The Monday Munchies

This weekend I discovered 479 Popcorn in a specialty food store. My hubby claims they also have it at Peets Coffee Shops and they carry a variety of flavors. Anyway, we chose the Black Truffle and White Cheddar and I have to say it is quite delicious and ALSO since we are new to CA (well me more than my husband, since he was born and raised here) it is really nice to familiarize myself with Californian products and to try one that is so delicious and is handmade in San Francisco (near us, yay!) is quite fun.

I just visited the website and it says the tasty stuff is on Oprah's O list which I think makes it deserving a try! I love the packaging, the tasty but not overwhelming flavor...nom nom

Happy monday and happy eating! Go out and try some of this yummy stuff or if you can't find it, make your own and add some luxurious truffle oil or other tasty topping. Be creative. It is so worth it!

A nice write-up on this blog and here is another little something else

A New England Summer

I've been repeating the same tune lately and that is-moving from DC to CA, having lots of weddings back East, losing a dear family member, and I am trying to get caught up/settled in my new life on the West Coast. Because of what a crazy summer it has been, I am behind on my posts and since I definitely want to savor a little more of summer's loveliness before it slips away bear with me a little longer as I stretch out summer in my next few posts.

I will always love a New England Summer~

The images below are all I need to remind me of my hometown and what I associate with my New England Summer.

goodbye summer, hello fall! (Californian fall, that is)

Our 1 Year Anniversary Weekend

Kate and Brad's Waterfront Wedding

Inspiration Board

Venu: Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club

Mood/Details: Kate described their vision as Romantic Garden, Vintage, Whimsical, and Fun. The colors helped to set the tone for their vision in using soft pinks, greens, and cream with accents of silver and gold. We used lace as an accent detail that appeared on paper (programs, escort cards, etc), wrapped around candles on the guest tables, and we pulled vintage linens that were in the family to use on the guest book table and dessert station. Centerpieces looked like they were hand picked out of the garden and we picked vintage looking chargers, and gold rimmed glasses, that really brought all the details together on the tables.

Collaboration:
Coordination: True Event
Photographer: Steve Depino
Florist: Hana Floral Design
Stationary: Chocolate Creative Design
Beauty: Jennie Fresa Beauty Library
Dress: White Dress by the Shore
Videography:The Light Mill
Rentals: Rentals Unlimited & Party Rental Ltd.
Tent Decor/Lighting: Ryan Designs
Photobooth: Photobooth Planet
Music: Hank Lane

9/11 Reflections

I have been all over the place this summer-East Coast to West Coast, West Coast to the East Coast. It makes one dizzy with all of the back and forth I have been doing. I am finally back in CA and definately need to get on the blog wagon because I have soo much I want to share and so many things I've seen or done that I feel are worth of a post.

Anyway, for now...lets all take a minute to think back to 9/11 and thank and appreciate all of the brave souls who gave their lives for this great country, America. God Bless. The memory of what happened 10 years ago was definitely absorbed in me this past weekend as I traveled from MD to CA. We were delayed for hours as Obama was flying back to DC and flights were moved around and taken on different paths in order to keep our President safe. The experience of 9/11 certainly loomed in the hearts of everyone you could read it just by looking around. I felt proud to see the Southwest crews in American flag ties, sporting "we remember" stickers with the background being our American flag and it felt as though things were happening a little in slow motion as people couldn't help but look at the tv monitors plastered with memorial services, they stopped to remember and minds were fogged with images of unhappier times. I even felt a little apprehensive about flying, my heart heavier and my desire to snuggle up to my husband a more pressing. I even found myself texting and calling my family and friends to tell them "I love you" an extra time, just because.

Hard to believe my hubby's birth date was the day before this horrible day filled with so much loss and sacrifice. Even harder to imagine that it was just the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

I will never forget that dark day. I was in Spanish class in high school and I remember joking around with my friend Sam and the next thing I knew there were images of smoke and people jumping out of buildings. A big black cloud descended over that sad September day. I am forever grateful for each and every American who fights for this country each and every day.

I love this State Farm Commercial. I saw it on tv and had to google it to see who created it. It sure brings NYC alive for me and I love the interaction between the firefighters and the children. It is truly a beautiful depiction of New York's defining images, resilience and love.

Never forgotten. Forever grateful.

C&C's Wedding

Engagement Photo Bliss

I love the playfulness of this photo

loveys

have to have a logo to put everything together and also to capture the feel of your wedding--heart the C&C, especially since their last name will be C too, C cubed, I love it!

Carey said her dress does not have a drastic sweetheart neckline and she will be wearing a sash around hers

the back of her dress...love love love the buttons

(I guess I'm bias since I had them on mine too!)

an inspiration board put together by the bride herself, a job well done for sure~

trying on my dress, a little dark but it fits like a glove!

my mom wrapped my votives in lace for my wedding and they were spectacular, she did these for C&C's and I love the button accents she put on them. Mom-you rock!

My brother is getting married in a few weeks in upstate NY to his college sweet heart and I love how their names pair together, Carey and Chad, how perfect, right?! :) More than their names being perfectly in line, they are a wonderful pair who are very much in sync and I wish them a lifetime of love and happiness. I love you guys xoxo

Their wedding I would describe as French Country. The colors are peach, rose, tangerine, cream with gold accents

The Rehearsal Dinner will be held at The Lodge at Bristol Harbour which has a very rustic feel to it and has amazing views of Canandaigua Lake on the Finger Lakes. My mom (aka Martha Stewart) is playing off this feel by doing sunflower arrangements, black and white linens, wrapping votives with black and white and a sunflower image, wooden boards with chalkboard paint for table seating. I know she will pull it all together so it looks quite fabulous!

The ceremony will be held at The Third Presbyterian Church in town and from there guests can walk to the reception venue

The reception will be held at The Genesee Valley Club. It is hard to find photos that do this place justice so look here if you need to see some more photos for now-I'll have some more shots when I get back from the wedding. The club has a lovely covered terrace where dancing will occur and cocktails. Inside the walls are covered in blue toile and it definitely has a French feel and will be perfect for their affair.

Beauty, heartfelt vows, tears, dancing and watching two people and two families come together. I CANT WAIT!

To C&C!!~

Carey and me the morning of my wedding back in September 2010

Weekend Cool

Whether its jeans and a straw hat like Katie Holmes or a floral number w/ textured slacks and trendy leopard heels like Rachel---try one of these looks to stay comfortable and chic this weekend!