Courtney

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Want To Get Lucky? 7 Tips To Boost Your Luck In 2021

December 30, 2020

2021

As 2020 comes to a close, there is a feeling of cautious optimism looms everywhere.

After the abyss of the Covid-19 pandemic, we desperately want to drink champagne, start new diets, set new goals, take bucket list vacations. Cue the #NewYearNewMe memes! We are over it. We. Are. Just. Fucking. Over. It. 2021, glad to see you!

But, we’re still kind of in This Thing so it feels weird and awkward. Let’s be honest, literally everything about 2020 has been weird and awkward. Zoom Happy Hours, washing our groceries, day drinking on Tuesdays, vaxxies..and I’m not even touching the rough stuff. Seriously, how much weirder can it get?

But, my inspiring-kind-of-annoying optimism has not wavered. I believe we are all capable of turning things around in 2021. In fact, I am 100% certain of it. First, we have to shift our mindset, our focus and get back to the basics that work all the time for all of us. They are available to everyone and they’re free. So no excuses here, Darling.

In 2011, I wrote an article, “How To Be A Lucky Bitch In 2012” for The Huffington Post. Every year in the decade since then, its resonance with readers has been proven by the thousands of reposts around the world. This year, perhaps more than any preceding year, we could all use a refresher course on creating good luck. While the landscape may have shifted since then, the fundamental ideas remain the same.

Luck is a funny thing. Those who have the good kind, believe they are lucky. Those who have “bad luck”, think they were born with bad luck.

I believe I have extraordinary luck. I am reminded of this every day. I’m not a self-help guru that holds The Secret to All Good Things. I have experienced heartbreak, loss, overwhelming sadness, financial hardship and life-threatening illnesses I pray you never experience. And still, I look at my life as one overflowing with amazing luck. We all have the same story, it’s just how you choose to craft it. Nobody on earth is simply born “blessed”. When you change the way you view your own story, you change the direction of your life. Seems pretty easy, right? It is, you just need to identify the tools and practice them. So how do you do it? I’m not 100% sure, but here are some ways I’ve used to unleash lots of good luck in my life.

Understand What Luck Isn’t

People often confuse fortune, chance and luck. Because of this, the thinking is that everything that happens is very random. Not true. Let me explain. Fortune are things outside of your control, it’s what happens to you. For example, I am fortunate to have healthy children. I’m fortunate to have long eyelashes. I am fortunate that I grew up in New York City. Chance is something you must do. You have to take a chance. It requires action, like asking a girl for her number, applying for a school, trying a new hairstyle. Luck is where you have much more control. You make your own luck by planning in advance.

Learn To Be Lucky

Luck is not something that happens to you; it’s something that happens because of you.

You can actually create luck, which means that you can teach yourself to become luckier. If you’re lazy and unwilling to do the work, you will not get lucky. Instead of cynically muttering, “Some guys have all the luck” or “She’s a lucky bitch” why not try and see what happens? I am a lifelong “tryer” and believe my willingness to learn new skills without fear of failure has helped bring me an abundance of good luck. The more you try things you think you can’t do and succeed, the more confidence you will have. Read that sentence again. This is key in becoming lucky.

Take Chances

There are opportunities at every corner, but you have to be ready to grasp them. While there may have been fewer opportunities in 2020, they were still there. The same opportunities are available for all of us, but the lucky ones prepare for them and consequently, have the confidence to pursue them. We like to think it’s about being in the right place at the right time-it’s not. It’s about being in the right state of mind that propels you to take a chance. More chances, more luck. It’s not easy, but it is very simple.

Find Something You’re Good At

The words, “follow your dreams” sometimes make me cringe. That might surprise you, but hear me out. Let’s say I want to be a famous singer but I’m tone deaf. I can “follow my dreams” from here to “America’s Got Talent”, but if I have no vocal talent, I am more likely be met with a truckload of disappointment and a life spent hustling to pay the rent as a waitress. Identify what you’re good at-or even kind of good at-and then actually do it. For example, I have always had an eye for style. I could put together chic outfits and decorate a room like a pro-even when I had no money. I liked it because I was good at it. I took a chance and started a business and learned everything about the industry. I just did it. When a TV producer called me to appear on a hit show, I was ready. Then came the money, followed by everyone saying I was so lucky I picked up the phone and got asked to be on a national television show. I was passionate, took a chance, prepapared and then I got lucky. See what I mean?

