Nonsense & Sensibility

beauty10.30.2012

1. Omorovicza Gentle Buffing Cleanser 2. Natura Bisse Tolerance Enzyme Peel 3. Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist 4. Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum 5. Aerin Lauder Rose Hand and Body Cream 6. The Soap Pedaler Body Scrub from Pish Posh Patchoulis 7. Tom’s Naturally Dry Deodorant 8. Molton Brown Rose Granati Hand Soap

Always on the lookout for the best new products, I like to try the latest new beauty items (and often). However, some find their way into my permanent beauty routine and are items that I decide work with my skin and have improved my complexion in some way (aka – they actually work). So, for fall, I’ve compiled my latest roundup and have included the reasons below. I suggest you try these products too. They are all beauty items that deliver visible results and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

My Current Beauty Must-Haves - and why:

1. Omorovicza Gentle Buffing Cleanser: This cleanser exfoliates without being too rough. It’s perfect for every day and smells wonderful. It removes dead skin and improves the complexion without stripping the skin of essential oils or causing the face to be overly dry. I’ve been using this for several weeks now and always feel incredibly refreshed, renewed, and fresh-faced after each and every use. I am a new fan of the entire Omorovicza line.

2. Natura Bisse Tolerance Enzyme Peel: I have been using this peel now on and off since the spring. If you want to see incredible results and a beautiful glow (perfect to use before events, the weekend, or special occasions), I couldn’t recommend a better product. This enzyme peel removes dead skin and gives your face a beautiful dewy quality. I highly recommend this for weekly use!

3. Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist: You can’t go wrong with the Queen of Hungary Mist from Omorovicza. This skin toner was inspired by the Queen of Hungary Water, the world’s first recorded perfume, formulated for Queen Elisabeth of Hungary in the 14th century. It’s made of fresh orange blossom, apple pectin, sage waters, Hungarian Mineral Waters, and a unique mineral delivery system. I use this everyday after cleansing, traveling, and as a quick afternoon refresher- it’s perfect.

4. Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum: This serum is a miracle in a bottle. It hands-down might be the single most product I can’t live without at the moment. It’s moisturizing without being greasy and the fragrance is enough to lift you out of the gloomiest of moods. The serum is anti-aging with collagen treatment – I’m in love!

5. Aerin Lauder Rose Hand and Body Cream: Ok, so I just tried this Rose Hand & Body Cream from the new Aerin collection for the first time last week, but it’s my new favorite body lotion. It’s light, moisturizing, and smells like a lovely bouquet of roses. What could be better than that?

6. The Soap Pedaler Body Scrub from Pish Posh Patchoulis: I’ve been using this body scrub for years and there is nothing like it. It’s from Pish Posh Patchoulis in Rosemary Beach, Florida and is made by a local merchant called The Soap Pedaler (she rides around on her bicycle to deliver products- how cute is that). It’s super moisturizing for the bath and will remove any and all dead skin. Your body will be as smooth as a baby’s! My favorite scent is Goat’s Milk, but A Day At The Beach is pure bliss as well!

7. Tom’s Naturally Dry Deodorant: My mom has been pushing natural deodorant on me for years for health and safety reasons. However, it’s been hard to find one that isn’t sticky and you feel really works (especially if you are at all athletic). I was at a loss until I came across Tom’s new Naturally Dry deodorant. Sure, I’d used Tom’s before, but now that they’ve added an antiperspirant to the list, I can finally deem this product to be PERFECT.

8. Molton Brown Rose Granati Hand Soap: Want to delight your guests from the party to the powder room? Stash a bottle of Molton Brown’s Rose Granati Hand Soap in the guest bath. I used it for the first time at Rachel Ashwell’s The Prairie Bed and Breakfast in Round Top, Texas and it has remained in my bathrooms ever since. It smells simply INCREDIBLE and the scent lingers – light, yet intoxicating.

decor10.29.2012

Wild Agate Candle and Lubbock Skull Decor

I’m so excited that the Curator’s Collection from Shay Geyer for Joss and Main was brought to my attention. Shay has brought together a collection of gorgeous pieces for Joss and Main for you to shop through November 1st.

