Star's Favorite Things: Spruce Up Your Tailgate!

The time has come to bid farewell to our bikinis and flip flops and replace them with scarves and boots.  Today marks the first day of fall and with fall comes football.  I'm not so much a fan of football, but I love a good tailgate!  Especially when it is filled with gourmet food options, unique beverages and adorable decor.  Football season is already in full swing so I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite tailgate pics.  They put a fun spin on traditional tailgate fare, and will make your tailgate unique and just a little bit chic! :)

1. 1. This ice chest will keep your drinks as cold as the basic plastic ones, its just so much cuter! -  Peterboro Basket Co. 
2. 2. Package napkins and utensils in these adorable little chevron paper bags.  Brown and white would be cute (the colors of a football) or use your team's colors! - Etsy shop Cherished Blessings 
3. 3. If you are not a beer drinker, you can still sip your wine in (unbreakable) style :) -  Pinterest 
4. 4. I'f you'll be barbecuing at your tailgate, I don't think any other grill will do.  This one is both adorable and functional! -  Strauss Inovation 
5. 5. My love affair with paper straws has not ended (see previous post).  They come in every color so it is easy to match them with your team colors. - Etsy shop The Simply Chic Shop 
6. 6. No tailgate is complete without Cornhole.  It quick to set up and can easily be played with a few drinks in you :)  Love this retro design! -  Gifts.com 
7. 7. Keep those brewskies cold with these cute personalized koozies. - Etsy shop Happy Thoughts Gifts 
8. 8. I love these football cupcake toppers!  They'd also look great topping pigs in a blanket, potato skins, or any other tailgate delight.  - Etsy shop Cute and Useful

Beer is generally the drink of choice at a tailgate so you want to make sure you have plenty of it on hand.  In addition to a variety of frosty bottles, consider mixing up a signature "beer cocktail" as well. Virtue Feed & Grain in Alexandria VA serves up this delicious beer cocktail.  Its a masculine cocktail with a touch of sweetness for the lovely ladies.  With the little bit of maple syrup, it is the perfect fall beverage!

Photo courtesy of Honest Cooking

Shock Me

1/4 cup brown ale beer

2 tbsp. bourbon

1 tsp. Southern Comfort

1 tsp. pure maple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. 

Gently stir for 10 seconds.  Strain into an Old Fashioned glass.  Makes 1 cocktail.

And for the perfect dessert - Blue Moon Cupcakes.  I shared this recipe last year, but I thought I'd mention it again because it is so delicious and perfect for a tailgate!  Click here for the recipe.

Lastly, I wanted to share the little surprise I made for my hubby on the night of his favorite team's (the San Diego Chargers) first game.  Inside was a new Chargers T-shirt.  He loved the gift and appreciated that although I am not into football, I still understand how excited he is that the season has started :)  Consider wrapping up a T-shrit or jersey for that football loving honey before a big game!

Happy tailgating!!

-Star

Star's Favorite Things: Vanilla and Toasted Coconut Limeade

It has been unbelievably hot lately which has me dreaming of turquoise waters, sand between my toes, and a refreshing drink in my hand.  Unfortunately, I don't have a tropical vacation planned so this past weekend I thought I'd create my own bit paradise in a glass: Vanilla and Toasted Coconut Limeade.  The combination of coconut and lime oozes exotic, tropical, summertime, yumminess!

The scent of this beverage is divine and the subtle creamy white of the coconut and the electric green of the lime look so pretty together.  My husband thought this drink was delicious but thought it would be even better with some tequila in it.  He ended up with a Vanilla and Toasted Coconut Margarita!  I must say the tequila was a nice addition.  I think it would also be pretty tasty with some coconut flavored rum.

This beverage is the perfect signature mocktail or cocktail for your summer wedding or soirée.  I chose to serve mine in little mason jars with glass straws but I think they would be adorable served with a vintage paper straw (a gray one would be adorable).  I adore vintage paper straws, for more on them check out this previous post.

