Baby Schnitzel is one lucky man and he’s not even here yet! Recently, my blonde mafia besties hosted the most incredible baby shower for us in Houston. Graciously opening her doors to her fabulous home for 30 women, Lori Bergeron offered the most magical venue for the event. Add in all of the amazing and personalized decor, food, and hottie friends, this party was a “looker”!
My friend Anna Kaplan quoted, “This is straight out of Town & Country Magazine.” And, I cannot agree with her more! Every detail was thoroughly thought out and I really felt like the most special lady alive that day! I still do actually!
I love the holidays for so many reasons. It is this time of year when people amp up their game BIG TIME with festive decor, cuisine and desserts, music, and all of that shared with quality bonding time with family and friends.
It’s the traditions that fascinate me. In The Schmidt family (my in-laws) for instance, every New Year in Ohio they host a family fondue night. First off, the natural setting up North is so perfect because it’s cold outside, the fireplace is crackling, we’re all bundled up in sweaters and boots, and this year there was snow which makes it even more magical! Back to the food, how about hosting a party where your guests are their own chefs? That’s right, just master the art of gathering and forget the thought of slaving in the kitchen! That’s why fondue night is such a genius idea. The fondue fixins are unreal folks and all will forget you did not spend all day and night in the kitchen preparing their meal! The spread gets more ambitious every year I think. Check out this display. Besides the cheese, salivate over the lobster, tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, beef, and oh yeah the veggies! A new addition to the savory lineup is the ravioli and the truffle tortellini! This tradition takes hours of edible enjoyment and it’s interactive which I love too. Mix in some German gluehwein to wash it all down or sip some champagne cocktails, laugh and chat a bit, then dive in for seconds, and thirds, nobody is counting! To finish off the evening with some sweetness, bring on the chocolate with strawberries, pineapple and bananas! My life is complete!
You do not need to travel to the Big Apple to experience real life Broadway musicals these days. Houston is blessed to be home to the Theater Under The Stars at the Hobby Center. Amazing productions come through the Bayou City. In fact, my husband and I just recently saw The Secret Garden. I actually read this book and I love the story-line. I couldn’t wait to see it and it sure did not disappoint!
A little history, The Secret Garden is a musical based on the 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The musical’s script and lyrics are by Marsha Norman, with music by Lucy Simon. It premiered on Broadway in 1991 and ran for 709 performances.
The story is set in the early years of the 20th century. Mary Lennox, a young English girl born and raised in the British Raj, is orphaned by a cholera outbreak when she is ten years old. She is sent away from India to Yorkshire, England, to live with relatives whom she has never met. Her own personality blossoms as she and a young gardener bring new life to a neglected garden, as well as to her sickly cousin and uncle.
Okay, sol I am taking you back to August of this year. Sometimes I get a bit behind. My friend Lori put together the most amazing bridal shower and I love her so much for it and that day in time deserves some Trende Brende attention! If you have ever stepped foot into the Hotel Granduca in Houston then you will see why this place is worth raving about. Naturally, it set the scene for the most perfect shower ever. This Italian boutique hotel in Uptown offers an elegant experience like none other. Lori and I occasionally come here for our “girl time” for high tea during the week and happy hour on Thursdays. We’ve even seen and met celebs here such as singer Steven Tyler and reality TV star Rob Kardashian for example.
Back to my party. From the formal invitation, to the personalized gift bags including monogrammed candles, to the venue, to the food and flowing champagne; my friend really knows my style! By the way, Hotel Granduca has the most savory Sunday brunch! Who knew? Stations included the meats, the cheeses, omelets, and desserts. What got us most excited was the fried chicken and waffles, the grilled cheese with bacon, peanut butter and jelly, and the sushi and oyster bar!! WOW! I should just go ahead and book my standing reservation for every Sunday I am in town for the rest of my life! For more information on their brunch, the hotel, and events check out their website www.granducahouston.com.
I just have to say, the party was so sweet including my wonderful parents, my sister, and a selection of dear friends. We laughed, nibbled, sipped, shared stories, and opened gifts. What an intimate day that I did not want to end.
Our boys met for the first time too. Looks like they will get along just fine. LOL! Hey, it’s important. Thank you again to Lori for hosting such a flawless and meaningful shower. Jan and I are truly humbled by your generosity and love.
Before I go, have I mentioned that I have definitely found my prince and knight in shining armor??!! 🙂 I am the happiest girl ever! It is the best feeling to love and to be loved. I am marrying the smartest, kindest, honest, caring, and most handsome man in my entire life. God Bless #TheJanic and our amazing future ahead! For our love story we’ve put together a short video https://youtu.be/TL0se2PqxzM. Yes we are goofballs!