Friday Funday: The Loverly First Look Event at The Washbow

Posted on February 6, 2015 by BeautyFrosting

Oh, how I LOVE surprises!

This is the one! Eva Franco for Loverly

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the most precious, pretty girls brunch with a first look preview of the new Eva Franco for Loverly Collection at The Washbow, hosted by Be Inspired PR.

Eva Franco For Loverly

These dresses! I mean…can spring just come already?

A rainbow of dresses to match the cake you'll see later...

Besides darling dresses for your bridesmaids, showers or award season, the party itself was a stunner!

With Valorie Darling of Skinny Fat Girl Diary

Charming party rentals with tons of personality like this pink bar from Archive Rentals!

Charming party rentals like this bar from Archive Rentals! (I WANT!! Too bad there's no room in my house!)

Champagne & mimosa bar from One Hope Wine:

One Hope Wine hosted a sparkling champagne & DIY mimosa bar

Glam bar from GlamSquad. Just look how glam we look!

Thanks for the glomming, Glam Squad!

Delicious bites from 24 Carrots Catering. Helllloooo, glazed donut hole – and chicken nugget – sandwiches!

Donut hole and chicken nugget sandwiches! Say whaaa???

Rainbow cake from Beverly’s Best Bakery:

Pastel Rainbow Cake! And, y'all, it was one of the best cakes I've had in ages!!

Cakelet party favors from Beverly’s Best Bakery in assorted pastel rainbow colors:

The perfect take-home treat for a girl with a blog named BeautyFrosting

I got blue cake!

And LOTS of fun, laughter and good times with some of my favorite girlfriends!

Dawn and Jenn together again. Are y'all tired of pictures of us together yet?

Thanks for having us yesterday, Loverly & Leila Lewis!

xoxo,

BF Asks: Which would have been your favorite part of the party – the fashion, the festive decor, the furniture, the food or the fun?

Perfect For A Wedding: Bridal ‘Do Tutorials with Tresemmé and Penny Pincher Fashion

Posted on June 25, 2014 by BeautyFrosting

It’s simple, y’all.

Get the perfect wedding look for less with TRESemme and Penny Pincher Fashion.

Whether you’re going to a bridal shower, attending a wedding or participating as a bridesmaid, Penny Pincher Fashion and TRESemme show you how to get the perfect look for less with the help of Walmart.

Check out five hair tutorials – Pony Tail, Braided Crown, Sleek & Chic, Gatsby Glam, Modern Chignon – to find a look that fits you.

And they’re effortless for every day, too!

Perfect for a wedding with Penny Pincher Fashion

xoxo,

BF Asks: What ‘do would you do for a wedding?

*This is a sponsored post by Lunchbox Media. While products or compensation were provided, the words and opinions are all my own.

Saturday Social Hour: BHLDN Launch Party at Anthropologie in Beverly Hills

Posted on September 14, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

I should be the poster child for Anthropologie. Really. It’s become a joke with my stylish, fashionista friends that they don’t even need to ask who I’m wearing because it’s either from Anthropologie or it’s vintage. So when I was invited to attend the launch party/open house event of BHLDN‘s (pronounced Beholden) first west coast wedding shop at Anthropologie in Beverly Hills, there was nothing that could have kept me away.

Hosted by Late Afternoon and Eat.Sleep.Wear, this party was done right.

Beautiful blush butterflies at BHLDN at Anthropologie Beverly Hills - such whimsical elegance

With free-flowing champagne…

Champagne flowing at BHLDN...

Photo fun…

And oodles of luxurious bridal fashion

BHLDN Beverly Hills

accessories…

BHLDN Beverly Hills

and gifts…

Coveting this hanger at BHLDN Beverly Hills

The perfect wedding gift at BHLDN Beverly Hills - Mr. & Mrs. flatware!

I was in my element.

Plus, I got to see some good friends – and that is ALWAYS a plus!

