Wild Flowers

Every time my husband gives me flowers, I'm sure he's partly horrified that I immediately take off all the leaves and chop them down to fit tightly and neatly into a vase.  But lately, I've been seeing arrangements with the leaves left on, standing a bit tall and I'm liking it...I especially love them in the last image:

{Images 1,2 via, 3 via}

Peppermint Meringue

In the new Martha Stewart Living magazine, there is an updated version of these Peppermint Meringues.  These were two kissing dollops filled with chocolate.

And now they are little nests filled with ganache.  Would love to try and make these cuties!

We Are Happy To Serve You

It's finally staying chilly here in Dallas so all I can think of is how I can get The City Bakery to deliver hot chocolate to me all the way down here.  Maybe if I add marshmallows to my order it will meet the minimum dollar amount?  Oh, how I wish!        

This watercolor image also makes me think of coffee.  When I lived in NY, I would take the bus down 5th Ave and duck into Broadway Deli for my morning coffee and bagel before heading into work.  I love the iconic Anthora Cup and have wanted to order the ceramic version for a long time now from MoMa.

  

{First image via Caitlin McGauley}

Keepsakes

"Queen Victoria Dined On It"

**

"Princess Diana Delighted In It In Her Christmas Stocking"

It is none other than Herend.  And when I hear the word, I think of my mom, who has a small collection of their precious figurines.  I don't want to give you the impression that she is a nutty collector...she has them tastefully mixed in amongst her super fun (for a girl) dressing table.  When Stella was born, my mom, who Stella calls "Darling" (she came up with that all on her own - crazy cute, I know) gave her her very first Herend...a little pink bunny.  I know Stella will cherish it forever.       

My keepsakes aren't in porcelain form.  I have things in the kitchen that were passed down that I love every time I cook or bake.  Like a bowl with painted cherries on it or a glass pie dish.  They make me smile.  Do you have a treasured keepsake that was given to you that makes you smile? 

Papel Picado

I got married in Los Cabos, Mexico so our wedding party upon our return was Mexican inspired.  The only thing that was missing was something I love...papel picado.  It's a traditional folk art from Mexico that involves cutting out intricate designs on tissue paper, which is then strung up like a banner.  Artisans used to take years to learn the laborious process of cutting out the images with a scissor, one that is now expedited by using a machine.  You can even get them customized to read the perfect message for any event. 

Want to learn how to make papel picado yourself?  

Bows and Arrows has classes here in Dallas.  

UPDATE:  My NYC BFF just sent me this picture she took while  

in Puerto Vallarta (that so reminds me of the Love Boat).

Thanks, Nancy!

{First image via Wed Share, Last image via Serena and Lily}

Happy Monday

{Image of Le Happy, a creperie in Portland}

 

Fabric Love

While at the Chi Omega Christmas Market, there was one booth, No Girls Allowed, that I loved for both their products and styling.  But it was this fabric on their display tables that I fell in love with.  They told me they found it at a fabric store behind the Addison Airport.  In person, it has a wonderful faded appearance.