Recipe 
Makes approximately 8 beverages

1 and 1/4 cup lime juice (about 10 limes), fresh squeezed
1 additional lime cut into lime wheels (for garnish)1 and 1/4 cup sweet coconut flakes, packed
2 and 1/2 cups hot water
2 cups coconut water 
1/3 cup agave nectar
1/2 vanilla bean, scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla paste)

Instructions 

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Lightly toast the coconut on a baking sheet, thinly spread out, for about 5-7 minutes, stirring once halfway through.  Reserve 1/4 cup of the toasted coconut to garnish your drinks.  Juice the limes and pour the lime juice into a pitcher.  Put about half the used lime halves into a bowl, along with the coconut and vanilla bean (or vanilla paste), and cover with 2 cups of hot water.  Let it sit for about 5 minutes.  Remove the limes and let the coconut, vanilla bean, and water stand for another 5-10 minutes.  

Strain the coconut and vanilla mixture into the pitcher with lime juice.  Discard the coconut and vanilla bean.

Add the coconut water and agave (adding more or less agave to taste).  Stir until incorporated. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.  Give the limeade a quick stir before serving.  Serve over ice and garnish with the reserved toasted coconut and a lime wheel.  Feel free to add tequila, rum, or vodka to this delicious beverage :)

Recipe adapted from The Kitchy Kitchen

Enjoy,

Star

Star's Favorite Things: Pink Champagne Cake

Today I'd like to share with you one of my new favorite recipes: Pink Champagne Cake.  This cake has quickly become one the most delicious and beautiful cakes I've ever had... I don't know if it is the light fluffy texture, the beautiful pink color, or the amazing aroma with just a hint of Champagne. This beautiful cake is It is both elegant and unexpected.  Any way you slice it, Pink Champagne Cake is the perfect dessert for a bridal shower, anniversary, Valentine's Day or New Year's Eve!

Photo courtesy of Booze Cakes by Krystina Castella and Terry Lee Stone

This recipe comes from the book "Booze Cakes" by Krystina Castell and Terry Lee Stone which was given to me by a friend for my last birthday.  This fun book is filled with unique dessert recipes and "booze" is incorporate in every single one!  Who knew the hard stuff could liven up so many different baked goods!?!

Photo courtesy of Booze Cakes by Krystina Castella and Terry Lee Stone

You can buy this book on Amazon

Each recipe incorporates a different type of alcohol to create a mouth watering dessert... from Tipsy Tiramisu, to Strawberry Daiquiri Shortcakes, to Blue Hawaii Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes to Rum-and-Coke Whoopie Pies!  ... But, the Pink Champagne Cake happens to be my favorite! According to the authors of the book, "Traditionally, a Champagne Cake is a white cake layered with rum, Bavarian or whipped cream filling, pink buttercream icing - and not an ounce of Champagne! This recipe lightens the crumb by including a splash of bubbly".  

Champagne is appropriate at any celebration, whether in a glass or in a cake!  This is a recipe you must try (with a glass of Champagne in your hand of course)!

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

PINK CHAMPAGNE CAKE

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup (2 American sticks) unsalted butter

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

6 egg whites

A few drops of red food coloring (the cake doesn't appear to be colored in the photo, so I would consider this to be optional)

2 cups Champagne

PINK CHAMPAGNE FROSTING

3/4 cup (1-1/2 American sticks) unsalted butter

4 cups confectioners' (icing) sugar

1/2 cup Champagne

1/4 cup whole milk

1 Tblsp. vanilla extract

A few drops of red food coloring

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350 F/ 180 C.  Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.  In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar 3-5 minutes, or until light and fluffy.  Add vanilla and beat in egg whites one at a time.
• Mix in food coloring.  Beat in flour mixture and Champagne in three alternating additions, starting and ending with flour to prevent curdling.  Pour batter into pans and bake 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
• For the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat butter 1 minute.  Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, Champagne, milk, vanilla, and food coloring; beat until smooth and creamy.
• Once cake has cooled completely, place bottom layer on a cake plate and spread half the frosting over the top.  Add top layer and cover with frosting. 

