Chere Amie

Long time no talk

2010-09-29T10:02:00.002-04:00

Sight. It's been WAY too long. New baby boy has made life quite hectic, but be forewarned! I will soon be back ... am in the process of developing a new blog and fun little project. And I'll kick off the launch next week with a fun little contest and some fabulous prizes. In the meantime, for anyone still out there in wonderland ... meet Huck!

The nursery - Completed! - Part ONE~!

2010-04-03T07:56:00.005-04:00

BCW's (Baby Cheramie Walz) arrival is imminent, and we've recently completed the nursery. (Well, almost. We still need to get one more wicked cute throw rug to add some warmth to the floor.) We were going for gender-neutral, colorful, playful and cheery ... and I think we achieve that.

Here are some work in progress pics. The room was originally our "office" though we spent little time in there and usually kept the door closed.

Mark's first undertaking was the radiator cover, then he completed the wainscotting from scratch (each piece individually cut so that everything was level).

Painting was a group effort, though I tired out quite quickly. We chose a Robin's Egg Blue from Velspar (and I wore a mask while painting).

The dresser was Mark's from childhood (and previously his grandmother's) which we (who am I kdding!) stripped, sanded, painted and pimped out.

Stay tuned for finished pics and all the little shopping details!

Coveting - Posy necklace

2010-04-03T07:54:00.002-04:00

Found this via Design Mom. Love, LOVE! So colorful and perfect for Spring. I have a feeling all my money will go to diapers in a matter of days, so maybe I deserve a little treat today?

Etsy find (and review)

2010-02-07T07:57:00.003-05:00

I found these precious little ditties on Etsy many moons ago, and I'm thrilled to report that I made a very successful purchase for the nursery yesterday while snowed in. 28 inches does horrible things for my credit card.

Be sure to check out KraKra's Etsy store for these fellows in a rainbow of colors, plus more adorable crafts. Quick response, very helpful and just an all around fabulous seller. Happy to report!

Nursery sneak peak

2010-02-02T18:47:00.001-05:00

Just a little preview. My constantly surprising husband finished the wainscoting this weekend, and now it's finally time for me to take over.

Nautical Shower

2010-02-02T18:42:00.004-05:00

I'm loving the details of this baby shower, found via Party Perfect at Over Cocktails. And it's a fitting post for me to stumble upon this evening because I've just returned home to find the most adorable invitation to my shower, which three beloved friends are throwing for me in just three weeks time. Can't wait to post pics of that!

UPDATE: See! How cute are these invitations. So me :)

I heart you

2010-02-01T08:32:00.003-05:00

Excited to see the weekly Purl Soho e-mail in my inbox this morning. Always a little treat for a slow Monday. Check out these adorable little heart change purses (more info on the blog):

Hoo...

2010-01-28T16:26:00.002-05:00

I'm in love with this owl:

Other really insanely cute items on the Tiny Warbler Etsy site too.

I heart Letterpress

2010-01-27T21:41:00.002-05:00

But a letterpress clock!? Come on, that's genius.

Pretty darn cute for a baby's room.

Come on, get social

2010-01-27T13:08:00.004-05:00

Once upon a time, I was merely dreaming of decorating a nursery. Now, the work is in full swing. We've taken over our "office" (more like storage room) right across the hall from our bedroom, slowly but surely transforming it into a gender neutral (sort of) nook.

(* Side note and funny story ... when I told my mother that we weren't finding out the sex of the baby and were designing a pretty "gender neutral" room, her response was "Oh honey, how wonderful. Now you're really giving the baby the option." Uhm, of deciding it's own gender? I think not, mom.)

For whatever reason, from the time a baby was even a thought in my head, I was obsessed with finding bedding. Since the journey to conceive was a long one, many of the sets I found were discontinued before I was ready to purchase. So, imagine my surprise when my dream set (the unattainable, uber expensive Caden Lane bedding I longed for) showed up on The Mini Social for 1/3 of the original price! (I might have pulled my husband out of court to request the go-ahead to purchase.)

This is just a sneak peak of what's the come with the nursery. We're wrapping things up this weekend, so before and after pics will be posted shortly.

(PS - If you'd like an invite to The Mini Social, drop me a line. I've already spent WAY too much money there.)

Deelish

2010-01-27T13:02:00.002-05:00

Seriously?

Maybe it's just the hormones, but I think this ice cream cookie is JUST what I need right now. (Also, can I just say, Organize.com, how did I not know you existed! It's like a dream come true.)

