Grown Up Dinner.

Last night I attended an amazing dinner at my favorite restaurant, Noggin Room, located in the Perry Hotel. One of Michigan's own beer companies, Short's Brewery, teamed up with the Noggin to deliever a night of great food with complimenting beers. My boyfriend and I have been wanting to get involved with these events for awhile now, so when this one starting being advertised we decided to mark our calendars. I usually never take pictures of my food (mostly just my alcohol) but I had to do it for this dinner. Absolutely stunning presentation and delicious combinations. Here's the five course run-down:

First was the Loaded Bloody Mary Inspired Beer:

Vodka poached shrimp, garlic brined cucumber, and pickled peppers

Pork Empanada

Corn flour pastry filled with pork carnitas, salsa roja, and guacamole

Beer Selection: Cerveza de Juli

Buffalo Bratwurst Slider

Buffalo sausage patty, red cabbage kraut, pickled onios, smoked Jarlsberg and Thousand Island dressing.

Beer Selection: Noble Chaos

Dry Aged Filet of Beef

House aged beef tenderloin medallion, coffee and cognac laced demi glace, blue cheese and walnut crust with a roasted grape garnish.

Beer Selection: Wizard

Candy Corn Baked Alaska

Golden sponge cake and peach ice cream surround with meringue flambe {it came out on fire!}

Beer Selection: Peaches n Creme

Overall, it was a perfect evening. We had a reserved table of 3 couples who happen to be my most favorite people in the world, so of course there was plenty of laughter and good stories. The host was very funny and insightful too, so we will definitely be attending these dinners in the future. Another thing is this night made us feel so grown up. We paid a pretty penny for this meal and it was worth it. Now if only I could cook like that so we could have grown up dinners all the time... Here's to hoping!

 

So check out Short's Brewery. Their beer is one of a kind and simply fantastic.

Halloween Party.

Well I successfully hosted my first party in my grown up apartment. I was a little hesitant from the beginning but through the experience I have realized that my amazing friends to make it worth it. My boyfriend and I went as Pocahontas and John Smith... complete with his pug, Lola, as Percy.

My best friend, Lauren, and I made a ton of food which was a huge hit.  I made a gravestone background complete with blood splatters on the window and covered my curtain in a gauzy net. We I made deviled eggs, crescent roll hot dog mummies, brushetta, Reese's Cup witches brooms, and white chocolate bones. We didn't have any food by the end of the night... Everyone inhaled the goodness.

So here's some friends and costumes of the night:

 

Safe to say I will be having many more parties in the future.... Christmas/Ugly Sweater party? Yes please. New Years party? Maybe.
But with great friends and lots of beer/mixed drinks/wine/jello shots = amazing memories.

How did you guys celebrate Halloween this year? Any good costumes?!

Pocahontas + Romney.

Last minute Halloween costume touches were performed this morning. I finally finished my Pocahontas necklace! Now I need to throw some more fringe on my dress. Can never have too much fringe!

I have to admit it... without my half hot chocolate/half vanilla cappuccino in a Romney cup it would have been impossible.

I am loving that 7-11 allows you to use these election cups as a way to scream, "yeah I am a Republican who is about to conquer her day!" Love it. I brought my costume and glue gun with me to work so looks like my lunch break is gonna be taken over with DIY projects. Sorry engineering staff for the hot glue gun smell... I am just being creative over here.

Lucky.

I got into my car this morning to find a little present from the boy. He left me a lottery ticket which I love to do on break at work and hopefully win enough money to a pair of shoes. I smiled and went to put it in my purse for later until something caught my eye:

He left a message on the back! So looks like I am lucky in love and winnings (won $10). Boo yeah.

Thirsty?

All week I have been preparing for my Halloween party. The guests will be arriving around 8 pm Friday night and since I work 10 hour days, I have realized that I need to do a few projects a night so the party will come together slowly but surely. Last night I tackled the drink table.

