{Entertain} - How To Throw A Fun Oscar Viewing Party

{Image via Pinterest}

It's the Oscars and you're invited! Wellll, not really. But that doesn't mean you can't get in on the glitz and glamour and have a good old time like Hollywood's finest. That's right, it's time to throw your own award-winning Oscar viewing party! 

1. We Fancy

Get dressed up and let your guests know to do the same. The easiest way to do this is to create an invite and put the dress code on it. 

2. Print Some Ballots

Play the guessing game and mark off your winners on this pretty ballot. We normally tend to guess anyway so this makes it more fun and keeps the fancy Oscars theme going. You can even turn it into a drinking game - those who guess wrong must take a drink!

3. Serve Up Some Drinks

Keep it simple yet fancy by serving champagne or wine. If you feel up to it, a themed signature drink would be fun. Or just follow this recipe for Moet's Silver Screen Punch found on the Oscar's website. The recipe is as follows:

1 (6 ounce) can pink lemonade concentrate, partially thawed8 ounces pineapple juice1 cup frozen strawberries1/2 teaspoon grated ginger1 cup vodka1 bottle Moët & Chandon 1 pineapple, cut into rings and frozen 

In a blender, combine pink lemonade concentrate, pineapple juice, strawberries, and ginger. Blend until smooth. Pour into a punch bowl. Add vodka and stir to combine. Just before serving, pour in Moet. Add frozen pineapple rings.

4. Snack Time

It goes without saying that watching movies call for snacks, so the same logic holds true when you're watching an awards show about movies. The options are endless. Have an old-school candy bar with classic movie-going treats like Twizzlers, m&ms and Reese's Pieces. And of course, what's a movie without popcorn? Popcorn is such a huge part of going to the movies so it would be great to have a popcorn bar, with different flavors of popcorn and pretty bags to scoop them into. For a fancier take on food, serve up appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, mini lettuce wraps, or a wine and cheese arrangement.

{Images via Pinterest}

5. Have a photo backdrop

Since you don't have a red carpet, set up a photo backdrop using red tulle or tissue paper from the crafts store. Have Hollywood themed props on hand like sunglasses, and cameras, feather boas and clapperboards and of course Oscars, so that guests can enjoy taking pictures. Decorate the area with balloons from Party City - they have star-shaped balloons which can make your party feel less living room, more Kodak Theater.  Stringing fairy lights around the party area is also a nice touch.

Have fun and don't forget to start your party early enough to watch the stars arriving on the red carpet! 

Lights, Camera, Action!
xoxo - Chrissy

Happy New Year 2014

Happy New Year everyone! May this year bring you much happiness, love and peace. I have a busy year ahead of me but I love writing this blog and I am going to try my best to update frequently. As always, I appreciate you reading this blog and of course all the support and feedback. 

Hears to lots of bubbly and new year's kisses,

xoxo - Chrissy

Merry Christmas!

Hello everybody, I hope you

and

because

{ All pictures courtesy of pinterest.com }

See you on the other side,
xoxo - Chrissy

Gift Guide For The Budget Babe: { For The 21st Century Man }

{Created by Silk and Spice}

Gift shopping for friends and family can be tricky. It requires some thought and creativity, so that you can pick the perfect gift that matches the receiver's personality while still being within your budget. To make things easier for you, I decided to write a series of gift guides covering everyone from your style maven girlfriend to your tech obsessed brother.  You're welcome! 

For The 21st Century Man

Shopping for your the men in your life can be quite the task, but it is definitely not impossible. I capped the budget for these gifts at $40. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to find stylish, yet masculine gifts while still being within budget.

1. How to be a Man: A Guide To Style And Behavior for the Modern Gentleman ($25.00)
2. Rambler's Travel Pack ($29.95)
3. Mi-Pac Classic Backpack ($39.00)
4. Colorblocked Scarf  ($8.80)
5. Knit Sweater ($34.95)
6. Perry Ellis Ankle Boots ($29.99)
7. Spy Optic Midtown Sunglasses ($39.99)
8. Herschel Supply Co. Travel Kit ($35.00)
9. Suits You Just Got Litt Up! Mugs ($35.00)
10. Gentleman's Glassware ($36.00)

Happy Holidays!

