Articles from Carmen

Wax Dipped Flowers

Did y’all catch the black-on-black Halloween dinner party we threw last week? Our tablescape was packed with candelabras, vintage books, creepy photos, and old apothecary jars. Wanting to stay on theme with our spooky vibe, I coated traditional red roses with black wax to create a gorgeous Halloween dinner party favor. Today, I’m showing you how to recreate […]

12 Tips to Be More Green in One Minute

The idea of “being green” can sometimes seem a little intimidating. Most of the tips I read about in magazines and on blogs feature out-of-reach goals that are both time consuming and unrealistic for my lifestyle. But after realizing in recent months how much paper, glass, and energy I have been wasting, I decided it was […]

Heathers Group Costume

We needed some pro help when it came to creating this very specific look, so we called up our friend and stylist Dagny Piasecki of SHDW Studios to help us dress like real “mean girls” from the 80’s. Dagny has an amazing personal collection of vintage, which she graciously loaned to us for the shoot. Footnote: If you haven’t already seen […]

The Bachelor Contestants Group Costume

Can we all just admit that we secretly watch “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” in the comfort of our own homes? From traveling across the world for exotic dates to intense cat fight drama, the producers really know how to keep us interested. This Halloween, we were inspired by America’s guiltiest pleasure and created an easy DIY […]

It’s Fall, Y’all!

With temperatures still in the 90s here in Austin, it’s hard to believe that it’s officially fall. But here in the office we’ve been itching for the seasons to change for a couple weeks now. We’re swapping our green juices for vanilla fig smoothies, and taking notes on how to dress for fall while we wait for the […]

10 Autumn Weddings To Fall In Love With

If you couldn’t tell from Instagram, half of our team is officially OOTO this week. In honor of Chanel’s wedding weekend (eep!) Jenn Rose, Chanel, and Camille are each on individual European adventures. Jenn Rose has been gallivanting across Budapest, Chanel is wining and dining in France, and Camille is preparing for her trip to […]

10 Headboards That’ll Keep You In Bed All Day

The most relaxing spot in my home is curled up in my bed reading a good book, binge watching Netflix, or snuggling with my puppy (preferably all at once.) I love the idea of coming home to a comfy bed at the end of a long day and just unwinding. Since my bed is the […]

Naturally Dyed Shibori Pillowcases

When I first discovered Kristine Vejar’s book The Modern Natural Dyer, I fell in love with the bright colors, amazing textures, and the fact that natural dyeing was one of the few art projects I had yet to try. But after reading a few of her tutorials, I realized natural dyeing involves a lot of […]

Low Calorie Backyard Mojito

From Bonnie: “I call this a low calorie backyard mojito because I use limes from my tree and mint from my garden. It’s a basic mojito, but I exclude the sugar. The rum is sweet enough that the drink doesn’t really need the extra sugar.” Read the full story here: Entertaining With Bonni Taylor

Sriracha Honey Grilled Shrimp

From Bonni: “It gets so hot here in Texas that turning on the oven just heats up the whole house, so grilling is a summer must for me. This recipe works great with both grilled shrimp and grilled chicken, so feel free to choose one or offer both for dinner guests.” Read the full story […]

Watermelon Arugula Goat Cheese Salad

From Bonni: “This refreshing summer salad is so easy to make – all you have to do is combine the ingredients and serve! A watermelon arugula goat cheese salad is the perfect recipe for the busy hostess.” Read the full story here: Entertaining With Bonni Taylor

French 75 Popsicles

From Bonni: “These French 75 popsicles are my favorite summer treat right now! The popsicles are alcohol-free (booze is added to the glass when serving), so it can be served with a sparkling blood orange or strawberry soda for kids or guests not drinking alcohol.” Read the full story here: Entertaining With Bonni Taylor

Raw Corn Summer Salad

From Bonni: “I love this raw corn summer salad because it is so refreshing! Feel free to add whatever seasonal veggies are available. You can certainly make this ahead of time and keep refrigerated, but I suggest adding the okra right before you serve because it can get slimy.” Read the full story here: Entertaining With […]

10 Fierce Animal Print Accessories

J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons once said, “As far as I’m concerned, leopard is a neutral.” And honestly, I’m starting to agree with her! Animal prints definitely make a statement when outfitting – but because they incorporate so many neutral color tones, they can complement almost any outfit. Accessories are a great way to start introducing […]

A Tropical Tiki Boat Party

The dog days of summer are officially upon us. Our skin’s getting (a little) darker, our hair’s getting lighter, and the summer heat is finally starting to wear us out… So last Friday, we decided to play hooky and get reinvigorated on Lake Austin with some cold drinks and good friends. We hosted a tropical tiki boat party […]

Why You’ll Scream For Vegan Ice Cream

Finnish food bloggers Virpi Mikkonen and Tuulia Talvio know a thing or two about healthy living. In addition to creating recipes and blogging about food, Virpi is a certified health coach and Tuulia is a certified yoga instructor. But even health nuts have a sweet tooth, so to satisfy their never-ending craving for ice cream, Virpi […]

13 Passport Covers For Your Most Stylish Getaway Ever

Do any of y’all share my desire to accessorize just about everything? I can’t stand the thought of an iPhone without a cool case or a day planner without a pretty cover. But when packing for my last adventure abroad, I realized that my travel accessories are all either black, brown, or navy! Where’s the fun in that? With upcoming summer getaways on […]

The Pottery All the Coolest Restaurants Are Using

Chances are, if you’ve dined at Austin hotspots Qui, Uchi, or Emmer & Rye, you’ve already met Keith Kreeger. As a firm believer that thoughtfully made objects and delicious food go hand in hand, Keith is the ceramicist behind the handmade dishware and serving pieces in over two dozen restaurants across the country. His minimalist style and work with soft matte […]

Ginger Mint Lemonade

Click here to check out the full story, “Three Ways To Take Your Lemonade To The Next Level.” *photos by Laura D. Photography