After a long day at work, it’s nice to come home to a yummy dinner. The only issue is … I’m so exhausted from working so hard that I don’t want to cook anything complicated! The other day, it randomly came into my mind that I was craving baked ziti. The creamy italian goodness was just making my mouth water! I knew my Mom had a simple recipe, and so I asked her to share it with me. Needless to say, my craving was filled that evening! Follow this short and easy recipe to have a delicious meal after a long day at work!

Ingredients: 

Pasta

Tomato Sauce

Ricotta Cheese

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Step One: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Step Two: Boil water. Once bubbling, add in your pasta until cooked!

Step Three: Once strained, pour your pasta into a glass pan. Mix in the tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella in the pasta. It really depends on the amount because everyone has different tastes. If you want your ziti to be extra creamy, add a lot of ricotta and mozzarella. It’s really up to you! 

Step Four: Put your pasta into the oven for 25-30 minutes. Once it’s crispy enough for you, take it out and serve!

Voila! There you have it, YDC’ers. An easy and delicious weekday recipe. What do you like to cook during a work week? Tell us!

Even though the weather has been absolutely awful these past couple of weeks (hello, tornado working DC?), the warm and sunny weather will be here soon enough. Laying on the beach or simply having a good playlist to listen to while at work is super important! Making sure I have good music to listen to during the morning commute is a must for me. I need to feel motivated and ready for my day! Here is what’s on my playlist for the summer:

1) Cruise – Florida Georgia Line 

2) Safe and Sound – Capital Cities 

3) Live it up (feat. Pitbull) – Jennifer Lopez

4) Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker

5) I Choose You – Timeflies 

What is on your summer playlist? Anything different? Let us know!

Ladies! It’s time to dig deep into our closet beneath all of the eternity scarves and find our bathing suits! It feels like every season when I look at my suits, I need to buy some new ones because the style has completely changed. One season triangle tops are in, and the next, bandeaus. This year one-pieces are very popular, although I will never give up my bikinis! When looking at how suits have changed over the years, it’s easy to see that they’ve gotten a bit more fun. Let’s see if you agree!

1940s

1950s

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Today

What do you think of the evolution of bathing suits? What styles do you wish would make a comeback and what are your fav styles to wear now? Tweet us and let us know!

Invite, invite, invite!

This adorable website allows you to send online e-vites that are super cute and unique. This counts as being green, right? Invite family members from far and near and your dad will be sure to have a great day!

Pick a comfortable location

Making sure that you pick a location that is accessible for all of your guests is very important. Also, if you prefer a restaurant, make sure that the menu has items that will appeal to all of your guests!

Buy a fantastic gift!

 Buying him something simple such as a pack of new golf balls or a small accessory for his favorite hobby will be perfect since he will definitely get some great use out of them.

Write him a thoughtful card

Make sure to add some specific examples on why your main guy is so special to you!

What do you do for Father’s Day? Any traditions?

Bon Voyage, YDC’ers! We’re going on vacation and it’s time to pack. With summer trips and weekends away, you need a good system. Here are our tips:

1. Take a look at your schedule and see what you have planned for each day. Beach? Hiking? Pick out the appropriate clothing for each day/activity and then check the weather for the location your headed to. Pack layers in case temps change from day to night. Make a list!

2. Pick 3 pairs of shoes that coordinate with your outfits. I usually aim for a pair of flats for day, a pair of heels/wedges for night, and a pair of sneaks. If it’s a beach destination, don’t forget to throw in flip flops!

3. Once you’re done with your clothes, it’s time to move on to toiletries. I usually leave this as the last thing for the suitcase because I am still using some of the things that I will be bringing (toothbrush, face wash, etc.). The night before you leave, neatly line everything up outside of your make-up bag. I always make a list for this one too: last-minute stuff to grab before heading out the door.

Here’s a list that I always use for the essentials:

- toothbrush/toothpaste
- contact solution/glasses
- retainers (yes I still wear mine)
- face wash/soaps
- make-up
- hairbrush
-deodorant
- medicine
- sneakers (in case I run that morning)
- lotion
- phone charger
- reading material
- wallet/IDs

What are your packing essentials? 

With all the weddings, graduations, and summer parties this season, sometimes it’s hard not to get burnt out! Take a break during the week with a detox to make a major difference in your energy levels. Follow these 5 steps, and you’ll feel healthier instantly!

1. Drink lemon water
Actually, any of these naturally fruit-flavored waters will work. Just make sure to be constantly drinking to stay hydrated and to flush all of the toxins out of your body (especially after a good work out!)

2. Sweat it out
Walk, run, bike, skate – do whatever you gotta do to work up a sweat and cleanse your body healthily. After a night of drinking and dancing, motivating yourself can be hard, but just think of  how good you’ll feel afterwards. The hardest part is tying your shoe laces!

3. Cut out the wine
Taking alcohol out of your diet between parties will give you a major energy boost (and help you wake up earlier!) Give your liver a rest during the work/school week.

4. Get some rest
Go to bed early – I am training myself to stop watching Full House re-runs on Nick at Nite until 1:00 a.m. – we all need our sleep!

5. Eat your veggies
They’re good for you and they contain plenty of iron and water – they’ll also help to keep you hydrated during the week.

What are more of your detox tricks? 

1950s

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Today

What’s your interior design style? I love a mix of country french, shabby chic, and colorful preppy. I can’t wait to fix up some old furniture to put in the new house! Tutorials coming soon : )

Sunnies: Kate Spade // Tote: Lilly // Suit: Lilly // Sandals: J. Crew // Cover-up: American Eagle // Cuff: York Design Company

Hooray for summer, it’s finally here! I recently switched my closet from winter to summer clothes, but it’s a mess in my bedroom (thanks to a move this past weekend!), so today’s tutorial is about getting organized for the season. There are so many things that you can organize; clothes, desk, purses, diet; the list can goes on forever. It’s really up to you what you need to organize, however, for us here at YDC, we’ve decided to give you a little advice on how to organize your closet. Here’s what we think are the top 3 things to have in rotation right now:

Get rid of the long pants – it’s shorts weather! “Skies out thighs out,” right @chubbies? 

Organize your bathing suits – make some room by swapping out some oldies for some new cute ones. Anyone see the new 2013 Lilly bathing suits? They’re to die for! 

The boots are packed up until next year, so in order to survive summer rain, we highly suggest investing in a pair of J. Crew rainy day ballet flats for your closet. They’ll keep your feet dry en route to work and running errands. Pair with shorts or a dress! 

It’s so good for you, especially in the hot weather. I don’t do it nearly enough! Here are some fun ways to incorporate more water into your lifestyle – just add a pitcher of water to each and let sit in fridge overnight.

The Classic

Slice up a lemon and 1/2 a cucumber; add 1/4 cup crushed mint leaves if desired.

The Refresher

Cut 6 strawberries in half and slice up one lime.

The Antioxidant 

Add 1 cu blackberries and 3-4 sage leaves.

Do you have any other good naturally-flavored water recipes? 

