J'Adore Cupcakes!

Who doesn't love a heavenly cupcake? Wrapped like a little present and topped with decadent frosting, they're the sweetest indulgence! My friend, Irene Mueller, couldn't agree more. That's why she recently started Simply Sinful Cupcakes (http://www.simplysinfulcupcakes.net/) with 20+ flavors of gourmet cupcakes. My Wills & Kate wedding party guests will be treated to these sinful creations next week, thanks to Irene!

I had the pleasure of working with Irene in publishing for twelve years. She was editor of Painting magazine, and I was always inspired by her many successful creative pursuits. She picked up decorative painting quickly and made it look easy. She has a gift and passion for home decorating as well. Her tastefully chic house could very easily be featured in a home decorating magazine. Not only that, Irene is a talented chef with a passion for party planning. That's why it's no surprise to me that she's pursuing her own cupcake business. To order her cupcakes for your next event, visit http://www.simplysinfulcupcakes.com/. Here are several of her unique creations:

   

I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by so many gifted, creative people. This economy has forced many of us to step outside of our comfort zones and reinvent ourselves. I'm discovering that's not such a bad thing. I'm enjoying every minute of massage therapy school and can't wait to graduate next March! Massage therapy is the perfect blend of art and science, and I look forward to sharing the benefits of massage with others. 

Wedding Invites Fit For Royalty

With William and Kate's wedding invitation recently released, Chicago-based wedding stationery designer Sacha Krasney gives her input on what type of invite she would create for the royal couple.

William & Kate's Official Engagement Portrait

The Royal Wedding Invitation

"Since Kate prefers sophisticated classic looks with simple embellishments, I think she'd like this gold-accented invitation from my wedding stationery line Be U Brides," said Krasney.  The beautiful custom invitation is made from antique opal rose paper accented with a lovely antique rhinestone brad on the front. An antique gold raised print is used and the look is beautifully tied together with champagne-colored ribbon. It's the perfect marriage of vintage and contemporary styles seamlessly blended together."

Be U Brides' Royal Wedding Invitation Concept

While most brides don't have a royal wedding budget, they can borrow and incorporate their favorite details from the royal wedding. Whether you're a classic, modern, vintage or fairy tale bride, Sacha Krasney makes the wedding of your dreams a reality. Visit http://www.beubrides.com/ for a variety of custom wedding packages designed to fit any budget. What kind of Bride are U?
Take the quiz at http://www.ustationery.com/beu/Site/Bride_Quiz.html.

PHOTO CREDITS: Mario Testino; The Royal Wedding Invitation; beubrides.com 

A Royal Wedding Party in Chi-town

On April 29th, Wills and Kate are getting married at Westminster Abbey. In celebration of this momentous occasion, I am hosting a wedding party at my flat in Chi-town. I look forward to sharing this special day with my closest friends.

Guests will enjoy High Tea in the afternoon, followed by a menu of chopped Greek chicken salad, caprese sandwiches, chocolate-covered strawberries, Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes and champagne in the evening. Sacha Krasney, owner and talented designer of Be U Brides custom designed wedding invitations (http://www.beubrides.com/), is graciously creating wedding favors. Guests are also invited to peruse the impressive collection of Diana and Kate books and magazines I've collected over the years. 

Please share if you're planning anything special for that day. I'd love to hear from you! 

PHOTO CREDITS: Mario Testino; Yipit; beubrides.com

Decorating Inspiration

Hope you're all surviving the winter weather. After a terrible blizzard hit Chi-town yesterday, I've been cooped up inside with a sick roomate, studying my anatomy textbook for massage school and perusing decorating and fashion sites just for fun. After all, there's only so many times I can watch reruns of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and "The Real Housewives of NYC"!

I just happened upon the premier issue of High Gloss magazine and had to share the link with you. You can peruse the entire issue online at http://www.highglossmagazine.com/. If you enjoy magazines like Domino, Elle Decor and House Beautiful, then you're sure to like this one, too. The photography, layouts and features are spot on! I truly miss my monthly Domino fix and look forward to this magazine filling that void. Be sure to check out their fabulous giveaways, too. Happy reading!

New Year...New Bedroom!

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! We had a lovely white Christmas in Chi-town.

As some of you know, I've been in the process of redecorating my bedroom. I recently painted the walls a soothing shade of Misty Lilac (Benjamin Moore) and the brown trim and closet doors a semi-gloss white, which made a huge difference. It's amazing how a little paint can completely transform a space, isn't it? Here's a photo of my new wall decor from http://www.modernchichome.com/. What an inspirational decorating site!

As some of you also know, I'm rather obsessed with Craigslist. With a little patience and creativity, there are so many treasures to be had, especially in the Chi-town area. This summer, I found a barely used Restoration Hardware sisal rug that's perfect for my bedroom. And just the other day, I found this white Pottery Barn dresser for a steal from Pandora's Box in Wilmette, IL (http://www.domesticeclectic.com/). The owner, Jen Zervas, runs the boutique in Wilmette and lists furniture and other decor on Craigslist. They specialize in antiques including fine antique furniture, lamps, mirrors, ceramics, resale furniture and other beautiful items.

