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Christina Skally

Styling

/ LIFESTYLE

How to Host a Baby Shower

Are you planning a baby shower and aren’t sure where to start with planning this joyous occasion?  I’m here to give you some simple ideas to help.  Really, as long as you plan ahead you will be able to keep your stress down and truly enjoy the party!

Step 1:  Picking the Date

Make sure you aren’t too late in the pregnancy for the Mama to be!  I personally delivered my first 4.5 weeks early!  You don’t want to have it too late and then have to cancel.  In my opinion, the second trimester is the ideal time.  Mama is looking and feeling amazing and she will appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Step 2: Send out invitations

The invitations are such an important element, as they are the guests’ first impression and set the tone for the entire shower!  Make sure you send out invitations 3-4 weeks before the event.

I have found the best personalized baby shower invitations from Basic Invite!  I love that you can customize them with almost unlimited color options and they also have foil cards available in gold, silver and rose gold.  Once you select the design you like, you can literally change the color of each element on the card with over 180 different color options!  It’s a dream come true for those that love to make events unique and personalized down to the tiniest detail.  It’s really what draws people to use them for their invitations.  They even offer 40 different envelope color options, which isn’t basic at all!  Here you can see all of their personalized baby shower invitations and this is where I selected mine!  They also have fun themed invitations like these luau baby shower invitations.

Basic Invite is one of just a few websites that allows customers to order a printed sample of their actual invitation so there won’t be any surprises before you place your final order.  I selected the colors and fonts and it was really quite easy to navigate the site.  I went ahead and create some sample baby girl shower invitations and coordinating thank you cards for you to see!

Step 3:  Choose a color scheme

This can be coordinated easily based on the invitation you just ordered!  A color scheme will make purchasing decorations so much easier and it will make your shower feel Pinterest worthy!  There are lots of stores online or locally that you can go to for stunning decor items!  Sometimes it hard to stop!

Step 4:  Create a menu

There are so many fun menu themes you can create.  I like starting with the mock-tails!  Doesn’t the “mom-osa’s” or the “preggatini’s” sound fun?  There really are no limits to what you can do.  You can have cute finger foods, like mini quiches, or a beautiful artisanal cheese and charcuterie board, or my personal favorite, a dessert bar!

Step 5: Low- Pressure Games

There were definitely some interesting games when I was having my babies.  I don’t want to get into details but there were baby diapers and candy bars involved!  Gross!  While going through the Basic Invite site I noticed they had several games that you could customize and order as well!  There are ice-breakers such as the “Get to Know You” game or fun games like “Baby Mad Libs” and “Name That Tune, Baby”!  There is also one that helps keep guests entertained during the gift opening called “Baby Shower Bingo”.  The idea is to have the guests fill in each square with an item they think the new parents will receive.  As each gift is opened, mark off the boxes and the first one to get five in a row wins!  Here are some more of Basic Invite’s games.

Step 6: Gifts

It’s always good to ask your guest of honor if they want to create a baby registry.  If you were to ask me, I would say most definitely!  It makes it easier for guests to get the parents-to-be what they truly want but also many stores offer “registry completion” discounts which can be helpful when buying expensive things like a crib or stroller.  Also, another good idea as the host is to plan ahead and create a gift-opening kit.  This could include recycling bins for the wrapping paper, scissors for those stubborn bows, and a notebook and pen to keep track of the gifts and who they are from so you aren’t rushing around during the actual shower looking for these items.

Step 7: what to wear

I can’t leave you without some fantastic outfits that are perfect for a baby shower!  I think a lovely dress or jumpsuit would so timeless.  If it’s a bit chilly layer it with a jacket or cardigan.  But if you prefer pants.  A great white pant/denim and a pastel or seersucker top would be so stylishly chic!

 


Invitation and Game Photos courtesy of  Jenn Kessler 

This Post was sponsored by Basic Invite.  All opinions expressed herein are my very own!  

Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off
for my followers with coupon code: 15FF51

 

Xx,

Christina

/ RECIPES

Easy Appetizer Ideas for Game Day

With the holidays behind us it’s now time to focus on Football Playoffs and the Super Bowl that’s right around the corner, right?  Ok, I’m going to be honest.  I’m in it for the time with friends, good food and well, the commercials!  I thought it would be fun to share two super easy appetizers that are sure to be crowd pleasers!  Both of these recipes are so tasty you won’t want to tell anyone how simple they are!

