Krayl’s Week On Instagram – July 11th

Don’t you just love Instagram? I do but I also know there are many of you who may not check it daily or perhaps even have time to use the platform at all… So for those of you, I am committing to posting a weekend wrap up of my week on Instagram. As you will see below this week was filled with celebrating with friends, time in the garden, seasonal decorating and a few tasty cocktails. What was your favorite part of this week?

I LOVE to change things up around my house for each season and summer always offers the boldest combinations of color + pattern. ☀️ This month I am mixing these black cabana stripped pillows with a yellow pop of summer color on my bed! 🍾 Both pillow covers are curated items from my #seasonalhomebox ! The yellow was part of the spring collection and the cabana pattern from the summer collection. 🇺🇸

How are you switching things up around your home?

Want to learn more about the seasonal home box membership? Head to www.KraylFunch.com for more info and to get on the list for the next box! 😍😍#seasonaldecor #seasonalliving

My July Calendar is here! This month we celebrate by spending time in the summer herb garden, BBQ’s with friends at the beach + refreshing cocktails to cool off during the heat of Summer Entertaining season. 🇺🇸 Just a few of the special days in July 2016 are :: The Fourth Of July, Bastille Day, National Ice Cream Day and so many reasons to #CelebrateEveryday! So come along let’s get the summer celebration started!

Grab your calendar and get on the list – http://bit.ly/KraylJuly2016Calendar #seasonalliving #julycalendar #anappealingplan

Hostess trick that doubles as decor for your summer beverage station is a big tub filled with ice and colorful seltzer water bottles. 🇺🇸

You can find a variety of brands and flavors in most markets these days. Look for bottles with colorful logos or images that will add a pop of color to the lower level of your summer beverage station. Fill your tub with ice and tuck your chilled bottles on top approximately one hour before your party begins.☀️

Read all my tips on how to create a beverage station for your next Summer gathering on my recent contributor article for #SundaySupper Movement here – http://bit.ly/BeverageStationSS
😍👙🇺🇸😘🍉⚓️🍍
#summerentertaining #anappealingplan #entertainingathome

Catching up on my garden magazine reading {it’s always time to start a garden right….?} and found this PERFECT quote in the April Issue of Better Homes and Gardens.🌱

“Now more than ever, gardening is one of life’s great pleasures. Maybe that’s because you can’t check your phone when you’re wearing dirt-covered gloves.” 😃

I literally laughed out loud when I read this!! It’s the absolute truth! Mind you, three out of three of the other people I was with were checking there phones right at that minute!😉
What’s your great pleasure??#celebrateeveryday #anappealingplan #gardeningisgoodforthesoul

Wishing everyone THE best Fourth of July!! 🇺🇸 Feel blessed to live in this amazing country! The day is filled with sunshine, smiles, best friends and good times. God bless America!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🍾👙☀️

#fourthofjuly #americanflag #godblessamerica #anappealingplan

Happy Long Weekend Saturday! We started this summer weekend with dinner with friends last night then wine on the patio in town.🍷

Today catching up on a bit of gardening before the rain moved in to bring us back indoors.🌱 I can handle a few hours of cleaning up the home office before packing up to head out to the beach to spend the 4th with friends dipping our toes in the water and grilling up a feast! 👙

Feeling grateful for nature, friends and life! Hope your Saturday is filled with lots of simple pleasures too!

#grateful #4thofjuly #celebrateeveryday #anappealingplan

An evening of cocktails and culture preview event in honor of the Horst Exhibit at the Dali Museum in St Pete. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon! 🍸

The bartenders and staff at FarmTable Kitchen {upstairs at Locale Market} consider cocktails an art form, so every seasonal cocktail list is inspired by the current exhibition at The Dali Museum in an effort to continue supporting the local arts community – how amazing is that?🎨

Cocktails include names like “Round The Clock”, “Bacchanale” and “Mainbocher Corset” are inspired by Horst’s photographs both in name and glass or garnish chosen to accompany each cocktail. Again… How amazing is that?😍

