Friday's Escape: Bo Phut Resort & Spa Thailand

Another Friday and boy I tell you, this has been a week to end all weeks. I am sooo ready for a little trip, even if it's only in my mind. I've never been to Thailand but I found this amazing little hotel, Bo Phut Resort and Spa and thought this would be a perfect place to spend a few days.

I am all for spending time in a sprawling metropolis overflowing with grand hotels but sometimes you need to escape from everything and everyone and spend a little time by the pool.

Nestled in seven acres on the northern tip of the island, set in gardens this is a perfect place to get away from it all. You get the idea: Relax and Refresh.



Have a FABULOUS weekend!

Food For Thought Thursday: Parmesan Chicken

Marcia's Kitchen came up with a great Parmesan Chicken with micro greens recipe. I prefer a more substancial salad, perhaps something with baby spinach. Let me know how it turns out!

Finding The Dress

Spanish bridal house Pronovias has opened their flagship store in Manhattan. It's really a beautiful store, which adds to the complete shopping experience. Sip a little champagne and find the perfect dress!

The fabulous Mark Ingram, who owns THE bridal atelier in New York for the discerning bride has turned his attention to the other women in your bridal party. The Atelier 2 now offers evening and special occasion gowns. Happy shopping!




P.s. Don't forget to pick up your copy of The Sex and the City movie! Carrie's dress shopping experience will provide excellent inspiration.

Hello Dear Readers, I apologize for my absence of late, but things have gotten very busy here at Dawn Easter Events. I promise to not leave you in the lurch for so long again...
One of the first things a newly engaged woman does, is to get a manicure. What better way to show off your new ring? OPI has created, Beyond Chic collection, 6 beautiful new shades perfect for your wedding day or flaunting your newly acquired carats.

Food For Thought Thursdays: Something Exotic and Something Refined

As I was looking for recipes for today's post, I found two that I loved. They may not go together in the same meal, but I have no doubt they will become fast favorites. First up: Turkish Sweet Potato and Apricot Rolls featured on Eating Out Loud.

Sweet Potato & Apricot Rolls
adapted from The Food and Cooking of Turkey
1 sweet potato
1 cup canned chickpeas
4 green onions
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
4 tablespoons pine nuts
1 fresh red chili
1/4 cup finely sliced fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
salt and pepper
1 egg
1-2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup flour
light vegetable oil for frying

Mint Yogurt Sauce
1 cup plain yogurt
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/4 cup finely sliced fresh mint
juice of 1/2 lemon

The elegant Saffron and Vanilla Poached Pears by Tartelette are perfectly suited to finish a dinner party when you want impress your guests without too much effort.

4 cups water
1 vanilla bean
1 to 2 teaspoons saffron
3/4 cup (170 gr) sugar
juice of one lemon
4 pears

Enjoy!

Jenny Yoo Showing

Happy Monday, Everyone! My lucky NYC readers should definitely check out the Jenny Yoo Collection showing next week introducing the 2009 line. I wish I could come up and enjoy it with you but I'll have to settle for the highlights. Let me know how it turns out! Ps. I am so loving this dress and hat...so chic.

Friday's Escape: Ponta do Ganchos

This week has been hectic to say the least, almost overwhelming. I shall not complain as you how much I love my job! With that in mind, I am so ready to pack my bags and jet off to Brazil for a few days. I found the loveliest hotel for my sweetie and I to sneak off to, the Ponta dos Ganchos Resort. Absolute perfection for a honeymoon. Now, if I could just get him out of the studio...

"Ponta dos Ganchos Resort is located on a privately-owned peninsula that juts out from the southern Brazilian coast between picturesque fishing villages, making it one of the most exclusive beach resorts in Brazil. A single hop from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, this romantic hideaway makes dreams a reality: 20 sophisticated and charming bungalows in perfect harmony with the breathtaking scenery. Here the waters of the Emerald coast meet the lush rainforest vegetation in a dazzling display of colour and light.
This privileged location guarantees our guests total privacy, while the luxurious bungalows provide them with the rest and comfort they deserve. The Relais & Chateaux seal is a testament to our impeccable facilities, the exquisite flavours of our cuisine and the quality of our services."

