Happy New Year!
May
you welcome the new year with hope and anticipation for all to come. Take a
moment to reflect on 2013, raise a glass to toast the future, and
kiss someone awesome at midnight!
Cheers!
K&H
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
We Came, We Saw, We Shopped!
Oh boy, did we shop!
Last Friday was the 4th annual shopping day for Kate & Heather (and 3rd year with their friend Ashley), and possibly the most successful to date! A while ago we decided to support our awesome local shops as much as possible. This really played into the success of the day as we weren't wasting time driving to all the suburban malls and centers and getting in and out of the car all day. In fact, we only parked the car twice: Once at Patterson and Libbie and then again in Carytown. Less than 3 miles between these local shopping locations.
Kate & Heather started the day at The Shops at 5807 on Patterson at 10:30am. Neither had been in this gem of a shopping destination and were excited about the variety they had to offer- it's like 21 shops in one! We were able to get ornaments, hostess gifts, and other great gifts. The Toy Center was next door, which we were able to find treats for some of the kiddos we know.
Around noon we headed to Carytown and met up with Ashley. After lunch at Xtras, we managed to get down to some serious shopping! We hit tons of stores in the afternoon, but didn't make it to all! The ones we had the most luck at include: Penzeys Spices (okay, it's a chain, but we still love them!), Fabrik (also a chain, but carries some local artists), DeCOR, Mongrel, and World of Mirth. Shortly after 4pm, we were awfully thirsty, so we wandered into NY Deli for a Happy Hour beverage and an app. After a few more shops, it was around 7pm and most places were closing for the day.
After this intense shopping day, we're pretty close to crossing everyone off our list! It's great knowing that we could support many local shops, as well as give our family and friends gifts that are more unique than ones that could be found at big box stores. It somehow seems so much more personal. We hope to continue this local gift shopping not only for the holidays, but for celebrations throughout the year!
Please share with C&G your favorite local shops! (not just for our Richmond friends- anywhere!)
Cheers,
K&H
Last Friday was the 4th annual shopping day for Kate & Heather (and 3rd year with their friend Ashley), and possibly the most successful to date! A while ago we decided to support our awesome local shops as much as possible. This really played into the success of the day as we weren't wasting time driving to all the suburban malls and centers and getting in and out of the car all day. In fact, we only parked the car twice: Once at Patterson and Libbie and then again in Carytown. Less than 3 miles between these local shopping locations.
Kate & Heather started the day at The Shops at 5807 on Patterson at 10:30am. Neither had been in this gem of a shopping destination and were excited about the variety they had to offer- it's like 21 shops in one! We were able to get ornaments, hostess gifts, and other great gifts. The Toy Center was next door, which we were able to find treats for some of the kiddos we know.
Around noon we headed to Carytown and met up with Ashley. After lunch at Xtras, we managed to get down to some serious shopping! We hit tons of stores in the afternoon, but didn't make it to all! The ones we had the most luck at include: Penzeys Spices (okay, it's a chain, but we still love them!), Fabrik (also a chain, but carries some local artists), DeCOR, Mongrel, and World of Mirth. Shortly after 4pm, we were awfully thirsty, so we wandered into NY Deli for a Happy Hour beverage and an app. After a few more shops, it was around 7pm and most places were closing for the day.
After this intense shopping day, we're pretty close to crossing everyone off our list! It's great knowing that we could support many local shops, as well as give our family and friends gifts that are more unique than ones that could be found at big box stores. It somehow seems so much more personal. We hope to continue this local gift shopping not only for the holidays, but for celebrations throughout the year!
Please share with C&G your favorite local shops! (not just for our Richmond friends- anywhere!)
Cheers,
K&H
Thursday, December 12, 2013
RIC is a Winter Wonderland of Activities
Enjoy the season with local events!
In case you have free time between Thanksgiving and New Year's and need something to do here is a great list of events and activities in Richmond and a lot of them are free!!!!!!!
How do you celebrate the holiday season? Let us know on our facebook page.
Cheers!
K&H
In case you have free time between Thanksgiving and New Year's and need something to do here is a great list of events and activities in Richmond and a lot of them are free!!!!!!!
- Go Ice Skating...outdoors!!!!! If you don't want to skate outdoors you can also do public skates at Skate Nation or Richmond Ice Zone.
- Visit Santa-No matter what your age you have to admit it is fun to see Santa and you don't have to buy the picture unless you look absolutely fabulous! Santa can be found at any of the malls, Bass Pro Shop and the Legendary (and real) Santa is checking his list twice at the Children's Museum.
- Don't forget about your furry friends! Several places have photo opportunities for your pet and Santa, including area Petsmarts.
