Posts from — January 2010

I leave you, on a chilly Friday in New York, with this…

The cake, by My Sweet & Saucy is made of buttercream, and is topped off with luscious, fresh raspberries.

{ Photo Credit: Bonnie Tsang }

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This next set of photos have a certain special thing in common, that is, aside from being taken in California.  Each of them… well, can you guess?

These amazing engagement shots, taken on the beach in Santa Monica, are by California photographer Caroline Tran, and they are treasures.

I’m not much of a fan of the “all kissing, all the time” engagement shoots.  They can easily turn into too much of a good thing; the beauty of such intimacy can be lost with repetition.  But that’s not what’s happened here.

It’s subtle.  It’s soft.  It’s not in your face.  It’s totally beautiful.

I must add, too, that I’m a big fan of a color – or in this case, shade – coordinated couple.  Because two really poorly matched outfits can seriously ruin an entire shoot.

Oh, and by the way… how about a chance to win your own dream shoot?

One lucky couple – engaged or married, either one – will win this amazing session.  It’s an unbelievable opportunity to be photographed by Caroline Tran and stylized by Green Wedding Shoes!

Hurry!  Submissions are due by this Sunday, January 31.

{ Photo Credit: Caroline Tran Photography }

I adore nearly all things California, I think it’s obvious by now.  (A failing economy, fires and one movie star governor are behind the “nearly.”)  With so many awe-inspiring bits of photographic beauty emerging from the oblong state on the western edge of our country, it’s hard not to fall deeply and hopelessly in love with its warm sunny glow.  And what Sarah Yates produces is no exception…

Like Monique is one of the Queens of Comedy, Sarah Yates is – in my humble opinion, one of the Queens of Engagement & Wedding Photography.  And  her attractive and endearing subjects don’t hurt, either.  This brings me to another thing I love about California.  (Resisting the urge to write “Cali” at every turn here, people.  It’s rough going.)

I cherish people who wear color.  They are the few, the fiery, the walking embodiment of joy.  Wearing color can brighten your day, and it can have that same effect on those around you.  I always feel a special something different when I wear color, and whatever that is, it feels good, every time.  So, if you’re up to it, I suggest adding a splash of color to your typical look if you don’t already… it’s fun, and that’s what life’s about, please don’t forget that!

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By the way, remember Cannelle Et Vanille from earlier?  Here are a handful of other reasons I love her…

Pear, Raspberry and Ginger Pies:

Pumpkin and Hazelnut Doughnuts and a Clafoutis:

Sweet Potato, Yogurt and Hazelnut Cupcakes:

Churros with Spiced Chocolate Bisque:

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Coming up next: even more Fabulous Friday Finds!

{ Photo credit: 1-6, Sarah Yates Photography; 7-14, Cannelle Et Vanille }

While in California about a week and a half ago, I stayed a number of nights with my dear aunt and uncle at their extraordinary coastal ranch home.  It’s such a privilege to spend time there, for myriad reasons.  Seeing as we live on opposite sides of the country, quality time with that side of my family has, unfortunately, been limited over the years.  So I cherish the rare opportunities afforded me to get to know them better.  I feel like this most recent visit was the most rewarding of all, as I’m much older than I was when last we met face to face, and, for the first time, I left with the sense that I actually know my aunt and uncle.  It was a good feeling.

My niece sinking her feet in the sands of the Pacific shore.

Beyond that, there is the simple fact that their home and surrounding property are the stuff of dreams.  The structure sits atop a cliff, overlooking the Pacific, and when it’s time for bed, we are lulled to sleep by the sound of waves crashing on sandy shores.  You probably think that’s my favorite part, but it isn’t.  My favorite part sits on the other side of the property, much closer to the traffic than the water.

Flanking the driveway as you enter the property from the main road are rows of fruit trees, with limes, oranges and lemons close enough to touch – even to pluck, if your reach is long and deliberate.

The sight is breathtaking and, instinctively, my mind began to churn with recipes befitting of such brilliantly fresh, homegrown citruses.  And this is what brings me to my first find:

When I discovered Cannelle et Vanille’s blog, thoughts of my aunt and uncle’s fruit trees came rushing back, full force.  And this terrific treat, had I known of it two weeks ago, would have made it to my aunt and uncle’s dinner table.  Bummer.  Maybe next time!

While I did miss a great opportunity to whip up these mini delights on my trip, an even better occasion is fast approaching, and I’d say that goes for you, too…

… How about these yummy cups of lemony-lime goodness for your wedding day?  What a hit that would be, no doubt!  And, oooh how I would LOVE to be there to try them.  (Will travel for food!)

In her words:

“The limes for these pudding cakes came from my neighbor N.’s tree. She kindly shared them with me when the frost of last week almost destroyed all plants, herbs and anything that was growing around here. We put them to good use in these super light, almost souffle-like gluten free pudding cakes.”

“Meyer Lemon, Lime and Quinoa Pudding Cakes”

You can check out her vast collection of lovely photos, or, for the recipe, visit this post on her blog, Cannelle et Vanille.

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Coming up next: many, many more Fabulous Friday Finds!

{ Photo credit: 2-5, Cannelle et Vanille }

I am so excited… SO EXCITED… about this post.  I stumbled upon this awesomeness while perusing Creature Comforts, which made mention of this product.  I checked it out on Williams-Sonoma, and just cannot – I, I just – it’s so – just LOOK and you’ll understand:

Do you see what I mean?!!

You can imprint pretty much any word or phrase you want.  There are seven pre-made words (Welcome, Happy, Birthday, Holidays, Thank You, From, I Love You), and three alphabet sets, not to mention extra vowels and other commonly used letters.

After you’ve arranged your letters, just press the cookie-cutter into the cookie dough, and voilà!  You’ve got a cookie with a message.  AWESOME.

The set comes with three cookie-cutter shapes: a scalloped-rectangle, a heart and a star.

As if that wasn’t enough; it comes with a dishwasher-safe mesh bag, which helps to make cleanup and storage a lot easier.  I cherish such things.  Without this dual-purpose baggie, I can guarantee you that somewhere in the process of piecing together a phrase, making a batch of cookies and cleaning everything involved, at least 16 of those letters would be MIA.  Entombed indefinitely within the cracks and crevices of my little Brooklyn kitchen, like so many mini time capsules left for future inhabitants.  I wonder, what would they make of the messages I unintentionally left for them?  I guess we’ll never know, since we’ve got those mesh bags.

ANYWAY…

So, picture it: your name + your fiancé’s name, imprinted on 100s of sugar cookies.  And maybe the words “Eat, Drink, Be Married” or something awfully cute like that, on another 100?  Yeah, that’s kind of a great idea.  Doesn’t get much more unique than that.  But wait, do you already have a dessert planned (separate from the wedding cake)?  If so, I think these cookies would make the absolute cutest wedding favor EVER.  After all, it’s widely known that guests prefer edible treats over most other wedding favors.

Want it?  You can find it here: Message-in-a-Cookie Cutter Set