My gorgeous friend, Roxy Limon in her to-die-for jumpsuit

BHLDN – with the style of sensibility of their Anthro days – is unique in that it scours the earth for fab finds that you might not find on your own. They travel the world in search of emerging designers, superior craftsmanship, and cultural significances which they find to be sublimely relevant. Choosing only products that delight and inspire them, their offerings include a thoughtfully edited collection of wedding dresses, bridesmaids’ frocks, accessories, sparkly baubles, meticulously crafted veils, show-stopping shoes and décor created for the bride who seeks something a bit different. Plus, their collection of party and event dresses is second to none. So float on over to BHLDN on the upper floor of Anthropologie Beverly Hills and see what slice of heaven you might find.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What’s your favorite wedding gift to give?

Easter Perfect Punch: BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch

Posted on March 28, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Yet again, it’s time for my favorite holiday!! EASTER!!!

Last year, my Blackberry Patch Punch was a HIT!!

BF & Blackberry Patch Punch - Easter 2012!

When I was preparing the menu for my Classic, Southern Easter dinner, I thought it would be so nice to have the perfect Easter punch. I looked online but there were no fitting recipes. See, when I think Easter, I think purple.
So I thought of blackberries and mint and, ta-dah, a new recipe was born.

Since I had adults, non-drinkers and children at my dinner, I kept it unspirited but added mixing options on the side. If you want a spirited version, I highly recommend making it a Bourbon Blackberry Patch Punch! Delish!

Tanya sipping her Blackberry Patch Punch

Try it and, as always, let me knw your results and thoughts!

xoxo,

BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch

64 oz. Trader Joes’ Blackberry Crush Juice

1 bottle Cost Plus World Market Blackberry Pomegranate Soda

1/2 gallon Limeade

2 – 2 Liter Ginger Ale

2 tbsp. Vanilla Extract

Blackberries & Mint Sprigs to garnish

Combine all in a punch bowl/pitcher/server.

Garnish mixed punch with mint and blackberries. Set aside some to garnish glasses.

Serve each glass with mint and blackberry

And, if a cocktail is desired, add a bottle of bourbon to the mix. Or, if entertaining all ages, put the bourbon, as an add-in, on the side.

Super easy, super lovely and super tasty in no time at all!

I’M LOVING…Moll Anderson’s Seductive Tables for Two

Posted on March 12, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

I’M LOVING… Seductive Tables For Two by Moll Anderson ($19.95)

I’ll warn you now. This is a love letter of a sort to Gracie Award-winning lifestyle & romance guru, Moll Anderson.

You may have seen her on The Doctors this past Thursday discussing how to brighten your home, brighten your mood and rev up your romantic life. But my Moll mania goes back a few years.

I originally found Moll while I was living in Nashville for 4 years. I was working at Woo Skincare & Cosmetics and every month would look forward to lobster mac & cheese for lunch while I would pore over Moll’s fabulous column in Nashville Lifestyles. Besides gaining a little weight with that indulgent lunch, I also gained some lifelong tips that I’ve never forgotten!

As you all may have gathered by now, I love hosting parties! So when I recently found this beautiful new book, through a fellow Moll fan & friend in Nashville, it quickly became my entertaining bible.

Why have I become such a Moll devotee? Moll delights in the decadent details and encourages her readers to work with what they’ve got – regardless of budget or time – to create magical moments. She even makes a coffee table an exotic escape! Whether you’re financially strapped or free to spend, Moll offers some clever suggestions about how to make the most of where you live and what you have, right now.

Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or married, you will be inspired by the tantalizing tablescapes, recipe rescues, terrific tips, and seductive suggestions.

While I’m a single gal at the moment, I have found her seductive taste, tips & tricks to be utterly lifesaving! And for those of you who are coupled out there, I love how Moll shows you how to make the most mundane Monday turn into a most romantic rendezvous.

From cover to cover, this book is filled with seductive tips!

Some of her top tips?