- The Gardenfest of Lights at Lewis Ginter
- Walk through the light display at the James Center
- Tacky Lights Tour-plan your own route and drive around or book a private limo or a ticket on the Richmond Trolley! One of our favorite houses in located on Rosewood near Maymont! If this doesn't make you smile...what are we saying of course this will make you smile...it is AWESOME!
- Pop into the Jefferson-Grab a cocktail from TJ's and then sit and enjoy the giant tree and big ginger bread house.
- Christmas Parade-Did you miss the Richmond Christmas Parade this passed weekend? Don't worry it will be re-aired on WTVR-CBS channel 6, Christmas morning so you may enjoy the whole thing from the comfort of your own home.
- Maymont-Wander the grounds of Maymont to take in all the natural and handmade Christmas decorations. While you are there take a holiday tour of the mansion.
- Downtown-If wandering Maymont didn't wear you out head downtown and take in the decorations of the Court End historic homes, museums, St. John's, St. Paul's, Monumental Church, the Executive Mansion, the State Capital and everything else downtown!
- James River Parade of Lights-This happens Saturday, December 14, 2013. Boats are decorated with lights and parade down the James. This is sponsored by James River Advisory Council who help advocate and promote our awesome river.
- Richmond Nativity Pageant-at the Carillion-Monday, December 23, 2013.
- Music and a Show-See brat packer Molly Ringwald or Sweet Honey in the Rock at Center Stage. Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Richmond Symphony or catch a holiday show with Virginia Repertory Theatre (the combination of the former Barksdale and Theater iv). Don't miss the Richmond Ballet's annual performance of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Head back to The Jefferson for Music at Midday or take in one of the Richmond Concert Band's performances.
- Carytown New Year's Eve-The Richmond tradition of celebrating the new year by watching the ball rise over the Bryd is 9 years strong!
- Ugly Sweater Party-If everyone gets into it, it is a blast!
- Holiday Baking Day-we have a great friend whose family (3 generations deep of women, started by earlier generations) have the tradition of getting together to make a family recipe of Saffron Bread every year.
- Host a Cookie Party- we have another wonderful friend who does these every year and you always end up with a wonderful selection of sweet treats and you only had to make one, brilliant!
- Crafting Day-because crafting is fun and when you add wine and girlfriends it becomes an annual tradition.
- Holiday Happy Hour-heck you could even combine this with an Ugly Sweater Party your group will be the envy of everyone a the bar!
- Re-gifting Party-everyone brings that thing you have received that just doesn't work and it turns into someone else's treasure! This too can be combined with an Ugly Sweater Party!
- New Year's Eve Eve Party-One of Heather's best friends does this every year and it is awesome! You avoid the crazy of the 31st and are less likely to be hungover on the 1st so you are bright eyed and bushy tailed to return to work on the 2nd.
- New Year's Day Open House-avoid the crazy of late night celebrating and welcome the New Year with a pot of chili and good friends on the
1st! - Favorite Holiday Movie Night- We have a group of friends who gather annually for a viewing of Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas, accompanied by snacks (often roasting marshmallows in the fireplace) and recently a tacky sweater contest. The prize for the tackiest sweater? The golden otter!
How do you celebrate the holiday season? Let us know on our facebook page.
Cheers!
K&H
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Tis the season for stretchy pants!
What? It's time to eat again??
The season of joy, family and togetherness is officially upon us. Our schedules get busier with parties, holiday lunches and happy hours, shopping and traveling. With the temptation of holiday cookies and cocktails that are around every corner, it's easy to pack on a few pounds. It's hard to find time to cook a proper and healthy meal. We here are Cocktails and Glitter are determined to not let the holidays give us the figure of jolly ole St. Nick! Here are some of our favorite healthy recipes to help you avoid that belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly!
Zucchini Lasagna
We both love this recipe so much! We've included it on our Struggle With Fried tab in the past, but here it us again! It's a little time consuming, so may be a better weekend option. One of our favorite recipes from Skinny Taste. This one is also great to feed a crowd or to have ample leftovers!
Enchilada Casserole
This Cooking Light recipe is in heavy rotation in both our homes. Since it's a casserole, it's easy to adjust some ingredients. Add some beans, use chicken instead of beef, add peppers or extra cheese... It's quick to assemble and bake, about 30 minutes total, perfect for a work night or after a busy day of shopping.
Autumn Harvest Soup
The cold weather begs for soup. Using seasonal ingredients is also smart- the quality of butternut squash and kale is much better this time of year! This soup is hardy enough for a meal! Kayln's Kitchen has some great healthy recipes for eating right!
Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup
Crock pot recipes are a HUGE help during this season. This one from Skinny Taste is easy to prep in the morning, and requires little effort when you get home for the day. We like to sprinkle a few crushed tortilla chips on top! I would recommend cooking the onions and garlic before your shower or the night before to avoid smelling like enchiladas all day!
Grilled Cheeseburger Wraps
Let's be real, some nights you crave fast food. Here's a great recipe to take care of that craving without the guilt (or pink slime!) that goes along with it. Skinny Mom's Kitchen hits a home run with kids and adults with this one!
These recipes can also be found through our Pinterest Board "Struggle With Fried, Healthy Recipes That Taste Unhealthy". We'll keep adding to the board as the season continues! In the meantime, share with us your favorite healthy go-to meals!
Cheers,
K&H
The season of joy, family and togetherness is officially upon us. Our schedules get busier with parties, holiday lunches and happy hours, shopping and traveling. With the temptation of holiday cookies and cocktails that are around every corner, it's easy to pack on a few pounds. It's hard to find time to cook a proper and healthy meal. We here are Cocktails and Glitter are determined to not let the holidays give us the figure of jolly ole St. Nick! Here are some of our favorite healthy recipes to help you avoid that belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly!
 |
| Zucchini Lasagna |
Zucchini Lasagna
We both love this recipe so much! We've included it on our Struggle With Fried tab in the past, but here it us again! It's a little time consuming, so may be a better weekend option. One of our favorite recipes from Skinny Taste. This one is also great to feed a crowd or to have ample leftovers!
 |
| Enchilada Casserole |
Enchilada Casserole
This Cooking Light recipe is in heavy rotation in both our homes. Since it's a casserole, it's easy to adjust some ingredients. Add some beans, use chicken instead of beef, add peppers or extra cheese... It's quick to assemble and bake, about 30 minutes total, perfect for a work night or after a busy day of shopping.
 |
| Autumn Harvest Soup |
Autumn Harvest Soup
The cold weather begs for soup. Using seasonal ingredients is also smart- the quality of butternut squash and kale is much better this time of year! This soup is hardy enough for a meal! Kayln's Kitchen has some great healthy recipes for eating right!
 |
| Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup |
Crock pot recipes are a HUGE help during this season. This one from Skinny Taste is easy to prep in the morning, and requires little effort when you get home for the day. We like to sprinkle a few crushed tortilla chips on top! I would recommend cooking the onions and garlic before your shower or the night before to avoid smelling like enchiladas all day!
 |
| Grilled Cheeseburger Wraps |
Grilled Cheeseburger Wraps
Let's be real, some nights you crave fast food. Here's a great recipe to take care of that craving without the guilt (or pink slime!) that goes along with it. Skinny Mom's Kitchen hits a home run with kids and adults with this one!
These recipes can also be found through our Pinterest Board "Struggle With Fried, Healthy Recipes That Taste Unhealthy". We'll keep adding to the board as the season continues! In the meantime, share with us your favorite healthy go-to meals!
Cheers,
K&H
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving!
Whether you set the Thanksgiving table for 2 or 200 or celebrate the holiday with Friendsgiving1, Fakesgiving2 or have one big fabulous feast on Thanksgiving3 proper--ENJOY!
No matter how you celebrate Thanksgiving--appreciate the moment & surround yourself with good people and good food. Really, what more do you need in life? Laugh out loud, put on the comfy pants and belly up for seconds and thirds. Turn the leftovers into epic casseroles and colossal sandwiches and have a most wonderful, beautiful, awesome Thanksgiving.
Need some inspiration for a fun & easy Turkey-day decor? Check out a few ideas from our annual Friendsgiving Feast!
Have a wonderful and awesome Thanksgiving!
Cheers!
K&H
1. Friendsgiving \ˈfrends\' -ˈgi-viŋ
noun 1. the act of feasting with ones friends who are like family in the month of Thanksgving but not on actual Thanksgiving.
adjective 2. awesome
2. \ˈfāk\ giv' ing
noun 1. the act of feasting with family and/or friends at any moment in the calendar year when said group is all together, not actually on Thanksgiving or necessarily in the month of November.
adjective 2. awesome
3. \thaŋ(k)s-ˈgi-viŋ
noun 1. A holiday that commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621, and is held in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November.
exclamation 2. duh
adjective 3. awesome
Whether you set the Thanksgiving table for 2 or 200 or celebrate the holiday with Friendsgiving1, Fakesgiving2 or have one big fabulous feast on Thanksgiving3 proper--ENJOY!
No matter how you celebrate Thanksgiving--appreciate the moment & surround yourself with good people and good food. Really, what more do you need in life? Laugh out loud, put on the comfy pants and belly up for seconds and thirds. Turn the leftovers into epic casseroles and colossal sandwiches and have a most wonderful, beautiful, awesome Thanksgiving.
