New Year’s Eve Party Dresses to Ring in 2019

I prefer to stay in on New Year’s Eve – maybe it’s the introvert in me or maybe the old lady. What I’d like to do is have a small dinner party where everyone dresses up as if they were going out, then after dinner we all change into our pajamas until the ball drops at midnight. It’s the best of both worlds! Anyway, if you are headed out on the town here are a few dresses that would be a great way to start 2019!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

New Year’s Day Black-Eyed Peas + The Best Cornbread

 

I know I said I wouldn’t be back until after the new year, but I couldn’t let it slip by without sharing this recipe! My mom makes a big pot of black-eyed peas and a piping hot pan of cornbread every New Year’s Day. Superstition has it that eating a bowl will bring you luck in the coming year, and I’m not one to mess with that kind of science! This dish is one she has stored in the recipe box of her mind and has never been shared before, so this is *kind of* a big deal. It’s also very versatile. Add more beans, leave out the sauerkraut, cut back on the meat? All totally doable. We like to place a piece of cornbread in the bottom of a bowl and cover it with the beans before digging in. Here’s to a fantastic 2018!

 

 

New Year’s Day Black-Eyed Peas
• 1 bag dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight in a large pot of cold water
• 1 large sweet yellow onion
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2-3 large ham hocks
• 1 ring of Polish Kielbasa or Polish Sausage, sliced into 1-inch quartered pieces
• 1 ham steak, fried and cut into small 1/2-inch pieces
• 12 oz sauerkraut, drained
• red pepper to taste

Drain peas and rinse well, removing any bad ones. Combine black-eyed peas, onion, garlic, ham hocks, Kielbasa, and ham steak in a very large stock pot, then fill with water to cover. Set on low heat, stirring occasionally. Mixture will thicken as it cooks. Cook until black-eyed peas are tender and ham hocks are cooked through and falling apart. Remove ham hocks from pot and remove meat from bones, then add meat back to the pea mixture. Discard scraps and add sauerkraut and red pepper to taste. Cook for additional 15 minutes. Total cook time varies, but is usually in the three to four hour range.

 

The Best Cornbread
• 1 C butter, softened
• 2 – 8 oz cans corn, drained
• 2 – 8 oz cans creamed corn
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 – 8.5 oz boxes Jiffy cornbread mix

Preheat oven to 350º. In a large bowl stir together all ingredients until blended (do not beat with mixer). Pour into a greased and floured 9” x 13” cake pan. Bake one hour or until the top is lightly browned. Enjoy!

0

Get Your New Year’s Eve Outfit in Check

If you’re someone who looks forward to doing it up big for New Year’s Eve, well, I know you’re already thinking about your outfit. While I try to get away with wearing pajamas to my friend’s party, you’ll be painting the town red in satin, sequins, and tulle and shuffling down sidewalks in shoes that are not at all winter weather appropriate… and I salute you. It wasn’t so long ago that I did the same, it’s just that these days I prefer not to fight the crowds on super busy nights out. What I do like is picking out what I might wear if I were braving it out there, and sharing all of those sweet finds (and SALES!) with you.

 

Cleopatra Embellished Stiletto Heels (available in black and rose gold) // Drapey Sequin Skirt // 
Flared Cuff Striped Sequin Dress

 

Formal Pants with Side Frill // Gianna Sandals // Gisele Pleated Dress

 

Hanky Hem Tulle Skirt // Holly Textured Dress (available in red and black, on sale) // Iridescent Sequin Shoulder Pad Midi Dress

 

Jenny Wrap Mini Dress (available in black and yellow) // Luisana Dress // Metal Headband

 

Odelle Heels (available in black, yellow, and pink) // Oil Slick Pleated Mini Skirt (on sale) // Ombred Sequined Dress

 

High Waisted Sequin Leggings (on sale) // Pleated 2 in 1 Midi Dress (on sale) // Plissé-Lurex Dress (on sale)

 

Point D’esprit Fit And Flare Midi Dress (available in navy, peach, and red, 40% off) // Pointed High Heels // Ruby Sequin Mini Dress

 

Sequined Palette Midi Skirt // Spaghetti-Strap Dress in Star Tulle (on sale) // Stars in Her Eyes Anklet

 

The Essential Jumpsuit (available in black and ivory) // Sequin Dress // Tulle Midi Prom Skirt

 

Tulle Midi Skirt // Walter Velvet Midi Dress (available in green and mustard) // Wrap Jumpsuit with Self Belt

0

2017

 

IT’S HERE!