From art, to rugs, to chandeliers, furniture, and more – you are sure to find the perfect piece for any budget. I’ve included some of my favorite items from the sale in this post. I’ve got my eyes on this headboard too.

Peruse Shay Geyer’s sale on Joss and Main here.

Continuum Table Lamp and Kartell TipTop Side Table

style10.24.2012

Yes, yes, yes – the moment I’ve been waiting for since launching this blog back in 2008. Not only did I have the opportunity to interview Garance Dore - she is in Dallas for a special appearance! Meet her at Neiman Marcus NorthPark tomorrow night.

Find out what she thinks of Texas on her first visit on my latest article for CultureMap Dallas >> French fashion blogger Garance Dore can’t live without love, laughter or her camera

style10.22.2012

interviewing Aerin Lauder last week at Neiman Marcus NorthPark

It was a true pleasure to interview Aerin Lauder last week at Neiman Marcus NorthPark in Dallas. Aerin was in Dallas for an appearance celebrating the launch of her new beauty and lifestyle collection: AERIN. I couldn’t be more excited about this new cosmetic line! The colors are understated, chic, and pretty and it’s just as beautifully packaged (gold and light pink).

Check out the article and photographs on CultureMap Dallas here: “Aerin Lauder (yes, that Lauder) redefines beauty essentials with a line for thoroughly modern women.”

style10.19.2012

the designer, Libby Lane, carrying a P Latigo Strap Bag

After coming across an article in the October issue of VOGUE on the Texas based accessories company, Libby Lane Leather Goods, I was hoping to reach out to the designer and learn more about her products! Libby lives on her family’s fourth-generation cattle ranch in West Texas where she creates her gorgeous leather accessories.

Enjoy this Q&A with the lovely Libby Lane and the feature on her gorgeous totes and clutches. My favorites? I adore the: V Tote, the H Clutch, and the P Latigo Strap Bag.

N/S: Have you always known you wanted to launch a handbag line? Why handbags? How long did it take to launch the company from the idea to the product?
Libby Lane: I didn’t always know that I wanted to launch a handbag line. It took me a few years of working with leather and casually designing bags before I came to that realization. I found myself touring tanneries, working with saddlemakers, and visiting mink farms in the countryside near Chicago. It was more of a natural progression than a conscious decision.

When I decided to launch my own line, I really took my time on the source of the leather and design of the handbag. Each piece in my line is practical yet chic. Once the new designs were seen, it spread from city to city so quickly. I really didn’t expect to be in this situation back when I started as a saddlemaker’s apprentice in a small West Texas town.

N/S: What do you think makes your accessories different than others on the market?

Libby Lane: My accessories are all handmade in Texas from domestically sourced leather. There are many meticulous steps in the process – from choosing the leather to the final crafted piece. My company is very specialized in that each piece of leather has its own, unique history and each piece of my line is individually handcrafted. It is a commitment that people appreciate.

N/S: How would you describe your handbags to someone unfamiliar with your line? Who do you envision carrying them?

Libby Lane: I usually describe my bags as chic and minimalistic. They have a clean architectural line quality. This is seen so clearly because the minimalist design is accentuated by thick leather and not cluttered with unnecessary ornamentation.

Libby Lane featured in Vogue, October 2012

N/S: How has being a Texan influenced your designs and products? Was it only natural to work with leather?

Libby Lane: I’m smiling. Yes, I suppose it makes sense that as a Texan I love working with leather. Leather craftsmanship is ingrained in me from my childhood on the ranch. I appreciate the simple and pragmatic quality of leather. Leather is appreciated to its highest capacity in Texas because of its constant, hands-on use. Texans seem to really understand the multiple customs that the cattle industry brings to our everyday lives.

