{2013: top paper goods + printables}

 There is nothing more enjoyable to me than taking a little bit extra time to design and print my own paper goods for parties or events- especially invitations!  Here is a round up of my favorites from 2013 - most of which include downloads for a printable file of the design!

 {Kentucky Derby viewing party jersey drink stirrers}

 {beer tasting party invites}

{oscar viewing party invitations}

 {oscar viewing party ballots & bingo}

 {terra's bridal shower invites}

 {cocktail recipe booklet}

{ashlee + stephen's wedding invite suite}

{2013: top party posts}

Although the cocktail posts are my favorite the write for this blog (for obvious reasons), the very very close runner up is blogging about parties and dinner parties.  This year was a bit quieter on the party front in our place compared with last year due to us traveling a lot in the past 8 months and our space it smaller than the loft, but it didn't stop of from throwing some great get togethers and dinner parties.  While it wasn't at our home and technically took place on December 31st 2012, the NYE party we threw to ring in 2013 (pictured above) was by far my favorite party of this past year.

 {Oscars Viewing Party}

 {our glitzy 28th Birthday dinner}

 {a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for 13!}

 {an autumn tablescape for a fall dinner party}

{a girl's night in spread}

 {blind wine tasting party inspiration}

 {a gold & silver dinner party tablescape}

{ringing in NYE 2013 one year ago today!}

up next- my favorite paper goods & printables of 2013!

{2013: top food & cocktail posts}

I truly can't believe another year is coming to a close- it feels like we were just writing our new year's resolutions from last year. After feeling nostalgic and scrolling through the past year in posts here on Mint Love, I thought it would be fun to round up some of my favorite posts in a few different categories starting first with cocktails & food - the most important things in life really!  I hope you enjoy a little walk down 2013 memory lane....

{The Terra Cocktail: a girly cocktail I created for my girlfriend's bachelorette party}

 {vegan blackberry, fig & coconut "ice cream" - I still have a hard time believing how good this was even though it has no cream!}

{The Rose Derby Cocktail: cocktails with honey syrup get me every single time}

{grilled summer dinner menu - this entire dinner still sticks out in my mind for how fresh, flavorful and seasonal it was.}

{The Mint Love Julep - since I don't prefer whiskey, I created this "mint love" version of a classic julep to enjoy along with the Kentucky Derby!}

 {Warm Kale Salad - topped with a poached egg, crisp apples & bacon this salad quickly became my go to salad this past fall/winter}

{Fresa Brava Cocktail- a spicy little cocktail from one of my new favorite cocktail books}

 {Momofuku Birthday Cake - after hunting down all the needed ingredients, I baked this cake to celebrate mine and chris' birthdays this year.  It was soooo incredibly good that I might make it a tradition to whip one up every year!}

{Basil Cucumber Caipirinha - this cocktail was my escape from the frigid temperatures in Chicago since (like all caipirinhas) it's basically summer in a glass}

 {Dressed Up Caprese- taking one of my italian appetizer favorites and adding more things I like to it such as pistachios and beets}

{Blackberry Sage Fizz - the perfect sparkling cocktail to welcome in fall/winter!}

Up next- a round up of my favorite parties of 2013!