Congratulations to Kristin of BonBon Rose Girls on winning the Nespresso + Life in a Venti Cup Holiday Giveaway. I suspect she'll be sipping some mighty fine espresso drinks over the next few weeks as she familiarizes herself with this fabulous little machine. Congratulations to you, Kristin.
Much love to ALL of you who not only entered, but promoted the giveaway on your facebook pages and twitter. And thank you for liking the Life in a Venti Cup facebook page. Much love to you!
Are you ready, Venti Cup fans? It's the holiday gift you actually long for... a sleek home espresso machine from Nespresso. As you may know, I was introduced to the brand this year and am now my own barista. We can make espressos in an instant and whip up frothy cappuccinos in a moment. And yes, these are as good or better than those you enjoy at Starbucks. I was dubious at first, thinking these were flavored coffees. Nespresso is nothing of the sort. These are espressos cultivated from around the world. They are smooth, never bitter, and are by far the best shots I've ever tasted.
Now Life in a Venti Cup and Nespresso have partnered up for a holiday giveaway. The Nespresso Lattissima is one of Oprah's favorite things - and soon to be one of yours! It comes in a few fabulous colors Silky White, Ice Silver and Passion Red. Imagine this lovely espresso device on your polished counters.
To be honest, I'm a bit jealous, as this machine is so much more elaborate than the one I own. The Lattissima comes with auto-start and off functions and a built-in milk frother. You'll easily create perfectly portioned espresso, cappuccinos and lattes at the mere touch of a button.
How will you enter to win this marvelous gift? Here's how. "Like" Life in a Venti Cup on facebook and simply drop a comment below telling me how much you love coffee. That's it. A winner will be selected (from qualified entries) on December 20th. Want to double your odds of winning? Share this post on facebook and twitter. The winner will receive a brand new Lattissima machine mailed directly to their home. How's that for a holiday giveaway?
Alright, boys and girls... "Like" Life in a Venti Cup on facebook & drop a comment below to be entered. Let's get into the holiday spirit one sip at a time.
It's true! Today is my birthday. We have a great day planned but I wanted to stop and wish all of YOU a marvelous day. May your day be magical, wondrous and filled with laughter. Thank you for being a part of my world!
Source: fabhousewife.com via Debi on Pinterest
Source: wrenhandmade.typepad.com via ChrisC. on Pinterest
Source: shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com via Bayley on Pinterest
Source: fabulouskblog.com via Ireni on Pinterest
Gorgeous Easter eggs from creative minds far and wide. Some dipped & dyed, others are far moe ornate require a kind of patience I can only admire from afar. Others are quite simple and surprisingly lovely. May your Sunday be magical and inspired.
{editorial note: for fun, be sure to search Angry Birds Easter Eggs on Pinterest}
Planning my daughter's fourth birthday party has unleashed my inner entertaining diva. She's been hiding since the holidays it seems. It's a welcome shift, and I think a timely one since spring has arrived.
So in the course of planning a fete for a dozen squealing children I've been plotting and planning my seasonal tablescapes. A few items I think are key to keep your tabletop seasonal but not "theme-y" when entertaining.
1. Fresh flowers. Need I say more? I suggest a massive bouquet of either a singular color or a single variety of flower. Let the blooms speak for themselves.
2. Colorful place settings. Have fun here, especially for dining al fresco. Spring is all about color.
3. A clear glass decanter or apothecary jar filled with... anything! I love these with candies, fruits or pretty objects. Don't overthink this. A few blooms floating in water look lovely as well.
4. Pillows. Yes... you're dining outside, but that's no reason to leave guests in search of comfort.
5. Adorn the front door with a wreath. Set the tone from the moment company arrives... it'll lay the foundation for a festive gathering.
6. Vintage inspired birdcages. These are lovely and make for clever tabletop centerpieces if you place candles inside. I suggest flameless pillars to transform these into gorgeous lanterns.
The key to any spring affair... relax. It's advice I need to heed myself. Guests can't unwind and enjoy if the host is uptight or rushed. Plan, plan, plan ahead... but by all means on the day of the party be sure the only thing you need to style is your hair. ;)
Gorgeous items above all from Joss & Main.
