Party ~ Halloween Glam

I have a small group of friends that I call "The Grub Club."  We met about eight years ago when we all worked at Merrill Lynch here in Raleigh.  One night during happy hour (this was B.K. ~ before kids) over a few Kir Royale's, the five of us decided to start a monthly dinner club...The Grub Club.  Each month for the past eight, almost nine years, we have gotten together at each others homes on a monthly basis. Even as our lives have changed and we have all gone our different ways...we have managed to not miss a single month all these years! 

Last night was my turn to host dinner for this lovely group of ladies...so when I saw the Halloween Glam Collection from Kim at The Tomkat Studio, I knew it would be perfect for our October get together! The Tomkat Studio has loads of party inspiration and Kim's party printables are oh so stylish! If you haven't seen her work...you have been missing out! I love the color pallet of purple and what I like to call "happy green."  I used many things from around the house, like my "happy green" plates, and a few great finds from Michaels, like the pillar candles and the coffin favor boxes. The glittery pumpkins in black and green were from Target. 

We a great time as always...I laughed until my face hurt! I am nursing a bit of the "wine flu" today, but it was so worth it! Love you Jill, Susan, Melanie and Becca! oxox 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/56393661/printable-collection-halloween-glam

Dessert Table ~ Pumpkin Carving Party

I love North Carolina in the fall! This past weekend I hosted a  B.Y.O.P {Bring Your Own Pumpkin} pumpkin carving party for our neighbors and close friends. I had so much fun designing this Halloween dessert table with party printables by my fellow 'Carolina Girls' at Anders Ruff Custom Designs! This collection has everything you need to create your own "Spook~tacular" party! I love their designs, and have used their printables before for this dessert table.

We had Creepy Cupcakes, Spooky Sweets, Goblin Goodies and Witches Brew {apple cider} to drink! The creativity was flowing as the kids got a major sugar high then ran circles around the house {literally!} I got so caught up in all the craziness that I forgot to take pictures of all the finished pumpkins! Everyone took home a bag of tricks and treats and loads of pumpkin seeds to roast...I smile as I drive through the neighborhood and see all the pumpkins sitting on porches as a reminder of our fun afternoon! :)

The Sweet Life ~ Rachel Zoe Q&A with Dylan Lauren

Yes, the Rachel Zoe project on Bravo TV is one of my guilty pleasures...don't judge me! :) Today she posted a great Q&A with Dylan Lauren, founder and CEO of Dylan's Candy Bar (and Ralph Lauren's daughter.) She has written a new book Dylan's Candy Bar: Unwrap Your Sweet Life. I ordered my signed copy today! I die...

In today’s edition of The Zoe Report, I am revealing my first ever Q&A with Dylan Lauren, the founder and CEO of  Dylan’s Candy Bar, about her new book Dylan’s Candy Bar: Unwrap Your Sweet Life. Indulge in her sweet answers below and order your copy of her book now to candy-coat your coffee table! xoRZ

RZ: Why did you decide to write Dylan’s Candy Bar: Unwrap Your Sweet Life?
DL: I love candy and wanted to show the fun of candy and how Dylan’s Candy Bar merges fashion, art and pop culture with candy to bring out the creative spirit and inner child in everyone—especially readers who can’t get to one of our stores.

RZ: As someone who loves to bake, I am dying to know what your favorite candy-inspired dessert is?
DL: Rice Krispies or Puffins Cereal treats with tons of marshmallows and pieces of M+Ms, chocolate chips, 3 Musketeer Bites, and mini malt balls inside.

RZ: If you were able to make a dress out of candy, which candy would you use and why?
DL: I love all candies that are glossy with primary colors, so I’d have to say gumballs or Colorworks M&M’s

RZ: There’s a lot of advice in your book about planning the perfect party. Can you give my Zoe Reporters one fabulous entertaining tip?
DL: Always use candy! Everyone loves candy and you can’t go wrong with it. There’s candy for every age, theme and taste bud.

RZ: Your dad, Ralph Lauren, is obviously a fashion legend. How has fashion played a role in Dylan’s Candy Bar, aka the most fashionable candy heaven of all?
DL: I always look at the swatches of colors, patterns, and textures of clothes or bags and project how I can package candy in a more artistic, hip way.

RZ: On a style sidenote, what is at the top of your wish list for fall?
DL: Boots that look great and feel like sneakers!

RZ: I’m not sure I could ever pick my top five favorite designers, but could you pick your five favorite candies?
DL: Marshmallow fluff, vanilla divinity, red string licorice, red Swedish fish and Cadbury cream eggs.

RZ: By following your passion and making a successful career out of it, you are truly a great example for young girls and women. What advice can you give to my readers when it comes to following their dreams?
DL: Never listen to naysayers, surround yourself only with positive influences and follow your dreams.

Availability: Dylan’s Candy Bar: Unwrap Your Sweet Life by Dylan Lauren ($35). For additional retailer information, visit Dylanscandybar.com.

Printable Party ~ Lil' Pumpkin

Happy Fall Ya'll! Today was the most beautiful fall day here in North Carolina...and it is my favorite time of year! For those of you throwing a baby shower or a birthday party for your Lil' Pumpkin, Parties By Hardie has designed these Lil'Pumpkin party printables! You can personalize this file yourself! Just fill in your information on the invites, tags, place cards, etc.  All you need is Adobe Reader which is a free download at Adobe.com.  I used Parties By Hardie Printable Car/Truck Party for my sons second birthday party! See the pictures here. You get a great custom look for very little money! 

Etsy Love ~ Little Pumpkin Papers

Little Pumpkin Papers is a charming Etsy store where you can find an eclectic mix of cards, tags and gifts. I love the vintage look of these Halloween cupcake toppers, treat bags and tags. So many beautiful things! Also check out Monkey Moo Moo  for adorable, whimsical party supplies.