Creating a Decadent Details Guide, to always have on hand, with all of your favorite dishes, platters, table settings, recipes and more. It makes parties pretty in a pinch!
Keeping surprisingly fabulous, frozen croissants from Williams Sonoma in the fridge for impromptu breakfasts in bed
Her seductive recipes in the back with naughty & nice names!
Her Everyday to Gourmet section with some excellent “cheats” on how to take grocery store staples or takeout items and make them irresistibly delicious in no time!
Her formal & casual table setting guides with where to put what when
Her super-helpful Stemware guide that shows you what glass is for what!
And much, much more…

Great for the graduate or a must-have for the soon-to-be-married, I can’t say enough good things about this go-to guide! I have gifted it thrice now and the recipients have just raved. Thanks for putting this into the world, Moll! You are my entertaining, lifestyle & romance fairy godmother!

xoxo,
BF

Thirsty Thursday: BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch

Posted on August 30, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

: BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch

When I was thinking of the loveliest punch for Labor Day I immediately thought this! I originally tried it back at my Classic Southern Easter dinner and it was a huge hit!

Try it and, as always, let me knw your results and thoughts!

xoxo,

: BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch

BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch

64 oz. Trader Joes’ Blackberry Crush Juice

1 bottle Cost Plus World Market Blackberry Pomegranate Soda

1/2 gallon Limeade

2 – 2 Liter Ginger Ale

2 tbsp. Vanilla Extract

Blackberries & Mint Sprigs to garnish

Combine all in a punch bowl/pitcher/server.

Garnish mixed punch with mint and blackberries. Set aside some to garnish glasses.

Serve each glass with mint and blackberry

And, if a cocktail is desired, add a bottle of bourbon to the mix. Or, if entertaining all ages, put the bourbon, as an add-in, on the side.

: Tanya sipping BF’s Blackberry Patch Punch

Super easy, super lovely and super tasty in no time at all! Happy Labor Day weekend!
Stay safe and take care out there, lovely friends!

xoxo,
BF

BF QOD: An incredible act of hopefulness

Posted on June 14, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

BF QOD: An incredible act of hopefulness

“Getting married is an incredible act of hopefulness.”

(Ashley Judd)

As Jenny checks “Yes” today…

Posted on May 26, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Friends.

Friends make the memories that tell the story of our lives.

I am home this weekend, in Dallas, for one of my best friend’s weddings.

In milestone moments like these, memories flood my thoughts and leave me smiling.

Last night, while nightswimming (ask REM if it’s a verb), George Strait’s “Check Yes or No” came on my iPod.

It was too perfect. I always think of Jenny, the bride-to-be, blaring this song on her car stereo, in high school, when I hear this song about love and how simple it can be.

Jenny & BF: Episcopal School of Dallas Graduation 1996

Songs are the soundtrack to our lives.

Lots of songs remind me of Jenny and our fun times in high school.

And here one was playing on the eve of her wedding to Jon, whom she met in high school and began dating later.

Wow. She checked “yes” as you can see.

Jenny & Jon: The newlyweds-to-be

When I think of Jenny, I think of toll road drives (driving to the end of the world as we knew it – there’s REM again),lemonade and JD’s Chippery cookies (the best in the world), sneaking away for lunch at Bubba’s, our trip to Destin with our dear friend Allison & my family, Cancun Spring Break ’95, Europe ’96 and Jenny and I skipping school in our senior year to go see my depressed Papaw at the sale barn in Durant, Oklahoma after my beloved Nanny passed away. Don’t hate us for that last one, Mr.Eason.

We were together through thick and thin. And she’s one of those rare friends who is there for you when you most need it.

Those memories never die. They live on as long as we do.
And friendships born in those memories are always there in one incarnation or another.

As VP (me) & Secretary (Jenny) of Student Body at ESD

What has Jenny given me over the years?

Jenny & me

She taught me to care a little less about what people think of me (still working on that one), that faith can get you through the hardest of times, family is most important, and, most of all, that you have to be able to laugh at yourself sometimes and not to take yourself so seriously.

Laughter is the language of friendship

She also taught me that it’s good to have a best friend along for those moments when the laughter doesn’t come as easily.

When I think Jenny, I think laughter.

ESD Senior Prank Day with Jenny

And today, while there may not be a lot of laughter, there will be plenty of smiles as Jenny and Jon look out into the crowd.

Congratulations Jenny & Jon!

