Here's what I've got, babe...

Let's flashback a bit, shall we? Childhood—I played soccer, softball, volleyball and basketball year-round, with a passion...and with as little running as possible. The name of my game was defense, aka, hang back and let the opponent come to me. Teenage years—I failed my ROTC physical training test because I couldn't run the course fast enough {or finish at all...}. I quit almost all sports that required a timed-run as part of the tryout. And I sure as heck was not running for "fun." {I also didn't understand this relation of "running" and "fun"—whose idea of "fun" was that?!} Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman {your first taste of my Britney-obsession—don't even try to knock it}—"Fun Runs", aka, 5K's, were becoming all the rage. I joined my first ever gym and stepped onto my first treadmill. The longest I could run at a 5mph+ speed was maybe—M A Y B E—three minutes. Three minutes, ya'll! The thought of running nonstop for 10 minutes or *gasp* 3.2 miles was laughable. I laugh in the face of 5K's! {insert evil laugh} Catch up to today and I am a {self-proclaimed} bonafide runner. I have completed a countless number of those daunting 5K's, crossed the finish-line of my first half-marathon two years ago, knock out at least nine miles on the weekly, and I'm currently training for a 10-miler (that's 15K!) in April. And I did it all while nonstop running. That's over 2 1/2 hours of straight running—if you're counting. So, from a barely three minute jog, to a 13+ mile trot, I am proof that anyone, at any size, any age {yes, any age}, and with any level of determination can build their stamina and L O V E for running. It's actually—dare I say—FUN!! Now that you know you CAN run, let's add in the r e a l fun part! Running on a straight & narrow road, or especially on the never-ending tread, can be total boresville—even with the jammiest of jams {like Brit-Brit}. My go-to running technique not only keeps me super distracted, but also constantly confuses my body & muscles to keep my cardio routines super-fresh! And my surefire way not to tire of the same ol' HIITs over and over again? I compete with myself! "How far did I run last time with 'HIIT-tastic'? Oh, is that so? Well, I see your three miles and I raise you .2 miles! What now!?" {You do all have pep-talks with yourself before a workout, right?!} My love of HIITs {High Intensity Interval Training} has manifested over time, and while I have countless HIITs pinned, I have started to create my own to mix it up even more and evolve with my level of running! From beginner to speedy-Gonzalez, I'll sporadically be bringing you HIITs to add to your routine. Let's get HIIT-tastic, ya'll! #fitness #health

Let's be real, it should really be called "Skin City," as it is one of the most fashionable cities in the US...with the least amount of clothing. From bikinis, to brunch, to bars—there's little left to the imagination. I for one like to keep it a little more "conservative"—well, conservative compared to Vegas standards. A peek here, a peek there, all while leaving a little to the imagination. I'm nothing if not a lady {don't tell my pool-cabana-behaving-self that}... This is what a girl in her element looks like... Scoured the stores for this hat prior to Vegas and finally gave up the day before we left. Two hours into being in Vegas, this hat found its way on to the top of my head. Don't you love when that happens!? Stop looking—it'll find you. When you're "posing" and the hubs makes a funny... Skirt: Marshalls {lucky sifter sale find!} Similar Michael Kors, Similar plain black {a steal!} // Crop top: Forever21 & Another super cute pattern // Sandals: TOMS {style no longer available}, Similar thong style, Similar cross-over style, Similar wedge style{someone get me off this site! TOMS are the b e s t} // Top hat: H&M & Love this two-tone // Bracelet: Kiki La'Rue {no longer available}, Super similar from JCrew & Similar // Ring: Oldie {somewhere in my shopping adventures...}, Similar // Earrings: American Eagle {no longer available}, Similar & Double-sided {SO cool!} // Purse {that you can't really make out, but I promise is cute...