And, Pretty Little Thing, you constantly entertain and inspire.

Old Navy inspiration

2010-01-27T10:11:00.002-05:00

It seems like just yesterday I was preparing for a wedding and enjoying the generosity of family and friends at my showers, but eee gads it's been over 2.5 years! Suddenly, I'm preparing for the baby shower festivities to being. (I don't know about you, but I've always thought baby showers were MUCH more fun.)

I've been shopping around from some attire inspiration, since to be perfectly honest I feel like a bit of a heifer, and would like to look pretty darn cute at my shin-digs (yes, plural). Here are two pics from Old Navy that I've got in hand as I set . Stay tuned ... actual outfits will be posted soon. Wish me luck!

Thawing out from a long winter...

2010-01-26T20:14:00.004-05:00

This post will come as a surprise to many of my loyal followers ... my dear friends. My absence from this site is quite unforgivable, but I promise that I have an excuse:

(Well, maybe it's not a 9 month excuse, but as of today it's a 30 week excuse!)

Clearly a lot has been happening in my life, and though I've remained addicted to all of my favorite blogs, I seem to have neglected this one a bit, no? But, with this post, I am officially back. Promise. I have a plethora of house updates to share, plus the most incredible Internet finds and lots of little baby treats too!

So, stay tuned (if you're still out there!)

More home repairs

2009-04-14T22:01:00.004-04:00

I'm completely addicted with my kitchen. Will I ever stop? The latest endeavor: repainting our pass-through cabinets.

What do you think?

I'm thinking about this rug now from Dash & Albert to tie in the color to the dining room. Now, if I could just find an extra $350.

The view from down below...

2009-04-14T21:56:00.002-04:00

When I'm feeling a little blue, recuperating on the couch in front of some good movies, I just look up and my day is brightened. She doesn't fit on the stairs, but insists on being there anyway.

Hiatus

2009-04-08T13:18:00.003-04:00

Just a few more days, I promise. I'll dust off the dirt and will get back up again. Thanks for being patient.

Making me salivate

2009-04-02T20:57:00.001-04:00

Just the photos. That's all we need on this one.

Circus party

2009-04-02T20:42:00.001-04:00

For more photos of this great second birthday invitation, go here.

Chere Amie design studio

2009-04-02T20:15:00.003-04:00

Busy bee over here. I've been working on a few options for a wedding invitation suite and between that and the "real job" there's barely time to breath, bake my weekly treats and play with Winnie (poor thing hates the rainy weather). I'm looking forward to a little country R & R this weekend in Lancaster, PA ... good ole' Amish grub and shoe fly pie. And feeding the horses!

A little sneak peek at what I've been working on:

An evening aria

2009-03-31T21:21:00.003-04:00

What a find! David Stark designed a glamorous evening (pictured below) to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Metropolitan Opera as well as the veteran tenor Placido Domingo’s 40th year of performing with the company.

Favorite details? The color scheme for sure. I also really love how the table numbers are incorporated seamlessly into the design; and I'm a HUGE fan of the program-wrapped candles. Old newspapers would have looked cool too.

Wedding obsessed?

2009-03-31T21:11:00.003-04:00

Yeah, me too. For my fix, I've been hitting up 100 Layer Cake.

Beautiful design. Fab photos. DIY projects. And never ending inspiration.

Check out my favorite!

Seo cool

2009-03-30T14:58:00.003-04:00

Thrilled to open my Philly Mag today and see a feature on Danny Seo. I'm just about to dig into it. I'll let you know how it is!

And be sure to check out Danny's blog.

Wishbone

2009-03-26T21:17:00.002-04:00

Taking the night off from blogging. We have a big morning tomorrow, and I'm enjoying some tea and my sweat little heating pad. Wish us Luck!!

{Source.}

Etsy Find: EmilieFriday

2009-03-25T21:15:00.003-04:00

These little felted creatures are so charming. Great for a babies room or wedding cake topper.

Found via SHOP.talk (along with a slew of other great things...)

DIY contest

2009-03-25T20:54:00.002-04:00

Have you checked out Style Me Pretty's DIY contest yet? If not, you're missing out!

What are you waiting for? Go see more pictures of my favorite entry!

ABCDEFG

2009-03-24T21:19:00.002-04:00

It's very rare that I find baby bedding that I like. I saw this today on Project Nursery, and it caught my eye. Pretty neutral, right? And, pretty joyful.

