Color the Winter Beautiful!

So on my hunt for creative and clever "decor" for the outdoor winter event Design Vertigo created - A Merry Little Shindig- I discovered this idea: filling water balloons, adding food color, and freezing to make wonderful little colored ice 'rocks'.

Being concerned that one of these awesome ice eggs would wind up going through a store window (just cuz ya never know!) we decided to do the same idea but up them in big bags (like the kind you would take home a gold fish in)

We did a test ice bag at the beginning of the week, just to make sure our twist on the idea would work out. It did, but the color separated and sank to the bottom after a day. "Ok", we said to ourselves. "We'll just fill all the bags the day before the event, then we'll be safe!"

Well....the photo below is what we got..haha. They didn't freeze all the way. Not quite what i was going for, but i guess they are like little colored ice sculptures? Whatever, we rolled with it.

Candy Cane Deserts!

My sweet friend Tiffany and fabulous intern Sara were so kind to help me do some backing for the Merry Little Shindig. Below you will find the recipes and tips to makes these festive treats at home.

Cookies for the Holidays

Christmas is the perfect time of year to pull out all those passed down recipes of delectable treats!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making Christmas Cookies with my mom.  Even though I now live a state away every year I find time to go home and we spend a day or two sifting through recipes and choosing the winners! 

Here is a recipe we have made several times but over the years we have tweaked a bit. This is our version of Candy Cane Cookies that we have come to enjoy! I hope you and your family enjoy them as well

Here are a few tips to help you in the cookie making process:

1.I like to place the dough if the refrigerator prior to making the cookies; it helps to keep the dough from getting too soft   

2.If you want larger cookies you can use more dough per cookie; I suggest not rolling the rope as thin to keep the cookie stable

3.Ensuring that both ropes of dough are the same length is very important

4.Prior to twisting gently roll your two ropes together so they form one

5.Once the ropes are twisted gently together carefully pick them up and place them on the cookie sheet

6.Once the cookies are one the cookie sheet create the hook and bake

Design Vertigo's Summer Fashion Event!

Planning events is one of my favorite things to do. I love to brainstorm a theme and just run with it! You don't have to break the bank either, you just have to get creative! This summer, Design Vertigo hosted its first outdoor fashion show featuring a St. Paul fashion designer Jenny Carle. The theme of the show was 'Make everyday ordinary into everyday extraordinary'. This has been the underlying modo of Design Vertigo since conception... the knowledge that there are more ordinary days in life and why not make them special by wearing cute outfits and using fun products.  

With the decor for the show we took a sustainable approche, fitting in well with both Jenny Carle and Design Vertigo's position. Streamers were made from twine and cut up scraps of old fabric. 

VIP seating for the show was a random assortment of chairs, borrowed from La' Garage and Gallery, a secondhand shop down the street. 

Old paint cans were given a new life by hitting them with a quick spray of paint (in the partys coordinating colors of course) and  then planted sod in and grouped them going down the runway. Topping off the decor was the addition of a few balloons and thats it! 

For refreshments, we kept it simple with pink lemonade and paper cones of freshly popped popcorn.  Time spent preparing all of this was honestly a lot, but as far as dollars and cents my total bills came to about $40. Seriously can't beat that!! 

Amanda Wilde and Jenny Carle

 "Amanda Wilde, owner of Design Vertigo, and Jenny Carle share many of the same philosophies when approaching design, whether it is in Jenny’s fashion or Amanda’s interiors. The joining of these two young and creative businesswomen will make for an amazing fashion show that is sure to be lighthearted, sustainable and most definitely memorable. "

Blu Dot Photography 

Jenny Carle is an independent designer from St. Paul, MN launching her brand, Jenny Carle Designs, in 2008.  She designs are for the woman who enjoys feminine and vintage-inspired pieces, but with a modern and youthful twist. She wants women to feel comfortable and beautiful while wearing her garments, transitioning from a day at the lakes to drinks on the patio. She is committed to making her garments sustainable and chooses to incorporate found and reused textiles. Carle graduated from the College of St. Catherine’s with a B.A. in apparel design and art.

On August 12, 2011 Jenny Carle showcased her collection at a fashion show in North St. Paul, kicking off her four week long trunk show at Design Vertigo. 

Happy Housewife Bridal Shower

A bridal shower with a witty but oh so perfect twist!