]]> http://yorkdesignco.com/tutorial-tuesday-drinking-more-water/feed/ 0 http://yorkdesignco.com/5-things-friday-ladies-night-sleepover/ http://yorkdesignco.com/5-things-friday-ladies-night-sleepover/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 10:00:54 +0000 YorkDesignCo http://yorkdesignco.com/?p=2616

So one of my best friends is getting married THIS WEEKEND! One of my other bffs (@nicolehuetter), the bride, and I are having a “last hurrah” sleepover party on the eve of the wedding, so we came up with a plan and I’m sharing it here. If you don’t have to wake up for a wedding the next day, yours can be a little crazier, but here’s what we recommend:

1. Cute PJs

Nicole’s Pick:
“Life of the SLUMBER party”

My Pick:
Nightgown

2. WINE

3. Games

Definitely this

Maybe this? Haha

4. A classic chick flick
(The bride’s fav)

5. A California King bed for snuggles!

Are you into the trend? 

I don’t know if this is an obvious age-old trick, but it’s the first time I’ve ever heard it, so I’m going to share.

Doug and I are moving at the end of the month, so this is a perfect time for some spring cleaning. (read: out with the old!) A lot of my clutter is based on all of the clothes and shoes that take over my closet – I have trouble parting with my stuff! Anyone else with me?
One of my best friends shared a great trick for deciding what needs to go and what needs to stay:

Step 1.
Clean out the closet and make the obvious decisions about what to get rid of/donate

Step 2.
Organize your clothes and put them all in the closet with the hangers backwards.

Step 3.
After you wear the clothes and wash them, put them back on the hanger facing the right way.

Step 4.
After a couple of months, get rid of/donate the clothes on the hangers that haven’t been flipped!

Easy, right?

What are your closet organization tricks? 

In honor of Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, here are some photos of our favorite old movie stars and influentials with their children:

Julie Andrews

Lucille Ball

Grace Kelly

Jackie Kennedy

Lilly Pulitzer

Who’s your favorite iconic mama? 

…and a #tbt pic of Linds and me with our mother!

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer // Necklace: Pink Pineapple // Cuff: York Design Company // Bangle: Alex and Ani  Shoes: Target // Sunnies: Kate Spade

What are your Mother’s Day plans? 

Rene Lacotse

Ralph Lauren

Louis Vuitton

 Dress: Ella Moss // Boots: Laredo Maricopa // Sunnies: Acne Studios // Cuff: York Design Company

Planning a bachelorette party is a great feat – there’s a lot of pressure to pick the perfect venues, reservations, activities, and more. When Jamie decided she wanted to have her bachelorette weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, I googled the hot spots for a fun gals weekend there and came up with…nothing! So for all you ladies who want to celebrate your “last hurrah” in the Virginia/Maryland/DC area, here is a guide about where to go and what to do in Charlottesville – and other fun tips for anywhere you decide to have the party!

Charlottesville

1. Hit the wineries

Pippin Hill Farm

King Family Vineyards

Taste the wine

2. Rent a cute house

Stay Charlottesville

Decorate

Craft fun props

Make Jello shots

Help each other primp

3. Go to the downtown mall for dinner

Commonwealth Restaurant and Skybar

Take pics at dinner (Blue Light Grill)

Play fun bar games (Zocalo)

4. Other Tips

Hire a driver

Pack a picnic lunch

Ask the locals for help

Make a sash for the bride

Celebrate!

What other tips do you have for a great bachelorette weekend? We’s love to hear!

Whether you’re at work or in a classroom, it can be quite difficult to stay focused because of the beautiful weather outside. Use these quotations from some amazing and inspirational people to help you move forward in whatever you’re doing!

Here at YDC, we have very strong ties to Boston. Some of us are from there, all of us have family there, and many of our wonderful customers live and work there. Boston is a great city, and by nature, Bostonians are strong and proud Americans. After the tragic Boston Marathon Bombings, we were immediately drawn to the “B Strong” campaign and wanted to do something to help. We put together a patriotic “Boston Strong” quatrafoil cuff to help benefit the victims of the tragedy by donating proceeds onefundboston.org. Stitching just one cuff takes hours; making this cuff over the past week has given me lots of quiet time, and during that time, I thought so much about the victims and their families. At YDC, we’re dedicated to helping the victims any way we can, and we’re appealing to all of you to help us help them.

Here’s how you can help:

The purchase of each “Boston Strong” cuff benefits the victims and their families. Purchasing and spreading the word about this fund raiser through social media and word of mouth will help tremendously! After all, the more cuffs bought, the more we help Boston “B STRONG!”

Purchase the cuff here: http://yorkdesignco.com/products/boston-strong/

Already bought a cuff and want to do more to help? Here are 3 more ways: 

1. Organize a run. 

Many runners across the nation are organizing runs to help raise awareness and money for the victims – sign up here.

2. Buy a t-shirt

Are you a member of Rue La La? The exclusive clothing website has been selling special t-shirts that have all proceeds going to one of the largest hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital.

3. Buy a hat

Our beloved Boston Red Sox and the MLB have partnered together in designing this hat with proceeds going to onefundboston.org.

The victims of this terrible tragedy certainly do not deserve what has happened to them and they need our help. Let’s do what we can to make the situation a little easier for them. Please donate today. 

P.S. I’ve had “Sweet Caroline” on repeat the past week – how great was Neil Diamond’s surprise appearance at the game Saturday night?
Watch here.

In the wake of the recent news events this week, I think we could all use a break. Thinking about going on vacation this summer? We’re trying to decide when and where to go, but even if you aren’t in the market for a va-k right now, or just need some positive thoughts, here are some fun places to look up and dream about…

1. Paris

2. Venice

3. Brussels

4. Santorini

5. St. Tropez

Where do you want to go? 

We all remember idolizing Disney princesses when we were little. Their gowns, their hair, their cute little companions…I certainly wanted to be a princess (or a Barbie) when I grew up, and it’s always fun to go back and remember who we admired from ages four through ten…okay, fine – now.

Who’s your favorite Disney princess?

Have you seen the  SNL clip of The Real Housewives of Disney? Hilarious!

Also, in true #tbt spirit…big dreams.

Top: Lilly Pulitzer // Shorts: J. Crew // Shoes: Jack Rogers // Cuff: York Design Company // Bangles: DKM and Kate Spade // iPhone Cover: Kate Spade // Perfume: Marc Jacobs

If you haven’t tried the sock bun yet, you might be missing out on some much-needed extra sleep in the morning! The sock bun is an easy and fast way to sweep your hair into a chic ‘do before work or school and head out the door.
Here’s how:

1. You can cut the toe out of a sock, or use one of the mesh bun rolls from H&M. If you use a sock, roll it into a “donut” shape.

