A Summertime Table Setting

This table setting is just so gorgeous and summery that I had to share it.  I love the combination of the orange poppies and vibrant fuchsia peonies that harmonize perfectly with the multi-colored streamers on each seat.  And then of course one of my favorite elements is how each setting is accompanied by the perfect pastel macaroon, which in my opinion has the ability to make any table setting complete.  I hope that everyone has an enjoyable and relaxing weekend - I am signing off until Monday and I couldn't be more excited to do so. My mom and sisters are coming into town and it should be nothing but non-stop fun. I will see you Monday!

All images from here

Inspiration: Fading into Blue

 I love this look of fading colors, especially tones of blue. There is something that evokes the sea in this cascade of soothing blues.   

All images from here, here and here

Strawberry Lychee Granita

My first experience with a lychee was in Hawaii, I vividly remember biting into this freckly nut and not really knowing what to expect, but I can tell you I was smitten from the first bite. I love the intense tropical flavor and how it now transports me back to the paradise of Hawaii.  Since then I have had lychees pretty much only one way and they involve martinis, but hrough my research I discovered this recipe for a Strawberry and Lychee Granita and luckily the sweltering weather called for it.  This was a light and refreshing dessert and thanks to the in-season strawberries it had a tremendous sweet flavor.  I hear the temperatures are going to spike again this weekend, so I hope that you try it. I might now be hooked on granitas, as they are so easy to make and require very little clean up - I'd love to make lemon, mango and watermelon, so stay tuned!

*All photographs by Alison

I Love This Look: Safari Meets City

I spend way too much time on fashion blogs dedicated to street style (is it me, or is anyone else as fixated on what other people wear?), so I thought that I would dedicate an entire post each week on a chic look that has inspired me.  This week it is 'Safari meets City' - I love the leather skirt paired over the loose white tee and military green jacket and finished with black ankle boots.  What are your favorite sites to gawk over street style? 

Jacket / Boots / T-Shirt / Leather Skirt / Messenger Bag

Image from here

Lemon & Honey Sugar Scrub

I must admit that I have a bit of a beauty product problem, some might call it an obsession, I call it a (healthy) addiction.  There is nothing quite like making yourself feel good by slathering on a luxurious moisturizer or swiping on a bright colored lipstick to brighten up your entire face.  I also love body products, especially scrubs and during the summer my usage of body scrubs and moisturizers are increased due to so much leg and arm baring.  Making homemade beauty products has always been an interest of mine, so I decided to make this recipe for lemon and honey sugar scrub.  The sweet aroma of the honey, combined with the sugar and the lemon zest created not only a wonderfully fragrant experience but also left my skin incredibly soft and moisturized. I am now officially 

ready to take on the summer season.

A Few Things: In order to get the most out of your scrub, especially it if is an oil-based product, exfoliate before you get into the shower - doing so allows you to achieve maximum exfoliation results, as it is best to slough-off dead skins cells on dry versus wet skin.  Also, just a safety tip, be careful, as the oils can create a slippery bath surface, so please step lightly!

*All photographs by Alison

Dreamy Interiors

(I love this light pink color palette and the chair coverings are gorgeous)

Lonny Magazine is quickly becoming my favorite on-line design magazine.  I think of it as the new Domino, as the design aesthetic is pretty much the same.  The June/July issue just launched and I definitely recommend checking it out. In the meantime here are just a few of the interiors that have captured my attention.  I hope that everyone is having an amazing Sunday!

(This sitting room has an elegant English feel)

(I love the ornate gold mirror perched above the fireplace)

(I have been trying to find ways that I could create those beautiful black and white side tables)

(The all white furniture really pops due to the rich navy walls)

All images from lonnymag.com

For the Love of the Peplum

The peplum has surfaced many times throughout fashion history - it was popular in the 80's (does anyone remember those balloon type dresses?) and then of course in the glamorous 40's, an era I secretly wished that I lived in, which is why I am beyond happy that this silhouette has come into fashion again.  The peplum is incredibly flattering, especially when paired with a fitted bottom and is ultra-feminine.   This editorial captures my love for the peplum in all of it's different forms.  

All images from here

Hints of Petal Pink, Mint Green and Gold

If I am looking for a color match made in heaven it would have to be the combination of gold and a pastel, thus when I discovered this dessert table overflowing with gold, peach and mint green, I just had to share it.   The petal pink ombre cake is just gorgeous especially when combined with gold utencils.  To be quite honest, I just cannot get enough of table settings like this! Happy Friday to all!

All images from here

Summer Nostalgia

This year, summer has come to us in full-force. The temperatures here in Manhattan are supposed to reach nearly 100 degrees today.  In order to welcome the season I thought I'd celebrate with these gorgeous nostalgic Vogue photographs. Stay cool! 

All images from vogue.com