Sending you wishes for lots of gifts under the tree,
XOXO - Chrissy

Gift Guide For The Budget Babe: { For The Fashionista }

{Created by Silk and Spice}

Gift shopping for friends and family can be tricky. It requires some thought and creativity, so that you can pick the perfect gift that matches the receiver's personality while still being within your budget. To make things easier for you, I decided to write a series of gift guides covering everyone from your style maven girlfriend to your tech obsessed brother.  You're welcome! 

For The Fashionista

Shopping for your fashionista friends can be tricky, but it they are also some of the easiest people to shop for because there is so much variety. I capped the budget for these gifts at $60 and if you notice, most items are below $40. Have fun shopping, and while you're at it, grab extras for yourself too! 

1. Multiple Chanel Lipsticks fashion illustration ($25.00)
2. J.Crew Hello Tee ($45.00)
3. Wide Ring ($5.95) and 7-Pack Rings ($5.95)
4. Forever 21 Statement Necklace ($12.80)
5. Gap Suede Loafers ($59.95)
6. Glam: The Performance of Style by Darren Pih ($35.00)
7. Crystal Drop Earrings ($10.00)
8. Urban Decay Naked3 ($59.00)
9. VS Angel Sleep Tee ($35.00)
10. Sea Green Purse ($49.00)

Stay tuned for my next gift guide in the series - ideas for the 21st Century Man!

Sending you warmth like caramel and cider,
XOXO - Chrissy

Gift Guide For The Budget Babe: { The Bohemian }

{Created by Silk and Spice}

Gift shopping for friends and family can be tricky. It requires some thought and creativity, so that you can pick the perfect gift that matches the receiver's personality while still being within your budget. So to make things easier for you, I decided to write a holiday inspired series of gift guides, from your style maven girlfriend to your tech obsessed brother.  I kept everything under $40 too -- you're welcome!

For The Bohemian

Your bohemian friend loves layers and unique, colorful pieces when it comes to clothes and accessories. She has a penchant for the arts and most likely spends her time painting, crafting, or being creative in some other way (even if it is writing). She has a calm, relaxed personality and can be quite the adventurer!

Bohemian characteristics isn't exclusive to women alone though. Guys can have a free spirit too and while I focused mostly on gifts for the girls, the Bon Iver vinyl would be a good gift for male hippie ;) Other ideas for guys include vintage tee shirts, wooden and beaded bracelets, gypsy inspired posters and scarves.

1. Amethyst Quartz Votive Holder ($38.00)
2. Elaborate Indian Star Tapestry ($25.99)
3. Lavender Essential Oil 40/42 ($5.00)
4. Audubon Premium Coffee, Organic Whole Bean French Roast ($10.83)
5. Tikal Coin Pouch ($10.00)
6. Serene Peace Plant ($39.99)
7. Gold Mirrored Table Top Tray ($29.99)
8. Pinpoint Collar Necklace ($29.95)
9. Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver ($13.99)
10. Bohemian Manifesto: A Field Guide to Living on the Edge by Laren Stover ($10.00)

Stay tuned for the next gift guide in the series!

Snowflakes and sparkles,

XOXO - Chrissy

Asia's Next Top Model: Do You Have What It Takes?

“The secret to modeling is not being perfect. What one needs is a face that people can identify in a second. You have to be given what’s needed by nature, and what’s needed is to bring something new.” 

― Karl Lagerfeld

Have you ever dressed up in mom's heels when you were younger and paraded your little tush in her room? Played with make-up, wondering what it would be like to get a makeover by professional stylists and go to shoots and events? Ever wanted to be a supermodel, sashaying down a runway to wild applause and flashing cameras? Yes, yes and yes right?!!?!? Well, here's your chance to make your wildest dreams come true - if you seriously aspire to be a model and want to get your foot in the door, Asia's Next Top Model is casting now!!

Although I haven't personally watched a whole lot of Asia's NTM, I have watched quite a bit of the original series here in America and I absolutely love it!!! I can tell you that the concept is the same and it is a great spin-off on the American series. The modeling industry in Asia is really starting to expand and with it comes increasing opportunities. A quality experience like this is exactly what will get you from typical model to the next level.

