Trummers On Main

My parents live in Clifton, Virginia which is an adorable, and charming town outside of D.C.   It reminds me so much of an old "timey" town and is full of horse farms.  On the way home from NYC I decided to spend an evening with my folks and check out a restaurant on Main street, Trummers.

This precious 4 star restaurant has a great ambiance and several private dinning areas.

The wine cellar was most impressive and they displayed gorgeous art work for sale through out the restaurant. 

The cocktail list was fabulous and Carole and I enjoyed some relaxing drinks after a long drive.

Carole loved her grape martini and of course I wanted bourbon-on the rocks!

If you are ever in the D.C. area it's definitely worth taking a drive out to the country for a great ambiance, amazing food, and fun cocktails.

Refreshing Summer Drinks!

 My father sent me this article from Garden and Gun.  It's his favorite magazine. Although he doesn't drink he sure seems to know what I like!  Thanks DAD! Looks delicious!


Blueberries at the Bar

Chefs aren’t the only ones taking advantage of fresh, local ingredients. Around the South and beyond, mixologists are also finding new ways to usher in the seasons. In this case, blueberry season.

The folks at Parlor Market in Jackson, Mississippi, are taking these in-season berries straight from the bushes to the bar for a cocktail all their own: the Blues Cat. The drink is a delightful and unconventional mingling of flavors, combining blueberries, basil, lemon, rosemary, cinnamon, and a generous pour of locally distilled Cathead Vodka. Chef and owner Craig Noone admits the recipe came about thanks to a happy accident. “We had a ton of extra blueberries and basil from the farmer's market,” he says. “We were just a few guys experimenting.” Experiment or not, we’ll take one, please.

Blues Cat
Parlor Market; Jackson, Mississippi
Serves 1
3 oz. Cathead Vodka
15 blueberries
5-8 basil leaves
1 oz. lemon juice
1 oz. rosemary infused simple syrup

Muddle the blueberries and basil leaves together. Combine remaining ingredients, shake, and strain over flaked ice. Garnish with additional blueberries, basil, and freshly grated cinnamon. 

For more ways to put blueberries in your glass, check out these cocktail recipes from other Southern hotspots:

Southern Blues
Husk; Charleston, South Carolina

Violet Beauregarde
Bottega Restaurant and Café;; Birmingham, Alabama 


I just love fun summer cocktails

Alton Lane

While in NYC my friend from High School, Peyton Jenkins invited me to come visit his store near Madison Square, Alton Lane.    After graduating from UVA, Peyton enjoyed careers in teaching and fiance before discovering his true passion-Menswear.   In 2008, Peyton decided to quit his job, move to Thailand, and make his dream a reality.   I really admire his work ethic, perseverance, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him in NYC and learning about his business. 

Alton Lane uses technology to custom create the perfect fit for their clients.  Each outfit is specially designed after the customer receives a body scan.  The body scan Alton Lane utilizes for their precise measurements works with 100% white light technology.  Peyton walked us through the process and noted he can even tell if a customer has had an old sports injury and can fit the shirt to that part of the body.  It was fascinating!  "Alton Lane has had customers on five continents, including members of the New York Yankees" and is only growing.  This fall in October they will open another store in D.C.

The Body Scanner

Here is Peyton walking us through the 3-D program.

I absolutely loved the decor of the store.  Alton Lane takes customers by appointment only and when you walk in has such a comfortable feel! 

The antler chandelier reminded me so much of being in Jackson Hole, which is one of my favorite places! 
    

  Of course Carole and I could not leave without a few purchases.

Peyton had some fabulous ideas for my line and we chatted for 2 hours about what direction to take Designs By Kara Kihm.   There is no one better to learn from than someone who has actually done it and made their dreams a reality!  I can not thank Peyton enough for his support and words of encouragement as I try figure out the next best steps for my line.

NYC

My mom and I had a wonderful time visiting NYC.  It was great to spend some time together and was a very productive trip as well.