Real Wedding: Purple and Yellow

2009-03-23T22:07:00.002-04:00

I love this wedding, found today on Once Wed. The best part is how the wedding colors were coordinated to match that cool light fixture.

Raspberries & Chocolate

2009-03-23T21:31:00.003-04:00

This too is a winner. A soft chocolate and raspberry tart with a nutty crust. It was a huge hit, quite easy to make, and delicious the second day too. I should know, I can't stop eating it!

Click here for the recipe.

(I also made the blueberry and brown sugar breakfast cake. We've been eating well in my 'hood lately.)

2009-03-19T20:29:00.004-04:00

Some times you just happen upon a gem. A friend sent me to Kristybee's flickr stream today, and every image I click on is better than the last. Fo real. Check it out!

Natasha

2009-03-18T21:03:00.002-04:00

The news this evening has made me very sad. I absolutely love Natasha Richardson. What a beauty.

Your design style

2009-03-18T20:56:00.004-04:00

I discovered Sproost today and what fun! As much as I try to deny my preppy roots, it appears as though there is just no escaping it.

43% Nantucket style. I would love to argue with that, but then I saw the sample image below and it's so me. I love it. Pale blue with splashes of orange. Now, if only I had those floor to ceiling windows.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T11:53:00.002-04:00

I don't have a bit of Irish in me, but I love beer, corned beef and pots of gold. I also love the color green. Hope you have a great one ... and a green pint for me!

{Source.}

Green ruffles

2009-03-16T22:07:00.005-04:00

A friend of mine wore this in New York last week under a really simple black sweater. It added such pizzaz to her outfit. I must get! (On sale now for $60!)

Little flags

2009-03-16T22:00:00.001-04:00

Love these. The perfect colors.

Where I've been...

2009-03-13T21:04:00.004-04:00

A little MIA the past few days. A quick little jaunt to New York had me quite busy. I attended a wonderful event a Christie's ... a panel discussion on the future of arts journalism. Truly fascinating ... and optimistic. And was a beautiful setting. Must admit, it was a little difficult coming back this morning.

Constant Comment

2009-03-11T14:27:00.001-04:00

2:30 p.m. A big mug of "Constant Comment" and Newsweek. Such a nice break from work.
{Source.}

DIY Tea bags

2009-03-11T12:12:00.001-04:00

I am enamored with this tea bag project:

She wasn't kidding when she called them the "best"

2009-03-09T21:44:00.003-04:00

It was a lovely evening with friends and chocolate chip cookies ... Dorie's to be exact.

I also packaged a few boxes up for some good friends.

Here's the recipe. You're going to want to replace that old Tollhouse one you have.

My Best Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Dorie Greenspan Recipe

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup light brown sugar
2 tsps pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
12 0z bittersweet chocolate or 2 cups of store bought chocolate chips
1 cup finely chopped nuts

Center a rack in the oven and preheat to 375. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda; set aside.In a large bowl, beat butter on medium speed until smooth (about 1 minute). Add sugars and beat for another 2 minutes or so, until well blended. Beat in vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, beating for 1 minute after each egg goes in. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients in 3 portions, mixing only until each addition is incorporated. On low speed, or by hand with a rubber spatula mix in the chocolate and nuts.Spoon the dough by slightly rounded tablespoons onto the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between spoonfuls.Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool on baking sheet for one minute before transfering to a cooling rack. Makes about 45 cookies.

I also made the oatmeal breakfast bread this week. I was an overacheiver because I was left to my own devices...Mark was finishing The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Spring!

2009-03-09T21:23:00.005-04:00

I am so ready for it! I could have posted photos of tulips (which seem to be everywhere) or another springy flower, but no. For me, it's about dining al fresco and fruity drinks. And my hammock. These are calling my name.

Pillows!

2009-03-09T21:14:00.003-04:00

I am completely in love with this house found on Design*Sponge today. I've posted about Housemartin before, and now we get to see inside pam's house. It's definitely no surprise that it's lust-worthy. Those pillows are perfect, and I think I'm in love with the gray and pink.

Mysterious picture

2009-03-06T20:31:00.001-05:00

I don't remember where this pic came from (forgive me), but I absolutely LOVE it!

Flower show

2009-03-06T20:26:00.002-05:00

I went to the Philly Flower Show with my parents last night, and the highlight of the evening were these miniature landscapes. Aren't they incredible? I think my favorite is the tree house.