N/S: Your products are chic while retaining a look of durability – would you say even at their accessible price point for a luxury product, they are a “forever piece?”

Libby Lane: My main point when launching my line was to create a chic product in a durable, minimalistic design. I wanted a gorgeous bag that would last as long as a cowboy’s saddle bag. My technique harnesses the traditional craft of the saddlemaker. I wanted a sleek design backed by a durability worthy of a “forever” staple piece.

N/S: What has been the greatest achievement of Libby Lane Leather thus far? The greatest challenge?

Libby Lane: I’d say the greatest achievement is to reach a high end market that still understands the realities of life. By that I mean the hustle and bustle of work, travel, and daily errands. We all need a chic bag at our side during the momentum of life. You can look great while being in full mode. The greatest challenge is there are not enough hours in the day, but creating and maintaining my company has been an extraordinary experience.

N/S: Where do you find your inspiration for your pieces? Who or what inspires you?

Libby Lane: I am forever inspired by the Old West. There is an unassuming loveliness to the historical way of life in Texas. Antique leather designs are still in working order today. I love the simple fact that tried and true practical things last the longest. Thick leather and sturdy stitching is stuff that works … stuff that holds up.

As for my design aesthetic, I adore American Abstract Expressionist Paintings like those of Franz Kline and Clyfford Still. I connect with the simplistic line qualities and natural colors. Being a graduate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I will forever be inspired by fine art and high fashion.

Libby Lane- Envelope Wallet Deep Brown with Scruff

Libby Lane – V Tote

Libby Lane – H Clutch

N/S: Do you have a best-selling item?

Libby Lane: There are items that sell more than others. The V Tote is leading among the larger bags. For the smaller pieces, the H Clutch as well as the P Latigo Strap are very popular.

N/S: What has been the biggest surprise from owning your own business thus far?

Libby Lane: It is a lot of hard work, but there is a certain satisfaction that comes from actualizing your own idea and having people enjoy it. At times the responsibility is almost overwhelming, but like Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.”

N/S: Any news or exciting plans you can share with us regarding Libby Lane?

Libby Lane: I will always keep my staple pieces, but I do have a few really fun designs coming soon! I love creating new pieces and cannot wait to introduce them, so keep an eye out!

N/S: What is the absolute must-have closet staple accessory you’ve designed for fall?

Libby Lane: I absolutely have to have my V Tote! My life gets crazy sometimes, so I always depend on that bag. Sometimes I feel like the bag is carrying me through the day and not vice versa!

Libby Lane with a P Latigo Strap Bag – love!!

N/S: What designers, people, places influence and inspire you?

Libby Lane: There are a handful of designers that constantly amaze me, such as Consuel Constiglioni for Marni, Oscar De La Renta, and Phoebe Philo for Celine. Traveling seems to influence me greater than most things, though. Over the years, I’ve traveled from Ecuador to Belgium and all over the United States. I gain inspiration from the different lifestyles and cultural variety that each place offers. It is very exciting to expose yourself to many places, people, and things as possible. It helps you stay refreshed and inspired.

N/S: What are you must excited about this fall? How would you describe your own personal style?

Libby Lane: I am so very excited for fall; it is my favorite time of the year! It’s my time to pull on my ankle clog boots and my favorite Isabel Marant sweater coat. Then I can do all the things I love – travel the world, read classic westerns, and drink hot tea anytime of the day.

N/S: You reside in the country? Do you ever miss being in the city – Chicago?

Libby Lane: I miss certain aspects of the city (like sipping my favorite Latte from a cute bakery in SoHo), but honestly I love the peacefulness of the country. It allows me to think clearly and relax deeply while at my busiest. I do leave ample time for traveling, which is really important to me. Travel refreshes my outlook and mood, and it allows for inspiration and motivation to remain at a high level.

