March 10, 2016

SPRING COCKTAIL: THE PUCKERBERRY FINN

March 10, 2016/ Laurén

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

I created this cocktail for our recent Spring dinner party. There is something about muddled blackberries and fresh, sour lemon juice that is super delicious and refreshing. It's the perfect spring cocktail, if I do say so myself! I have also become a big fan of gin lately -- particularly small batch, organic ones, like Peak Spirits' CapRock. It has a really lovely flavor. The splash of elderflower liquor adds a really nice fruity and flowery sweetness to tie it all together.

Huge thank you to Borrowed Blu for the gorgeous crystal cut and milk glasses and Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography for the stunning photographs.

We were thrilled to have this recipe featured on Domaine Home a few weeks ago. In case you missed it, here it is!

5 Blackberries

1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 oz. Simple Syrup

1+1/2 oz. Gin

1/2 oz. Elderflower Liquor

Ice

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In a cocktail shaker, muddle blackberries. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, gin and elderflower liquor. add several ice cubes and shake vigorously. Pour through a strainer and garnish with an edible flower or blackberries (I froze mine to give them an extra special look). Enjoy!

March 09, 2016

SPRING DINNER PARTY

March 09, 2016/ Laurén

I wanted to throw an early spring dinner party for my best friend's birthday and I knew I wanted to include grey (the birthday girl's favorite color), pinks and copper in the palette. We sourced all of our tabletop items from the amazing Borrowed Blu. To create a mix of glamour and earthiness, I paired grey marble chargers with wooden plates. I love the mix of copper tumblers, milk glass and crystal cut goblets. The antique silver flatware and candlesticks, added the perfect moodiness to the dinner, representing the transition of winter to spring. We added a lot of greens to the mix of pink flowers. It was an honor to have the party featured on MyDomaine! We have included extra, never-before-seen photos of the event here. All images by Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

A long farmhouse table and Victoria Ghost Chairs sourced from Town & Country Event Rentals set the stage for a laid-back glamour.

A single ranunculi and fern placed upon a natural linen napkin welcomed each guest to their seat.

I created the The Puckerberry Finn cocktail using muddled blackberries, fresh lemon, organic small-batch gin and elderflower liquor for the occasion. I garnished the drink with edible flowers and frozen blackberries.

In case the evening got chilly, I put together a basket of cream throws from Borrowed Blu, that guests could help themselves to.

Photos by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

All Table-top Items and Cream Knit Blankets: Borrowed Blu

Wire Basket (for blankets): Rejuvenation

Dining Table, Victoria Ghost Chairs and Linens Napkins: Town & Country Event Rentals

Flowers: Twink + Sis

Candles: Bed, Bath & Beyond

Milk Glass Cake Stands: Sur La Table

Mini Donuts: Donut Friend

Puckerberry Finn Cocktail: Twink + Sis

Styled, Created and Hosted by: Twink + Sis

August 12, 2015

PEACH + WHITE RASPBERRY SPRIZTER

August 12, 2015/ Laurén

August is National Peach Month! So I have concocted a refreshing peach-based spritzer that is easily turned into a yummy cocktail, if you so desire!

Ingredients Per Serving:

3 or 4 - 1/4'' Peach Slices

5 - White Raspberries

1 oz. - Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 oz. - Simple Syrup

Sparkling Water

Ice

Slice a peach into thin 1/4" inch slices. Muddle peach and raspberries in a cocktail shaker. Add lemon and simple syrup.

If you are making a boozy version, add 1 oz. of any spirit you would like. Vodka is always a crowd pleaser but I personally love this with gin. Even scotch or whisky would taste great!

Shake and strain over ice. Top with sparkling water. Cheers! xx

P.S. Simple syrup doesn't have to me made with just sugar. If you are trying to eat a little healthier, make it the same way, but with honey or maple syrup-based simple syrup. I make lemonade like that, more often than not!

April 29, 2015

BETH RIESGRAF'S MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

April 29, 2015/ Laurén

I couldn't be more excited to have one of my best gal pals - actress, photographer and super-mama, BETH RIESGRAF - as a guest contributor on the blog today! Known for her role as Parker on TNT's hit series "Leverage," Beth is the star of USA's upcoming drama "Complications." She is beautiful, stylish and one of my favorite people. So, naturally, I asked Beth to share her MOTHER'S DAY gift guide picks with us! Let's see what's on her list!