Need some inspiration for a fun & easy Turkey-day decor? Check out a few ideas from our annual Friendsgiving Feast!
 |
| Painted burlap banner.. made in minutes an hour before dinner. |
 |
| Linen napkins bought at an online craft store, stamped for personalization. |
 | |
| Family candlesticks bring together the old and the new. |
 |
| Time to break out the nice china! |
 |
| Dessert station is early in the day to avoid last minute scrambling. |
Cheers!
K&H
1. Friendsgiving \ˈfrends\' -ˈgi-viŋ
noun 1. the act of feasting with ones friends who are like family in the month of Thanksgving but not on actual Thanksgiving.
adjective 2. awesome
2. \ˈfāk\ giv' ing
noun 1. the act of feasting with family and/or friends at any moment in the calendar year when said group is all together, not actually on Thanksgiving or necessarily in the month of November.
adjective 2. awesome
3. \thaŋ(k)s-ˈgi-viŋ
noun 1. A holiday that commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621, and is held in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November.
exclamation 2. duh
adjective 3. awesome
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Shop RVA
Shop LOCAL and keep it close to home this holiday season!
Every year we (Kate & Heather) have a holiday shopping day. Kate takes the day off of work so we can avoid the weekend craziness. We start early and keep going until our lists are complete and/or it is time for Happy Hour! These are marathon shopping events, they are a blast and have been hugely successful in the past. Most years we have hit the big chains and have gone from the city to the suburbs and back again. However, this year we are keeping it LOCAL. It is a fun challenge that we are ready and willing to embrace. 75% of the shopping we do daily is already on a LOCAL level but this holiday season the goal is 100% LOCAL. With the number of incredibly clever, innovative, practical, artistic and just down right fun shops in RVA we have this challenge in the bag...the locally purchased reuseable holiday shopping bag that is...BOOM!
This year the calendar is marked for us to shop on Friday, December 13, 2013! We will also be shopping on Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2013 and Saturday, December 14, 2013 in support of Think. Shop. Buy. Local.
Below is a sampling of some of the awesome LOCAL shops we will be visiting on our shopping days:
Carytown Bikes
Many of these are in Carytown or nearby but we won't forget all the great small LOCAL businesses and shops all over the city. On the Northside-anything along Hermitage and of course those shops on MacArthur Avenue-the Bellevue Shopping District. Southside and the Near West End we'll visit such as the shops at Libbie and Grove and The Shops at 5807. We know there are a couple of gems in the Short Pump area like Tweed but we will be staying away from that area this year avoiding the chains, traffic and malls.
Other wonderful shops to explore this holiday season are those located in all the amazing museums in town. Can't find a gift in the museum shop? Give a membership to any of these cultural and very cool museums.
Whether you favor the idea of a downtown baseball stadium or not (not) we are all in favor or supporting our local team so get some Squirrels gear this holiday season from the Squirrels Nest. Heck it could be your last trip to the Diamond...pause for a tear.
The gift of an experience and an adventure is always a route worth exploring. One of the best ways to do this is in the form of a gift card, it really does take time to shop for gift cards and any gift is something thoughtful and to be appreciated. An evening at the theater is always lovely be it the Byrd, The Carpenter Center or The Landmark. Give the gift of a meal by giving a gift card to any of the culinary hot spots in RVA or let someone get their own culinary genius on with a gift card to these local food shops Bombolini Pasta, Ellwood Thompsons, Little House Green Grocery. Cocktails and Glitter is always fond of the gift of a liquid beverage of local beers, ciders and wines! Check out these links to find the perfect beverage for your friends and family. Better yet give the gift of taking someone on a tour of breweries and wineries. A subscription to Richmond Magazine is always a winner and of course supports local publications and all things local for that matter...if you actually know someone that doesn't have a subscription to Richmond Mag!
Can you keep it LOCAL this holiday season? Join us in this challenge and see how well you do. We will post our progress on Facebook and Pinterest!
Happy Shopping!
Cheers!
K&H
P.S. Last week we had Happy Hour at Mellow Mushroom in Carytown. We had time to kill before going to a holiday shopping event at Orange. If you are not familiar with Orange, you need to be- it is awesome! Mellow Mushroom rated 4 out of 5 martinis. We know it is a chain but it is in Carytown. They took the former Plan 9 location and turned it into a hip fun joint paying homage to Plan 9 and RVA in the fantastic artwork murals. The staff was wonderful, the snack of house made beer cheese and soft pretzels hit the spot and the bathrooms are some of the nicest in Richmond! Plenty of room at the bar for large groups. Minor drawbacks are the early Happy Hour of 3-6pm and though they have drink discounts there are not any food deals. We say go for the bathrooms but stay for some beer cheese, a slice and a local brew.