Build A Lucky Network

Stay in contact with positive people and those you admire. In 2020, this was especially challenging-but not impossible. Be a good friend, but also be open to meeting new people. Now more than ever, there are several ways to connect with others outside of person to person contact. Lose negative people in your life quickly, but don’t pay any attention to them. Never pay any attention to them, it’s a waste of time and only brings you down. They’re already there, leave them there and wish them the best. Always wish them the best.

Do Good Things

If you don’t believe in karma, then you most certainly don’t believe in luck because they go hand in hand. You have to do good things for other people in order for good to come to you. Donate your money, your time and your spirit. Give when there is little public glory in doing so. Be kind, grateful and humble. It sounds so sappy, but it’s so true. The more you give, the more life will reward you. You have to want good things for others. Anything contrary is a negative emotion that arouses negative results. There is enough room for everyone to be successful.

Ignore The Noise

The luckier you are, the better your life will be. The better your life gets, the more annoying this will be to some people. They cannot understand how you are so #blessed and they’re not. The people who get so focused on “How’d they do that?” are clouded in jealousy, so they never allow the good luck to come to them. They will try to copy you, they may even speak ill of you. This is irrelevant. Never let this bother you, shrug it off and pay no attention to it. There will always be naysayers, there will always be people who want to bring you down. Don’t go for the bait and just keep doing your thing. Try not to be nervous.

I wish you the best of luck in using these tips in your own life.

Happy New Year, World!

XO,

Courtney

FOUR HALLOWEEN COCKTAILS THAT ARE LESS SCARY THAN YOUR KIDS FUN SIZE KIT KATS

October 30, 2018

It’s almost Halloween, people! I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for Fun Size chocolates and they’re not so fun after you’ve eaten eighteen mini Kit Kats..So, in the interest of keeping you distracted from dipping into your kid’s candy haul, I’ve got a few cocktail ideas for the adults! Whether you go Full On Halloween or you’re a Bare Bones kinda Halloween reveler, every party needs a couple of scary good cocktails before you send those witches away on their brooms. And just for the record, two people is a party in my book.

Since I have become a Keto devotee in the past several months I became a tequila drinker, too. It’s all about the No Carb Buzz, basically. That said, these recipes are all tequila based but with some added sugar via the mixers and agave-you can add sugar free if you like. I only like a few luxury tequila brands, because now I’m also a Tequila Snob, thankyouverymuch. No Jose Cuervo, sorry folks. These easy mixed drink recipes are tailored around DeLeón Tequila, which is made from the finest 100% Highland Blue Weber agave sourced from the Los Altos region of Jalisco. Perfect for Halloween or any other time really, but I’m trying to keep it relevant.

If the measurements are a little above your measuring pay grade, just go by ratios. For examples, The first recipe would use a fifth of agave (.25) and almost half lime juice (.5) to the amount of tequila (1.25), etc.

Drink up Witches and Happy Halloween!

XO,

Courtney

Bloody Bite

1.25oz DeLeón Platinum Tequila

1oz Blood Orange Juice

.5oz Lime Juice

.25oz Agave

Top with club soda

Perfect Storm

1.25oz DeLeón Platinum Tequila

.75oz Pimms

.75oz Lemon Juice

.75oz Simple Syrup/

Fill with 4 oz Hot Water

Smoking Mirror

1.25oz DeLeón Reposado Tequila

1oz Pineapple Juice

.75oz Lime juice

1oz Agave

.25oz Mezcal

Bloody & Bitter

1.25oz DeLeón Platinum Tequila

.75oz Dry Vermouth

.25oz Cynar ‘Italian Artichoke Bitter’

.75oz Lime Juice

.75oz Simple Syrup

Top with Club Soda

How To Light Your Home So You Look Good (Oh, And A $500 Giveaway!)

