What a Ball!

Last Friday, I told you we were attending a Masquerade Ball for our friend's 30th Birthday {post found here}...and let me tell you...was it ever a ball!!  It was the most decadent birthday party I've ever attended....truly!  The birthday girl made her own gown and it really knocked everyone's socks off.  Her guests were required to wear full length gowns and suits/tuxes...and everyone wore masks.  It was great!

When we first arrived {by chartered buses}, there was a horse-drawn carriage to greet us.  As we walked in, a photographer took our photo and a string quartet played in the background.  The food was amazing and just when we thought things were winding down, a new room {the barrel room, no less} opened into a beautifully designed room with a DJ set to play and a welcoming dance floor.  It was truly divine!  We felt super lucky to be a part of her celebration.  Here are some pictures from the big day!

First...here is what I wore:

{Dress by BGBG}

Look at those vineyards!

The venue from the courtyard side.

Horse-drawn carriage...don't mind if I do!

The beautiful birthday girl in her own dress...isn't she stunning?!

 The Barrel Room, when you first walk in.

 Still can't get over her dress!

 Mustache on a stick?!  I was in love!

Clearly!

The Girls...we had a great time

Lorian really set the bar high for 30th Birthday Parties...good thing I have a couple years to plan mine...right?!  :)

xo natasha

Not Your Average Taco

Hi Friends!

Hope you all had a glorious Independence Day Celebration!  We hit the beach by bike, BBQ'd at the house and then went out on the boat to watch the fireworks.  It is such a stunning scene to see the fireworks explode over the lake...the reflection looks amazing!  :)

For 4th of July dinner...we made Hubby's Tacos, which always seem to get rave reviews.  This time, he added a little twist...Parmesan cheese crusted tacos.  They were excellent!

There's a secret to his tacos...he uses our indoor electric griddle.  It makes the tacos have a little crunch and really allows the cheese to melt.  It is simply delicious!  Of course, we grilled the shrimp and chicken before hand, along with the corn.  Grilled corn is the best...love the charred taste.

Here's a look at the tacos on the griddle:

Here's the ingredients we use:

Flour or Corn Tortillas

Chicken cutlets and shrimp

New Mexico Chili Powder {or your favorite Mexican spice}

Mexican Cheese Blend

Red Onion

Tomato

Cilantro

Shredded Lettuce

Squeeze of Lime

Parmesan and EVOO

Prepare your meat in the chili spice and grill accordingly on the BBQ.  Heat the grill to 350 and place tortillas on grill.  Brush EVOO on one side and sprinkle Parm on top...flip tortillas and allow to crisp.  Add cheese and onion until melted.  Add meat and condiments  for about 5-10 minutes.  Fold tortilla and press with spatula.  Serve with squeeze of lime add a dash of cilantro lime Cholula. ...my favorite!

For the grilled corn...take all of the husk off except for the inner 4 layers or so and grill directly on the BBQ.  Rotate and allow to brown on each side...about 4-5 minutes each.

Did you cook anything tasty yesterday?

Hope you enjoy!  Bon Appetit!

xo natasha

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays

Happy 4th of July!

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday so far!  We're enjoying the nice weather and the lake...so nice!  I always love how laid back the fourth is...it's a great day to spend time with friends & family and eat good food!  :)  Here's some patriotic inspiration to get you all in the spirit!

{Something like what Lake Tahoe will look like tonight!}

I love all these ideas and inspiration...you can really throw a patriotic party any time this summer...it's always creates a festive ambiance!

For more patriotic ideas, visit my Pinterest board here!

Happy 4th of July!

xo natasha

Friday Fancies::Masquerade Ball

Well hello lovlies!  

I bet you weren't expecting a post like this on the 4th of July Weekend, but we are pretty excited because we have Royal Masquerade Ball to attend tonight in Sonoma!  It's for our friend's 30th birthday and it's going to be amazingly extravagant!  This girl knows her stuff...she's a fabi fashion designer {check out her collection here} and I am excited to celebrate her big day!

Everyone must wear formal attire and masks...oh yes, I DIY'd mine!  :)  It's being held at a winery and I am pretty excited to get all dressed up!  Of course...if I could wear anything it might look like this...

Masquerade Ball by schuelove featuring handcrafted diamond rings

I'm linking up with {av} over at Friday's Fancies to showcase this dream dress and accessories.  This Jason Wu feather dress is so dramatic and elegant...perfect for a masquerade party, don't you think?  I am pretty much in love.

These Monique Pean earrings are my new favorite thing...that I can't possibly afford.  I love how organic they are...definitely show-stoppers.  So is this ring...le sigh!

The Brian Atwood heels are a perfect match...and the lace clutch adds a little "fancy"!

I WISH my ensemble looked like this tonight...but nevertheless, we're going to have a great time...can't wait!

The rest of the weekend we plan on being out on the boat, grilling on the BBQ, and enjoying the sun!  What are your plans??

Have a great weekend!

xo natasha