Berry Me?
I'm going to apologize now because in a minute some drool will plopping down at your keyboard. You can't help it when you see what's below, especially if you're a Raspberry lover. Summer is here and this fruit is the perfect treat or addition. While you can find these precious fruits year round, Raspberries are plentiful and most flavorful during late spring and summer. Now :) The more plump and firm they are, the more delicious and sweet!
Looking to wow that special someone or say a little Thank You? Then try one of these sweet ideas below. I got you covered from Breakfast to Dessert and decor. Now you can plan that raspberry themed day ;) Okay, I may be pushing it but with recipes below you will want too!
Sweet Summer
Breakfast: Buttermilk Pancakes with Raspberry toppings
Lunch: Pear Raspberry Bruschetta
Dinner: Grilled Chicken w/Almond & Raspberry Relish
Floral: Vibrant Peonies and Raspberries
Favors: Raspberry Jam
Drink: Champagne with a Raspberry
Treats: Raspberry Marshmallow Sorbet, Pink Meringue Cupcakes with Raspberry Curd, Raspberry Cupcakes
The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge a Golden Treasure!!!
So I recently celebrated my 22 birthday with a special friend and our first stop was the Whisper Restaurant and Lounge! Loved the service, the food and the decor. The restaurant decor has a romantic feel with dim lights and and intimate settings. 
Located at the Grove LA in West Hollywood I have a feeling this golden treasure is going to become a celeb hot spot fast!
Celebs such as KimKardashian, Kris Jener and the whole cast of DWTS (which were in attendance on my bday!) are constantly spotted dining at this 1940's inspired restaurant.
The best part about this new celeb hot spot is that the prices are affordable! If you are looking for a great lounge to relax and grab a drink at or take your honey on a romantic night out check out the Whisper Restaurant and Lounge. I give them two thumbs up and all around golden stars!
P.S. I recommend the blueberry lemon-drop martini its to die for!
to my friend who made this possible Merci Beaucoup!
Keep Calm And Carry On.
I absolutely love this collection and saying. The Keep Calm And Carry On collection was made famous by the 1939 WWII poster in order to keep peace in Britain. This classic saying has been made popular nowadays for its simple, yet profound meaning. Something we all need to remind ourselves once in awhile. Don't forget to check out the famous poster replicas on Amazon or Etsy. I found these items at one of my all time favorite stores, Paper Source. The perfect place for all your stationary and arts and crafts needs. I can honestly spend hours on their site!
My new toy!
Introducing my new toy, grown-up toy at that! :) My awesome boyfriend knows how much I love stationary (basically anything arts and crafts) and got me this Letterpress Kit for Christmas. Which due to high demand, I just received it in the mail a few weeks ago! Talk about forever! I was getting a little frustrated, but they threw in an extra plate of designs which was nice (which is in backorder and still waiting for!).
Anywho, I tried it out and absolutely love it. It's great for making Thank You Cards, Business Cards to Wedding Invitations. A lot of work let me tell ya, but so worth it to receive a custom letterpress card. I'm in the process of making a custom plate with my own designs and can't wait to make personalized cards for my friends and fellow colleagues. I will you show once my masterpiece is done! ;)
My first note cards (via twitter @ericaespana):
From the Lifestyle Crafts Blog:
They have a lot of inspiration. How pretty are these simple note cards?
Frame your love
Don't know what to get your cutie? Show your love by framing it. Etsy is great for finding personalized love frames and scoring a deal! These frames are too cute to pass up! All $20 or less. Last item comes framed at $14.
1. Personalized Love Silhouette Print
3. r + n
My Quest Begins: Calligraphy
This weekend I decided to begin my quest to learn how to do calligraphy. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, "Calligraphy is a type of visual art and often called the art of fancy lettering" (Wikipedia, 2010).