}: TJMaxx {oldie}, Similar from TJMaxx & Adorable bucket style from Forever21 While flats & top hats will suffice for the sunny daylight hours, a presto-chango is needed for the evening hours. Especially when there are mini replicas of the Eiffel Tower involved and celebrations to be had. {Peep the cut-out—see, skin city.} Dress: Charlotte Russe & so many more white-hot options, it's not even funny. Some more favs: all lace with tummy cut-out, two-piece crop top & midi skirt, mesh & lace long-sleeves & this floral lace open-back number // Shoes: BCBG {no longer available}, Similar from Nordstrom Rack & Similar from Lord & Taylor // Earrings: Francesca's {no longer available}, Similar & Similar My reason for celebrating, in case you were wondering <3 #fashion #accessories #style #beauty #shopping

You know that, "I woke up like 'dis", curl? Well, that coveted undone curl is referred to as the "S-curl." Why? Because it makes a perfect 'S' {duh}. It has been, in my opinion, most precisely & perfectly rocked by none other than Khloe Kardashian. I can't tell you the hours I've spent studying this sassy curl. {Head cocked, full-squint on, lips pursed to the side} "I don't get it—is it a curl come undone? Is it a flat ironing gone crinkle in the night? Is it a magical set of rollers? How, Khloe, HOW!?" Maybe the 'S' stands for sexy, but for many of us it stands for, 'Seriously, HOW do I get those curls?!' Trust me, I know the feeling. You, the curling iron, a few burnt finger tips & a plethora of cuss words spent the better half of Friday evening in the bathroom attempting to come out all Kardashian-like. Instead, you succumb to your failure {mostly because the hubs is standing in the bathroom doorway tapping his foot & pointing at his invisible watch}, go for the usual mess of curls, & then wake-up the next morning all, "Oh hell no! We're going to brunch—this curl deserves a public showing." Don't settle for the usual mess, get that sexy 'S'! ...the first time around. {Just call me Rhyme Master Nyx} Step 1: One day I won't even have to explain this because it will be engrained in your brain {seriously, I'm on a roll!}. PREP FROM BIRTH. Say it with me now! {PREP. FROM. BIRTH.} Naturally flowing freshly washed hair may be pretty for you to run your fingers through—but that's about it. It won't hold, it won't style, & it will actually get greasier faster with no grit to soak it up. So, lather-up that puppy, lightly condition, rinse & then prep with some grit-inducing products {my favs are Kenra's root lifter & mousse}. Step 2: I like to futz around while my hair airdries a bit—less heat damage, & really, when can you NOT find something to futz with? Then, fire up that blowdryer, toss your head over, & dry! No rhyme, no reason, no round brush. Just dry upside down. This will give you a good bit of volume to start with—in my case, aka, a big frazzled mess! Isn't is purdy!? Step 3: Chi time! Or, for all of you non-Chi users {I assume such users exist?}, flat iron time! Pick your part & smooth those strands by taking LARGE sections and running them once or twice through the flat iron. We're not going for Cher-hair here, just a quick smoothing—you don't want to make it soooo flat that it won't then hold that 'S'! Step 4: Using a 1 1/4 inch barrel iron, curl two-inch sections of your hair, keeping the iron vertical at all times! This may be a dance to accomplish, but you're getting ready for a night on the town, so a little warm-up dance won't hurt! Step 5: I know, I know, you want to touch them. You want to touch them & tousle them & run your fingers through their bouncy goodness. Don't do ittt. Ah-ah, N O. Hands DOWN. Breathe, it's going to be okay. We are going to get through this. For now, they must rest. Rest and set. Go get your fab little outfit on, finish your make-up, & keep your dang hands out of your hair! Step 6: N O W. Now you can touch them. Using a teensy weensy bit of serum {I like Paul Mitchell's Skinny Serum}, run your hands over large chunks of your curls so they meld together in one large 'S' pattern. Some may brush, some may run full fingers through—you know your hair and whether it will bounce back up or not, so ween in lightly & play with it, but don't play TOO hard. After your 'S' is perfectly coiffed, spritz with hairspray {Kenra Number 25, for me} & confidently bounce out of that bathroom like you are Kardashian Sister #6 {or, #7, if you count Kris}. You're S'welcome :-) #hair #hairstyle #hairtutorial #hairhowto

