A New Year with Shop Sweet Things with Jeanne

In 2011 Jeanne shopped her way to the top (CBS!), and I can't wait to see what she's got in store, rather her shopping bag, for the New Year!

I had a really low key NYE this year and celebrated with my loved ones at home, but that didn't stop me from popping my favorite champagne!

Your proudest accomplishment in 2011? 

My proudest accomplishment is definitely launching my blog. I hardly knew what a blog was or much on social media prior to 2011. To learn all that within the year and got recommended to be on a CBS News segment as a lifestyle blogger, giving my expertise, I'd say I was pretty proud.

Your greatest aspiration for 2012?

My greatest aspiration is to take my blog to the next level and launch my own business/service in the field of personal shopping. After all, the saying goes "do what you love", right? There's no doubt I love shopping so why not spread the love around! :) 

Save the Date

This tugged on my heart strings. I may or may not have shed a baby tear.

Save the Date! from grace+francis on Vimeo.

Today's Mantra

In my efforts to stay positive in what has been a particularly stressful time in my life, I find myself repeating this quote over and over again. I'd like to say it has kept me from raiding my bar cart 5 out of 7 nights a week, but that would be a lie.

This color seems to help with the sanity and overall well-being too. If I had an assistant I would send her on a mission to locate these sunshine yellow drapes. She would know it in her best interest to locate them immediately.

Weekend Picture Book

Impromptu dancin' with the girls. Slow dinners. Southern sweet tea and Cheerwine cravings satisfied. (yay Brother Jimmy's!) And a little work at the NYIGF!

A New Year with Kimberly Lewis

It's a New Year with Kimberly Lewis, the fierce entrepreneur behind Kimberly Lewis Home! Kimberly and I had the pleasure of meeting last year at a Rue event, and I've loved watching her new business grow! 

Kimberly styling her shoot. Isn't her wallpaper fabulous?

Your proudest accomplishment in 2011?

My proudest accomplishment for 2011 was getting my business off the ground and debuting my collection of wallpaper at ICFF in May. It took a lot of planning and sleepless nights since I was still working my full time corporate design job but I persevered through and made it happen! Another big accomplishment was deciding to leave my corporate design job in August and start freelancing on my own. 2011 has been full of big and scary decisions and I have no regrets!

Your greatest aspiration for 2012?

Professionally my biggest aspiration for 2012 is to continue to grow my company. I am introducing my new products at the end of the month and I would love for a bigger percentage of my income to come from my business so I have more time to dedicate to it. Personally my biggest aspiration for 2012 is to have more fun! Whenever I find myself smiling I want to stop and think about what I am doing and think about how I can create more of that in my life. In the attached photo is some of my favorite parts of 2012. Working on getting everything together for the launch, speaking at an apartment therapy event and getting my first print mention in Interior Design Magazine!

Be My Valentina

I found it. The perfect bag! The printemps pastels and easy neutrals of the Botkier Valentina satchel have me swooning. Straight up love eyes. This is what I'll be filling up my piggy bank for! 

The Revival of the Bar Cart

This made me think of you." -TS

I have every intention of bringing the bar cart back. You see, I'm enamored with the retro ritual of cocktail hour and plainly, I like to drink! Society Social is my testament to that. Some days I wonder if my revival is working and other days I smile to myself when I get notes like "This made me think of you."

Is it working?! Is the bar cart back? On that note, gin? Anyone? My bar cart is outrageously stocked and I like to share. The more the merrier ;)

A New Year with Design Darling

Darling Mackenzie of Design Darling is here to share all the exciting things up her (sparkly!) sleeve in the New Year. We met last February, and I'm delighted to say we've kept in touch since! This weekend we'll be attending the NYIGF together- watch out world, here we come :)  

My cousin Emily and I rang in the New Year with our boyfriends at a New York City bar. Any excuse to don a sparkly Tibi number is fine by me!

My proudest accomplishment in 2011:

Quitting a job I hated and deciding to launch my own business! Look for big news on Design Darling in the coming weeks ;) 

My greatest aspiration in 2012: 

Getting this business off the ground! My target launch date is early March and I couldn't be more excited. Roxy has been such an inspiration to me and I can't wait to join her in the realm of successful female entrepreneurs!

I Spy My Sedgewick at Kelly Market

I will never get over the giddy feeling of seeing my designs in the hands of the super stylin'. Kelly Market is a regular read; she has the most fabulous product round-ups, (and I'm not just sayin' that because Society Social happens to be included ;), and I was tickled (to tipples! ha!) to see one of my best sellers, the Sedgewick bar cart, all styled out by her. Check it out here!

pssst, i gotta say it- how sick is that malachite bar cart?!

That Soft Summer Day When You First Said Hello

I look at this painting and can almost feel the soft sun baking my skin. And the name! "The Soft Summer day When you First Said Hello." I'm smitten.

