Shecky's » HAUTE HOSTESS http://www.sheckys.com Discover, Experience and Get Rewarded Wed, 23 May 2012 16:43:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Pick Your Pie: 8 Tasty Homemade Pizzas http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/18/pick-your-pie-8-tasty-homemade-pizzas/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/18/pick-your-pie-8-tasty-homemade-pizzas/#comments Fri, 18 May 2012 13:00:53 +0000 Shecky's http://www.sheckys.com/?p=74672
If you're a pizza lover like myself, Friday night usually means a call to my nearest pizzeria to get a piping hot pie delivered to my house. With today being National Pizza Party Day, I decided to take my 'za love and turn it up a notch by making homemade pies you can nosh on from your morning breakfast to your midnight snack. Sure, the traditional cheese-sauce-crust combo is delicious in and of itself, but I challenge you to try one of these special savory pizza recipes that will totally have your tastebuds tingling this foodie holiday!]]> If you’re a pizza lover like myself, Friday night usually means a call to my nearest pizzeria to get a piping hot pie delivered to my house. With today being National Pizza Party Day, I decided to take my ‘za love and turn it up a notch by making homemade pies you can nosh on from your morning breakfast to your midnight snack. Sure, the traditional cheese-sauce-crust combo is delicious in and of itself, but I challenge you to try one of these special savory pizza recipes that will totally have your tastebuds tingling this foodie holiday!

-Casey Schmieder

One of the signature signs of summer starting is the grill being lit out back, and this Grilled Pizza from 101 Cookbooks allows you to bring your fave dish to the barbie. The delicious recipe combines thinly sliced caramelized fennel, kalamata olives (pitted please!) and grated Gruyère over a light layer of marinara sauce on flatbread. The slightly sweet taste of the Gruyère pairs well with the salty kalamata olives and the sweetness of the caramelized fennel, making your mouth water and want more! This recipe is perfect for a hot summer party—instead of heating up your kitchen with the oven, keep the heat outside where it should be!

Image Credit: 101cookbooks.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/18/pick-your-pie-8-tasty-homemade-pizzas/feed/ 6 Cool Gifts For Every Type of Graduate http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/18/cool-gifts-for-every-type-of-graduate/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/18/cool-gifts-for-every-type-of-graduate/#comments Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:45 +0000 Shecky's http://www.sheckys.com/?p=74659
Graduation season's in full swing, so you better start seriously thinking about gifts. Since every graduate has her own style, grad gifts aren't exactly the easiest to choose. Some grads are heading into corporate America (good luck!) and may be lacking in business basics, since a classic trench and power pumps probably weren't among her college staples (a.k.a. pajama pants and red Solo cups!) Or maybe your grad is headed off to a new city and needs a few starter items for her new place and her new life. Is she a world traveler, or your closest girlfriend? This list will help you navigate the often overwhelming selection of grad gifts for any those of you that want to do more than just cut a fat check!]]> Graduation season’s in full swing, so you better start seriously thinking about gifts. Since every graduate has her own style, grad gifts aren’t exactly the easiest to choose. Some grads are heading into corporate America (good luck!) and may be lacking in business basics, since a classic trench and power pumps probably weren’t among her college staples (a.k.a. pajama pants and red Solo cups!) Or maybe your grad is headed off to a new city and needs a few starter items for her new place and her new life. Is she a world traveler, or your closest girlfriend? This list will help you navigate the often overwhelming selection of grad gifts for any those of you that want to do more than just cut a fat check!

-Jade Hall

The Job-Hunting Grad

The college uniform of Rainbow flip flops in the spring and summer, then Uggs and Frye boots in the fall and winter just isn’t going to cut it when your graduate is getting dressed for her first day in the office. Everyone knows how important the outfit is for maximum confidence on her first day, so use graduation day to stock her closet with cute corporate necessities.

Trench coat: She may still be too young for Burberry, but that doesn’t mean that she won’t need a stylishly professional coat to cover her suit in the rain, like this A-Line Piped Trench Coat from Topshop ($136 from topshop.com)!

Everyday Tote: Longchamp’s Le Pliage Medium Shoulder Tote will be your grad’s go-to bag for the workplace. The size is perfect to hold everything she might need for work and whatever she needs to primp up for after work cocktails with the girls ($125 from bloomingdales.com).