My favorite place on earth

2009-03-06T15:01:00.004-05:00

Yep, it's Cape Cod! I would have killed to be married on the Cape, so I'm uber jealous of anyone who was. I love these save-the-dates from Albertine Press. They make me want to start counting down until my vacation this summer!

Thanks to my girl Mary for sending this beauty my way!

I'm making this

2009-03-05T22:37:00.003-05:00

Found on Oh, Hello friend. I'm going to get the pattern tomorrow, purchase fabric on Saturday, and get to work on Sunday. I need a project this weekend.

(Or, you could click on the link above to Oh, Hello friend and enter her wicked cool contest!)

India Rose

2009-03-05T22:30:00.002-05:00

I am completely and totally in love with this duvet. But, unfortunately, the $260 price tag isn't in my budget right now. Do you think I could spice up a simple white duvet? I think I might have to try.

Simply Lovely

2009-03-03T21:28:00.001-05:00

How did I miss this blog for so long? Such inspiration! And, I'm sorry, but I can not resist her little girl!

Ferns

2009-03-02T21:29:00.002-05:00

I LOVE this cake!

{Source.}

New Year's resolutions

2009-03-02T18:32:00.007-05:00

So, I know I'm a couple of months late for this post, but I blame it on my blogging absence. I've actually been quite good about keeping up with this year's resolutions.

One, I'm finding, is particularly popular with my family and friends. Rather than make my yearly promise to loose weigh (which is rarely an attainable goal for me), I decided instead to do a 180, throw caution to the wind, and bake! I've latched on to Tuesday's with Dorie, albeit a little late (I started in mid-January), and just on my terms: one recipe, once a week, any day of my choosing.

If you're in the market for the best baking book, be it for gift or a treat for yourself, this comes highly recommended.

Week 1: Hidden Berry Cream Cheese Torte

Week 2: Peanut Butter Torte

Week 3: Creme Brulee

Week 4: Brownie Buttons

Week 5: Carrot Spice Muffins

Week 6: French Pear Torte

Starting this week I will share my own creations with you!

And a few other resolutions - laugh if you must - 1)gym 3-4 days a week (Seriously, I'm eating a lot of baked goods); 2) read more (see previous entries!) 3) take a knife skills course (I cut myself frequently); 4) do puzzles (I love a big mug of tea and a puzzle, and I rarely take the time to myself); 5) knit more; and 6) cook a rack of lamb (my favorite meal that I've never attempted to make myself).

Cookies and milk = Brilliant

2009-03-02T18:26:00.003-05:00

Found on Kirtsy...adorable baby shower:

I love the stitching on the bags. Such a cute idea.

My latest friend crush(es)

2009-03-02T18:17:00.004-05:00

I wish these bloggers lived by me. We'd be great friends and would get together regularly to drink Mariebelle hot chocolate.

Flags

2009-02-28T07:36:00.002-05:00

Insanely cute, right? I think I'm going to attempt to make.

{Source.}

What's all the fuss?

2009-02-27T08:30:00.007-05:00

Have any of you been following the hub-bub over Gwyneth's Web site and e-mail Goop? I can't exactly say I understand the site, but I kinda like it. It's well designed, the recipes are good, the travel recommendations...fantastic. I've bookmarked a few of my e-mails in the event that I ever go Vegan or have a truckload of money to spend in NYC.

Here's a little more of the back and forth to get you up to speed.

Our hometown newspaper is even writing about it today. I confess, I read it over some one's shoulder on the train.

I love sales!

2009-02-26T21:36:00.003-05:00

Did you know that spending money actually helps with emotional problems? I guess I now fully understand the term "retail therapy." Unfortunately, our current economy isn't really supporting my need. So, I'm shopping the sales! And TJMax and Marshalls ... thank God for Homegoods.

So, dining room renovations, part I... new curtains! On sale for dirt cheap at West Elm. What do you think?

(Oh, and yes...that's a new paint color too. Kind of latte/cappuccino-ish, don't you think?)

I covet...

2009-02-26T21:21:00.004-05:00

That ribbon...

Those boxes...

That chair...

This office!

Hmm, come to think of it, I kinda want to BE Mackenzie Sala.

{Source.}

Snarkiness abounds

2009-02-25T18:49:00.004-05:00

Books get me through it, so I've been a voracious reader lately. And I have a few recommendations that will be coming your way. Today, two:

Bitter is the New Black.