My favorite part is the featuring of a signature drink. I made this print to put in the picture frame sitting on the table (above) to tell our guests how to make the parties' special drink! Here's the recipe:

Sounds so tasty. Its kind of girlie but with a black straw or those fun skeleton stirrers, I think the men in my life will love it too. One of my favorite things are the "thirsty" labels I bought last year on clearance for my to new and even my open red wine bottles. It looks creepy yet so pretty.

So I think a few more bottles of wine and a pitcher of orange juice should really pull the table together. I am just excited to see how the recipe print looks inside my furry, feathered picture frame.

 

Is it Friday yet? Anyone else planning a Halloween bash? Any ideas for me?

Fall Loves.

#1. First and foremost, my Detroit Tigers are advancing to the World Series! I celebrated with a few Miller 64 dressed up in a Tigers' jersey coozie. Now that is team spirit.

#2. My apartment is now full of fall touches. My favorite is my kitchen table centerpiece. Love it.

 

#3. Making antipasto skewers last night. Thank you Pinterest... The boys inhaled these watching us clinch playoffs. So good. Cheese tortellini that were marinated in balsamic vinaigrette, pepperoni, black and green olives, salami, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect combination.

#4. I am hosting a Halloween party! My first grown-up costume party. I made up these invitations a few days ago and finally got them printed and handled out this weekend. 4 days left to pull it together.

#5. Hockey season as started! Mike's team had their first game in brand new orange jerseys and even warm-up jackets. Guess who else got one? This girl! I have never been so happy...

#6. My Halloween Julep box arrived yesterday. I got 3 nail polishes that are so beautiful which are a golden orange, bronzing brown, and a mossy green. Nail decals that are Halloween-themed, candy corn, and nail glitter! Too cool. I am still loving this company. They can do no wrong in my book. Definitely check them out!

A lot of things to love and help me get through the fact that its getting colder outside. I am loving this fall so far and all it has to offer. What are you guys loving this season?

Friday Fancies: Halloween Prep

I am linking up with {long distance loving} to show the blogging world what costume prep I have done so far before the big day arrives.

I decided early on that my boyfriend and I would do our first couple costume together. At one point in time, my girlfriends and I were going to dress as the Disney princesses but slowly but surely, everyone bailed. So since I already had my princess in mind, I wasn't ready to let the idea go. Everyone kept repeating, "you should still be her.." and finally I just agreed. So, I am keeping my costume idea and Mike and I will be... Pocahontas and John Smith.

Mike's costume is already done. This had to happen since he would never put it together himself, which would later lead to him not doing it at all. Everything worked out flawlessy since all it took was one Halloween store online and my brother's closet to produce his costume. So easy and so cheap.

1. Spanish Conquistador Hat (Halloween store online, $2.49)

2. Ralph Lauren Polo Sweater Vest (my brother's wardrobe)

3. Long sleeve button up shirt (in Mike's closet)

4. Pirate boot covers (Halloween store online, $9.99)

My costume... haven't even started. But I do have all the supplies. I just need a night to sit down and get going on it. I already own this brown dress, so I am going to remove the ruffles and put on fringe instead. Then use turquoise beads and ribbon to recreate Pocahotas' necklace. So definitely a few DIY projects to blog about are in the near future.

Anyway, I should mention the real reason why Mike hasn't vetoed his Halloween costume is because his pug is actually apart of our cast list. Her name is Lola and for one night and one night only she will become Percy the Pug!

Mike and I were laughing so hard trying to picture how we will all look together when boom another idea came to me. Now I have a Lola too, she's a Rat Yorkshire Terrier and already looks kind of like a raccoon. So my little Lola (yes we both have dogs named Lola, weird huh?) will become... Meeko!

I think I will make her a raccoon tail and maybe a mask around her eyes to complete the look. Ohh, I cannot wait until we take pictures. I think its going to be amazing!
So as you can see there is still a lot I need to do. My costume needs construction and I even have to make a dog collar and a raccoon costume. And I thought it would be a good idea to host my first grown up costumes and cocktail party... More DIY projects to come! Yay!