2. Pull your hair into a high pony tail and secure with an elastic.

3. Pull the pony tail through the sock above your head and curl the ends of your hair around it.

4. Roll your hair down over the sock, evening out your hair around the “donut” as you go.

5. Once you get to the bottom, your hair should sit well in a perfect bun on top of your head!

(photo credit: be lovely now blog)

I love to read. Lately, I have had so much trouble finding something that captivates my interest, which proposes a problem for this time of year, because I like to have a book list prepared for lazy summer days in the sun. After scouring the shelves of Barnes and Noble and clicking around on Amazon to no avail, I decided to make a list of classics to re-read in the spirit of #throwbackthursday. I remember required summer reading to be such a nuisance to finish before school started, but the list below captures the ones that I didn’t mind. I think with a different perspective and more experiences, I will read these classics through a different lens. Here’s the list:

1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

I loved this when I read it in grade school, but I really can’t remember a lot of it, as I haven’t picked it up since. I do remember, however, that it was very wordy. I think after all the wordy reading I did for Rhetoric & Communications in college, this won’t seem so bad. ; )

2. To Kill a Mockingbird

This one seems a little cliche, but again, I haven’t read it since the 7th grade. I think reading it with an older perspective will be totally different the second time around, as I probably didn’t fully understand the details of the trial and the complicated character relationships the first time I read it.

3. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in high school and fell in love with our protagonist, Francie Nolan. The scenes of a poor Irish-American family in the early 1900s were so intriguing to me and I loved Francie’s spirit and hard work ethic as she navigated adolescence – can’t wait to read it again.

4. The Great Gatsby

I skipped ahead to read this before my class finished it as an assignment; I was dying to know how it turned out for Nick Carraway. I remember being a little bit disturbed by the turn of events and class discussions – it was the first book I read at school that wasn’t totally innocent. The descriptions of the lavish Long Island parties were also so much fun to read and imagine, and it will be good to read this before the movie comes out next month. 

5. A Separate Peace

A Separate Peace is intense and compelling. Author John Knowles tells his story against the backdrop of a New England prep school at the start of World War II. The characters are so developed and you truly empathize with different parts of each of them; good and bad. I think reading this novel now will help me to understand Knowle’s message better, instead of considering it just a sad story.

Do you have any classic favorites? Or any recommendations for me to add to my list? Would love to hear!

1. Exfoliate
The first step to an even tan is to shave your legs with a good moisturizing shower gel and then exfoliate with a loofah or wash cloth. This will eliminate dry skin and hold your “tan” a bit longer.

2. Moisturize
Since self-tanner is usually in the form of a lotion, many people think they can kill two birds with one stone by using the tanning product alone. However, moisturizers have different ingredients in them than tanning products, so it’s best to layer the moisturizer under the tanning product to prolong your color.

3. Tan
After trying a bunch of self-tanning products myself, I think Jergens and Estee Lauder are best. You can get Jergens at the drug store, it’s inexpensive, and it no longer has the self-tanner scent to it. Estee Lauder can be found at the beauty counter and is a bit more expensive, but the color starts to appear after only an hour. When you apply, make sure you do so evenly, and wait a few minutes before putting your clothes on. After that, you’re all set to rock your flirty spring skirts – hello, date night!

Do you self-tan? What products do you use? 

1. Classic with a twist

The Audrey is a little more girly than the standard boat shoe with a shorter tongue. The classic cognac accents paired with the patent leather navy are timeless and versatile.

2. The Loafer

The playful stripes and pop of neon in the Pennington Loafer are perfect for spring/summer 2013. These would be perfect with ankle pants for work or a pair of tailored shorts for a casual dinner out.

3. Fun Flats

I imagine wearing these gorgeous Clara Flats for a springy brunch with a sun dress. I love the unique braid detailing and the “wicker” look.

4. Twinkle Toes

No caption needed for these Original 2-Eye Boat Shoes, except FUN. As you know, I love glitter.

5. Milly for Sperry

As a huge fan of Milly, I love the team-up they did with Sperry this year. Preppy, sophisticated, and colorful, these Milly Top-Siders are another cute spin on the classic boat shoe. The canvas is salt-washed, so head out in the sun, and don’t be afraid to get your feet wet!

And when it gets a little warmer…

A pair of white pants, a navy blouse, and these pretty sandals? Yes, please.

Sperry’s Rowan Heel by Milly for a night on the town!

Sequins and glitter have certainly been able to stand the test of time. For me, it’s always a staple, but in the past few years, it has made a dramatic come back on the runways. For today’s #throwback, we thought it would be fun to see how sparkles have evolved throughout the decades:

Marilyn in the 50s

Audrey in the 60s

Cher in the 70s

Whitney in the 80s

You & Me in the 90s

Kate

Carrie

Naomi

Kyle

Beyonce

Kim

Are you glitter-crazed too? 

1. The Clarisonic Brush

Studies show that using a Clarisonic brush can remove makeup 6x better than using your hands alone. The brush gently removes build-up and leaves your skin looking more smooth and radiant. It is important to remember that when using this brush, you are already exfoliating a great deal. Don’t use an exfoliating cleanser when using the brush because it will be too much for the skin to handle at once. Try Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for a mild face soap.

2. A Good Cleanser/Toner Combination

If the Clarisonic brush isn’t your thing, a good cleanser/toner duo is the way to go. The cleanser and toner will purify and balance your skin and will help your moisturizer last all day.

3. Moisturizer

Everybody needs different degrees of moisturizer, so pick the one the feels best on your skin. The Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream is suitable for normal to dry skin, but it’s also hydra-concentrated, so it will intensely quench your skin. The cream contains mango butter which smells so yummy and hydrates well. (Hint: wear the face cream before bed at night and apply the eye cream in the morning for best results).

Do you have any other good tips for a fresh spring face? We’d love to hear!

This week’s “5 Things Friday” is all about the delicious cupcake options in DC. There are so many, and it’s difficult to choose which one to go to, but we came up with a few options if you’re in the area. York Design Company definitely has  favorites, but we’ll try to be unbiased and let you choose which ones are best! Have you tried any of these yet?

1. Red Velvet Cupcakery

Don’t let the name fool you…Red Velvet has tons of flavors, all of which are so yummy. This one is located in Penn Quarter, right off the Chinatown Metro stop. If you’re sight-seeing downtown and checking out DC’s monuments, this is your best bet.

2.  Fancy Cakes by Leslie

The rotating displays of cakes in the windows here are to-die-for. They usually look more like beautiful sculptures than cakes! We tried a red velvet cupcake here and Leslie’s cream cheese frosting was incredibly light, which is a nice touch on a normally rich dessert. There was also a piece of marzipan on the top which was a treat! Stop by here if you’re looking for a good macaroon as well.

3. Sprinkles

Coming all the way from the West Coast, Sprinkles Cupcakes stands strong in the heart of Georgetown. These cupcakes are very moist and their frosting is just sweet enough; not too overwhelming. We recommend the Salted Caramel Cupcake here – delish!

 4. Georgetown Cupcake

Get ready to wait in line! On the weekends, there is usually a 45-minute wait wrapped around the block for one of these puppies. If you’re in the Bethesda area, you can usually get away with a shorter wait, although there is always still a line. We recommend the Oreo Cheesecake Cupcake here – super yummy!

5. Baked and Wired

This little hole-in-the wall has definitely caught the attention of local DC-ers. Unlike Georgetown Cupcake and Sprinkles, Baked and Wired is off the beaten path (a block from M Street) and doesn’t have its own TV show, so it doesn’t get quite the touristy foot traffic the other bakeries in town get. However, this is a great place to try if you are in the area, need something sweet, and want a small place to relax and have a coffee. We recommend the Carrot Cake Cupcake here.

