A Perfect Event – “Let them eat cake!”

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I couldn’t be more excited for tonight’s A Perfect Event eMagazine launch party. In just 2 hours we will be tasting and toasting with friends, family, clients and colleagues in celebration of the beautiful eMagazine. If you haven’t read the first fall issue, you’re in for a treat! It’s choc filled with gorgeous pictures of Paris, fall entertaining inspiration and endless eye candy contributed by Debi’s fabulous “tastemakers”. Check it out here!

For a behind the scenes peak at what A Perfect Event has been up to check out Debi’s blog – I can’t WAIT to try the Swirlz Marie Antoniette cupcakes! They are vanilla pink champagne cakes paired with vanilla moscato cakes. And get this?! Filled with champagne sabayon. To. Die For!

Hope to see many of you at A Perfect Event tonight – and stay tuned for a recap filled with gorgeous pics tomorrow! 

(Catherine – I’m still so obsessed with your gorg invite. :)

 

Protein Packed Breakfast – Frittatas and Triple Berry Muffins

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I loved granola and the occasional Corn Pops cereal as a kid (there was no over the top sugary cereal in my mother’s healthy household!). Give me a bowl of cinnamon toast crunch for a snack today and I’m one happy camper. However, as an event planning adult who’s on her feet bouncing all over the city, I need major protein in the morning! My smoothies will always be a favorite. Another favorite of mine? My spinach, goat cheese and bacon frittatas and amped Trader Joe’s triple berry bran muffins.

My spinach, goat cheese and bacon  frittatas have made it to my girlfriend’s bachelorette party, at the office for a team breakfast and for a mother’s day brunch for my mom and godmother. All rave reviews! Incredibly simple and also make a delicious dinner paired with an herbaceous side salad. And if 12 feel like a lot to have on hand cut the recipe in half. Eat two for dinner and save the remaining four for breakfast with you and your man. These are always a crowd pleaser – he’ll thank you.

(serves 6)

Ingredients:

  • 12 eggs
  • 2-3 oz herb goat cheese (I love Trader Joe’s Silver Goat Chevre, Garlic & Herb)
  • 1 small sweet onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1-6oz package of spinach (when it comes to leafy greens go organic)
  • 6-slices of low sodium turkey bacon (can easily omit for a meatless meal)
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Cooking Spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray your muffin tin with cooking spray so your frittatas won’t stick (no cupcake liners! I have a friend, who shall remain nameless, try this) In a large bowl scramble your 12 eggs. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large sauté pan sauté your onion with 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until soft for about 5-6 minutes. Next add your spinach until entire bag is wilted down, 3-4 minutes.

While onions and spinach are cooking, fry up your bacon OR pop in your 375 degree oven. This is my favorite way to cook bacon – no grease flying and couldn’t be easier! Turkey bacon is much thinner than regular bacon so keep an eye on it – you may need to flip 4-5 minutes in. It’ll take no longer than 10 minutes to cook your bacon. Once bacon is cooked, slice into thin strips.

Evenly distribute your spinach and onion mixture into the 12 muffin tins. Next divvy up your egg and top with a few crumbles of goat cheese and bacon. Pop into the oven for 8-10 minutes. Simple and delicious. Enjoy!

The perfect side, staying with the muffin theme, is a protein packed muffin. I often make these Sunday night to have for breakfast throughout the week. They are also a great protein-packed snack! Trader Joe’s provides you with all the goods however I add the following to really amp up the flavor and protein.

  • 3/4 cup chopped dates
  • 1/2 cup flax seeds

Follow the TJ instructions on the box and make sure to store in an air-tight container.

What are your favorite protein-packed breakfasts? I’m always looking for new recipes so please share!

 

Planning a Girls Night – Fall Edition

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My high school bestie got married this past April which meant I, the MOH, got to plan a fabulous bachelorette party in honor of our Rachel. In spirit of Rachel’s love for wine tasting (or really anything involving vino!) and need to get away for some R&R, I planned a girls weekend getaway in Saugatauk, Michigan. It was THE perfect girls trip. One we’ll never forget. After leaving our beautiful house, which I rented on my favorite vacation site vrbo.com, we all vowed to get away to Michigan again come winter.

This got me thinking…why wait until a special occasion to celebrate all of your girlfriends? Yes, we’re all busy with a million and one things to do. However, it is so very important to set dates with your girls where you can truly talk, catch up, and celebrate the amazing friendships that you just couldn’t live without. There will always be dinners, bars and dancing (still great fun!) however I urge you to take the time to plan something special. Something you can do year after year. This will give everyone something to not only look forward to but most importantly get you in the habit of making these occasions an extra reason to get together.

