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Evelyn’s Room

June 25, 2020

I’ve been in this house for a year now and haven’t done any home tours! I’ve shared on Instagram a lot and now it’s time to add to the blog. Evelyn’s room is on the third floor along with mine. It gets a ton of light, has its own full bathroom and closet. Just like with her room at her Dad’s house, I wanted this one to be one she could grow with. I chose neutral colors that complimented the rest of the house. The gray tufted bed can go with almost any bedding down the road if I choose to change it out. *All items that are still available are linked at the end of the post!* Sadly the side tables were apart of Ethan Allen’s Disney line but I can’t seem to find them anywhere. The dresser is apart of the same line and is in stock and on sale!
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Duvet – Sold out but from Pottery Barn Teen // Pom Pom Pillows // Pink Pom Pom Blanket //

Lamps – Local Home Goods // Dresser // Mirror // Ceiling Fan // Rug // Dip-Dyed Stool

Mickey Ears Holder ( Similar) // Bed Frame // Curtains // Abacus Bead Curtain Ties // Face Plaques

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Heart Rug in Bathroom // Shower Curtain (Anthropologie last year. Similar here)

Quarantine Cocktails To Get You Through The Day

May 30, 2020

Following my last post on How to Stock Your Home Bar, it’s only fitting that I follow it up with some fun cocktails that you can enjoy at home. Just in time for the weekend, if weekends mean anything to anyone anymore. I miss going out and enjoying craft cocktails but I have been making them at home and it’s been a lot of fun. Today I’m sharing which ones I’ve been sipping on the past 12 weeks!

Here are some classic cocktails that are a little more liquor forward. My all-time favorite classic cocktail to make is a Daiquiri. There are only 3 ingredients!

Have you been playing at-home bartender since the quarantine started? If so, what are some of your favorite drinks you’ve made? Here’s to sipping pretty cocktails on a patio very soon!

How to Stock Your Home Bar

May 18, 2020

I’m gearing up to enter my TENTH week of quarantine since the Corona Virus pandemic has swept across the globe. Needless to say, I’ve been trying to pass the time with baking, cooking and well, drinking. I wasn’t always a cocktail drinker but last year I started venturing out more; trying out new restaurants and craft cocktail bars and my pallet expanded. I really enjoy making cocktails at home and since bars aren’t open now, it’s really the only way to enjoy a drink. I’ve compiled an easy guide to help you set up your home bar to ensure you have the essentials.

Glassware: For the most part, picking glassware is purely for aesthetics. You can enjoy a beverage in any container. But don’t we like to drink pretty? One thing to keep in mind is most recipes you will find are based on standard glassware sizes. Some I would recommend would be a highball glass, a rocks glass, a champagne flute, a coupe, and a pint glass. Martini glasses are fun and all, but they spill easily and are kind of a pain to drink out of, and quite frankly, are antiquated. Crate and Barrel is a great site for inexpensive glassware. Anthropologie, Target, and Urban Outfitters are great for unique pieces. I also love to browse antique store for one of a kind glassware.

Barware: In order to make drinks properly you need the proper tools. Just like with any other craft, there are certain bar tools that cannot be substituted. This is the set I have but is currently out of stock. I really love the matte black color and hopefully it will be restocked soon! Here are some similar sets: Black Cocktail Shaker Set // 4 Piece Black Cocktail Set // Essential Cocktail Kingdom Set. If you’re wanting to mix and match pieces make sure you get the following Boston Shaker, Cobbler Shaker, Jigger, Muddler, Hawthorne Strainer, Fine Mesh Strainer and Bar Spoon. Not all cocktails are shaken so having a heavy duty mixing glass is key to making liquor only drinks (and it also looks pretty). Here are a few options: One // Two // Three // Four. Cocktail Kingdom is a great source for bar tools, many restaurants and bartenders use this site. It can be a little pricey but like most things, you get what you pay for. Now to the fun stuff … the booze.

Spirits: When it comes to plastic surgery and liquor, you get what you pay for. Just because it’s more expensive doesn’t mean it’s gonna taste better per se, but the higher the price, the better the quality of the product so the hangovers won’t be as intense with higher-end alcohol. You can’t avoid being hungover if you drink a lot, but the cheaper the product, the worse you’re gonna feel. Base spirits are the foundation of any cocktail. However, this is an area that is really up to you. Trial and error will help you find what you like. Everyone has a different palate, so you might not always like what someone else suggests. Examples of base spirits would be; Vodka, Gin, Rye Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, Tequila, and Rum. My favorite brands are Tito’s or Cathead Vodka, El Jimador or Casamigos Tequila, Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey, Prairie Organic, and The Botanist Gin and Plantation 3 Star Rum. When in doubt, follow this golden rule: stock things that you like to drink.