recipes

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

6 boneless skinless chicken breast

1 12oz bottle Franks RedHot buffalo wings sauce

6 good quality buns

blue cheese crumbles

blue cheese dressing

celery stalks, cleaned + cut

Place chicken breasts in slow cooker. Pour entire bottle of Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce on chicken. Cook for 6-8 hrs on low. When done, shred chicken in slow cooker with fork. Pre-heat broiler. Pile chicken onto bun bottoms and lay the top open next to it. Sprinkle the buffalo chicken with blue cheese crumbles.  Broil for 1-2 minutes paying close attention so not to burn.  Remove from broiler and assemble sandwiches. Serve with blue cheese dressing + celery sticks on the side.

serves 6

 

* Short on time buy the Costco’s hand-pulled rotisserie chicken and add a bottle of Franks RedHot Buffalo Wing sauce.  Mix together and heat on the stove top until desired warmth.  Then head to the broiler step!  This is super quick and even a great weeknight go-to.

I read through a lot of recipes regarding this next one.  I wanted it clean and healthy and ended up making my own version that didn’t have all the extra ingredients.  It still was a hit!

BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BITES

1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces

1  12oz bottle of Franks RedHot Buffalo Sauce

blue cheese dressing

celery stalks, cut + cleaned

Preheat oven to 425°. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or use cooking spray.   Spread out onto the prepped baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes or until tender and golden brown in color. Remove from the oven.  In a medium-size bowl, gently toss cauliflower and buffalo sauce. Making sure to coat well. Place on a serving plate with mini bamboo skewers and a side of blue cheese dressing and celery.

serves 4

 

*Short on time, buy the cauliflower already cut and cleaned in the bag.

Arent these so easy?  I love the hacks to make them even quicker!  I like to keep Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce in my pantry for a last minute need!  I also searched to find some amazing party supply for you.  It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to not give you some style advice as well so I’ve included some fun items that I would recommend wearing!

Cheers,

Christina

Party supplies

dress the part

/ RECIPES

Homemade Copycat “Baileys” Irish Cream

Are you looking for an easy hostess gift, neighbor gift or a cheaper way to make Baileys Irish Cream? Here is a quick and easy recipe for you!

Have you ever made homemade Baileys Irish Cream?  It really is so simple and quick to do!

All you need is a blender and a few easy to find ingredients and in minutes, you’ve got a rich, creamy and oh so good cocktail ready to serve!

I’ve had this recipe for years.  I don’t know who created the original but I’ve made my own slight adaptations that I’m sharing with you!  I love that it’s easy to adapt to your own liking.  If you want it stronger, add more Whiskey.  If you like more chocolate flavor, add more chocolate!  It’s so simple Gang and you really can’t mess it up, promise!

Keep in mind that you can bake with it, add it to coffee, give it as a gift for the holidays or another special occasion!  The possibilities are endless.

This recipe makes 4 cups which is perfect to fill these glass bottles.  It stores for several weeks in the refrigerator too.  I like to serve it over ice.

Homemade Copycat Baileys Irish Cream

Christina Skally Styling
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup HEAVY CREAM
  • 1 Can SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK (14 OZ)
  • 1 2/3 Cup IRISH WHISKEY
  • 1 TSP INSTANT COFFEE GRANULES
  • 2 TBSP CHOCOLATE SYRUP
  • 1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT

Instructions
 

  • IN A BLENDER COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS.  BLEND ON LOW UNTIL MIXED (BE SURE NOT TO OVERMIX).  STORE IN A SEALED CONTAINER IN THE REFRIGERATOR.  SHAKE WELL BEFORE SERVING.

Notes

Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or link back to this post for the recipe.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Leave a comment or share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #christinaskallystyling. I’d love to see what you did!
Keyword baileys, cocktails, coffee, homemade, irsh cream

If you decide to make this be sure to share with me what you think!  If you post pictures tag me @christinaskallystyling so I can see them.  I’d love to know what you do with it!

I hope you enjoy this easy breezy recipe!

Cheers,

Christina

 

Disclaimer:  This is a copycat recipe, NOT the original Baileys recipe

/ FASHION

Get Ready for a Stylish Holiday

This time of year there are lots of reasons to dress up!  From Halloween to New Year’s Eve there are more and more reasons to celebrate every year!  This year I decided to glam it up a bit for those special occasions as well as for our holiday family photos!  As a Stylist, I work with clients to put together looks for everyday life as well as this time of year when you might not feel you have anything to wear!  So hopefully this will help inspire you to take that denim off and try something new!  I don’t know what it is but a tulle skirt just makes a girl feel so feminine!  I plan on wearing this for a few upcoming events and styling it different ways.  Maybe that will be my next post!  What do you think?  It’s definitely a statement piece but so fun to have in your wardrobe.

