Friday, April 30, 2010

Friday Flowers (2)

I'm loving the look of succulents at events.  They appeal mostly to a modern bride with a rustic or green flair.  Since I'm sleepy, I'll let the photos do most of the talking...

Not just limited to a green palette, check out all of the gorgeous varieties.

Bouquets
via 1 and 2, and 3

Boutonnieres
via 1 and 2

Cakes
via 1, 2, and 3

Decor/Centerpieces









"Always Thinking A Step Ahead...

...like a carpenter...that builds stairs."
- name that quote-

Love these color coded books going up the stairs.  Saw these in a cute little French shop in Savannah, GA.  Fantastic staging.

How much is that doggie in the window....

This bulldog is always gazing out of his window whenever I turn down my street.  At first I thought he must be dying to get outside and play.  But I've seen him outside, he doesn't do much playing.  Basically he sits in the exact same position on our sidewalk.  I've never seen him coming out or going in so I've made the assumption he insists on being carried.  He's found a good position and he's sticking to it!

A Very Very Late Post

A few weeks ago we were treated to a beautiful Easter brunch by KTW's family.  Our contribution was this cheesy, spinach strata.  Twas awesome.  And the aroma teased us and our cab driver the whole way.  I love a dish you can make the night before and then pop in the oven the next morning when you're ready.  With this one, the longer you let it marinade, the better.  It was all kinds of good and we were sad not to have leftovers to bring home.


After brunch, we sat outside at the Standard Hotel's Beer Garden and put back a few with some friends.  Easter was beautiful here and we were lucky to spend so much of it outside.

When I thought the day couldn't get any better, KTW suggested Dovetail on the UWS for dinner.  It was everything I had imagined.  Each part of our meal was fantastic and they treated us at the end with these sweet egg shaped cookies.  I've made up my mind, that will not be the last time I eat at Dovetail.  And hopefully, this will not be my last lovely Easter Sunday in beautiful NYC.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Namesake

A few months ago when I started this blog, I had no idea it would become such an integral part of my day.  I actually miss blogging on the weekends and feel guilty the days I don't post-am I the only that's like that?  I suspect no :)

Anyway, now that I've surpassed my 100th post (woo hoo!), I think it's time to finally give proper credit to the name of my blog.  I know I'm not the only one who blogs about her favorite things, but the title felt right for me.  When I began writing the blog, the purpose was to get a little creative energy out and slowly (a little too slowly admittedly,) bring my focus back to special events.  I have been so humbled and excited over the positive feedback and sweet comments my readers have left.  And although I'm no longer posting one thing a day that makes me happy, the blogging process has morphed into something much more natural and I love it!  Below I've taken the song that inspired my blog title and matched it with images of the like.  But first a little Julie Andrews, isn't she lovely?  I've always wished I could rock that haircut...


"Raindrops on roses"
-I've never been a huge fan of roses, they're a little too classic, expected, perfect, etc.  But drizzled with rain they take on a new meaning.  Such a beautiful sight.

"and whiskers on kittens"
-Okay, I cheated a little here.  I'm not a big cat person, whiskers on puppies are just as cute!

"Bright copper kettles"
-This image is from one of my favorite bloggers.  I love the look of copper.  The pots make me feel warm and cozy and I feel like it's not possible to make a bad meal with them.  Didn't Julia Child have copper?
"and warm woolen mittens"
-These Kate Spade mittens make hailing a taxi chic, perfect for NYC.



"Brown paper packages tied up with strings"
-I always wanted a Christmas tree crowded with presents all wrapped in the same theme.  Brown Kraft paper and fun ribbons would be a cheap way to do this.

"These are a few of my favorite things
Cream colored ponies"
-The Pioneer Woman was one of the first blogs I started reading.  She shares phenomenal recipes and daily accounts of her life on a cattle farm.  She's also an amazing photographer.

"and crisp apple streudels"
-Yum

"Doorbells"
-Moving to NYC was a big step for me.  Three years later, moving into my own studio apartment felt almost as big.  I love living alone, making my own schedule, taking out the trash when I want to, etc.  I especially love having my own buzzer (still haven't changed the last name from Wong but I will asap!)  You should know I moved in last June and have been saying that ever since.  Just call me Lauren Wong and let's move on...

"and sleigh bells"
-"At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe."
-Go rent Polar Express today and don't be ashamed to tear up a little, I'm not.

"and schnitzel with noodles"
-Growing up, before most Vandy basketball games, we'd either go to the Cooker or Tin Angel to eat.  My favorite was Tin Angel because of the chicken schnitzel.  Unfortunately one day that all changed when my dad told me the reason they call it schnitzel is because the chickens make this high pitched squeal that sounds like schnitzeeeelllll! when they are killed.  Nice dad.  I know better now.

"Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings"
-Long before she was Sookie Stackhouse, Anna Paquin was in a movie called Fly Away Home.  I think I'm the only person who's ever seen it.  Anyway, after the death of her mother, she goes to live with her dad and starts taking care of a flock of geese.  Long story short, here's a picture of some geese:

"These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes"
-My ultimate dream is to be a wedding planner.  I fell in love with Franc's character in Father of the Bride and eventually also fell in love with all things wedding.  Blue and white is also a favorite combo of mine.

"Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes"
-When snow falls on this Southern girl, I turn into a five year old, I LOVE playing in the snow.  At least until March, when I curse it, like a 25 year old.
-Again, I'm not demonic, my Blackberry does crazy things to eyes...

"Silver white winters that melt into springs"
-The first few hints of spring are among my favorite times of year.  It makes me feel new and like I have a fresh slate to start with.

"These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad"

Thank you for reading my blog, here's to another 100 posts!!!

Pablo

Thanks to Heather over at Habitually Chic, I now know about the new Picasso exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The exhibit opens today and will be with us until August, I can't wait to get over there and check out the 300+ works of art.  And if it keeps raining here, that will certainly happen sooner than later....

I love this image of him in his studio near Cannes.  He was certainly a prolific artist!

OMG, I had to come back and edit this post right away!  Why, you might ask...it is my 100th post!  Awesome-I have to be honest, it makes me feel very accomplished.  Not sure why, but I guess it's nice to know I can stick with something I start.  Ok, enough bragging on me...Pablo is the star in this post :)

Monday, April 26, 2010

Not Okay People

Yesterday, my sister, one of my best friends and I went to brunch.  Like most Sunday brunches in the city, this one lasted well beyond the expected endtime and I'm certainly paying the price today.  As we got up to leave our first destination, we ran into this:

Seriously?  I had to do a double take.  I know I took advantage of the unlimited mimosas and my memory is not stellar today, but I definitely saw this, I have proof!  Sorry it's blurry and no the dog was not possessed, it's my blackberry's fault.  The owner seemed pretty used to people taking pictures of little "Papa" in his baby carrier, and I'm not at all surprised...

Friday, April 23, 2010

Friday Flowers

Craspedia aka billy buttons is definitely on my favorites list.  They seem to be getting lots of attention right now with weddings and special events.  Their cheery yellow color and naturally modern shape has caught my eye on a number of blogs I follow.  Here are some ways to use them if you feel the same way!

But first, a nice little diagram... 

Boutonnieres

Bouquets

Decor

Lovely cake