Monday, July 30, 2012

Sparkler Farewell ::







I typically would shy from the overused, but I'm not sure I will ever get over sparklers.  They're fun for both the guests and the bride and groom.  They're pretty.  They're romantic.  They make for fabulous photographs.  And, they're the perfect way to celebrate while sending off the newlyweds.

And if you're wanting to top sparklers....



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Saturday, July 28, 2012

Olivia Palermo + Johannes Huebl











I typically post about Olivia and her gorgeous style, but her incredibly handsome and stylish boyfriend deserves a little credit too...

Friday, July 27, 2012

Happy Hour :: Chartreuse Smash


10 mint leaves
1 oz. lemon juice, from about 1/2 lemon
2 tsp. sugar
2 oz. green Chartreuse
Sprig of mint for garnish

Place mint, lemon and sugar in a cocktail shaker and muddle.
Add chartreuse and fill with ice.
Shake thoroughly and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garish with a mint sprig and enjoy!


Thursday, July 26, 2012

French Chateau Wedding ::









Not much is needed for decor when you get married at an incredibly stunning chateau in France.  This wedding took place in Provence at Chateau de la Colle Noire, Christian Dior's old castle.  What breathtaking scenery!

Lately ::


Santa Rosa, California


Lavender 


bananas, spinach, greek yogurt, strawberries, mango, kale


simple and delicious treat


roses + lavender


wine tasting


breakfast: greek yogurt, peaches & honey

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

White + Green








Call me boring... vanilla... whatever you want, but white flowers and natural greenery paired with natural color linens and decor is what I consider the perfect combination.  It is simple and understated, but so elegant.  It creates such a natural and classic feel - something that will never go out of style.

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Monday, July 23, 2012

For the Love of Kraft ::




I love the touch that kraft adds to these invitations, bouquets of flowers, and gifts.  It is the perfect paper choice for any earthy, rustic occasion.  These are just a few ways to incorporate kraft paper into your creative endeavors.  I'm especially a fan of pairing white ink with kraft paper. 

1. Kraft envelopes + white calligraphy via
2. Kraft invitation suite  via
3. Kraft envelopes + black calligraphy via
4. Kraft foldout invitation via
5. Kraft + white ink via 
6. Butcher paper + white paint bouquet via 
7. Butcher paper wrapped flowers via 
8. Kraft book covers + white writing via 
9 // 10. Kraft holiday wrap via and via 

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Sunday Brunch :: Peach Thyme Bellini



Peach Thyme Bellini
serves 8-10

1/2 pound peaches / about 5, peeled and chopped (approx. 3 cups)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
10 sprigs of fresh thyme, plus some for garnish
sliced peaches, for garnish
2 bottles of Prosecco or sparkling wine

In a heavy saucepan, heat the peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and thyme sprigs over medium heat until the mixture is thick and syrupy, about 8-10 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool.  Remove thyme sprigs and discard.  Puree the peach mixture in a blender until smooth.

Spoon three tablespoons of the peach puree into a champagne flute.  Pour in Prosecco or sparkling wine and stir until combined. Serve cold.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Happy Hour :: Rosemary Salty Dog


Rosemary Salty Dog 

2 1/2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
salt
2 sprigs rosemary, plus 1 for garnish
1/2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 oz gin

Wet the outer rim of a martini glass with grapefruit juice. Lightly coat the rim with salt.

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 2 sprigs of rosemary with the sugar.  Add remaining grapefruit juice, gin, and ice cubes.  Shake vigorously and strain into the prepared martini glass.  Garnish with rosemary sprig and enjoy!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Elegant Italy Wedding by Jose Villa::
















I love the simplicity of this wedding in Italy.  It is the perfect combination of rustic and elegant - ideal for an outdoor Italian affair.  Also ideal that Jose Villa was the one to capture this gorgeous day - his photographs are stunning.