Happy Baking,

Star

Star's Inspirations: Vintage Paper Straws

Vintage paper straws continue to become more and more popular and are oh so sweet.  Cheerful and reminiscent of the happy days of childhood, paper straws are a playful addition to a wedding, shower, or party.  They come in a variety of solids and patterns (the stripes are my favorite) which makes incorporating wedding/party colors a snap!  The straws are adorable alone, but can also be dressed up with little tags and paper embellishments.  Tags can be personalized with the Bride and Groom's or guest of honor's name(s) or initials, wedding date or favorite quote.  Since they are made of paper, a simple dab of glue can adhere almost any paper decoration to the straw.  Perfect for the DIY bride or hostess!

Photo courtesy of Koyal Wholesale

Using various types of glassware from champagne glasses, to shot glasses to glass bottles, these paper straws add individuality and are a great way to serve signature cocktails!

Photo courtesy of Pizzazzerie

Photo courtesy of Heart Love Weddings

Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Taylor Photography

We love placing the paper straws in mason jars, it's just a darling accent - so rustic yet chic!

Photo courtesy of Musings of a Mrs.

Photo courtesy of Thoughtfully Simple

Photo courtesy of Modern Palm blog

Photo courtesy of Love and Lavender

Using a neutral color like gray makes the look both elegant yet playful.

Photo courtesy of Meredith Perdue

What a great way to gussy up a late night snack of milk and cookies!

Photo courtesy of One Single Voice

Vintage paper straws are even cool for the guys, when filled with a manly cocktail of course!

Photo courtesy of Once Wed

Photo courtesy of 100 Layer Cake

And just for fun...

Photo courtesy of Etsy shop Little Retreats

The possibilities are endless...

xoxo, Star

Photo courtesy of Etsy shop Loralee Lewis

Star's Favorite Things: Holiday Cocktail "Eggnog-Arita"

Hello everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying precious time with family and friends.  Well, it's Black Friday and after all that shopping I bet you could use a cocktail!  I know I sure could, but that is something I’ll have to skip until the bun is out of the oven.  As I’ve mentioned, I subscribe to a number of food magazines and although they all have listed recipes for holiday cocktails, one in particular caught my eye.  Food Network Magazine’s “Eggnog-Arita” created by Elizabeth Falkner.  Out of the entire bunch, this is the one I really wish I could try!  I love homemade Egg Nog (not the stuff from a carton), the real thing!  This looks like an amazing recipe for a twist on the old classic, and oh so pretty.  Please try this holiday cocktail and let me know how it is so I can live vicariously through you J

Photo courtesy of Food Network

EGGNOG-ARITAS

MAKES: 8 drinks

FOR THE CREAM ANGLAISE

2 cups half-and-half

½ whole nutmeg, crushed with a heavy pan

1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped out

6 large egg yolks

½ cup sugar

FOR THE COCKTAILS

½ cup sugar

½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

2 ounces brandy

2 ounces rum

2 ounces burbon

1.     Make the crème anglaise: Combine the half-and-half, crushed nutmeg, and vanilla pod and seeds in a medium saucepan and bring just to a boil over medium heat.  Remove the heat and let steep 5 minutes.

2.     Wisk the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl.  Slowly whisk in the warm half-and-half mixture, then pour the egg mixture into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the crème anglaise just begins to thicken, about 10 minutes.  Strain and refrigerate until cold, about 4 hours.

3.     Make the cocktails: Combine the sugar and grated nutmeg on a plate.  Dip the rims of 8 cocktails in water, then the sugar mixture.  Combine half each the crème anglaise, brandy, rum and bourbon in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake well and strain into 4 glasses.  Repeat to make 4 more cocktails.

  

      Happy Holidays,

                Star

Festive Fridays: Play A Little with JAQK Cellars!

