A royal affair...

Well if you live on earth you know today was that beautiful wedding of Price William & Kate Middleton. From the custom made Alexander McQueen bridal gown to the Irish Uniforms it was breathtaking. Actually I think most Americans find it fascinating, the whole idea of royalty. In America our royalty is Brad & Angelina. lol 

I luckily live on a Island where weddings are a BIG deal. There are amazing floral arrangements at the church and every reception table, light shows, bands & DJ's, cocktails flying. A normal wedding around here is about $50,000. So are you getting married this summer, engaged or just dreaming of your big day?

Here a some of my favorite trends & DIY money savers. 

If you have the time and help of friends and family try to do a DIY project for your wedding. Whether it be the favors or invitations, the little handmade details make a difference.

Instead of gathering all your pictures in a frame or white foam board think of different fun ways you can display them. I like this idea of pining them up on a line, plus you don't ruin the pictures.

Items like these miniature lollipops and tin buckets can be found on craft websites in bulk for super cheap.

A little ribbon & hot glue and you have yourself some treats for your guests.

Who doesn't like wine! Save, buy or ask a local restaurant to save you there corks and make these illuminating candles to put on each table.

This is my favorite because its the most personalized and its my field of work.

If your computer savvy, custom beer/wine labels or even small signs to put around your wedding are a sweet touch.

As like the last.. this is another favorite. You'll need to spend more of your budget on table numbers and seating cards OR your venue will supply them. (but usually boring and generic) Why not make your own!?

Bathroom Makeover Before

Currently renting an apartment & the bathroom was in desperate need of a facelift. 

Since I am renting,buying new fixtures would be a waste of money but I made the best of it. My bathroom was also very small with little storage space.

With a little paint, a few trips to Home Goods & Bed Bath & Beyond...it looks like a totally different bathroom. Might I mention it cost under $300!!

Check out the before pictures and stay tuned for the after reveal!

Blue Monday.

The day after a holiday is hard to function never mind it being a Monday and every ones back to work. I have a case of the Monday Blues! So I decided to turn it into something pretty & inspirational. Check out how you can use this bold color in your life.

Anywhere!

Your favorite blue nail polish shade.

Your blue statement piece!

Bring the blue sky inside!

Favorite Friday Items!

So every Friday I'm going to share with you my obsessions for the week. 

Feel free to add yours! Happy Friday everyone.

Don't forget to "follow" videos coming soon!

Amazing!

Best chapstick I have ever used! Lasts forever!

I was crying!

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

I don't know how they do it!

Spinach Taco Salad

This is one of my favorite weekly dishes to make. 

When I was a little girl my dad would make nachos for dinner all the time, this is my healthier twist on it.

Its a quick meal that only cost about $20 & will serve up to 4 people.

Groceries:

Chop Meat 

(prefer 90%/10% but whatever you can get)

Sorrento Mexican Cheese

1 Packet of Taco Seasoning

Tostitos chips

1 Bag of dried spinach leaves

3 Large Tomato's

2 Scallions

Cooking Supplies:

Frying pan, Cooking sheet & Non-stick aluminum foil (lifesaver)

Pre-Heat oven to 350.

Step 1. 

Brown the chop meat. I like to add a little Wisticher Sauce (say that 5 times fast)

to the meat before its cooked.

Step 2. 

Drain the excess liquids from your pan in a jar. Don't want to put grease down the drain.

Step 3. 

Add Taco seasoning & half a cup of water. Set to boil then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. 

(cooking directions will be on the back of the seasoning for you.)

Keep stirring until thickened & put off to the side.

Step 4. 

While your meat is simmering or off to the side, cut up your tomatoes & scallions.

Step 5. 

Its all about layering. Get out your cooking sheet and cover it in non-stick aluminum foil. 

This will make the clean up a breeze! Break open your Tostitos and lightly layer the pan with chips. Break some up if they seem to big.

Step 6. 

Scatter half of the meat over the on top of the chips. 

Step 7.

Then grab your cheese and cover the meat. You will end up using half the bag.

Step 8.

Repeat. 

Chips, the rest of the meat & cheese. 

Now you have some nice layers so every bite will get all the flavor.

Step 9.

 Put your pan in the over for about 10 minutes or just until cheese is melted.

Step 10.

Grab a bowl you choose to eat out of. Cover the bottom with spinach & tomatoes. 

Add your prepared taco mixture.

Top that with more spinach, tomatoes, scallions, salsa, guacamole, whatever your fancy.

*Have fun with it. You can add refried beans, rice, sour cream....go crazy!

Its a delish, quick, healthy & cheap meal!

Comment if you have any questions or of you make this dish.

Don't forget to follow this blog for more great ideas! 

SummerTIME!

So finally its going to be 62 degrees and sunny today! Spring is finally poking it's head out from under the freezing soil. In celebration of this beautiful Thursday morning I thought I would skip ahead to summer. I day dream of laying on the beach soaking up the sun. 

Lets see what the TOP 10 Beaches are in the USA and maybe there is one close enough to you that you can enjoy! 

1. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii 

2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida 

3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York

(now I have to go)

4. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

5. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii

6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York

(what have I been missing out on)

7. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina

8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne,Florida

9. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod,Massachusetts

10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island,South Carolina

Creepy or Beautiful?

I have been following the work of this photographer for years & thought i would share. He's work gears towards the....abandoned.

All the places that he photographers are lost souls. These abandoned hospitals, jails, movie theaters and amusement parks are all beautiful reminders of what once was. Some abandoned due to economic fail or weathers wrath there all quit amazingly beautiful. Check some out. 

This ones for my fellow Long Islanders. CREEPY!

Check out more or search your state, from our friends at http://www.opacity.us