Last season's winner, Jessica Armonkuldilok, won 100,000 SGD (3 milllion Bahts) and a Subaru XV. She will be the face of the Canon IXUS 2013 Campaign, receive a cover feature with Harper's Bazaar Magazine. She was also awarded a modeling contract with Storm Model Management in the UK and Europe. 

If you think you have what it takes, or know some beauty (with brains!) who does, check out the application at this link. Casting closes on August 20th, 2013, so hurry!!

And here's my shout out to Sri Lankan ladies: If you have the looks, wit and personality, do apply!! This is a great chance not just for you personally, but for our country's modeling industry. Unfortunately, modeling doesn't get the recognition it deserves and this is a great opportunity to showcase the talent and appeal of women in Sri Lanka. You would be an ambassador for the country and its modeling industry, proving to the world that we do have quality models, which we haven't really done a lot in the recent past (except for the likes of Jacqueline Fernandez and Rozanne Diaz). So go girls, you can do this!!!

High heels and girly squeals,

Chrissy - XOXO

How to Spend 24 Hours in Miami

{Pictures via Pinterest}

I was in Miami not too long ago and I loved every minute of it. From the retro colored buildings to the streets lined with palm trees, the crazy beautiful people and the blaring music -the city has a lot to offer! It is a fabulous tropical getaway for those of you who are after one. But I got to thinking, lots of people fly in for business or for a weekend vacation, so I decided to make a list of things to do if you had only one day to spend in this hot (literally and otherwise) city!

Quick Tips: The best way to see the city is to have your own car or rent one. The public transportation system is not so great and you can end up spending tons of money on cabs. Grey Line's Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours offer an inexpensive travel option as well and takes you around the best sight seeing spots. Also keep in mind, a lot of the action happens in Miami Beach (a.k.a. South Beach, a.k.a. SoBe). All the fancy hotels are located here and it is practically one ginormous party all day long! With only 24 hours to spare, I suggest sticking to this area, otherwise you will only spend most of the day stuck in traffic.

Alright then, no time to waste - let's get moving!

9:00 AM 

Start with a walk along the boardwalk and explore Ocean Drive which is surrounded by colorful Art Deco buildings. To make things easy for you, there is even an Art Deco Walking Tour so all you have to do is show up and get guided! If you are a museum kind of person, there are plenty to keep you occupied in the morning! Of course, no morning is a good one without some much needed coffee, and Miami's got the the best of the best - Cortaditos. What's that you ask? It's a Cuban espresso with milk, foam and sugar. It's pretty strong and very tasty, even Khloe Kardashian got addicted to them while she was in Miami! 

{Picture via Google Images}

11:30 AM

When you're done savoring your coffee and people watching, head on over to the Bayside Marketplace, with it's lovely views; great music and dancing; and cute little souvenir shops. Go on a boat ride and enjoy the gorgeous blue of the ocean. The smell of salt water and your hair blowing in the wind while you enjoy the scenery is a wonderful feeling, especially if you haven't been out on the sea for a while! Also if your tour boat takes you far enough you can even see a little bit of the Bahamas and the Bermuda Triangle! This kind of boat ride is a good two and half hours long, but there are shorter ones if you ask around.

{Chilling at Bayside Marketplace}

2:30 PM

You can eat right in the Bayside Marketplace, or you could drive to the Miami Design District for some quick lunch and more sight seeing. Here you will find galleries, showrooms, and high-end boutiques. Do check out the much-hyped Wynwood Walls which pays tribute to big international artists. If you got lost in the beauty of the district and forgot lunch, drive over to Coconut Grove, another gorgeous place with plenty of window shopping (stuff is expensive!!) and cute eateries.

4:30 PM

You must go to Little Havana, which is basically Cuba in Miami! I love love love it here, the atmosphere is wonderful and you are sure to have a good time even if you can't speak much spanish. Try a hand-rolled cigar and a cup of café con leche (coffee with milk). 

{Pictures via Pinterest}

SOMEWHERE IN HERE HIT THE BEACH!!!! It's not as hot after 4:00 PM and there will still be a crowd, so catch some rays and take a dip in the cool ocean.