January 26, 2017

Have you ever walked into a room and just felt like whoever you were talking to could see very pore on your face? Well, I have and it’s not fun. Think about it..The doctor’s office, a diner, the DMV, the Emergency Room. What clears a room faster than the 100 watt lights that accompany the words, “Last Call!”?See where I’m going with this? It always boils down to one thing: LIGHTING

It’s true. You could be decked to the nines with a fresh blowout and your makeup done to perfection, but if the room is lit poorly you will immediately feel uncomfortable. Unfortunately, at press time there was still no cell phone filter to remedy that problem. Conversely, when you walk into a space that is well lit, you don’t notice it. You just feel good. This is why top restaurants often hire lighting designers. It’s a fact..If you feel like you look good, you’ll be relaxed, have a better time and linger. If not, you want to hightail it out of there in no time! Right?

Why not use the same approach in your own home? It’s not that hard. Here’s how you do it.

LAYER YOUR LIGHTING

Don’tbuy into the idea that a one-and-done overhead lamp is always the right solution, it’s not. Dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms should all have multiple lighting sources. A floor lamp, a table lamp (or two), an overhead lamp or chandelier. You can use some lights for reading, others when you have company, all three when you’re cleaning or doing something that requires lots of light. But, this is definitely Rule #1.

Rousseau Aged Brass Pendant

DIM ALL THE LIGHTS, SWEET DARLIN’

Every room, even the bathroom. Think about it, if you want to relax in a luxurious bubble bath, doesn’t it make sense to dim the lights? Exactly! Dimmers are inexpensive, easy to install and come in a plethora varieties of styles and colors nowadays. Also, lots of dimmers can now be controlled by an app on our smart phone, so you can arrive home already feeling fab. Genius.

Currey & Co White And Blue Brushstroke Lamp

DON’T MISS THE STYLE OPPORTUNITY

A great lighting fixture can make a room, just like a great pair of shoes can make a $50 dress look like something off the runway. Depending on what your goals are, this can be achieved very easily with lighting. A statement chandelier, an azing pair of table lamps anchoring a chest, an unexpected sconce in a hallway or bedroom. Instantly fabulous! Don’t think of lighting as an afterthought, think of it with as much thought as the twenty-seven paint colors you looked at before deciding on the one that was perfect.

THINK OUT OF THE BOX

This comes easier for some of us than others. For example, I’m known to use chandeliers in kitchens and bathrooms because-why not? If it’s your house, you make the rules! Unexpected design touches are what makes our homes unique to us.Lighting is a fabulous way to acheive that. So many parts of lighting are customizable..heights, brightness, even your shades. I often change the lampshades on lights I buy..an antique lamp feels current when paired with a high gloss shade. A brightly hued lampshade can be used to coordinate better with a room’s decor instead of just white, The possibilities are far reaching and fantastic.

Austin Allen & Co. Semi-Flush Mount

George Kovacs Pontil Honey Gold Six-Light Chandelier

And now that I got you all excited about lighting your home (and looking amazing), here’s a special treat for my readers: Bellacor is giving away a gift certificate for $500 worth of lighting found on Bellacor.com! Follow them on social media (@bellacorlighting) and leave a comment here with your favorite lighting ont heir site and make sure you enter to win here: Bellacor Giveaway!

Hurry, because this giveaway ends on 2/13/2017. And GOOD LUCK!!!

XO, Courtney

STYLE FILES: Hotel Le Negresco’s Been Redecorating!

October 12, 2016

The iconic Hotel, Le Negresco, has stood elegantly at the helm of luxury in Nice for over one hundred years. But, like everything in France, even the historic must also be current. So, it comes as no surprise that there is a room by room renovation underway and no detail has been spared. Each room is designed and renovated individually in order to create unique spaces, brimming with art and interior design in a blend of contemporary and classic styles. They are a lesson in glamour and timeless sophistication.

Some of most innovative new arrivals: The Street Art room with its wall hangings designed by Pierre Frey and The Médicis decked out in Renaissance style.

The Street Art Room

The Médicis Room

These newly redesigned spaces are just the beginning of the complete renovation of the left side known as, “l’Aile Gauche Rivoli” on the 1st floor. I can’t wait to see each one as they are completed. I’ll let you know when the next style packed room is finished!

Bisous,
Courtney

Me. Up In Lights On Times Square

May 12, 2016

Yes, folks. It’s true. That’s me, all three stories of me on the Reuter’s Screen in Times Square. This was a very emotional moment for me.