It's been a long year of ombre, balayage, blondes, blondors & yes, BLEACH. In 2014 almost every brunette dipped a toe in the blonde pool, and the usual-blondies dove face-framers-first into the platinum end. With the combo of the freezing Winter air here on the east coast, paired with the over-processed {or, more processed than usual} tresses of 2014, heads-of-hair up & down the coast are in dire need of a clean slate! Whether it be deepening the base & toning your balayage-lites to give a dimensional yet seamlessly natural highlight, or completely saturating your strands with a hi-gloss all-over stunner-color, my clients are giving their 2014 locks a 2015 refresh! Note: I am all in favor of a Winter blonde—but even bright blondes need a hi-gloss refresh every now & then. Even a clear gloss can rehydrate your hair follicles and help your blondie-blonde pop! Here are a few of my F A V transitions so far: {The epitome of rich chocolate tresses. That sheen!} {Usual blondes need not to fret—deepening does not always mean DARK, it just means richer, saturated & refreshing. Taking it back to the roots! But keeping dimension, and yes, flecks of blonde.} {Iced Brunette.} {Attention!: A clean slate doesn't always have to take it back to the roots. Since you're already pre-lightened from your 2014 locks, take the chance to take the plunge into a vibrant color that you've been lusting after on Pinterest. DO IT! It's just hair, afterall.} {Blonde goes bronde, with dimension.} {Fun fact: professional {keyword: professional} color actually saturates, hydrates & volumizes strands to give them more shine, silk & B O U N C E!} {Going from lighter-locks to a rich red makes your new color P O P!} {Case in point. Again!} New year, new hair. Let's do it! Who's with me!? #hair #hairstyle #beauty

Despite what anyone tries to tell you, turning thirty is N O T scary. It feels peculiarly like turning 29, and 28, and even 27. But not 26, because 26 year-olds are young, ya'll. Like babies. Sike, we all know a number doesn't define you anymore. Or so I've been telling myself since I turned 30... #foreveryoung Sure, there's that momentary ping of, "Holy cow, where did my 20's go!? Did I do them justice?? Did I get all of my 20-something acts of stupidity out of my system??"—but that's a fleeting flood of thoughts. It's quickly followed up with the much calmer affirmation of, "your 30s are the best years of your life"—as you've heard all throughout your 20's from much wiser, experienced, ::ahem:: older individuals. So far, they're right. Sure, it's been all of a week—but I can f e e l it. The security in yourself, the way you can shrug judgement off your shoulders, the way compliments roll off your tongue, the strength you feel in your bones {I hear that doesn't start to go until your 40s...} and the calm you feel in your heart. Regardless of where you thought you'd be in life when you reached 30, you're here, and that's an achievement in itself. So put on a gold sequined romper and show your 30s what it's ALL about, baby! {I apologize ahead of time for the flood of pictures... Who am I kidding?! No I don't! This sunset shoot was all made possible in a mere 20 minutes with the photog-tastic Renee Hollingshead Photography, who JUST launched the most incredible new venture—photography meets travel meets frame meets your wall. You can now live vicariously through Renee's travel by hanging her lovely little prints on your wall. And if you're lucky enough, you can have her as your 20-minute photog, too <3 THANK YOU, RENEE!!} My usual wedding creator-in-crime finally got a chance to turn her tools on me & created the make-up look of my d r e a m s. I wanted eyes that popped, lashes that yelled B A M & lips that said, "pshhh, 30 ain't got nuthin' on me." She delivered & then some. {THANK YOU, SARA-BEARA!!} Romper: Lulu's {no longer available at Lulu's} Same elsewhere, Short Sleeves & A D O R E // Earrings, Rings & Bracelets: Francesca's // Shoes: Oldies {so much so that I can't recall where they're from!