As you may know, I work in the wedding planning industry and always looking to expand my knowledge in the different fields. I've always loved to write and constantly receive compliments on my handwriting, so I've decided Calligraphy is something I should try and hopefully perfect. I prefer handwritten notes instead of the computer. I'm always the one offering to write down the directions or fill out a form. Call me crazy, but I love writing. I even have that bump on my right index finger... Sooo, I bought a starter kit and sample pens to learn the basics. Boy, let me tell you there's a lot to learn! It is hard work. I want to learn the terminology and have a little practice before I take an actual calligraphy class. I'm hoping Paper Source will have one soon! So far none offered in February & March :(
If you have any words of wisdom, please do share (kits? books? Advice?) Thanks! I will keep you updated on this adventure of mine. To be continued...
Ladies, Words to Live By
You know girls, there comes a time when you need some words of inspiration and advice. It helps especially through some tough times or when you need a little reminder to not sweat the small stuff. Whether it's a breakup, you're crushing, a career decision, or simply feeling low, reminding yourself of some great quotes really goes a long way. I have the thank the ladies of Sex and the City for being icons and paving the way for women to be strong, courageous, and real. Ya ya, it's just a show and they are just characters, but the writers are real women relating to real women... Here are some of my all time favorite quotes from SATC:
"But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.”
"No matter who broke your heart, or how long it takes to heal, you'll never get through it without your friends."
"I'm looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love."
"The most important thing in life is your family. There are days you love them, and others you don't. But, in the end, they're the people you always come home to. Sometimes it's the family you're born into and sometimes it's the one you make for yourself."
"I admit it's tempting to wish for the perfect boss, or the perfect parent, or the perfect outfit, but maybe the best any of us can do is not quit. Play the hand we've been given and accessorize the outfit we've got."
What are your favorites?
P.S. Here's the official trailer for the SATC 2: The Movie, in theaters May 28th, 2010.
Create Your ‘Pretty’
Everyone has their own definition of pretty and now you can create your own 'pretty' with Style Me Pretty's inspiration vision boards. Perfect for the aspiring event planner, bride to be, party hostess, or creative person inside of you!
First sign up for an account at circle.stylemepretty.com. Under the ME section, click on Inspiration Boards and from there you can create a 'vision'. You can choose how you would like your template set up, then you can add your own images or sort through the hundreds of photos provided by all kinds of vendors on Style Me Pretty's website. It's that easy!
Here's one Inspiration Board I made for my love of vintage and shabby chic. From the silver votives, feather and rhinestone hair clip, chandeliers, peonies, and paper lanterns this would be a dreamy, chic wedding. A few of my favorite things!
Make it a DIY Project.
I'm such a sucker for quotes and personalization. So when I came across this website, Wonderful Graffiti, I had to share the goodness! I also like to play interior designer and always on the lookout for inspiration and ways to add personal touches to any room. Wonderful Graffiti has great vinyl decals for any occasion. Below are a few of my favorites from the site's photo gallery. How cute is the I love you message? A great daily reminder for someone special in your life.
Want to go a step further and have a little fun?
Here are two ideas that I want to get going on asap! A simple project is adding a simple word/quote or monogram to a mirror. I personally love the victorian theme and picked the mirror below as an example. Another idea and along the same lines is buying a blank canvas and painting the canvas the color of your choice. Acrylic paints are the best bet! Again a great quote or my favorite a monogram design will look great on the canvas. However, the sky's the limit so get creative! I can see these great wall arts in a room, living room, at a wedding reception or given as a gift!
A lil bit of fortune
Who knew the fortune cookie would be so versatile. I know for me its always been the favorite part of my chinese meal. And always comparing your fortune with the others around you and choosing who has the best. Oh, the happiness it can bring!
Look how cute the fortune cookie can be... Beau-coup, a stylish favors company, has these modern, silver plated fortune cookie place holders. Such a great conversation starter and decor item to add instant style to your dining party. The custom, edible favors are also by Beau-coup and are perfect for guests, a dessert item, or dinner trivia. Create a custom message for inside and design for the outside. And not but least, the fortune cookie proposal. A great way to surprise your partner and pop the question. Too cute for words!
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