Friends with Flare - Meet Julianna

Julianna is another former superstar intern of mine with exceptional style. She looks like she stepped out of an Anthropologie ad. She landed an awesome summer internship working with top celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez in LA and then is heading back to NYC to start at FIT in the Fall. She stays balanced and keeps her glow by practicing yoga every morning. She also maintains a healthy diet because in order to radiate positivity you have to first start within.  

Dress: H&M, Shoes: Ecote, Hat: Urban Outfitters, Jewelry: Handmade along with a few pieces from the Anthropologie Spring bracelet collection

Tree of Life

Throughout our trip to Thailand and Cambodia Eric was drawn to taking photos of trees. Trees symbolize so many things - life, growth, transformation, fertility, evolution, nourishment, etc. Meditating under a Bodhi tree is when Buddha received enlightenment. I find images of trees really soothing and they remind me of the importance of staying grounded. I wanted to share some of my favorites from our trip.

Naka Island

A large Banyan tree in front of the hotel at Banyan Tree, Phuket

Naka Island

Angkor Wat Jungle Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia

The photographer

A Box Full of Love Notes

My sister-in-law Amy and I were discussing present ideas for my mother-in-law's birthday. My friend Keren always has creative gift ideas so I knew she would suggest something perfect. She told me about a gift her family had recently given her mom - a box full of love notes. We had the whole family write 5-6 notes with what they love most about Lois. We included a mix of notes with funny and heartfelt messages. She absolutely loved the gift and we know it is something she will always cherish. She placed the box next to her bed. It will be a daily reminder of how much she is loved. This is such a cute, easy gift idea that really makes someone feel special. It is a great idea for birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, a bachelorette (filled with naughty notes), bridal shower, baby shower or if you just want someone to know how much you love them.

Box from West Elm

Florida Fun

Eric and I went to Florida to visit his family for the long weekend. Being surrounded by such lush greenery I had to bust out my green skinny jeans. The weather was perfect and the weekend filled with fun. 

Pants: Zara, Shoes: Zara, Top: Club Monaco, Necklace: from my grandma

Orange Crush

Orange Crush by ldewind on polyvore.com

Color Pop

Color is everywhere right now (pastels, neon, bold prints) and I can't get enough of it. At home I typically attract to soothing neutrals but have been inspired to add some bursts of color. Whether through bold pillows, vibrant vases, or a hot accessory I am on the hunt for some fun new pieces for our apartment.

Photo Credit: House Beautiful

Photo Credit: Goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com

Photo Credit: Elle Decor

Photo Credit: Goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com

Photo Credit: Decorpad.com

Photo Credit: Cottagebluedesigns.blogspot.com

Photo Credit: Elle Decor

Photo Credit: Elle Decor

Photo Credit: Alittlebitofflynnlee.com

Good to Eat - Halibut with Asparagus and Shiitake Mushrooms

Easy, simple, healthy and delicious – this dish is perfect for summer and never fails to impress. My mom found this recipe in Men’s Health magazine - her go to source for recipes with simple ingredients that aren’t overcomplicated. This dish takes 5 minutes to prep and is comprised of only 6 ingredients. The fish cooks in aluminum foil and then for a fun presentation can be served in it.
Calories: 252 per serving
http://recipes.menshealth.com/Recipe/sea-bass-with-asparagus.aspx

INGREDIENTS (serves 2):
2 12" squares of aluminum foil
2 fillets (6 oz. each) of halibut, sea bass or another firm white fish
6-8 asparagus spears, woody ends removed
1/4 pound of shiitake mushrooms
1/2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp sweet rice wine or sake
Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS 
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Lay foil pieces on the counter and place a fillet in the middle of each. Then scatter the asparagus, mushrooms and ginger on top of the fish. 

Drizzle each fillet with soy sauce, rice wine and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Fold the foil over the ingredients and crimp the edges to seal.

Place the packets on a large baking sheet and bake 20 to 25 minutes.


This is the best part. Once cooked literally take out of the oven and serve in the aluminum foil.
The foil is such a fun touch - almost feels like you are camping!

Does Anyone Have a Stamp?

I want to introduce you to my best friend Keren. She is the lady behind the stoop sale I covered last week. Keren is one of the most thoughtful people I know. One way she makes everyone feel special is by sending creative cards for all occasions. Every year my husband looks forward to receiving his birthday card from her.

Keren shares her love for card giving:

Maybe it’s just seeing (and critiquing) my own handwriting but I love the old fashioned tradition of sending cards. I mean if you look at the facts:

• I am someone who recently got a phone that can connect to the Internet
• I don't have Facebook
• I have a platinum membership at Hallmark
• I keep a birthday book
• I ask for stamps every year for my birthday

I really don't appear to be part of my generation or much fun for that matter. But I think I just really love cards and I really love sending mail, in an envelope, sent with a stamp not a mouse click.

There is something very special about hand selecting a certain card and message for a friend or family member. I have been known to ask your birthday and address 10 minutes after I meet you. While you may think that's strange, there is no greater feeling than checking the mailbox and seeing something addressed to you that is not a bill or take-out menu.

I send these cards throughout the year (new job, new apartment, new baby, thank you, miss you); in my opinion, birthdays and holidays are just a bonus. Try it - your friends, family and the United States Postal Service will thank you.

Here are some of my favorite card lines:

Rifle Paper Co. http://riflepaperco.com/

Rifle Paper Co. http://riflepaperco.com/

Uncooked http://www.uncookedlandthestore.com/

Fresh Ink

Egg Press http://eggpress.com/

Box from Home Goods where she keeps all of her supplies

Engagement Party - Michelle & Brian

Working in events I’m always on the lookout for cute and creative ideas. While perusing on Facebook I came across these engagement party pics that I had to share. I went to high school with the bride-to-be Michelle. She currently lives in NYC with her fiancé Brian where they will be married this December. Over the past year whenever her fiancé and her would take trips to new places they would explore the local town looking for treasures (so adorable). This is how she found some of her favorite event accents. Looking at her engagement pics gets me excited to see what her wedding has in store. I am sure it will be beautiful and full of special touches. I love how she has the DIY bug. This truly elevates an event and makes it unique and personal.

Handmade signs from one of her bridesmaids

Bridesmaid gifts - "Cheese Cracker Books" from MoMa with colored pencils from Sam Flax.

Placecards that come with an erasable marker so you can reuse (LOVE). She used them as signs. Purchased from a store in Tennessee called The Shoppes on Main (Franklin, TN). She then found more in NYC at Unique Unusuals.

Signs from Michaels. Her dad spray painted and added the stand.

Mercury votive holders from Michaels. Jamali Garden in NYC also has a great selection. 

Letter candy trays from Unique Unusuals (237 East 57th St.-NYC)

The happy couple