Dog Days

After packing my office and my apartment on Friday afternoon, moving Saturday, John's Masters Recital on Sunday and our office move this morning, I'm exhausted! Of course, our super speedy move means there's no internet at our new pad, so I'm enjoying a moment of peace and quiet at a cute coffee shop! I promise I'll be back up and running soon; you have no idea how much I miss your wonderful blogs, your brilliant discoveries and your charming stories (not the mention Netflix and my email on a big ol' screen)!

In the meantime, I've got to get through a few dozen work emails and squeeze in a nap before we send off John's parents tonight! What have I missed this weekend? Tell me everything!

Fish House Punch

Lately I haven't been featuring cocktail recipes in favor of other Friday night treats, but after this week, I think a drink is in order! I chose this Fish House Punch in honor of our dear friend A.J. who is visiting San Francisco this week; our favorite thing to do was pick out horrifying cocktail recipes for each other and have John whip them up, but we passed on this punch because it sounded too delicious!



Fish House Punch

Dissolve 1 pound of loaf sugar with just enough water for the purpose, add 1 quart lemon juice, and let these steep together for about 1 hour.

In a separate container, preferably a large jug, blend 2 quarts Jamaica rum, 1 quart cognac, and 4 ounces peach brandy, diluted with about 1 1/2 quarts water. Cover the jug tightly to prevent evaporation and let the liquors steep.

Merge these two mixtures in a punch bowl containing a large block of ice. With an occasional gentle stir, let them brew for 2 hours. Taste for strength; if insufficiently diluted, add water. On a warm day, the melting ice will need little assistance if any. In wintry weather, it might need a quart.


Notes: As a concession to present-day palates, the traditional pound of loaf sugar may be, and I understand generally is, reduced to 3/4 pound.

The peach brandy called for in this recipe was likely significantly drier 300 years ago, when the recipe was first developed. Try a peach eaux-de-vie to make your punch as similar as possible to the original. Cheers!


Recipe via Gourmet, photo by Romulo Yanes.

A Slice of Sunshine

Anyone else in the mood for a big slice of cake today? This lemony confection topped with the sweet spray of baby's breath is just what I needed this morning! And that ruffled cake stand-heavenly!

Are you a fan of colored cakes, or do you prefer your buttercream the old fashioned way?

Photo by Tec Petaja.

Beholden

I'm sure you've all seen BHLDN's gorgeous gowns by now, but I just can't get this one out of my head! It's been calming me (along with decaffeinated tea and episodes of the Bachelor) during this supremely busy week-Sunday is John's first Masters Recital! I thought I'd only be singing one set, but at the last minute it looks like I'm pitching a double hitter, and we had our first rehearsal just last night! To add to the craziness, two of my favorite people (who just so happen to be John's parents) arrive this morning, so I hope you'll forgive me if I'm a little absent this week! I'll be rehearsing, enjoying their company and trying to decide what to wear come Sunday afternoon!

a Golden Shoesday

These golden flats by Kate Spade are the perfect way to celebrate San Francisco's sunny weather, and will hopefully help warm everyone up this morning! Would you wear a pair of ballet flats on your big day, or did you get some lift from a pair of high heels?

Photo by Sweet Monday Photography.

Sunshine

I'm off to a lazy start this morning, thanks to the President's Day holiday and a cozy, warm bed to curl up into. With all the rain we've had in San Francisco, these cheerful blooms are the perfect pick-me-up; who can resist sunny yellows and wildflowers? And I'm wild for those mason jars painted a simple shade of cream, aren't you?

Photo by the Other Angle Photography.

Callie and Cason

Wanna know what a Style Me Pretty girl's wedding looks like? Callie, a Little Black Book guru, could have scored her job on these stunning photos alone!

Callie and Cason were married at her parents' home, and crafted most of the wedding by hand to ensure that each of the 180 guests felt like they were attending an intimate dinner party, rather than an over-the-top fête. The bride wore a Vera Wang gown and two garters, one her grandmother's garter worn in 1951, with the original penny still sewed on. Her bouquet was tied with her grandmother's handkerchief and wrapped with lace from her mother's wedding hat, in a nod to her family's many happy marriages. Bridesmaids wore Priscilla of Boston gowns, and Callie gave her groom sailboat cuff links in honor of his dream to go on a great sailing adventure.

