Changes!

I know I’ve been a little behind in my posts this past week, but for good reason! I just wrapped up my first fully planned wedding in Upstate New York this past week. In addition to the wedding, I also (with the help of my amazingly talented friend Steph Devino) finished my new blog!

Now, if you’d like to see some photos from the wedding you’re going to have to click on my new blog below. While you’re checking out the new layout please follow my new site because in one week Nuts & Bolts will be no more. Have no fear, I will be bringing you the same great posts under the new name Do Me A Favor!

I encourage your to follow me on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and like my Facebook page for up-to-date information on all my current posts and events. Thank you for all of your support and comments that made this new blog possible. I hope that you’ll continue to follow me on this new journey!

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Recently I’ve been inspired not by a fabulous vase seen in a magazine, but rather by items I already have in my home. I own so many beautiful things, why not put them to good use? This tablescape in particular is definitely one of my favorites. I used three frames from my gallery wall as the centerpiece of this repurposed shabby chic inspired table.

The largest frame acts as an anchor for the smaller gold ones. By framing a pink scarf I’m able to bring in a pop of color on my ivory canvas. Tall clear glass candleholders add height and ambience while mismatched plates set the shabby chic tone.

I utilized my large bracelet collection by using them as unique napkin rings. I was able to bring in some turquoise with the bracelets to play off those quintessential pink and turquoise shabby chic colors.

I cannot wait to use this idea for a large-scale event someday. By reusing three picture frames, an old scarf and some sparkly bracelets I was able to transform some old products into something new.

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I’ve been a fan of BHLDN since it launched in 2011, but it wasn’t until my friend mentioned the site this past weekend that I realized the true greatness of this online wedding shop. Created by the same geniuses as Anthropologie, BHLDN offers everything from wedding dresses to tabletop decor. You can find unique gifts, party-goer attire and reception decor. Everything they sell is vintage elegance with a hint of quirk. Here are a few of my favorites, but be sure to check out the entire website; you won’t regret it.

1.Dotted Voile Veil   2.Blooming Bridesmaid Card  3.Cendrillon D’Orsays  4.Macaron Soap Set

5.Placecard Stamp Set  6.Milk Glass Hobnail Jars   7.Dapper Bottle Stopper  8.Hovering Hot Air Balloon 

A Garden Party (in the city)

Now that Spring is here I thought it would be nice to throw a little garden party outside under the sun. However, living on the 20th floor of an apartment building has its disadvantages. My balcony terrace tends to be rather windy this time of year so after some maneuvering I was forced to move my party inside. Nevertheless, here is my garden party, New York City style. Anyone who is willing to spend some extra money can create a beautiful tablescape, but few can do it on a budget. I added some simple elegance by using inexpensive paper doilies to create a table runner and banner.  Miniature monogrammed potted plants act as place cards and watercress sandwiches are a refreshing treat. No need to spend money on napkin rings when some simple polka dotted ribbon does the trick.  Homemade buttermilk scones and strawberry preserves act as my something sweet. A teacup is the right vessel for some fresh strawberries and my new ivory lace napkins are the perfect fit for this indoor garden inspired party.

Valentine’s Day Inspirations

I am a huge advocate for Valentine’s Day. Any excuse to wear pink and eat chocolate is fine by me! With Valentine’s Day just one week away here are a few V-day inspirations to get you in the holiday spirit.

Eat: Hot Cocoa & marshmallow hearts; Give: Papyrus Wanna Spoon? Card; Paint: Essie’s Leading Lady; Wear: Ann Klein Wrenn Pumps; Craft: DIY Love Struck Place Cards; Decorate: Serena & Lily Persimmon Arrow Rug.

Soup & Salad

Over the past few days I’ve received several requests for the delicious Christmas Eve recipes featured here. I must note that these meals were made by my amazing-in-the-kitchen-mother and with her  help, I was able to supply these easy recipes for your eating pleasuresThe Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese salad is a recipe from Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. My mother found it in her her Back to Basics Cookbook, but you can get it off the Food Network website, as well.

Here’s what you need:

• 3 ripe but firm Anjou pears
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
• 3 ounces coarsely crumbled sharp blue cheese such as Stilton
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup walnut halves, toasted and chopped
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 3 tablespoons port
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/4 cup good olive oil
• 6 ounces baby arugula
• Kosher salt

We substituted dried cherries because we prefer them over dried cranberries and used goat cheese instead of blue cheese. However, we’ve had this salad both ways and it is fantastic either way.

For the Tomato, basil and roasted pepper soup my mom combined two recipes, but here’s one from Food Network’s The Neely’s that is basically the same thing.

Here’s What You Need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 Vidalia onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons sugar, optional
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

For the recipes in detail please click on the above links and try these out before the winter season ends!