Shop LIBBY LANE here.

style10.17.2012

Stylist, wardrobe designer, and personal shopper- Allann Campbell

My good friend Jessica is currently assisting with the Satellite of Love film. I am so appreciative that she both introduced me to the film and some of the incredible individuals who brought it all together like the movie’s costume designer, Allann Campbell.

Campbell works as a stylist and personal shopper in Houston and this was the first film she’s ever worked on as a costume designer. She was kind enough to take the time to complete a brief interview for Nonsense & Sensibility!

Catherine (Shannon Lucio) – one of Cambell’s favorite looks

Was it difficult for her to transition from styling photo shoots and shopping for clients to dressing characters in a movie? “No,” said Campbell, “I actually believe my background as a stylist helped me. I have some great connections within the fashion industry and it allowed me to explore wonderful resources and source items rather than to purchase or create each and every piece.

This is especially beneficial for an independent film or when working within a tight budget.” Through working with the resources she already had to obtain the right type of style for the actors and actresses, the stylist was able to fully utilize her creativity and imagination to bring existing pieces together to create the perfect looks for each character.

Michelle (Janina Gavankar) – one of the more enigmatic and challenging characters to style

Satellite of Love‘s main characters are Samuel (Nathan Phillips), Catherine (Shannon Lucio), Blake (Zachary Knighton), Michelle (Janina Gavankar), and Alex (Patrick Bauchau) After styling the clothing throughout the movie, did Campbell have a favorite outfit or character by the end of it all? “Definitely Catherine,” she said, “She was just this genuinely nice (yet, complex) character – I loved her style and the person she represented.” Was any of the styling particular difficult? “There was a challenge in finding the right balance for Michelle,” said Campbell, “She’s this worldly globe trotting European DJ, but you have to find just the right balance between carefree, eclectic, mysterious, and sexy.”

Campbell noted the most challenging aspect of coming from styling to the movie was keeping an updated continuity book with the different outfits and styles during filming. “There are so many mixed days and times when shooting,” she said, “It was challenging to work under that mindset for the first time. You might come back to a scene days or weeks later after shooting previous footage and the right buttons have to be undone, the hair a certain way, everything has to be in order. The actors and actresses actually helped me a lot with this!”

Samuel (Nathan Phillips) – Campbell had a lot of fun with his wardrobe!

And, did she enjoy working on the film? Is it something she’d like to do again in the future? “It was amazing to work with the entire Satellite of Love team,” said Campbell, “Everyone was just wonderful to work with and with the hours and hours on set, you are with these individuals a lot and really get to know each other. It’s an incredible experience and I’d love to work on films again.”

Find out more about Allann Campbell’s work on her website here and catch a screening of Satellite of Love at the Austin Film Festival this weekend! Find out more about Satellite of Love on the web and on Facebook.

decor, style10.16.2012

photograph courtesy of Breckinridge Taylor and CultureMap Dallas

I’m thrilled to announce I am now contributing to the newly launched: CultureMap Dallas! The new online publication already has a running start and such a remarkable team behind it. I will be contributing on two of my favorite subjects: fashion and design.

My first article, “Dynamic design duo Charles Taylor and Breck Wooley restyle Dallas one room at a time,” is live on the site now. I truly enjoyed interviewing Breckinridge Taylor and hearing about all of the exciting projects and collaborations they have on the radar.

You can find my first CultureMapDallas article here.

style

I love a great shirtdress. And, I adore an oversize tuxedo shirt. Monograms? Of course. Coming from a gal who once dressed as Audrey Hepburn from this Breakfast at Tiffany’s scene for Halloween, I’m not quite sure how I just now found out about the Houston based company: Claridge + King.

Now, my problem? I can’t even decide WHICH shirt I want and which monogram. They are all gorgeous! There is nothing quite like the oversize white button down – add fancy initials and you have perfection.

I took a moment to catch up with Claridge + King to hear the scoop on what’s to come!

My three Claridge + King must-haves:

1. The Original His is Hers Shirts

2. The Button Down Shirtdress

3. The His is Hers Tuxedo Shirt

N/S: How did Claridge + King come to be? When did the company launch?

