Tag Archives: Lori Geshay

Ladies & Lace Bridal Brunch

"Blooming Brides" Lori Geshay & Hollie Wells
“Blooming Brides” Lori Geshay & Hollie Wells

Two Brides = Double the FUN!  February 26th seaside in Galveston I had the pleasure to host a brunch & lingerie shower for blooming brides Lori Geshay & Hollie Wells.  The future Mrs Bergeron & Mrs Dorsett were glowing of course surrounded by their besties  for champagne, dining and sweets.  What better venue to treasure these dolls than at the “Queen of the Gulf” known as the Hotel Galvez.  A member of the Historic Hotels of America, Hotel Galvez is a four-star AAA property.

I am not a “crafty” person mainly due to time constraints, however I  was motivated with this occasion and spent A LOT of time on Pintrest.  Let’s just talk decor for a minute!  Going with the lingerie theme I baked heart-shaped butter cookies and

"Trende Brende" the Hostess and future Martha Stewart...LOL
“Trende Brende” the Hostess and future Martha Stewart…LOL

decorated them into cute lingerie and/or bathing suits.  Since this was my first attempt the designs were manageable but aren’t they so cute???  I felt like a fashion designer…watch out Victoria’s Secret!  Next, what is an event without champagne in my group!? So, I took mini bottles, dipped them in gold glitter, and added cute pink ruffle bows w/ a pink/white straw.  I did a similar idea for my wedding favours but the glitter took it to a whole new level!  Pink was my colour choice as it’s feminine, fun, and perfect for Spring.  Also on the table were  ring lotto scratch-offs….and a fun prize included of course for the winner!  Fresh floral arrangements for the brides to take home.  Fun glasses, veils, hats to play with.  Last, Mardi Gras beads for everyone!  Yes, this party happened to fall on Mardi Gras….which made it even more festive.  A good way to “mark your champagne glass” is to tie your beads around the bottom of the flute. The stem.  Choose or “claim” your colour and no confusion there!

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Trend Alert: Ruggles Black Food Bar spices up Houston!

Ruggles Black food barI love Upper Kirby for its location, it’s shopping, and area eats. Now a new flavor in town to add to the “must dine” list and to spice up Houston!  If you have not experienced Ruggles Black it’s time to make your reservation.  Restraunteur Neera Patidar (former owner of NOSH) has teamed up with Chef/ Co-Owner Bruce Molzan to create a restaurant bar only the two of them could pull off with flying colors!  Consider cuisine influenced by India/China/France/America all compiled into one!  The menu items appeal to all palettes and the dishes will WOW you with every bite!  Caution, you may drool!

Ruggles picstitchRecently my friend Lori and I dined here for dinner. We had a reservation; we were greeted with a smile, and seated immediately.  Although just the two of us we ordered enough food for a group of four!  It was really hard to resist the choices.  Just to give you an idea, menu items include:  angry shrimp, curry mussels, crab tower, pork belly beet salad, Paleo veggie tacos, pistachio encrusted snapper, crunchy kale salad, Tandoori chicken flatbread and lamb flatbread. Plenty of sweets too but we did not make it that far!  My favorite dishes were the angry shrimp and curry mussels.  Take a look at the size of the mussels too!  Size does matter in my book (we’re talking mussels here) and I always ask my waiter to bring out a sample before I order them. (There is a particular popular restaurant in mind which always disappoints, but I will not throw them under the bus….today!).

Chef/Co-Owner Bruce Molzan
Chef/Co-Owner Bruce Molzan

Now let’s talk ambiance.  This is a wonderful date place!  The setting is small and quaint offering a more intimate dining experience.  I prefer to sit in a booth next to the window, if I do get to choose my spot.  There is outdoor patio space as well.  The bar area is a bit crowded but once you have some good wine and apps, who cares!  The space offers a modern casual and earthy feel.  I don’t feel like I am in Houston, except for the fact I may know some of my fellow diners that evening!

In all, I have put this place in the Top 5 of my restaurant list.  It’s trendy décor, intimate crowd, great service, and most importantly the food and wine; it hits all of my sweet spots!  I will be back again, again, and again.

Nicole Brende, Neera Patidar, Lori Lemon Geshay
Nicole Brende, Neera Patidar, Lori Lemon Geshay

Ruggles Black is located at 3963 Kirby Drive.  They are open for lunch and dinner.  A reservation is recommended but not required.  Check out their website at www.rugglesblack.com .  While you are there, say hello to Neera and let her know “Trende Brende” sent you! She is not hard to miss in her oh-so-fashinably-fabulous ensembles!