She writes all those things you think but never dare say. And, believe it or not, this one might make you feel a little better about things. Or, it could freak you out if you know a lot of people currently losing their jobs. But heck, either way you with laugh (out loud)! (Bonus: author's blog is a hoot!)

The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo.

This, I promise, you will not be able to put down. But be sure you can clear your calendar for it, because you will be addicted, 50 pages in. You think I'm kidding? Evidence: I woke up at 4 a.m. one Sunday to finish and read straight through until 11 a.m. AND we had guests that weekend!

Lovely pottery

2009-02-25T18:43:00.001-05:00

Loving these organic pieces.

A few lovelies

2009-02-25T18:34:00.002-05:00

We are in the market for some one-of-a-kind artwork for our house ... and what better place to spend hours shopping/hunting that Etsy. Oh, etsy, how I've missed you.

A few that caught my eye:

Rachel Austin

Lori Mirabelli (how awesome is that name!?)

Karen Fields Gallery

Where I've been...

2009-02-25T18:01:00.002-05:00

Where to start? I don't usually like to mix my personal life with my "professional," but alas I feel as though I must explain my absence from this blog. And really, who am I kidding? Everything about this blog is personal! How many times have you all seen my kitchen and wedding pics?

Long story short (operative word), it all comes down to having a little one. For about a year, my husband and I have been struggling with infertility - daily doctor's appointments, injections, and other sordid procedures. It's been an adventure, to say the least; and I've been hidden in this scarred and worried little world, unable to break out, unable to see the light.

I will save you the details of the ebbs and flows of this "journey," but suffice it to say I am learning and growing a lot. I've been very open about this, telling almost anyone who will listen, because I just don't think that people talk about it enough. We are extremely hopefully that good things will happen for us, but that is now out of our control.

So, I hope you will understand why my blog roll has been crowded with fertility blogs lately and why, though I've drafted a million and one posts, I haven't made anything live since Thanksgiving (pathetic, really.) At the end of the day, the bottom line is that blogging made me happy, and I'm trying - very hard - to get back on the horse. I hope you all will forgive an occasional rant, and that I can fill in the space with wonderful finds for the home, kitchen, baby, bride, you-name-it!

(My husband just saw that I was blogging and screamed "YAYYYYY!" Cute, right? Also, he said I should post a picture of my new computer ... another motivating factor to getting on here again!)

Gobble, Gobble!

2008-11-26T12:12:00.002-05:00

Check out this awesome centerpiece idea from Parents Magazine! Isn't he adorable?

Update your bookmarks

2008-11-23T20:45:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers is switching locations! Be sure to bookmark the new blog, Pretty Good. Beautiful, wonderful photographs to make you smile.

Oh, green...

2008-11-18T21:18:00.002-05:00

The most fantastic shoes I've seen in ages...And, you should see the dress! Click below to drool....

{Source.}

I've found the most amazing house

2008-11-09T20:58:00.004-05:00

I'm mesmerized by this tiny little house in the Catskills (formerly a one-room school house.)

More pictures

{Source: Country Living, via Tiny White Bungalow.)

Apple cranberry brandy pie

2008-11-08T21:32:00.006-05:00

I tried out this incredible pie from Sunset magazine this weekend, and I think I've found a definite win for a Thanksgiving pie. Delicious!

Ingredients

1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup currants
1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
About 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
6 tbsp. plus 1 cup unbleached or all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. finely grated fresh orange zest
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
6 cups sliced peeled Granny Smith apples
(about 2 1/4 lbs.)
10-inch pie pastry for a single-crust pie
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1/4 lb.) butter, cut into chunks

Instructions

In a bowl, combine brandy and currants. Cover; let stand until currants are plump, at least 1 hour or up to 1 day.

Pick through cranberries, rinse, and drain.

Preheat oven to 375[degrees]. In a large bowl, mix 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 6 tbsp. flour, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. With a slotted spoon, transfer currants from brandy (reserve brandy) to sugar mixture; add cranberries and apples and mix well. Add more granulated sugar if desired. Pour filling into unbaked pie pastry and drizzle with brandy.

In another bowl, mix 1 cup flour and brown sugar. Add butter and cut in with a pastry blender or rub with your fingers until mixture forms small lumps. Sprinkle topping over filling. Set pie in a foil-lined 10- by 15-inch baking pan.