What’s your favorite cupcake spot? 

They’re baaaaaack! The original housewives, The Real Housewives of Orange County, are gracing the presence of our living rooms once again starting on Monday, April 1 for Season 8…the drama continues! What does this season have in store for Tamra, Heather, Gretchen, Vicki, Alexis, and newcomer Lydia? We’ll all have to wait and find out – but we bet each episode will be chalk-full of big personalities, cat fights, and clashes. In the meantime, we thought it would be fun to look back and see what the “wives” looked like before all the makeup, hair extensions, and plastic surgery. (P.S. Tamra’s my favorite – both in the photos below and on the show!)

Who’s your favorite housewife? 

Alexis

Gretchen

Heather

Tamra

Vicki

…and newcomer Lydia. We’ll have to wait until her past photos come out, but we’ll certainly share when they do!

Going to church? An Easter egg hunt? Brunch? Whatever the Easter Sunday activity, be sure to be comfy and polished in something versatile. We all want to break out our lovely spring dresses and open-toed shoes, but patience is a virtue! I will be wearing a comfy cotton dress with metallic flats and pretty accessories while I wait for the weather to warm up.

What are you wearing for Easter?

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer // Shoes: The Mode Collective 
 Belt: Suzannah  // Cuff: York Design Company
Bangles: Stella & Dot 

With spring (supposedly) in bloom, it’s important to keep in mind that other things are blooming as well…flowers! Having bouquets of flowers in your home is the perfect way to brighten up your decor. Although there are a million different types of flowers, the following five are my favorite for brightening up any rooms:

Hydrangeas

Growing up, hydrangeas were always growing in our yard, and displayed in bouquets inside our house. These beautiful flowers come in so many lovely colors that it’s difficult to choose which one is the best! Put these in a clear vase similar to the one in the picture, and you’ll instantly brighten up any room!

Easter Lilies

With Easter approaching, these beautiful Easter lilies are a perfect addition to the house/apartment. The pure white color unfolds beautifully with the slight accent of the yellow and green from the inside of the flower. They’re fun to look at and are symbolic of a wonderful spring holiday, plus they match any decor!

Daffodils

Okay, so obviously daffodils are gorgeous, but how pretty is this whole ensemble put together? Putting daffodils inside of a mason jar with burlap and limes is so creative and bright! This would certainly spice up any room and you would definitely get compliments for your artistic (yet easy!) presentation.

 Daisies

We know spring is almost in bloom when the Girl Scout cookies arrive in the neighborhood! Do you freeze them? Dip them in milk? Or just eat them as they are? It’s hard to stop yourself from finishing a whole sleeve box once you break that top seal. We took a look back on Girl Scout Cookies from the past to see if they’re changed at all – who’s hungry?

1930s – Founding

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s – Samoas Arrive!

1980s – Tin Boxes

1990s – Starting to look familiar

2013 – Our Girl Scout Cookies

What’s your favorite kind of Girl Scout Cookie? 

Plus: a recipe!
Thin Mint Popcorn



Ingredients:
1 1/2 bags light microwave popcorn, popped
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup butter
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 package Thin Mints, chopped

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking tray with foil and spray with Pam. Place the popped kernels in a large bowl.
2. Stir together the sugars, corn syrup, cocoa, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium high heat until boiling.  Allow to boil 2 minutes. Then stir in peppermint extract and baking soda. Mixture will foam.
3. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn in your bowl and stir until very well coated.  Spread the mix onto your baking tray.  Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped cookie pieces. Allow to cool to room temperature.  Break the mixture into chunks and store in Tupperware containers. Enjoy!

Blouse: J. Crew // Jeans: J. Crew // Shoes: Jack Rogers // Umbrella: Marc Jacobs // Watch: Cartier // Bangles: Kate Spade and Cartier // Cuff: York Design Company

With spring right around the corner, we’ll soon be frequenting our favorite patios for happy hours after work. Ever have the “I-really-want-to-go-but-I-have-to-workout-and-then-I’ll-be-gross” dilemma? Well, when the early morning workouts won’t make it into your schedule, we have a solution! This Tuesday, we’re showing you how to have presentable post-workout hair in a flash so you can be off to your happy hour in no time!

1. Take a cold shower after your workout (hair up!) This will cool you down without getting your hair wet so you don’t have to thoroughly blow-dry your hair.

2. Dry your hair for a few seconds on “cool” setting, using a large, round brush.

3. Apply a dry shampoo and brush through hair; shake it out.

4. Blow dry once more, with heat this time.

5. Style and off you go!

Do you have any other tricks for this situation? If so, please share!

They’re classic, they’re pretty, they’re personalized, and they match everything – they’re monograms! It’s always fun to put your stamp on what you own, and monogramming is a perfect way to do just that. Many of us have the “monogram-it-if-it-doesn’t-move” mentality, but for those of you who don’t, here are our 5 favorite things to monogram:

1. Gold Monogrammed Necklace

A gold monogram necklace is a great statement piece to have. It truly helps to illuminate any outfit, and it’s an easy piece to layer with.
Necklace: Laura Lance Collection

2. Desk Accessories

Desk accessories are items that we use every day. Whether it’s a pen holder or a business card holder, everyone should spice these seemingly bland accessories up a little bit! (True story: I once monogrammed my trash can in college – it was actually really cute!)
Desk Accessories: Design Darling

3. Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are accent items usually used to embellish a couch, bed, or even just a plain chair in the living room. Stick a monogram on it, and you’re instantly adding classic character to your decor!
Pillow: The Monogram Shop

4. Bags

We all carry a variety of different bags, depending on occasions. A monogram is a great addition to any bag because you can carry it day or night.
Bag 1: The Pink Monogram // Bag 2: Tuckernuck

5. A York Design Company Cuff

We are crazy for the combination of needlepoint and monograms. It doesn’t get much more personalized than this: you chose the colors and patterns, and we’ll hand-stitch your monogram onto the cuff bracelet (e-mail us if you’re interested). The possibilities are endless!
Bracelet Cuff: York Design Company

 Over time, there have been more than monumental changes to the devices that we now near and dear to our fingers. Ten years ago, cell phones weren’t even small enough to fit in our back pockets!

Yeah, if he were my hubby, I’d make that my wallpaper too. What’s on your wallpaper? Mine’s of  Chanel. Leave a comment or tweet us a pic of yours!

Doing your nails can be quite the trivial task. Over time, I have learned that it is much more therapeutic and fun to do them yourself rather than a pedicure. (For a pedicure, I cannot say the same!) It’s important to have products that work well and adhere best to your nails. For me, I use these products:

Butter LONDON products are amazing and have a great selection of colors. I bought their base and topcoats back in December, and I am definitely not using anything else ever again because they truly hold the polish well and make it really shine! This color, Watermelon from Essie, is one of my favorites because it’s so bright and spring-y! Once you find your products, you’re set to go!

Step One: Cut your nails to your desired length and do any shaping with a nail file if need be.

Step Two: Clean your nails with a cotton ball and nail polish remover to move any dirt and/or leftover nail polish from the color before.