} Similar {and Steve Maddens - score!} & Similar {great price at Forever21!} {As the sun set, we got in a few more snaps with Ms. Paris—and of course, some kisses <3} But wait, you don't think I got all dolled up for a 20-minute photoshoot, do you?! As fabulous as that sounds, what's even m o r e fabulous is the glitz & glam Hollywood-themed party that my hubs, sis, mom & besties threw me. Coming from the party-planner extraordinaire—they threw the party of my L I F E. Blowing any of my themed-out, foodie-approved, detail-oriented parties of the past out of the w a t e r. Stay tuned for a full recap & peek into my gold, pink & F A B U L O U S 30th birthday party!!... Photographer: Renee Hollingshead Photography Make-up Artist: Sara Kauffman with Imperishable Beauty Make-up Artistry Location: Private Balloons: Amazon {ribbons & flair added myself} #fashion #style #beauty #hair #shopping

Hi, my name is Nikki, and I'm a certified shopaholic. I was born with this disease, and it has only grown with age & experience. I have so many clothes in my closet that I dread putting freshly washed clothes away because I know it will be a serious maneuver & workout mission to get one more piece of clothing to fit. Yet, I continue to shop—I just can't help myself. But how, HOW do I shop so much and leave no debt in my trail? It's not because I'm a millionaire, because I am certainly not. It's because I am a sifter. Sifting is my t h e r a p y—I could sift for hours on end, Starbucks in hand, without a care in the world. And where do I do said sifting? {So many questions about this disease...} The Maxx. TJMaxx, to be exact. Sure, I sift other places, too, but the Maxx was one of my first sifting-grounds, and it's still my go-to place for bargain-meets-trends pieces. Need a special occasion dress for a date night in 4 hours? To the Maxx. Need a "this says business-but-fun" outfit for a conference? Maxx. Need Coachella-inspired beachwear, new wedges, a rug for the entryway, a long necklace to go with your Coachella-wear, and a gift for Mom—but you only have time to go one place? Good thing the Maxx has it ALL. If you have never been to TJMaxx—go, now. If you don't live near a Maxx—move, like, yesterday. Oh, but wait, did I mention that the Maxx is now ONLINE? You can thank me any time—and also, apologize to your husband for me. It's not my fault—it's the disease. {Hi, Mom! Having my mom shoot this Maxx-style was quite befitting—considering I got the disease from her. It's hereditary, don't you know?} Dress: TJMaxx {in-store} Another floral flouncy option online, a solid flirty option, a super fun cut-out option & just a patterned little shift that I adore! // Black Bandeau: AE at TJmaxx {in-store} A bright option online, a graphic patterned crop, an a w e s o m e structured bodice crop & hellooo stunning animal print! // Shoes: TOMS Shoes {no longer available} Similar & NEW bright beauties // Jewelry: A mix from the Maxx {in store} & elsewhere—Necklace: Similar & Similar; Bracelets: Similar & Gorgeously unique square rose gold {wish list!}; Earrings: Similar // Sunglasses: TJMaxx {in store} Similar Balmain {!!!} & Similar House of Harlow Happy Maxx'ing! #glasses #accessories #shopping #style #fashion

First it was chalky Slimfast shakes, then it was juice bars serving green grain in a cup with a straw...and then, then ShakeO came onto the scene and all was finally good with my tastebuds. But after nearly three months of shakin', blendin' & sippin', I was ::GASP:: getting bored. Then one day a friend took me to South Block Cafe where they make cold pressed juice {blech! Sorry, I just can not fathom drinking my veggies.} and acai bowls. What's an acai bowl? Actually, let's go back to the basics so you actually know what you're talking about/eating when you mention acai {Ah-Sigh-E}. Acai is a type of berry that hails all the way from Brazil, which is why you might feel as though you're paying a pretty penny for that pretty bowl. Here in the US we only have access to frozen acai puree - not the whole fruit. To turn that pricey fruit puree into a bowl you blend it with other frozen berries {berry-besties?