Every year we (Kate & Heather) have a holiday shopping day. Kate takes the day off of work so we can avoid the weekend craziness. We start early and keep going until our lists are complete and/or it is time for Happy Hour! These are marathon shopping events, they are a blast and have been hugely successful in the past. Most years we have hit the big chains and have gone from the city to the suburbs and back again. However, this year we are keeping it LOCAL. It is a fun challenge that we are ready and willing to embrace. 75% of the shopping we do daily is already on a LOCAL level but this holiday season the goal is 100% LOCAL. With the number of incredibly clever, innovative, practical, artistic and just down right fun shops in RVA we have this challenge in the bag...the locally purchased reuseable holiday shopping bag that is...BOOM!This year the calendar is marked for us to shop on Friday, December 13, 2013! We will also be shopping on Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2013 and Saturday, December 14, 2013 in support of Think. Shop. Buy. Local.
Below is a sampling of some of the awesome LOCAL shops we will be visiting on our shopping days:
Carytown Bikes
Other wonderful shops to explore this holiday season are those located in all the amazing museums in town. Can't find a gift in the museum shop? Give a membership to any of these cultural and very cool museums.
Whether you favor the idea of a downtown baseball stadium or not (not) we are all in favor or supporting our local team so get some Squirrels gear this holiday season from the Squirrels Nest. Heck it could be your last trip to the Diamond...pause for a tear.
The gift of an experience and an adventure is always a route worth exploring. One of the best ways to do this is in the form of a gift card, it really does take time to shop for gift cards and any gift is something thoughtful and to be appreciated. An evening at the theater is always lovely be it the Byrd, The Carpenter Center or The Landmark. Give the gift of a meal by giving a gift card to any of the culinary hot spots in RVA or let someone get their own culinary genius on with a gift card to these local food shops Bombolini Pasta, Ellwood Thompsons, Little House Green Grocery. Cocktails and Glitter is always fond of the gift of a liquid beverage of local beers, ciders and wines! Check out these links to find the perfect beverage for your friends and family. Better yet give the gift of taking someone on a tour of breweries and wineries. A subscription to Richmond Magazine is always a winner and of course supports local publications and all things local for that matter...if you actually know someone that doesn't have a subscription to Richmond Mag!
Can you keep it LOCAL this holiday season? Join us in this challenge and see how well you do. We will post our progress on Facebook and Pinterest!
Happy Shopping!
Cheers!
K&H
P.S. Last week we had Happy Hour at Mellow Mushroom in Carytown. We had time to kill before going to a holiday shopping event at Orange. If you are not familiar with Orange, you need to be- it is awesome! Mellow Mushroom rated 4 out of 5 martinis. We know it is a chain but it is in Carytown. They took the former Plan 9 location and turned it into a hip fun joint paying homage to Plan 9 and RVA in the fantastic artwork murals. The staff was wonderful, the snack of house made beer cheese and soft pretzels hit the spot and the bathrooms are some of the nicest in Richmond! Plenty of room at the bar for large groups. Minor drawbacks are the early Happy Hour of 3-6pm and though they have drink discounts there are not any food deals. We say go for the bathrooms but stay for some beer cheese, a slice and a local brew.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Veterans...
We thank you.
Thank you for your service to our country, for your selfless commitment and for the sacrifice you and your family make everyday protecting those you know and love and those you don't.
We honor you and thank you.
Cheers!
K&H
Thank you for your service to our country, for your selfless commitment and for the sacrifice you and your family make everyday protecting those you know and love and those you don't.
We honor you and thank you.
Cheers!
K&H
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Shave the Date for Movember!
Long live the mustache!
This October, Cocktails and Glitter christened the month of October as "Boob-tober" to celebrate the beauty of the breast and to highlight the importance of female health. All over the world, the month of October has been embraced for this purpose celebrating female health loud and proud and in every shade of pink under the rainbow. But what month is dedicated to promoting men's health? Women will talk about health and everything else but men, on the other hand, play the strong silence type and rarely voice issues pertaining to their own health. Well, way back in 1994 a group of Australia men got together in a pub and over a few pints and came up with the idea of Movember! With the first tagline and tee shirt logo of "Growing whiskers for whiskers." Ahhh the pub, a few pints and a cocktail napkin and you have some of the best ideas ever.
Movember is a mash up of "Moustache" and "November." The point is to publicly discuss and promote men's health by raising funds and awareness. In 2004 the cause got a serge and the Movember movement has steadily taken hold not only in Australia but all over the world, each and every continent is in support of Movember! In 2011 Canada was the leading country of contributors to Movember charities!