All the disappointments, all the no’s, all the rejections, all of it led to THIS. I never give up, I shoot the arrow straight, I never worry about the other guy and I just go for it.Everyday.

Keep doing your thing.

XO,

Courtney

Kips Bay 2016: Glamour Steals The Show

May 12, 2016

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York opens May 12th through June 9th. Located in The Carlton House Townhouse at 19 East 61st Street, it is everything New York design is about..glamour, sophistication and elegance. A 10,000 square foot space, twenty one of the world’s best interior designers and architects and ticket sales that help fund after-school and enrichment programs for the kids of NYC’s Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, it is THE event in New York’s design world not to be missed.
If you can’t get there, not to fret, I partnered with Kohler, one of this year’s sponsors, to bring you all the must have highlights.

This year’s show proves glamour, thank goodness, is here to stay. Rich colors, textural everything, gold, bronze and silver metallics, European styling and unapologetic opulence. It’s ok to be fabulous. In fact, let’s take it front and center, shall we?

As you enter the front hall, you are instantly taken by the sea of rich blues and crimson. Designed by David Collins Studio, the exact blue is Cooks Blue from Farrow & Ball. The rich, crimson sconces are designed by Candia Lutyens. Hello, fabulous!

Front Hall, Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2016 Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Immediately, ou are met with a delicious, dizzying array of interior design inspiration, inside and out. Art, architecture..and that kitchen entertainment closet, oh my.

Print by Ramona Rosales at Kips Bay Deocrator Show House. Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Since all parties end up in the kitchen, let’s start there. Designed by Clive Christian Interiors, the use of Kohler, Kallista Plumbing, Dekton and Miele come together to create a functional kitchen with serious Rock Star cred.

Kitchen by Clive Christian Interiors. Bacifiore entertainment sink in Polished Distressed. Quincy Entertainment Faucet in Polished Nickel. Both from Kallista Plumbing, Kohler. Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Another sink and faucet in the Clive Christian Kitchen. Prolific Stainless Steel Sink,
Purist Kitchen Faucet by Ballista Plumbing, Kohler. Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Jennifer Lopez is a Kips Bay Boys And Girls Club alumna. And so, a powder room in her name. Welcome to the JLo Powder Room in all it’s glam glory!

JLo Powder Room Designed by Gil Walsh for Kohler. Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Here’s a closeup of the sink and faucet designer, Gil Walsh used..The Margaux Tall Single-Control Faucet in Brushed Bronze and the Briolette Vessel in Transluscent Doe. The photo is by Tony Duran, the wallpaper is made partly of cork (yes, really) and the mirror is by Barbara Barry for Baker.

JLo Powder Room Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

This salon by Brian Sawyer and John Berson caught my eye because the armless sofa is both elegant and chic. The colors are soothing but rich. The primly tucked throw and tailored pillows are perfection.

Salon by Brian Sawyer and John Berson at Kips Bay Decorator Show House Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Salon by Brian Sawyer and John Berson at Kips Bay Decorator Show House Phot Credit: Courtney Cachet

Phillip Thomas took classic antiques, chic objets and had the walls spray painted in fun bright hues by Andrew Tedesco Studios. Brilliant and full of energy.

Phillip Thomas “Ladie’s Lair” Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Harry Heissmann pulled out all artistic stops in this room..combining a mosaic wall hanging, an amazing mirror by Christopher Spitzmiller, chic objets (that frog!) and Purist fixtures by Kohler in brushed gold throughout. The Jacquard vanity has two doors and six drawers..also, Heissmann used two towel bars on the vanity doors, a clever touch.

Powder Room by Harry Hessmann Phot Credit: Courtney Cachet

Powder Room by Harry Heissmann Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

In the Master Bath, designer S. Russell Groves took a different approach. Modern, clean lines are front and center. A little humor, color and glamorous hardware offer a nice balance to the room. Kohler’s uber-chic-meets-high-tech Numi Intelligent Toilet might be the gadget we all need in the bathroom. Groves used the Reve drop in tub, Jute Wall Hung Vanity and Purist brushed bronze fixtures throughout.