5:30 PM

If you haven't done any shopping yet, drive to Lincoln Road where you will find a variety of high street as well as name-brand stores and everything in between. If you're a book lover, your day will be made when you walk into Books & Books. There is also much for the art lover at the Art Center.

6:30 PM

Head back to your hotel room for a quick nap, the whole point of which is to stay awake later and dance into the night! Shower and get dressed up for a night on the town like you've never seen before. Also carry enough cash because cover charges/drinks/random spending can add up! There are a million places to go to dinner, but try something with seafood since they do get some really fresh catches which taste divine. 

8:00 PM

After dinner, stop by Mango's for a mini carnival-like experience, complete with sexy dancers and Spanish music from salsa to samba. Trust me if you love Spanish/Latin culture and the vibe as much as I do, you will spend a good two hours here!

10:00 PM

Start drinking if you haven't already! The party doesn't start till almost Midnight, so the best thing to do is get buzzed now and find your happy place so you don't have to waste any time once you get inside the clubs ;) 

12:00 AM

Let's go! Head on over to the South Beach/Ocean Drive area if you are not already there. Get inside the clubs and party hard! It would be wise to plan ahead and make some calls to get your name on the guest list a while before you arrive. This way you don't have stand in line forever before you actually get in. Hopefully you got a great power nap in earlier because if you're doing it right, you won't be leaving until 6:00 AM at least!

Party Hard!!

XOXO - Chrissy

Cute (and Cheap!) Ways to Arrange Your Flowers

(Via Pinterest)

April showers bring May flowers and I don't know about you, but I sure am excited to buy some fresh flowers for my house. If I could, I would have flowers in my pockets and carry them around everywhere I go! 

Some tips for flower arrangements:

1. Keep water fresh. Your flowers will live for over up to two weeks with fresh water!

2. Keep leaves out of the water to prevent water contamination!

3. Cut an inch off the stems before putting them in water - this increases absorption.

Here are a bunch of cute ideas for to display your pretty flowers, plus they are totally affordable- who needs traditional vases anyway?

(Via Pinterest)

Use a wine bottle or any other bottles as a vase.

(lovelylittledetails.com)

Paint mason jars and use as vases (paint goes on the inside, shake it up until bottle is covered in paint and let dry.)

(missingperfection.tumblr.com)
Think outside the box for vase options - antique tins, cute tea containers, even wine bottles make very pretty "vases" for your flowers.

Roses and Poses-

XOXO,

Chrissy

Letters From Lanki: Using Music to Fuel Your Workout

Hey Everyone,

I have another guest blogger for you guys! Meet Lanki, she's a fabulous girl I met on a conference when I was 16 and although we haven't been able to see each other often, we've stayed friends ever since! Lanki will blog on health and fitness mostly, with a few suprises thrown in when the occassion calls for it. I hope you enjoy her first post :)

Dear Readers,

My name is Lanki and I’m so happy to be a part of Christalin’s amazing blog. She’s such a smart and beautiful person and since we met in 2008, we've become good friends.

In 2011, I was on quite the heavy side, so I made a goal for myself and lost 15 pounds in 10 months through consistent exercise.  There are a few things that need to be grasped when working out in order to make it into a successful routine. One of them is having the right music to motivate you, and I thought I would share my insight on how that can help you workout successfully. Whether you are a jogger who already has a solid set of songs, or more of an elliptical person who wants to start building up a workout play list, this blog post might be just for you.

To me, it’s all about the “feel good” music, music that makes you feel good from the heart.  And when I workout, I like to have music that makes me feel sexy, confident and powerful at the same time, because that is how I want to feel during and after workout sessions. It’s all about looking and feeling good when it comes to working out!

So firstly, look for songs that you genuinely like. It can be by any artist, from any genre and era. I have songs by Katy Perry like “California Girl” as well as “You make my dreams come true” by Hall and Oats. Even backstreet boys and spice girls do the trick!  I feel like these songs help me pass the time because I would just simply enjoy listening to them while working out. Then, look for songs that don’t drag or slow you down. I like to specifically listen to songs that are upbeat or fast because they help me gain momentum and keep pace. Songs like “Don’t you worry child” by Swedish Mafia and even “Price Tag” by Jessie J are my go-to tunes.  I’ll admit, I have a few One Direction songs to help me feel fun and alive while working out too. There’s a reason why they call it “Pop” music right? I feel like songs by the girl power band “Girls Aloud”, are also such great songs to use when working out, especially for girls as most of them bring out that inner sexy and confident female boss in you! I recommended you give them a try if you haven’t.

