Because Kaitlyn Recaps the Oscar Party!

Every year, the girls in my family get together for an Oscar Party (hosted by my Mother, our very own Martha Stewart). It is one of our favorite traditions that is filled with small bites, decadent desserts, sweatpants and tiaras (my favorite combo) and of course, red carpet gossip. 

I decided to make mini Mac & Cheese pies, courtesy of Paula Deen. The recipe is super easy and similar to others on Pinterest, but once my eyes focused in on the Ritz cracker crust in this version, my decision was made. 

Here's a look at how the pies turned out:

I had some leftover pasta and topping so I decided to make a mac & cheese pizza pie…the perfect snack! By the way, I am that person who prefers that blue box mac vs fancy noodles any day so that's what I used here…comfort eats from your childhood never lose.

Not the official red carpet, but ours was nice and dry 

I love this rustic chalkboard ladder from Pottery Barn -- it was a great centerpiece for the table but will also be very versatile for future parties (I would love to set up mini appetizers on this!)

Cupcakes the size of your head (Thank you Standard Market!)

Fig jam…my new must have for entertaining.

A potent pitcher of orange cosmos

The hit of the night -- chocolate covered fruit from Edible Arrangements. It's amazing how women convince themselves... "it's fruit, so it's healthy" ;)

The ultimate summer salad -- strawberries, walnuts, feta cheese, blueberries, parmesan cheese, spinach, arugula and raspberry dressing. Is your mouth watering yet?

Oscar trivia coasters (obvi!)

Pink Moscato cupcakes wrapped in gold -- just the right amount of wrong

He's hoping he wore it best...

And lastly, thank you to Cupcakes & Cashmere for being a great party inspiration 

... the little touches mean the most!

What did you think of the show? We all agreed it was one of the best yet. 

You can't go wrong with Ellen Degeneres hosting (and Lupita Nyong'o's dress…GUSH).

Because Kaitlyn Walked the Red Carpet

Lisa and I were so excited to to attend the 1 year anniversary party for Style by Bravura last weekend! Jackie and her team have been so supportive of us, so it was our pleasure to do the same. 

The ladies planned on a wonderful event complete with a red carpet and "paparazzi," SBB branded cookies, flowing drinks, a DJ and some gorgeous models showcasing their work. They were also accepting donations for used formal dresses for young girls who can't afford them, something Lisa and I were delighted to be a part of.

Dress: H&M, Belt: LOFT, Blazer: Nordstrom (similar), Heels: LOFT, Watch: Nordstrom, Bracelet: Silver Speck, Clutch: DSW, Lipstick: Midnight Rose by Lancome

Great lighting at the venue

Leopard print eye makeup! 

Lisa and I with Jacquelyn and Robin of Style By Bravura

Sisters Marie

Getting married soon? Going to a formal event? Consider Style by Bravura for your hair and makeup! 

To see more of their work, check out Lisa's looks by SBB here.

 

You can also see Lisa's outfit post and her event photos on Stilettos and Diaper Bags today!

#Kaitlyn

Because Kaitlyn Hosted an Oscar Party

I love award season and being that the Oscars are considered the Superbowl of these events, I look forward to our annual Academy Award Party, hosted with Lake House Lyn. The soiree starts at 5:00 so we don't miss any of the best (and worst) red carpet looks and this gives us plenty of time to start on the 3 rounds of food (healthy snacks, hot appetizers and dessert) 

I've read very mixed reviews of the red carpet style, but I thought most of the dresses were stunning - Very few of them disappointed me...unless we're talking about Anne Hathaway. High neckline = No necklace. Pale pink ill fitting style? Looked like a bad bridesmaid get-up. I love her, but she rivaled Megan McCarthy for worst dressed/90's flash back.

My Top 3:

Alexander McQueen, Elie Saab, Roberto Cavalli

Runners Up:

Miu Miu, Alexis Mabille, L'Wren Scott

And here are some photos from OUR red carpet event where even though we were all in jeans and sweats, was JUST as fabulous ;-)

(cupcakes, black & white cookies, hand dipped tuxedo peeps)

Who was your best/worst dressed? Where did you watch the show?

Recipe Idea: Design Your Own Pizza!

I love all the "Make your own ___ bars" on Pinterest (ice cream, taco, mimosa, etc) and being the creative host that she is, my Mom recently came up with the idea to do a "Make your Own Pizza" station. We look forward to Sundays during Award season because we watch the E! Red carpet together and mock those that we hate and gush over those that we love...Okay, and she's always making something delicious for us to munch on. 

Here's how we designed our own Pizza's:

We each started with a blank canvas: Multigrain Stonefire Flatbread Crusts 

Then came the fun part: The toppings! We had a variety of choices including artichoke, feat cheese, mozzarella, pizza sauce, bbq sauce, pineapple, olives, pepperoni and tomato slices. 

This night, I decided I want to have it all so I went 1/2 and 1/2 with pepperoni and mozzarella on one side and pineapple and feta on the other. Why choose 1 when you can have both? ;)

Final product:

What toppings would you go for?

#Kaitlyn