Master Bathroom, Kips Bay Decorator Show House by S. Russell Groves Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

If you don’t know, now you know: Steel Pergola.

Outdoor Space at Kips Bay Decorator Show House Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Opulent elegance is not an oxymoron, Alex Papachristidis proves.

By Alex Papachristidis Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Garrow Kestigian took chalkboard paint-among other things-to a whole other level of sophistication.

Garrow Kestigian at Kips Bay Decorator Show House Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Vignettes separate the good from the great interiors.

Vignette at Kips Bay Decorator Show House Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Did someone say LED lights sewn into the window treatments? Yes, Victoria Hagen did!

Victoria Hagen at Kips Bay Decorator Show House Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

Les Ensembliers used French fabrics and lots of warm, gold shades.

Les Ensembliers at Kips Bay Decorator Show House Photo Credit: Courtney Cachet

In the end it all comes down to this. To date, The Kips Bay Decorator Show House has helped raise over $20,000,000 for the Boys And Girls Club and over 10,000 young people in New York City.

Here are some of them.

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Phot Credit: Courtney Cachet

For the record, I think it’s always ok to be glamourous.

XO,

Courtney

This post was brought to you in partnership with Kohler Co.

Try This Weekend: Delicious Tiramisu Recipe #IfICanMakeItYouCanToo

April 2, 2016

Tiramisu a la Courtney Cachet

First things first: I am so NOT a baker. I don’t even cook that much. It’s not that I don’t like to cook, I’m just busy. But whenever I do try my skills in the kitchen, my dishes are usually really good. Weird, right? The running joke in my family is, “Courtney made this??”, which I’m totally ok with, but by now my culinary street cred should not be such a shocker.

On Easter Sunday my family and I were eating at home since we just returned from a fabulous, taco-and-tequila-filled week at the ahmazinggg Nizuc Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico..check out my Instagram account for all the ridiculous photos. After all that restaurant food and a week’s worth of laundry, we decided to make it a chill stay-at-home dinner. On a whim, I decided to try making my favorite dessert-tiramisu.

Tiramisu is one of those desserts that just looks difficult to make, right? After Googling “easy tiramisu recipes”, the search options had me scared. Phrases like “double boiler” and “egg white peaks” are way above my pay grade. Whoa, I don’t even know what a double boiler looks like. But my steely determination would not give in, so I pressed on and..voila! There it was!
Giada DeLaurentiis had a recipe that looked really easy..in fact, so easy it felt suspect. Surely, it must suck. Plus, a lot of my foodie friends have said her recipes come out with varied degrees of success. But, this was so moron-proof I had to at least give it a try.

Whenever I read a recipe online, I immediately read the reviews. They are chock full of comments from people far more adept at cooking than I am and I find them very useful. There was some talk of it not being sweet enough, but other than that things looked pretty stellar so I decided to go for it. Now, one of the reasons I don’t bake is because in cooking, as in life, I’m not great at following the rules. I prefer eyeballing over measuring and this tends to be my downfall. This recipe was no exception, but it somehow worked in my favor this time.

As I was making the tiramisu, I tasted it and decided to make a few adjustments:

I added more sugar. I used 1/2 cup, she said a few tablespoons.
I added a teaspoon of Pure Vanilla extract, she did not list this in the ingredients. (I think a teaspoon of vanilla makes everything better)
I added some Cabot’s Whipped Cream-a big squeeze is my best description. Redi-Whip would be fine but I’d shy away from Cool-Whip since it has a distinct flavor and it grosses me out.
I didn’t have cocoa powder or one of those flour sifters, so I used some Easter chocolate I stole from my kids and shaved it on a fine grater. A broken bunny ear did the trick!

After I completed it, I covered it with foil and put it in the refrigerator for three hours.

Delicious!!

If you want to try something new this weekend, this is easy and divine!

Let me know how yours turns out and if you made any changes, too!

Courtney

Giada DeLaurentiis Tiramisu (with a few changes)

Ingredients
6 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 pound mascarpone cheese
A big dollop of whipped cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups strong espresso, cooled
24 packaged ladyfingers (one package)
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish

Directions

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer with whisk attachment, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes
Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth
Add whipped cream, vanilla
Add 1 tablespoon of espresso and mix until thoroughly combined.

