Need a gift idea? Etiquette advice? Have a question about modern manners? Please, ask away! Fill out the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible!
When we moved into our new home more than two years ago, we decided to take our time decorating and approach interior design intentionally. My fabulous mom – aka our interior designer – helped us to furnish with the essentials, and now we are putting icing on the cake – colorful art, light fixtures, decorative objects, etc. It’s going to take many years to complete the project that is our home, and I am cherishing every minute and every new addition. We want each piece to have purpose and be thoughtfully chosen, maybe even with a fun story or two behind it.
One item on our wish list right now is sconces for our master bath. Sconces are such a beautiful way to elevate decor and bring warmth to a bathroom. They add a unique light quality you can’t replicate with overhead lights, and their design can really transform a space. Depending upon the look of your bathroom or powder bath, you can choose something ornate and detailed, or more subtle and simple – the options are endless my friends! Since we have chrome in our bathroom, we’re searching for a fixture in that color family, and perhaps with a touch of lucite for a modern look. I already found a few I like (even a stunning gold one), including this, this, this, and this. And while the search continues, I’m excited to share these stunning sconces as inspiration for us all. Enjoy!
Quick Tips
Etiquette
No. 1
“WHEN ATTENDING A WEDDING, IT’S ALWAYS BETTER TO BE OVERDRESSED.”
The boys love when I bake, and so I wanted to make them a special treat last week to celebrate the new school year. C voted for blueberry muffins and so I whipped up a batch on Tuesday for snack after pick up, and they were beyond delicious. Sweet, moist cake studded with fresh blueberries, who doesn’t love that? And guess what dear readers, these muffins are as healthy as they are delicious – a baking miracle!
We have really cleaned up our diet since my food allergy diagnosis earlier this year, and it’s inspired me to look at all food in a new way, especially baking. Enter the shining star ingredients in this recipe – almond flour, honey, and coconut oil – three of my new best friends who have changed my life and my health. This recipe is inspired by a muffin recipe from a friend of mine, and I just changed a few things and also made it vegan since I’m allergic to eggs. You could definitely use eggs though if your diet permits, and see the replacement details below. I hope you bake and love these back to school blueberry muffins as much as we do!
Back to School Blueberry Muffins
Ingredients
2 cups of almond flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
Generous pinch of Himalayan pink salt
4 tbsp honey
4 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup of coconut yogurt (I use the Coyo plain)
1 flax egg (1 tbsp of ground flaxseeds mixed with 4 tbsp cold water. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes the fridge before adding it to the other ingredients. You could also use 2 eggs as a replacement if you’d prefer the recipe to not be vegan)
3/4 cup of fresh blueberries
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a cupcake pan with parchment paper liners. In a small bowl, mix together the almond flour, baking soda and salt. Next, in a separate medium sized bowl, combine the honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, coconut yogurt and flax egg (or real eggs if you choose). Next, add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until completely incorporated. Gently fold in the blueberries, and pour the batter into the muffin liners.
Bake for 35-40 minutes if using flax eggs, or 25-30 minutes if using real eggs, or until the tops are golden brown. Let them cool for 10-15 minutes, and enjoy!
Advice
HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS
No. 2
“IT’S ALL ABOUT THE THOUGHTFUL DETAILS WHEN ENTERTAINING, SO CONSIDER LITTLE EXTRAS SUCH AS CUSTOM NAPKINS OR UNIQUE PARTY FAVORS.”
I will be the first to admit since having children, punctuality has become a bit of a struggle. Aside from getting yourself ready, you now have the responsibility of this darling brood, and it can be challenging to arrive anywhere on time. You have to dress yourself and them, pack the diaper bag, load the kids up in the car or stroller – you can see where I’m going with this. If you have the treat of a lunch or dinner out, you still have to plan well in advance to make sure you have enough time to get ready and then prepare everything for the kids and babysitter.
I cringe at the times that I have been late to lunch dates, school drop off or social engagements over the past few years, as I really strive to be punctual, but life happens and sometimes we are all tardy! Lately, I’ve been making a true effort to be on time and it had me thinking about all about timing etiquette in our modern world. When is it appropriate to arrive or even leave certain events? There can be mixed messages when it comes to timing etiquette, hence I wanted to set the record straight. And so, here is my guide to timing etiquette from baby showers to dinner parties and everything in between. Enjoy!
A dinner party: Arrive on time or within five minutes of the time set by the host. Don’t arrive early, as the host needs every precious minute to prepare for the guests. Be sure to have a hostess gift or dish in tow! After dessert is served, offer to help with any clean up and then you can scoot on home. Leaving any earlier (especially for another party) will only leave the host feeling hurt, so don’t dine and dash.
A wedding: Arrive 15-30 minutes early to find your seat for the ceremony. While most guests will stay to dance and celebrate long after they’ve finished a slice of cake, if you need to leave early, wait until bride and groom have cut the cake.
A children’s birthday party: Arrive within 10-15 minutes of the start time, as parties are typically come and go. If you need to leave early, be sure to have your child wish a happy birthday to the guest of honor and thank the child’s parents.
Drinks with a colleague: Strive to be on time or no more than 5 minutes late. After a drink, it’s acceptable to leave if you have another engagement that evening.
Haircut/spa appointment: Be on time or 10 minutes early so you can get settled before your appointment.
Baby or bridal shower: Be on time – not early, and not late. This day is about the guest of honor, and you want to celebrate with them from start to finish. Plus, being timely will help you to not feel rushed as you find a parking spot and carry in your gift.
Theater or concert: Arrive 15 minutes early to find your seats. Being late will only disrupt those around you and you’ll miss out on a fabulous performance.
Cocktail party: These types of parties have more of a grace period, so arrive within 15 minutes of the start time.
Gala or luncheon: Galas are fluid, yet you need to be timely so you can find your table and mingle during cocktail hour. Aim to arrive around 30 minutes before the meal is to be served.
Job interview: Always be 10-15 minutes early for a job interview. Punctuality = respect for your potential employer and the company, so be on time!
Lunch or dinner date: Out of courtesy for the person you’re meeting, be on time or no more than 5 minutes late.
Need a gift idea? Etiquette advice? Have a question about modern manners? Please, ask away! Fill out the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible!
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MBB CHECKLISTS AND ETIQUETTE GUIDES FOR ANY OCCASION
Because blue and white napkins are always in style! Paired with a woven charger and white plates, these napkins will be the perfect pop of color to your table.