Power pump: The Sheryl pump from Nine West is a great choice for interview day—it’s comfortable enough that you’ll be able to literally run to the office, and modern Mary Jane style is just enough to satisfy her trendy toes. ($99 from ninewest.com)

Business Card Holder: Now that she’s a professional, she may not want to just give the cute guy at the bar her number anymore. Keep it classy with Kate Spade’s Silver Street Let’s Do Lunch Business Card Holder ($20 from bloomingdales.com). It’s perfect to house those little cards that are made for networking, but much better suited for socializing!

Alternative Class Ring: Replace that class ring with a Michael Kors Rose Gold Buckle Ring ($65 from bloomingdales.com), an excellent choice for the grad who wants to see something a little more chic than her school seal when she looks at her right hand!

Image Credit: ninewest.com, bloomingdales.com, bloomingdales.com, topshop.com, bloomingdales.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/18/cool-gifts-for-every-type-of-graduate/feed/ 6 Five Great Gifts Mom Will Love http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/11/five-great-gifts-mom-will-love/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/11/five-great-gifts-mom-will-love/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 14:15:10 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=73038
Mother's Day is drawing near and it's time to show your mom some love. These budget-friendly ideas will not break the bank but they will bring a smile to your mother's face. From sweet-smelling candles to delivered-to-your-door beauty products, there is something on this list (all under $40) that every mom will enjoy, not just on Mother's Day but for many days ahead!]]> Mother’s Day is drawing near and it’s time to show your mom some love. These budget-friendly ideas will not break the bank but they will bring a smile to your mother’s face. From sweet-smelling candles to delivered-to-your-door beauty products, there is something on this list (all under $40) that every mom will enjoy, not just on Mother’s Day but for many days ahead!

If mom can’t make it to the spa, bring the spa to her with Nordicals great bath and beauty products this Mother’s Day! Stock up on bath salts, face masks, organic tea and body scrubs like the sweetly scented Mimosa Organic Cane Sugar-Based Body Scrub ($18 on nordicals.com). Mom will get all of the pleasures of the spa without the expensive spa price tag or even having to leave home!

-Simone McDowell of honeebeegifts.blogspot.com

Simone is a public relations and marketing pro who knows how to find the perfect gift, for the perfect budget. Find her insights and ideas on her blog, honeebeegifts.blogspot.com.Based in Charlotte, she is a regular contributor for SouthPark Magazine and Charlotte Style Magazine, and now Sheckys. A native of Baltimore, Simone earned her Bachelor of Arts from Bowie State University and her Master’s Degree from College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She has also taught the art of public speaking at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. When she isn’t blogging or finding the perfect gift, you can find her enjoying the arts, good food, and working with several community nonprofits.

HoneeBee Gifts offers creative gift concepts and exceptional ideas to celebrate moments that mean the most to you through gifting.

HoneeBee will help you pick the perfect gift, whether by recommendations via the blog, our very own personalized gift questionnaire or “matching” the perfect gift to the event/holiday you are celebrating and the person receiving the gift.

We at HoneeBee hope that you follow the blog, get ideas, comment and share with friends. It is our pleasure to give you the buzz on what’s happening in the gift world.

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/11/five-great-gifts-mom-will-love/feed/ 4 Mom Cave: Her Own Space For Mother’s Day http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/10/mom-cave-her-own-space-for-mothers-day http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/10/mom-cave-her-own-space-for-mothers-day#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 14:20:38 +0000 Shecky's http://www.sheckys.com/?p=72119
Sorry dad, your man cave will have to take a break until June because this Mother's Day, it's all about the mom cave. With Saturday's premiere of HGTV's new show Mom Caves shedding some light on mama's need for some personal space, this Mother's Day is the perfect time to give mom the best gift she could ever (but would never) ask for—a little alone time! Here are great tips for creating a perfect, pretty space for some relaxation, meditation and a little indulgence this Mother's Day. Move over, man cave!]]> Sorry dad, your man cave will have to take a break until June because this Mother’s Day, it’s all about the mom cave. With Saturday’s premiere of HGTV’s new show Mom Caves shedding some light on mama’s need for some personal space, this Mother’s Day is the perfect time to give mom the best gift she could ever (but would never) ask for—a little alone time! Here are great tips for creating a perfect, pretty space for some relaxation, meditation and a little indulgence this Mother’s Day. Move over, man cave!

