Creating memories

Growing up in Barnegate N.J was very special. It wasn't always easy, in fact was pretty crappy at times, but still somehow when I look back on my childhood in New Jersey, it always pops up like an animated adventure picture book. A time when my family was all together. My Mom, Dad, Sister Jen, Dog Midnight and Tigger the cat. My mom was the town dance teacher and my dad was the local roofer and sider. My parents endured struggles just like everyone in my neighborhood. My Mom was a dreamer - (wonder where I get it). She loved adventures and used her imagination not only to create her dance routines but to inspire us and those around her to live, dance, and to "believe in the magic of your dreams". She had an amazing gift for making even the most difficult situations an adventure. Sometimes she would put us kids in the car and just drive. Where we were going was always a surprise. I think my favorite mini adventures were going to the Seaside Heights boardwalk in the winter. My Mom loved the ocean- I think even a little more in the winter. She would put on my rabbit fur coat and we would walk hand and hand to the beach. I was probably no older than six. We would sit there with our buts in the sand and she would tell me this is where she feels closest to God. We would run around, dance and laugh then eat pizza at the local shop. She had a way to make the smallest moments seem magical. I love this quality in my Mom. So as I got older I realized I wanted to create moments for those around me. Make my friends and family feel as special as my Mom did on those cold days on the beach. I started creating my own memories for the people around me. Creating and organizing adventures. It is so amazing as adults to get a group of people together and just do silly things. Have fun, let loose and be light. Life really is about those little moments shared with those you love. I encourage all of us to create monthly adventures for our friends and family. Below are some of my favorite adventures to explore with my family and friends! I hope you enjoy! 

BROWN BAG WINE PARTY: Have a wine tasting party at your house. Have all of your friends bring one bottle of wine wrapped in a paper bag. Have some magic markers handy and have everyone rate and give a comment on what they think of the wine(with the marker on the paper bag). Then later reveal the prices and kind of wine! You will be so surprised. It's a fun way to try new wine and brings everyone together.

RENAISSANCE FAIR: This is one of my absolute favorite things to do! It's like an adult Disney Land! Your friends may look at you a little crazy but once you get them there they will be thanking you!! Check in your local area for when and where it will be.

http://renfair.com/index.asp

PUMPKIN PATCH ADVENTURE: OK so I'm 34 but there is nothing like the Pumpkin Patch and tis' the season! Get a group of friends together and go to the Pumpkin patch! Pick out your pumpkin then have everyone come over and carve them! So fun! Don't forget to bake the seeds!:) Tip- watch what area you go to. The nicer the area the pricier the pumpkins.

PICNIC IN THE PARK: Bring blankets, some wine, music and your favorite people. Sometimes there is nothing like the simplicity of a park with your friends. Frisbees, footballs, magazines are always a fun addition. Or how about bring some games! Apples to apples or celebrity. Have your game nights during the day in the park!

LOCAL FAIRS/FESTIVALS: Check your local listings! There are always fairs going on or art shows! Sometimes it just takes some investigating to find them. 

SLEEPOVERS! This just isn't for kids! I love sleepovers! Putting on your favorite P'Js watching movies, ordering pizza, and sharing stories! Then when you wake up everyone can make breakfast together!

Friday Night Dinner

When I was growing up my house was always full of people. My Mom was everyone's Mom and as much as she complained about all the continued ruckus, she really loved it. My Mom, sister and I would share our traditional morning coffee together on our back porch in our P.J's (friends would spend the night just so they could share our morning coffee with us). This was our time. To share, to laugh, to cry. A lot can come out over a cup of coffee.
 A couple years ago, all grown up, going through a divorce and trying to find myself - I made a decision. I needed to make my own morning coffee tradition but I wanted something different. My own. So instead, I decided (with the help of my dear friend Deb) to host Friday night dinner at my house. Every Friday. Anyone welcome. To create an atmosphere where all of us can be us. Share our wins, ours losses, soul search and share. I really didn't realize how important it is to share. Not only a meal but what we are going through. Sometimes we feel so alone in our struggles but through sharing you realize we all suffer and go through similar things. Such a great lesson - share your truth, there is nothing more freeing for you and the people around you. Secrets and isolation only cause separation.
These Friday dinners reignited my love for cooking, sharing, laughing, and just being open. If you can't do one every week do a monthly gathering. I've learned after the first few dinners that it can get very expensive. So below I've included little tips to help you throw a great dinner while also staying within a reasonable budget. I hope this inspires you to open your home and your heart. Enjoy!