C+K: My sister Lizbeth King and I (Laurann Claridge) launched the brand in the fall of 2008. With completely different backgrounds and skill sets we knew we could come together to create the sort of accessible, but carefully edited clothing we yearned to find in our closets. I have a background in studio art and design and also worked for years as an editor and writer with long tenures at PaperCity as well as Lucky magazine. Liz is has an MBA from Vanderbilt University, a mind for business and a heart for customer service. Our grandparents were in the wholesale apparel business too, running their own fur company in New York City and we grew up appreciating good workmanship across a number of disciples.

N/S: Where are the items currently sold?

C+K: We are fortunate to have so many amazing retailers who were quick to embrace us in Texas. Among them: Kuhl Linscomb, Indulge, Elaine Turner, Cabana, The Longoria Collection–though I loathe the thought of leaving anyone out. … Over the last four years as we’ve evolved our collection the number of stores across the nation has increased steadily numbering around 150. We even shipped to Isetan in Tokyo this fall. Our very first account–anywhere–was the much-missed Takashimaya on Fifth Avenue. What an incredible store that was…

N/S: Do you have a best-selling item?

C+K: Oh yes, it’s the first piece we made and the one that our customers usually begin with—The His is Hers® Shirt available in three different styles ($108-$150). A boyfriend-style shirt cut to be a roomy, multi-tasking piece that you can wear lounging about at home/in bed or toss on over a mini or leggings and run out and about has been collected by hoards of wonderful women.

Growing up we inherited our dad’s old button-down shirts and worn them to death. And while we subscribe to the notion that nothing is more alluring on a woman than when she’s wearing nothing but a man’s button-down shirt, inherent in that is usually the issue of fit. We’ve attempted to solve that dilemma by making the shirt hem a little longer so it hits at the most flattering part of her leg and the sleeves proportionate to a woman’s arms. It’s a piece best fit by one’s height, not shirt or dress size.

N/S: What items make the best gifts?

C+K: From both a totally practical standpoint (one size guaranteed to fit all) and an utterly biased one—we love it—we’d suggest the Reversible Silk and Cashmere Scarf, $145. It’s an online exclusive (claridgeandking.com) that we carried in gray pearl last fall before it sold out at Christmas. We brought that color back again this fall and added camel, too and can’t decide which we like best.

N/S: What makes Claridge + King shirts different from others out there? What makes your products unique?

C+K: It’s all in the details. We’re obsessive about the little things from our signature charcoal-colored thread around the cuff placket button-hole to the mother-of-pearl buttons and, most importantly, cut. Our pieces aren’t stagnant, but ever-evolving. We wear them, tweak them, wear them more, tweak them more.

We listen to our customers who asked, for instance, for a fitted shirt and gave them the Great White Shirt, then the Great White Shirt with a ribbon trim (version no. 2) and we’ll go on and on with collectable variations as the seasons progress. This spring we’re debuting another fitted version called the Ivy we’ll produce in solid and colorful stripes and checks with a breast pocket and slimmer front button-placket.

N/S: What has been the greatest surprise with the company thus far?

C+K: By and large the support and loyalty shown by some of our best customers. We really try so hard to bring them accessibly priced, well-crafted pieces that don’t come with an expiration date looming. But rather easily slip into their lives amid the pieces and accessories they treasure. In turn, we receive the most lovely email notes and calls from customers and boutique owners that make it all worthwhile.

People also appreciate the detail we go to on the website. From all sorts of images on every item page to actual dimensions of the product you’re contemplating purchasing. We grew weary of shopping on websites with a generic size chart knowing all designers don’t cut the same way. Our solution: give you, the buyer, the critical measurements to compare with an item similar to one you might have in your own closet to determine the right size for you. Scroll to the very bottom of every product page and you’ll find it there amid several informational tabs provided.