I could never understand the girls who grumbled and griped about Valentine's Day. As they day approached they grew more bitter. Truth is, these were pessimestic people to begin with... and the impending day of romance was just one more excuse to draw attention to their distaste for life in general.
The thing is, romance is a lot like joy and happiness. It's your responsibility - not that of someone else to manifest this in your life. It's something you experience, not something someone does for you. Frankly, some of my best Valentine's Day were those I enjoyed as a single girl. It's a day when you can add a bit more lip gloss, higher heels, have a bit more of a spring in your step, wear pink without irony and - yes, even buy yourself a massive bouquet of your favorite Stargazer lilies.
Being happy and embracing your femininity is your responsibility. Waiting on some white knight to "rescue" you is putting undue responsibility on someone else. Joy and satisfaction comes from within. And how could you be anything less than happy in a deliciously pink pencil skirt?.
So I say, single or not, treat yourself to something fun this holiday. Maybe it's a tube of gorgeous gloss. A pedicure. Maybe it's a handbag you've been coveting. Maybe it's dinner and drinks with the girls... maybe it's just some time out for yoga. Whatever it is, realize that the onus is on you to manifest your own happiness today and every day in life. Not that of Mr. Right.
Frankly, nothing is more appealing to a man than a confident, happy, self-satisfied woman. So be that woman. And in festive pink with a broad smile on your glowing face, you'll be hard to miss and impossible to resist.
I can think of few things better for a travel buff than a well-written city guide. Luxe City Guides are some of the best I've seen. It's like having a private tour of the city by a very in-the-know friend who knows everyone who's anyone. Prepare to be thanked repeatedly for your savvy choice when you spring for one of the boxed sets. My personal favorite is the European Grant Tour collection featuring the latest and greatest on London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Istanbul and Florence. It comes in an iridescent peacock teal and bitter chocolate velvet flock box and is packed full of quality insider scoop on the eight most beloved cities in Europe. Not bad for $75!
Ahhh, home fragrances. We all want something different from them. Some long for their homes to smell of fresh baked cookies. Others pine for the scent of the great outdoors. I tend to gravitate towards citrus-y scents in summer and spring, and warmer more enveloping fragrances during cooler temps.
On my olfactory senses now: NEST's Pumpkin Chai candle. Oh, my, goodness. By name alone I'd never think this would be my fragrance, but somehow the notes come together to create this seductive aroma that I cannot get enough of right now.
If you have a hard to shop for sister or an even choosier brother, it's hard to go wrong with a prettily packaged candle. I imagine they will swoon for the scent as much as I... but if not, the posh packaging makes it easy as pie for them to add to their regifting closet. And really, isn't that a win-win proposition for us all?
As a general rule I frown upon gifts that tell a recipient how to dress or how to decorate their homes. The idea of giving clothing to an adult or offering someone some form of home decor seems very imposing and assuming.
There are a few exceptions, however. If you're giving the gift to a love interest or very, very good friend whose taste (or burning desire) you absolutely know, then by all means forge ahead. In this case, the Vanessa Knox one-shoulder, curve hugging knit top is one such item that your favorite fashionable female would be hard pressed to refuse.
Designed with Grecian styling in a buttery soft jersey rib, this flattering silhouette creates a sexy look for night out glamour. I love it best in violet or mouse, but charcoal offers far more versatility. For added drama she might pair this with an arm full of bangles, tousled hair and skinny black pants. As gift-giver you might consider some dramatic earrings to top off the look. Caution: she (and you) should brace yourselves for compliments from this fabulous wardrobe addition. It's attention you both are likely to enjoy all season long.
As you may know, even though I have a young daughter I am opposed to the concept of "diaper bags" or other child specific bags. Why, you ask? I discovered immediately that (at least for me) it was completely unnecessary. What I should have purchased (and ultimately did) was a large, high quality handbag that could be worn multiple ways. Hand held (for those rare situations where I had a free hand or was able to go out on my own, sans bébé), on the shoulder (for times when I had at least one free hand) and cross-body (arguably the most convenient position to wear a bag in, so long as you can find one with a beautiful strap and just the right "drop").