Mixers & Garnishes: Tonic, Soda Water, Simple Syrup*. Soda: Coke, Diet Coke, and Gingerale (I buy the small cans of these so they don’t go to waste). Fruit juices: Pineapple and Cranberry. Citrus: lemon, lime, orange, and pineapple. When using citrus juice always opt for fresh-squeezed with a juicer from Goodfoodblogph. *Simple syrup is something that can be bought but it is so easy to make at home. The most common simple syrup recipe is using the 1:1 ratio of any measurement. For example, 1 cup of sugar to 1 cup of hot water. Place a pot on the stove and heat the water up, doesn’t even need to be brought to a boil, add the sugar, mix until sugar is diluted, transfer to a container and store in your fridge to extend the shelf life. Must have bitters on a home bar: Peychauds, Angostura, and orange bitters. They are the most commonly used bitters in cocktails. Bitters don’t make a drink bitter per se, but they do help round out the flavor of a cocktail. They’re also inexpensive and will last for a while since most drinks only call for a few dashes.

Bar Cart (mine is sold out but similar here, here, here, here and here) // Rosè Bottle Painting (framed at Michael’s) // Death & Co. Recipe Book // Meehans Bartenders Guide // The Drunken Botanist // Clean Cocktails

Managing My New Normal with Toyota Camry

April 16, 2020

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (“Toyota”) provided me with compensation and use of a Camry for a short period of time. The opinions I have shared about this vehicle are my own.

Have you ever had the life as you know it make a complete 180? 9 months ago my husband and I decided to co-parent. It was a decision that we did not take lightly. Half the time I’m by myself when I have the kids and I’m responsible for everything. I’m sure a lot of you can relate. Some of you may have spouses who are deployed, you’re a widow or your spouse is sick, or you’ve chosen to go on this journey solo. Whatever your situation, can we all agree that parenting is the hardest job in the world? I’ve learned a lot over the past year and I wanted to share what has worked for me during this new journey.

Put Everything on a Calendar. I have an established blogging career that I am balancing and with that comes deadlines, social events, meetings and more. Having the Apple Play integrated into the Camry which syncs from my phone calendar is always a great reminder while I’m on the go. It keeps my life organized so I never miss anything important!

Keep the Kids Entertained While on the Road. There are times I feel like we live in the car and we’re also a family that loves a good road trip! The Camry comes with Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay Compatibility and SiriusXM Radio. It also includes WiFi Connect – as moms, we’re all doing the best we can and I’ll always utilize entertainment for a peaceful car ride. 😉

Take Everything on the Road. Believe me when I tell you that you never know what you’ll need until you realize you don’t have it with you. I always make sure to bring games, snacks, juice boxes, water bottles and toys. I also bring outfit changes, my computer, camera, equipment and the kids’ backpacks. The Camry is so spacious and while it’s a compact car, the trunk is large enough to fit everything I need!

Safety First – Always! Mom brain and the struggle is so real… having a car with built-in safety features is a huge necessity for me! The Camry comes with a backup camera, automatic headlights and driver, passenger and knee airbags.

Remember to Have Fun! As a family, we spend so much time in the car… and while they may just seem like everyday car rides… they’re really memories. One day I’ll look back on these moments and I’ll miss the after-school conversations and singing in the car with my kids. Remember to enjoy it all… even the little moments.

As a working mom, when I’m not dropping the kids off, I’m usually meeting up with other creators in the area or capturing content with my assistant. There are a ton of incredible locations in Atlanta to shoot at but my hands down favorite is Oakland Cemetery. Maybe it’s my love of Halloween, the fact that it’s rarely crowded or the rich history, but Oakland is my go-to spot. It’s less than a mile away from Chrome Yellow Coffee, Krog Street Market and The Beltline. On any given day, I can be at numerous spots throughout the city and driving to and from the suburbs can be a lot! Not only do I need a dependable car to get from point A to point B, but it’s so important to have a cozy car to spend the extra time in.

Atlanta is known for its heavy traffic so my car really is a home away from home – I’m so glad the Camry provides the comfort I need. It’s important to me to feel empowered while parenting on my own. Having my children in a safe and reliable vehicle is extremely important. The Toyota Camry has the look and feel of a sports car but is so roomy and comfy. It can also hold all of my things I need for a full 9 hour day of on-the-go. From school drop-off and pick up, to after-school activities, photo shoots, meetings and events, the Camry truly is there for my life.