}, a frozen banana, plain old ice, and then add splashes of almond, soy or coconut milk to thin it out. But don't thin too far - your final product should mimic ice cream. Frozen, smooth, berrylicious ice cream. Then you top the bowl with whatever your taste buds desire: fresh fruit, granola, coconut flakes, a dollop of peanut butter, chocolate chips, oats...my head is spinning at the possibilities. It's like fake-me-out froyo, ya'll! Since I have yet to come across frozen acai puree {though there are rumors that it can be found at Whole Foods}, I did the next best thing and turned my ShakeO into a bowl. ShakeO BowlO?! Mind. Blown. Tastebuds having a rave - glow sticks and all. Step 1: Blend your ShakeO of choice! Like this Vanilla Strawberry Banana, or this Strawberry Tropical Paradise, or go towards for a more froyo-worthy flavor like Chocolate Covered Berries. Then, add ice, ice, baby. Lots of ice. Blend. Keep adding. Blend. Little more. Once you get to that super thick, ice cream-like consistency, you're ready for a bowl. Look at that ice cream consistency! I could just gobble it up with a spoon... but wait! There are toppings to be added... Step 2: Top your ShakeO bowl with complimenting flavors. For this berry-filled Strawberry ShakeO I went with even more berries {blueberries and raspberries}, granola laden with nuts, half of a sliced banana, and coconut flakes. Step 3: Eat ASAP! Like ice cream, this bowl will melt and thin out, so in order to get a good scoop you'll want to dig in immediately. But really, once you have your beautiful bowl built out it will be nearly impossible to refrain from scarfing eating anyway! Next up - d y i n g to try my hand at a PB&J blended bowl! I can just picture it now, with a dollop of PB on top, surrounded by sliced bananas and nuts ::drool:: Coming soon... Psst... More drool-worthy mash-ups: Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Shakeology Summer Shandy Lemon Oreo Cupcakes Summer Shandy Lemon Oreo Cupcakes #recipe #health

Spring survey says... Hippy Chic, baby. With the 70's AND 90's making a MAJ comeback, you can expect the fashion mash-up of your dreams. It's the nostalgic threads of your childhood, meets hints of the era you wish you would have lived {and dressed} in. We're talking flares, florals, pastels & platforms. Every piece is a statement - and all you need is one. But why limit to one when there are 13 lucky pieces in this collection alone?! #bonafideshopaholic Happy Spring Shopping! V-neck Floral Maxi from Romwe {$16.50—MAJ sale!} Mint Green Lapel Double Pocket Wool Coat from SheInside {$39.83—Another MAJ sale!} Boho Floral Fringe Kimono from Chicwish {$36.47—15% off} Florals With Zipper Midi Skirt from Romwe {$18.90—You guessed it... Sale alert! You can thank me later.} Distressed Frayed Flare Jeans from Charlotte Russe—Love the frayed bell-bottoms! {$34.99—Buy One, Get One $12.50} Striped Chiffon Maxi Skirt from Charlotte Russe {$11.49} Sahara Cross Strap Platforms from Office {$28.23} Rope & Stone Statement Necklace from Sole Society Ray-Ban Unisex Reflective Aviators from Overstock.com {$126.99} Round and Round Shades from NastyGal {$20} Twisted Band Wool Fedora from Forever21 {$15.90} Budding Beauty Flower Crown Headband from GoJane {$6.77} Karma Mantra The Tiger Eye Mala Necklace from Karma Loop {$32} #fashion #shopping #accessories #style

I know I am SO late to this shake party, but I just never hopped on the Shakeology train, until now! 1.) Because I loathe the thought of drinking my meals. Meals were m a d e for crunching. If you don't know about my love of cereal - you don't know me, period. 2.) What's so fab about ShakeO that can't be achieved in a homemade smoothie of my own concoction?! And 3) I'm not one for trends... Who are we kidding. I l i v e for trends! Which is why I finally caved, jumped on the ShakeO train, and quickly found out why ShakeO completely trumps my homemade smoothies. And when I say trumps, I mean I'm over-nighting a shipment of the multi-pack because I'm terrified of *gasp* running out. Now that I've got the shakes, I've gotten pretty ballsy in experimenting with recipes. And let me tell me you—either I'm an i n c r e d i b l e shake-chef, or these shakes just simply cannot be ruined! In my {now} very intimate love affair with ShakeO, I've found that I prefer the Strawberry packet to have a tropical flair, the Vanilla packet to have an XYZ & Cream feel {i.e. Peaches and Cream, Berries and Cream, etc.