Dinner Budget Tips

COSTCO: I love Costco! But only if you're having more then 10 people! They have amazing salmon with herb butter. One package can easily serve 8 or more depending on what else you serve. It's so easy! You just throw it in the oven and people will think you're a gourmet chef!

POTLUCK: Don't be afraid to ask for help! This was a big lesson I had to learn! The truth is people love to bring stuff! So you can prepare the main dish and everyone else can bring the sides and dessert!

CANDLES: Always set the mood!!! You can go to Michael's Crafts and get T-Light candles for a very good price!

WINE: The truth is unless you're having a wine connoisseur over nobody knows the difference between cheep wine and expensive. There are great wines out there that are not too expensive! If you want to be slick about it get some wine carafes (that you often see at Italian restaurants) and pour the wine in there and place them on the table as part of the ambiance! You can buy carafes at Pier 1 or Smart & Final for cheep! Also look out for when BevMo is having there 5 Cent wine sale! You can stock up and get wine two for one!

FLOWERS: I love making flower arrangements! If you are in a rush and on a budget Ralph's Super Market has a dozen roses for $9.99. Put in a vase and its simply a perfect centerpiece!

MUSIC: Who doesn't love music and with Pandora anyone can be an amazing DJ! Just put in any artist you enjoy and Pandora does the rest!

CONVERSATION: Don't be shy about going around the table and sharing. Maybe by asking simple questions like, "What was your favorite moment you had this week?" or "What was something you discovered about yourself this week?". Be creative, be you! That always provokes the best conversations!

BAREFOOT CONTESSA: My savior! Her books have taught me so much about cooking! Easy and delicious food! Great for any party!!!

Thank you for allowing me to share with you!
XO
Heather

My Love for vintage

My love affair with vintage clothing came at the ripe age of 12. I had just moved from New Jersey where the height of fashion was over sized t-shirts with stretch pants and reebok sneakers to Los Angeles where all the girls my age were wearing Louis Vuitton and all the newest greatest trendiest fashion. I always had a love for fashion but just didn't have the kind of money to buy all the things my friends were wearing. I had to get creative. How could I express myself, be uniquely me and not stick out like a sore thumb on a budget. VINTAGE! I started to explore and hunt everywhere. I discovered that if I was selective with where and how I spent my money I could look just as good as everybody else for a fraction of the price and look like me not anybody else. I started collecting vintage dresses, combat boots and lunch boxes (which became my signature purse). This is where it all began. Vintage never goes out of style. I still have the same brown combat boots I had when I was 12. And yes I still bust them out from time to time. 

To this day there is nothing like the 2nd Sunday of the month when I can go to the Rose Bowl flea market and hunt for buried little treasures. I really believe that vintage is not only affordable but it is the only way to guarantee when you show up to an event you won't wind up in the "who wore it best" section of us weekly. If you are having a prom, wedding, gala, premiere, or just a night out why not rock a vintage dress. You can spice it up with some fancy heals and gorgeous jewels. I wore a yellow vintage flapper dress to the Vanity Fair Oscar party one year and its still one of my favorite red carpet looks. You don't have to spend a fortune to look great. Just always honor yourself and your style. You can't go wrong. Fashion is an expression of oneself. I don't believe it can be done wrong if you come from within. See below for my favorite vintage stores and shopping tips!

The Rose Bowl Flea Market- 2nd Sunday of every month in Pasadena

Tip- Be patient and where comfy shoes

Wasteland- 12144 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA

Tip- Map out at least an hour to peruse the store. The best things are always hiding.

Santa Monica Airport Flea Market- 4th Sunday of every month in Santa Monica

Tip- Bring your dog as a shopping companion. This one is a bit more on the pricey side but has great stuff.

Lily Et Cie- 9044 Burton Way. Beverly Hills, CA

Tip- This is where I got my yellow vintage flapper dress. Rita the owner was very lovely to me and I walked in unannounced off the street. This is not vintage on a budget. This is if you are going to an event and feel like splurging and investing in a dress. But it is much less expensive than buying a formal designer dress.

Melrose Trading Post- Every Sunday on Melrose and Fairfax

Tip- This is a great small market but I have discovered some great finds here. Also its on Melrose so you can continue your day exploring all the vintage stores along Melrose. Also dog friendly

Playclothes- 3100 Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA

Tip- This is one of my favorite stores to look for vintage gowns on a budget! Great prices, great staff, and great selection. Have been going here for years. Give yourself lots of time to try stuff on. Because its vintage you wanna make sure you get a good fit.

If you have any tips or suggestions for me please leave them in the comment box!

Happy Hunting!