*these images and video were shot before the COVID-19 Pandemic. My family and I have been sheltering in place and following all statewide guidelines*

Images by Alaina Troha, Video by Bryan Jean-Pierre

How Hollywood Feed Is There for You During a Pandemic

April 13, 2020

“This post was sponsored by Hollywood Feed. All opinions are my own.”

If anyone had told me 2 months ago if we’d be living in a time like now I would not have believed them. The COVID-19 pandemic we’re facing has changed everyone’s lives across the planet and has forced us to adapt a lifestyle more different than we could of ever imagined. This Zoom Google Drive integration has been a lifesaver for me. In addition to all the healthcare workers I have also been so thankful for the employees of essential businesses so I can continue to get groceries, supplies and even pet food.

As someone who is an avid online shopper and always looking for the best deal, I love that Hollywood Feed is committed to offering the best prices. They will match any competitor’s price, guaranteed. And if your pet doesn’t love their food, treats or toys they will gladly replace or refund it. In case you’re unfamiliar with Hollywood Feed, here is some backstory. They opened their first store in the 1950s in Memphis, Tennessee and have grown from a single store in Memphis to a retail presence spanning the country, with new locations opening each year. Hollywood Feed is known for friendly and knowledgeable service more than half a century later. Did you know that each team member receives 40+ hours of product education and customer service training annually so they can better serve pets and their owners? In addition to natural pet food and treats, Hollywood Feed proudly features its own line of jerky made in Georgia. The jerky is dried in their beechwood smoker and smells so good I have thought about eating it once or twice …
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What I have enjoyed most about Hollywood Feed during this pandemic is that they are offering curbside pickup on all online orders! You can use code CURBSIDE20 for 20% off curbside orders, valid through 4/15. If you don’t have a Hollywood Feed in your area, do not worry! They offer free shipping on any order over $49! Be sure to check out their website to see all their selections! Have you tried out Hollywood Feed before? What was your experience like?
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How To Experience West Hollywood Like a Local

February 25, 2020

As much as I love seeing all the touristy destinations when I travel to a new spot, I really try emerging myself into the city and experience it as a local would. Last month my friend Monica and I headed out to Los Angeles for a few days and emerged ourselves into the West Hollywood scene like a local would. West Hollywood is known for their rock-music history, the Sunset Strip and is home to Los Angeles’ largest LGBTQ nightlife district. There are hundreds of restaurants and bars, music venues, comedy clubs and shopping. Out of the numerous amazing hotels in West Hollywood we were lucky to stay at one of the most famous: Sunset Marquis. Tucked away just steps from the Sunset Strip, the hotel is full of history and attracts some well-known names in the entertainment industry. The hotel is so close to the center of West Hollywood which we loved because we could walk everywhere. The weather in California was on our side for the duration of our trip. Every guest staying at the Sunset Marquis gets free entry into Equinox which is just around the corner. In addition to the gym amenities they also have a spa and eucalyptus steam room. There is also a spa in house at the hotel with an array of amazing services. Inside the lobby is the Morrison Hotel Gallery which features images of music icons. They have a ton of beautiful prints and books for sale in addition to several events each month.

Where to Eat

Trying new food may be my favorite thing to do when in a new city. It’s no surprise that West Hollywood has some of the most amazing food you’ll ever taste in your life with no shortage of incredible restaurants.

Olivetta is the latest addition to West Hollywood’s Restaurant Row and I’m so glad we got the chance to visit. From the decor to the lighting, the whole ambiance and atmosphere was perfection. There are separate rooms and 150 seats so the noise level is low and you don’t feel packed in. My go-to classic cocktail is a Daiquiri (not the frozen tropical kind). I get it everywhere I go and you’d be surprised how many bartenders can mess up a 3 ingredient drink. Our bartender at Olivetta made one of the best Daiquiri’s I’ve had in my life. I can usually tell how the cocktails will be if the bar makes a good Daiquiri and they definitely delivered. For a new restaurant that was only a few weeks old when we visited I was so impressed with the services, drinks and food. I can also add that the Brown Butter Budino (Crème Fraiche, Sea Salt, Cocoa Nibs, Toasted Almond-Anise Cookies) was the best dessert I have ever tried in my entire life. I’m not even exaggerating when I say I would order it by the gallon and pay next day air shipping from California to Georgia if they sold it. Hands down what I remember tasting the best from our trip.