This past summer a coworker of mine went sailing for a girlfriend’s birthday. Once I heard this I instantly thought this could be the perfect summer girls night! I instantly sent a note to my girlfriends where 6 of us raised our hands to set sail one Wednesday evening for a night of sailing, girl talk and vino; all while watching the Chicago sunset followed by beautiful Navy Pier Fireworks.  From Frankie dressing extremely “nautical” (still love those metallic Sperry’s) to Britt capturing every moment in the making (yes, I’m lucky enough to have a best friend who’s also a photographer!). Below are a few of my favorites. I can’t recommend Go Sailing enough – the staff is beyond helpful with the boat coming equipped with everything you can imagine. From a planning perspective it couldn’t have been easier! Each girl brought a different appetizer to share, as well as a bottle of wine.

Ladies, this will forever be a night to remember.

Okay, Spring – Check! Summer – Check Check! Now here comes fall…

Thanks to Frankie and Claire, they came up with the idea for a fall girls day jam packed with the works; Pumpkin picking & hayrides followed by a girls sleepover with other “Fall Activites”. Love that I am the go-to planner for my friends and they came straight to me to get the ball rolling! This October we will be getting together for a day of fall fun. Activities that I’m bringing to the table? A make-your-own caramel apple bar with all the fixings plus stations to both carve and decorate pumpkins. Also spiked mulled cider and vino. What could be better?

Can’t wait, to create yet another tradition with the greatest friends a girl could ask for. Party planning logistics and menu to come!

What traditions do you and your girls look forward to year after year? Do share!

 

WHEN and WHAT to expect on Made By Christine

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It’s been over 1-month since I’ve last posted on my beloved blog. In this month I did a lot of dreaming and goal-setting. Soul searching and brainstorming really, about what truly made me happy and feeling fulfilled day in and day out. So what was the output? It ended up being quite obvious! All my passions, talents and drive in one way or another centered around entertaining. Entertaining for not only my loved ones but helping others plan and execute lifelong memories that they will remember and cherish forever.

Anyone who knows me knows cooking is where I devote much of my time and energy when I throw a good party. I of course adore gorgeous centerpieces, linens, floral and favors and can’t wait to explore and share these party tips and learnings with you as well. However, my party POV is great food, be it a formal 5-course meal or simple sweets table, coupled with a few personal touches, set the tone for a great party! Especially for the parties you throw at your own home for close family and friends. Nothing brings loved ones together like delicious food and the special feeling that this party was made just for them.

This will now be my focus on Made By Christine, my version of an entertaining and food blog.

Thanks to my biggest “fan” Tommy, my brother, he so sweetly said “Christine! You’ve been slacking on the posts and I never know when to check your blog for updates! You also should add video. Just saying”. Tommy, your brutal honesty was much needed. Below is what you will find and my testament to not ignore my darling blog another day. Like any process I follow for my Ad life I have now built one for Made By Christine and all my fabulous soirees.

What & When:
Monday: Taste. Albeit a dish I created for 2, a menu I made for a party or a simple meatless Monday creation.

Wednesday: Charm. Entertaining inspiration and tips from parties I’ve thrown or are in the works.

Thursday: Lessons. My learnings and other tips/tricks regarding floral, linens, favors, gifts, food, decor….the list goes on and on!

Friday: A little of this. A little of that. Tidbits on me and my fun life experiences along the way! As well as fav. blog posts from the week for you too to enjoy.

Thanks for being patient with me my lovely family, friends and readers. I PROMISE, there’s much more excitement to come!!

Simple salad and mini goat cheese, spinach and bacon frittatas. Perfect for brunch

A Perfect Event’s lemonade bar at garden birthday party

Custom sparkle wine tasting glasses – for the perfect sparkle bride

 

(no) Takeout Tuesday – Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

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You’ll hear me say this time and time again; a stroll through the Daley Plaza Farmer’s Market is THE best lunch break you can take. Fresh produce, gorgeous flowers and decadent baked breads and sweets. A break in my work day and inspiration for a healthy dinner. I just love this farmer’s market! This past Thursday I discovered beautiful white (who knew?!) and purple eggplants at the Nichols Farm & Orchard stand where in the mix I spotted the below gorgeous hybrid. You really do eat with your eyes first so I knew I just had to create something delicious with this. It was too pretty to leave behind!

