beach day!

happy friday everyone! even though the weather is not so nice out there.. here are a few of my favorite "martha" beach ideas! enjoy!!

Yummy

I just came across this recipe for Margarita Cupcakes! They look soo yummy... perfect for a BBQ! Here is the recipe below:

INGREDIENTS

Cupcakes:1 box white cake mix8 oz margarita mix (liquid)2 oz tequila1 oz Grand Marnier 3 egg whites2 Tbsp vegetable oil1 Tbsp grated lime zest

Lime Buttercream Icing: 8 Tbsp butter, softened8 oz cream cheese, softened2 Tbsp lime juice (approx 2 fresh limes)1 Tbsp margarita mix1 tsp lime zest5 cups powdered (confectioners’) sugarcane sugar & fresh limes (for garnish)*****

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350º and prepare muffin pans.
2. Combine margarita mix, tequila, and Grand Marnier in a large glass and stir well.
3. In large bowl, combine cake mix, egg whites, lime zest, vegetable oil, and margarita mixture from step one. Stir ingredients together, then beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Spoon the batter into prepared muffin pans. Fill each cup/liner about 2/3 full.
5. Bake at recommended temperature on cake mix box (usually 325º – 350º) for 20 – 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Icing:6. In a large bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, lime juice, margarita mix, and lime zest. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
7. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until smooth. If icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a couple tablespoons at a time.
8. Spread icing generously on each cooled cupcake* or use a pastry bag to frost. Sprinkle cane sugar around the edges of the cupcake for a “salt rimmed” look and garnish with lime wheels & wedges.
*Make sure to remove cupcakes from pan and cool completely before frosting.

where's your neighborhood?

I am dying to buy one of these posters, I think they are so cool! OakPosters sells "modern, typographical neighborhood posters and screen prints". The neighborhoods they have designed so far are: Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Great Lakes, LA, Manhattan, NYC, Philly, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and DC. I am really loving the Boston screen print (of course!) but haven't quite decided on a color yet...

Madberries

So I came across this great website, madberries.com. It was actually in the Today Show Post from a couple of weeks ago... Anyways, this website posts tons of great prizes you can enter to win every day! You can go on and enter the contests once a day, each item is posted for about a week... I have entered to win, though I haven't won anything yet... I am keeping my fingers crossed ;)

Happy Monday!

www.anntaylor.com

Loving This

I recently came across LuLus... really fun clothes and accessories for a fraction of the price of most designer clothes. The brand has some funky stuff, really one-of-a-kind... check it out: www.lulus.com

Ladies.. hide your wallets..

Great bargains at JCrew PLUS 20% off all sale prices!

Starbucks Coupon

Commandants House

Last night I attended an event for Boston Weddings Magazine at the Commandants House in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard. The venue was fabulous! “The house on the hill” overlooks the USS Constitution, Boston Harbor, and the city skyline. This National Park Service property has been host to royalty, dignitaries, Presidents and captains of industry. Check out the pictures below!

This would be a great location for a wedding or social event! They have the ability to hold events both inside the house as well as on the lawn in front.

For someone that is looking for a venue that is a little more original, this would be a perfect place! Loved it!

Happy Friday!! We made it! 8-)

that's BANANAS!

Rachel Zoe and her team are back for Season 2 of the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo! SOOOO SOOO excited! I am a huge fan of Rachel Zoe and love seeing all of her fashion and style tips.

Last year I got her book Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty and Everything Glamour. Rachel shares insider tips of fashion and " behind-the velvet-rope lifestyle". The book also features the "must haves" for every woman, even without spending the big bucks.

The show returns August 25th!

Whose your Daddy..

Just signed up for Urban Daddy... a daily email that keeps you in the "know" of all the best kept secrets your city has to offer. There are 9 different editions: Boston, Chicago, Jet Set, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, National, New York, and San Francisco.

After signing up, Urban Daddy promises to send you invites to great parties, exclusive give-aways, and private sales. Why wouldn't you sign up??

I'm already going to a cocktail party at Kingfish Hall after work for free drinks and samplings from their new menu! So recession-ista! ;)

40% off Kate Spade

Enjoy 40% all sale prices! The discount is applied at check out!

Time to shop! 8-)

xoxo Gossip Girl

The newest addition to Target's long list of designers: Anna Sui. Coming to Target Stores September 13th through October 17th- the line will be based on the WB's hit show Gossip Girl. The "Look Book" features the main characters: Serena, Blair, Jenny, and Vanessa inspired outfits. Can't wait to hit Target September 13th!!!

Small Card

So, a while back I blogged about some rubber stamps I had custom made will little sayings on them. And FINALLY just got around to using them! I'm not loving the card stock that I picked out, I don't think the ink shows up very well- next time I will have to pick out a different material to stamp on... but here is a picture of one:

The picture is not the clearest, as I used my cell phone to take a picture... but if you can't see, it says: "small card, big thanks". I printed the saying on the front of the note card and the bottom right of the envelope. The other 2 sayings I stamped were: "Hello Sunshine and P.S.". I have put them together in small packs with ribbon... I think they will make a great little gift!

FREE?

Happy 4th Everyone!

Hope you were able to enjoy the time and weather as much as I did! We had a great 4th of July weekend, spending time with family and friends on the beach... lots of laughs, great food, and weather.

While on vaca, I saw this GREAT GREAT GREAT story on the Today Show about looking fabulous without spending a dime. TOTALLY up my alley obviously! I was a little upset that I missed part of the story, but was able to find it on their website! They give great times about getting free samples, entering beauty contests, and in store promotions. For more info, click HERE

4th of July

The 4th of July is right around the corner, and I am getting very excited to celebrate with my family and friends! In honor of the 4th, I have included some of my most favorite "Martha Ideas" Enjoy!!