Someday...A Children's Book that Tugs at Your Heart

Before my son was born, my Mom gave me a book called Someday by Alison McGhee and Peter H Reynolds.  For new mothers out there, this is one of those books that tug at your heart.  The book describes what each parent would want for her child - to live life in all its glory, to experience the highs and lows, that someday, they too will become parents and we will someday be remembered by them. 

Photo courtesy of amazon.com, $9.78

Food Styling: Every Detail and Every Morsel Counts

When we eat, we not only arouse our taste buds but also awaken the rest of our senses.  Food should not only taste good but also look good.  Food styling isn't restricted to photo shoots anymore.  Impress your guests when entertaining at home with easy, low-cost, yet high-impact details that make the food your serve even more appealing.  Using organic items that can be found in your backyard or refrigerator is an easy way of adding small details that are high impact.  Play with colors and let the inner stylist in you shine!

Photo courtesy of redthreadperweek.blogspot.com.

Photo courtesy of laraferroni.com

The Trench Dress by Emerson Made...A Definite Must-Have

I just love the versatility and chicness of this Emerson Made Trench Dress.  You can dress it up or go casual; you can't go wrong with it whether you're in heels or cute flats.  This is one of those classic dresses you can keep in your closet forever.  Available on EmersonMade.com for $228.

Photo courtesy of www.emersonmade.com

Spring Trends for Your Home

Though it may not seem like spring is merely a few weeks away - New York still getting some snow and the possibility of SF getting a snowflake or two (if they do it'll be the first time in 30 years) - who says you can't start putting that spring touches to your home?  Fashion trends for spring 2011 range from eclectic chic to bright colors and patterns while channeling the 70s era. 

This Bull's Eye Silk Pillow Cover I found on www.westelm.com is the perfect accent for the living room.  Neutral colors and print that exude the 70s!  $34.00

News is that Kate Middleton loves to cook and entertain.  Won't this Kensington Gardens Apron look fabulous on her in their soon-to-be Kensington Palace home? Available on www.shopruche.com for $39.99.

Photo courtesy of www.paper.li

       

Eclectic chic fashion trend translated to your living room.  Mix of prints and solids with a pop of teal and yellow invokes a spring/summer feel.                          

Elements of a Perfect Day: Overcast in London with the Genius of Christopher Bailey and Amazing Adele..Topped Off With a Sprinkling of Snow!

Fifteen minutes before the live streaming of Burberry's Fall 2011 Show, the world was a-twitter and counting down to the start of London Fashion Week's much anticipated show.  Fur and plaid, were definitely in play; but I love the leather details on some of the pieces.  Here are my favorite looks from the Shrimpton Collection (named after Jean Shrimpton)...how lucky!  The cashmere cable knit coat is only a dream...

Left to Right:
Wool Coat with Oversized Rain Shield, $2,795; Trench Coat with Leather Bound Seams, $3,995; and Mink Fur and Cashmere Cable Knit Coat, $14, 995. Available at http://www.burberry.com/.

Ah, It's So Spring and Girly....Honeysuckle!

Honeysuckle is considered to be a bold, vibrant color that exudes confidence and courage.  What a great inspiration for that pop of color in any room, a color motif for that spring/summer wedding, or accessory.  Here are my finds:

http://www.formal-invitations.com/pink-wedding-invitations.html

 

Photo courtesy of www.occasionscaterers.com

 

 

Photo by: www.orangecirclestudio.com
 

 

 

 

 

A Literally Casual Dressy Outfit

Just browsed the latest stuff they have at Anthropologie and I immediately fell in love with this dress.  It's a literal take on a dressy casual outfit.  The Marni satin peep toe flats and Lanvin Amalia handbag in blush add just that pop of color.

Incorporated dress, $118 at www.anthropologie.com

Marni Satin Peep-toe Flats in chocolate brown, $480 at www.net-a-porter.com

Lanvin Amalia in Blush, $1,985 at www.polyvore.com

Photos courtesy of:
www.anthropologie.com
www.net-a-porter.com
www.polyvore.com

Just Lovely!

I passed this lovely lavender store in one of the quaint alleys in Florence.  Naturally, all the women I toured with all took a snap.  So cute, isn't it?

Degustation: Venezia Style

I wanted to share with you all my very memorable New Year's eve dinner in Venice.  The basic ingredients truly highlight the natural flavors of each seafood dish.  Needless to say, I enjoyed every morsel.  Italian cooking has truly inspired me to highlight the key ingredient and not overpower it.  When I cook, I try not to use more than five ingredients in a dish. 

Starting Anew

I was inspired to finally do things that I want to do, to busy myself with meaningful tasks, and to see the silver lining in the day-to-day grind that make up our lives.  At a time of darkness, I seek the light; at a time of despair, I seek hope; at a time of ugliness, I seek beauty.

I hope that a year from now, I will be able to re-visit this statement and say to myself - yes, I did seek the beauty in life..and it's never been better.  Happiness and beauty lie within.