What are you guys being for Halloween? Are any of you doing any Halloween prep?

Mind Blown.

So last night I went out with my favorite people to attend trivia night at my favorite bar.

Like usual, I bellied up to the bar and I ordered my typical beer and then found us a table in order to start to answering questions. My best friend, Lauren, came to the table and handed me a little taster glass and said, "Try this." The beer looked darker and it smelled sweet so I didn't know to expect.

Yeah, it was the greatest sip of beer of my life. Mind blown.

I am now a lover of Pumpkin Harvest Blue Moon.

 How did I not know about this?!

Vine-ripened pumpkin, spices, and a touch of wheat.

It is my Pumpkin Spice for the nighttime! So of course I purchased a 6 pack to drink this weekend at home. Ohh, I now picturing a night of curling up on the couch with the boy, catching up on our favorite shows on Hulu, and sipping on my new seasonal beer. Come on weekend, you can get here already?

Has anyone else tried this delicious beer? What is your favorite seasonal drink!?

I've Become a Julep Maven.

*This is not a sponsored post*

After a few emails, I finally bit the bullet and subscribed to become a Julep Maven...

I have tried Birchbox for the  majority of last year and I found myself feeling disappointed if I didn't receive any nail polish. I am quite addicted to changing my nail color twice once a week, so any new color would have made my day. Well then I found this company, Julep, that once a month they send you nail polishes and you get to preview them beforehand to make sure you want to buy that months' picks.

What? That is amazing!

I was completely blind-sided from how great the first package would be. I received this box on Friday (4 days after I ordered it) and everything I opened would be welcomed with a "yay!" No joke, my boyfriend watched me open it and said "so if I just buy you nail polish you'll stay happy forever?" My answer... "Umm, yes!"

So here's what I got:

A small Julep handled bag.

The nail polishes I received are (from left to right): Claire, Rose, Sasha, Emma, & Chelsea.

After taking their style quiz I was matched as a Boho Glam girl:

"An eternal romantic with an appreciation of beauty on a deeper level, you see your wardrobe as a creative drawing board. Your effortlessly elegant look pairs earthy neutral tones with fun, chic hues of turquoise, purple or orange."



Save to say I am all about it. I even ordered their extra Halloween box. Cannot wait for that baby to arrive on my doorstep.

 

I highly recommend you guys join. Here's the link. Also check the side of my blog for my referrel button that reads "I Am Boho Glame." Please say I sent you! (My code is 5660116) Anyone else out there a Julep Maven and loving it?!

Currently...

Current Book: An Object of Beauty: Steve Martin. It is this month's book club read and I am really enjoying it. I studied art while in college and this seems to put that knowledge to work.
Current Playlist: Mumford and Sons new cd, Babel. On repeat. Ohh goodness, its my cleaning/dancing/cooking/DIY playlist. Simply amazing.

Current Color(s): Deep reds and navy blues. Falling in love with orange too. Tis the season!
Current food/drink: Red wine. For some reason I have transitioned from whites, especially reisling, and into the world of reds.

Current favorite show: Revolution. I am a J.J.Abrams freak. Love everything that man does.

Current needs: A manicure. I don't have any color on my nails and thats a huge "no" for me.

Current banes of my existence: Dishes. I've been ignoring them, so tonight I'll have to bite the bullet and just do it. (Que the Mumford and Sons album!) 

Current celebrity crush: Not much of a celebrity but... Paul Ryan. Thank you, VP debate. Love him and his eyes.

Current Indulgence: Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
Current Outfit: Today is casual Friday at work, so hello jeans and a plaid button up shirt with riding boots.
Current Excitement: My Detroit Tigers winning Game 5 last night! I celebrated a little too hard last night. Justin Verlander threw for 9 innings.
Current Mood: Exhausted. From staying up for that 9:37 pm baseball game last night. Yeah, no sleep, but so worth it.