-Jade Hall

Time to Decorate

Throw Pillows: It may be called a mom cave, but we all know she prefers a softer space. Use lots of pillows to soften up her cave so that she feels secure and comfortable. Stock up on decorative throw pillows from World Market ($12.99-$34.99 on worldmarket.com) to provide a bright burst of color and texture!

Vase Garland: Everybody gives mom flowers on Mother’s Day, so show the pretty blooms off in the mom cave with this Urban Outfitters Bottle Vase Garland ($24 at urbanoutfitters.com). Mom will be pleasantly surprised to see that flowers can do so much more than sit in a vase on the table.

Floral Decals: Unfortunately, real flowers just don’t last forever, but Wallflower Wall Decor does ($40 at urbanoutfitters.com)! Scatter these flowers around the walls or place them together in a decorative cluster according to your wall space. Mom will feel like she stepped outside into her garden without even leaving the house!

Comfy Seating: Furnishing the mom cave may be a bit of a splurge, but all the pillows in the world won’t beat a comfortable couch for mom to relax on after a long day. These colorful futons ($189.99 at Target.com) are perfect if mom wants to turn it into a bed for a much-needed nap or as a couch for when she and her girlfriends just want to have a good old-fashioned slumber party!

Image credit: fancyhouseroad.com, urbanoutfitters.com, urbanoutfitters.com, target.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/10/mom-cave-her-own-space-for-mothers-day/feed/ 6 Mouthwatering Mother’s Day Brunch Menu http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/10/mouthwatering-mothers-day-brunch-menu/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/10/mouthwatering-mothers-day-brunch-menu/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:43 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=72779
Mom slaves away in the kitchen all year long so give her the day off this Mother’s Day and cook up a mouthwatering brunch for your mama instead! Everyone always says food’s the way to a man’s heart, but it’s your mom’s heart that you’ll be capturing when you serve her this yummy Mother’s Day menu. From delicious breakfast bites to boozier versions of the classic brunch cocktail, the Mimosa, I’ve rounded up recipes that will surely put a big smile on mom’s face and a big food baby in her belly this Mother’s Day!]]> Mom slaves away in the kitchen all year long so give her the day off this Mother’s Day and cook up a mouthwatering brunch for your mama instead! Everyone always says food’s the way to a man’s heart, but it’s your mom’s heart that you’ll be stealing when you serve her this yummy sweet ‘n’ savory Mother’s Day menu. From delicious breakfast bites to special takes on the classic brunch cocktail, the Mimosa, I’ve rounded up recipes that will surely put a big smile on mom’s face and a big food baby in her belly this Mother’s Day!

-Christina Izzo

How adorable are these fancy little cinnamon rolls? The Faux Martha takes classic cinnamon rolls and gives them a cute makeover by serving them individually wrapped in parchment paper. But don’t let the size fool you—all that cinnamon roll taste you know and love is still there, baked up with buttermilk, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves, and then drizzled in delicious glaze made of confectioner’s sugar, cream cheese, buttermilk and vanilla extract. They’ll taste just like mom’s but she’ll love ‘em even more thanks to the fact that she didn’t have to make ‘em!

Image Credit: thefauxmartha.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/10/mouthwatering-mothers-day-brunch-menu/feed/ 9 Toast Cinco De Mayo With Tequila-Free ‘Tails http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/04/toast-cinco-de-mayo-with-tequila-free-%e2%80%98tails/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/04/toast-cinco-de-mayo-with-tequila-free-%e2%80%98tails/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 16:00:48 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=71382
I have a confession—I hate tequila. Seriously, loath the stuff. One mere sniff of tequila and I wake up the next morning on my bathroom floor wondering where the last ten hours went. My lack of affection for Cuervo & co. makes Cinco de Mayo boozing a bit problematic, as the holiday’s practically soaked in the agave-based spirit. So for you tipplers who aren’t big fans of the taste of tequila either, I’ve rounded up some tequila-less ‘tails that are just as festive and fun as your usual Patron-laced libations. ¡Salud!]]> I have a confession—I hate tequila. Seriously, loathe the stuff. One mere sniff of tequila and I wake up the next morning on my bathroom floor wondering where the last ten hours went. My lack of affection for Cuervo & co. makes Cinco de Mayo boozing a bit problematic, as the holiday’s practically soaked in the agave-based spirit. So for you tipplers out there who aren’t big fans of tequila either, I’ve rounded up some tequila-less ‘tails that are just as festive and fun as your usual Patron-laced libations. ¡Olé!

