Thanksgiving Centerpiece Class

This week I went to a Thanksgiving Centerpiece decorating class at my favorite floral studio, Crimson & Clover. Seriously could you ever be sad being surrounded by such beautiful flowers? This bounty was ours for the taking in terms of selection for our arrangement- my eyes went straight to those gorgeous coral roses!

I went with Mrs. Everglam {my nickname as she's always so stylish!} to the class, she's moving to Chicago *sigh* in just two weeks... I'm trying to soak up every moment I can with her! With white wine at our side we began the arranging process.

Each student had the option of choosing a longer style centerpiece or a more modern arrangement in a square glass vase. Mrs. Everglam & I both went with the longer style, which you can see at right started of as a brick shaped piece of oasis. We started by using greens at the bottom to cover the oasis base. Then we selected the top focal point flowers- I went with these mint green hydrangeas. I wanted to go with white hydrangeas, but was told the white tend to not be as hardy. From there, we kept inserting smaller blooms until the centerpiece became full & lush.

It was fascinating to see everyone's pieces evolve & take shape as the night went on. Here was the work station at the end of the night with everyone's arrangements.

Mrs. Everglam went with a vibrant burst of autumnal colors, sprigs of berries & even a pomegranate completed the look.

Here's my masterpiece! I love it- yet it's not at all what I originally thought I would do. It's funny how the arrangement took on a life of it's own. I would love to tell you the names of the ball things & the drapey stuff- but alas I have no idea what they're called!

An aerial shot of the centerpiece to show off the two gilded pheasant feathers I added for a little sass! I hope you & those you love having a Happy Thanksgiving!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

NACE- Uncorked!

Last night I attended my very first Uncorked, an event thrown by the Baltimore Chapter of NACE(National Association of Catering Executives.) The event, which raised funds for Meals on Wheels, featured a 'mystery' themed table top competition. It was a visual feast for the eyes wherever I looked!

I met the adorable Ashley from Up Dos For I Dos & we became fast friends. I spotted her cute hair & knew she had to be in the industry. I can't wait for her to do my hair!

We were so excited that one of our favorite florists, Crimson & Clover, won the Most Creative Table Design Award for their Bigfoot themed table.

The chicest of chic- stylist extraordinaire, Stephanie Bradshaw in front of her creation. I heart her turquoise earrings- that girl knows how to accessorize!

She whipped up her Pink Panther themed table & had cute little touches everywhere! Notice the spy glass highlighting the night's menu!

Her table was a confection of pink! It was a girly girl's dream complete with fluffy cupcakes from Caroline's Cupcakery.

I grew up watching Murder She Wrote every Sunday with my family at dinner. This Cabot Cove themed table was pure nostalgia for me!

When I daydream, it's usually in a tent such as this created by event planner Danielle Couick of EVOKE, LLC. With me drinking champagne, reading US Weekly & being fanned by a hot shirtless man.

The table where I was seated was themed 'Bermuda Triangle." I loved the hydrangeas & note I'm at table #1- duh winning!

Our first course was a divine mango, mozzarella & radicchio salad. I whip things like this up all the time. Um, not really.

The delectable food kept coming & it was great to meet so many different people from all things wedding related! I'm already marking my calender for next year's!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Wreath Making at Crimson & Clover

I love spending quality time with girlfriends, add to it some vino + nibbles+ a wreath making class = a genius idea! My fabulous friend Classic C & I took a holiday wreath making class at my favorite local floral shop, Crimson & Clover. Here is the "fixins" bar that we could grab garnish from- I was in heaven!

The store was decked out in its Christmas finery, with adorable decorations like these whimsical nutcrackers tucked in every corner.

Our delightful instructor, Nancy showed up how to build our wreath onto a wire form using boxwood & other greenery.

Here's my ever adorable friend in the midst of her making her huge wreath. She's an interior decorator, but it looks like another profession might be in her future as hers turned out so beautifully. Living up to her nickname, she stuck with simple greenery & a classic red bow.

Here I am with my wreath, before I began blinging it out.

The majority of my Christmas decor is all white & silver. My tree has all white lights with that theme, as well- so I wanted to carry it through to my wreath. I wove glittery silver branches and clear lucite drops through the greenery at the top & bottom. Our instructor, Nancy whipped me up a soft gray silver bow & we found a perfectly matching ornament to place in the center of it. Not too shabby for my first go around, if I do say so myself. It was such fun, that next year I'm going to grab a bunch of girls & make it a real party!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

PS- Happy Birthday to our Diva of Dermatology, Noelle!

Crimson & Clover

The other week I popped into my favorite floral shop, Crimson & Clover for a jewelry trunk show. I swear something about that store always has me pulling out my wallet! I justify it by being creatively inspired each & every time I visit. Simple wild flowers in little tin pails were dainty, but packed a color punch on her counter.

Here I am with floral genius & owner Amy Epstein. She infuses her arrangements with creative touches like artichokes, so I can wait to take her wreath decorating class in November!

Several different vendors brought in their one of a kind wares. It took tons of restraint just to narrow my selection down to just a few pieces! I love a good girl's night out!
Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Crimson & Clover

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the grand reopening of Crimson & Clover Floral Design. First off any one who names their business after a song by my beloved Jimmy Eat World is a already friend of mine. The party was such a blast & there were beautiful touches everywhere I turned! The fresh flower cooler is my idea of heaven- complete with artichokes & of course some vino!

I loved the old world french feel of this display shelf complete with ladder. The entire space had a fresh, but at times slightly retro vibe that local stylist, Stephanie Bradshaw of Bradshaw Styling helped bring to life.

They served the most gorgeous signature cocktail called the "Clover" at the event & it is the most perfect summer drink!

• Muddle fresh Basil with 2 wedges of lime


• Fill cup with ice & add 2 ounces ginger liqueur (try Canton brand)


• Add 1/2 ounce white rum


• Top with a splash of Gingerale & orchid as garnish

Of course I felt the need to stimulate the local economy & scooped up this fabulously interesting Dichondra also seen in the 2nd photo from above. Isn't it so unusual? It's like the plant version of ZZ Top's beards- let's hope I don't kill it!

I also picked up this fabulous Basil centerpiece that looks much neater in person. It's very dense & lush in its simple, classic glass bowl. It's something I would definitely replicate as a housewarming gift, since you can actually use it & it smells divine! I wish owner, Amy Epstein, the best of luck with her new location! I'm finally headed to see SATC this weekend- I can't wait! What are you guys up to? Have a great weekend beauties!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M