MAKE YOUR OWN PARTY HATS

FUROSHIKI

Furoshiki (風呂敷, furoshiki) are a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that were frequently used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods.

Two of my favorite ways of using Furoshiki wrapping is to first start with a beautiful square piece of vintage fabric or a large silk scarf (approximately 105cm in size)... to make either

-Eco-friendly shopping bag

- Hostess Gift: Two Wine Bottles beautifully wrapped

Etiquette

DO YOU ASK IF YOU CAN BRING A DATE?

OR JUST SHOW UP WITH ONE?

For a dinner party, showing up with a date would be a problem. If it's just drinks, I don't think it's such a bad thing.

Bottega Louie

700 S. Grand Street

Los Angeles, CA 90015

tel: 1.213.805.1470

www.bottegalouie.com

Ice Cream Sandwich

complete tutorial

SOOTHING EYE GEL

This is so easy and inexpensive to make and works wonderfully for "morning-after eyes.

Ingredients

2-ounces Aloe Vera Gel (health food store)

1/4 cucumber, washed, unpeeled and cut into cubes

Preparation

Step one: Place the cucumber in your food processor or blender and blend until it's liquid. Step two: Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a glass-measuring jug. Step three Place the aloe gel in a small bowl and add 1 tbsp of the cucumber juice. Blend well and use a funnel to pour into the bottle. Shake gently and place in fridge to chill before using.

Yields: approx 2-ounces of gel

Application: Shake gentle before using. Apply under and around eyes when needed

Storage: 2-ounce bottle with pump dispenser, in the fridge

Shelf Life: 3 months

MINI SALAMI PUFF SANDWICHES

Serves 6Hands-On Time: 15mTotal Time: 35m

Ingredients

• 2 8-ounce sheets of frozen puff pastry (thawed)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers cut into small pieces
• Dijon mustard
• 6 ounces thinly sliced salami
• 1 cup lettuce

Directions

Heat oven to 375° F.

Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut circles from pastry sheets and place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake until golden brown, about 18 minutes.

Using your fingers, split each puff in half. Spread the bottom halves with mustard and top with thinly sliced salami, lettuce, peppers, and the top halves of the puffs.

Recipe via Real Simple

via www.birthdaygirlblog.com

via www.birthdaygirlblog.com

via www.ourblogoflove.com

via the craft dept

Etiquette

AFTERWARD, SHOULD YOU CALL OR WRITE A NOTE? WHAT ABOUT E-MAIL?

It's best to write a personal thank-you note. It's kind of a lost art and a real measure of graciousness. Even if it's just a few words: Thanks for the fantastic evening. Let me return the favor one day soon. Cheers. It's a class act. E-mail is fine but not as nice as sending a note.

Via Outstanding in the field

BASIL GIMLET

Yield: Makes 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large bunch basil, coarsely chopped
• Ice
• 6 tablespoons gin
• 4 tablespoons lime juice
• undBasil sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Make basil syrup: In a large microwave-safe measuring cup, combine sugar, 3/4 cup water, and basil.

2. Microwave on high until sugar dissolves, 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Let basil steep in syrup 20 to 30 minutes, then strain (you'll have enough syrup for 4 drinks).

4. Fill 2 highball glasses with ice. Into each glass, pour 3 tbsp. gin, 4 tbsp. basil syrup, and 2 tbsp. lime juice. Stir and serve, garnished with basil sprigs.

Time: 5 minutes, plus 20 minutes to steep. Move over, mint: Basil's spicy flavor puts a fresh spin on the traditional gimlet. Make the syrup before guests arrive—it keeps up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Tip: Add lemon juice and chilled water to the leftover syrup and serve over ice for basil lemonade.

recipe via sunset

One of my dreams in life is to own a black and white photo booth, for the entryway of my home. I absolutely adore photo booths.

www.photobooth.net