Knowing what I now know, I'm approaching the arrival of #2 with a far more educated approach. This time I want a stunning bag that can be worn multiple ways - yet still be chic enough to use when I'm bopping around the city sans company of little ones. As it turn out, I am not the kind of mom who carries an entire nursery with me when I venture out. What that little one needs most in her life is you and a handful of diapers. Just add few baby-centric necessities to your bag and go on about your day.
Meet my newest multitasking friend, the Chloé Elsie Large Day Bag in Beige. Like every busy woman I know, she does it all with panache. Boasting a sturdy top handle, she also has a detachable shoulder strap, an internal zip-fastening pocket and is fully lined in a durable olive twill. Because we all need a bit of shimmer in our lives, she has glorious gold hardware accents including an eye-catching turn lock-fastening cutout clasp at the front flap. She'll take you from design appointment to doctor's visit without skipping a beat.
And isn't a versatile element in your wardrobe the best kind of luxury one can ask for? Trust me, this beauty will prove herself to be a high performer in your closet. I know she'll be pulling double duty in mine.
We have the first of several holiday parties coming up. For every woman I know this brings up the age old question: What to wear? What to wear?
In many ways, it's even easier to dress right for festive winter events. Shimmer, shine, high heels and a touch of luxe fur. It's a foolproof recipe for party perfect good looks. Black is always a safe bet, but with this season's bold blue hues I think you may be drawn to try something new.
If you're in the market for a stunning new item, shop the picks chosen by Vogue.com from Isabella Oliver. All items in featured in the mag are now offered at 25% off. Order today and you'll have them in hand in plenty of time for the weekend.
While everyone else is rushing around looking for a last minute dress you'll be focused on more important matters... like whether to wear your up or down.
Lest ye judge too quickly, this gold digger isn't trying to pry a man's black card from his wallet. Sheearns her keep and is more than happy to purchase her own carefully selected baubles and jewels. This Christmas she plans to add a few new trinkets to her already shiny jewelry box. A vintage Chanel charm bracelet fits the bill (and her dainty wrist) nicely.
This gold-plated beauty hails from Chanel's decadent 80's collection and is sure to brighten her mood whenever she hears the logo adorned charms jingling all the way.
Ahhhh, one of the great collector's edition books of 2011. Don't have it yet? I suggest you tell the Mr that you'd really, really, really love to find this under the tree. What shoe lover, Choo lover, fashion lover or observer of popular culture doesn't swoon at the sight of this glistening limited edition, faux snakeskin-wrapped, hardcover coffee table book? Jimmy Choo XV is just as beautifully designed as the towering heels the brand is known for crafting. This is one book you'll be sure to view from cover to cover.
Why this is the gift that keeps on giving: 100% of the revenues from the sale of this book will be donated to the Jimmy Choo Foundation, a non-profit charitable trust that empowers women by helping them to lead healthier and safer lives.
{Men, take note: this is a gift best delivered with a pair of stunning Jimmy Choo stilettos wrapped beautifully in an adjacent box. Think of the book as the stocking stuffer.}
For some inexplicable reason I was all worked up over my place settings for Thanksgiving. Now don't get me wrong, I know I'm very focused on pretty things... but my sudden obsession with bone china versus French porcelain was annoying... even to me. In the end I found what I felt was a good bone china set for every day. Plain, classic, soft white dishes in classic sizes.
The reason? I want to mix in super gorgeous accent plates from better brands and feel liberated enough to add in glam coffee cups and chargers as the mood strikes me. Any excuse to add some glitz to the table is okay by me, right? While I'm very classic in most areas of design, the table is one area where I love to go a bit overboard. Key plates should be white, but I'm all for having a bit of excess and exotic when it comes to accent pieces. The wilder the better.
Why am I bringing this up? I just received a note from L'Objet letting me know they are having a sweet sweepstakes. They are giving away a $500 shopping spree of their glam tableware. I say jump on this bus before it passes, as pretty place settings tend to come hand in hand with costing a pretty penny. Well, many pennies.
