Earth Day- Birthday

Today we celebrate two very important things: the sustainability of our planet and the birthday of the most precious, darling, talkative, black (with green eyes) kitty EVER!

Take a minute (or two, or three) today to show a little appreciation for our planet, it doesn't have to be a huge change, just a little something- walk or bike ride instead of driving, plant a veggie garden in your backyard, open your windows and let in more natural light instead of turning on that extra lamp, shorten your shower by a couple minutes, make use of some of those materials you're recycling (my future hubby built flower boxes out of some pieces of scrap wood he found in a dumpster). It is a perfect day to sit down with your family and discuss the importance of taking small steps to save the planet and work out a feasible to do so. Most importantly, make it fun!

{Celebrate with some Earth inspired cake pops via Vanilla & Lace}

                                         

Secondly, we must pay tribute to my adorable (and perhaps the most faithful feline I've ever met as he spends countless hours by my side keeping me company) "baby" kitty's birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZIGGY-- a special can of birthday tuna awaits you!!  

Wedding Planning: It's A Family Affair

I knew the first few weeks of April were going to be hectic, but I'm not sure if I was prepared for the total extent of the chaos. I have so much to share and, as usual, not enough time to fill you all in. Let's start with current affairs: this week my fiance's mother is coming to visit us from Iowa and this got me to thinking, while I have a great relationship with my future in-laws, not every bride can say they are that lucky.  So, today I just wanted to share a couple tips for getting along, coping, and wedding planning with your significant other's family. 

Be Patient and Respectful: No matter what the issue is you should always keep in mind that these are members of your partner's family and showing them respect is a courteous gesture (and a necessary one). We all come from different values and traditions, so be patient if your future mother-in-law doesn't quite understand your wedding vision. Odds are neither of you want to intentionally offend one another and she more likely than not just wants you to be happy.  Just take the time to be friendly. 

Ignore What You Can: It's important to pick and choose your battles.  No need to turn a tiny comment into a world war, so when possible, just let things roll off your back. If something must be addressed, just be honest- not rude or hostile- but truthful; it's important to not let your emotions build up. 

It's Okay To Say "No": If the in-laws have been bombarding you with wedding demands since day one it is fine to inform them whether or not it is a feasible request. Again, just be polite and honest. Another idea if you are getting pelted by decor or vendor suggestions, but you really don't want Great Aunt Sally doing the flowers, then simply tell them you will take the suggestion into consideration. Be diplomatic about things. If, however, things are out of control and a family member is particularly overbearing, it may be important that your partner step in and diffuse the situation. 

Tangerine Tango

Pantone, the authority on color, has announced that Tangerine Tango is the 2012 Color Of The Year [to see Pantone's full Spring Color Report go here].

{Photo: Pantone}

Love it or hate it, you better get use to it since it is popping up everywhere from eyeshadow to throw pillows. And undoubtedly, it will be making an appearance at events throughout the year. Albeit, orange is not my absolute favorite color there is something about this shade that is, well...sassy! Personally, I like to see this color being used effectively in one of two ways: clean and preppy or fresh and funky.


If you're going the preppy route, I would pair it simply with a crisp white, light khaki or gray, or a navy blue. If you are looking for something slightly different take your tangerine tango and match it with say accents of bright green or aqua (NOTE: when using two bold colors make sure one is the primary color and the other an accent, too many bold colors can be visual confusing and unappealing).

{Photo: The Knot}

{Photo: The Knot}

{Photo: Project Wedding}

{Photo: The Knot}

{Photo: The Knot}

{Photo: The Knot}

Photo Inspiration

This week may be a little bonkers (or a lot bonkers). The cherry blossoms are blooming in downtown D.C., there are unknown birthday surprises planned, the apartment is in the middle of being cleaned (or overhauled) for Spring, and my living room and back porch look are covered in DIY projects. But, just to let you know I haven't forgotten, and still care, please use these gorgeous photos for inspiration. Enjoy!!

{Photo Credit: Elizabeth Anne Designs} 

{Photo Credit: Ruffled}

 

Happy St. Patty's Day

{Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings}

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you who are Irish....and to the rest of you who think you may be :) Grab a drink and your lucky charms, and have a great day!! 

Crazy For Kumquats

Over the weekend my fiance and I decided to take one of our spontaneous trips to Whole Foods.  He is a chef so sometimes he takes pleasure out of seeing how many "new" foods he can get me to eat. I LOVE food and am not going to back down from a "foodie" challenge so when I questioned a package of kumquats (a fruit I only had heard of never actually eaten)  in the produce section, I should have known we would be walking out with them in our bag. 

Well, lucky for you they are fabulous! 

Kumquats are a grape-sized citrus fruit that taste somewhere between a lemon and an orange. It is super easy to eat, just pop the whole thing in your mouth and chew! Just as a side note: the peel is actually sweeter than the pulp so if you randomly yank off the skin and eat the rest, just be prepared to pucker. 

Now, if you want to have even more fun with these sweetly sour fruits you can make candied kumquats...best part is it is super easy!! 

You will need: 

2 cups roughly chopped or sliced kumquats, seeds removed 

1 cup water 

1 cup sugar

1. Heat the water and sugar over high heat until it comes to a boil and sugar is dissolved. Simmer for 4 minutes. 

2. Add the kumquats and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until fruit is translucent.

3. Drain the kumquats through a sieve set over a bowl. 

4. Return the syrup to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce the syrup. Combine the kumquats and 1/4 cup of the syrup together.

Serve or jar and refrigerate. Can be stored for up to two weeks.

They are delicious and would be great on top of a cheesecake or chocolate dessert (I recommend Food and Wine or Epicurious if you want to start expanding your kumquat recipe repertoire). Keep them for yourself or share them with a friend; small jars of candied kumquats would also be a great DIY wedding favor for any tropical or orange themed affair. Enjoy!! 

Seashells By The Seashore

About a month ago, I walked into my one of my favorite stores on a desperate mission to find a new top and slacks. Well, the mission was a monstrous failure, but after meandering around for several minutes I became abruptly aware of some nautical-themed undertones going on amongst the clothing. Okay, maybe "undertone" is the wrong word here; it was like a yacht club came in and exploded. Nevertheless, what a FUN idea for an inspiration board!! Enjoy! 


And for ongoing beach, boat, sun and sand creative goodies, visit me on Pinterest!  

{Photo Credits: Shannon Lee Images via Style Me Pretty, Joann Arruda Photography via Style Me Pretty,  Green Tree Photography, Love & Lobster, A Paper Proposal, Smitten Photography via Style Me Pretty, Shannon Lee Images via Style Me Pretty, A Paper Proposal, Alexandra Meseke Photography via Style Me Pretty, Shannon Lee Photography via Style Me Pretty}