I've also ordered this new Classic Stripe Sandalwood bedding from Pottery Barn. I think the neutrals will work well with the lilac and white trim. My favorite piece is my grandmother's desk.      

Once the bedding arrives, I'll be sure to share photos of the transformation. It's a process, but a fun one at that.

PHOTO CREDITS: Jen Zervas/Pandora's Box (dresser); Pottery Barn (bedding)

Happy New Year!
abby

Santa Rocks!

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! I got an early Christmas gift I just had to share. My dear friend, Keri Sereika, designed this one-of-a-kind, vintage-inspired jewelry set for me to wear to a friend's wedding I'm attending on NYE. It's a glorious combination of antique brass chain, flower beads and lace. I'm absolutely smitten with it and can't wait to wear it! I love that I'll be able to wear it with everything from my Audrey Hepburn-inspired black cocktail dress on NYE to my blouses and cardigans. Thank you, Keri!!

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Keri's blog at http://pinklemonade.typepad.com/. When I met her several years ago, she was primarily a papercraft and stamping designer, but I quickly learned she's gifted in all things crafty. I visited Keri and her family back in August and had a delightful time!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas!

Five Inspired Gift Ideas

Greetings! Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday! I spent a lot of this weekend writing Christmas cards, listening to Christmas tunes and helping friends and family decorate their homes, which definitely put me in the holiday spirit.

While many courageous shoppers ventured out to the stores on Black Friday, I stayed far, far away! That said, I haven't tackled anyone on my gift-giving list yet. I'm always on the lookout for unique gifts that perfectly fit the recipient, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites from previous years and some new ones, too.

Personalized Notecards from Ustationery.com www.ustationery.com
In a high-tech world of text messages and e-mails, handwritten notes are appreciated more than ever! That's why I order stylish personalized notecards for my girlfriends from Ustationery.com. My friend, Sacha Krasney, is the talented designer of this unique line of stationery. Choose from a variety of designs (like this trendy glitter polka-dot style!), then follow the easy instructions to personalize the notecards with the recipient's name. It's that easy! Better yet, notecards arrive ready to give packaged in a cellophane bag and tied with a lovely coordinating satin bow. 

Magazine Subscriptions
Don't you love it when your favorite magazine arrives in the mailbox? With our busy lives, it's so nice to take a break and peruse magazines that inspire us. That's why I like to give the gift that keeps on giving all year long with a magazine subscription. Most publishers are savvy with their gift-giving promotions during the holidays, so be on the lookout for special offers. I just renewed my subscription to House Beautiful and got a free gift subscription for my mom. Now she'll be able to enjoy this glorious magazine every month (and I can keep my own issues)!

Homemade Treats
This year, my roomate and I are making Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (recipe courtesy of Sacha Krasney). It's totally amazing, especially with Ghirardelli's Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips. I'm planning to find small baskets and tea towels to package the homemade bread loaves with a pretty satin bow and gift tag. For that special touch, I love the Holiday Greetings Stamp Set from Gina K. Designs (http://www.shop.ginakdesigns.com/product.sc?productId=692&categoryId=118).

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Grease a 9"x5"x3" loaf pan (or something close to that size). Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

INGREDIENTS
Granulated sugar, 1 c
Butter, 4 oz
Mashed bananas (make sure they are ripe; usually 3 or 4 will do the trick), 1-1/2 c
Large eggs, two
Vanilla extract, 2 tsp
All-purpose flour, 2 c
Baking soda, 1-1/2 tsp
Salt, 1/2 tsp
Semisweet chocolate chips, 1 c

INSTRUCTIONS
Mix sugar and butter; beat in mashed bananas, eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients in another bowl and then stir into mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips until well incorporated. Pour batter into greased loaf pan. Cover loosely with a tent of aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes. Test with toothpick to see if it comes out clean. Enjoy!

Etsy.com
I've discovered that online shopping in my pajamas pretty much rules. What's even better is finding something handcrafted by an Etsy artisan. From jewelry to pottery, the gift-giving possibilities on Etsy.com are endless. It's a great feeling to know I'm supporting these talented designers while giving a special, handcrafted gift that fits my budget.

Gourmet Gifts in a Jar http://recipegoldmine.com/foodgift/foodgift.html
Give a gift they'll truly appreciate after the busy holiday season. Find a variety of easy-to-prepare layered soup, cookie and other gourmet gifts at recipegoldmine.com. I especially love the idea of giving comforting soup mixes to friends and family who are enduring the long Chicago winter. A favorite is the Farmhouse Soup Mix in Jar (http://recipegoldmine.com/foodgiftsoup/farmhouse-soup-mix.html).

I hope these ideas are helpful. Be sure to share your gift-giving ideas as well. I'd love to hear them!

Happy Holidays!

IMAGE CREDITS: Ustationery.com; House Beautiful