What Happens Next

Inspired Monday ~ Where Women Cook

 

This Monday, we are feeling incredibly inspired to hurry up and buy new winter coats, pack our suitcases and charge the batteries for the camera... because we are heading to New York City in three days!!!

So proud and excited to help celebrate with friends, the launch of a wonderful new magazine by the tireless Jo Packham of Where Women Create... she has hit another home-run with her latest venture, Where Women Cook, and the party will be such a lovely testament to the hard work that both she and her team have put in for so many, many months.

 

One of us is celebrating a birthday on Saturday (ahem), and New York has always been one of our favorite places to visit during the holidays, so the chance to combine a little business and alot of shopping, eating and hanging out with the girls... well, who could resist?

We are especially blessed to have a dear friend with a gorgeous loft just a few blocks from the Chelsea Market, and he generously offered us the use of this beautiful space while we are in town.

 

The fact that we helped him decorate it probably influenced his decision. But we love him like family, so that probably helped, too. Thanks, Andrew!! xoxo

 

We are just disappointed that Andrew will be in Los Angeles while we are there, so we will miss the pleasure of his company. But, on the other hand... girl party!!

We felt compelled to share our good fortune and lovely accommodations with a certain sister from DC, (yay!!) and a couple of blogger-types who should certainly liven up the place and raise the fun-factor exponentially.

If you book it, they will come.

Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a couple of couches, a fully equipped kitchen, and a fabulous Chelsea location. These are all very good selling points when you need a place to stay in NYC.

And housekeeping service. That's crucial too, because who has time for all the towels and the coffee cups when there is treasure to find and yummy and delicious to partake of out in the world?

Not to mention the martini glasses...

 

                            www.iambossy.com               www.loraleeslooneytunes.com

     
These two lovelies will be our cohorts and roomies, and we are giddy with excitement and just a little afraid of all of the hilarity that could ensue.

Could a girl possibly ask for a better, more INSPIRED birthday?? I know!!

(If you are in the city on Friday, come by the Chelsea Market and say hello!)

 

Three Lovely Days in October

 

For three lovely days last month, the Gilded Girls were once again in residence.

We welcomed our biggest group ever to participate in "A Gilded Gathering"... three days of crowns and crumpets, soldering and sisterhood. It was a magical weekend.

First, there were the logistics. To accommodate 30, we finally had to agree that the long table just was not going to be adequate this time. Even at 24 feet long, it was still going to be a bit short for comfort. So we went with 5 round tables, and everyone agreed it was a pleasant arrangement. Easy to mingle, lots of room to move around.

 

 

L.O.V.E. the way the room looked, paitiently waiting for the students to arrive on a beautiful, Autumnal Friday morning.

The proverbial calm before the creative storm.

 

 

We cut paper, we wired, we glued, we trimmed, we glittered. And when it was all said and done, 30 fabulous crowns emerged. A huge thank you to Graphic 45 Paper for their generous donation!

 

 

But Friday was not ready to be over just yet. We regrouped, re-shuffled, and then we had a very small but very compelling vendor night, accompanied by wine and hors d'oeuvres. Vendors included Girls Gone Junkin' from the famous Canton Trade Days, and the ever sweet Alisa Noble. It was a perfect ending to our first artful day.

And by the way, Gilded Girls know what they like, and they know how to shop! Just sayin'.

 

 

Oh, Saturday, what can I say about you?? You had me at hello. We made a lovely project that will be kept under wraps for now. Stay tuned for exciting news on that front...

There were giveaways all day, along with an amazing swag bag donated by the lovely Jo Packham. Jo graciously provided each attendee with the same bag that was given away at The Creative Connection Event, and we were beyond thrilled. We added some personal touches from our darling friends Margie and Angela, and the bags were just perfect! Thank you, Jo!!

 

Oh, and the food! There was lots and lots of yummy food. We all know that creativity requires nourishment, so we did our best to keep everyone adequately hydrated and well-fed.

And supplied with chocolate. Ahem.

 

 

Sunday saw us soldering and wire-wrapping our way to a gorgeous pendant necklace. Although there were quite a few first-time solderers, everyone did an amazing job!

* For a bit more of a look at our class projects, go here.*

 

 

This class photo was taken on Friday. Because we had a bit of a flex schedule at this event, not everyone was present on Friday. We love our weekend girls as well, and we'll get you in the next photo!!

She was here, and she was here, and her and her and her and her. And yes, she was there, and she was there, and she was also there. Whew.

Anyone with a blog that I am forgetting? Please let me know in the comments!

