2019 Valentine Making Party

Happy Valentine's Day Eve, my friends!

I've always been a big fan of Valentine's Day, even when I was single. A day devoted to pink, red, hearts, and flowers is a win in my book single or taken!

Given my love of the holiday, I decided getting the chance to spread love with some of my best girls could be quite fun and hosted my first ever Valentine Making Party in 2014 (see here). It was an instant hit with my friends and since has become a bit of a tradition. I hosted a second in 2016 (here), third in 2018, and this year managed to host two years in a row for the first time with a 2019 edition. I gathered about 10 girlfriends last Thursday night and am excited to share with you today.

First things first: Supplies! After hosting this party so many times, I didn't even have to purchase supplies this year, though I did notice my stock is getting low on a few items. Here you can go as simple or complex as you'd like. Key elements are construction paper and/or card stock, markers, scissors, and glue. From there you can add to the mix with stickers, paper doilies, pom poms, scrapbook paper, feathers, balloons, and my personal favorite, googly eyes! Really just about any craft supplies can get added to the table, and I try to keep them all in a red, pink, and purple color theme for aesthetic purposes. I also am always sure to put the tablecloth (similar here) shown above on the table. It is vinyl which wipes clean easily and padded with flannel on the backside. This means people can craft away with no worries about damaging our dining room table! The "love" runner on top was a TJ Maxx find years ago. Finally, another crafting tip is to have trash cans at the ready. I put two on opposite corners for easy access, that you can see in a photo toward the bottom of the post.

To encourage creativity I also display an inspiration poster. It has a mix of sample valentines that are both cute and cheeky!

Next up, and equally important, is food and drink!

Every year I make champagne punch for the occasion! It is so perfectly pink and festive and a big hit. You top a container of raspberry sherbet with a bottle of champagne, a bottle of ginger ale, and a bag of frozen strawberries. Easy peasy! You can top it off with more champagne to refill as needed throughout the night.

 

I also had lemon water, La Croix, and red and white wine available for guests.

For menu, I replicated the menu from last year's party to a tee. It was easy, crowd pleasing, and quick to pull together on a weeknight. It also has options to satisfy both vegetarians and guests who are gluten free.

Pimiento cheese is a Southern staple and if you're in Richmond, Yellow Umbrella's is hands down the best. I always will make an extra trip there for it when entertaining. I serve it with Pecan Nut Thins which are gluten free, and complement the cheese well. A pre-made veggie tray is easy to kick up a notch with hummus for dipping and pretty presentation.

I also like to serve a few items that are a bit more hearty so people don't leave hungry. These chicken salad bites have become an entertaining staple since getting the idea from a friend. Just scoop chicken salad on top of granny smith apple slices and top with a pecan. Poppyseed ham biscuits are classic Virginia, and while they're very easy to make, they're even easier to buy premade for weeknight entertaining. These came from Yellow Umbrella, as well. Finally, this arugula salad is my go to for entertaining and a favorite amongst my family and friends (recipe coming Friday!).

I'm going to try and link up as much of my serveware as I can find online below, but will note that these rectangular platters the chicken salad and ham biscuits are displayed on are a favorite! I received one as a shower gift and have found myself wishing for a second again and again when entertaining. I decided it was time to bite the bullet and literally stopped at Fraiche on my way home from work the day of the party to purchase a second. I tried to keep all serveware to a Beatriz Ball/silver and clear glass theme.

Last, but certainly not least, no Valentine's Day celebration would be complete without sweet treats! These cookie dough rice krispies (recipe here) are a favorite and probably the dessert my friends request most! The rose heart wreath was a CVS find in college and I added the ribbon a couple years ago.

I upped the ante a little this year by using a cookie cutter to make them into hearts. It took a long time, but I think the cuteness factor was worth it! I make these the night ahead.

I can't resist showing you a couple snapshots of some additional decor. I didn't go all out this year, but the little Valentine's Day touches sure do bring a smile to my face.