N/S: Any exciting plans for the future or any news you can share?

C+K: We are working right now to debut a selection of accessories created by our talented accessory designing friends. Called C + K Curates, it is a soon-to-debut (likely mid-November) section at claridgeandking.com of jewelry and handbags that we personally love and wear. They’re exactly the sort of pieces with a keen eye you can spot Lesli Pendergraft, our model wearing in the Style It section of the website, too.

N/S: What are the fall must-haves from Claridge + King?

C+K: The Button-Down Shirtdress in white pinpoint or charcoal poplin. It’s a very fitted shirtdress inspired by our Great White Shirt that can be worn belted with your own belt, as a wonderful layering piece, or paired with trousers like our Silk Lounge Pants and only buttoned to the waist tunic style.

Also in knits our Crew and Reversible Leggings are back (accompanied by the Dolman Sleeve Tee) in a new hue: storm. We brought out pitch-black and charcoal last season and sold out only to bring the Crew (a long top that doubles as a short dress) back again in a warm gray-brown called storm. The leggings are the snug, thick sort (they can be turned inside out depending on which color side you wish to wear) and they suck you in leaving no room to giggle about. I wear them with the elastic waistband folded over itself. All three are made with modal, cotton and a hint of spandex for snap back stretch.

N/S: How does being a Houston and Texas based company influence your designs?

C+K: We’re cognizant of our climate and make a lot of pieces suitable for layering. For instance, our sweaters are cashmere (70%) and silk (30%), cotton or modal and an easy weight to wear most months of the year. We also use a lot of natural fibers like cotton, which is forgiving in the heat of the summer. (Especially useful for our sleepwear pieces.)

Thank you so much for taking the time to include Claridge + King in your terrific blog!

xo, Laurann and Liz

style10.12.2012

Is everyone ready for the weekend? There’s nothing like images of a chic party to start the weekend off right. I started my Friday morning off lusting over these party photographs shared by Jimmy Choo. Jimmy Choo held a private dinner in London honoring their new collaboration with artist Rob Pruitt. The event was hosted by Jimmy Choo Creative Directors Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway with editor in chief of W magazine, Stefano Tonchi and was held during Frieze Art Week in London.

I’m in love with the black dinnerware on a black table and the floral arrangements just might be the most gorgeous I’ve seen in quite some time. I love how they decorate the table in one long line of lovely and bold pink, raspberry, and red floral arrangements from light to dark. And, as for the place cards? It was certainly the right amount of Rob Pruitt flair – and of course, perfectly complements his collection with Jimmy Choo.

Happy Friday!

Shop the Rob Pruitt and Jimmy Choo collection here.

Rob Pruitt

style10.11.2012

Tiny Food Party! By Teri Lyn Fisher and Jenny Park

This summer, I was lucky enough to stumble upon Spoon Fork Bacon. As I contribute to another food based website, One for the Table, I always like to read others as well for inspiration. Teri Lyn Fisher and Jenny Park are the two ladies behind the Spoon Fork Bacon website – which offers a mix of both tantalizing images AND recipes. Jenny’s styling combined with Teri’s photography and a shared love for exquisite food and cocktails – makes up the unique and savvy appeal of Spoon Fork Bacon.

The best news ever? On top of making these savory yan yans appear on my computer screen the other week RIGHT when I needed it (virtual sugar fix), I found the duo was releasing a cookbook! You read this correctly: now you can have a Tiny Food Party! at home with Spoon Fork Bacon and friends!

Thankfully, I was able to catch up with the duo (in the midst of their CRAZY busy schedules) to get their dish on fall recipes, the latest scoop on Spoon Fork Bacon, and how their Tiny Food Party! came to life.

Itty Bitty Country Style Eggs Benedict

N/S: How did Spoon Fork Bacon come to be?

Jenny: We really wanted a name that fit both our personalities. Jenny’s boyfriend was helping us come up with a list of blog names, and Teri sort of picked them apart and formed Spoon Fork Bacon which we both just really fell in love with. It was one of things where you hear it once and you know its the one.