In spirit of Meatless Mondays I created the below Eggplant Parmesan Stacks. With a more entertaining-friendly presentation this stack not only showed off the gorgeous vegetable but was much healthier than the heavy classic. I served it with brown rice pasta with a tomato goat cheese sauce.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your stacks with a side of pasta:

 (serves 2-3)

  • 1 small to medium eggplant
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup panko
  • 2 tsp dried Italian seasonings
  • 2 servings brown rice (or whole wheat) spagetti pasta
  • 1 tbsp goat cheese
  • 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups of your favorite jarred marinara
  • drizzle of olive oil

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Slice your eggplant into 1/2″ slices.

Setup your dredging station. Mix grated parmesan cheese, panko and Italian seasonings in a low dish or medium plate. Scramble egg in a low dish (pie pan works great).

Dip both sides of the eggplant in your egg wash, next panko mixture and then place in a pyrex or other glass baking dish. Cover dish with foil and pop into the oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven,spread one spoonful of marinara sauce on each slice of eggplant (this will allow the panko to crisp up before placing sauce on eggplant). Cover back up with foil for remaining 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven one last time and sprinkle grated parmesan over each eggplant slice leaving 1 tbsp for your finished stacks; you’ll be surprised how a little bit of cheese goes a long way here. Return to oven set on broiler to brown up your cheese for 1-2 minutes. Keep your eyes on the oven, this goes quick!

15 minutes into bake time boil your salted water for the pasta. Cook pasta to al dente, drain and return to pot. Drizzle with a little olive oil and add remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 tbsp of goat cheese. Melt cheese into pasta and serve hot with eggplant stacks.

To create your eggplant stacks place 3 pieces per stack, starting with the largest on the bottom working your way to the top. Top fresh pasta and eggplant with remaining grated parmesan and enjoy! In spirit of my fav. show Master Chef I sliced the eggplant so you can all get a look inside (Jeremy, I knew you’d love this picture! ).

Some tips that can save you time, calories and money by making your own Italian dishes:

  • High Quality Cheese – a little goes a long way. The reason only a small amount of cheese is needed for this dish is due to the freshly grated, high quality parmesan cheese. This strong, decadent tasting cheese adds flavor without all the calories of loaded mozzarella.
  • Dress up jarred marinara. A huge time saver for weekday meals! Love creamy (naughty) sauces? Add a small spoonful of flavorful goat or cream cheese plus herbs for a fraction of the calories of heavy cream sauce. Want more veggies? Toss fresh spinach into the sauce plus some garlic powder for extra punch. The opportunities are endless here.

What are you favorite restaurant/takeout Italian dishes? Do tell! Anything you want a short cut for?

 

A Perfect Event

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After discovering Debi Lilly and her amazing parties late last year I just knew I had to swing by the store to check out what A Perfect Event (APE) was all about. I already read her blog, scoured her site and couldn’t wait to check out the “Research Bar” in person. When I walked in I decided that I had just walked into what I still call “girly heaven”. The walls were covered with invites waiting to be personalized, gifts ready to be picked up for any occasion and tablescapes from past parties representing endless possibilities. And then there’s the fabulous “Favor Bar”. An area ready to inspire you taken from past birthday parties, weddings and every celebration in between (the pastel colored macaroons in the cutest of all boxes topped with a personalized label and dainty bow caught my eye and are still my favorite).

After spending time perusing A Perfect Event I knew I wanted to do more than just admire her parties from afar, no matter how big or small. I decided to leave a note for Debi, leaving my contact information and request to help APE. I was about to head out into the cold January that is Chicago when who walks in?! Debi! She was with her daughter, picking up decor for her next event. Well I couldn’t be that girl who was presented with the opportunity to discuss in person but chickened out with a measly! To this day I really have no idea what I said but what I do remember is that she was (is) one of the sweetest, genuine professional women I have ever met. The rest is history.

Since helping with decor and day-of festivities for Jack’s 1st sugar-rush birthday party the very next week I haven’t stopped learning and loving everything that goes into a perfect event. From her unique use (and constant color transformation) of manzanita branches to her floral designs and attention to every last monogrammed favor, I know am learning from the best of the best.

From the Windy City Wedding (where I coordinated the rehearsal – event video below!) to last Saturday’s picnic perfect day in South Haven, MI, I will continue to take cues and learnings into my own parties and celebrations. I have always agreed that every special occasion, no matter how big or small, is deserving of a celebration. Now thanks to Debi all of mine will have a few extra votives and a signature cocktail.