It seems that men are not being so silent anymore where their health is concerned and instead are getting on board with this important cause and are having fun with it. Google has gotten involved, so has Tom's Shoes, and then there are the events all over the world such as the Stache Dash, Mustache March (which technically happens in March), No Shave November (also known as Noshember) and many, many, more.
One of the newest and funnest (I know not a word, but it is now) ways that men and women are getting the message out is with the launch of The Moscars. The Moscars are a contest for short and clever videos that bring attention to men's health issues in some of the most hilarious ways possible.
Movember is not just for the gents the ladies can get involved as well by being a Mo Sista! Mo Sistas do not have to sport a mustache, just support the men, a.k.a Mo Bros, in their lives and the cause at hand. You better believe Cocktails and Glitter founders Kate and Heather are Mo Sistas and we hope you will join us in supporting all the Mo Bros in your life. Each Movember Heather gives Boo a mustache themed Movember gift! With the recent popularity of the stache it isn't hard to find fun goodies. One of the best places to score a mustache inspired item is Mongrel in Carytown.
Cheers!
K&H
P.S. We found out how mom's can eat free at Social52---your mom can eat free at Social 52 if you are an adult with an income. Meaning you hopefully live on your own (not in mom's basement, but if you do that is fine too), have a job that provides a living wage, you invest in your 401K or at least know what a 401K is, have gotten over the teenage years of thinking mom knows nothing and you know everything and you can admit you were wrong so so wrong-then your mom can eat free at Social52.
Movember is a mash up of "Moustache" and "November." The point is to publicly discuss and promote men's health by raising funds and awareness. In 2004 the cause got a serge and the Movember movement has steadily taken hold not only in Australia but all over the world, each and every continent is in support of Movember! In 2011 Canada was the leading country of contributors to Movember charities!
 |
It seems that men are not being so silent anymore where their health is concerned and instead are getting on board with this important cause and are having fun with it. Google has gotten involved, so has Tom's Shoes, and then there are the events all over the world such as the Stache Dash, Mustache March (which technically happens in March), No Shave November (also known as Noshember) and many, many, more. One of the newest and funnest (I know not a word, but it is now) ways that men and women are getting the message out is with the launch of The Moscars. The Moscars are a contest for short and clever videos that bring attention to men's health issues in some of the most hilarious ways possible.
Movember is not just for the gents the ladies can get involved as well by being a Mo Sista! Mo Sistas do not have to sport a mustache, just support the men, a.k.a Mo Bros, in their lives and the cause at hand. You better believe Cocktails and Glitter founders Kate and Heather are Mo Sistas and we hope you will join us in supporting all the Mo Bros in your life. Each Movember Heather gives Boo a mustache themed Movember gift! With the recent popularity of the stache it isn't hard to find fun goodies. One of the best places to score a mustache inspired item is Mongrel in Carytown.
 |
| If you are having a hard time figuring out what style Mo your Mo Bro may want to fashion here is a guide. |
K&H
P.S. We found out how mom's can eat free at Social52---your mom can eat free at Social 52 if you are an adult with an income. Meaning you hopefully live on your own (not in mom's basement, but if you do that is fine too), have a job that provides a living wage, you invest in your 401K or at least know what a 401K is, have gotten over the teenage years of thinking mom knows nothing and you know everything and you can admit you were wrong so so wrong-then your mom can eat free at Social52.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
We Like Them Apples
We like them a lot!
Picked right off the tree to heavy bags to overflowing bowlfuls to yummy creations! Apple sauce, apple butter, caramel apples, apple fitters, apple muffins, apple cakes, apple cookies and a crafty little wreath. How 'bout them apples!
It is that most wonderful time of the year for heading up the mountain and picking apples. We like to go to Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville. The drive is short and easy, the apples are delicious and the picking is fun! If that weren't enough, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable and sometimes there is live music to really set the mood. You can enjoy a tasting of Virginia wines and buy a bottle to enjoy with your picnic lunch! The hay wagon ride is a also must. But the best part of all are the apple cider donuts- Some folks go just for the donuts! If you manage to get down the mountain with any donuts left you have the greatest self control know to humankind! Slightly dramatic of a statement but not completely untrue all the same! Check out our Pinterest page for apple ideas.The season isn't over try this link for other great spots for apple picking in Virginia.
As if the joy of apple season isn't overwhelmingly wonderful enough, it is also that other most wonderful time of the year known as the Brunswick Stew Festival. We are talking stew people! STEW!!!!! The best most wonderful most delicious most amazing STEW! It is a top 5 favorite festival of Cocktails and Glitter! After, you have a belly full of stew it is time to head to the river for the Urbanna Oyster Festival and continue the fest with fresh oysters prepared every way imaginable.