N/S: Have you always loved to cook? What has been your relationship with food?

Teri: For me its always been a bit more about presentation. I have always loved to eat, but the cakes, and frosting colors, tablescapes, and colors in a dish are what really excite me. I read Martha Stewart Living a lot of a teenager, and I think her idea of beautiful food has always stuck with me.

Jenny: Yes! Cooking has been with me since I was a little girl following my mom in the kitchen incessantly asking her questions about the food and techniques used. It’s something that’s relaxing, comforting and exciting to me all at the same time. Discovering new (to me) flavor profiles and pairings within ingredients is something I’m obsessed with; I love “creating” with food, both flavors and design, as it is the only thing in my life that allows me to say, “I’m creative!” :)

N/S: What has been the greatest experience through the adventures of Spoon Fork Bacon thus far? The greatest accomplishment?

SFB: Probably our 1 year blog birthday and the recent release of our new cookbook, Tiny Food Party!. Going a year strong blogging, coming up with unique recipes that are never adapted (both in our blog and book!), and taking pictures and writing posts for a whole year is something I think we are both a bit surprised we were able to stick with. It just shows you that when you love something, you will stick to it.

Itty-Bitty Bloody Marys
N/S: What has been the greatest challenge?

SFB: Probably finding the time to post when we both have busy schedules. Since we are both freelance, our schedules are never predictable, so finding a way to try and keep up with it all is hard sometimes.

N/S: What are a few must-have recipes/food and beverage suggestions and items for a fall cocktail soiree or party with friends?

SFB: We have a lot of recipes on the blog for this kind of thing in our section called party food. We think some good ones for fall might be our Korean Meatballs: cocktail meatballs are always popular, but ours with a sweet and spicy twist is unexpected and exciting. Our Shrimp Toast Nuggets: is another absolute favorite. The toasted bread mixed with savory shrimp, water chestnuts and green onions is just one of those combinations that will forever be amazing. For sweets, our Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Ritz Sandwiches are always a great treat everyone loves the sweet and salty aspect of that dessert. For a yummy cocktail, try our Hibiscus and Ginger Champagne cocktail. Not only are these really light and refreshing, but sooooo pretty!!!

Tiny Chicken N Waffles

N/S: What’s your favorite food item you’ve made recently?

SFB: We are both a little obsessed with our homemade yan yans that were made for our blog recently. Not only are they super freaking cute, but super tasty and such a fun way to eat sweets! They’re also a really fun throwback to a classic store bought Japanese snacks.

N/S: How did your book come to be? Did you always want to create a book?

SFB: Yes. We both knew that is what we wanted to do together. We both love to throw parties and host get-togethers so this book was just a natural extension of that for us. We wanted to give the book a bit more life by injecting a more youthful take on the typical appetizer fare. Not only did we want to make sure the food tasted great, but we wanted the presentation to stand out as well and become its own conversation piece.

Tiny Banh Mi

N/S: Who absolutely must-have this book?

SFB: It really is for anyone that entertains. Most importantly though, it’s for the people who want to have a bit more fun with the food they serve. You can use this book for nearly every occasion. Having the boys over the watch sports? Make our mini corn dogs. Having a baby shower? How about our mini cheesecakes?! We really covered all the bases with fun and different recipes for appetizers!

N/S: Any exciting plans for Spoon Fork Bacon you can share?

SFB: Nothing we can share quite yet, but we sure do have more awesome stuff in the works!!

Tiny Tacos

N/S: What’s your favorite quote or quotes you live by?

SFB: “You are what you eat.” – It’s completely true.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” - Eleanor Roosevelt. One of the best quotes by one of the strongest and most inspirational woman known to date!

__________________

Check out the Tiny Food Party! book here.

Thank you Teri & Jenny – this was a true pleasure and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the both of you and Spoon Fork Bacon!