} or act as a knockoff Vanilla Latte Frap {it's a thing—I just created it}, and my Chocolate packet to have an 'anything goes' attitude. Seriously, chocolate goes with e v e r y t h i n g. But we'll get there—right now it's this Vanilla Strawberry Banana ShakeO's spotlight. All you need to do is combine all ingredients listed above in a blender. There's no fancy order - just throw it all in! I would hold off on the ice a bit and add as needed near the end. Then, blend until smooth, adding ice {I use crushed} if it needs to be thicker, and water if it needs to thin out a bit. You can use additional splashes of almond milk to thin it out, as well, but I opt for water at the end to save calories. Speaking of calories, this creamy concoction packs a mere 325 calories, and SO many nutrients that we'd be here all day covering them. This particular ShakeO tends to make a little over a large glass for me {like the one pictured above}, so I usually save the rest in a smaller glass for a post-workout immediate purge {you know you go straight for the pantry}, or for an afternoon pick-me-up. Because it really does pick you up. I'll talk about all of my favorite ShakeO perks for my next recipe... In the meantime, what are YOUR favorite ShakeO recipes?! Do share! #recipe #fitness #health

Fresh off the heels of a 7-day plank challenge with fellow fab blogger {popcorn and pandas} & soon-to-be BeachBody Coach {countdown to post-VEGAS PiYO}, my bestie & I were revved up and eager to keep our middles whittled in prep for our early bikini-season-debuts in VEGAS {I don't know why I feel like that should always be in all caps. Just me?}. That's when I turned to my old-faithful—the abs that started it all. When I first started weening into working out in 10th grade, I quickly found that the one exercise I didn't absolutely d r e a d was abs. Abs, abs, abs—all day, ery'day. I was ABsessed. And who, pray tell, induced this ABsession? Why, B.Spears, of course {are we shocked that I found a way to weave Brit into another post?!}. I hung a picture of Brit-Brit's "I'm a Slave for You" abs on the back on my door and would hit the floor every night with my mini made-up ab routine. Truth be told, I still hit the floor every night with that quickie routine—only now I'm laying in front of the TV watching Pretty Little Liars instead of staring at Britney. W A Y more grown-up now, obviously. When it was time to create a new ab-chiseling challenge that would carry us to VEGAS {where I'll be seeing those abs up close & personal... Front row Brit tix, ya'll {!!!!!!!!!!!}—F R O N T row. Yea, justwait for that post.}, I turned to my ab-idol once again. And who wouldn't?! Look at that fABtastic stomach. She's still got it, ya'll. As soon as I saw that those abs were gracing the cover of Women's Health, I raced right out and nabbed a copy. Only, this time I didn't post the ab-inspiring picture of her on my bedroom door—I thought that might be a bit awkward for the hubs. So, instead, she sits abs-up on our kitchen table ;-) {I have a very supportive husband...} Whether you're planking for VEGAS, crunching for Cabo, or just need a challenge to kick-start those Summer abs, this 20-day stomach-cincher will get. it. done. Join us!! And let us know how you're doing—we can all "bellyache" together ;-) "You better werk, bitch." -B. Spears #fitness #health

Here I go again, shaming Shakeology and turning one of my favorite desserts into a *nutritious* shake! Read it [the ingredients] and weep, ya'll. This ShakeO packs a serious nutrition-punch: oats, banana and spinach? Can you say fiber & protein packed? Oh, you can't? It's because your mouth is too full with this delectable dessert-like shake, isn't it? Knew it. You know the drill - throw all of these ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth: 1 packet Vanilla Shakeology 1/4 cup old fashioned oats 1/2 frozen banana (fresh is fine, if need be, but frozen makes it creamier!) 1 cup raw spinach 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (not cinnamon sugar - this puppy is sweet enough!) 