We are so very honored to have hosted every single one of you. Those who traveled from the East Coast, from the West coast, from the Midwest, from down the street. We cherish your company, your creative spirit, and we are, as ever, humbled by your support and your friendship. ❤

 

A giant thank you to Martha Schuster of I See The Moon Photography for all of the amazing pics. We are eternally grateful. *kiss*

 

Meet The Pioneer Woman!!

 REE DRUMMOND,

The Pioneer Woman

 
 is having lunch on Thursday Sept. 17 with all of those attending

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION 

and will be autographing her cookbook,

  

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl 

at 

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION'S 

HANDMADE MARKET 

on 

Friday, Sept. 18 

at the 

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis.

Visit 

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION 

website: 

www.thecreativeconnectionevent.com

and 

REGISTER TODAY!!!

The Pioneer Woman

 
 is having lunch on Thursday Sept. 17 with all of those attending

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION 

and will be autographing her cookbook,

  

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl 

at 

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION'S 

HANDMADE MARKET 

on 

Friday, Sept. 18 

at the 

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis.

Visit 

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION 

website: 

www.thecreativeconnectionevent.com

and 

REGISTER TODAY!!!

Flea Market Fabulous

Sold Out!!

Have you ever wanted to ride on a luxury party bus to the World's Largest Flea Market in Canton, Texas?

Me, too!!

And now, we will have the chance to do just that on July 30th! We have a limited number of spaces available for this very special excursion... there will be refreshments, goodies, and special surprises...

Join us for the ultimate "Gilded Girl" day of flea market fun!!

Mad Hatter Tea Party

The baby girl has once again gotten a most coveted invitation to the Mad Hatter's Tea Party!

Oh, Vanessa, you have outdone yourself once again!!

The flowers have been chosen.

 

The decor has been gathered. A little faerie dust to set the mood.....

Some silver candlesticks for sparkle and shine.

The party lighting is always so important, of course...

  Oh, this one will do nicely!

So hard to choose a hat... a lovely pink crown, perhaps??

Or is this the perfect topper? The wee one is giving her nod of approval!

The table has been set.

But wait... oh, no!...

Someone has found the treats and started the party before the guests arrive!

The tiny culprit has been discovered!

But who could possibly deny her the sheer joy of a red velvet cupcake in her moment of pre-party anticipation?

Oh, not I! You see, she even saved me a bite... 

Let the party begin!!

Be sure to visit www.afancifultwist.typepad.com for a complete list of "guests" at the party of the season!!

Bella Notte

We are slowly emerging from the fog of party euphoria around here. 

This past Saturday, we had the distinct pleasure of hostessing the Texas Bella Christmas Soirée.

And what a joy it was.

Girlfriends came from near and far. Lubbock, San Antonio, Waco, as well as all parts of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area... and although we had just seen most of them last month at Silver Bella, it felt like a reunion.

Lots of catching up and girl talk.

Cocktail hours hour.

Then, upstairs to the studio, where we began a paper ornament project.

A delicious holiday meal was served at around 7. "Thanks, Chef Anthony". I was clearly so involved in partaking of the meal, that I neglected to get a photo until this was all that was left. Red velvet cupcake wrappers..... and a few coconut cookies.

Time to head back upstairs and finish our projects.

Truth be told, some of us chatted entirely too much, and didn't finish until today. Ahem. Although, wowza, it is gorgeous, Shea!

And some of us still haven't finished. 

But I will.

Finally, it was time for an AMAZING gift exchange!! Everyone outdid themselves with their offerings! What fun we had.

Shannon draws #1, and gets the ball rolling. 
 

Heather looks happy with her gift.

Stacy looks worried that someone is going to take hers away. 

And they did. I hope she is consoled by the faerie dust.

I would like to thank Joanna, whose lovely gift I ended up with. 

And Alisa, your creation was also hotly contested. Well done!

 How blessed we are to be a part of this amazing network of women, bonded by a creative muse... who share their supplies, their dreams, their hearts, so openly. 

We absolutely loved having you here. It was magical.

*If I have missed linking to anyone who has a blog, please email and let me know!*

Cookie Time!

I am so excited to share this recipe with you!

I have always loved coconut, and for the longest time, the perfect cookie recipe eluded me. I love the taste of macaroons, but I'm not crazy about the texture. I wanted something crispy on the edges, and firm but tender in the middle. 

Several years ago, I found something I thought was really good, and after some tweaking, I think it is exceedingly close to coconut perfection.

This recipe has become my go-to crowd pleaser, and I get requests for a copy every time I serve them. Even those who think they don't like coconut have been known to eat a few. And then a few more. Just sayin. 

Give these a try and please let me know what you think. I would love to hear if they are as popular in your neck of the woods!

And please be sure to visit Jessi, our fabulous hostess for this recipe exchange, for links to all of the other participating blogs. Thanks, Jessi!!

Enjoy!!