Sandra's Summer Carnival in NYC #bysandralee

Last week I jumped on a plane and headed to
NYC for Sandra Lee's Summer Carnival.

Now, I have come and gone and
am full of inspiration and amazing memories.

Prior to leaving I received an invitation with
a cute Carnival-inspired ticket, a note from Sandra Lee,
and oven mit from Sandra's collection.

There is so much to share
I will be splitting up my posts and show you the
professional photos and some recipes later this week.
But this is a great overview of the carnival.
(I am regretting not bringing the bigger, better camera...
I wish my photos were better)

This event was held to celebrate the launch of Sandra's home collection, Sandra by Sandra Lee, which is available in Sears and Kmart stores. It was a great group - about 20 bloggers, the talented teams from Sears and Kmart and of course Sandra Lee.

You have to love pillows with cocktail recipes!

I have to tell you I liked Sandra Lee before...
but, now, I think I LOVE her.
She is even more gorgeous in person and her personality
is sparkling and personable and she is funny!
I was completely impressed with her in person.

Sandra greeted us and made us feel like we were guests in her home.
She even served us cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the end of the event.

So, you can say I am sort of in awe.
(and that does not happen often)

Our trip was filled with extraordinary events and information.
On Thursday night we attended an intimate dinner at Cafe Centro
where we all met and mingled with each other
and the teams from Sears and Kmart.

At our amazing dinner, we heard a presentation from Mark Bonchek on social networking. A perfect pairing to our meal and a spot on topic for all of us bloggers.

We also sampled Star-tini's

It would not be a party without a Sandra Lee cocktail!

Gina, Randi, and me
Photo courtesy of Randi from Dukes and Duchesses

On Friday Morning we headed to the Newport Mall for a tour of Sears.

Here we saw the Sandra by Sandra Lee line on display.
I shared all of my Sears photos HERE on Google+

The Sandra by Sandra Lee home collection includes everything from dinnerware to tea towels to storage containers to small appliances like slow cookers and dispensing blenders. Meringue Margaritas anyone? Oh yeah!

We were given insight into the designer collections and brands available at Sears.
We also had the treat of some amazing demonstrations from
top brands like Hamilton Beach and Kitchen Aid.

Then we headed to The Kitchen NYC for
our afternoon of Sandra Lee awesomeness!

I just adored how the entrance was decorated...

L-O-V-E the lampshades hanging from the ceiling.
I do think I must do this for a party at my house very soon!

Sandra entered and greeted us, and then we each walked a "red carpet" where we took a photo with Sandra (I'll share the professional photos later).
Sandra made each of us feel comfortable by sharing some information she learned about us on our blogs (yes, she took the time to check us out!)
or another anecdote as we met her personally.

Then we entered the room where we would have lunch and it was decorated with a chic but lively and fun flavor...Just enjoy the eye candy for a moment.

The Big Top

The Drink Station

The Food 

OK, I kind of missed taking photos of the real food...
but there was a great menu with Sandra's recipes and some yummy desserts
(again...I will share the professional photos soon!)

Love the use of carnival tickets, marshmallows, and storage containers to create interest and add height to the top of the buffet.

Cupcakes...how cute are those bees?

The Grand Carnival Table decorated with Sandra by Sandra Lee
dinnerware and accessories

Sweet tea towels to use in the kitchen or as cloth napkins.

Did you know red is the #1 color for kitchen decor?

After we all oohed and ahhed over the tables, decor, and home collection (and ate), Sandra sat down with us and shared some of her story,

her philosophy, and what was important as she created this line.

She then talked to each blogger, getting to know them a little better.

I was pretty darn impressed that she took the time to do this.

Soon, it was time to grab another cocktail,

and work in teams of three to design a tabletop using

Sears/Kmart seasonal decor for the upcoming holiday 2012.

We created a snowy, woodland environment

with sweet birds and tons of baby's breath.

Then it was onto the kitchen,
where we were going to decorate cupcakes and cook with Sandra...
but guess what we had so much fun earlier that we ran out of time.

Instead, we had a taste of the cookware and small appliances, and
listened to Sandra's advice and wisdom,
which was better than decorating any cupcake!

Then a "secret room"opened for another mix and mingle session.

 This portion of the day was complete with Meringue Margaritas,
a few hors d'oeuvres, and more Star-tini's.

As the afternoon wrapped up, the bloggers were invited into the kitchen area again to select some product. I will be honest, while I had my eye on a few things, this was a little awkward. I ended up getting lucky and managing to make it home with an indoor/outdoor electric grill and a few smaller items. 

Cheers to Sears and Kmart and 

Sandra Lee for organizing and designing an amazing event.

I was honored and thankful to be a part of it.

Stay tuned for more!

Oh and here is a little somehting

Use the code

BYSANDRALEE

to take $5 off any $15 purchase

from the Sandra by Sandra Lee line.

Start shopping now!

Valid on Sears.com for $5 off any $15+ purchase of Sandra by Sandra Lee

product sold by Sears through 5/26/2012.

Enter coupon code BYSANDRALEE at checkout.

Disclosure: I was invited t attend this even by through my participation/membership in Collective Bias and by Sears and Kmart. Travel arrangements and more were secured for me. All opinions and observations are my own.