Step Three: Paint your base coat; make sure not to paint too thickly though because it may make the actual polish look uneven.

Step Four: Paint your first coat of the polish; be very careful and go slowly. This is supposed to be a fun activity, no need to rush!

Step Five: Paint your second coat on. Make sure you give yourself time in-between coats so that the first coat doesn’t become uneven or messy.

Step Six: Let the polish dry. Seriously – let it dry! Putting on your top coat directly after finishing can move around the polish, making it look really sloppy.

Step Seven: Paint on your topcoat, making sure to gently apply. If you brush to hard you may mess up the polish placement.

Step Eight: Voila! You’re all set and should have beautiful nails. Make sure you let yourself dry for a long enough time before continuing your daily activities. Watch an episode of Housewives or read a book on your Kindle.

Here’s a finished look of my nails after going through these eight steps (Housewives included!): 

What do you think? 

Health

Do you ever wake up and feel like “UGH, it’s so early and I have to work out!”? Yeah, me too. But here’s the thing: I’m thankful to have my health and to be able to go for a run/walk/skip whenever I choose! I’m lucky to have my health and sometimes I take it for granted. And when I’m battling illness, I’m thankful for modern medicine to get me back on my feet quickly!

Family

Always there for you no matter what your situation. Your family is your life-long support system. I’m thankful to have a strong unit in our DiLibero foursome (and a snuggly pup who loves on me every time I walk through the door!) We always have fun and we make each other laugh.

Hands

I know, this is a weird one. But think about it: your hands allow you to do everything! Type, answer your phone, flip through magazine pages, eat, and allow you to pamper yourself with a weekly manicure. I’m also thankful for my hands because having them allows me to hold Doug’s hand. <3

Girlfriends

So special. Girlfriends are the best, for obvious reasons. The best kind are the ones that you can see every day, once a month, or once a year, and you can still pick up exactly where you left off.

Seasons

Here’s what inspired me to write this post: the seasons. I’ve been so sick of the gloomy gray weather and cold temperatures lately. I found myself complaining a lot and rushing spring along. But you know what? It’s nice to live in the moment and be thankful for what you have. Yes, I’m ready for spring – but there are so many little things in life that make me happy every day and sometimes it’s nice to reflect on those. Plus, nature has a great way of mixing things up right as you start to get bored. That’s what seasons are for!

What are you thankful for today? 

Yesterday, Doug and I watched Beyonce’s new HBO documentary “Life is but a Dream.” I now understand why 1.8 million viewers tuned in the night it premiered – it was really very interesting! The doc chronicled Beyonce’s life as an artist and performer, her relationship with Jay-Z, motherhood, and some of her personal life struggles. Whether you’re a fan or not, I recommend the film, as it was genuine and detailed, and gave us a peek as to what a musician’s life can be like; it was definitely a good take-in for a snow day.

The special prompted me to do a “Throwback Thursday” post taking a look at Beyonce through the years:

Early Beyonce

Beyonce and Jay-Z

Beyonce and Motherhood

Beyonce Now

And just for fun…click on photo below to watch her performance in AC that was featured in the doc – my fav!

Did you see “Life is but a Dream?” What did you think? 

Top: Valentino // Pants: J. Crew // Clutch: Kotur // Shoes: Nina Bryyce

It’s snowing in DC today but I have my mind on spring! Flowers are in bloom, if nowhere but in my closet. 

Tracy’s Hip Move
What it works: outer thigh, butt, hamstrings

1. Start on all fours, shoulders over wrists, hips over knees. Extend one leg out with toe lightly touching the floor.

2. Lift your leg so that it is directly parallel with your hip.

3. Bend your knee and lift your leg up and back.

4. Extend your leg and bend elbows at the same time, doing a “push up” while you straighten your leg.

Repeat the sequence 20 times on each leg. Do 3 sets.

Tracy’s Butt Move
What it works: butt and outer hips

1. Start on all fours again. Cross your right knee over your left calf and keep right knee pointed toward floor.

2. Bring your right leg up and back, while keeping arms straight and knee pointed to the floor. Come back to start position.

Repeat 20 times on each leg. Do 3 sets.

Have you ever tried any of Tracy Anderson’s work-outs? Which ones are your favorites? 

Top 1 // Top 2

Dress 1 // T-shirt // Dress 2

Dress

Dress 1 // Dress 2 // Dress 3

Dress 1 // Dress 2 // Dress 3

Which trend is your favorite? Will you be trying any of these?

Rosey Grier – a football-playing needlepointer? So creepy!

Grace Kelly – I’d love to see some of her work! #elegant

Mary Tyler Moore – she used to make really cute change purses!

Mary Martin – quite a talented lady, as she could sing, ”fly,” and stitch!

Tory Burch

Jonathan Adler

What do you think: is needlepoint a classic style or a trend? 
Any ideas for new items to stitch? We are constantly adding products in the studio and we love your feedback!

One of my best friends is getting married in May and I am so excited to be her Maid of Honor! As I’m sure you know, one of the main duties of the MOH is to host the bridal shower. I had so much fun planning the event and enjoying the day. I wanted to share some of the ways I tried to make the shower special and show you some pictures. If you need to plan a shower soon (hello, wedding season!) here are some ideas:

Decor

 We had a pink and white theme, so from invitations, to decorations, to favors, we made everything pink and white in different prints (chevron, polka dots, stripes, etc). We also added vases full of white hydrangeas all over the house and tied little pink and white ribbons around them to stay with the theme. I found this cute countdown sign to let everyone know how many more days until the bride got hitched!

Food

For the shower, we ordered finger foods and light fare which worked out really well, so that the ladies could take bite-sized pieces in between visiting with friends and relatives.  On the menu were little deli sandwiches (turkey, ham, and roast beef) and mini chicken salad sandwiches on rolls. We also had a big tray of fresh fruit and a tortellini salad, which was a hit. For dessert, I brought my favorite sweets, Georgetown Cupcakes, adorned with the bride and groom’s initials. They were so yummy!

Drinks

For drinks, we offered pink lemonade, champagne, water, and sparkling juice in glass bottles. We spruced up the water by cutting up limes and cucumbers and throwing raspberries on top. It was really pretty, easy, and so refreshing! The champagne could be mixed with splashes of juice so the ladies could make fun pink mimosas.

Games

Before opening presents, we played the “He Said/She Said” game. If you aren’t familiar with this one, here’s how you play:
1. Before the shower, ask the groom 15 questions about his bride-to-be. An example: “What did she wear on your first date?”
2. Print up the questions on cute paper (we stuck with the theme, pink and white) and pass them out to the guests at the shower.
3. Ask the guests how many answers you think the bride and groom can “match” on.
4. Put the bride in the hot seat and ask her the same questions you asked the groom. Read the groom’s answers out loud after the bride answers each question.
5. Tally up the number of “matches” they received. The guests who guessed the exact number won prizes (our prizes were little “wedding day essentials” kits – tiny baskets stuffed with tissues, a compact mirror, a mini brush, mints, hair elastics, etc. to take to the wedding in May).

Opening Presents

The bridesmaids wrote a list of everything the bride received and who gave it to her so she can write thank-you notes.

