and pretty with a modern twist.JP: What is your favorite wedding color combination?

KA: My favorite color combination of the moment is Aqua and Navy. They are subtle and sophisticated. Aqua is a great accent color because it is chic and fun yet refined.
I put a few Navy and Aqua dresses in my spring collection:

Navy Georgie
Aqua Ballerina






JP: If you had to select a wedding invitation from FineStationery.com, which would you choose?

KA: I would choose the Moire Rose Invitation by Caspari ... because it has the Kathlin Argiro signature pink as its border!












* Kathlin in her dress shop photo and dress images sourced from www.kathlinargirochic.com.
**Caspari invitation available from FineStationery.com.

Introducing Hoot Studios

Exclusively at FineStationery.com

Hoot Studios by Luscious Verde Cards is truly environmental stationery. Printed on 100% post-consumer waste paper with eco-friendly inks, Hoot offers great, fashion forward designs with a smaller footprint.












To see these and other Hoot Studios designs, please visit FineStationery.com.

Tuesday Trend: Inauguration Balls

Inauguration balls are quite in vogue this year. Hop on the bandwagon and celebrate by hosting a formal patriotic party of your own.

(Best wishes to our new President and his family!)



Clockwise from top-left:

• Blue evening gown by Amsale -- Saks Fifth Avenue
  
• Cherry cobbler for dessert of course -- Northwest Cherries
• Elaborate red decor -- The Knot
• Beautiful blue sapphire earrings -- Columbian Emeralds
  
• Simply sophisticated invitation -- William Arthur
• Red rose centerpiece -- The Knot
• Collection of antique flags on display -- Country Living
  

Ahoy! It's a Boy: A Nautical Baby Shower

Host a classic, nautical baby shower for the sophisticated and stylish momma-to-be. If your guest of honor is planning a nautical nursery for her little sailor, your party decor can second as room accents.



Clockwise from top-left:

• Personalize this jumbo life preserver with the words "Welcome Aboard" and hang on your front door for a festive entrance -- Pottery Barn Kids
• Use model sailboats to display table numbers -- The Knot
• Personalize paper napkins with the phrase "Ahoy! It's a Boy" -- FineStationery.com
• Adorn a classic white cake with navy ribbon and the baby's monogram -- The Knot
• Present the momma-to-be with this clever charm bracelet -- Tiffany & Co.
  
• This unique invitation from William Arthur features a sailor's knot -- FineStationery.com
  

Links I Love

Here are a few of my favorite picks for the week:

• Nordstrom's selection of Valentino's "show-stopping sculptural details" (second box link on home page)
  
• Puppy's 1st Birthday Party on Tastefully Entertaining
• Cute yellow envelope clutch on Gap.com
  
• Beautiful white porcelain spoons found by Oh Joy! Wouldn't these look great with pale blue plates?

Have a happy weekend!

Something Borrowed, Something Blue

I love silvery-blues which is probably why I am so drawn to this invitation by Checkerboard. I really think it is my all-time favorite. Here's a platinum blue wedding inspiration board for your viewing pleasure.



Clockwise from top-left:

• Table cards -- FineStationery.com
• Vera Wang bridesmaid dresses -- The Knot.com
• Beribboned cake -- Martha Stewart
• Table setting -- The Knot.com
• Invitation by checkerboard -- FineStationery.com
• Blue sash gown -- Martha Stewart
  

Super Bowl Activity for the Gals

Today I’ll be taking a break from our regularly scheduled wording Wednesday to bring you a party idea for Super Bowl Sunday.

I’ve noticed an interesting pattern from the Super Bowl parties I’ve attended in the past. Each year it seems that the guests inevitably split into two groups—and it has nothing to do with opposing teams. While the boys settle in around the big screen, the girls eventually retire to the kitchen, popping in occasionally when a good commercial catches their attention.

Of course, this isn’t the norm for every female, but for all you gals who would rather chit-chat than cheer-on one team or the other, I present you with an activity to pass the time surrounding the half-time performance.

