Behind Your Favorite Party App with Kris Middleton of Bougie Gougies
Simple yet sophisticated, gougies are an exquisite contribution to any party and make my friends feel special as soon as they walk through my front door.
Happy Tuesday! We’re about a week away from Thanksgiving and honestly that feels like a fever dream. October flew by and the fact that it’s almost the end of November is shocking. Q4 has been a wild time but it’s set me up to know what tweaks I need to make at the studio to set me up for even more success in 2025. What a blessed position to be in.
I spent the weekend at a cabin in Hocking Hills with some friends and it was such a nice reset. I spotted lots of mushrooms which makes me want to get into foraging because honestly, it seems like such a natural next step. My tried and true Ghia Lime + Salt cans carried me through the weekend. Speaking of Ghia their Cocktail Box would be the perfect hostess gift.
I’m putting out a plea for help on how to shop on Nuuly. I’ve been telling myself I need to start renting because I’m tired of everything in my closet but it’s such an overwhelming process. I get decision fatigue within one scroll on their site lol. How are we picking our 6 items??
Black Friday/Cyber Monday is coming up and I’m eyeing two things: an espresso machine and a Babaà sweater. Question for my Babaà gals - is the wool itchy?
🗣️ Columbus, Ohio pals!! 🗣️
I’m popping up at Small Talk Shop this Saturday from 10-4! I’ll be slinging matcha, chai, and some cold brew (if you’re lucky). I’ll be sharing the menu on IG later this week, so be sure to follow :)
Podcast
Kris Middleton of Bougie Gougies
The idea for Bougie Gougies blossomed from cherished memories of my dear family friend Suzanne. Before she moved to the United States after WW2, she lived an exciting life, studying and modeling, in Paris. Besides instilling in me a curiosity about the world, travel, and culture, she was the one who first introduced me to gougères—the French cheese puff pastries that elevate any gathering.
Over the years, I’ve delighted my friends with this tasty hors d’oeuvre. Simple yet sophisticated, gougies are an exquisite contribution to any party and make my friends feel special as soon as they walk through my front door. Gougies make such a great first impression that I no longer need to stress if the flowers are not perfect or if dessert is served late.
When my friends started requesting my gougies for their parties, I realized a need to bring gougies to everyone who loves to entertain. And so voilà, Bougie Gougies was born. I invite you to please indulge in the delicate, cheesy flavors of gougies, where these irresistible puffs and the finest champagne create an effortless and remarkable gathering for your loved ones.
IG bougiegougies | bougiegougies.com
Listen to the episode:
Recipes
Brothy Beans [video]
Ingredients
1 cup dried beans (I love Primary Beans or SIMPLi)
4 cups water
3-4 tbsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 onion, quartered
1 head of garlic, halved
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375. Place all the ingredients in an oven-safe dutch oven. Cover and bake for 90 minutes.
Stir well and check for doneness. Bake for 30-60 more minutes, depending on the bean type and total needed cooking time.
Remove from the oven when done and enjoy in all your favorite meals!
Served with air fried broccoli seasoned with spicy Desert Dust*, a drizzle of Brightland Alive olive oil, a healthy sprinkling of Kooshy’s panko, and lots of parmesan + smoked flaky salt.
*Rick, founder of Desert Dust, will be on the podcast very soon!
Apple Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso [video]
Ingredients - syrup
Quart of apple juice
1 cup brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
Directions
In a heavy bottomed pot add all the ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and allow to cook until it has reduced by over half.
In a small mason jar (that you’re down to drink out of) add a few cubes of ice and a shot or two of espresso. Shake for 1-2 minutes or until the espresso is very foamy.
Top with 4-5oz of barista oat milk (my fav is Willa’s*) and 10-15g of syrup. Stir well and enjoy!
*Use code CITRUS for 25% off
Weekly Favorites
I mentioned my desire to up-level my sunglasses collection last week and I have a few more favorites to share → Lexxola Jordy & Elisa Johnson Jane. They are just SO chic it hurts.
I fear I’ve just recently been introduced to Anthro’s homeware items and wow they are fab, especially this mug + saucer.
All I want right now is a solid espresso machine and fear not, I’ve become a Facebook Marketplace warrior again lol. So, any friends who have a Breville hookup - help ya girl out. In the meantime, I’ll continue saving espresso cups that I’ll binge buy one day.
Madewell x LESET Pointelle Set is screaming elevated Christmas PJs and I’m so here for it.
Aura Bora sent me me their Green Bean Casserole sparkling water and I was floored by how delicious it is. Honestly, it was a full circle moment because I DM’d them the month I launched Citrus Diaries Studio and got left on read LOL. So to have their social gal ask if they could send me PR brought a tear to my eye tbh.
ICYMI
xx,
Lauren (Hodgen)
Dear Citrus Diaries Host | @ citrusdiaries.studio
Citrus Diaries Studio | Creative Director
If you’re interested in working together, drop me a line: hello@citrusdiaries.com 🍊