**For those of you also interested in learning what A Perfect Event does and how you can take celebrity party planning tips and transform your own special occasions I can’t recommend her new book enough. Filled with “grocery-to-gorgeous” recipes, stylist secrets and affordable DIY’s, this beautiful A Perfect Event coffee table book will fill your head with parties you now MUST throw your family and friends.**

Windy City Live Summer Dream Wedding

 

Engagement Party & Shower Gifts + DIY Signature Frame

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First up in celebratory wedding festivites is the engagement party followed by the bridal shower.

For the engagement go for something simple and sweet. Sure, a nice bottle of vino does the trick but what else could you give? Are you a MOH or bridesmaid? A years subscription, pending how long the engagement of course, is a great gift that keeps on giving every month. The Knot is a favorite of mine (and many!) with Brides being another great option. Is your bride the “type A” kind of girl? A planner/organizer makes a great gift, as well as tickets to a bridal expo in your area for inspiration. Is there something the couple loves to do together? For my friends Mike and Molly I knew a cheese 101 coffee table book with classic cheese dome was a perfect gift fitting Molly’s classic entertaining style and Mike’s culinary school background. Endless options here!

Now it’s time to shower the couple. Registries help guide gift giving but again, a little planning and creativity can turn a gift of bath towels to a gift of relaxation heaven. Add bubble bath + bride and groom rubber duckies + aromatherapy candles and your towels  have become a romantic bubble bath.

Tip: Create a signature shower gift that any friend would love. One that’s very you! For me, my friends know cooking is a passion of mine. One that I love to share. My now go-to gift takes the wok on almost any registry + other Asian staples and viola! You have Chinese takeout at home for any day of the week.

Other great gift basket ideas? Salad kit (salad spinner + salad bowl and tongs + salad dressing shaker) Pizza night (pizza stone + seasonings/dry ingredients + cutter + grater) Wine night (wine glasses + wine club subscription) and Cake Kit (Cake stand + Icing kit + sprinkle/decor).

My girlfriend Rachel had two showers so I also wanted to make her something she could cherish and hang in her house for years and years to come. I love the keepsake signature frames for those attending your rehearsal dinner to sign. All frames that I found were $50+ and were nothing special. Pretty plain and boring. Here’s how to make a DIY signature frame which allows you to not only customize your frame, mat color and message but also helps save a little cash too. A win-win!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Photo Mat Board (Tip: Michael’s sells signature mat boards which provide ample space for love notes to the couple)
  • 8×10 photo of the couple
  • Mod Podge and paint brush
  • Scrapbook paper to create your “i do”
  • “i do” print out to create your stencil (Tip: Michael’s sells pre-cut letters in select cardstock paper. My bride to be loves sparkles so I created my own however check these pre-cut letters first for an even easier frame)

And what to do:

Print out “i do” in the font and size of your choice. Trace and cut letters out, placing in the center of your frame. Glue with mod podge paint for a clear, glossy finish with paint brush. Wait until completely dry and write your love wish to the happy couple. Place in frame, wrap with permanent sharpie for guests to use at rehearsal dinner.

This is always a favorite gift and another way for the couple to display their gorgeous engagement pictures. I promise, the couple will love it!

 

 

It’s Wedding Week!

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It’s wedding season ladies! If your spring and summer have been anything like mine you have attended your fair share of engagement, shower and bachelorette parties on top of the ceremonies and rehearsals.

After this year I have a unique perspective on weddings. From planning bachelorette parties as Maid of Honor to my highschool best friend Rachel, to watching endless (tearjerking) wedding videos with my talented wedding photgrapher GF, to last but definitely not least, working with celebrity party planner Debi Lilly at A Perfect Event. I now have so many gifts, crafts, parties and decor ideas I can’t wait to share.

Do you find wedding season, whether that be planning for your wedding or as a MOH/bridesmaid or friend, stressful? It doesn’t have to be; nor does it need to be a strain on your wallet.