If you’re in your mid-twenties or older, chances are that you may have a new group of friends besides those you attended high school with, which means they most likely do not know much about those formative years of your life. The following show-and-tell style activity is a great way relive a few of your favorite moments from your younger days while sharing a little known fact about yourself with your new pals.

• Before the party, ask your friends to bring along something that dates to their high school days which holds a certain significance to them—this might be a concert ticket, old uniform, memorable photos or things of that nature. Tell them to be sure the object is concealed (these stylish hat boxes from Moonrock Paper work nicely).

• Once the gals are settled in around the kitchen table, have each person write a short fact about their high-school years on a place card w/envelope —this fact should pertain to the object they brought with them. Then, have each girl place her card into a decorative bowl like this one from Macy's.

• Be sure to provide some old-school snacks from Nostalgic Candy and purple cocktails (Go Ravens!-- okay I'm a little biased).

• Pass the bowl around the circle of friends having each person select a card. Take turns reading the card out-loud and have your friends guess to which party guest the memory belongs. Each guest should elaborate a bit on their memories and share the object the brought along.

You’ll be surprised to see who was a jock, or maybe a closet punk-rocker. Regardless, the laughter this activity is sure to induce may just intrigue the boys enough to pull them away from the game—during a commercial break at the very least.





* Purple cocktail image from AK enterprises
** Vintage concert tickets from Eil.com

Valentine's Day Greetings

December is quite a busy month. Wrapping presents, baking cookies and attending numerous dinners and parties sometimes leaves little time to sit down and send out your holiday cards.

If you missed the deadline for Christmas and dropped the ball on those new year's greetings, fear not-- Cupid is coming to town.

Valentine's Day is all about sharing your love, which makes it a fitting time to send a card to say "I'm thinking of you" to family and friends. Here are a few of my faves for the season. I especially love the wording on the second card:

'twas the week
before Christmas
and we were too stressed
to send out our cards
wishing you the best




* Heart on a String, 'Twas the Night and Heart Bubble Valentine Cards available from FineStationery.com.

Momma Mondays: Nursery Decor and Planning

My husband and I are in the process of building a new home. Like many type A gals, I started planning out the decor for my dream house when I was around 8-years-old, and the decor for this particular house as soon as we settled on a floor plan. But now that it's actually time to commit to an overall color scheme and paint colors , I've developed a horrible case of cold feet.

One room in particular has been throwing me for a real loop-- our son's play room for now will hopefully one day become our second child's bedroom (no, I'm not expecting-- just a total planning addict). So how does one choose a color for a room without knowing the sex of a future child? The obvious answer is "keep it neutral." You may also want to consider using accessories like lighting, wall decor and rugs to dress the room according to gender.

My own personal solution: creams and browns with fun safari accents for my tiny explorer now with the hope of someday being able to convert it into a room fit for a little princess later.



Clockwise from top left:

• Sleeping beauty's majestic crib -- Poshtots.com
• Golden brown area rug -- Restoration Hardware
• Monogrammed wall sculpture -- Neiman Marcus
• Infant satin dress -- Nordstrom
• Glamorous chandelier -- Neiman Marcus
• Golden carriage stationery by William Arthur -- FineStationery.com

Links I Love

While perusing the blog space this week, I came across some really great posts that inspired me to start prepping for spring-- specifically shopping (of course) but also shining the silver and that sort of thing.

• Fun and Beautiful Glamour for Spring from Purple Lemon Designs
• Spring cleaning tips on The Hyper Homemaker
• Fantastic oversized balloons as party decor on The Little Things
• Spring color predictions on Coco+Kelley
  

Have a lovely weekend :)

Sweet, Not Sour: A Citrus Wedding

If you're looking for a unique color combination for your upcoming wedding, consider the citrus shades of oranges, lemons and pink grapefruits. This color palette is a refreshing selection for spring or summer nuptials.



Image credits:

• Sherbet for dessert -- Swann
• Ring Pillow & floral hairclips -- Martha Stewart
• Cake, bridal bouquet and table setting -- The Knot
• Invitation and place cards -- FineStationery.com
• Bridesmaid dress -- Kathlin Argiro
• Cranberry sipper beverage -- USCranberries.com
  

Wording Wednesday: Pirate & Princess Parties

Today's Wording Wednesday offers two copy block options for a children's birthday party. Whether you're hosting a bash for a tiny buccaneer or the belle of the ball, these invitations are sure to enchant your guests and will set the stage for a party your tot will treasure for years to come.