CIELA BANGLE by SARAH CHLOE

I love her bangles and Sophia Monogram Pendant. (enter MOM15 at checkout and receive 15% off!) Beautiful jewelry made personal? #YesPlease

HOUNDSTOOTH WINE & CHEESE COOLER by PICNIC AT ASCOT via ONE KINGS LANE

Pack a lunch, take your mom to the park, and repeat! #MomDate

MADEWELL FLEA MARKET FLARES

Well hell-oooo Mom Jeans! I am forever a fan of the 70's-cover-girl look and every time I wear these high-waisted beauties someone asks me where they can get a pair. #SweetRearview

THE SCRAP DELUXE LADIES BICYCLE by VELORBIS OF COPENHAGEN

Your pretty mama will turn a few heads while cruising on this gorgeous model. The beautiful leather accessories and signature blonde balloon tires are the perfect combo of urban meets luxury. That's right. I said blonde tires. #Fancy

SEEDS OF LIFE SUNSHINE CITRUS LEMON TREE

If your mom is far away or you forget to call her (tsk-tsk!) send her an organic fruit tree! It's a very sweet reminder to let her know how much you love her each and every day. #Awww!

CROSLEY CRUISER PORTABLE TURNTABLE

Put the needle on the record, then gift her an album a month to help her build her record collection! #Vinyl

CLARE V. PEFORATED FANNYPACK

A hands-free solution for the fashion forward mom on-the-go! Guys, I know what you're thinking... but listen... Next time she's juggling the baby, dog, and your fresh pressed juice you'll be thanking me for showing you this is the perfect little #fanny.

POLAROID 250 LAND CAMERA

You can buy and choose from an assortment of cool instant cameras and gear at Urban Outfitters like the Fujifilm Instax 210 Wide Format Instant Camera OR you could look online for a Polaroid 250 Land Camera. Choose one that has been AAA battery tested, has an updated battery holder, and comes with the user's manual. Either way, you can get really creative and put together a little book of polaroids for her! (and yes, this may take a little work... but if you can find one they are amazing. And please remember that your mother carried you for 9 months so it's sort of the least you could do. KIDDING) #WorthIt

SLEEVELESS NIGHTIE by THE SLEEP SHIRT

Sleeping Beauty. This sweet night shirt is great for the mom-to-be! If you order now they will include a free sleep mask #Zzzzzzzz

BOTTEGA LOUIE MACARON SET

You can customize your own box and shop the online gourmet market to choose from their extensive selection of sweet and savory products. The packaging is so lovely, and so are the treats! #LetThemEatCake

"901 TOO" ONE STOP BEAUTY LOUNGE

"901 too" is the best invention. It's a one-stop-shop for blowouts, braids, make-up, nails, lashes, and tanning. They offer online booking, and quality control is their specialty. Great for a little pampering, a special night out, or a weekly pick-me-up. Call and ask about the monthly membership. #ReadyToGo

THE SOOTHING LAVENDER CRATE from WILLIAMS-SONOMA

The pretty wooden crate includes a culinary-grade lavender plant, all-natural bath tea, soap and candle. My mom LOVES lavender, so this gift suggestion is made in her honor! #Janet

MINI KANTHA FUZZ QUILT by HEAD REGAL

The perfect, cozy, movie room throw. Vintage kantha on one side, luxurious fuzz on the other. Each blanket is one of a kind, made out of 5-7 layers of 1970's vintage saris, and has been hand stitched. #Cuddle

ONEHOPE "PINOT FOR PAWS" Gift Set

The gift that gives back! For each bottle of wine or bag of coffee sold, ONEHOPE is making a social impact by donating HALF of the profits to one of their 16 partner causes. Choose a cause that is close to your mom's heart, or surprise her with a club membership! #Sip&Give

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL OILS by AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES

Bring the spa to mom wherever she goes! These pure and natural oils will help relax, revive, and rest her system. #Breathe

OSMI uPHORIA FOOT & CALF MASSAGER via BROOKSTONE

This is literally one of the greatest inventions on the planet. Well, at least that's how she will feel after a long day on her feet! It's like having a personal masseuse, only you get to read and eat chocolate at the same time. #Footsie

BOOKS AND ART by DALLAS CLAYTON

My son and I love Dallas Clayton's art and stories. They inspire us, make us smile, make us happy, and most of all, remind us that anything is possible. #DreamBig

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Thanks Beth!! xoxo!!