Bake on bottom rack until juices bubble, 55 to 65 minutes. If pie browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Printing Project I

2008-11-08T21:24:00.003-05:00

I'm helping my best friend with some printed items for her wedding in two weeks, and I'm therefore giving my new printer a run for the money. Project #1: these little tags for the favor bags.

Eleni's

2008-11-08T21:18:00.003-05:00

How cute is this box of wedding cookies from Eleni's New York? I don't know how I resisted it when we were in New York recently. It would make a wonderful surprise wedding treat.

I'm also LOVING these Obama cookies! Great for that upcoming inauguration party in January.

Vote!

2008-11-04T06:52:00.001-05:00

I'm off today and we'll be hitting the streets trying to get out the vote. It could be all about PA today! Fingers and toes are crossed.

My love affair with a printer

2008-11-03T19:04:00.009-05:00

As you may know, I'm an editor on an amazing and wonderful social networking site, Kirtsy. There are many perks to the job, not least of which are the FABULOUS ladies that I work with. Another recent perk was an introduction to the One2One Network, "a national matrix of thousands of socially-connected women who actively promote products and services they believe in."

The introduction came with one pretty spectacular bonus ... a new printer! I was in desperate need of one. Mine was kaput, and I have been forced recently to print invitations and the like from an area printer. Well, phew, those days are in the past. I now have Epson's Artisan 800 All-in-One printer.

You may think I'm just saying fabulous things because I got a new printer ... I'm really not that easily won over, and I totally would have been a crank if this thing wasn't so ridiculously cool.

Here are a few of my favorite features... 1) It has a flat, touch screen. Seriously. 2) It has two printing trays, so I can keep photo paper in it at all times, and switch out my card stocks as needed. 3) The color is AMAZING! I've printed several test pictures, and they are completed lickety-split with absolute flawlessness. You'd never know this was a home printer. 3) It's sleek and easy to use. My husband and I have been fighting over it lately. (No surprise that I usually win out.)

In addition, the printer is WiFi, so I'm literally hooked up now and it's printing upstairs. Pretty stinkin' cool!

So, if you're in the market, be sure to look here for more information! Also, stay tuned because I'm be featuring some printing projects in the next few days!

From time to time you may see product reviews from me now, but I promise you this ... I will not be biased. If I don't think something is up to par, I'm going to warn you! And, if you're interested and have time, be sure to check out the One2One Network and sign up to participate as well!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T10:43:00.001-04:00

{Source.}

Well that's cute, isn't it?

2008-10-29T20:54:00.002-04:00

A simple vase wrapped in a bit of black tulle and tied with a red cord. I love it! An inexpensive way to add flair to an ikea vase.

{Source: Sam Hughes Photography.}

Jose Villa

2008-10-29T20:45:00.005-04:00

Sigh... Jose Villa's blog is incredible. I get very stressed when I watch sports on TV, so I'm distracting myself by poking through some photographer blogs. I think I'll stop with this one and leave the sweet taste in my mouth.

So much inspiration.

(I love this long table amid the barrels at a vineyard.)

(Lace-wrapped pillar candles. Great idea!)

(And, seriously... how cute is that dog!?)

So much beauty.

Photo(s) of the day

2008-10-28T14:21:00.003-04:00

I noticed these two photos on the Mi Belle Inc. blog today, and I just couldn't resist reposting. I'm having a chilly, rainy - and snowy! - day at home with my pooch today, so this is a fitting photo of the day.

(That says, "10 Reasons Why I should have been Best Man" and it was tied around the pups neck. Too cute.)

Seasonal proposal

2008-10-24T15:55:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine from college proposed to his girlfriend recently. I noticed the proposal image on Facebook and just couldn't resist posting. I love it!

Yes, those ARE pumpkins!

Goop

2008-10-23T09:21:00.004-04:00

Hmm, so it seems as though actress extraordinaire Gwyneth Paltrow has started her own Web site: Goop. It's unclear to me at this point all that it will contain, but I thought it was a beautiful layout, so I went ahead and signed up for the "newsletter". Low and behold, in my inbox this morning, a beautiful treat filled with yummy, healthy recipes.

Check it out if you are so inclined and see what you think? I'm excited to see what comes next!

Great Groosman idea

2008-10-18T07:38:00.003-04:00

I'm always looking for great ideas for Groomsmen gifts. It's always harder to shop for a man, and that doesn't change when it's time to shop for a wedding. I came across this picture last night on A Bryan Photo, and I just thought, "Yes!" Brilliant, right?