The brunch at BBCM (The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker) was the best breakfast we had in West Hollywood. It got a 10/10 from both of us and a must visit spot according to locals. The brunch cocktails were so decadent, delicious and Instagram worthy. They have a beautiful outdoor patio intertwined with trees and two different indoor seating areas. If you go, get the Bananas Foster French Toast and the Butchers Eggs Benedict. You will not be sorry.

Fresh on Sunset is entirely vegan which I loved. Even though I’m not a vegan I like eating plant-based when it’s available. After strolling the Sunset Strip it was the perfect place to lunch. Drink tip: get the 101 Cider House Cactus Rosè, it’s life changing! You better believe I ordered a case of it when I got back home! It’s also vegan, gluten free, has zero sugar. The food on the menu was so fresh and the options were endless. I also didn’t feel heavy or sluggish after finishing up our meal. The interior is a visual dream. They nailed all the decor, especially the pink bar upstairs.

Norah was our last meal in West Hollywood and the perfect dining experience to end our trip. The ricotta pasta and cast iron cornbread were just some of our favorites. The portions are perfect for sharing and a great way to try different dishes.

Cavatina, located within the Sunset Marquis, was created by Michael Schlow, a James Beard award-winning Chef. It’s tucked away inside the hotel and has all the cozy vibes. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Even if you don’t end up staying at the Sunset Marquis, Cavatina is a must and fun for a group of friends or a date. The cocktails were made to perfection and the food was phenomenal. There is plenty of intimate seating and they play amazing music.

Ivory on Sunset, located within the Mondrian, was a phenomenal choice for lunch. They also had the friendliest hostess that we encountered on our trip. Another great restaurant with incredible views of the city. We really had the best luck with dining on our trip and every place we went to was perfection. The food at The Ivory was delicious and I would 100% come back here next time I make it out West.

Here are some other standout restaurants that the locals raved about. If only there were enough hours in the day *insert crying cat emoji*

Night + Market – modern Thai cuisine. 9043 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Pizzana – Get the short rib pizza! 460 North Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048

Conservatory – An indoor/outdoor restaurant, bar and cafe known for its ambiance. 8289 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Rock n Reilly’s – From 5-7pm Monday thru Friday everything from the kitchen and bar is 50%. 8911 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Hottest Happy Hour spots

Two of our nights in West Hollywood were spent bar hopping. We tried to hit as many happy hour spots as we could and I think it’s the best way to see as many places as possible. Any bar on cocktail row is worth checking out. La Fete, Employees Only, Laurel Hardware and Delilah are just a few and the best part is they are all literally on the same street so there’s no need to drive. There are also a ton of bars on Melrose which were some of the standouts. When I asked for recommendations on Instagram for West Hollywood spots to visit, there was an overwhelming response to hit up Gracias Madre. Most specially they said the bar was beautiful and the food was delicious. We didn’t have a chance to eat but after doing some shopping at GANNI they were our first stop of the night.

Cecconi’s is a modern Italian restaurant with an amazing happy hour. It was one of the numerous establishments we stopped in during 5-7pm. We got the house rosé even though they had a broad selection of happy hour specials. I love sitting at a beautiful bar and talking to other guests. We met some really fun people, who were locals, and they suggested we go to Catch after we wrapped up at Cecconi’s. That’s one of the many reasons I love sitting at a bar and going to several when I’m in a new city (just having one drink at each so I can really experience as many as possible). You never know who you’re going to meet and where the night will take you. Catch is another beautiful rooftop bar on Melrose that overlooks the design district. It has a retractable rooftop and seats 340 so odds are you won’t have to wait long for a drink. You cannot bring cameras inside (phones are okay) but you can check them on the first floor before you head up in the elevator.

The Edition Hotel rooftop bar has 360 degrees views of the city and is the perfect place to end your happy hour. What could be better than craft cocktails and a picturesque view of the sunset? It was serene and peaceful and the perfect way to end our trip. Reservations are required so be sure to book on Open Table before heading up there.

Where to Have Fun

Shopping on Sunset is a must. There are so many unique boutiques like H. Lorenzo, Warby Parker, Kith, and Wildfox. Definitely check out Book Soup – it has been around since I lived there when I was younger and it brought back a ton of memories. There are over 60,000 book titles with floor to ceiling shelves. I have a habit of getting lost in book stores and if time had allowed I would have spent hours here. The Revolver Gallery has the largest “gallery-owned” Warhol collection worldwide. They have over 250 original Andy Warhol artworks for sale.