The two were married on the front porch, were Cason proposed, and Callie made her entrance in a 1950's Chevy truck. After the ceremony, guests headed to a tent across the lawn, where sweet tea and margaritas were served. Party Thyme Catering provided an elegant Southern repast, and the buttercream confection and chocolate-covered groom's cake were promptly devoured. Katy House of Flowers arranged blush roses and ivory hydrangeas to match the bride's bouquet and the wreaths hung on the front door, and Abigail Seymour was on hand to capture each exquisite moment. Just lovely, don't you agree?

Sweet Saturday

I'm delighted to find that it's Saturday, and have every intention of enjoying a whole day with my sweetheart! Tell me, what are your plans today? If you're eager for some seriously stunning eye candy, take a peak at this amazing Singapore shoot by the über-talented girls of Simply Bloom!

Horray for Friday!

It's been a big week over here (but much, much less exciting than the one before), and I'm ready to celebrate! While you'll catch me sipping a piña colada or an Airmail on Friday evenings, you'll just as often find John and I tucking into classic ice cream sundaes. We love hot fudge and walnuts with organic vanilla bean ice cream from Straus Family Creamery or Three Twins-tell me, how do you like your ice cream?

Photo via Eat Drink Chic.

Romantic Ranunculus

I'm constantly amazed by all I learn about flowers from week to week, and the combinations of petals that floral artists bring together just delight me! This bouquet, a combination of pale pink ranunculus and roses in shades of ivory, pink and celery is absolutely gorgeous, don't you agree?

Floral design by Denise Fasanello, via Wedding Chicks.

A Shower of Love for Steph!

Miss Steph is getting hitched this week, and we decided to shower her with some of our very best advice for a happy marriage! Sending her all my love this week, and anxious to see photos of what will surely be a gorgeous wedding!

To join the other lovely ladies (and some of my favorite bloggers) who are celebrating Steph's upcoming nuptials, visit:

Erin from Sparkle & Hay
Alicia from The Charity Wedding
Claire from A Realistic Wedding
Magalie from the Demoiselle
Naomi from Enchanted Dream Weddings
Christina from Postcards & Pretties
Kim from Bride Goggles
Kristi from Luna & Chloe
Aleah & Nick from Valley & Co.
Jacin from Lovely Little Details
Lauren from Every Last Detail
Abby from Life in the Superburbs
Gaby from Cap Classique
Sofia & André from Brancoprata
Kate from Ruby & Willow/Magnolia Rouge
Tami from Fabulously Wed

Sweet Scrolls

I've fallen hard for the work of graphic designer Cynthia Warren-it's hard not to! Best of all, she's a frequent collaborator with Bay Area favorite Chez Panisse, and the combination of her gorgeous papers and Alice Watter's farm-fresh food makes my heart beat faster!

A Romantic Tuesday

A gorgeous pair of petal pink Louboutins, snapped by Marie Labbancz of Art of Love Photography. Doesn't think photo make you want to simultaneously swoon and bake?

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you're having a beautiful day, and know how much I adore each and every one of you, darlings! Tell me, how are you celebrating love today?

Valentine via The Graphics Fairy.

Diane and Elson

This darling wedding felt like the perfect choice for Valentine's Day; sweet, romantic, with plenty of heart, and plenty of heavenly photographs to dive into! This Toronto wedding was actually the bride and groom's second wedding-they celebrated first with an intimate Los Angeles wedding, then threw a big party for their friends and family in Canada. Bride Diane made every detail herself, from pom poms to table numbers, favors, table runners and stands for the dessert table!

She had help from Melissa Samborski of One Fine Day Event Planning, and relied on Aimee Del Rosario to seamlessly blend her vintage look and modern aesthetic. Dolled up in a tea-length Melissa Sweet Reverie dress and darling Vivienne Westwood peep toe pumps, Diane was the very picture of a 50's bride! Their joyful reception was held at Toronto's Archeo, and Zach Hertzman of Mango Studios captured each stunning moment to perfection.