I was sad that I wasn't going to be able to see my BF while in town because she was in London for work, but she did suggest that we stay in her fabulous apartment in Soho.  It was such a great area and she had an amazing place.  Even though we couldn't spend time together in New York, I'm glad she was able to come visit me in Richmond this past weekend so we could catch up.

We got to visit with some old friends and Easley who lives in Chile in South America just happened to be in town.  When he showed up at the restaurant he was wearing his groomsman tie from our wedding.  Glad to know he's still getting use out of it 5 years later and I loved the color combo.

My friend from high school who owns a Mens Clothing Store in New York suggested that I come up to attend Texworld USA.  It was soooo helpful and informational.  I'm so glad we went and made a ton of connections for fabric sources.

It was such a great trip and I'm glad we were able to see some old friends and also get a lot accomplished.

Happy Birthday to Vitamin Sea

Today is Vitamin Seas B-day!!!  When I met Vitamin Sea we instantly bonded and discovered that we are just like twins!  We seriously have sooo much in common!

She is getting married in 3 weeks and when her wedding invitation arrived  I was soooo excited!  I can not wait to celebrate with her and I just love summer weddings!  You must check out her precious blog at http://vitaminseava.blogspot.com/

Now I need to design the Perfect Dress!  I think we could use an "Amanda" in the Collection-Don't you?

Happy Birthday! I hope it's a fabulous day!

Off to NYC

I'm off to NYC for the week with my mom to attend some seminars for designers in the fashion world.  I'm hoping to learn some things and gain a few pearls of wisdom.  Speaking of Pearls-I'll leave you with this precious sign that Pink Preppy Lilly Lover posted on a recent blog!  I just ADORE IT and loved the blog-Pearls and Bubbly!

Have a Wonderful Week!

Thank You

I am just so grateful to Lyndsay and Elizabeth Downey  co-owners of Bella Bridesmaid for hosting an Amazing Night!  The Trunk Show was sooo much fun and was a success!  Elizabeth helped me pick out my outfit and we decided on The Fair in Navy for a classic summer feel.

The food and drinks were delicious and I ended up staying way past 8pm socializing!

 The store looked awesome and I had an individual rack for my designs.

Of course the Kendra Scott Jewelry was a highlight and I couldn't leave without a pair of precious earrings.

Great Friends stopped by to share the evening and I am sooo thankful for their support!

Vitamin Sea even found her rehearsal dinner dress!  The Brooke in Orange Print.  It looks fabulous on her an The Kendra Scott necklace made the outfit complete!

The guys stopped by after the show for some wine and food and then we all headed to the Blue Goat to celebrate!  The Blue Goat is a new restaurant in town and I am dying to eat there.   The menu looked soooooo interesting and included pig ears, pig feet, and bone marrow from a pig.  I think I would order something a little more basic, but the atmosphere was incredible and they had a great drink selection.

It was a wonderful evening and I am sooo grateful to the Downey's and everyone who came out to show support!  Thanks Y'all!

The Priscilla's Debut

I am very excited for my first trunk show today and even more excited that The Priscilla (Named after my Best Friend From College) will make her debut for sale!  I wish Cil could be here to celebrate!

 This picture just does not do the back justice.  It's too precious on!

Wish me LUCK!!!!!!

First Trunk Show Approaching

My First Trunk Show is tomorrow if you are available to attend!  Lyndsay and Elizabeth Downey have created these adorable invitations!

Merriment Events was sweet enough to blog about the event and post it on Facebook!

                          I hope to see you there!

Recap of Favorite Photos From The Trip

 There were so many favorite moments and photos from the trip so I will post just a few of many to recap!

Cooking fresh fish daily!

Flags of The Caribe

KWYC

Courtesy Flag

Perfect for celebrating the 4th in the Exumas

My shower for a week

 Favorite pics of me and Mac.

Hope you've enjoyed hearing about our little adventure and all the recaps!  We are a fun loving adventurous quirky couple and can't wait for what life brings next!