In a small shallow dish, add remaining espresso. Dip each ladyfinger into espresso for only 5 seconds. Letting the ladyfingers soak too long will cause them to fall apart. Place the soaked ladyfinger on the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch baking dish, breaking them in half if necessary in order to fit the bottom.

Spread evenly 1/2 of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Arrange another layer of soaked ladyfingers and top with remaining mascarpone mixture.

Cover tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours.

Delicious!!

Bogotá Is So Fabulous It Needs Two Four Seasons Hotels

January 14, 2016

Ah, Colombia. The days where international travelers were advised not to travel here are, at long last, finally over. As a result, the capital city of Bogotá has emerged in full glory as one of the jewels of South America. Filled with luxury shopping, beautiful people and charming mercados, a second Four Seasons Property seems quite fitting.

The new Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá is modern, sleek, stylish and perfectly situated in the uber-chic Zona T neighborhood. Dust off your Vuitton valises, because come April the former Hotel Charleston is set to open joining The Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá, as the brand’s second location in the city.

General Manager Luis Argote, a Colombian native, couldn’t be more enthusiastic, “While each Four Seasons hotel is as unique as its place and its people, the common thread throughout is a passion for quality and signature Four Seasons service that makes every visit memorable.”

If you’ve ever stayed at any Four Seasons property, you know ALL stays with them are memorable.

The Lauren Rotett designed rooms – almost half of which are suites-include custom-made beds, wooden paneling and pale wood flooring.The entire hotel has been remodeled from bathrooms to technological details, with nary a detail spared.

The spa, complete with Beauty Editor’s French favorite, Biologique Recherche, surely won’t disappoint guests seeking some pampering after a day of shopping or sightseeing. If you indulged in one too many arepas (how can you not?) there’s a Matrix equipment stocked fitness center. FYI, Juanes, Carlos Vives and Shakira make for a great running playlist, trust me! Once you see all the perfect bodies walking around Colombia, I’m pretty sure you’ll be motivated to hit the gym hard. And if nipping and tucking is your thing, Colombia has some of the best plastic surgeons in the world. Beauty is paramount in this country and plastic surgery is de rigeur for women (and men) alike.

After all that hip shaking at the gym and Googling “best plastic surgeons in Bogotá”-
(let’s be real here), make sure you check out Kuru, Four Seasons Japanese robata dining spot on property. In true Four Seasons style, the restaurant design is stunning, with a two-story glass façade facing Bogota’s gastro-chic, Carrera 13. In true Latin American style, The Four Seasons created a space that encourages staying awhile.
As Argote puts it, “We wanted to create a light-filled space that could offer multiple options for guests to dine, drink and enjoy time with friends and colleagues.”

In the expansive open kitchen, Executive Chef Pablo Peñalosa and his team will prepare selections of shareable sashimi and temaki from the sushi bar as well as more substantial dishes on the charcoal robata grill. Robata is always a treat, but I’m sure diners will enjoy a few “tocas Colombianas” here and there. It’s a Colombian thing. More memorable to local Colombians is Biblioteca, a one time power breakfast spot in the former Charleston Hotel space. It’s coming back, with a new glass wall opening up to a live green wall, and an incredible 40-plus-foot beaded installation inspired by indigenous motifs providing a colourful backdrop to Chef Pablo’s menu. Another touch of Colombian pride, however slight. The hotel lobby area sits between the two restaurants and is the perfect meeting spot with ample comfortable velvet couches and chic loungey vibe. Aguardiente or café?

Breakfast at Biblioteca

Colombians also speak what I consider as the most beautiful version of the Spanish language. They have a neutral accent with a pretty, sing-songy type rhythm which is easy for non-native Spanish speakers to understand. They are warm, friendly people who love to have a good time and love all that is fine in life. The Four Seasons couldn’t have arrived at a better time.

In celebration of its grand opening, Four Seasons Hotel Bogota is offering the Experience More package, which includes a USD 100 hotel credit. For Hotel reservations, call 57 (1) 325 7900 or book online. For restaurant reservations at Kuru, call 57 (1) 325 7900.