While I don’t expect the world and all of its issues to change because we flipped a calendar page, I am hopeful for a fresh start. Last year was a huge rollercoaster for many, and even though much of that will carry over it feels like there’s a bit less baggage in acknowledging a new year.

I stopped doing resolutions several years ago and instead do intentions. The word itself is much less intimidating and I’ve found I’m more likely to last past January 2nd with this mindset. I managed to make headway with two out of three 2016 intentions, which isn’t half bad in my estimation.

This go around I’m only focusing on one – pushing out of my comfort zone. This could be taken any number of ways, but what I’m hoping for is growth in both my life and my business. Saying yes but not being afraid to say no. Turning my weaknesses into strengths. There is great growth in discomfort and I can’t wait to dig in and get dirty.

So here’s to a happy and healthy 2017. Let’s be our best selves.

1

Happy 2016 + My Intentions

Paperless Post-Design Crush

Paperless Post

I wasn’t planning on showing up here before Monday, but like a lot of you I’m feeling introspective with the new year upon us. (Happy 2016!) I stopped making resolutions years ago – the guilt and disappointment are a bit too much when I fail – but this year I’ve settled on a few intentions. (Resolutions by another name? Most likely.) And just like writing them down on a Post-It and sticking that note to the fridge, sharing them here holds some accountability for me.

Take better care of myself. Since turning 36 in November I’ve realized this really is the only body and the only life I’ve got. I plan on making big efforts to get my diabetes even further under control, as well as continuing with my daily regiment of vitamins and eating well. Hoping to get more physical activity into the mix as well. (Ugh.)

Work on that whole work/life balance thing. I’ve been struggling with this since taking Design Crush full-time four years ago, and have yet to find a decent balance between the two. My hopes are to spend more time with friends and family, as well as open myself up more to relationships. (Because honestly, I just haven’t made the time or effort. And I’m not getting any younger.)

Try at least one new recipe a month. I’ve fallen into a kitchen rut. Since my diabetes diagnosis back in 2014 I’ve had to relearn my eating habits and cooking hasn’t been nearly as pleasurable. I’m starting small with one new recipe a month, and hoping I fall in love with the process again and more on to one new recipe a week.

So there you have it. What are your intentions for 2016?

1

Alcoholidays 2015

Alcoholidays-1-Design-Crush

1/Cranberry Ginger Whiskey Smash  2/Butterscotch Eggnog  3/Cranberry-Apple Cider Punch  4/Pomegranate Vodka Fizz  5/Apple Brandy Allspice Fizz Cocktail  6/Fig Manhattan  7/Wassail  8/Cranberry Shrub Cocktail  9/Spiced Blueberry Rum Punch  10/Apple Orange Hot Toddy

 

Alcoholidays-2-Design-Crush

11/Persimmon Collins Cocktail  12/Pumpkin Punch Cocktail  13/Citrus Sting  14/Gin Citrus Punch  15/Ginger Blood Orange Margaritas  16/Cucumber-Infused Gin and Grapefruit, Black Pepper Fizz  17/Thyme & Citrus Moscow Mule  18/Apple Thyme Cocktail  19/Lemon Rosemary Bourbon Sour  20/Christmas Caipirinhas

 

Alcoholidays-3-Design-Crush

21/Chambord Ginger Beer Cocktail  22/Clementine Prosecco Cocktail  23/Key Lime Cooler Cocktails  24/Fig and Lemon Fizz  25/Rose + Rosé Bourbon Cocktail  26/Pear Spiced Sangria  27/Sparkling Pomegranate Punch  28/Cranberry Ramos Gin Fizz  29/Cinnamon White Russian  30/Jingle Juice Holiday Punch

 

Alcoholidays-4-Design-Crush

31/Boozy Chocolate Horchata  32/White Glogg Mulled Winter Wine  33/Cardamom Rose Gin Tonic  34/Pina Colada Milk Punch  35/Candy Cane Peppermint Punch  36/Cranberry Thyme Gin Tonic  37/Maple Bourbon Smash  38/Spiced Cranberry Paloma  39/Chai Tea Cocktail  40/Quince Hot Toddy

 

Alcoholidays-5-Design-Crush

41/Whiskey Hot Chocolate  42/Cider Bourbon Jam Cocktails with Ginger Beer  43/Pomegranate Poinsettia  44/Spiced Pineapple Rum Hot Toddy  45/Red Ruby Grapefruit Ginger Cocktail  46/Hard Cider Spritz  47/Spicy Rosemary Rhubarb Margarita  48/Black Peppercorn + Cranberry Shrub with Gin  49/Tamarind Whiskey Sour  50/Orange Cranberry Blended Margaritas

2

My Holiday Cards (+ an Artifact Uprising Giveaway)

Artifact Uprising-1-Design Crush

 

Every year I think I’m going to skip out on doing a photo card to send out for the holidays, but then I see a design that I just can’t stop thinking about and order them. This year was no different, thanks to Artifact Uprising‘s modern looks and beautiful sayings.