We had a low key Happy Hour at Social 52 (the former Avalon). They were able to successfully close Avalon and open Social 52 in a fairly short amount of time and have now been open for about 2 months. The rooms feel much more open than before with exposed brick and reclaimed wood and definitely open up the place. With plenty of room at the bar and additional bar tables, it is a great Happy Hour spot for a large group. Their "social hour" deals are good, especially the half price flat-breads, which are ample in portion, cleverly named (as is most everything else on the menu) and topped with creative ingredients. Bathroom was boring, but at least clean. Has a WOW factor in that moms eat free at brunch! We forgot to ask the details on this but come on, that is just cool whether we know what it means or not...right? Ok, you're right we should have the 411. Take your mom there and find out the deal and let us know on our facebook page. But don't get suckered by the Bacon Chopped salad- it was very disappointing (lettuce with house made bacon bits---lame-o). Thankfully everything else was a hit and we would recommend it giving it 4.5 martinis.
One last thing, a shout out to two of our girlfriends who have not lost the art of the thank you note. The same day as that post we both had fun mail in the mailbox in the form of thank you notes from two great ladies. But these are two of the gals we were talking about it in that post that are always on top it. Thank you ladies for being awesome!
Cheers,
K&H
P.S. Due to technical difficulties we were unable to post last week and apologize for the delay this week. Stupid (wonderful) stupid (kinda awesome) stupid (whatever) technology!
Thursday, October 17, 2013
The Lost Art of Thank You
The Thank You note that is or any written note or card be it for saying "thanks" or just to say I was thinking about you.
Why is it that the simple, beautiful, thoughtful act of saying "Thank You" in the written form has become a lost art? Why do we think a short-hand text message is an acceptable way to wish someone a Happy Birthday? Why do children no longer have to write thank you notes for gifts? Why is Facebook the only place to tell people what is happening in your world? Gosh, you hardly even get a paper invitation to events anymore, God help us when wedding invitations go digital!
Why, Why, Why?
Ahhh, yes, because life is hectic and constantly in warp speed motion. Clearly, we understand social media is a powerful and when used properly wonderful tool for communication, but it is not the only form of communication. Sure an e-mail gets the job done in a pinch, and any acknowledge of thanks is never a bad thing, however, there is something so special and meaningful about a note of gratitude or love sent by mail. Isn't there a part of you that goes to the mailbox hoping for fun mail mixed in with the junk mail and bills? We sure do!
Remember when folks used to mail love letters or when you passed notes in class hoping you didn't get caught or wanting to get the most Valentines in the second grade (well every grade, really)? These life moments, these written life moments seem to be becoming something of the past verses something of the present and future.
What is the best way to express your gratitude? Of course there is no wrong way but we are partial to the written form. Both our mother's instilled it in us.
Kate does her best to stay on top of thank you notes and Heather is pretty good with cards for life moments or just because moments. Between the two of us we do have a fair group of friends that are also great with mailed notes. We always send each other cards that we find hysterical!
Heather is what she likes to call a procrastinating perfectionist with a grammatical deficiency. All words were made up at some point, so what if she makes up her own? Snoop Dog does it all the time and his stuff is now in the dictionary. Heather can get a months worth of birthday cards addressed, stamped and in pile with a sticking note saying when to put in the mail the first of every month. However, she feels thank you notes must be eloquent drawn out storybooks and therefore is not as great with the old thank you note. Hence why it took over 3 months for her to get all her wedding thank you notes written and sent. Boo (and her mother) were not very happy, but eventually all notes were written and mailed. Leading her to have that "ah ha moment" realization that the timeliness of the note is just as important as the act of writing a note. She has gotten much better.
We challenge ourselves to practice what we preach and make sure we send the occasional note to our friends and family and to make sure we send THANK YOU notes! We hope you'll be inspired to make someone's trip to the mailbox a delightful surprise by sending a note or two of your own and to always send a thank you note (handwritten!) as often as possible!
Thank you for reading!
Cheers!
K&H
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Setting the mood for fall
You scream, I scream, We all scream for Halloween!
Kate here. I love fall, LOVE IT! The only problem I have with fall is that I know the cold of winter is just around the corner. As a warm weather kind of girl, I need something to help me ease into the chill of fall. Between Halloween and the multitude of fall festivals in Richmond, there's enough to keep my mind off of the cold, dark nights that are on the horizon.
I've always been a fan of Halloween. I loved (and still do!) dressing up in creative costumes and decorating the house in spooky decor. Blending items purchased from the store and getting a little crafty, I've created something I'm calling "Halloween Shreik." Since I'm a fan of owls and bats in general, they get to play lead in the spookfest (although ravens are really taking over- a cool bird AND a Poe reference? Awesome!!)
