2010!

Champagne-Sparkle Mondays

I have a radical idea that might change the way we think about Mondays. Radical. Let's call it "champagne-sparkle Monday." It is sorta like "casual Friday," only much, much more exciting. Because instead of denim and comfortable shoes, we could wear cocktail dresses and fancy heels. And instead of water or coffee, we could offer our clients/customers champagne instead (while also enjoying a flute or two ourselves).

I think it's a fabulous idea. It would really take the edge off of a Monday morning, don't you think? Employers around the country would gladly go for it.

Okay...maybe not.
Alright, so perhaps champagne isn't realistic, and cocktail dresses aren't practical, but at the very least we could spice up our Mondays (or any other day of the week for that matter) with a little sparkle. Just a hint. Like in this top I designed using an old tank top I had.

I call it the Sparkle Holiday Top, but really you could wear it just about anytime. Because sequins and beads aren't just for the holidays or parties.

Oh no. Sequins are for anytime.

Anytime, people.

Now admittedly you can go overboard with the sparkle-factor, and turn heads in a bad way. But I created this design to be a bit understated--more like a necklace for your collar than a showgirl ensemble. You can certainly wear it with a pair of jeans and a jacket or cardigan without looking out of place.

Or you could dial it up and pair it with a pencil skirt and kitten heels for a holiday soiree. Like, say, a New Year's party, where there really might be champagne to add to your sparkle!

Undoubtedly I will be wearing my Sparkle top all year long, because I like a little bit of glamour for everyday. Just a hint.

If you're looking for a little glamour in your life this season, consider making this top yourself. All you need is a plain tank top, dress, sweater or shirt, a handful of beads and/or sequins, and needle and thread. I provide a trace-on template in my pattern, so you don't even have to fiddle with the design if you don't want!

You could even wear it to work next Monday. Just save the champagne for after your day ends.

To learn more about this DIY pattern, and others, click here!

Saturday Sussie: Champagne Brunch

note: Saturday Sussies are my weekly posts on whatever catches my fancy.  Or tickles it--in this case, with tiny, flavorful bubbles.

I was thinking this morning that I need to resurrect a tradition I carried during the summer months--Champagne Brunch on Saturday morning.  Why?  Because it is like a "spa treatment" for weekend mornings.  And I could use a little spa in my life right now. 

Here are the necessities:

Champagne (obviously).  To spruce it up, splash it with some citrus juice.  My fav is grapefruit.  Or get really fancy and use Martha Stewart's grapefruit mimosa recipe.

Scones.  I love this recipe for cheddar & apple scones from Cottage Living.  I do add about a 1/4 cup of sugar because...well...I have a bit of sweet tooth.  

Frittata.  My husband and I love this recipe for a mushroom and spinach frittata from Health Magazine.  Smoked gouda gives it a nice flavor, and it is super easy to make.

Coffee.  We're big fans of Dunkin Donuts coffee--so smooth and tasty.  But I have to do half-caf because my husband gets all jittery with too much caffeine.  

Now just pop the cork, perk, pour and enjoy!!!

See you next week!