{Kathe Fraga}

Bedroom Haven

Naomi and I plan on drenching my living room in strong, bold colors which I feel gives me the license to tone it down in our bedroom. Way down. Words that come to mind are serene, haven, clean, and a little girly of course!

My picks so far? 

Pondicherry headboard
Florence Table Lamp
Gold Sunburst Mirror 
Pretty Petal Curtains
Jill Rosenwald Rug
Quilted Delancey Bed Linens
and Peonies! Lots of them!

Red is for Good Luck

In the spirit of Chinese New Year (the color red is supposedly good luck!) and because this is the year I'm making red my signature color, I wanted to share some of my Essie faves. At the top is Lollipop, it's an easy, classic, everyday red. Clambake has a bit of spunky orange in it. Its fiery and reminds me of warm summer nights perfect for, well, clambakes at the beach!  The last one dubbed First Dance is a deep, passionate red perfect for that hot date ;) What's your polish rotation? Is there another red I need to know about?

Happy Chinese New Year!

My darling cousins invited Alan and I over for a Chinese New Year dinner after finishing up our move last weekend! 

Growing up we always celebrated Chinese New Year (I'm half Chinese!) with a tradition centered around little red envelopes. Just like these! Mom and Dad would put a couple dollars in them before handing them out to my siblings and I. You're not supposed to spend the money, rather hang on to it for good luck! We fell out of the tradition as we grew up and moved away, but every time I see a crimson colored envelope, I think of this simple family tradition with a smile and a little hope for luck :)

Just for fun...
...fabulous red dresses because it's the color of luck in the Chinese culture,
a fabulous dragon and chinoiserie themed round-up,
and easy Chinese recipes to give the delivery man I break!

{Kate Spade}

A New Year with Delightfully Chic

It's a New Year with Tiffany of Delightfully Chic! Tiffany and I shared many a cocktail in college (she's also a fellow entrepreneur!) and I'm positively delighted to have her over today. Go get 'em in 2012, Tiff!


Hi y'all! I'm Tiffany from Delightfully Chic.

Roxy (who I absolutely adore) asked me to stop by and share some of my accomplishments from the past year and dreams for the new year! 

Of course I was delighted and couldn't wait to drop by My Cup of Te to share!

I celebrated the end of the year with a few of my darlings and close friends!

Last year was a big year for me...I took a leap of faith and launched my very own company Delightfully Chic!! 

Hands down my greatest accomplishment of 2011!

I studied fashion in college and traveled to work couture shows in the magical city of Paris and as I am 100% obsessed with fashion...when I thought of taking a chance and following my dreams it was home decor I went for!

I can't even tell you the last time I was THIS excited about a new year!  2012 to me just sends all kinds of crazy good vibes!  In the new year I say so-long to my twenties and hello to my thirties!   January 7th (the big day) will be a day I celebrate and embrace a new decade...with stiff drink in hand to guide me through this transition of course!  ; ) 

What I want to accomplish more than anything in this new year (don't ya just love fresh starts...anything is possible) is to take my company to the next level...expand the collection and share my love for fashion and interior with the world!

I believe in dreaming big and following through on those dreams...ANYTHING is possible!

 image via

One of my fave quotes...

 "What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

-Napoleon Hill

Thanks so much Roxy for having me...Wishing you and all your readers the very best in 2012!! xo-Tiffany

Wallet Wonderful

I have a wristlet that is so unorganized that I find myself muttering apologies, every time I go to pay or am required to show my ID, for the amount of time it takes to produce the aforementioned. It's time for a (fabulous) new replacement and some organization for goodness sake!

{Mulberry | Miu Miu | Alexander Wang | See by Choe}

Pretty Pretty Pellegrino

I'm not sure what is with me lately but even when it comes to the tiniest thing, like what I want to drink with my lunch, I find myself requiring pretty. Maybe it's the insane amount of stress that comes with trying to find and move into a new apartment in 4 days that is driving me to find comfort in things that on a normal day may only garner a perfunctory glance.

Defense mechanism, perhaps? If so, it sure is a purdy one ;) Cheers! p.s. Love the packaging as much as me? How cute is the sweet little can here? For bar cart beautiful- just add vodka!

{Free Flavour | Me | Ivy & Piper}

A New Year with Walks with Bella

Introducing fellow Manhattanite blogger Tamra with Walks with Bella! She's got big things up here sleeve for 2012, and I can't wait to see her spirit translate into Ever Swoon.

Happy 2012!!  I'm Tamra from the little Manhattan blog, walks with Bella.  Here I am ringing in the new year with some swagger.  Let's play "Where's Waldo" with Bella.  Can you spot her?

 You are probably wondering why I have blue and white thought bubbles coming out of my top hat.  It is because I have so many great ideas for the new year! 

In 2011, my proudest accomplishment was deciding to do what I love and sharing my positive spirit with others by taking a leap of faith to pursue my passion for helping others achieve their dream event. This accomplishment came with the birth of ever swoon LLC, my boutique wedding and event planning and styling company that I started in Manhattan.

