1950's Birthday Blowout

   For my birthday a few weekends ago DFH and I hosted a 1950's style cocktail party.  We provided 1950's themed cocktails and appetizers, and guests were welcome to bring their own favorite 1950's appetizer to share. 

  We had such a great time, and it was so much fun stepping back into the golden age.

I decorated the house with old record albums, family pictures, and old cook books to give the home a 1950's feel.

A picture of my beautiful grandmother from the 1950's

DFH bought me a spam cookbook before the party for perfect 1950's spam recipes.

We set up the bar with lots of martini glasses

Our featured cocktails were Moscow Mules and Gin Martinis

All of our guests were so creative in bringing 1950's appetizers, including

- Spam Dip

- Deviled Eggs

-Jello Molds

-Meatloaf bites

-Mac and Cheese

-Liverwurst

- Onion Dip

- Jello Mold Cake

Our guests all dressed for the occasion

JG and LK striking a pose

BS, KLS, and ABP, enjoying some Moscow Mules

DFH and I

Some of the boys

And the girls

ALV and LES surprised me with a sewing machine for my birthday!! So excited to start sewing!!

It was a such a great birthday, I am so grateful to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.

Next year...1960's??

DIY Sparkle Shoes

 

    Over the past few months, I have seen many DIY tutorials for glitterized Converse sneakers.  I had been meaning to make a pair, but was not sure how often I would wear them.  St. Patrick's Day celebrations are big in Pittsburgh, and we had some friends in town so I figured that would be the perfect event for making and wearing glitter sneakers. 

Materials:

1. 4 oz of glitter per pair of glue

2. Sneakers

3.  Tacky Glue spray adhesive

4. Tape

              We chose green glitter for St. Patrick's Day, and started by taping all the white rubber parts of the shoes, so that we would not get any glitter or glue on them.

Spray one portion of the sneaker with the glue adhesive and cover in glitter.  Make sure you pour the glitter over a box or bag because it does get messy.

Spray and "glitterize" each section of the shoe until all sections are fully covered.

Let the glitter  and glue sit overnight!

FYI: Some of the glitter in typical glitter fashion, kept falling off the shoes, so they are best worn outside.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Bargains

 Is anyone else obsessed with fuzzy socks? 

After a long day of work, wearing tights and heels they make my feet so happy, and I have quite the collection now.  I seriously wear them every day after work when I get home.

And, it was the best thing ever when I was walking through Sears and spotted them on clearance.  I was able to get six pairs for $2.44!!! BARGAIN!  It was hard to resist buying the whole bin.

I'm going to need a separate sock drawer for my fuzzys soon!

South Side Soup Contest

 Life has been so busy lately, so I apologize for the lack of posting, it is just so hard to stay inside with this gorgeous weather. 

   Anyways, The other weekend, some friends and I volunteered at the South Side Soup Contest.  I had volunteered last year, and it is a great event that benefits the Brashear Association.  The event takes place in the South Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh, and local South Side restaurants compete to make the "best" soup.  I think one of the best parts about the event is the fact that the restaurants team up with local retailers, which allows soup tasters to shop while they are at the various soup stops.

The event works almost like a crawl, where you walk from station to station trying the 24 different soups.

After we finished our volunteer shift, we were able to participate in the Soup Contest, and try all of the soups

LES checking out the Soup Stop Route

ALV and KB volunteering at their winning soup station giving out Pineapple Tomatillo Habanero Soup.

We all had a wonderful time volunteering and participating, and got to try some amazing soups.  My favorites were the bacon bisque and grilled cheese soup!!

 

Tunic Paradise

  Tunics are such great staples in a wardrobe, They are perfect to dress up or dress down and usually come is so many fabulous prints and colors.  This spring I have seen so many gorgeous tunics, I just can't decide which FIVE one I need.

Here are few of my many favorites:

Cape Madras Tunic

Currently The Company She Keeps is hosting a Cape Madras Giveaway, go to her blog to enter to win a Cape Madras Tunic of your choice!

Devon Baer Tunic

J. Mclaughlin Tunic

Boden Tunic Dress

Tracy Negoshian Tunic Dress

Happy Thursday!

Chocolate Wine Heaven.

When it comes to wine, let's be serious. I do not discriminate. 

Around Valentine's Day I came across Chocolate Red Wine in the liquor store.  This was news to me, and I immediately purchased a bottle for DFH for Valentine's Day.  I couldn't wait to try it, I knew it would either be a fabulous dessert treat, or way too sweet.

On the back of the bottle, the wine listed a vodka and chocolate wine martini recipe which sounded delicious.  The recipe recommended whipped vodka, but we chose a fluff and vanilla vodka mix.

DFH showing off his bar tending skills

The Martinis were sweet, but delicious perfect for an after dinner drink or two. 

In my opinion, the Chocolate Red Wine on its own was too sweet, but definitely glad I tried it. 

Have you had Chocolate Red Wine ?

Spinach Burgers

    Pinterest Strikes Again! 

Last week while perusing Pinterest I came across Spinach Burgers, and was excited to try them out, as I am a huge spinach fan.  The burgers were not only healthy, but also very tasty.

Spinach Burgers

1 bag of thawed and well drained chopped spinach  ( I used fresh spinach)
2 egg whites
1 whole egg
1/4 c diced onion
1/2 c shredded cheese
1/2 c bread crumbs
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:
Mix well in a bowl, and form burger sized patties out of all the ingredients.  Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side in a skillet.

I made spicy mustard vinaigrette for dipping, but the recipe also recommends serving ranch dressing on the side. 

xoxo

Monogram Swap

If you know me, you know I love a good monogram.  When AEM and Crystal hosted their Valentine's Day Monogram Swap, I was so excited to partipate. 

My Monogram Swap Partner was Ashley of The Sweet Life.  It was so wonderful getting to know a fellow blogger, and she completed spoiled me.

I loved all of my goodies!

 Ashley made these cards, by hand!!! Amazing!  They look so professional!

I love this jewelry catch-all, and put it to use right away.

It was so fun, and I loved getting to know Ashley. 

If you don't already- check out her blog, it is fabulous.