* Pirate Ship and Princess Fairy invitations available from FineStationery.com.

Tuesday Trends: Magenta Pink

Fashion experts say bright colors like orange and hot pink are in for spring. Magenta is a lovely, feminine pink hue that flatters light and dark skin tones alike. Give this cheery shade a whirl for a fun and flirty spin on spring style.




Clockwise from top left:

• Pink Prada Tote -- Neiman Marcus
• Persimmon Strapless Dress and Floral Headband -- Jcrew
• Pink Bow Ballet Flat -- Old Navy
• Blushing Dishes -- Bloomingdales
• Pink Trench Coat -- Saks Fifth Avenue
• Pink Crystal Necklace -- Tiger Lily
• Pink Ribbon Vera Wang Note -- FineStationery.com
  

A Stylish Sweet 16 Soiree

Host a lavish aqua and black sweet sixteen soiree for a stylish niece, daughter or granddaughter.



Clockwise from top left:

• Aqua Vera Wang invitation -- FineStationery.com
• Sleek little black dress -- Saks Fifth Avenue
  
• Modern party decor -- The Knot
• Blue and bountiful box of chocolates -- Martha Stewart
• Black satin clutch and shoe -- Nordstrom
• Napkin inspiration -- Martha Stewart

A Resolution for Relaxation

Start the new year right with a resolution for more relaxation time. For me, reading is the best way to relax. It's the only way I can get my mind to let go of the things of this world. A good book provides an escape that even an expensive vacation cannot replace, but it's easy to get sidetracked and not set aside the time for reading when you have a hefty to-do list.

To stay dedicated, consider organizing a book club with a few close friends. Build a fire at the hearth, serve luxurious coffees and teas and just take time to enjoy the opportunity to discuss your reading material with those on the same page.




Things for your first book club meeting (clockwise from top left):

• Biscotti, coffee and tea in a small buffet arrangement -- Starbucks & Cookworm.com
  
• Casual cream plates stacked near the snacks -- Pottery Barn
  
• Invite friends to join the book club with this classic, monogrammed note from Crane & Co. -- FineStationery.com
  
• A fire in the hearth and a decorative mantle will help to make the atmosphere more inviting -- Neiman Marcus
  
• Make these darling ribbon bookmarks and hand them out as favors -- Martha Stewart
  
• An agreed upon book -- Jane Austen novels are always a good place to start -- Barnes & Noble
  
• Cashmere blankets to cozy up on the couches -- Neiman Marcus
  

Here are a few other books that are sure to capture your attention and leave a lasting impression:

The Time Traveler's Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler's Wife follows a Chicago librarian named Henry who suffers from a chromosome disorder that forces him into time-travel unexpectedly. The book presents snippets of Henry's relationship with his wife (who he meets when she is only 6-years-old as the result of one of his episodes). You'll travel with him through the years of their life as he visits her frequently, but not always in yearly-chronological order. A wonderfully unique story that is woven together with incredible talent.

Wuthering Heights
by Emily Bronte

You'll be glad you have a group to help you through this sometimes tragic novel, but you won't regret taking away the lessons you'll find in it's pages. This classic story presents a deeper look into the human psyche and offers a unique perspective on true love.

The Twilight Series
by Stephanie Meyers

(I have to admit I was dead set against reading this much talked about series for fear of being labeled a teeny-bopper, but I'm thrilled that curiosity got the best of me.) Though targeted for the young adult market, this impactful story is quite the page-turner and the refreshing plot about vampires, unexpected love and strong family-ties will touch women of all ages.

The Notebook
by Nicholas Sparks

Perhaps the greatest love story I've ever read. The film adaption was a huge hit, but the book gives you a deeper look into the relationship between the two main characters and completes the story you'll grow to cherish.

~Happy New Year~

* Bonnie Marcus new year card available for purchase at FineStationery.com