Take a tour of their site and peek at their upcoming Fortuny collection. Stunning. Opulent? Yes.. but isn't that what makes life and dinner parties interesting?
At some point in my extended family's recent past we stopped doing annual holiday gift exchange. Too many unwanted items and under-appreciated gifts. But some objects are always welcome, even if you're just acquiring them for yourself. Case in point: board games. We have two cabinets in our back hallway loaded with games.
Cold weather, rainy days or just evening with friends can turn into festive events if you're prepared for fun. I absolutely love the vintage games they offer a this time of year at Restoration Hardware. Limited editions of classics. It's hard to go wrong here if you're looking for a great gift! The wooden boxes sure beat the flimsy cardboard that they usually come packaged in. Most friends I know would love one of these as a surprise. It's the kind of thing you never buy for yourself but always love having on hand.
Frankly, even if your family doesn't do gift exchange it's hard to deny the appeal of an oversized version of Scrabble® on a wood-framed Lazy-Susan. It might lure even jaded Words with Friends players to the table. At least that's my theory.
This season give your handheld device a rest and pull up a chair. You might even spark a true love of the non-digital world. Maybe.
She robbed you of your precious heart. Take her breath away with this rock crystal & diamond chain bracelet from Ivanka Trump's collection. The rose gold 0.60 carat weight creation is sure to even the score.
Yes, she maintains that rockin' bod for her own good. But trust, she wants a little recognition for all those hours clocked on The Reformer. Acknowledge the results of her hard work (and rock hard abs) with this emerald green Matthew Williamson bikini. Just a cautionary tip, fellas: gifts like this work best when accompanied by a trip for two to some exotic locale. Otherwise, steer clear.
Celebrate more than just your mom. Celebrate women and mothers in need across the globe. WWHI is running a Mother's Day Campaign to do just that. Proceeds from purchases of already decadent gifts will bring a smile to the face of a woman in need. The lovely items available are all from small independent vendors, meaning you're making the whole world a wee bit better. I suggest the macaroons and the lovely boxed cards from Card Sharks. Whichever option you choose, you're sure to feel good about your efforts. Get additional details at wwhi.org.
There's an unddeniable charge a girl gets from a new pair of shoes. These Giuseppe Zanotti (faux) Snakeskin peeptoe platform pumps will take her to a new level - literally and figuratively. Fellas: please book a cozy table for two at a hot & happening restaurant with this gift, as she'll need somewhere to wear these gorgeous shoes immediately. Yes, you'll need to actually shoe shop AND pull a few strings to get dinner reservations. Trust me, she's worth it.
Inside every woman lurks the spirit of Egyptian royalty. At least that's what this exotic bracelet leads my heart to believe. Bring out her inner Nefertiti with this stunning Isharya filigree cuff in 18-karat gold. She'll most certainly feel like a queen.
Ahhh, Mother's Day. A holiday I once held sacred for those "other moms" and my own family matriarchs. I'm three years into the holiday, though, and now I can truly say I expect a little recognition for the title. I'm proud to say I've earned my stripes. That's right, honey... prepare to make a fuss over me on a special day in May (but please don't forget to honor the special ladies in your own family as well!)
This is the first item in my Venti Girl Gift Guide for Mother's Day 2011. This chic little laptop sleeve is the Lombard from Acme. It safely houses your precious MacBook 13" or 15" laptop. I'll let you read the techy specs here, but let's just say the case is a lot like the modern girl: pretty on the outside, tough inside and designed to carry your most precious cargo. Get yours at Acme.
He'd give you the sun, moon and stars if he could (and in many ways he has). Make this holiday special with the first in a long line of custom business shirts from bespoke clothier J. Hilburn. Designed specifically to fit his broad shoulders and bulging biceps (there's a reason athletes flock to this brand) and exacting tastes, it will soon become the only brand he'll wear. Custom pleats, collars and buttons are all part of this truly personalized apparel experience. Much like your beau, there's nothing average or off-the-rack about this fine line of menswear. It is just the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail he's applied to his business for years. While he's off building his commercial empire you'll be building his wardrobe, one fabulous french cuff at a time.