My personal favorite was Round The Clock. Which one will be yours?🍸

Stop in FarmTable Kitchen July 2 – September 6 to try them all before heading over to The Dali Museum and show your support of Tampa Bay’s local arts + food community!🍴 ::
#craftcocktails #stpete #eatlocal #drinklocal #tampabay

For my ladies… Be a Pineapple.🍍
Stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet inside. .
It’s just that easy!
Tag a fellow pineapple in the comments to let them know how you feel about them🍍. We pineapples have to stick together! #anappealingplan #pineapple #girlcrush

August 18, 2015August 18, 2015

Chef’s Roll + Yummie Nation Featured Blogger

Occasionally two amazingly creative businesses come together to form a synergy that is stronger than their individual brands – Yummie Nation and Chef’s Roll have done just that, they have teamed up to create an online foodie mecca!!

Within this mecca Chef’s Roll will have a Featured Blogger, and guest who is in the company of some fabulous bloggers… Yes! It is yours truly following in the footsteps of two people I am honored to call my dear friends; the pointy beard loving, always on the edge food blogger, Jerry {just call me 10x} James Stone of CookingStoned.tv and the ultimate Southern hostess and Bohemian Chef, Alice D’Antoni Phillips of Ally’s Kitchen.

Along with the three of us you will find a TON of other men and ladies passionate about food, cocktails and blogging. Please take the time to click the link and find out how you can be a part of this fantastic community!

LEARN MORE ABOUT KRAYL FUNCH ON

YUMMIE NATION AND CHEF’S ROLL!

Yes – we go deep! So you might ask what questions did you have to answer to be the featured blogger??

How about :: When and why did you start your blog?; How would you describe your cooking style / food philosophy?; What are some of the best and worst things about your job?;If you could design a party anywhere in the world, where would it be ?

LEARN MORE ABOUT KRAYL FUNCH ON

YUMMIE NATION AND CHEF’S ROLL!

June 9, 2015August 25, 2020

What’s Your Favorite Champagne? :: Bubbly Talk Radio Appearance

You all know Champagne is one of my favorite beverage and the base for many cocktail recipes in my book An Appealing Plan, so when I was approached to go on the Bubbly Talk Radio airwaves to talk about how I found my passion and share champagne stories, I thought it might be a dream!

LISTEN IN + LEARN WHAT MY FAVORITE CHAMPAGNE IS HERE

If you haven’t had a chance to meet the ladies over at Bubbly Talk Radio you are in for a treat! These fabulous ladies are filling the airwaves with interviews, inspiration and did I mention champagne?

With shows titled The Champagne Sisters, Clink, Chat and Catch Up, Inspire + Influence as well as a live twitter chat #ChampagneChat held on Sunday – the perfect day to pop that bottle – there is something for everyone to love.

So head on over, say hi and clink!

LISTEN IN + LEARN WHAT MY FAVORITE CHAMPAGNE IS HERE

Now it is your turn. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite champagne is now. And the answer can’t be “cold”….

* * * * * * *

And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

February 22, 2015February 24, 2015

Self Care Sunday :: learning to Appreciate Where You Right Now

Last weekend I was in the kitchen of a friend discussing the never ending question of “what’s next?”. I having published my first book and she literally just coming off an epic win on Cutthroat Kitchen over three male chefs. Both on a course, completely different paths to a somewhat similar goal of one day having a TV show.

From the outside we have both achieved goals that others only dream of, major bucket list items for most. I frequently have this “What’s next?” conversation in my head and within business groups I belong to but it was at that moment, hearing it from a friend, that I knew I needed to be able to step back and look at how far I have come. To take the time to pause and find ways to appreciate where I am now – as someone once said “it’s the climb”. But how?

Sure there are MANY more items on my list of to dos, lots more to achieve in this journey to some end goal – however in honor of my 2015 word/phrase of the year “Be. Trust.” I am challenging myself to find ways to pause and reflect, BE in the moment, BE happy, BE grateful for all I have, TRUST I am exactly where I should be, TRUST I am on the right path, TRUST I have everything I need right now.

