Happy Royal Wedding Day!

So, whether you've been up since 4am today to get a glimpse of THE DRESS, slept in and saw the pics online, or have been so thoroughly annoyed by the rampant media coverage that you've tossed your TV out the window, I have something for you.  Because who doesn't love a smashing headpiece!

I came across this tutorial on Daily Candy and knew I just had to make one of my own!  It was surprisingly simple. 

I found all of the materials at Michael's Arts and Crafts - except I had the tulle at home.  I re purposed an old barrette too, since they only had small ones at Michael's. 

 The feathers were pre-assembled which made things easy - just a few squirts with a hot glue gun and I was done!  You could totally make one for a wedding or a party, toned up or down, depending on your style. 

I made a smaller one that's a little more subtle for a friend.  Both are AWESOME though!  I may be holding a high tea in the near future just for an excuse to wear it again. 

Happy Crafting! 

Blood = Love

Here is a nice way to help the world that doesn't cost any money, plus you get free cookies:

 GIVE BLOOD! 

This is me doing it today.  And in case you are wondering, they made me wear that paper sheet because I was wearing a skirt.  The Red Cross people are just thoughtful like that. 

This is my friend Julie M doing the same.  She is showing her sweet donor card - you can get one too if you donate!  Also, they gave us both T shirts today, and did not skimp on the snacks, either. 

Today's donation was in a mobile blood bus- a cool experience, if a little cramped.  We could watch people walking by in Columbus circle right outside as we did our duty. 

So, if you can - give blood!  I'm next eligible June 20 - who's in? 

A Veil of a Tale

My friend Julie got married last month (congratulations!) and I STILL haven't posted about it.  Sorry kids! 

Look how pretty she looks!   Also, check out her sweet veil!

 I made it!  And it was sooooo simple. 

I found this easy tutorial online from Chica & Jo.  So, if you've got a wedding in your future, or know someone who does, try it out!  Get some tulle and ribbon from the fabric store, and a little comb or clip.  You can add sparkles or other embellishments if you'd like, or keep it simple like Julie. 

Stunning!

source: bridal & co via ideeli

And seriously, you can make a veil identical to this one for the fraction of the price!  A great way to add some handmade pizazz to your special day, and keep your budget in check to boot.  Try it! 

Nice Day for a Stroll

 Wow its 75 degrees in NYC today!  Woo hoo!  Saturday wasn't that warm, but still a splendid day for a stroll with my pal Sasha.  We walked pretty much all day, from about 1230pm to 9, minus a stop or 2 for sustenance.  We even walked home to my apartment - over the Brooklyn Bridge of course!

See?  Told you so. 

We also got to check out a cool Beer Garden in my neighborhood - Der Scwartz Koelner, just a few blocks from my house.  So, there is no garden, but it was a lovely beer hall, and did have a few outdoor tables.  I think they probably open the long windows in warmer weather too. 

I'm not a beer fan, but did try a shandy (half beer, half sprite) - and I'm still not a beer fan.  But, they have lots of beer, if you like that!  Plus pretzels and pickles and potato cakes (which we tried - pretty good!).  They also have wine, so I hope to go back!  (And I kind of want to try the Mezzomix - 1/2 fanta, 1/2 coke!).   It was a fun and friendly atmosphere, with a mix of families, friends, and strangers all sharing long tables. 

I love trying new stuff in my 'hood!

Happy Birthday Bessie!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BESSIE!

Happy 27th Birthday to my lovely sister!  I hope you have an awesome day!!

Chowing Through Fort Greene

I spent some time this weekend exploring my new neighborhood, Fort Greene, Brooklyn.  My mom was in town so we took a stroll to Fort Greene park. 

Here is the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument - it was the tallest Doric column in the world when it was built in 1908.  There is also a crypt below where the remains of the soldiers are buried.  You can learn more about it here and here.  Oh man I cannot tell you how cool it is to live so close to a stop on the                           New York Freedom Trail and the Revolutionary War Trail. 

Note to self/mom: Here is another cool NYC walking tour too!  I think its for Scouts but it could be fun for regular people too. 

Speaking of mom - she totally got shortchanged on the breakfast front!  We tried Olea, a cute little Mediteranian place a few blocks from my place.  We got there right when they opened at 10am, and were the first people there.  It filled up totally within just 15 minutes!  A popular joint.  Mom got the goat cheese croquettes - they looked tasty, but were so tiny!  And non listed under the appetizers but should have been.  She got lamb sausage too, but the whole meal looked fit for an elf.  My mom is tiny but not that tiny! 

I went with the granola, yogurt and honey combo which was good and human sized. 

We also shared some nice baguettes and jam.  I liked the food at this place, but was a little annoyed that they didn't tell Mom she was ordering an ap, as opposed to a meal. 

Can't wait to check out more cool new places in my 'hood! 

Fondue Festival of Fun

This weekend I had my very first dinner party in my new aapartment - yay!  Lifelong dream come true!  I wanted to do something fun and fancy - so I made fondue! 

Daniel, Julie and Matt liked it, apparently.  And Matt is not trying to stab Julie with his fondue fork (man do I love those things - I want to eat all my food with it!).  He is just ready for his next bite. 

For dipping, I had bread cubes, carrots, clementines, veggie sausage, apples, mushrooms (which I forgot in the fridge), grape tomatoes and cauliflower.  Way too much food for 4 people, but we didn't leave hungry and I had a lot of leftovers!  It was my first try at fondue, and I used this article and accompanying recipes for inspiration.  The one I selected was made with cheddar and beer - a little stringy, but still very tasty (if messy!) 

And nothing goes with fondue like cupcakes from Butter Lane, right?  RIGHT?  Matt brought an assortment that we sampled - chocolate with strawberry frosting, chocolate with caramel frosting topped with kettle corn, vanilla with cinnamon honey frosting, and classic vanilla with chocolate. 

But that's not all - both of these are banana cake, one with cream cheese frosting and the other with peanut butter chocolate!  Yum!  I love how you can mix and match cakes and frostings at Butter Lane.  Plus they seem to have Groupons a lot so you might be able to get a deal! 

Overall, a success!  Can't wait to do it again - and have some more fondue experiments.