The Bouquet

We took the bows from each present and put them on a paper plate for the bride to hold when she walks down the aisle at the rehearsal dinner!

What are some other shower ideas or tips that you have? 

I am sooooo glad it’s finally Friday! We all have such crazy-busy lives and schedules, so the weekend is a time to cherish and decompress. Here is a list of my 5 great ways to relax, which I will surely be implementing this weekend.

1. Take a bubble bath

This has always been my favorite way to unwind – I actually take a bubble bath most nights before bed. Sometimes I add music, sometimes tabloids, and sometimes I perch my iPad on the sink and watch an episode of the Real Housewives!

2. Burn a citrus-y candle

Citrus is proven to induce relaxation and boost immunity. I love Joe Malone’s “Orange Blossom” scent in any capacity, but burning the candle in my apartment fills the air with such divinity!

3. Read a book and grab a blanket

This one’s awesome for winter. I love curling up with a good book, especially since most of the reading I do is either for business or on the fly (metro, working out). Right now I’m reading Lisa Gardner’s latest novel Touch and Go, and I hope to find a cozy spot to finish it uninterrupted this weekend.

4. Watch a movie (or 2) that’s nominated for the Oscars…

…so you’ll be all caught up for Sunday.

5. Sleep in and snuggle

How great do you feel after a good night’s sleep? I think not waking up to an alarm is key to this. Letting your body rest and recover is so healthy, especially when it wakes itself up, as opposed to the blaring iPhone beeping at you at 5:00 a.m. Weekends are the best time to sleep in and lounge/snuggle with your honey, pets, or pillows!

What are your favorite ways to relax on weekends?

]]> http://yorkdesignco.com/5-things-friday-relaxation/feed/ 1 http://yorkdesignco.com/throwback-thursday-beatles-mania/ http://yorkdesignco.com/throwback-thursday-beatles-mania/#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:00:57 +0000 YorkDesignCo http://yorkdesignco.com/?p=1688

There aren’t many songs that are as “feel-good” as The Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” (read: instant mood lift!) On January 25, 1964, the song soared to #1 on the American Billboard charts where it stayed for 7 weeks. On February 21, 1964, this song was still in the sweet spot. Listen here if you have headphones at work and need a pick-me-up!

What’s your favorite feel-good song?

Bake 325 for 1.5 hours (9 x 5 loaf pan)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
4 large, ripe bananas
2 T. vanilla
2 beaten eggs
2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 t. salt
1/2 t. baking powder
3/4 t. baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk

Directions:

Mix dry ingredients together and set aside. Mix together mashed bananas, vanilla, eggs, brown sugar, and oil. Add the buttermilk and dry ingredients a little at a time, alternating. Pour into greased loaf pan. May cover with aluminum foil for 1/2 of the time so it doesn’t over-brown.

Extra: add 1/2 – 3/4 cups walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips as desired.
Enjoy!

So what’s the Levo League? The Levo League is an all-access pass to the VIP party that will catapult your career life – it helps young women decide where they want to go and find a successful path to get there. It was founded by powerful women for the purpose of being used by powerful women. The Levo League started in NYC, but chapters are popping up all across the country, and I’m so proud to be a member of the DC chapter. I love it and I wanted to share why. Here are 5 reasons why you should get involved in the Levo League in your area:

Job boards, articles, office hours, and a site full of helpful information – looking for a new job? Start here!

Find successful women who have set amazing examples and have paved the way for the rest of us – also, find a mentor or become a mentor!

A 30-minute weekly video chat with experienced ladies across all industries – live Q&A sessions!

From happy hours to ice skating, the DC ladies of Levo have social events covered – we love getting to know each other, networking, and making new friends. Our next event is a Power Panel on Tuesday night at George Washington University. See below if you’re interested in joining us!

And really, what could be better than that?
Get involved here!

UPCOMING LEVO LEAGUE DC EVENT: POWER PANEL!

WHEN: Tuesday, February 19th: 7:30PM

WHERE: George Washington University, 103 Funger Hall, 2201 G Street NW

WHAT: DC Local Levo has put together an amazing panel of young women from various fields who will share their personal success stories, answer Q&A, share mentoring advice and network with us throughout the evening! We’ll also enjoy sweets & treats from Georgetown Cupcake as well as other special giveaways from our panel!

Power Panelists:

Carly A. Heitlinger  - Blogger, The College Prepster & New Media Director, The Levo League

Cori Sue Morris - Co-Founder,  Bitches Who Brunch & Communications Specialist (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy)

Laura DiLibero - Owner & Creative Director, York Design Company

Elizabeth Kane - Founder, CharityChicksUS

Megan Griffith - Associate Director of Sales Development, Wedding Wire

Allison Sheren - Founder, Neighborsations

Laura Simmons - Corporate Sales Executive, Social Tables

We hope to see you there!

Clockwise: Frank Sinatra and Natalie Wood, 1966; Johnny Cash and June Carter, 1970; The Jackson 5, 1974;
Taylor Swift, 2010; Celine Dion, 1999; LeAnn Rimes, 1997;   (photo credits: The LA Times)

Clockwise: Justin and Jay-Z; Rihanna; Elton John and Ed Sheeran; Adam Levine and Alicia Keys

Who did you think was best-dressed Sunday evening? 

Did you know that: The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine’s Day.

Will you be sending any love letters today? 

I’m usually not into butterflies unless you count my 5th grade obsession with butterfly hair clips. However, Carrie Underwood’s Grammy performance Sunday night inspired me to create an outfit based on her amazing projector-screen dress. While some people hated the theatrics, I thought the light show was clever and entertaining. I found subtle ways to tone down the look and came up with a butterfly print dress, plain gold earrings, a sparkly clutch, and cute flats. Spring is (almost!) in the air, so why not? 

What do you think? 

Dress: Alexander McQueen // Earrings: John Lewis // Clutch: All Saints // Flats: Blink

With our crazy-busy schedules, our Valentine’s dinner date is going to have to wait until this weekend. Between work, night classes, etc., we can’t get out the door on Thursday evening, so Doug’s taking me out on Saturday instead. However, while he’s at school on Thursday night, I’m going to make a special dinner and a delicious festive dessert: Valentines milkshakes!

Ingredients:
1 cup strawberry ice cream
1 cup ice
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup of milk
1 teaspoon white sugar
whipped cream
sprinkles

Directions:
Combine ice cream, ice, strawberries, milk, and sugar into blender; mix until smooth. Pour into two glasses and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and Valentines sprinkles.
(Extra: Kris from the blog Young Married Chic made a different recipe for strawberry shakes, but added a special touch to her mini ones by melting white chocolate and dipping the top of the glasses into them before adding sprinkles and letting the chocolate harden and set – such a cute idea!)

What are you doing for Valentines Day? 

We are constantly being inspired by our surroundings and that always leads to new designs! For 5 Things Friday this week, we’re sharing 5 of our new designs for spring. We always love your feedback, so please leave your thoughts in the comments below. See something you love or have a request for a design you think would be a smash? Let us know!

Which one’s your favorite? 