Finally, go for songs that you truly love. This goes back to the “feel good” music idea, even if it’s a slow and meaningful song like Adele’s “Turning tables” or “Your body is a Wonderland” by John Mayer. As long as you enjoy it and helps you keep your mind off some of the hurdles of working out, then you’re good to go!  Slow and chilled out songs are great for when you are stretching and/or cooling down.

Here’s a little sample of my work-out list to give you an idea of what I’m talking about:

1.       Girls Aloud – Jump

2.       Taylor Swift – 22

3.       One Direction – Kiss You

4.       Journey – Don’t Stop Believing

5.       Blink 182 – All the small things

6.       Avril Lavigne – Happy Ending

7.       Beyonce – Crazy in love

8.       Karmin – Brokenhearted

9.       Carly Rae Jepsen – Call me maybe

10.   Cher Lloyd – Want you back

11.   Olly Murs – Dance with me tonight

12.   Avicii – Levels

13.   Ed Sheeran – Give me love

14.   John Mayer ft. Taylor Swift – Half of my heart

15.   50 cent ft Eminem and Adam Levine – My life

It really is as simple as that! Have fun while you workout! It shouldn’t be agonizing. You CAN make it to the finish line with little snippets of information and motivational tips like this. Throw some Justin Bieber in there, a bit of One Direction, maybe some classical music, dance music or even jazz. Whatever you prefer, whatever gets you going on the machine, you’re the boss. Remember, don’t be shy about it. No one else can hear you. It’s just you, your music and your workout session!

Good luck and have fun!

With love,

Lanki

How to Add Color to Your Life { Holi Festival }

(Images via Pinterest)

Happy Phagwah!

Today is the day of the Holi Festival - also known as Phagwah. Holi is a festival of colors held mainly in India and Bangladesh. It is a Hindu festival celebrating the start of spring.

"Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring's abundant colors and saying farewell to winter. It also has a religious purpose, commemorating events present in Hindu mythology. Although it is the least religious holiday, it is probably one of the most exhilarating ones in existence. During this event, participants hold a bonfire, throw colored powder at each other, and celebrate wildly." (Wikipedia)

Here in the United States, the official first day of Spring was last Wednesday and I thought it was fitting to link it with the Holi festival and write a fun post! Since this blog is called Silk and Spice, this kind of thing is right up my alley and if you've been a regular reader, then you know it! So here are some ways to add a bit of color to your life and celebrate spring and Holi while you do it :)

1. Show Some Love

The easiest and most fulfilling way to usher in a case of the bright and cheery is to engage in kindness and do little things for other people. Maybe you send your mother some flowers, or make dessert for your boyfriend. It's also incredibly great to do nice things for total strangers. Here's an example: waiting in line for coffee? Sweet! When it's your turn, do something totally unexpected by buying coffee for the person behind you and voila! Not only do you feel special, but you also brightened another person's day, and that my friend, is going to make you feel even better. Don't buy it? Just try it!

2. Flower Power

Wear a flower in your hair. It looks great tucked behind your ear with loose waves or pinned into an updo. If that's not your style, wear a floral dress or skirt. Maybe you're too not into girly dressing? Just some flowers in your living room or bedroom. If you're a complete tomboy, just take a walk outside or go to the park - surrounding yourself in the bright colors of spring will give you a boost of energy and enthusiasm!

3. Get a Manicure! 

Your week is going to be that much brighter -everything you do will put a smile on your face as you catch a glimpse of your pretty nails.

4. Go on a Shopping Spree

Girls this is the perfect time to go shopping. The stores are going to be filled with the new spring/summer arrivals and that means lots of color, prints and patterns! If you're on a budget, window shopping will compensate and hey, you could buy at least one thing!