I'm jumping out of my seat to share with you today's Festive Friday! While most of the festivity on Friday's with this series are dedicated to fun, playful photos, today's post is all about WINE! But not just any wine... fun wine!


If you don't know already, I love wine, especially good wine. Over the past year I've had the pleasure of sampling a series of varietals from my new favorite winery, JAQK Cellars.

What's great about JAQK Cellars is not just how amazing the wine tastes but also how beautiful their bottles are. As a designer, I'm impressed by great design and totally awesome branding too. What's so fabulous about this new wine company is they really have it all. Even the stories behind the bottles are exciting.


I recently had the pleasure of arranging a private tasting with a couple colleagues and learned so many new things about JAQK Cellars that I'm excited to share today.

JAQK Cellars has a playful perspective on the finer things in life but also a work hard-play hard mentality. They support pursuing your passion and preach that work is not work when you love what you do. This is the epitome of how I run Sterling Engagements and when I learned this it really resonated inside me… How fun is that? This is why the JAQK Cellars motto is “ Play A Little” . Smart right? They even have an uber fun wine club called The Society of the Tipsy King!


I also love what the JAQK in the name stands for too. Jack, Ace, Queen King! This is so clever to match the “Play A Little” motto with the rulers of playing cards. Even further with uniquely designed and of course playful bottles!

Lastly, I adore how much of the designs on the bottles and meaning behind them center on luck. People often underestimate the power of luck and what it can do for you. JAQK embraces it, entertains you with stories about it through their bottle names and somewhat makes you feel lucky even while drinking a glass!


The wine was delightful before I ever learned any of the wineries background, after knowing what I know, I'm even more intrigued. Check out their website and you will be too! JAQK would be the perfect luxurious wine to serve at your next wedding, corporate or social event. Even better they have these super fun and festive gift sets that are a great gift to give anyone. My favorites are the High Roller, Black Clover and Charmed bottles.


If I didn't tell you enough above about how much I'm loving JAQK Cellars, you can always visit their site, fan their facebook or even follow them on twitter. Our good friend David Dees who lead our tasting is currently on a 6-week road trip spreading the word and and you can see where they'll be popping up next!

Happy Friday!

Spring Break Fever: Spicy Cocktails to Kick-Up your Celebration

Hello Darlings! Since today officially kicks off the first day of Spring Break for so many of you out here, I'm posting a few tasty cocktail recipes in honor of the fabulous week of fun that so many are about to embark on.

Red Cedar Sunset

Ingredients
2 oz. orange juice
4 oz. champagne
3/4 oz. grenadine

How to Make It
Pour orange juice, then champagne into a chilled champagne glass.
Gently drizzle grenadine into glass.


















We found this recipe on The Knot but it actually came courtesy of Natalie Bovis-Nelsen/TheLiquidMuse.com

This next drink is just perfect for watching the final four in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. A shandy is a British cocktail that combines beer and lemonade. This is the perfect combo if your not the biggest beer fan but still would like to drink beer with the guys!

Ginger Shandies

Ingredients
Three 11.2 ounce bottles of chilled Hoegaarden beer
One 12-ounce bottle chilled ginger beer
1 thinly sliced lemon
Mint springs, for garnish

How to Make It
In a large pitcher, combine the Hoegaarden with the ginger beer. Stir in most of the lemon slices and mint springs.
Fill 6 rocks glasses with ice. Add the remaining lemon slices to the glasses and pour in the shandy. Garnish each drink with a mint sprig and serve.















We found this recipe on Yum Sugar, but it's actually courtesy of Food & Wine.


POM Springs

Ingredients
2 oz. Pomegranate Peach Passion White POM Tea
1 oz. light rum
1 oz. Myer's Dark Rum
1 1/2 oz. cranberry juice cocktail
1 1/2 oz. fresh orange juice

Garnish
slices of orange, lime and peach

How to Make It
Assemble all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a goblet or tall glass over ice. Garnish with orange, lime and peach slices.
















We found this recipe on the Pom Wonderful website.

Happy Mixing!