-Christina Izzo

Van Gogh ‘rita

Who says you need tequila to make a yummy marg this Cinco de Mayo?! Swap a tequila-filled margarita for a vodka-based Van Gogh ‘rita from Redbook, made with Van Gogh BLUE vodka, triple sec, sour mix, soda and lime. Pour the Van Gogh and the triple sec into a salt-rimmed glass over ice, top it with the sour mix and soda. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve. Even your tequila-obsessed amigos won’t be able to deny how terrific this tasty ‘tail is!

Image credit: redbookmag.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/04/toast-cinco-de-mayo-with-tequila-free-%e2%80%98tails/feed/ 5 Cinco Margarita-Inspired Sweet Treats http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/04/cinco-margarita-inspired-sweet-treats http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/04/cinco-margarita-inspired-sweet-treats#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 13:00:44 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=71389
Sure, everyone will be serving up the standard salt-rimmed margaritas come Cinco de Mayo, but why stop at only cocktails? The classic margarita can make a cameo in both your bebidas and your bites! These sweet treats are spiked marg-style with tequila and lime for a scrumptious way to cap off your Cinco de Mayo celebrations. From cupcakes to cookies to margarita jello shots (¡salud!), these delicioso desserts are the perfect finale for your fab fiesta!]]> Sure, everyone will be serving up the standard salt-rimmed margaritas come Cinco de Mayo, but why stop at only cocktails? The classic margarita can make a cameo in both your bebidas and your bites! These sweet treats are spiked marg-style with tequila and lime for a scrumptious way to cap off your Cinco de Mayo celebrations. From cupcakes to cookies to margarita jello shots (salud!), these delicioso desserts are the perfect finale for your fab fiesta!

-Christina Izzo

Margarita Cupcakes

Seriously, take a gander at that thing! Now wipe the drool off your chin and prepare to take notes: this Margarita Cupcake from sauzatequila.com tastes as delicious as it looks, with a lime zest-flecked vanilla base topped off with creamy frosting made of butter, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, lime and Sauza Blue Reposado 100% Agave Tequila . Yes, tequila…in a cupcake. It’s like everything you loved about childhood (sugar) mixed with everything you love about adulthood (booze). Top the treat with some lime zest and sanding sugar in the place of a marg’s usual salt and your sweet’s all set. Olé!

Image credit: cakespy.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/04/cinco-margarita-inspired-sweet-treats/feed/ 6 Spice Up Your Standard Salsa http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/03/spice-up-your-standard-salsa/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/03/spice-up-your-standard-salsa/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 14:00:53 +0000 Shecky's http://www.sheckys.com/?p=71040
One of the quickest, easiest festive fixings you can serve at your Cinco de Mayo party is a cool, refreshing salsa, but I bet you've never tried salsa this way! From ripe, juice summer fruit salsas to spicy takes on the go-to pico de gallo, these recipes redefine salsa's traditional place next to the tortillas—they're so good, you'll want to eat 'em with a spoon instead! This Saturday, while you're busting out your margs y maracas, spice up your festive fiesta with one of these delicioso salsas!]]> One of the quickest, easiest festive fixings you can serve at your Cinco de Mayo party is a cool, refreshing salsa, but I bet you’ve never tried salsa this way! From ripe, juicy summer fruit salsas to spicy takes on the go-to pico de gallo, these recipes redefine salsa’s traditional place next to the tortillas—they’re so good, you’ll just want to eat ‘em with a spoon instead! This Saturday, while you’re busting out your margs y maracas, spice up your festive fiesta with one of these delicioso salsas!

