Nonpareil Magazine

Have you read Nonpareil Magazine yet? It's a brand new online mag focused on DIY projects for weddings and other special events. Created by two fellow bloggers / graphic design specialists, this magazine is visually exciting and chock full of great ideas.

I'm in love. You will be too.

My favorite was this centerpiece story, I couldnt' stop smiling while reading it. So many wonderful ideas.
I am all about centerpieces, they are one of my favorite elements to create whether for a birthday party, dinner, holiday or just for fun. I love bringing together pretty, unexpected items to create something beautiful and unique and that's just what these ladies did with their story.

Plus, I love that all of their supplies were budget-friendly. They made their ideas accessible to everyone.

Speaking of centerpieces, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite sources for finding unique, creative supplies. Maybe something will inspire you to create a pretty spring centerpiece:

Save On Crafts - Especially great for floral supplies, you'll find unique items at amazing prices.
Plum Party - My favorite party source, hands down. Great for those little, special touches.
Target - While their online selection is great, I always troll the aisles for sale and seasonal items and their dollar bins!
Tinsel Trading - When in NYC, you must go see this shop! Gorgeous ephemera, vintage ribbons, florals and lots of unique odds and ends.

Take a look, I hope they inspire you the same way!

Asian-Inspired Dinner Party

I've been super busy working so I decided to take a break last night and plan a fantasy dinner party.

I have a few gorgeous, colorful Japanese tea tins lying around that I think would be perfect to re-create this lovely photo from Martha Stewart Weddings.

On to cocktails...everyone's favorite part. I think I'll go with deliciously sweet and simple Lychee martinis. For the Lychees, buy them in the can so you get the fruit and its juice...look for them in Asian grocery stores.

I'd also have a few bottles of crisp cold Sake so that I could use this oh-so-chic Sake bottle and matching cups from Crate & Barrel.

Next, some yummy appetizers. Trader Joe's has great selections in their frozen aisle...mini cilantro chicken wontons are delicious, low-cal and easy to prepare. Simply saute for 5 minutes with oil in a frying pan and then steam for 2 minutes. Serve them with a little soy sauce on the side and you're done.

Ok, next I think that I would go for one of my favorite recipes from Real Simple, Soy and Ginger Salmon. It's a quick marinade of low-sodium soy, garlic, honey, ginger and red pepper flakes. Let the salmon marinate for 30 minutes in it and then send the fish under the broiler for about 8-10 minutes. Serve it over white or brown rice with a side of sugar snap peas and you've got yourself an elegant, delicious dinner. It reminds me of the delicious Miso Salmon at The Cheescake Factory (pictured here).

And for dessert...green tea ice cream topped with shredded coconut.

What do you think?