Summer Stylin'

 

This week, I had the pleasure of working alongside one of the best prop/wardrobe stylists ever, Ginny Branch Stelling, which was a true inspiration. 

While working for one of my social media clients this weekend, I decided to have my own little photo shoot, complete with props and all...and this is what came out. I'm no photographer, but I had fun styling this new inventory for Timpson Creek Gallery.

It's going to be a great summer. 

xoxo,

Brent

I admit: I have a crush (actually 5 of them)

[my crush(es)]
In my daily routine, there are several people that I go to for inspiration, though they may never know it...Here's just a few of the 'crushes' I have right now and why...amazing people, you should get to know them. 

 

[blog]: brightbazaar

[crush factor]: 

I won't be there first to admit: I'm scared to death of color. . . this is probably why my bedroom consist of black furniture and black and white photographs everywhere. Meet Mr. Bazaar - an inspiring stylist and blogger who stomps color-phobia out completely with his bright blog, ingenious graphics, and clever wordage...you may know him from his column in Rue Magazine + he's cute, who wouldn't like him? Follow his tweets: Will_UK

 

[blog] : my favorite color is shiny 

[crush factor]:

Have you seen her? Who wouldn't crush on her. So, I may have a bias being that I work with her, but Ginny is truly one of the most inspiring and creative people that I know. Just the name of her blog and her tagline, "my name is ginny and I love love" makes the butterflies in my creative heart start fluttering. When I'm bored, I Google her - and my findings are always awe striking. A prop stylist, blogger, 'lover of love,' and fashion pro - Her wedding was a long time ago, but I still stare at the pictures. Follow her: Ginny

[website] : Bobby Berk Home

[crush factor] :

The ultimate in urban sophistication and the epitome of modern home furnishings, with stores in NYC and Miami...time can't pass quickly enough until this uniquely modern man finds his way to Atlanta...I just met him a few days ago, but can't get over his awesome style, blue eyes, and scruff...Also, he's the CEO of Modern Representation. Follow him: Bobby Berk Home

[website] : C Designs 

[crush factor]: 

The perfect mix of old and new, white and raw. Craig's designs are clean, simple, and right up my alley...His spaces have a very crisp and modern persona, but can carry on mild touches of rustic - which makes my happy vibes start flowing. An established designer, and now realtor - he's a long time crush who keeps creating more and more crushy worthy projects.

Buone Feste 2010

a party on a budget. wine. food. fun.

produced and photographed by : me

food: andrew wills 

Partygoers brought their favorite bottle of red wine (under $10, of course)...upon arrival, brown bags, ribbon, scissors, and a Sharpie invited them to "hide" their wine and give it a number - this way, voters would select the wine based on taste alone :)too, it was a fun little activity to start the party. I got the bags at Publix (just ask the cashier for extra)..

Andrew places his scrumptious cheese ball (recipe below) beside a slice of brie.

Andrew's Cheesy Christmas Cheese Ball:

2 Boxes of Cream Cheese

1 Packet of Ranch Mix

1 Bag of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

2-4 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce (the Secret)

Kneed all of these in a large mixing bowl (get your hands dirty!)...

Next, crush 1/2 a cup of pecans....

on wax paper, roll the mixture into a ball,

then roll the ball in the pecans, yummy!  

a table of various sized wine glass welcomed guest in the door. 

The Wine Tasting:

Each person tasted each of the five wines censored by the brown bags...at the end of the party, party goers voted on their favorite.

The Winner: "13" Blueberry Wine 2010, Waters Winery,  Alma, GA 

(we think our votes may have been slanted with all the South Georgia folk in the Room - thanks to Rachel Jacobs for bringing this state wine, which was potent and 'truly homemade tasting'..pucker.)

the other players, in order of votes:

Selby 2007 Syrah - California 

La Finca 2010 Malbec - Argentina

Aconga Malbec - Cab Blend - Argentina  

Sangria is always a great party drink....

My usual mix:

1 Bottle of Red Wine (I usually use a Malbec, Pinot Noir or Shiraz/Syrah)

1 lemon cut in to circular pieces

1 orange cut into circular pieces

3 tbs. of sugar

2 cups of club soda or sprite

(I like the new cranberry 7UP)

Pinch of ground cinnamon

Combine all of this into a pretty pitcher, chill and enjoy.  

Additions: strawberries, blueberries, apples...you get the idea.

The $8 TableScape 

clear vase - 1.00

candles and candle holders - 3.00

brown craft paper (runner) - 1.00

daisies and greenery - 3.00

I love fresh flowers, but a graduate school student budget doesn't allow for the best....but, that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy cut flowers (notice that I left out the 'fresh' - that's because I always buy flowers and greenery that is 'not so fresh' ..most florist and in store floral sections have discounted cut flowers that are still presentable. The florist that I frequent has five dollar fridays - which consist of 'not so fresh' bouquets for 5 bucks. Also, don't forget your garden and the woodsy areas around your house! I got all the pine branches out of the woods off the trail that I usually walk - just be sure you aren't damaging the plants.

I love books. Always keep your eye out at yard sales for old books, they're so pretty - I got these for a dime a piece.  

working on my photography skills..

Andrew roasted these raw peanuts in the oven with a bit of wine and butter - they were delightful. 

Michael and Sarah: conversation makes the best party.

ummm.....yummy 

smiles :)

Overall, the little soiree went well...and, of course I had fun bargain hunting and decorating. So, always remember that entertaining doesn't always = a high budget.