Flip Flops

Bermuda Bags

White and Red Quatrefoil 

Preppy Ribbons

Navy & Pink: Signature YDC Chevron

For my 13th birthday, I received a silver chain-link bracelet with a single charm on it. I’ve since added many more charms, and I wear the bracelet almost every day. Each charm represents something very special to me – passions, family, friends, vacations, jobs, schools, and hobbies. I love the musical sound of the clinking and jangling it produces as I go about my activities. It’s almost full, but I think I can squeeze a few more charms on there before I have to start a new one. Below are some photos of my charm bracelet as well as photos of some leading ladies that have been known to sport their own.

Do you have a charm bracelet? What’s on it? 

My Charms:

 Celebrity Charms:

 Sweater: Tory Burch // Skinny Jeans: 7 For All Mankind // Heels: Ash Leopard // Earrings: Amrita Singh

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

I know, it’s a little early to be thinking about bikinis. However, I’m bored with my ab routine and need to switch it up a bit. For the best bikini-ready abs, we need to form good habits now so that we’re sporting toned tummies come Memorial Day weekend! I’m going to do the below routine 4 days per week for three months – will you join me??

3-Month “Amazing Abs” Routine:

1. Regular crunches (contract your abs at the top!) – 50
2. Cross one ankle over opposite knee and do crunches (remember to contract) elbow to knee on each side – 25 per side
3. Point legs straight up to the ceiling and crunch up – 50
4. Plank – hold for 60 seconds x 3
5. Bicycles – 50 on each side

I run each morning and do my toning right afterward. Usually, I do my abs in front of the Today Show and it goes by quickly – what helps you get through great work outs?

Do you have any fun exercises to share?

5 Ingredients You’ll Need:
1. 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
2. 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
3. 1/2 cup Frank’s® Redhot® Buffalo Wing Sauce
4. 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
5. 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

Stir cream cheese with whisk until smooth
Stir other ingredients together in a 9-inch deep pie plate
Bake at 350 until mixture is hot and bubbling
Optional: sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top
Serve with celery/carrot slices, chips, or a fresh baguette!

Happy Superbowl Weekend!

“Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.” 
― Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, Gigi

Ava Gardner

Marlon Brando

Lucille Ball

Coco Chanel

Elizabeth Taylor

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

Audrey and “Cat”

MJ and Bubbles

Blake and Penny

What kind of sweet companion do you have? Is he/she as pampered as a celebrity pet?
I know ours is and we wouldn’t have her any other way! 

DiLibero Girls and Chanel

Here’s what I did:

1. Went to Michael’s and picked out adorable pregnant lady stickers
2. Grabbed one of those frames that you can decorate like a scrap-booking page
3. Printed off the sonogram pic that she texted to let us know she was expecting
4. Mailed the frame to the happy parents-to-be!

Supplies:

Finished Product:

I’ll need more ideas for creative gifts with the baby shower coming up! Do you have any ideas?

With Inauguration festivities in full swing last weekend, the blog world was buzzing! We caught up with our 5 favorite DC bloggers who shared their pics from the Inauguration Balls. Check out their blogs and be sure to follow them on Instagram for some more fabulous pics!

http://alaceyperspective.com/
Instagram: @laceperpective

 http://necessary-and-proper.com
Instagram: @nec_and_proper

http://bitcheswhobrunch.com/
Instagram: @corisuemorris

http://www.sweetlemonmag.com/
Instagram: @BAnnC

http://cupcakesforbreakfast.com/
Instagram: @nikkirap

Do you follow any of these lovely ladies? Have fun Inauguration pics? Share them with us!

What’s your favorite decade of {amazing} winter wear? 

In college, I danced my way through many a fraternity party donning large, heavy (albeit fabulous) earrings. Over time, my poor ears suffered from the weight of the big earrings pulling on my pierced ears. Now, I try not to wear any pierced earrings if I can help it (except my staples – pearls, knots, and gum drops) but it’s really hard to find cute clip-ons for going out.

The solution? Make your own!

What you need:
Jewelry pliers/cutters
Glue gun
Any earrings with a post
Earring clips (sold at craft stores)

First, cut the posts off of your earrings with your jewelry pliers/wire cutters.

Next, hot-glue an earring clip onto the flat surface on the back of the earring

Finally, easy finish and no pulling!

We are so excited about our new sorority line of needlepoint cuffs! The roll-out hasn’t officially launched yet, but here’s a peek at some of the patterns we’re working on!

Delta Gamma

Kappa Delta

Delta Zeta

Gamma Phi Beta

What do you guys think??

The cold winter months after the holidays always leave me feeling a little sleepy; the twinkling lights have come down, the sky is gray, and it’s FREEZING! Boo. Can you relate to my sentiment? Well, if you can, then I have a pick-me-up for you! We are doing a York Design Company GIVEAWAY for our
5 Things Friday post today. 5 cuffs will go to 5 lucky gals!

Here are the ways to enter: 

1. Share this giveaway with your Facebook friends! Make sure to link to York Design Company. Please leave a comment below to let us know!
2. Share this giveaway with your Twitter followers! Make sure to link to @YorkDesignCo. Please leave a comment below to let us know!
3. Share this giveaway on your blog! Be sure to link to yorkdesignco.com. Please leave a comment below to let us know!
4. Share your favorite York Design Company cuff on Pinterest! Please leave a comment below to let us know!

You can pick any or all of the above ways to enter!
We will draw a winner next Wednesday, January 23.
Good luck! 

Audrey Hepburn

Elizabeth Taylor

Marilyn Monroe

Jackie Kennedy

Natalie Wood

Grace Kelly

York Design Company

Which one’s your favorite look?

Stay tuned…tomorrow we have a very exciting giveaway on the blog!

Natural, tropical, or smokey: what’s your favorite look?

What she used getting ready: Almay Intense i-Color Shimmer-i Trio for Green Eyes
How to get the natural-but-glam look:
1. Start with a tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone to even it all out
2. Swirl a natural powder on using a large, fluffy make-up brush
3. Dab on a warm-colored cream blush for a naturally flushed-looking complexion
4. Shade your eyelids with a natural trio (see above) from lash line to brow bone
5. Dot your lash lines with a gray or brown pencil to define your eyes; add a coat of mascara
6. Finish the look with a light gloss

 What she used getting ready: Hourglass Opaque Rogue Liquid Lipstick in Tangerine
How to get the tropical look:
1. Use a tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone
2. Add concealer to trouble spots
3. Dash some NARS Laguna bronzer onto your forehead, nose, and cheeks for a sun-kissed glow
4. Smile in the mirror and swipe CORALista blush on the apples of your cheeks.
5. Set your eyes off with liner, natural shadow, and fun falsies.
6. Complete the look with the Hourglass Liquid Lip (above)

What she used getting ready: L’Oreal Everstyle Stronghold Hairspray
How to get the smokey eye look:
1. Prep your lids with a good primer
2. Apply jet-black liner to the tops and bottoms of your lash lines with a soft eye pencil
3. Smudge the liner a teeny bit with a Q-Tip or the tip of your finger
4. Sweep a silvery, shimmery base shadow over your lids to your brow bone (I like this one in chrome).
5. Using an eye shadow brush, blend a darker hue into the crease of your eyelid
and smudge toward brow bones (NARS in “Night Breed” is great for smokey eye creases)
6. Perfect the look with two coats of mascara, let it almost dry, and add one more coat for full effect

]]> http://yorkdesignco.com/tutorial-tuesday-red-carpet-make-up/feed/ 0 http://yorkdesignco.com/5-things-friday-luxury-lifetime-pieces-to-invest-in-winter-edition/ http://yorkdesignco.com/5-things-friday-luxury-lifetime-pieces-to-invest-in-winter-edition/#comments Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:00:27 +0000 YorkDesignCo http://yorkdesignco.com/?p=1069

A classic bag.