Welcome to Wedding Week on MadeByChristine.com. Here’s what’s in store to help inspire and encourage you to get a little creative for your friends and loved ones:

  • Engagement/Shower Parties: Special gift ideas you can easily pick up and put together
  • Party Planners: A little on my favorite eventour Debi Lilly and how I’ve been learning from the best of the best at A Perfect Event
  • Decor: Style and colors for the big day and every event in between
  • Bachelorette Party: Helping create the perfect night for your bride along with party planning tips, tricks and DIY gifts

 

 

(no)Takeout Tuesday – Mexican Pizza with Corn Salsa

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One lazy Saturday night the boyfriend and I found ourselves craving Mexican yet didn’t want to venture out to Zocalo, one of our favorite Mexican tequila bars. We were feeling some cervezas yet wanted to enjoy and relax from the comfort of our couch (aren’t those nights the best sometimes?!). So naturally I turned to my Latino Flavors Pinterest board for inspiration – ladies, it’s great to Pin/Re-pin however if you never make or do, what’s the point?!

I found this recipe which inspired my own version adapted below, adding lean ground beef. Look how incredible it turned out! Believe me, it tasted even better. I had a few ears of corn on hand (it’s summer, please enjoy while you can!) which led to the below cilantro lime corn salsa. This stuff was not only great with tortilla chips but went deliciously well with the pizza.

MEXICAN PIZZA (serves 2-3)

Ingredients (adapted from honeywhatscooking.com)

  • Corn Tortillas – 4 tortillas (2 tortillas per pizza. Corn is much healthier than flour and adds a crunch)
  • Spray Canola oil
  • Refried beans – 1/4 cup per pizza
  • 90% lean ground beef – 1/2 lb
  • Taco seasoning – 1 tsp
  • Scallions – 1 bunch (chopped)
  • Jalapeno – 1/2 a jalapeno (deseeded & finely chopped)
  • Tomato – 1 (chopped)
  • Salsa
  • Mexican Cheese Blend – enough to cover the pizza
  • Sour Cream Reduced Fat – 1 dollop per pizza (optional)
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees for tortillas and pizza. Cook ground beef, drain fat. Add taco seasoning and cook according to seasoning instructions. As beef simmers spray tortillas with canola spray and cook in 400 degree oven just until crisp. Spread refried beans on each tortilla, topping with 1 spoon of salsa spreading over entire tortilla. Once beef is cooked spoon even amounts on all four tortillas.

Top each tortilla with the chopped tomato and scallions, finishing with cheese. Cook two tortillas per baking sheet in oven for 5-10 minutes to heat through. Remove from oven and stack tortillas creating two pizzas made of two tortillas each. Finish in broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown cheese.

Top with a dollop of sour cream and hot sauce – and the below corn salsa.

CORN SALSA (serves 2-3)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of corn kernels (if you don’t have fresh corn thawed frozen kernels would work too. If you have time to grill the corn, even better!)
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

After everything is chopped simply combine. Fresh salsa couldn’t be easier! Make ahead for a party and play with the amounts of cumin and chili powder, pending how smoky or spicy you like your salsa.

These recipes were a total success and deserved a few of these to celebrate. I urge you to whip one up any day of the week – they are a cinch to make and I promise your Mexican craving will be fixed. Delicioso!

 

A Tutu for the Birthday Girl

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Zoey, Jeremy’s niece, is the first baby I have seen grow up from a teeny tiny infant to the big girl that she is today – just a little over one year old. Watching her slither around at Christmas in her Santa’s outfit to taking solo steps at her birthday party are moments I’ll never forget. I just knew for her 1st birthday I wanted to make her something special that in play dates to come would make her feel like the princess that she is.

A tutu!

What better gift for a 1-year old? Zoey looked so cute crawling and walking at her birthday party in her all-consuming tutu. I think my favorite moment was watching her with her Dad after the other big kids hit the pinata. Zoey had a few ideas of her own as to what that fairy wand was for…

Best little girls gift ever! I followed these directions for a tutu and found this guide to making a wand a cinch. A few tips:

  • Pick a contrasting accent to cover the elastic closure. I found an adorable hot pink feather clip at Joann Fabric’s that I found to be 10x’s cuter than a bow. Kid hair pieces found at any convenient or dollar store would also work great.
  • Stick with the small individually-sold rolls of tulle. trust me, it’s way easier to work with and Joann Fabric’s have a variety of colors to choose from.
  • Yoga mats work perfectly for tying your knots. Make sure you tie your knots in the same direction, to keep a consistent look throughout the entire tutu.
  • Glue the dowel in various places to keep your ribbon secure. Kids play tough and you don’t want your wand to unravel.

Zoey, I can’t wait for the years to come and all of the girly presents I get to make and spoil you with!

Have other great gifts for little boys and girls? Do tell!