Dinner Parties for Unmarried Twenty-Somethings

We have quite a great group of cooks in my group of girlfriends, and one of our favorite forms of get-togethers is to throw an impromptu dinner party. Wine, delicious food, and captivating (mostly inappropriate) conversation make a weekday dinner something special. Here's how to seamlessly pull together a dinner party for a group of unmarried twenty-somethings.

Weekend Wrap-Up via Instagram

{Whiskey sodas to commemorate the Mad Men Finale}

This weekend was an utter blur, but a fantastically entertaining blur. Friday was one of my friend's birthdays and we celebrated with a "Glory Days" themed party which means I whipped out the good old cheer uniform. Little did we know that we were going to be venturing out in public in costume, but c'est la vie.

Saturday consisted of errands and girlfriend duty. Between yoga, car washes, and fish tacos, we managed to scoop up two very handsome suits and a few ties for my international businessman of a boyfriend who is spending the week in France (I'm extremely jealous too). I also started some new books, but I'll get to that in another post... Oh boy, will I!?

I also had the pleasure of seeing Prometheus this weekend. You must see it in 3D - the scenes are amazing. What I expected to be a meat-head sci-fi thriller turned out to be quite an enjoyable movie with deep thematic elements. Some people are hating on the acting or the script, but I was overall impressed. Ever since Ender's Game I heavily enjoy sci-fi movies that explore space, human beginnings and meeting your maker. What did you think of it? This article gave me a lot of insight past what conclusions and theories I came to on my own. (My favorite character by far was David.)

This Sunday was the Mad Men finale and one of my friends threw a little Mad Men party at her apartment where we sipped whiskey drinks, ate bacon wrapped asparagus (like the ones I made here), indulged in cheese and cookies, and watched the finale. Now all I can think about is how Don Draper will win Peggy back to SDCP, if Betty will ever be thin again, and how long I have to wait until the next season starts...

While we wait for next season, have you followed the @FatBettyFrancis twitter? It's one of the more hilarious parody accounts.

{New navy pinstripe suit shopping for the boy}

{Addicted to this Kiss my Face chapstick - it smells like fresh peaches and is all natural}

{Summer reading list: Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James, The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz, and French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano}

{Morning reading with my Kate Spade bookmark}

{New ankle boots via Steve Madden}

Friday Favorites

{Life summarized in four bottles - source}

It's Friday and while I may or may not win upwards of $600 million tonight I still wanted to share my favorite internet finds from this week to help you transition into your weekend. This weekend I'm cooking some sort of quinoa concoction with the boyfriend tonight, and then going out to celebrate one of my best friends getting into vet school at UC Davis on Saturday. Sunday brings the dreaded April Fools' Day (look up gullible in the dictionary: you'll see a picture of me - I prefer to call myself a concerned, empathetic person... not gullible), but for I'm spending the day in Los Angeles with my dad and my sister who is finishing up her spring break. I hope your weekend is relaxing and fulfilling! I'll be enjoying the overcast, slightly cool weather here in Los Angeles (I embrace any change in weather I can get!).

{I may have to attempt to make these decadent Raspberry Coconut Macaroons}

{Is this Burger King ad female-friendly?}

{Definitely making these spicy micheladas this weekend}

{Create your own "space" artwork - source}

{Baby Otters}

{Donnez-moi these dainty rings}

{A wild book for civilized people - source}

{Indulge in this Chicken Liver Mousse}

Weekend Wrap-Up: St. Patty's Pot Luck

{It's sinfully delicious to roast bacon wrapped around seasoned asparagus}

This weekend was St. Patrick's Day also known as an excuse to eat, drink, and be merry. My roommate and I hosted the St. Patrick's Day fete this year, and we couldn't be happier with how our little party turned out. We sampled delicious appetizers, drank festive drinks, and even made it out to a local pub despite all of the rain, cold and gloom Los Angeles decided to throw our way.