breakfast to go ... or stay

This week has been a LONG one. Lots of late nights finishing projects for work and trying to get my fall calendar in order. It's amazing how many things kick back into gear come September - and so far there is no sign of anything slowing down soon. I think I am 'booked' nearly every weekend through the end of October. Phew. I am worn out already!

It hasn't helped that my phone is on the permanent fritz and has been shutting off for 18-24 hour intervals over the past month. It has gotten progressively worse and is such a hassle. Granted, I don't dislike being on a "tech sabbatical" (ask any of my friends from college), but this is a getting to be ridiculous. 

In the midst of all of this craziness, something as simple as spending a couple of hours in the morning morning sipping a hot beverage and eating a croissant sounds more than ideal - just the perfect relaxation. Granted I am not the best at 'relaxing,' I usually try to do a gazillion things at once (you should see me 'watch' TV). BUT -  if Paris was thrown into the equation, ultimate relaxation might be doable :)

Here's to the weekend, long morning coffee breaks, necessary sweet treats, and dreams of Parisian cafes - or whatever relaxation suits your fancy! 

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sylvia weinstock

The grand dame of cakes. 

For over 30 years, Sylvia Weinstock has created gorgeous cakes. Not only are they beautiful creations, but they are made from the most delectable ingredients so the taste will match the decorating masterpiece!

Here's the story of the cake queen herself, courtesy of The Knot.

How it all began:

While on a family ski trip to Hunter Mountain, Ms. Weinstock was introduced to a retired pastry chef George Keller. He took her on as an apprentice and it wasn't long before she was supplying desserts to Hunter area restaurants every weekend while her husband and three daughters skied. 

Business Breakthrough:

Ms. Weinstock created a wedding cake for her daughter's friend who was getting married. The young woman worked in a take-out food shop and put the cake in the window. A chef, who worked for the then premier society caterer in New York City, Donald Bruce White, inquired where the cake came from, and Ms. Weinstock started getting cake orders from the caterer each weekend. Then orders began coming in from women who attended the catered receptions...and the rest is history.

Order your own cake (but prepare your bank account!)

• Cake types: chocolate, yellow, yellow poppy seed, white, banana, carrot, hazelnut, almond, fruit, and pistachio. 
• Cake fillings: chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache, vanilla cream, mocha, gianduja (chocolate hazelnut), mocha, raspberry cream, strawberry cream, cream cheese filling, grand marnier with apricot, praline smooth or with bressilie, lemon mousse, italian cherries, whipped cream with fresh strawberries or raspberries. 
• Texture of icing: smooth finish, cornelli finish (like lace), basket weave, lattice finish (like wicker), dotted swiss, group dotted swiss

**Flowers are an added cost

Buy her book, Sweet Celebrations, here. 

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And even more here...

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dress the turkey and the table

Tomorrow's the big day!

Are you busy cooking, cleaning, decorating, baking...or simply relaxing at home to prepare for the biggest feast of the year? 

Also, I'd love to know if the meals/parties captured in the images below are real life. If so, invite me next year, pretty please? I'll bring champagne! 

These images are captured on Pinterest through a contest Anthropologie was hosting in conjunction with Remodelista. Read more about it HERE. 

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Summer barbecue

With the 4th of July just a couple of days away, I am sure many of you are planning to celebrate our nation's birthday with a barbecue bash. Nothing says the summer more than an outdoor dinner with hot dogs & hamburgers off the grill. Throw in fire-flies, a couple glasses of sangria, and a soft odor of bugs spray...you have the quintessential summer evening. 

Independence Day calls for all that, and a little bit more. It's time to bring the family and friends together, cue the sparklers, red white + blue table cloth, and watch the fireworks light up the sky. 

Before we get too excited over the 4th of July celebration, let's stick to the basic: the barbecue. 

LIFE magazine kicked off July by collecting some of their favorite barbecue photos. If 

this doesn't get you in the mood for a summer night, I don't know what will. 

Start your grills!

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Designer Spotlight: Birdaria

I arrived back home this week and have spent countless hours reorganizing my room. It is definitely the season for spring cleaning. Even though we all might be busy dusting, vacuuming, and making many trips to the trash cans, isn't it such a great feeling to have your home refreshed?

Sometimes you find that you've made the perfect spade space for an addition to your home decorating. 

Maybe a tray, pillow, or painting would make this area pop?

The perfect place to explore is Birdaria! If you are looking to make your interiors a little extra festive, at an affordable price...this is the place to go. Birdaria was founded a year ago with the intentions of providing home owners an opportunity to add a little more life in their house. With bright colors, bold patterns, and sophisticated and clean designs; Birdaria has a great selection. 

Liz, the founded explains her inspiration for Birdaria:

"I'd come home on the weekends, eager for an outlet to be creative and style my home. I desired a wall decor source; unexpected-chic-inspiring. Graphics and irreverence to reflect in my interior and the modern me...the Oprah fanatic, lover of high quality, uniquely beautiful things and a passion for pattern & bold color".

She succeeds in creating art that reflects her desires, while also being affordable. 

All of her work can be customized with quotes, monograms, or colors. 

Check out some of my favorites below:

Also, Birdaria just kicked off a spring collection of place-mats! How adorable are these for your outdoor patio furniture?!

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