Food For Thought Thursdays: Roasted Tomato, Onion and Garlic Marinara

I'm in the mood for pasta and a noodle is nothing without a great sauce. Delizioso!

Roasted Tomato Marinara
5-6 tomatoes (fresh from the garden if you can)
1/2 sweet yellow onion, diced into chunks
5-6 cloves of garlic
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Pinch of crushed red pepper (or more)
Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Clean tomatoes, remove stem, then gently cut an X on the bottom of the tomatoes. Heat a large pot of water until boiling. Add the tomatoes and boil for 10-15 seconds. Remove from water and put into an ice bath. Once the tomatoes have cooled, gently peel off the skin. Cut the tomatoes in half and place on a baking sheet lined with tin foil. Sprinkle the onion chunks around the tomatoes. Place the garlic cloves inside the tomato halves. This protects the garlic from burning and infuses the tomato with the roasted garlic flavor (YUM). Sprinkle the herbs and seasonings all over along with the sea salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil and place in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the tomatoes, onions and garlic are tender, sweet and juicy. Be careful not to over cook them because the tomatoes will dry up.

1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
1 tsp sugar (optional)
Dried basil, to taste
Dried oregano, to taste
4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Parmesan cheese
Spaghetti (or whatever pasta you desire), cooked per instructions
Place the tomatoes in a large Dutch Oven along with a can of crushed tomatoes and puree with an immersion blender. Taste and re-season with sugar (if desired), basil, oregano, salt or pepper, if needed. Cover with a lid and simmer for 2-4 hours. Add fresh basil and parsley then serve. Top with Parmesan cheese and more basil. Enjoy!
*recipe and photos courtesy of For The Love of Cooking

Get Your Shine On

I met with a young bride-to-be recently and her one request for her big day: "Let There Be Bling!" She is all about the shine, the glitz, the glamour and has a personality to match. There's nothing wrong with sparkle particularly when it's well placed and not overdone. Yes, there can be such a thing as too much bling. So my Dear Readers, what do you think? Here are a few of my initial thoughts...
Harry Winston Wreath Necklace...let us behold true beauty. Now, take a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Judith Leiber creates some interesting pieces such as The Marquis. It would be perfect for your wedding day or if you happen to a guest at a fabulous evening event.
The Effiel by Stuart Weitzman. I just love a good shoe, don't you?
These custom chair covers I designed myself are incredible in a candlelit room...talk about gorgeous!

The Marquis candle holders are from Z Gallerie and are perfect touches on your table. Now, close your eyes and imagine the light reflecting off dozens of these artfully placed throughout the room...talk about bling.

Until tomorrow,

Keep It Simple

Who says wedding cakes have to be elaborate, over-the-top creations? When your celebration is more low-key, your wedding day style should match and that includes your cake. These chocolate layers were "frosted" with a beautiful cocoa stencil design. Have your calligrapher or invitation designer create a matching outline for your baker to copy. It's a great way to pull the look of your reception together.
Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

Are You Ready For Some Football?

It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Dear Readers and I am enjoying the start of football season. My top picks: Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. Enjoy your Sunday!

Food For Thought Thursday:Smoky Shrimp and Parmesan Polenta Cakes

While looking for a fabulous recipe for you guys to try this weekend, came across Elizabeth's blog. Elizabeth is a newlywed and putting her registry to good use. Enjoy!

Smoky Shrimp and Parmesan-Polenta Cakes
Cooking Light September 2008
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika
1 17-ounce tube polenta, cut into 8 (1/2-inch) slices
Cooking spray
8 teaspoons marinara sauce
8 teaspoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Preparation

1. Preheat broiler.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp to pan; sauté 3 minutes or until done, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in wine, chives, juice, and paprika, tossing to coat. Keep warm.

3. Place polenta slices on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Top each slice with 1 teaspoon sauce, and 1 teaspoon cheese; broil 3 minutes or until cheese melts.

4. Place 2 polenta slices on each of 4 plates; top each serving evenly with shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with parsley.

Purple Reign

Purple is the hottest color of the fall season and when I saw this cocktail dress by Vivienne Tam I knew it would be perfect for your bridesmaids.

Ralph Lauren's Black Label design in royal purple silk.

My absolute fav Oscar creates an elegant evening look with an embroidered cocktail dress.

The master Manolo always finishes the ensemble to perfection.