The felt garland was a Michael's or Target find years ago and is so sweet.

There's nothing quite like pink tulips in the dead of winter! The pink and red blocks were a Target dollar section find in college and spell "XOXO," "KISS," "HUGS," and "LOVE."

Once the party started, I only managed to snap two pictures, which was a sign of a good party in my book!

What I love about this photo is that each of these 4 ladies is a friend from a different facet of my life - I really enjoy bringing different groups together!

And here's a sampling of our masterpieces! Those googly eyes! Mine is the love bug!

How do you celebrate Valentine's Day?

Do you like making handmade cards or prefer store bought?

Are there any parties you throw year after year?

Have a great Valentine's Day, love bugs!

The Proposal

TGIF readers!

I know it's been a while...more on that in my New Year's post coming soon...but I am happy to be sharing a bit more about Bryce's proposal and our engagement with you here on Alexandra Bee Blog today. I had originally planned to share some wedding inspiration with you, as well, but realized that needs to be separated into it's own post altogether!

Those of you who follow along with me on Insta have been itching for this post and I'm excited to finally get my act together!

It's a long one, so grab a cup of hot cocoa, or, a cocktail and settle in!

For those of you that have been longtime followers, you know Bryce and I have been together for quite awhile. Our first date was July 7, 2011, to be exact! That being said, I might have had a bit of an idea an engagement was coming soon...and at the very least can say that I was maybe just impatiently awaiting the 4 little words "Will you marry me?"

First things first, though, let's backtrack a little and talk about ring shopping!

I'll be the first to admit that I didn't initially think I wanted to be a part of the ring shopping experience. I'm so glad, however, that Bryce insisted I be included. It's so interesting trying on rings, and it's crazy how different the styles can look on your hand than in pictures online or on other people. I ended up with a ring that was completely different than I envisioned or even thought I wanted (similar to my wedding dress shopping experience, too!).

The first time we looked at rings, it was a rainy spring day and we started the day with brunch at Can Can, our first date spot. After brunch, we made our way to a local jewelry shop to peruse rings. I was certain I wanted a round, three stone ring (like this). I tried on multiple three stone styles, though, and nothing felt quite right. I was also certain that I did not want a ring with a halo. I found halos to be beautiful, but felt like they were the "in" ring. I wanted classic, not trendy. That being said, Bryce begged me to try on a specific round halo he saw. This one was a little different than the others, as the halo was quite delicate and the center stone was set as a pave sitting up above the halo. I still knew that it wouldn't be the ring, but decided to oblige him and try it on.

Y'all--I put the ring on and immediately knew. It was "the one!" Bryce knew all along, better than me, which ring would be perfect for my hand, for our engagement.

Quite a while passed, and Bryce went back to the original jewelry store and several others to look again and again. A little over a month before our engagement, he asked that I go with him a second time to look. He wanted to be sure that the ring I would look at the rest of my life was just right.

That weekend we went to one jewelry store he had not yet visited: Adolf Jewelers. (I'm putting in a plug here, because, local friends, Adolf's is the place to go! They were wonderful in every way!)

Our experience was so fun and we realized that yes, the first ring I chose was perfect. Adolf's then ordered diamonds for the setting we selected and we went back the following week to pick our diamond. I'll share here that I really didn't picture myself being quite so involved in the process, especially not choosing the diamond, but again, I  am so glad that I was. It was fun and exciting, not to mention, I received quite the diamond education from Mr. Adolf himself! After we selected the diamond, we were told it should take about 3 weeks for them to build my setting for the diamond and have the ring ready. The countdown was on!

It took a bit longer than first estimated, so I was in constant anticipation!

The night that Bryce proposed finally rolled around. It was November 22, two nights before Thanksgiving.

It was a Tuesday night, and here I'll share the first of two proposal requirements I asked of Bryce: You might wonder why a random Tuesday? I have always told Bryce to make an ordinary day extraordinary when proposing. I didn't want anything predictable (think birthday, holidays, etc), and now November 22nd will always be special to us!

