First day on the new job...

...and I come home with these beauties. So far we're off to a good start.

On cloud nine

We have a few weddings to attend this year and I am super excited about this newly wed gift combo I've pieced together out of shear inspiration:

to start the day right:
The Breakfast Book via Orangette

to end the day in style:
Mr. & Mrs. cocktail glasses set from Furbish Studio

and because you're on cloud nine:
cookie cutter cloud by Herriot Grace (recipe here)

What I am loving right now

As if eating cheese wasn't enjoyable enough, this adorable and bright and colorful cheese knife set had to waltz its way across my path.

And here we have a Springing Sprigs Candelabra for the festive Solstice celebration I have planned (this in lieu of an honest to goodness fireplace, though the hub reminded me tonight we do have The Happy Holiday Hearth - a Virtual Fireplace for all Occasions that we can get roaring as a quasi-suitable replacement for the real thing). But my vote is for the Springing Sprigs Candelabra.

Or I could go in a totally different direction with the Swedish Advent Candleholder. Kind of folksy.

Speaking of Sweden, did you know I am Swedish? Maybe that's why I am so drawn to these lovely porcelain trays, perfect for almond cake they say, which I happen to have a recipe for.

Not only am I Swedish, I am Native American, too. My Mississippi roots. Perhaps that's why this compelling trio of Feather Powered Prints caught my eye. Yes. I love them.

Finally, I totally heart this wooden Christmas Nativity and the coordinating alpine-esque trees. Well done.

And on a totally different note, I recently came across this fantastic idea for decorating cupcakes and muffins. Great, huh? Can't find original source - if you know please clue me in!

What's on your wish list this year?

Hero Bags

I came across these bags in a recent Bon Appetit magazine and grew instantly smitten.

Imagine packing your noon day meal in a Pork Lunch Tote...
...Or bringing a hostess gift in one of these?
Aren't they fun?! These carriers are completely reminiscent of the standard canvass reusable totes, but have a quirkiness to them that sets them apart. I'll take one of each!

A nice reminder

My order is in for one of these darling little posters. The reminder is quite apropos these days, wouldn't you say? Plus, who doesn't love a cute little home-away-from-home on wheels to day dream about!?

Fishs Eddy

It's love at first sight, for sure. I stumbled across this store in the new online magazine LonnyMag and I think I want one of everything.

It's a shop brimming with wonderfully quirky kitchen ware, like carnival dishes and liberal & conservative politicians mugs. These folks even carry NYC skyline napkin rings and Happy Birthday platters and collectible glassware.

Is it too late to register for wedding gifts here?

Favorite scent of the season

Hands down: fresh lemons and rosemary. Equipped with a bountiful garden overflowing with these two fragrant edibles, I’d fill every room in the house with clear glass bowls of the citrus-y fruit and hang robust bunches of the sweet herb from every rafter. I’d sneak lemon and rosemary into every delectable treat to come out of my kitchen (shortbread, home-made lemonade, chicken with white wine & butter…). I’d be in sweet bliss all summer long. Ahhh.

Now, these are my favorite natural, straight-from-the-earth, no-modifications-necessary scents. If I could wear them together as a perfume I would. But since I’ve yet to come across this magical fragrance off-the-shelf, I’ve found something close that I like almost as much: Olive Oil Coriander lotion from Williams Sonoma. Yes.

Recently I happened upon this lovely concotion at the store near my office and am hooked! This amazingly subtle and sweet summery scent goes on clean and quiet without blossoming into an overwhelming cloud of fragrance. And hey, its two feature ingredients are edible! How ‘bout that?As I’m not big on perfumes or strong lotion scents, this one suggests the hint of something extra (besides my natural essence) without being too much. It’s just right.

Feathery Flowers

My friend Abby is considering donning one of these lovely hair accessories at her wedding later this summer.

I could also see them pinned to a jacket, purse, or shoes (flip flops anyone?) to add a nice decorative burst of flare. (image from Piper Ewan's sassy Etsy Shop)