 

what to wear for Family Photos

I know I usually just share about my Styling but I thought it would be fun to share a behind the scenes from our Family Photo Shoot with the amazing Photographer, E. Owens Photography.  I don’t usually do family photos every year but was inspired after I got this tulle skirt for another event, go figure!  One thing that I’ve observed, and a big reason why I tackle curating looks specifically for portraits, is I can see when someone feels good in an outfit and how it makes them shine from the inside out!  This is MY WHY, the reason I do what I do every day is because I TRULY LOVE helping people feel good about themselves!

  So back to the art of Styling, with adding very little that wasn’t already in our closets, I was able to create this look for my family.  I like to make the looks personalized to each individual but also cohesive with everyone.  It’s OK to break rules Gang, I love mixed palettes and patterns!  If this feels overwhelming for you, I can help you create a look of your own too.  I work with clients locally and virtually.  Also, it doesn’t have to just be for the holidays.  You can surprise your loved ones for Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, an anniversary…really the occasions are endless!

These moments are meant to be captured.  You can’t get yesterday back but you can look at those eyes, those sweet smiles and have that feeling with you forever!  Let me know how I can help you create memories to cherish for a lifetime.

shop our looks

 

Stylishly Yours,

Christina

/ TRAVEL

Travel Guide: Hawaii/Oahu Vacation

As the travel season starts to get busier I thought it would be fun to share some of our travel adventures with you!  This upcoming year we have a ton of fun-filled travel plans.  We have learned so much over the years that I thought it would be rude to not share some of our secrets to making travel stress-free!   I thought I’d start with our Hawaii travel.  We have been to Maui and Oahu.  We have another trip back to Oahu in 2019 (this would be our 3rd to this same location) so I’ll keep you posted on that as well.  For us, when we head to Hawaii it’s all about Chillaxing!  I learned to surf for the 1st time there and make plenty of time to soak up the sun!  For those traveling for the 1st time or perhaps those interested in a few ideas on what to do, here is our list of a few of our top tips and tricks:

stay

Sheraton Waikiki Beach – As they say, location, location, location.  If you want direct access to Waikiki Beach but want to save a few bucks consider staying at the Sheraton.  It’s a great resort with an adult only Infinity pool, food and drinks at the RumFire are always good, and of course, the family pool is great and has lots of seating!  Check out this gorgeous sunrise view from our balcony.

explore

Hanauma Bay – It has spectacular snorkeling!  We’re always surprised how many people arrive after the sunrise and have to experience long waits and a crowded beach.  I recommend you go on one of your first days on the island when it’s easy to get up early.  Pick-up your breakfast the night before and enjoy watching the sunrise while eating breakfast on the beach.  Then snorkel to your heart’s delight, you will be amazed at what you encounter.  Once the crowd starts arriving, head over to Moana Cafe for an awesome second breakfast and then have the rest of the day to enjoy!

eat

A handful of our favorite places to eat:  Arancino Beachwalk (affordable Italian), Tommy Bahama (Service & Seafood), Duke’s (Sunset & Coconut Mohito) and Honolulu Coffee (Kona Coffee & Acai Bowl –here’s a link to my DIY recipe).

exercise

Diamond Head – it’s an intermediate hike with a breathtaking view of Waikiki Beach (see below).  A familiar tip, go early to avoid the heat and bring water.  After the hike, go ahead and indulge in a super delicious Malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery (sweaty family selfie below)!

relax

Last but not least, don’t over schedule yourself.  Enjoy the time for yourself and if you brought the family…soak it all up!  I hope this makes your travels a bit more exciting and maybe easier to decide on what to do!  Stay tuned for more adventures to come!

Xx,

Christina

/ LIFESTYLE

Holiday Gift Guides

The holiday season is in full swing and its time to figure out what to get that special someone in your life!  I thought creating an amazing Holiday Gift Guide would help you with this busy time of year.  So sit back and enjoy that cup of coffee a little longer because a few clicks and you’re going to make that special person in your life very happy!  I put a lot of thought into what would be the perfect gifts for him, her, or fabulous options for either!  I’ve also included a medley of price-points for every budget.  Some of these items are already priced well so grab them before they are gone!

gift guide for her

gift guide for him

gift guide home decor

 

If you still aren’t feeling any of these options, you can always purchase a Christina Skally Styling Gift Certificate for a Photo Styling, Personal Shopping, or a Closet Purge + Style.  I work virtually so you don’t need to be local!  Let me know if this is something you are interested in and I can get that out to you!

Cheers to a fabulous holiday season!

Xx,

Christina

@christinaskallystyling

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