Food For Thought Thursdays: Sublime Key Lime

Can you feel it?? The weekend is almost here and I have a few great recipes for you to try! Be sure to let me know how it turns out.
Let's start things off with a cocktail, shall we?
Pomegranate and Key Lime Vodka Cocktail

Spicy Crab Cake with Key Lime Mustard
These could also be made smaller and served as appetizers.

Key Lime Angel Food Cake Tangy, light and sweet..perfect after the crab.

The Ultimate in Hair Pampering

Have you ever wanted to experience a true one-on-one consultation with a noted stylist? To have said stylist (and not their assistant) work their considerable mojo on your very deserving tresses and address all of your hair woes? Well, get your credit cards ready, ladies! Celebrity and Dove stylist Gretchen Monahan is offering the ultimate hair therapy session for $1K. Check out the details.

The Tipping Scale

Recently, I had a bride ask about tipping the vendors for her wedding. I absolutely believe in rewarding great service and your wedding is no exception. Xochitl over at Always A Bridesmaid had a great post the other day on preparing for the vendor gratuities on your wedding day. Pop over and take a look! Until tomorrow...

Aisle Style

As Colin says, "Love is in the details." That couldn't be more true, particularly when it comes to the aisle treatment for your wedding day. I love it when a couple thinks to personalize their aisle runner with something special and meaningful to them; be it a bible verse, poetry or their monogram. Whatever sentiment you choose to express, your guests will love it. Trust me!



**Photos courtesy of Customized Wedding Creations
Love the doves!
The font is what makes this design so different.

The detail of this design is so intricate. I wonder how long it took to create.

The intertwined hearts are lovely (pun intended).

The bright colors make this design pop.


Love that blue and chocolate combination!

Brightly colored fabrics draw attention to the aisle.


**Photos courtesy of Signature Wedding Aisle Runners**

First Daughter Gets Hitched

President George W. Bush and family celebrated the wedding of daughter, Jenna Bush to Henry Hager at their family ranch in Texas on yesterday. The bride was beautiful in a gown designed by my fav, Oscar de la Renta. Enjoy!
The President and the bride, Jenna
Jenna in her gorgeous Oscar gown, lucky girl!
The bride and groom taking their vows
While I love the natural beauty of the ranch setting, I was expecting more in the way of decor. It is a Presidential wedding, after all...
The First Family
The tent looks beautiful against the nighttime sky.
Table setting before guests arrive.
The happy couple cutting their cake.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Friday's Escape: When In Rome

Does everyone have their passports ready? This weekend we are off to Rome where we will enjoy the hospitality of Hotel d'Inghilterra, an elegant property whose past guests include monarchs, princes, movie stars and artists. The original building dates back to the 16th century, becoming a hotel in 1845.
The nighttime view
The hotel's entrance
One of the property's spacious suites
That view is divine
Sitting area
Cafe Romano on the property
Have a romantic dinner on your private balcony overlooking the city skyline.

The hotel's private Palazzo. Talk about gorgeous! The art is amazing.
Bond...James Bond...okay, I'm kidding. But it is the Bond Bar.

Have a great weekend!

I Feel Like A Woman

There are some designers who just get it. They have that intuitive understanding that a woman wants to be her most beautiful on her wedding day. Classic, Timeless, Elegant...not a passing trend. She wants to reflect on her wedding day pictures and have her gown stand the test of time. She understands her gown is most possibly the most important dress she will ever buy. Oscar de la Renta is one such designer. By looking at his Spring 09 Bridal collection, you know he adores women. He so makes me want to get married!! Enjoy!

The Dashing Designer
I love this gown for a church wedding. It's modest but retains a sultry air via the neckline.

These ballgowns are incredible! The ruffle detail is amazing.




The fabric work is beautifully done here.
This sheath is so simple. Love it!
I am so not a veil person, but this one is lovely.
I am loving the exaggerated mantilla.


The gathering here is sophisticated and not overly done.
Love the line and fabric of this gown!
The belt is very big this season.

You all know how I adore short dresses! These do not disappoint. So loving the lily of the valley bouquet.


Perfect for a country garden ceremony.
Now, Oscar switches things up for those who think outside of the box.

Here are a few gowns that I loved, loved, loved from the Costume Institute Gala at the Met in NYC. Because this is such a theatrical event, the gowns must be dramatic.
Kimora is serving up high drama in this bold geometric design by Kevan Hall. Fabulous!

Eva Longoria-Parker is dazzling in Marchesa.
The color of Eva Mendes' gown is perfection!

Iman is definitely showing up the younger women in this red hot D&G gown with jeweled brooch.

Until tomorrow...