I would love to hear how you finds ways to appreciate how far you have come. Let me know what you do on a regular basis to reflect and feel gratitude.

January 25, 2015April 12, 2022

Self Care Sunday

Is it me or does it seem that this January we have an extra weekend? After the rush of 2014 I am welcoming it with open arms.

Last week my body finally started to slow down from the frantic pace of the second half of the year, producing and publishing the book, heading into a busy client and travel season, and finally the holiday rush kept my body and brain running on high gear, full steam ahead.

Enter Self-Care Sunday.

For me this means not just letting my body rest but also the busier part of me, my brain.

In Tara Mohr’s new book, “Playing Big: Find Your Voice, Your Mission, Your Message“, she talks about how we as women, tend to allow the inner critic {critical, panicked, anxious} to be the louder voice in our heads and about the importance of practicing and letting our inner mentor {calm, strong, guiding} become a stronger voice.

I’ve been practicing this as I set my goals and intentions for 2015 – a seemingly easy job which has turned into an unexpected sole searching journey.

The last two years my business focus has become much more clear, thanks in part to being in the B-School community – currently on my list are financial goals, both business and personal, career intentions {soon to be announced out loud… To ensure they happen} a few travel dreams for the next few years and moving to the top is Project ME.

Don’t worry, I’m not packing my bags and heading to Bali for the year, {although it sounds like a dream!} but yoga, more time spent in nature and feeding my soul are themes that continue to come up that need attention.

What does your inner mentor say to you? What path is she guiding you towards that perhaps you haven’t listened deeply enough too yet? Let me know in the comments and start the conversation.

{what’s all this about BSchool? Learn more about my experience, the upcoming class and get some amazing FREE training here.}

December 31, 2014January 14, 2015

Thank you 2014! Happy New Year 2015!

Thank you 2014! What a Year You Have Been!

WOW! That is really the best expression I have to express everything that has transpired in 2014. What an amazing year it has been – I actually can not believe it is already December 31st – filled with challenges, too many learning experiences to count and a few incredible wins!

This year started with a dream of writing and publishing my first book, and with the help of an amazing team and YOUR support it became reality in the final months of the year – An Appealing Plan : A Year of Everyday Celebrations is now on shelves and available on-line!

I won’t go into the thank you’s here as I have in several posts in the Passion to Print category which you can read here, as well as on the acknowledgment page of the book {are you there?… you might just have to buy the book to see!}, I do however wish to say to you all that I hope you see this achievement as a sign that anything is possible, that those dreams of yours that you think are silly, or perhaps too big, are achievable – and not only that, but to stress the importance of reaching them, of knowing you have completed them. If not I promise you, you will always wonder what if. And I can not have that, not after you have been here to support me in achieving mine.

SO – what are we going to do about it? First, I want you to leave a note in the comments below and tell me a goal or dream of yours you feel is silly, too big, not important enough,… that you have always wanted to achieve. Second, write down on paper – right now – the three big steps you need to achieve this goal. Third, write down the date of when you will achieve this goal. {if you are really daring, write them all in the comments and really commit to it!

Next up – my new top three goals for 2015… stay tuned, it only gets better.

Welcome 2015! I can not wait to see what you hold!

Happy New Year 2015!

December 23, 2014August 25, 2020

Food Talk Radio Interview

The other day I was invited to come on as a guest to Food Talk Radio 820 AM – recently named Best Local Foodie Radio Show by Creative Loafing – to talk about cooking, entertaining, tablescapes and yes my favorite topic … the importance of celebrating everyday.

If you missed it, here is a replay of my fun interview on Food Talk Radio with Kim Bailey of Bailey’s Catering and Suzanne Perry of Datz.

Listen to my Food Talk Radio Interview Replay here.

ABOUT KIM BAILEY

Kim loves food and has been entertaining all his life…which is why he began a catering firm 14 years ago and subsequently opened Bailey’s restaurant in Old Hyde Park and Davis Island to wide acclaim with many local celebrities naming it one of their “top 3” restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, and earned high ratings on social media websites like Yelp and Urbanspoon.

