Mexican Fiesta | the party

May 30

When entertaining, simple small bites are totally the best way to go! Who wants to use a fork or spoon to eat while holding a drink and socializing…uh no one. Worried about keeping a stocked bar?  If you create a self serve signature drink, you won’t spend a ton of $$ on liquor or have to play bartender all night.

1.) These Mexican Paper Flowers are great as vibrant decorations. They can be used in a vase, as a banner or hanging from the ceiling or trees. You can make them yourself or just buy them.  Not everyone has time to DIY! Floral image via: Real Simple

2.) You’ll have to try these easy to make Puff Pastry Avocado, Cream Cheese Salsa Bites.

3.) I loved playing this as a kid with beans as place holders to mark the cards.  The Mexican Loteria game is basically Mexican bingo.  It’s a cute take home gift for guests and a fun way to learn a couple of spanish words.

4.) For dessert  Margarita Cupcakes!!! Need I say more…I mean seriously!

5.) Lets not forget the best part…Cocktails! Checkout the Cooking Light 7 best Margarita Recipes.  Can’t wait to try the Jamaica (Hibiscus) Margarita shown above!

6.) I had to share this Crab Empanada recipe from Eva Longoria. It’s one of my favorites and super easy to make.  They taste even better dipped in guacamole…delish!!

Loving all of these colorful finds to set the mood for your fiesta!

1.) Liven up a table with simple white dishes by adding some Colorful napkins with a fun pattern.

2.) Love these  DIY mustache straws for the Pancho Villa in all of us!

3.) Piñata anyone? Great for all ages!

4.) Mix and match these cocktail glasses with existing glasses or use them as little vases to dress up your table top.

5.) Even though this inlaid bone tray isn’t really Mexican it reminds me of the embroidery on a Mexican dress.  I love it to carry drinks or just to look at. So pretty!

6.) This bottle opener is just too precious not to have next to your Mexican beer or soda station.

7.) Use these Mexican sodas to add some color to your beverage station.  Kids will enjoy them and so will adults…these sodas taste delicious with vodka and ice. Vodka for 21 and over only please!

Have fun!!!

Mexican Fiesta | In the kitchen

May 24

Mexican Fiesta, Rick Bayless Bacon and Tomato Guacamole,

One of my favorite summertime go to dips is guacamole…for sure! But, have you ever had it with bacon? All I can say is nom nom and thanks again Rick Bayless for your delicious Bacon and Tomato Guacamole Recipe! It’s super easy and will surely make you the most popular at any gathering.

If you want to do it right, you’re going to need the proper tools. Here are some of my favorites that will get the job done in a stylish way.

1.) Cutting Board with Side Bowl, 2.) Measuring Cups, 3.) Measuring Spoons, 4.) Paring Knives, 5.) Serving Bowl, 6.) Silicone Spoon

Mexican Fiesta | The Cook Book

May 22

Okay so Cinco de Mayo is over but who doesn’t love a Mexican Fiesta at any time?! Considering I’m a total Mexican food snob I thought I would share one of my favorite cookbooks Fiesta at Rick’s: Fabulous Food for Great Times with Friends by amazing chef and Top Chef Masters Season 1 winner Rick Bayless.  This cookbook totally inspired me to create a Mexican fiesta of my own.  I’ll be sure to share my cha cha cha party finds and recipes so you can enjoy them too!  Stay tuned…more to come!!!

 Image: Mexican Papel Picado available at Ay Mujer Etsy Shop 

Postcards from Seattle…

May 21

Hello from Seattle!

This is what life has looked like for me lately… Quality time with my family, obsessing over my new blog, exploring new restaurants, and taking in the scenery! Seattle is really amazing this time of year. But, Seattle will have to wait! Tomorrow, we take the Jersey Shore for our annual family vacation.

Do hop over to my new blog bethdotolo.com to follow along on all the adventures!

While Hello, Splendor waits for her new look and new vibe, I’m over on my new site just blogging from the heart again. Nothing to gain, nothing to loose… just sharing.