I got home from work and Bryce suggested we go out to dinner. While I tended to Millie, he got the car started. Once I made it to the car, he immediately started driving. I was a bit suspicious as we normally go through the never-ending discussion of where to go to dinner (anyone else go through this!?). He started driving and was headed downtown. When we got off the expressway, he suggested we go to a favorite Mexican restaurant, Casa del Barco. He was driving straight there, and I became quite confused. Surely if he was going to be propose, it wouldn't be in the middle of a Mexican restaurant. At the last minute he turned, and it appeared that he was headed to Sine, the bar where we first connected during a mutual friend's birthday celebration. The wheels were turning now...until he drove right by Sine. At that point, I was completely confused as he drove around the neighborhood of Church Hill, suggesting several different dinner spots.

We came upon Libby Hill Park, a local park that has fabulous views of the entire city. Never having been to the park after dark, I commented on how gorgeous it looked at night as we drove by. Bryce then suggested we pull over and take a look. At this point, I knew something was up. It was freezing cold outside, so the fact that Bryce suggested we stop the car and get out was a huge clue!

We got out of the car and made our way to the edge the hill, taking in the city below. Bryce popped the question, remarking that he had chosen the location because it captured Richmond. We've both always called Richmond home, and bonded over that fact early in our relationship. He then retrieved a nice bottle of champagne that he had snuck in the car while I took care of Millie.

We enjoyed the champagne, albeit I was shivering the entire time, and were just full of giddy excitement!

Here I'll share the second requirement: I don't want anyone watching (i.e. no cameraman hiding in the bushes, no busy public place, etc)! Now, wouldn't you think a public park would be pretty secluded on a freezing cold Tuesday night? Well, guess what, it wasn't! People were coming and going like crazy! Bryce had actually scoped out the spot with the best views for the proposal, but ended up popping the question a bit further from the road down the hill where people wouldn't see! We did walk over the spot he had planned, however, and enjoyed it while sipping our bubbly!

Once we returned to the car we called our parents and made our way back to Sine to have a drink. We sat at the exact spot where we talked and talked the night we met, and used that time to share the news with some of our other best friends.

Next we headed to our most special date night spot, Edo's Squid and feasted! Finally, we made our way to Can Can, the location of our first date, for dessert. The night couldn't have been more perfect, and I loved that it happened right before the holidays, so we were able to spend Thanksgiving and Christmastime celebrating with family and friends.

The picture at the top of this post was taken at Can Can the night we got engaged, and now, I can't resist sharing a favorite engagement photo, also taken at Can Can! I need to tune back in soon to fill you in on wedding plans (Our date of June 3 is right around the corner!), share the rest of our engagement photos, and also talk thoughts on the new year! If we get the snow they're predicting this weekend, I may have some time to hunker down and write!

Did any of you get engaged over the holiday season?

What are your requirements for the perfect proposal?

Have a great weekend!

2nd Annual Valentine Making Party

Happy Hump Day, chicas!

Is it just me or is February dragging on? Spring can't come soon enough for this lady and I think my impatience is making this short month feel like a long one!

Today I am excited to be recapping my Valentine Making Party with you! I had such a fun weekend with a good dose of time with friends and one on one time with my main squeeze.

The weekend started with a fun girls' night as I hosted my 2nd Valentine Making Party! I first hosted this party 2 years ago (recap here) with hopes of making it an annual thing. I dropped the ball last year, but was glad to bring it back this year and am already thinking of ways I can make it even more fun next year!

One of the highlights of the night, and the whole weekend, was Erin's visit. She and her hubby, Ryan have become some of our absolute best friends over the last 2 years and we simply adore their baby girl, Sully. She brought the fancy new camera she received for Christmas with her, and I love some of the photos she snapped. You'll definitely notice a difference between her pics and mine in this post!