- Danielle St. Pierre

The Perfect Pico de Gallo

Get la fiesta started with a Cinco de Mayo go-to, pico de gallo. In Mexican cuisine, pico de gallo is often used as a broad umbrella term to describe a variety of different regional salsas made with fresh cubed fruit or vegetables. The most common and traditional version of this staple calls for a simple combo of red tomatoes, onions and spicy green chiles. This side is at once versatile and packed with personality, marrying fresh ingredients in a balanced, perfectly spicy combination of flavors. This pico de gallo from bfeedme.com will easily become your go-to staple for any fiesta you host this summer!

Image Credit: bfeedme.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/03/spice-up-your-standard-salsa/feed/ 5 DIY Cinco de Mayo Fiesta http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/03/diy-cinco-de-mayo-fiesta/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/03/diy-cinco-de-mayo-fiesta/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:24 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=71242
With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, who isn’t looking forward to another reason for festivities and yummy cocktails? To get yourself ready for that fab fiesta you'll be throwing for sus amigas, we've put together five of our favorite party ideas for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations, from margs to guac and everything in between. This fiesta will have all of your guests yelling "arrrriba!"]]> With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, who isn’t looking forward to another reason for festivities and yummy cocktails? To get yourself ready for that fab fiesta you’ll be throwing for sus amigas, we’ve put together five of our favorite party ideas for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations, from margs to guac and everything in between. This fiesta will have all of your guests yelling “arrrriba!”

The perfect margarita

Now we may have borrowed this from Skinny Girl mastermind Bethenny Frankel, but hey, none of your guests need to know that! This low-cal take on the classic marg is the perfect refreshment for your party guests.

What you’ll need: 2 ounces of clear premium tequila (reduces hangovers!), ½ lime juice, a splash of Grand Mariner or Triple Sec.

What you’ll do: Mix the ingredients together. When pouring the tequila, there’s no need to measure; simply count 1, 2 while you pour.

Image Credit: kunights.com

-Karina L. Lopez of KC You There

Karina L. Lopez, the “K” in KC You There, LLC, was raised in Long Island, New York. She has had the privilege to work and assist with a number of organizations & individuals in the world of fashion, beauty, professional sports, celebrity & more. Karina has extensive experience with high-profile weddings, private events, charitable fundraisers and countless social events. Her experience has led her to understand all aspects of event coordinating from the very first meet and greet to the event recap with clients. Co-founding KC You There, LLC she is the Director of Events and Public Relations. To contact Karina, email info@kcyouthere.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/03/diy-cinco-de-mayo-fiesta/feed/ 5 5 Monogrammed Must-Have Wedding Gifts http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/02/5-monogrammed-must-have-wedding-gifts/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/02/5-monogrammed-must-have-wedding-gifts/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=70990
May has begun and you know what that means—wedding season! It's about that time when the weekends start piling up with weddings, so better get started on shopping for thoughtful and useful gifts that both the bride and groom will love. Here are some super chic monogrammed gifts that are great for her, him and their household!]]> May has begun and you know what that means—wedding season! It’s about that time when the weekends start piling up with weddings, so better get started on shopping for thoughtful and useful gifts that both the bride and groom will love. Here are some super chic monogrammed gifts that are great for her, him and their household!

A lucite Acapulco Monogrammed Name Tray with Jonathan Adler’s signature colorful touch ($86 on JonathanAdler.com) adds sophistication to any coffee table or dresser. What’s particularly special is you can personalize it with the bride and groom’s last name or initials!

Image credit: thestationerystudio.com

-Donna Kim from DonnaDaily.com

Donna Kim is a multimedia lifestyle reporter and television personality that founded DonnaDaily.com where she provides readers about the latest events, beauty tutorials, sales, fashion advice and lifestyle tips. Donna wants her readers to get to know her personally through her many social media platforms and actively engages with her followers and readers. Donna has been featured on NBC’s The Today Show, QVC, Shape Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, and other publications and media outlets. Follow her on Twitter @DonnaDaily and check out DonnaDaily.com!

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/02/5-monogrammed-must-have-wedding-gifts/feed/ 7