Try as she might, the Venti Girl can't shake her craving for the luxe appeal of mink. Pure, soft, supple mink against her skin on those chilly winter days just brings a smile to her face. Adorn her with these Stephen Sprouse designed earmuffs (or even more gorgeous mink stole) to help her fend off the winter wind while still maintaining her glam. Like all wonderful things, these leopard print Louis Vuitton beauties are limited edition and likely to sell out soon. Better have them wrapped up quickly. Those brown boxes sell out fast during the holidays.
Shopping for the Venti Girl? Fabulous! Her list is concise and to the point. Pay special attention to the finer details on that handwritten letter she mailed St. Nick. Rushing in at the #1 spot is the Fuji White 2011 Range Rover. Supercharged, of course. You might wonder why she needs a 5.0 liter V8 510 horsepower engine just to get to her neighborhood Starbucks. A girl does need her Venti cup though, and there's no telling what obstacles she'll need to tackle as she emerges from her tony little gated community. That chromed out front grill and fat 20" diamond turned 6-spoke wheels are all business. The business of style, that is. This distinctively chic ride with Arabica Ivory Oxford leather seats, 19-speaker harmon/kardon® surround sound system and rear seat entertainment system are exactly what she needs to get her precious toddler to the Montessori school on time. True, the only tundras she'll be rolling over is the Toyota in front of her in carpool, but life is an adventure and the Venti girl is always, always prepared for the ride.
You're too sophisticated to make the rookie mistake of busying the host's hands with a bouquet of flowers or a sad platter of crudités selected en route to the party. Instead, you demonstrate your social graciousness with a luxurious Jo Malone candle. Your grateful hostess can then choose whether to light it during the holiday fête for ambient lighting or save it for her post-party bubble bath. Either way, you've earned yourself VIP status at her next invite-only soiree (if for no other reason than the possibility you'll bring another fabulous gift). Lest you think your work as party guest is complete, don't forget your manners. Send a prompt and sincere thank you card post-event and by all means, please RSVP next time.
Ahhhh, the princess. Even her adoring family finds gift-giving a challenge for this connoisseur of pretty things. Yet her true desires are simple: she wants exactly what she craves at the very moment the impluse strikes. Empower her with a Neiman Marcus gift card. She can flit about the luxury department store pawing at the very objects that fill her heart with joy. Your only dilemma now is how generous an amount you wish to place on the gift card in question. Fear not, Neiman's only issues them in increments as high as $1000. If her royal highness wishes for more she'll need to add some gold or platinum of her own to the countertop. Happiness knows no price, after all.
It's one thing to ask you to pass the salt. It's another thing entirely for your modern day Adam to question your culinary capabilities. Before you banish him from your kitchen for good, give him a chance to redeem himself. This little boxed gift set from the witty Jonathan Adler will break the spell you two have been under. These innocent looking salt & pepper shakers whisper to him that he he's underestimated the craftiness of his kitchen-challenged Eve. You've offered temptation in one hand, the fruit of knowledge in the other. Is it a test? You bet. And one he's certain to fail. If he doesn't learn to control his sinful nature you'll confess that the supper you've just prepared for him was your last.
She doesn't just enter a room, she changes the very energy of the space simply by entering. It's women like her for whom the Louboutin Misfit sandals were imagined. Six inches of aggressive black leather and suede with a 1.5" platform. Yes, these shoes are the perfect match for this force of nature we call the Alpha female. Opinionated and strong, she isn't everyone's cup of tea. Lest you think her bold persona makes her cold and heartless, the ruffled fronts and flirty tassles of these gorgeous shoes remind you that she's all woman. And as she walks away, leaving the meek in her dust, she flashes glimpses at those coveted red soles. These aren't so much shoes, but a statement about the woman herself. She's fearless, fabulous and ready to conquer the world - one glamorous step at a time.