May you be as happy the rest of your lives as you are today…

and may there be LOTS of laughter.

xoxo,

Frosting Friday: BeautyFrosting’s Boy or Girl? CreamCup Cupcakes

Posted on May 18, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

So, my sweet neighbor-friends, Hope and Jay, asked me to be part of their Reveal The Baby’s Sex Shower. Yaya! But, now, I had a verrry big secret to keep.

A secret can either be stressful or fun! In this case, it was DEFINITELY the latter!

Boy or Girl? Baby Shower Cupcakes

The hardest part was figuring out how to keep the blue or pink-hued frosting away from prying neighbors’ eyes!

I always turn to my Easy Sour CreamCup Cupcakes recipe when I have a big batch like this one! 72 cupcakes, y’all!!!

6 dozen Boy or Girl Cupcakes

So, here we go:

BeautyFrosting’s Easy Sour CreamCup Cupcakes

1 stick (1/2 c) Butter, softened

2/3 c. water

3 eggs

1 c. sour cream

1 box White Cake Mix

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, combine water and butter. Add eggs one at a time and mix completely until a bit foamy. Add sour cream and mix well. Add cake mix, one cup at a time. Stir until baby-butt smooth.

Pour into 24 cupcake cups in pans.

Bake for 25-35 minutes.

BF Bite: If you’re unsure if they’re done, gently insert a toothpick or sharp knife into center of center cupcake. If it comes out dry, they’re ready! If it’s still wet, they need to bake some more!

BF’s Sweet CreamCup Frosting

1 c. Butter-flavored Crisco (room temp)

1 c. Unsalted Butter (room temp)

8 cups confectioner’s sugar

1/2 tsp Salt

1 Tbsp Vanilla

1 c. Heavy Whipping Cream (add until desired texture is met)

Cream butter and sugar until well-blended.

Add confectioners sugar cup by cup. Add vanilla and salt.

Add heavy cream as needed, as you go, until fluffy, creamy buttercream is achieved.

Filling

Set aside 1/3 of frosting for filling.

Add 1/2 c. of seedless raspberry jam to frosting. Mix until evenly distributed.It will give the cupcakes a little zing! Add either pink or blue food coloring. In the case of Hope & Jay, it was pink!

Now, for proper filling, you really wanna have a Bismarck tip (Wilton #230).

Wilton Bismarck tip #230

Trust me. It will make life much sweeter for you.

Take the tip (which you have attached to pink/blue raspberry frosting-filled icing bag) and insert the tip into the center of the cupcake. Squeeze. And withdraw the tip.

Do this for all cupcakes.
You’ll have a lovely frosting-filled cupcake like so:

It's a girl!!!

Next, frost with your Sweet CreamCup frosting. And decorate with an even-number of alternating pink and blue question marks.

What to do if the sex is undetermined at this point? YELLOW!!!

xoxo,

Easter Recipe: BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch

Posted on April 12, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

BeautyFrosting's Blackberry Patch Punch

My Blackberry Patch Punch was a HIT!
When I was preparing the menu for my Classic, Southern Easter dinner, I thought it would be so nice to have the perfect Easter punch. I looked online but there were no fitting recipes. See, when I think Easter, I think purple.
So I thought of blackberries and mint and, ta-dah, a new recipe was born.

Try it and, as always, let me knw your results and thoughts!

xoxo,

BeautyFrosting's Blackberry Patch Punch

BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch

64 oz. Trader Joes’ Blackberry Crush Juice

1 bottle Cost Plus World Market Blackberry Pomegranate Soda

1/2 gallon Limeade

2 – 2 Liter Ginger Ale

2 tbsp. Vanilla Extract

Blackberries & Mint Sprigs to garnish

Combine all in a punch bowl/pitcher/server.

Garnish mixed punch with mint and blackberries. Set aside some to garnish glasses.

Serve each glass with mint and blackberry

And, if a cocktail is desired, add a bottle of bourbon to the mix. Or, if entertaining all ages, put the bourbon, as an add-in, on the side.

Tanya sipping BF's Blackberry Patch Punch

Super easy, super lovely and super tasty in no time at all!