1/2 cup unsweetened original almond milk Ice to your liking/thickness So, here's where the raisins come in... You can either add a teaspoon of raisin extract in place of the vanilla {yea, it's a for real thing - found, where else, Amazon!} or add a tablespoon of actual raisins - which is what I did. The thing is, my blender didn't really...blend them all that well. But I didn't really mind! I got the flavor and the crunch - and I'm totally a crunch girl. Actually, they're more like a "chewy" than a "crunchy" but I can still did a "chew." Anyway, I digress. All you need to know is that it tastes like an oatmeal raisin cookie, and that makes me as happy as a girl eating dessert for dinner {and not gaining an ounce from it}! Are there any dessert flavors that you would like to challenge me to turn into a ShakeO?? Because I am SO up for the dessert challenge. Leave your suggestions, requests and flavors below! Psst... Fancy dessert for dinner, huh? Add these to your arsenal: Chocolate Covered Berries Milkshake-O Creamy Vanilla Strawberry Vanilla Shakeology #health #recipe #fitness

When I was told that I wouldn't be involved in any aspect of my 30th birthday, my mind started racing... But, but, what about the decor?! The layout of the house?! The events of the evening?! THE FOOD?!?! One of my biggest, ahem, concerns, if you will, was the food. I am a picker—a mini cupcake, poppable appetizer, finger food kind of gal. On top of that, I like to snack on the healthier side. Talk about a challenge for late night party food! My party planners proclaimed a big ol' "Challenge Accepted!" and delivered the most Pinterest-esque finger food spread I had ever seen. I would be doing a serious injustice to the party-planning and foodie world if I didn't provide a breakdown of every single delectable dish on that table. Eat your heart out, Martha Stewart. Pepperoni Twirls from Dizzy, Busy & Hungry {You see those little pockets of heaven off to the left? Yea, those were a foodie favorite. And the perfect late LATE night snack as you wrap up in the wee hours of the night {morning, whatever}. Tip: serve with warm marinara sauce!} Inspired by Mediterranean Cucumber Cups from The Three Little Piglets {Only, sprinkle in some pepperoncini's, layer with hummus on the bottom, and then fill to the brim with your med-mixture.} Antipasto Skewers from The Weary Chef & Satay Chicken Skewers from The Nest {My one input on food was: finger, fancy & skewered. Nailed it!} Spinach Dip Bites from Lil Luna {Okay, so these weren't the h e a l t h i e s t thing on the menu, but there's spinach in it, so it half counts, right!? Besides, the flavor combo is way worth it, and the mini size keeps you from OD'ing...if you have restraint.} Giada's Mini Eggplant Parmesan from Food Network {Like savory little pizzas without the heavy crust, but still with a crunchy crust! These were a top contender for "must-have-again" favorite.} Inspired by Asian Crab Salad Croustades {sans crab} from The Passionate Cook {I love anything with an Asian flair {it's in my blood, ya know} and these were so incredibly fresh and, to quote Katy Perry, "Japanesey" {not an actual word and makes my skin crawl, but there you have it}—they were a win, win!} Bloody. Mary. Shrimp. Shooters. from Man Titlement {I added the periods for emphasis - because, Y A ' L L. Three of my favorite things in one: bloody mary's, mini-everything and seafood. Now this is a shot this 30-year-old will do!} I wish I could tell you there was a place you could purchase these delicious mini cuppycakes, but I can *hopefully* say that they will be coming to a local bakery at s o m e point in my lifetime, because these beauties deserve to be in a window front. And in my belly, on demand. I wish I had a picture of the intricately stunning cake, but alas, that IS in my belly. Photo cred: Renee Hollingshead Photography Food spread: Courtesy of my foodie of sis who missed her calling as a critic {or chef}, my Ma who broke out of her normal food-box, and my besties who can always whip up something Pinterest-worthy! Cake/Cupcakes: Erin Horton Poff - coming soon to an Etsy shop near you... (right?!) ;-) #recipe #health #hostessinspo