Valentine's Day DIY Ladies Night

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What better way to get in the Valentine's Day mood, than sipping champagne and mingling with your girlfriends for a fun do-it-yourself candle making bash?!

Shop my look: Dress by Alexis Odette Dress, Shoes by Aquazzara

This past week, one of my good friends and fellow DIY'er Melanie, owner of Petit Elephant NYC, and I hosted a fabulous and over the top Valentine's Day themed event. The ladies were treated to a delicious champagne punch with strawberry and raspberry infused ice cubes, a chocolate fountain and of course champagne jello shots in the shape of hearts. Some of the event features were a "Kiss Me Wall", photo booth using the InstaX Mini 8 camera for instant pictures as well as adorable Valentine's Day Themed props!  An incredible raffle sponsored by Glam Squad which is having a special promo right now $25 off your first booking using code GLAMLOVE25, Jeff Lake Camp, Current Fitness, CleoNYC Chloe and Isabel and of course Petit Elephant! 

However, the biggest focus of the night was on the fun DIY craft that I put together; candle making! I created two super sentual choice for the ladies to choose from. The first scent was a mix of citrus notes and was cleverly called Love Spell, the second option was a seductive sweet chocolate scent. I used essential oils that are safe for the skin. The candle wax is made from all natural soy and can be used as massage oil when melted. How perfect, right?!

First, the ladies decorated their candle tin with crystals and personal touches that Melanie and I carefully arranged at each place setting including labels that they could write a personal message on, or simply a "Made With Love" label.  I then went around the tables and taught the ladies one-on-one, how to set up the candle wick to get it ready for the wax to be poured. Once they completed this, they came to the kitchen where I had the hot candle wax in the two enticing scents. I explained to our guests, as they decided over their scents, how the wax is melted and what it looks like pre-heated. I explained how I prefer to use soy wax chips because I like the way they melt quickly and it makes my job super easy! I stressed the importance of safety during candle making through-out the demo. I used a double boiler to prevent over-heating the wax which could catch on fire if left over direct heat. I also, showed them how I used a thermometer to monitor the heat of the wax. The wax should always be poured at a temperature of approximately 130-150 degrees. 

I love crafting, but not everyone shares this same interest. Seeing the look of joy and accomplishment on their faces when there were done is so empowering. I love showing how easy many DIY projects can be, and also how fun!

The night finished with our lucky raffle winners being chosen. However, no one went home empty handed along with their DIY candle, the woman personally selected a piece of lingerie from the La Mariee Lingerie Sample sale.

For more information on this event, please contact me or leave a comment below.

Check out more photos from the event!

Chic Chef: Garlic & Herb Pressed Chicken & Tips on Elegant Table Decor

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Today, Joanna is serving up more than an amazing dinner dish idea. Although, yes, she's doing that too... 

Every time I have dinner at their apartment, I leave always wanting to know how she pulled that off! Two busy kids, two dogs and she still manages to make the most delicious meals and have fresh flowers!! So, for all of you out there wondering the same thing, I've asked her how she does it; make my mouth drop and water all at the same time. 

Here's how she likes to make a lasting impression.. as if her cooking isn't enough!

"I pretty much use this table setting all the time with the variation of flowers and candles. For the most formal or informal gatherings I like to keep it simple. I love the natural and warm look of the rattan place matts against the Italian China. I rarely ever use table cloths, but always use really nice pressed napkins. It makes a huge difference, when they are nicely pressed." - Joanna Moeller 

"I make this dish quite often when I'm entertaining. It's versatile, ( you can always alter the recipe with whatever herbs or veggies you have on hand),  easy to make (since its all in one pan!) and everyone loves it!" - Joanna Moeller

Ingredients: 

  • 4 large bone in and skin on organic chicken breasts cut each breast in half so that you have 8 pieces.
  • a bag of baby Yukon gold potatoes cut into 3rds
  • 5 shallots cut in halves
  • 10-12 pieces of frozen (thawed) quartered artichoke hearts 
  • 2 lemons

Marinade mixture:

  • 4 cloves garlic 
  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary 
  • 3 sprigs fresh oregano
  • the zest of one fresh lemon
  • 2 tbs lemon pepper seasoning
  • about 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • salt to taste 
  • a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Preheat oven to 425 Degrees
  1. Start by either in a food processor or chopping by hand, the garlic and the herbs. Add in the lemon pepper seasoning, fresh lemon zest, olive oil , a squeeze of one whole lemon and plenty of salt. 
     
  2. Rub all over washed and completely dried chicken pieces and marinade for up to 2 hrs. (if you dot have time to marinate, this dish comes out just fine!)
     
  3. In a large skillet such as a cast iron, add a little olive oil to the pan on medium high, wait for pan to get nice and hot, arrange your chicken pieces skin side down. Put another heavier pot directly on top of the chicken so that it is pressed down. Be patient and let the chicken get lots of color before turning. This should take about 8 min. Once the chicken is very brown and crispy turn over and press again but only for about 4 min. 
     
  4. Remove chicken and put aside. 
     
  5. Add Potatoes and shallots to the pan season with salt and pepper. 
     
  6. Cook on medium high heat until potatoes and shallots are caramelized.
     
  7. Add the thawed artichoke hearts and cook for a few more min.
     
  8. Squeeze the juice of one whole lemon on the potato mixture. 
     
  9. Add the Chicken and Juices to the pan and put into the oven for about 25 min. Until the potatoes are tender.
     
  10. Finish the dish with more fresh lemon juice

**I love serving a nice big green salad along with this dish and dinner is done**

Family Movie Night

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Do's - 

1. Pick a movie everyone will enjoy - If this becomes a battle amongst the kids try picking a few choices and then rotating who chooses or having them choose together earlier that day so they aren't fighting over the movie right before you are ready to start. 

2. Try the classics - Show them movies that you loved as a child!

3. Set the stage - Make the atmosphere conducive to watching a movie. Make it special and fun! Try getting extra large pillows and blankets so everyone can cuddle up and enjoy!

4. Popcorn, candy and drinks - We always have popcorn, candy and drinks which makes it feel like a real movie. See my post under DIY popcorn party for tips on candy for the kids!

5. Make it a bonding experience - Who does't love to cuddle with the kids. Make it a special and memorable time. It's not just movie night; its a time you are all together relaxing as a family. And thats pretty cool. 

Don'ts-

1. Try not to pick movies that may bore the kids. If they lose interest, movie night is over :( So let them weigh in.

2. Don't expect the kids to sit and watch a movie if they have been in all day. Try getting them out for a long walk or park time before the movie so they are eager to sit and relax. 

3. Candy- Giving the kids too much candy at night can be bad for everyone. The sugar rush won't help the littles sit still either. I'm not saying don't offer candy but just be aware of how much they consume!!