Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Dark Side....

 I'm always thinking about and researching "new" ideas for kitchens.
One of the things I've been lusting after lately are dark lower cabinets.

I think they look so fresh and I love the contrast and visual interest they add to regular ol' 
cabinetry.




images via Pinterest.com
What do you think about dark lower cabinets?
Do you love them as much as I do? Or do you prefer your cabinetry to be all one color/finish?

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Wedding Wednesday.....Top Registry Picks



  
 image via Pinterest.com

I thought it'd be fun to give you my thoughts on Wedding Registry.

I've come up with my top few picks across the board, 
and I plan to get more specific in certain categories as I continue this series within a series.

Number One thing I'd register for?
A Kitchen Aid Mixer.

For two reasons. One, it's not something you'd typically buy for yourself.
And two, even if you're not a major cook right now, you'll use it down the road and it makes very pretty counter decor in the meantime.

 I love the mint version.
I understand that some neutralistas out there may want to choose the white or stainless versions,
but really what else in your kitchen will add just the right pop of color?

The next things aren't in any particular order, but I love them all.

Linen Hemstitch Napkins.
If you're entering into married life, and in many cases grown-up life, 
you need to own cloth napkins.
Please oh please don't serve your guests and hand them paper towels.

These napkins from Pottery Barn come in a variety of colors and they're reasonable. I'd consider the ivory or white version and add a fun colored monogram to them.
Maybe a bright green or orange!
 

 I've been lusting after this everyday silver from Williams-Sonoma forever.
It WILL be mine.
Expensive wine glasses ensure that you can serve your guests the cheap stuff 
and they'll barely know the difference.

A Nespresso Machine with Milk Frother.
Saving loads of money at Starbucks will certainely ease the pain of merging finances.
 


And a set of Leontine Bath Linens to fancy up your bath.

What are your top picks in the registry department?
Are you mad for linens or all into cookware?

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The Addition of Fur.


 I've been contemplating adding a fur throw to my bed since last winter.
But spring and summer came quickly, and then it just seemed silly and like something
I'd have to wait forever to enjoy.

 I was originally inspired by the likes of designer Sally Wheat's bedroom.
Everything about it is SO warm and cozy!

I like the depth a fur throw would add to my bed, since
it's currently so light and girly.






images via Pinterest.com
What's your take on the faux fur throw?

Monday, September 24, 2012

Longing for a Country Abode.


I've been lusting over a country house lately.
Something an hour or two outside the city.

Where I could go to relax.


 It's funny, because when I pin ideas for my non-existent dream country house,
I mostly end up with kitchens.






Maybe it's just my longing to spend lazy fall Sundays,
making a big pot of soup and curling up by the fire.

Something about stressful Mondays make you pine for lazy weekends.







Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Wedding Wednesday......In the Circle


So readers, I'm thinking that in this point in our relationship,
we're in what I like to call "A Circle of Trust"

And there is no judgement inside said Circle.

Therefore, I can tell you a little secret.
I have a Google Alert set for "Palm Springs Wedding".

Mainly because it brings me almost daily little tidbits, and pieces of inspiration 
from all over the internets.

If you're getting married (or in my case wanting to get married) somewhere special 
or just want to keep tabs on certain kinds of weddings, I would highly recommend setting a Google Alert.

Anyway, this little alert leaves me with tons of Palm Springs related inspiration.
That I thought I'd share on this glorious Wedding Wednesday.



 



OBSESSED with this cake.
Everything about it is fabulous, right down to the sugar anemonies.



These last two are at The Colony Palms Hotel in Palm Springs.
Which is majorly my obsession right now.
That rusty-red and ivory striped tent is PERFECTION.


Happy Wedding Wednesday!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Wedding Wednesday.....Stay Thirsty my Friends.


I have some VERY thirsty friends.
And when you're buying every round of the night for those friends,
things can get 'spensive.

Enter the signature cocktail.

I feel like people often stray from this idea because they think it makes the 
party look "cheap" or makes cocktail hour boring.

I couldn't disagree more.


Here's how I'd play it.
We'd start the signature cocktail idea before the ceremony
by offering guests a choice of mini champagne or San Pellegrino Limonata.

 Simple, sophisticated, sexy.

Then, during cocktail hour I'd offer a few different cocktail options.
It keeps things fresh, and since you're not having to buy a ton of the same liquor,
you can purchase a few bottles of each and be good to go.

I would serve my/my girl's favorites....

 
The Greyhound

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz grapefruit juice
  • lemon or lime wedge for garnish
  • (Salted rim makes a "Salty Dog")
recipe via about.com

The French 75......also known as My New Obsession

2 ounces gin
1 ounce lemon juice
1 teaspoon simple syrup
Champagne
Shake gin, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice, and strain into a champagne flute. 
Top with champagne, and garnish with a long, thin lemon spiral.

 

The Vodka Martini

1 1/2 oz vodka
3/4 oz dry vermouth

Shake vodka and vermouth together with several ice cubes in a shaker. Strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with an olive or lemon peel and serve.

Then, I would throw a few "manly" cocktails in.

Like a Jack & Coke


 Or you could get creative and serve the classic cocktail 
in a slushie version


And, if you're located in the South,
It's just good measure to keep Scotch on hand.


If your man is anything like mine, 
I would have a couple craft beers on tap.




And of course Red and White wine, 
for the winos in attendance.

Since these options leave you with Vodka, Gin, Champagne, Whiskey and Scotch on 
hand, I would decant the remaining liquor not used for cocktails into some attractive glass bottles.
And maybe re-create this lovely label below.


If you're really concerned about everyone getting the exact drink they want,
I would purchase a few standard mixers: Diet Coke, Soda, Tonic Water, etc.
You can add these mixers to the liquors decanted.

And instead of plastering your names on coasters,
why not add drink recipes?

images via Pinterest.com

I adore these coasters from Steel Petal Press!