Current Favorite Quote or Verse: "You end up regretting things you don't try."

Current Wish List Item: Rose gold watch. Its my new obsession and I want to start working rose gold into my wardrobe and accessories.

What are you guys up to currently?

Are You Ever Ever Ever Getting Back Together?

I am a huge hockey fanatic fan and this whole lockout is literally killing me. All we can do as fans is just sit and wait for one side to give into a contract. The commissioner (I refuse to say that man's name) already cancelled games and honestly its not looking too good for the remaining season.

But thanks to my fellow hockey-loving-people on YouTube, they have provided me videos to help cheer me up or at least allow me to bond over how stupid this lockout has become.

1. A girl spoofs Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" about being completely heartbroken. The video has hockey player cutouts and ice cream, pretty much describes how I feel 100%. She has become my hero.

"And I would be tossing back a million Gin and Sprites, til I thought I could take home a Jet... I couldn't."

2. Things You Won't Hear During the NHL Lockout.
These two guys are amazing. Just like the Sh!t Girls Say video, it details all the little sayings and beliefs that hockey fans all over the country won't be thinking or saying out loud...ever!

"Hockey jerseys make me look so frumpy, I hate them."

"Ugh, I miss stadium food."

"Hockey's too slow anyway, I prefer major league baseball."

So I am hoping to laugh my way through this depression... true, there is always college hockey, my boyfriend's league games, and ice cream. That's a pretty great combination, but I need to be spoiled and see some Red Wings action.

Doesn't help that my Red Wings' calendar in my office cubicle stares at me all day. Come on, NHL lets pull this together! I need a legit hockey fix.

If you guys hear any good news or spot videos that will cheer me up (seriously they don't have to be hockey-related), please send them this way! Anyone else upset about the lockout?

Loving This Month.

I am loving October so far...

...and its about to get so much better.

I am currently decorating my apartment with glittered pumpkins and candy corn, fall leaves, and indian corn while my Farmstand Apple candle from Bath & Body Works is filling the air. Ahh, simply amazing.

Nothing better than working a 10 hour day at the engineering office, then coming home to pour a glass of red wine to help rejuvenate the creative juices for decorating, organizing, and cleaning. Wine and blaring Mumford and Sons, 'Babel' CD helps make it a lot more enjoyable.

I am also trying to soak in every second I can with the boy since hockey season officially starts for him in 8 days. Then, if I want some face time then it will take a trip to the rink to make it happen. Don't get me wrong, I am excited for hockey though. I love seeing him play the sport he loves and our talks on the way home are always priceless. So this year should make for a fun season.

One way we are bonding during the "off-season" is watching our Detroit Tigers dominate. Tonight is Game 3 vs. the Oakland A's and we are planning to go to our favorite bar to have a few drinks and watch with friends. Of course its a late game, so that means I will be taking a nap today to prepare myself for it. This must mean I am getting old, but I will do anything for my other boyfriend, Justin Verlander.

Looking good JV.

 

Needless to say October is definitely treating me right. Hopefully, I didn't just jinx myself by typing that sentence but instead I am just going to kick back and relax in order to try to enjoy every second of it. How is your October going, loves? Anyone else embracing fall and all it has to offer?

Rainy Day Projects.

Well it is supposed to rain all day today in northern Michigan, so I think its perfect time to throw on some cozy sweats clothes and use my Pinterest board in order to get some organization done. Now you should know that I am a neat freak... Everything needs to have its place. Nothing makes me happier than matching tubs with labels. So here a few updates I'd like to make to my apartment:

I would love to turn my hall closet storage into this:

My refridgerator into this:

Ahh, look at this matching pantry:

Arrange a coffee table so its pretty like these:

Anyone else a little OCD about their living space? I think doing these improvements will help once winter hits and I am stuck inside a lot more. Plus, with the constant stream of vistiors I have been getting lately (thanks boyfriend) it will be fun to show off my living space and know that everything is put away properly.

Ahh, already I feel more relaxed!