While southern cuisine is Kim’s forte, there is no dish, or region that he will not explore. His enjoyment of food was further enhanced when he studied the French language at the University of Dijon, Dijon, France – where he fell in absolute love with Dijon Mustard! After his success with the 2012 Republican National Convention where Bailey’s was selected as a premiere caterer, Kim decided to sell Bailey’s Restaurant to concentrate on catering and his new consulting firm Restaurant & Catering Concepts.

Learn More about Kim Bailey on his website :: BaileysCatering.com

ABOUT SUZANNE PERRY

The co-owner of Datz sizzles with high energy as she effortlessly juggles public relations, customer service, event planning and philanthropic endeavors – which plays a big role in Datz’s business plan. “Part of our mission statement says that we believe in giving back to those in need,” says Suzanne. “With this passion we hope to enrich the lives of our customers, employees, the community and the earth on which we live.”

Learn More about Suzanne Perry and Datz on the website :: DatzTampa.com

Here is a replay of my fun interview on Food Talk Radio.

Do you remember my last interview on Food Talk Radio ?? How far we have come in 2 years!!

October 16, 2014October 16, 2014

The BooK has Arrived! An Appealing Plan Book Launch Video.

I am super excited to share the news with you…. the book arrived. It is real and in person!! We are in the process of updating the official book page with information like event dates, local purchase locations, shopping and planning lists to download for each occasion, An Appealing Plan book clubs and much more to come so be sure to check back often but in the meantime…

I was doing a little fall decorating around the house and my monogrammed white pumpkins inspired me to create a launch video! It is quick and to the point check it out and let me know what you think!

Signed copies can be ordered by visiting the

An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations book page here.

Today’s Tweet: “Celebrations are meant to happen everyday, not just at the holiday’s. Be sure to #CelebrateEveryday with Krayl Funch and An Appealing Plan”

Spread the good word by commenting below, pinning to your boards or tweeting to the twitterverse. Cheers and Thank You for all your support. I can’t wait to hear what your favorite section of the book is and how it has inspired you!

August 26, 2014

Snack Time: Savory Vs. Sweet Recipes

It is the great debate in the world of snack foods. Which side of the foodie fence do you stand on?

Savory VS Sweet? Olives VS Cupcakes?

For the last few weeks my world has become consumed by completing my first book, An Appealing Plan: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, and I have been neglect on posting anything on the blog. To be honest, I am going a little stir crazy finalizing reciepes in all the categories so lets have a little fun and distract me for a moment if you don’t mind.

I know without a doubt which way I lean, but what about you? When you are craving that afternoon or late night snack, what do you grab out of the pantry; Olives OR Cupcakes?

Let the debate begin. Let me know in the comments below which one and why. Don’t forget to sign up to ensure you are on the list to learn all about the book launch. See you in the comments!
XO – kf

July 4, 2014July 4, 2014

Happy Fourth Of July

Wishing you, your family and friends the happiest 4th of July!
Enjoy the day grilling or doing garden work but be sure to take a moment to pause and remember just how amazingly lucky we are to live in America and have the freedoms that we so often take for granted.

God Bless America!!

Looking for entertaining ideas for your holiday celebration? Check out this summer product round up.

Enjoy!

June 7, 2014June 6, 2014

June Inspiration

JUNE 2014

I hope your summer is filled with fresh picked berries, sunny days at the beach and dinner tables filled with fresh flowers and friends.

This year June holds many interesting adventures for me including a Kickstarter project to publish my book due out this fall; a beach weekend in Vero Beach, FL with friends; reorganizing our home post construction; a trip to New Hope, PA to paint and get my rental home ready for new renters and I am sure MUCH more.

In a pledge to write more here, I am committing to writing, or posting an image, everyday for the remainder of June. I regularly share pictures on social media to share the beauty I find in everyday surroundings but sometime forget to post them here. These posts will fall under a new category called: Yellow Wellies On A Sunny Day {after my love of my yellow hunter boots and the joy they bring me}

I hope you enjoy this journey with me.

XO – krayl