fun.last minute.new years.tips!

I will be blogging weekly but for special occasions, such as New Year’s Eve, I thought it would be fun to share some of my last minute ideas and tips with you!

This year for New Year’s we’re going to dinner and a party afterwards. I tend to never plan ahead for these events and usually go shopping the day before, I work better under pressure. My style is usually a neutral outfit, some really fun accessories and of course, amazing heels! This year I’m thinking cute black skinny pants/leggings, fun heels and a nice fun top. Something simple like this is always a good go to outfit, especially the day before, and you can accessorize and jazz it up with great earrings, necklaces, an awesome clutch and make-up!

If you’re a last minute outfit planner like myself, here are some tips on where to look and what to do:

1: For quick clothing/shoe options that won’t break the bank and are “of the moment” I would check out these stores:

- Forever 21: It is definitely possible you’ll see me there :)

- H&M

- Zara

- Bloomingdales: Now this can be out of a lot of people’s financial range but I say Bloomies because they have everything! Some ways to shop at Bloomingdales, on a budget, is to check out their own clothing line “Aqua”. They have really expanded this line and they sell tons of cute clothing at a fairly reasonable cost. You can also check out the sale rack, because you never know what you could find! If you decide to spend money here then definitely focus on getting something you could possibly wear again, because then it’s become about building something into your wardrobe and not just an expensive outfit you’ll never wear again.

- Steve Madden

- Nine West

2: For make-up it is all about what makes you comfortable. I like to do a smoky eye and usually a neutral lip. Since it’s New Year’s Eve why not go a little out of your comfort zone and do a fun red or hot pink lip (it’s everywhere right now) with less emphasis on the eyes, or do both! Light eyeliner but still emphasis on the eye with an amazing lip. Especially if you are wearing a fun, simple outfit, amazing make-up will really make you pop! For some quick make-up tips, and more last minute New Year’s ideas, I would check out these sites:

- www.allure.com

- www.glamour.com

Now - for some party food tips! Here is something I recently made for a party I had a few weeks ago (I don’t think I’ve had more compliments on my cooking ever and they were the easiest thing to make in the world!):

Bacon Wrapped Dates

What You Need:

1 8 oz. package pitted dates

1 16 oz. package bacon – cut the bacon into thirds because otherwise there’s almost no date left for the bacon!

(this makes about 30 dates so if you are having a huge party or want people to eat something delicious the whole night I would get 2 containers of dates and an extra packet of bacon)

*Pre-Heat the oven to 350° and wrap a baking sheet with aluminum foil

*Wrap each date with a piece of bacon and place on the foil wrapped baking sheet

*Place in the oven and cook for 25-30 min. or until brown and crispy

*Let cool for 5-10 min. then place a toothpick in each date as this makes them easier to grab, and serve!

(recipe found on www.yumsugar.com)

Also, big hits are cheese and meat plates, baked brie (one of my favorite things in the world but messy and easier to serve to a smaller group), sliders (you can serve fun dipping sauces and toppings on the side for people to create their own), pigs in a blanket and then the usual cut-up veggies with dip, and chips and salsa.

I hope you’ve enjoyed some of my New Year’s recommendations! Happy shopping, dressing up, cooking, and celebrating! Happy 2011!!