Last year was my first Halloween aided by Pinterest. I found some free printable labels such as these and ran with it. Some were "seasoned" with tea and coffee grounds to give them an aged look. Some bottles and tins were spray painted, others left alone. Store bought fabric, candle holder, tray and cocktail shaker help fill in the space. Note the photo in the 2nd photo- taken at the now empty Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia PA. Talk about a spooky place! The port bottle in the top photo had a skull and crossbones etched into it using the same technique as the vases I made for my mom's birthday.
The mantle is always a fun place to decorate for the holidays. Ravens perch on spooky fabric and keep the bat bouquet company. Book jackets were printed on cardstock and aged with a lighter and coffee grounds. Small paperbacks keep the new spell books in shape.
The front hall went a little batty this year. I taped bat shapes onto the lamp shade for creepy effect. The framed photo was a creepy hologram I scored on sale last year. Paper bats (some purchased, others cut with the Silhouette), fly from the front door and up the stairs. A blown up image of a cemetery in Savannah was transferred to a canvas using textile medium. The front door was easy. I bought a grapevine wreath from the craft store, spray painted it black, and added fake cobwebs and glittery spiders. For Halloween night, we plug in a fog machine to really set the mood in the yard.
Lastly the dining room. I was so excited last year to get the skeleton servers from Target! I personalized the buffet with painted pumpkins, an owl painting given to me from our talented friend Ashley, and a photo of the first Halloween my husband and I were together (zombie Lucy and Charlie Brown. It was the best costume ever). On the table, more pumpkins accented by candles. I used candy corn and dried black beans in the jars for some added texture.
A few other fun surprises can be found around the house, I just didn't have the room here to show you all! Over all, my favorite Halloween shriek decor are the photos of Halloweens past. I plan on adding to that collection every year!
Now that my house is in order, it's time to focus on the other fun things of fall, starting with the Richmond Folk Festival! It's the main event in Richmond this weekend- even if folk music isn't your thing, it's a great place to people watch and you're sure to find some freshly popped kettle korn!
Cheers,
K&H
Kate here. I love fall, LOVE IT! The only problem I have with fall is that I know the cold of winter is just around the corner. As a warm weather kind of girl, I need something to help me ease into the chill of fall. Between Halloween and the multitude of fall festivals in Richmond, there's enough to keep my mind off of the cold, dark nights that are on the horizon.
I've always been a fan of Halloween. I loved (and still do!) dressing up in creative costumes and decorating the house in spooky decor. Blending items purchased from the store and getting a little crafty, I've created something I'm calling "Halloween Shreik." Since I'm a fan of owls and bats in general, they get to play lead in the spookfest (although ravens are really taking over- a cool bird AND a Poe reference? Awesome!!)
Last year was my first Halloween aided by Pinterest. I found some free printable labels such as these and ran with it. Some were "seasoned" with tea and coffee grounds to give them an aged look. Some bottles and tins were spray painted, others left alone. Store bought fabric, candle holder, tray and cocktail shaker help fill in the space. Note the photo in the 2nd photo- taken at the now empty Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia PA. Talk about a spooky place! The port bottle in the top photo had a skull and crossbones etched into it using the same technique as the vases I made for my mom's birthday.
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| Potions! Mostly from recycled bottles and jars. |
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| Our bar got a little more flavor this month! |
The front hall went a little batty this year. I taped bat shapes onto the lamp shade for creepy effect. The framed photo was a creepy hologram I scored on sale last year. Paper bats (some purchased, others cut with the Silhouette), fly from the front door and up the stairs. A blown up image of a cemetery in Savannah was transferred to a canvas using textile medium. The front door was easy. I bought a grapevine wreath from the craft store, spray painted it black, and added fake cobwebs and glittery spiders. For Halloween night, we plug in a fog machine to really set the mood in the yard.
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| Inside the lamp shade |
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| Photo of Bonaventure Cemetery |
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| A cobwebbed wrapped grapevine wreath with some spider friends greet guests. |
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| Last year's foggy front steps. It's easy to make your own awesome skirt! |
A few other fun surprises can be found around the house, I just didn't have the room here to show you all! Over all, my favorite Halloween shriek decor are the photos of Halloweens past. I plan on adding to that collection every year!
Now that my house is in order, it's time to focus on the other fun things of fall, starting with the Richmond Folk Festival! It's the main event in Richmond this weekend- even if folk music isn't your thing, it's a great place to people watch and you're sure to find some freshly popped kettle korn!
Cheers,
K&H
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