Yay Leanimal

2008-10-15T22:03:00.002-04:00

I was thrilled with tonight's results. Were you too?

And now we're moving on to the debate...

How will I ever decide?

2008-10-15T07:08:00.001-04:00

It's going to be a busy TV night! Hope I get control of the remote.

New favorite blog

2008-10-14T21:15:00.002-04:00

I recently discovered Armelle, and I'm a HUGE fan! Beautiful photographs, unique DIY projects, and yummy recipes. Definitely check it out!

Love

2008-10-13T21:34:00.000-04:00

...a perfect color for fall. {Source: Martha.}

Awesome greeting cards

2008-10-13T21:20:00.002-04:00

I'd like to give credit where credit is due, but I can't, for the life of me, remember where I saw these today! But, they were too good not to pass on.

Check out Old Tom Foolery for "unsappy, uncrappy letterpress greetings." So clever! (And I love the Christmas cards too.)

A little inspiration

2008-10-09T08:41:00.002-04:00

Speaking of Twigs & Honey, Myra provided a little inspiration to us for my friend's recent wedding. See picture below:

How easy was this to pull off? $2.99 feather from Michael's (seriously). A small square of netting from the fabric store. Three/four bobby pins. It was perfect, simple, and the bride was able to remove the birdcage and keep the feather for the reception!

Jocelyn + George

2008-10-09T08:33:00.003-04:00

I am completely and totally in love with both this wedding and the photographs ... and the rockin' attire! Check out Tiny Water Photography for more incredible pics! Here are just a few of my favorites:

How about that Twigs & Honey shout out!?

I just couldn't resist

2008-10-04T07:45:00.002-04:00

Wedding in your pocket

2008-09-30T20:00:00.003-04:00

I saw these cute books today on one of my fave daily reads: Suffix.Abuse.

Here's the write up from the site. I think they'd make an awesome shower or engagement gift.

What does it take to tell the story of a wedding? In our case, six books. Each book in the wedding series corresponds to a specific event in the process: invitation, welcome, ceremony, etc. A custom illustration by Adam McCauley opens each book, playing on cliche wedding terms (think getting hitched and dropping the anchor). The books combine honesty (ten things you may forget) with humor (how to find a hay barn in town), while maintaining a taste of elegance and tradition.

Fall Wedding Part I

2008-09-30T19:39:00.008-04:00

You may remember a few weeks back I posted an incredible invitation that I received in the mail. The two friends getting married are both architects, with very modern sensibilities, and they chose the unique wedding colors of burnt orange and charcoal gray.

Well, their wedding was this weekend in the Adirondacks (an 8 hours drive for us!), and though it rained/poured on the trip up and back, the wedding day was shining and filled with a rainbow of fall colors.

I will post a full post shortly with all of the wedding details, but one I thought I'd highlight now were their cocktail table decorations: dried slices of blood oranges. The bride purchased a bag of oranges last season, sliced and set them out to dry on cookie sheets. Such a simple and beautiful idea! Don't they look great?

Malibu Wedding Part III

2008-09-29T21:14:00.005-04:00

The festivities started with the cocktail hour, and when we pulled up we were greeted by the bride in a fabulously short BCBG dress and these incredible zebra-striped shoes:

The wedding took place under a huge tree with icicle lights hanging from the branches. It was a glorious setting with the sun setting in the background behind the mountains.

Centerpieces: Purple flowers, moss and artichokes in low, rambling containers, and tall branches with candles hanging from little pots underneath.

Heritage frame table:

The wedding cake! A definite highlight ... detail shots below:

More from Malibu...Rehearsal Dinner

2008-09-29T21:06:00.003-04:00

Another wedding under out belt, and I'm happy to report I'll be home for a while, catching up on life and this blog! So much to accomplish and so many backed up posts to get to. It's probably best to wrap up the Malibu wedding. I hope you'll enjoy these photos ... they don't really do it justice!

The rehearsal dinner took place at an orchid ranch in Zuma Beach. The dahlias, pictured below, were definitely a highlight ... larger than my head! Picnic tables lined the walkways and were beautifully lit up with candles when the sun set.

The green house was filled with orchids, and we were invited to walk through and enjoy them before dinner.

The magnificent evening included a live band, tequila shots and an incredible mexican feast!

A little break from the wedding craze

2008-09-15T15:56:00.003-04:00

Forgive my absence! We're halfway through our fall wedding craze and are just back from a trip to Malibu for an incredible wedding at Saddlerock Ranch. I have a million and one photos to share, but here is just a sneak peak!