5. Dine Al Fresco

When the weather warms up, you can actually go outside and have some fun :) What better way to enjoy the rising temps than relaxing on the terrace of a chic little restaurant  with great food and friends?

6. Slow Down

Unplug from your electronics, spend time with family, maybe go away for the weekend - just relax and soak up the sun (don't forget sunscreen!). Take a break from your busy life to unwind, look around and appreciate the world around you before it passes you by. You'll feel instant gratitude for the life you have.

7. Take pictures

Nothing like a picture to capture a precious moment and spring is full of those moments. Leave the house instead of opting to laze around and start clicking at the beauty around you. Fresh green grass is finally peeking out, flowers are blooming, birds are chirping. At least for a moment, everything is alright - revel in it!

8. Do Things You Love

When you do the things you love, you make life that much better. Sing, dance, paint - play. It's a sure fire to brighten up your day and add color to your life. Taking the time to indulge your interests, laugh and being silly with the people who matter means that you are engaging in life and living and that is as colorful as can be.

Live in color-

XOXO,

Chrissy

Quotables: Happy Valentine's Day

Happy V-Day lovers, spread the love today and everyday!

XOXO,

Chrissy

Happy Halloween 2012!

{ Via Pinterest }

Happy Halloween everybody!! 

It's a Wednesday, but I hope you're going about your daily lives dressed up in costume. But it's a weekday you say? Who was that wise man who said, "all the world's a stage"? Oh that's right. Shakespeare. Since you have the okay from The Bard himself, be good little kids - flaunt those costumes, play some tricks, indulge in some treats and revel in the fantasy that is Halloween! 

Potions and spells,

XOXO - Chrissy

{ Favorite Things Friday } It's my birthday, what?

{Via Pinterest}

Today is my birthday(!!!!!!!!), and it's starting out great. I have a lot of fun things to look forward to today and what a great day to appreciate and list my favorite things of the week! This little girl (above) knows what's up, I have so much respect for her - you go girl, it's your birthday - you go ahead and party like you mean it!

However, with every birthday, there's this:

{Via Pinterest}

But I still love it when people sing happy birthday. It sure is a little awkward though - you just stand there with a huge grin on your face. At least this year, I knew everyone and it wasn't in public. Thank God for life's little blessings ;)

So anyway...things I'm thankful for:

Today I,

Ate cake for breakfast - I always try to do this on my birthday, although I have been known to do this occasionally when it is not my birthday.

Got lots of warm, fuzzy feelings thanks to the numerous birthday wishes, calls, texts and every little thing people did to make my day better! It's so nice of people to take a little time and show they care :)

Received tons of hugs and kisses - and we all know a little love goes a long way. And love makes the world go round. So does chocolate, I got a lot of chocolate.

Had a great time being spoiled rotten by my boyfriend. Flowers, cake, chocolates, birthday presents, a birthday dinner and a whole load of love - what more can you ask for? 

Gifts!! We all love those, and what better excuse to give someone a present than their birthday? 

Experienced a perfect fall day - kinda rainy, kinda gloomy. Great for staying indoors, or walking outside. Great for wearing beautiful fall layers, warm colors and riding boots! It wasn't a sunny summer day, but it was just as good.

I was thinking, birthdays are great, you're happy and cheerful and everyone is nice to you. Plus you get presents!! So here's my challenge to you (and myself):

{Pinterest}

I can't promise you presents, but I can say you are going to have a great day when you think like this!

Cheers, oh and happy birthday! ;)

XOXO- Chrissy

Favorite Things Friday

{ Via Pinterest}

This quote struck a chord with me. Such great advise! Every adversity can be an opportunity and I thought I would share it with you all :) I hope you use the weekend to recharge your batteries and rebuild! Don't let anyone or anything knock you down. Get up, brush it off, and keep  moving forward :)

Stay strong,

XOXO- Chrissy

The Little Things

Hi everyone!

I have been MIA for the past few weeks- shame on me, I didn't even leave you guys a memo... Anyway, I promise I had a good reason to be gone, what with work, school stuff, and moving - twice! But I'm back to regular posting lovelies, so here's a little something for you:

{All images via Pinterest}

It's Monday, but don't forget to smile :)

xoxo,
Chrissy