(But, stay tuned here, too… As much as I hate to say it, we’ve been holding out on you! As soon as the new Hello Splendor launches you’ll get to see what Carolina & I have been working on and get sneak peeks inside our Pulp design jobs. I’m really excited about it!)

Happy Monday!

Pulp Design Studios

Our New Obsessions: Archipelago!

May 18

We recently received some gorgeous candles and soaps from Archipelago…. and they are to-die-for!

My very favorite is the Private Reserve Zest 54 soy candle (pictured above). It’s an environmentally conscious collection and the packaging is just gorgeous! It’s hard to find a great smelling candle in beautiful packaging, that still manages to fit into most style of homes. Because of that, I have Archipelago’s spoils sprinkled throughout my home. See the Elder Citron mini tin candle in my bathroom (complete with matches for guests).

Another favorite is the Elder & Olive hand wash! It’s also Carolina’s favorite, as well. It’s scented beautifully, but has just the right amount of fragrance. And, the most important part is that it makes your hands feel ridiculously soft.

To see more of their gorgeous botanicals visit the Archipelago website!  

Thank you for the goodies, Archipelago. We are smitten!

Pulp Design Studios

PULP design duel | old brand new + note to self

May 16

Cheers to another edition of the PULP Design Duel! This month’s contestants need no introduction. You may have heard of Dabito from Old Brand New and Sarah of Note to Self… well, of course you have!

Please welcome them to Hello, Splendor as they “duel it out” over their individual take on the bar cart.

Today’s duel…

The Bar Cart

Dabito of  Old Brand New

Dabito epitomizes the ideas of craft, simplicity, comfort, and honesty. All of these things are evident at first glance through the styling and photography on his beautiful blog Old Brand New. His succinct commentary lends an air of mystery to his online persona but I can tell you from experience that Dabito is anything but distant. He is kind, approachable, and (of course) endlessly talented with all things vintage!

VS

Sarah Tolzmann of  Note to Self

Sarah Tolzmann is a wiz with graphics and branding. Her contributions to Matchbook Magazine are enough to speak for themselves. But this is a girl who frequently outdoes herself and her other side project, the elegantly curated blog Note to Self, is no exception. In addition to her online prowess, Sarah is simultaneous completing her MFA at SCAD in Design Management… she’s totally killing it too!

 

ding. ding. ding.

 

Dabito’s Picks: Aldo Tura Bar Cart | French Gimlet | Couroc Poppy Glass | Tangerina Ice Bucket  | Copenhagen Carafe | Kilim Coasters from Sukan| Monstera Deliciosa | Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?  (The whole record is pretty fabulous.)

Sarah’s Picks: “The Sedgwick” from Society Social | The Elderflower Mojito | Kate Spade Larabee dot highballs | Vintage Ice Bucket | Mid-Century vintage decanters |Kate Spade creature coasters | Hydrangea | Ash Reiter – Paper Diamonds

 

Who has YOUR  favorite look?

 

Your Weekend Blueprint // Mother's Day

May 11

A Room-By-Room Link Guide to a Splendid Mother’s Day Weekend in Your Home.

Boudoir: Treat yourself (or your mom) to the perfect bubble bath.

Kitchen: Moms, skip the cooking and enjoy a treat… Macaroons make a fab gift!

Closet: A chic mothers day brunch dress for the modern mom (or anyone, really).

Reading Nook: The perfect pop-culture guilty pleasure just released this week! Curl up to Andy Cohen’s Most Talkative!

Vanity: This little bauble is the perfect addition to any jewelry box!

Family room: Cozy up with this luxurious throw for the last of spring & treat yourself to a chick flick!

Patio: This cocktail spotted Coco + Kelley has been in my recipe book since last year. Mother’s day is my perfect chance to try it, since the hubby will be playing bartender while I soak in the rays.

Have a fabulous Mother’s Day!! 

Pulp Design Studios

Featured Image: Kate Moss for Vogue