Restoration Hardware has a 10,000 square-foot public park on their rooftop with beautiful views of the Hollywood Hills. 8564 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood, CA

Mickey’s is the premier gay nightclub with two levels of dancing. 8857 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Hamburger Mary’s is home to locals and tourists alike who come here for fun entertainment. They have legendary bingo, Sunday drag brunch, karaoke and so many other events. Check out their calendar when you plan your visit and I highly recommend the drag bingo. I guarantee that Hamburger Mary’s will give you one of the most memorable nights of your life. They have an extensive drink menu and souvenir leg and drag queen glasses you can take home with you.

This post was sponsored by the West Hollywood Tourism Board. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Sweet Celebration

February 18, 2020

Evelyn’s birthday party really snuck up on me this year. I couldn’t find a theme I loved, felt so overwhelmed with the holidays and literally planned her party in under 2 weeks. The weather Gods pulled through yet again and brought the sunshine. It had been raining the previous week, stopped Sunday for the party, and then started back up pouring again Monday morning. Thank you baby Jesus for the break in rain! Considering the party was entirely outdoors I would have been screwed and I didn’t have a back up plan. My whole philosophy is “I will cross that bridge when I come to it” and thankfully I didn’t need to cross the bridge!

Just like for for the past four years, the amazing Natalie from Cake Envy made this three tiered cake. Because I like epic cakes and several tiers, I always have so much cake left over. I end up gaining 15 pounds in a week and crying myself to sleep thinking that Spring Break is typically 3 months after Evelyn’s birthday. This year however I had Natalie make two dummy tiers using styrofoam. It cut down on waste, her time and the cost. It still looked as amazing as ever and the middle tier fed 30+ mouths! The beautiful cookies are from Mini’s By Maria who also made the incredible succulent cupcakes from Evelyn’s botanical birthday last year. The donuts were from Dunkin Donuts, cupcakes from Target and the other sweets were from Kroger and Home Goods.
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I knew since I didn’t have a theme like in years past I would need something to stand out to really make the day. Who knew that a mobile beverage cart would be the main attraction at a 5 year olds birthday party? Evelyn’s birthday’s have always been just girls and my girlfriends love to drink. I mean, who doesn’t need a few glasses of champagne with 20 kids running around screaming? There has been a wave of pop up alcohol trucks and carts in Atlanta and I knew that would be perfect for the party. I found Tippy Tap Co. on Instagram and they were the largest cart with the best pricing in Atlanta. The owner, Alicia, is an event planner so she knows the details that go into making every party a success. Her cart has 6 taps so we chose to do a tap of champagne, a tap of rosè and then 4 taps of juices so the girls could experience the fun of the beverage cart as well. Tippy Tap Co definitely saved my butt and made the party a success! The truck also made the cutest backdrop for photos.
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In years past I have spent more than I should on Evelyn’s party dress which I knew she would only wear that day (it’s kind of like a wedding dress, haha). However, by the grace of the Instagram God’s I came across Rainey’s Closet which rents out the most beautiful and unique dresses ever! Think of it like Rent the Runway but for kids. I rented three dresses for less than I would pay if I were buying one. They also have accessories and Evelyn’s gold crown was also rented. I will definitely be using this service for any and all special occasions going forward.

A general rule is to try and book your venue a year to nine months before your wedding. If your dates aren’t very flexible, you may want to start looking a little over a year in advance. It can take a couple of months to find the right wedding venue, so make sure to leave enough time for this process. No matter what size wedding or wedding budget you’re working with, you can expect your wedding venue to include: an area for the ceremony, an audience space, and two separate lounge spaces for both sides of the wedding party to get ready in. If you are looking for a wedding venue, check out the availability styallodge.co.uk.

For every outdoor event and party I throw where there will be lots of kids, I always rent a bounce house. They’re super reasonably priced, the kids love them, it keeps them in a central location and they will nap for hours after the party is over. However, if you’re an adult and you take the chance of jumping in one, even for 10 minutes, you will be fully out of commission the next day and bedridden. The day following the party I literally was sore and aching in bed all day.

Publix platters are always my default for parties. I can order online, pick up the morning of and bam! Done! It’s such a simple and easy process and they never let me down. I always get mini bottled water and some non-alcoholic drinks as well. Keeping the food simple and easy is key. Trust me when I say that no one at a kids party is judging what kind of food there is as long as there is food!

A huge thank you to my friend Kera for making all the balloon arches, my friend Alaina for helping me set up and break down, my amazing photographer Chelsea who shoots all my kids parties, and Bryan for doing such an outstanding job on the video! I also need to give a huge shoutout to Evelyn’s Dad for letting me continue to host ridiculous parties at his house and putting up with all of my over the top antics. He did so much behind the scenes that made the day possible and we are so thankful for him!