Citrus Blues

Back in late spring, I worked with the talented photographer  David M. Bailey and model Alexis Cristianne to create an editorial for an online magazine publication. 

Our goal was to create two of my favorite passions

(makeup + citrus)

 into an eye catching look for an evening affair. 

I referred to it as the

"Citrus Blues". 

 Yves St. Laurent's Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara in Deep Night created the perfect flutter of lashes around Alexis' hazel eyes. 

I love bringing the look from the lashes to legs with these orange stilettos.

Alexis is THE MUSE in my life! 

Her character and intelligence inspires me often, and hello..... just look at her, she is stunning!!

*Thank you David M. Bailey and Alexis Cristianne for being such an amazing creative team to work with. 

Playing at the dinner table

I love these shots of Ikea dishware.

I appreciate the cleanliness and sleekness of these images. 

 Makes me want to arrange all of my dishware in a fun,abstract way in my studio!

Behind the Scenes:Child Models

Sometimes, you just don't know what will happen when  you throw a kid out on set.  It can go surprisingly well, or completely the opposite.   I tend to get pretty lucky,  but sometimes I have to bring out all of my magic tricks when things.... well, to say the least.... not go as planned.  

Here are some fun shots my photographers have captured while on set.

Not planned :)

 Drawing a truck on the floor to keep this little 2 year old in one place.

 Sometimes, you just have to pick a kid up and put them where they need to be. 

The "kid" isn't always the only "kid" on set at times.

last-of-the-summer innocense

Came across Babiekins Magazine through the ever-amazing Pinterest site and absolutely fell in L.O.V.E!

www.babiekinsmag.com

 Here is a little last-of-the-summer innocence for your Friday.

My television-self

My life seems to be in a huge transition these days.

Since I have been called "Carrie" quite a bit lately..... I felt as though I would turn to her for inspiration on feeling good about the decisions I am making with my life. 

This is truly fitting, like, scary-fitting....  like, I really did this. ;)

heavenly weekend.

This to me, is a heavenly weekend morning. 

Awwwww........

Happy (last minute) Summer Entertaining!

Today we have decided to throw a small little get together for the 4th of July, tomorrow.  As a well-heeled hostess, I am a panicked because I am so not prepared.  

Taking a step back (and a few deep breaths) I remember "It does not have to be expensive, nor time consuming to plan a party for 6!" 

Here are a few party must haves to bring the quality up a notch when you just don't have the time to say..... create an entire spread.

Pellegrino makes your basic glass of ice water want to jump right back into the faucet.  The experience of a nice bottle pouring out a sparkling water takes it up a notch.  Trader Joes has the best priced bottles.  $1.59 for the larger bottle!  I always pick one or 2 up when I do my shopping there, just to have on hand. 

Gourmet Cheeses are an easy way to get people to think you put a whole lot of time into the planning.  Since the 4th of July is recognizably a true summer holiday, why not barbecue cheese!   Grilled Brie is amazing!   Add a sprig of rosemary and wrap it in foil and toss it on the BBQ! I did this last summer on the campfire and it was so good! Add bread or green apples to dip!  Here are the easy deets on how to barbecue brie!  

 http://www.dairygoodness.ca/recipes/bbq-brie-fondue 

Bread and Dippings always are a hit at a gathering.  My favorite is a Rosemary Sourdough with olive oil & balsamic vinegar.   We always have olive oil and vinegar on hand, so a small loaf of bread will be an easy $5!  Warm bread wrapped in a white cloth napkin makes it feel special and oh-so-fancy!  

Veggie or Meats as mini appetizers are a must.  For tomorrow, I think I may just do some skewers.  An entire skewer of sliced red potatoes is gorgeous and super easy.  Shrimp with pineapple and red peppers are delish too!   One pack of skewers will get you so far for so cheap.  Everyone enjoys finger foods! 

Frozen desserts are easy to make look nice.  I love the bon bons from Trader Joes in the freezer section (12 for $5)! 1-2 of these on small white square dessert plates with a berry and a mint leaf could be so beautiful, and so inexpensive.  The simplicity of this dessert is gratifying enough!

I never use paper napkins for any-sized party.  I have acquired white restaurant style napkins from thrift stores throughout the years that come in handy.   It just feels nicer and people really appreciate the experience of a cloth napkin rather than something that is just trashed after use.   

Now, to not forget adding some fresh florals so it doesn't look like you were not expecting company.  Going with the low-budge entertaining......I think I will just do red and white carnations.  These flowers can look very cliche and tacky so I'll be sure to spruce them up by some fabulous arrangements and vessles. 

Happy 4th of July entertaining!