 

Artifact Uprising-2-Design Crush

 

After 8 1/2 years of Design Crush I figured now was a good time to do a card to send out to sponsors and PR folk who I work with on the regular. I really liked the idea of sharing a peek at my home and aesthetic for the photo, so you might recognize the shot on it from this month’s holiday mantle post.

 

Artifact Uprising-3-Design Crush

 

For my family and personal friends it was none other than my pup, Bebe, front and center! I snapped this photo of her last year before decorating, and paired with the sentiment it was a perfect match. (This is also the first year I’ve included my pets names on a card – the decision to makes me laugh!)

 

Artifact Uprising-4-Design Crush

 

I also toyed with the idea of New Year cards as I rushed to get the house decorated, gifts bought, and cards written out and in the mail. They’re such a great option for those of us who note December as the busiest month of the year both personally and work-wise. In fact, I’m already half planning on it for holiday season!

Now it’s your turn to win $150 to spend at Artifact Uprising! They have amazing cards and lots of other good stuff to personalize, so think outside the box. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

35

Twenty Fifteen

Danielle Kroll-Design Crush

Tasting Stars print by Danielle Kroll

Sayonara 2014, aloha 2015! Last year was full of much success on both personal and business levels, but it was also filled with turmoil and challenge. Some good, some bad. I’m looking forward to grabbing the new year with everything I have and squeezing every last drop of potential out of its 365 days. Here’s to a good one!

1

you’re invited to: New Year’s Eve

New-Year's-Eve-Design-Crush

 

While I sort of think New Year’s is an overrated holiday, there’s something exciting about getting together with people simply to celebrate. I much prefer smaller get togethers during the holidays to anything huge, so my idea of the perfect imaginary New Year’s Eve party would be rather simple. A dozen friends, good music, and lots of candlelight to set the mood. Throw in a good selection of cocktails and a buffet full of appetizers and a few sweets and we’re set. Party starts at 7pm!

 

New-Year's-Eve-The-Decor-Design-Crush

Citrus Wreath // Frosted Deco Mercury Hurricanes // Metallic Party Hats // Geo Glow Lantern //
Roasted Spiced Orange Potpourri // DIY Star Pinatas // DIY Disco Ball Headband // Starlight Cracker //
Porcelain Lanterna

 

New-Year's-Eve-The-Cocktails-Design-Crush

Blood Orange Pomosa // Butterscotch Bourbon Eggnog // Cranberry Sage Cocktail // Hot Cider Nog //
Jingle Juice // Pomegranate Poinsettia //  Red Wine Hot Chocolate // Rose, Raspberry & Mint Fizz //
Rosemary Clementine Prosecco Cocktail

 

New-Year's-Eve-The-Table-Design-Crush

Arctic Birch Ice Bucket // Astra Glassware // Bayberry Tapered Candles // Border Stitch Napkin Set //
Gold Brushstroke Oval Platter // Horta Champagne Glass // Ice Sculpture DOF Glass //
Porcelain Gray Plates // Glinted Confetti Cocktail Napkns

 

New-Year's-Eve-The-Appetizers-Design-Crush

Baked Sweet Potato Nuggets // Butternut Squash and Goat’s Cheese Pasties //
Easy Parmesan Mushrooms // Hot Crab Dip // Mini Chicken + Waffles // Pomegranate Salsa //
Puff Pastry Shrimp Beer Cheese Sweet Chili Bites // Simple Salty Sweet Potato Skin Chips //
Sweet Clove + Bacon Kettle Corn

 

New-Year's-Eve-The-Sweets2-Design-Crush

Berry Christmas Pavlova // Orange Zest Chocolate Covered Pretzels // Vegan White Chocolate Bark

2

Happy 2014!

Amanda Pham-Design Crush

PHOTO: Amanda Pham

Happy New Year! Saying 2014 feels like we’re living in the future, don’t you think? This year is going to be a bit crazy, I already have a few major things penned on my calendar and I’m hoping to add a few more. My focus (or resolution, if you prefer) is going to be on living in the present. Like all of us I have the habit of thinking of the what ifs of the past and the what will bes of the future, and I’d really like to change that. Cheers to the best year yet!

2