This endeavor allowed me the opportunity to control my schedule and volunteer my time with an organization that is close to my heart, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I joined the Manhattan chapter this past year and was thrilled to have achieved the solicitation of the most auction items for our fundraisers. The more people I can educate about CF will help us build awareness about the medical breakthroughs that are taking place today because of generous contributors.

My greatest aspiration for 2012 is to successfully and officially launch ever swoon LLC and achieve respect in the event industry by creating magic for my clients that surpasses their expectations. I aspire to help as many people as possible experience "the happiest day of their lives". Do you ever swoon?

x tamra

Tips to Stay Sparkly

It's been cray around the household lately. Not including the usual Society Social business and this past month of misery (okay, I exaggerate), Alan and I have 3 days to find a new home or we'll be out on the street. Okay, I exaggerate, again. There are hotels. Regardless, long story! In high stress times, I find it's the little things that can help pull you through. A bouquet of fresh flowers...

A retail update, even if it is just a little window shopping to inspire a daydream...

Pampering! Do it. 

A carefully, bright-fully prepared meal. 

And above all, a little daily ridiculous to keep things sparkly! :)

How do you maintain your sparkle? Would love to know, darlings?

Citrus Recipes not to be missed

Cannelle et Vanille

Did you know it's peak season for many citrus varieties? It's all I crave lately- fresh squeezed orange juice, a perfectly tart grapefruit, the crimson colored flesh of blood orange. Plus the brightly colored fruit seemingly happy to sit on my counter makes me think of sunshine, even if it is painfully chilly out, and sunshine makes me smile :) Here are a few must-eat and must-drink (duh!) recipes...

Pommelo, Hibiscus, and Vanilla Bean Sorbet & Lobster and Citrus Salad

Blood Orange Campari and Finger Lime Gin 

Boozy Camapari Citrus Pops

Citrus Lime Basil Cookies

And just for fun, an entire bloghop dedicated to citrus recipes plus a citrus season calendar!

Piggy

How cute is this little "piggy bank?" I imagine I'd use the included chalk to write something far more frivolous like "shoes" or "vaca." Alan and I have been dying to get away! It's been almost 3 years since we've been able to shake off the wanderlust. Have you been saving up for something special? Do tell!

{Curiosity Shoppe Online}

A New Year with Note to Self

Introducing Sarah Tolzmann of Note to Self! She's here to share her proudest of 2011 and high hopes for 2012. It's a New Year, afterall!

a snapshot of Sarah's midnight revelries

My proudest accomplishment in 2011?

My proudest accomplishment of 2011… was finding a balance between my hobby as a blogger and my graduate program. Both sort of demand a lot of attention, and I never expected that the "twain could ever meet." But midway through last year I decided to just take a chance, make some changes, and go after new opportunities whenever possible. Working with Matchbook and blogging itself has become a challenging creative outlet and a wonderful compliment to my work. I think it goes without saying that design in action is much more fun than design in theory!

My greatest aspiration for 2012?

…is to finally graduate with my Master's! Going back to school is one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it has also created a new passion for what I can do. I'm thankful for all that I've learned, and am excited (and a little nervous) to see where it takes me - hopefully back to NYC so I can have cocktails with you, Roxy!

Drink More Milk

I don't know what kind of milk you're drinkin', but it can't be better than this. Cheeky. And I love the story behind the branding and packaging. A fantastic toast celebrating those who fight and have fought so hard for equal rights!

{Pretty Packaging | Design by Emily Hale}

Pretty Products

Call me a sucker, but the design of these product pages make me want to shop even more. Color coordination and pretty products make me happy. My wallet, however, is not having the same effect.

{APC}

A New Year with I Love Your Crazy

I'm delighted to introduce Shannon of I Love Your Crazy for the latest installment of A New Year!

I love Roxy's short and sweet tribute to the old and new year, and I am giddy to be included. My name is Shannon Darrough, and I write a blog called I Love Your Crazy when I am not freelancing, decorating, or designing. 2011 has been a year of many blessings, but Roxy asked for my proudest accomplishment and greatest aspiration, and to that I must oblige. 

My proudest accomplishment in 2011?

I married William on April 2, 2011. I smile every time I think about it. 

My greatest aspiration for 2012?

The perfectionist in me has a list of improvements a mile long, but 2012 is the year I live in the moment. Last year was a blur, so I am ready to take a deep breath and cherish each blessing. I wish you all a very happy new year full of breathtaking moments! 

xoxo,

Shannon Darrough

Painterly Placemats

Aren't these placemats quirky and fun? Color scheme is paramount when coming up with a beautiful tablescape, and I love all the colors you could pull from right under your plate. I wonder how a florist would feel if I sent them a "paint chip placemat" and asked them to match "Pronto 0214?"

{Leif}