With Erin, Miss Attention to Darling, herself!

Valentine making central was located in the dining room!

This inspiration poster came in handy, quite a bit!

What I love most about events like these is that they bring different groups of my friends together. 

Not to mention, I have some pretty talented friends...

This "Olive You" card was my favorite from the night!

No good girls night is complete without good food, so I set up that station in the kitchen!

I made champagne punch again, which is always a hit and so easy! Simply pour a bottle of champagne over a container of raspberry sherbet, add 1 liter of ginger ale, and top with a bag of frozen strawberries!

I served mini chicken & waffles, mac & cheese cups, a veggie tray, strawberry cupcakes, and macarons!

These frozen Trader Joe's frozen macarons are a new favorite!

Jess brought these cupcakes, also from Trade Joe's, and they were almost to beautiful to eat!

Anna brought these homemade cookies and they were beyond scrumptious! I ate so many over the weekend that I lost count!

Erin also snapped some pics in the living room, where we gabbed until nearly midnight, and I love seeing the space through the lens of her nice camera!

blue ikat pillows/palm pillows/je t'aime pillow

All in all, it was a fabulous evening and I can't wait for the next chance to bring together all my girls!

Do you make homemade valentines?

Did you celebrate with your best gal pals?

Also...I've been playing around with the sizing of my pictures some. Do y'all like seeing bigger pictures?

Have a great day!

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Heart Day Recap

Happy Hump Day readers!

I hope that wherever you are, you are staying warm! We got more than 6 inches of snow on Monday night and have not been to school since. I am definitely enjoying some time to recharge my batteries.

Today I am excited to finally recap our Valentine's Day weekend with you! I had planned to get this post up sooner, but the excitement of snow days had me doing other things (see Instagram...).

This year was Bryce's and my 4th Valentine's Day together and the first one that fell on a weekend, making it that much more fun. Here's a look at what we did!

Valentine's morning, Bryce surprised me with breakfast in bed, a great start to the weekend!

That morning, I also gave him his cheesy Valentine:

After breakfast, we lounged around a bit and then ran some errands (including grocery shopping for our dinner that evening).

I thought my new purple leggings 

(for just $14.99 from the girls' section, no less!) 

were perfect for the occasion!

After our errands, we made some cocktails and got cooking!

For appetizers we had mozzarella sticks with balsamic drizzle and clams!

I need a little more practice to make these pretty, 

but they sure were delicious!

My favorite!

After enjoying our apps, I went about setting the table. As mentioned last week, I had not decorated this year at all and quickly pulled out my heart confetti for our table!

Nothing too fancy, but I did like that my lilies and roses

 from Bryce took center stage!

And for our meal, I came up with an angel hair alfredo with braised fennel, asparagus, chicken and prosciutto!  It was a joint effort. Bryce fixed the chicken and fennel outside on the grill while I worked on the alfredo, asparagus, and prosciutto inside.

The meal turned out to be amazing and I will be

posting the recipe tomorrow!

All evening, the wind had been whipping like crazy and toward the end of our meal the power went out, giving new meaning to the term "candlelight dinner." I was relieved that we had opted for a store bought fudge pie over a homemade dessert, since it probably would have been baking in the oven at that point. From that point on we kept the fire blazing and I made a nest for us on the floor in front of it.

We considered heading to my parents' for the night since they had power, but the wind was even blowing down the chimney. We were worried about it blowing an ember into the house, so we braved it by the fire under lots of blankets!

The next morning, we got up early and headed to my parents for hot showers (and my dad's yummy egg sandwiches). Bryce had surprised me with a cellar tour of RdV Vineyards and we needed to hit the road. The vineyard was over the top amazing and I will be posting a full recap Friday, however, until then I will give you a brief peek at our day:

And you might notice, I got the cape I've been wanting forever!

Did you have a nice Valentine's Day?

What did you do to celebrate?

Have a great day!