Happy New Year, Happy Everything

Happy 2019 to all of you!

Dancing! I’m dancing into 2019 because I am pretty excited for it! Few things invigorate and inspire me more than a fresh start. Let me tell you a little of what my blog is going to look like this year.

First and foremost my “Fast Fashion” segment. Now this isn’t your fast fashion that is talked about in the industry as a no-no. Such as things that go right from the catwalk to stores like Forever 21 very quickly to capture a trend. (And by the way there is nothing wrong with Forever 21)  But my “Fast Fashion” is me doing a post on the faster side because who has time to read forever? Same with all of my posts. Nice and fast! Stay tuned for tomorrow when I really get into the fashion talk and what I’m focusing on this year.

For “Perfectly Plated” again with keeping this fast, simple, and often times fancy. Cooking with things I’ve never cooked with before and hoping to bring you great information, quick and delicious recipes, and hopefully lots of tips to make cooking less intimidating and much more fun.  

“My Martini Moment” is going to be a wild card. I’m very organized but hey, I like to still keep things interesting. But drink recipes? Oh yes. And sometimes only that. But how-to chicness, yes to that too. 

I’m thrilled to be sauntering into another year with you all! Thanks for stopping by!

My Hosting 101

This will be Fast Fashionista’a last post of 2018. I’m going to take a much needed break and return fresh in 2019. Doesn’t that sound crazy? 2019. I feel like I’ve only just gotten used to saying 2018, haha. But here we are creeping closer to another year and the holiday season is upon us.

In honor of Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday, being this week I thought I would share a few of my hosting tips. I throw a good many parties throughout the year and these tips can really help no matter if you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, a birthday, or even The Fourth of July.

1. Plan. Plan. And then plan some more.

   What I do is write everything out in a sketch book. What the party is, how many I anticipate coming, if I have a theme, and as I make my menu not only do I write everything down, I also write what that particular dish is going in (for example: these three appetizers on risers). Write and plan until nothing is left in your head.

2. You never have enough time. Ever.

   Sometimes I’ll catch myself thinking “Oh I've got plenty of time! The party is in two weeks.” Wrong. Time is no ones friend so in your sketch book on a different page make a schedule of what you’ll do each day leading up to the event. I’m a very organized person but even if you aren’t this will save your butt.

3. Have your whole house clean.

   Even if the party is only in your downstairs, a great practice to get into is having your whole house be clean. Not only does it help your head feel less messy it actually is less messy. Also, when you clean up the party nothing else needs cleaned after that.

4. Food shop as early as you can.

   Don’t torture yourself going the day before your party. If you list can be done 2 days before or even three then do that. You’ll breathe easier.

5. Make as much as you can ahead of time.

   For example, when doing Thanksgiving, I always make my desserts, rolls, and cold appetizers at least one day a head so on the actual day that's one less thing to worry about. Take a good look at your list and see what can be done ahead of time.

6. Prep.

   Along with making the dishes that you can ahead of time, also prep as many dishes as you can. Be it dicing veggies, peeling potatoes, or making the dish before it goes in the oven.

7. Pick an outfit in advance!

   I can’t stress this one enough. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had an idea of an outfit in my head for a party I was hosting but then when I tried it one something didn’t fit right or it just didn’t work for whatever reason. Then you’re left sweaty, making your closet a mess (now your house isn’t clean), and flustered. Pick it out a week before and try it on the day before.

   Follow these tips and by the time your guests arrive you’ll be frazzle free with a glass of vino in hand ready to have a great time.

   Have a great Thanksgiving week everyone!

A Good Habit

Happy Monday Everyone!

We’ve all got habits. The good, the bad, and the purposeful. I must say I have all of these but today I’m talking about a good and purposeful habit to start. I hardly had time before I was a Mom now my time is crazy limited. That goes for picking out outfits too. I’ve found myself all too often going through my closet like a crazy person, making a mess and cussing because I need an outfit like that instant. I’m typically a very organized person so I said that this had to stop. About six months ago or so, any free time that I had I would put together outfits that I could grab and throw on in a moments notice.

Three things I always make sure of:

The tags are removed

It fits

The garments are wrinkle free  

I can assure you that getting in to the habit of this will help you out on a daily basis. I’m really neurotic about preparing for the week so I always look at my schedule for the week and put outfits with what I have going on that day.  

Now, lets tackle this Monday with a strong coffee and a good outfit!