What I've been up to...

2008-09-05T16:08:00.002-04:00

I have so many updates ... but I can't resist this quick post. I'm obsessed:

One year ago

2008-08-22T10:04:00.008-04:00

This weekend mark's our one-year anniversary. I can't believe that it's been a year! Cliche to say, but it goes by so quickly.

One thing I feel compelled to say is how wonderful, amazing and fun it's been. I think too often marriage get a bad rep. I've heard a ton of whiners say miserable things and sly comments under their breath, by the reality is - for us and many others that I know - marriage, especially the first year, is AMAZING. For us it's been comfort and freedom, stability and adventure. I just don't think that enough people talk about how exciting it really is.

This weekend, my husband and I will return to where it all started - both our first date location and the place we were married. We'll stay at the Sofitel on Rittenhouse Square, where we'll get to enjoy more of the luxurious bed than we did last year and will order room service and take long naps. And we'll have an over-the-top dinner at Davio's, our reception location. But mostly, I'm looking forward to walking around the city, which I completely have a love affair with. I work downtown every day, but there is something about the feeling of escaping here on a little vacation that makes me swoon.

And now, just because I can - one last time - my favorite pics from our wedding (thanks for indulging me, once again):

{And a little shout-out to our super cool photographers!!}

What did you do to celebrate your one-year anniversary? I'd love to know!

My father's bounty

2008-08-16T10:26:00.005-04:00

Seems that my father has turned into a bit of a farmer in recent years. A trip last weekend to my parents house outside of D.C. left us with this bounty. Every night I've enjoyed either tomatoes, basil and mozzarella salads; homemade tomato sauce; or my husbands favorite, warm tomatoes with sugar.

Vintage bride

2008-08-13T21:00:00.002-04:00

I ADORE this bride's vintage style. And, boy, does she have the figure to pull it off!

{Source: Todd Pellowe}

My style

2008-08-13T20:50:00.002-04:00

Now that's my kind of wedding photo! I usually hate the standard ring shots, but this one is my style!

{Source: Todd Pellowe}

Really cute programs

2008-08-12T21:18:00.001-04:00

I love these (found today on Angelica Glass' blog):

I couldn't resist

2008-08-07T21:07:00.001-04:00

Here's another discovered today from my favorite, Laura Novak:

Love me some shoes

2008-08-06T22:27:00.005-04:00

I love the trend of adding color to a wedding by wearing funky shoes. Following my own wedding, I changed into brown ballet flats with pink polka dots for dancing. A little surprise peaking out from under that gorgeous long dress goes a long way! And it's not just a style trend for the bride ... check out those cheetahs!
{Photos: Mi Belle, Drew B, The Knot}

Invitation wonder

2008-08-06T22:03:00.002-04:00

I have such ridiculously talented friends. The bride and groom from the wedding shower just below sent out their invitations this week. I cheated and picked mine up at their house on Sunday (saving them the $$$ on a square envelope). The invitations were designed, printed and made exclusively by the bride and groom, with paper from Paper Source. Love the gray and orange. Aren't the beautiful!!??

2008-08-06T21:35:00.003-04:00

A few more pics from the couple's shower we hosted two weekend's ago:

I think I enjoyed the margaritas a little too much! The bride - middle - with two of her bridesmaids:

Mmmmm, root beer floats for dessert:

We start to lay the buffet out. Notice all the red and yellow?

The happy couple with all their loot!

Monday Blog Lust {the sugar bar}

2008-08-04T13:51:00.002-04:00

This blog - and bakery - makes me wish I lived in Nashville. Thank god we have friends there and a regular excuse for a visit! The bakery is the brainchild of the incredibly talented Rebekka, whose blog activities I have been following for some time, and the multitalented Michelle Branch, "musician and baker extraordinaire." Yep, THAT Michelle Branch!

This blog is full of delicious eye-candy. Look how cute the packaged cupcakes are!

Coolness envy

2008-08-02T17:05:00.002-04:00

Every once in a while I happen upon a wedding where I think, "Damn. I wish I were their friends!" It happened to me this morning when I came upon these images from Closed Circle Photography. I love the tattoos, the dresses, the tux, the obvious love and spirit.

In my garden...

2008-08-02T16:49:00.001-04:00

Looked what opened up overnight! Aren't they beautiful?