10 Haute Hostess Gifts Under $50!

December 15, 2015

A fabulous gift doesn’t need to be expensive. But with holiday party season in full swing, you should always bring your host a little gift. Because when someone says, “Just bring yourself!”, they never really mean it. Here are ten chic buys that’ll put you in the Good Gifter category in no time!

Stylish hostess love these Franciacorta sparkling wines from Italy. Often referred to as “Italian Champagne” they’re getting a lot of buzz on Vogue.com and Refinery29 as the new “It Drink”. And starting at $20, it’s a fabulous deal.

If you give someone an ornament that’s exquisite, you only need to give them one. So chic and the matching handmade box it comes in equally stunning. At Papyrus stores and online.

Boho Chic PERFECTION. One of a kind, hand made parasols with tasseled edges and detailed embroidery on vintage cotton. Perfectly sized at 26″ to hang above a table or on their own. Also available in a set of three for $108.00. From Olive & Cocoa

In a handcrafted wooden crate, a box full of juicy green apple, sweet strawberry and luscious pineapple licorice! Thanks, Matey!
From Olive & Cocoa

While a gift of blush or eyeshadow for a hostess might be a little weird, a luxe gift set of five (yes, five!) shimmery lip glosses a la Laura Mercier is fab. $50 at better department stores and online

Shot size mini copper mugs. Yes, please!
Available at Target

Show up with a box of vegan minty goodness from LUSH that includes soaps, cream and yummy scrubs. Added bonus: It comes beautifully wrapped and ready. Although, this one is so good, you might want to put this on the one for me/one for you list!

Ever since BuzzFeed showed us we can make Pho and Nutella Bread Pudding in a Crock-Pot®, we’ve been hooked. But, toting a huge stock pot of food into someone’s home is not cute. The foodies in your life will gush when you arrive with this bad boy on your arm. Buy here for free shipping

Puppies and a holiday theme? This handcrafted wooden music box that plays The Magic Flute is positively charming and perfect for the puppy video loving host/hostess on your list!
$34.95 at Papyrus stores and online

And when you need to send a thank you note, look no further!
https://www.expressionery.com/estore/estore/Courtney-Cachet/cat970012_ctgy.c

Giving is the greatest gift. Remember that.
XO,
Courtney

NEW TODAY! Three Fab Offers From T.J Maxx + Marshalls This Holiday Season!

November 16, 2015

Redeem this Holiday Season for Meaningful Moments!

As many of you know, I love my friends over at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls! They continually provide us with incredibly stylish options for all the luxurious items we love to buy without blowing the monthly budget! That said, I wanted to let you know about some very cool programs they have going on right now..

T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods are taking to Twitter to offer up a different kind of coupon this holiday – redeemable for special holiday memories with loved ones. From sending people home for the holidays, to helping those in need of holiday cheer deck the halls of their home, the Twitter campaign will bring friends and family together.

Each Monday for the next three weeks, @TJMaxx, @Marshalls and @HomeGoods will release a new offer, and followers can share how redeeming it will help them or a loved one bring back the holidays, using #BringBackHolidays and #Contest to be entered to win. The social campaign includes:

· Get Me Home! (November 16 – 20): Redeemable for 20 people that need help getting home so they can spend time with their loved ones. Winners receive a $2,000 travel gift card to go toward holiday travel arrangements.
· Holiday Saver (November 23 – 27): Redeemable for three families in need of holiday cheer. T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods will transform the winners’ homes into a festive atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights and perfectly wrapped gifts.
· Gifts to Give Back (November 30 – December 4): Redeemable for giving back to five selfless and inspirational people who are always giving of themselves. Five winners are selected to receive a special holiday delivery filled with unique gifts that focus on the person opening the present, not what’s inside the gift box.

In addition, from November 6-8th all 2,500 T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods locations helped raised money for over 130 local food banks across the country. For those three days, customers were encouraged to donate at the register, with 100 percent of the dollars raised going back into the local communities.
Also inspired by the retailers’ core belief that spending time with loved ones is what matters most, the stores remain closed on Thanksgiving to ensure associates can spend the holiday with their families.

For more information, visit the retailers on Twitter at @TJMaxx, @Marshalls and @HomeGoods, and to view the commercial, visit the YouTube Page.

Thanks and have a fabulous day!

Courtney

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