Nomadic at heart, this girl's passport has seen more action than an all-star NBA team. Whether she's sipping a demitasse of Turkish coffee floating down the Bosphorus or hiking to the southern most tip of Argentina, her adventurous spirit is always in search of the great unknown. Like any seasoned explorer, she's mastered the art of traveling light. Her secret? Quality over quantity. Satisfy her quest for the best with this Louis Vuitton Cotteville 40 hardsided suitcase. Don't be fooled by its compact silhouette. This luxurious trunk boasts more interior space than certain transatlantic cruise cabins. But don't hold out hope that she'll pack it full of kitschy souvenirs. Your wanderlusting friend will insist you circumnavigate the globe in quest of your own treasured objects.
Much to her daughter's chagrin, she prowls Forever 21 for dresses like a wild animal on the hunt for her prey. This Botoxed bombshell has a closet full of Louboutins leaving very little of her alimony check left for anything else. Still, this sex kitten manages to find dresses that fit as tightly as her divorcé budget. Who cares if she snares them from the discount teen emporium at the mall? She's dressed to kill. And who can blame her, with that body she sculpted thanks to a disciplined diet and a fitness program designed by David Kirsch himself (hey, if it's good enough for those Angels...). She'll swear it's just good genes, but we know full well it takes medical science and a team of trained professionals to keep a girl looking that good. Fear not, her "cheap chic" fashion sources and her plastic surgeon's appointments can be her little secret. After all, a girl is entitled to a little mystery.
This dashing figure always enjoys the best life has to offer. His family tree reads like a copy of Who's Who in America and his last name is synonymous with the historical birth of this great nation. Honor his pedigreed past and his refined taste with these handstitched shoes from Hermès. Designed for men of leisure, the Blake slip-on style loafers are crafted of the finest calfskin leather (he'd have it no other way). This luxurious gift honors his rich lineage and longstanding appreciation of fine craftsmanship. As he sips his aged Scotch by the hearth in his family estate he'll graciously offer his platitudes as way of appreciation for the gesture. But if your aim is to become the next Mrs. in this tall and stately family tree, you'd be better served to invest in a gift for his dear mother. She clearly holds the keys to the family castle.
He may not have it all, but he certainly does know it all. Settle the score - quite literally - with the Mensa iPhone / iPad app. In just a few questions your brainy companion will confirm what he already knew: his IQ is higher than that of any of his cronies. My suggestion? Don't divulge that you scored seven points higher and are an active member of your local Mensa chapter. If you do, he will predictably explain in great detail how tests of this nature can truly only measure a finite portion of one's intelligence and... *yawn*...
Keep your own high score to yourself and allow him to bask in his own well-deserved genius. After all, you adore his capacity for knowledge and only wish to encourage his mental acumen. Presented properly, Mr. Mental will applaud your discerning gift giving skills. And isn't his appreciation the greatest gift of all?
Some women were just born to seduce. It's a foolish waste of resources to invest in a gift for her that will never see the light of day. For her specific needs I present this decadent La Perla balconette bra. Sophisticated and racy at the same time, it is sure to make her flash that knowing smile. This luxurious foundational garment is a limited edition release from the mother of all intimate brands. She'll swoon over the shimmery bronze satin and sheer black mesh. It's a lingerie masterpiece she'll proudly wear for her next (ahem) conquest. Just be sure to save the receipt in case you misjudged her generous cup size.
Her brood isn't as large as the Jolie-Pitts or that of Octomom, but to the casual observer your baby-loving friend has a bun in the oven more frequently than the corner bakery. It's a given that you'll be hosting yet another baby shower in the spring, but what to do for your ever-expectant friend during the holidays? Give her another reason to glow with a dress that's more bump than frump. This curve hugging Isabella Oliver wrap dress should to the trick. It's sure to flatter her figure no matter what trimester (or mood) she happens to be in. But be a doll and tell her husband to treat her to a day at the spa while you're at it. There's not a pregnant woman around who isn't due for a pedicure and a little "me" time. Besides, it'll be good for him to spend a day playing Super Dad while she enjoys a bit of pampering. If Brad can make it look so easy, so can he.