A soft-and-cozy cashmere sweater.

A pair of black Louboutin pumps.

A warm Burberry scarf.

A colorful-yet-timeless coat.

What are your luxury winter staples? What’s on your “winter-luxury” wish list?

So glad this classic brand has lasted through the years! Do you have a favorite Burberry piece? Mine is definitely my winter scarf.

I love wearing belts that “cinch” my waist – I always feel like it’s a slimming look over blouses and sweaters. Recently, my cute and creative mama came up with an awesome belt idea using my previous ribbon wreath tutorial. Instead of a buckle or a bow, the center of a belt is made with all types of grosgrain ribbon – you can match it to whatever your heart desires! Here’s how:

STEP 1: Supplies
Ribbon (get creative – I used some Burberry ribbon from a Christmas package I received!)
Low-temp glue gun
Fabric glue
Faux leather or felt
Stretchy plain belt or elastic from fabric store
Velcro

STEP 2:
Cut 4″ lengths of ribbon and make loops with each strip; hold together with low-temp glue gun.
Cut a 4″ circle from felt or faux leather.
Glue ribbon loops onto the circle with fabric glue; repeat until surface of felt or faux leather is covered.

STEP 3:
Glue the felt or faux leather ribbon circle to one end of belt material with fabric glue or hot glue.
Attach Velcro so belt closes at your waist.
Wear your adorable new accessory!

Dress - Burberry; Bracelet - York Design Company; Shoes – Christian Louboutin

Yesterday the New York Times posted this article about the unveiling of a new-and-improved pink Honda at a fashion mall in Tokyo. While it’s not the cutest pink car we’ve ever seen, here’s a look at some adorable (1940s Fiat!) and not-so-adorable (1990s Buick, ew) pink cars through the years.

My dream car has always been a powder blue convertible – what’s yours? Would you ever drive a pink car??

While I was reluctant to leave sunny southern Florida this morning, I was very happy to wear my new Palm Beach inspired puffer vest to work (Santa was good to me in so many ways)! After a wonderful break celebrating the holidays with my family, I’m excited to start the new year energized, invigorated, and full of new ideas. My 2013 work resolutions all center around creativity  - I think stylish, colorful outfits certainly foster creative ideas!

How was your first day back? Any big work resolutions for you new year?

The New York City Times Square ball drop began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood and the ball today is made out of Waterford Crystal. Today, the ball weighs approximately 1,070 lbs, and is 6 feet in diameter.

Will you watch the ball drop this year? What are your New Year’s Eve plans? Can’t wait to celebrate! 

1. Hot Apple Cider
2. Rum
3. Cinnamon
4. Whipped Cream
5. Caramel Sauce

Mix the hot apple cider and rum (amounts to your liking) together. Add the cinnamon and stir. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if you want it to look extra fancy!

Cheers, and happy weekend, everyone!

Still tying up loose ends for shopping the week before Christmas? Running around and picking things I want to give to people is so much fun, but it can be a little stressful in the 11th hour. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes that are warm and easy to take on and off (you never know if you have to try something on “to see if it will fit you her”)!

What are the loose ends you still have to tie up? Wrapping, mailing, shopping – all of the above?!

What you’ll need:

5 cups of Cheerios
5 cups of Corn Chex
5 cups of short, skinny pretzel sticks
1 package of green and red M&M’s
2 cups of dry roasted peanuts
24 oz white chocolate
1-2 TBS vegetable oil
Wax paper

What to do:

Melt the white chocolate and oil together in the microwave (do it slowly and keep checking/stirring to make sure it doesn’t harden).
Mix all of the other ingredients into a large bowl or pot and add the melted white chocolate; stir.
Spread onto the wax paper to let dry; break up the large pieces when fully dry (I usually wait overnight).

What are your favorite holiday snacks? Do you have any good recipes to share?

“Santa Baby” by Taylor Swift – The intro has a twangy country feel and I love her voice in this – better than the original because it’s more upbeat and fun!

“Cold December Night” by Michael Buble – Does this even need a caption? Yes, we will fall in love with Michael Buble this Christmas (and all year)!

“I Guess It’s Christmas Time” by *Nsync – This whole album reminds me of growing up because it became a DiLibero family staple for Christmas, circa 1998. This song’s my fav though.

“What Christmas Means to Me” by Jessica Simpson – Great for dance parties; a definite feel-gooder.

“I Pray on Christmas” by Harry Connick, Jr. – Bluesy and different; reminds you what the Christmas season is all about.

What are your favorite Christmas songs? I’m always looking for new stuff to add to my playlists!

Sometimes at the end of the day, it’s nice to sit down and watch some mindless television. Some of my favorite mindless shows in rotation are any variation of the Real Housewives or the Kardashians, Modern Family, Gossip Girl, Chelsea Lately, and re-runs of Seinfeld. But when I was home for Thanksgiving, I found a little treasure that has been keeping me entertained this holiday season: Merry Sitcom! So old-fashioned, I know. But the happy, light, and totally retro DVD was perfect to share with you for this Throwback Thursday. Tell me you didn’t love Bewitched when you were little. And That Girl‘s outfits? Classic!

Do you remember any of these shows from Nick at Night or TV Land? What are your favorites?

We often go to events at different embassies for Doug’s work. This weekend, we will be attending a Christmas party at the Embassy of Sweden. For this event, I have the perfect outfit in mind: a festive, feminine, and conservative (but still fun!) dress. I’m pairing with my go-to black pumps and some fun jewelry. Since it’s work-related, I will be toning the sparkly jewelry down, but it’s still a Christmas party, so we need to shimmer a little!

Are you going to any holiday parties this weekend? What will you wear?

This ribbon wreath was so easy and fun to make – in fact, I made a bunch more for friends and family!

What you need: 5 or 6 fun spools of ribbon (add sparkly ribbon and rick-rack to give it an extra kick!), any size foam wreath (I used a 12″), a pair of fabric scissors, and dressmaker pins or a low-temp hot glue gun (I like to use the pins – mess free!)

What to do: Wrap the foam wreath in a solid color ribbon to begin, just so you don’t have white patches after you start pinning/gluing. Attach with pin or glue when finished wrapping. Cut your fun strips of ribbons into 4-5″ pieces. Make a loop with each strip and either pin or glue to the ribbon-wrapped foam wreath. Cover the whole top surface and pack as many ribbon loops as you can to make it look full. Viola! A preppy ribbon wreath for your front door!

How do you welcome your holiday guests? Real greens? Lights? Let me know if you have other creative ideas to share!