6/30/2010

Cooking Lesson: Bleu Cheese-Bacon Dip


Try this tasty appetizer to hold everyone over until dinner! 

INGREDIENTS

7 bacon slices, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup half-and-half
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted
Grape clusters
Flatbread or assorted crackers

PREPARATION

Cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat 10 minutes or until crisp. Drain bacon, and set aside. Add minced garlic to skillet, and sauté 1 minute

Beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add half-and-half, beating until combined. Stir in bacon, garlic, blue cheese, and chives. Spoon mixture evenly into 4 (1-cup) individual baking dishes.

Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle evenly with chopped walnuts, and serve with grape clusters and flatbread or assorted crackers

*Prep: 20 min., Bake: 15 min. This rich, creamy dip goes a long way. It can be baked in individual cups or a 1-quart dish.



6/29/2010

Vera Wang Bridal Fall 2010 ~ Sneak Peak!


Here is a little sneak pick of the fall 2010 collection from Vera Wang! Chime in and let us now what you think!

6/28/2010

Monday's Handbag: Pretty Lulu Bridal Clutch


Look at this darling clutches by Pretty Lulu Bridal Clutch. This is a wonderful gift for the bridal party. Ranging in prices from $60.00-$65.00. 

6/25/2010

Dom Perignon Custom Wedding Set


Trying to figure out what to get the bride and groom? How about Dom Perignon's latest addition to the brand: The Dom Perignon Custom Wedding Set.


Dom Perignon Wedding was inspired by the magnums of Dom Perignon Vintage 1961 which were poured at the 1981 wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles - each bottle was inscribed with the Royal’s names and the date of the most viewed wedding in history.

Dom Perignon Custom Wedding Set contains 12 bottles of Dom Perignon Vintage 2000 along with a sleek and beautiful white lacquered box, which holds an additional bottle of Dom Perignon Vintage 2000. This 13th bottle has a unique precious silver label, which can be personalized by engraving a bride and grooms name and wedding date

Badgley Mischka Spring 2010



Badgley Mischka Spring 2010

Here are a few designs by Badgley Mischka that make me fall in love with them every season! As far as I'm concerned--they can do know wrong. Note: The first outfit is a chic idea for a Mother-of-the Bride gown.

6/24/2010

Guest Blogger: Joanna Hendrie Presents Mariage A L'Orange

BIENVENUE! MARIAGE A L’ORANGE


Apple Chair Swag – Fdcraft.com
Edible Cocktails - Thedropbar.com
Front Door Greeting “The French Kiss Cocktail” with Orange twists
Garden White Canopies – Lator-ets.fr.
Green Plaid Linens & Custom Napkins – Fdcraft.com
Hair Simple and upsweep, elegant & timeless – Shopbando.com
Multichic’s Arcadia Rocks’ Glass
Honeymoon Scooter Reform School Rules’ Amish Made Scooter
Snappy Slipper Orange Ilkat Chair – Urban Outfitters
Succulents & Fruits - Cacti, Citrus cymbidium, Elephant Leaves – Ojai Garden
The Cuff: By Kendra Scott
Vin and Fromage Bar - Pine Table – Frontgate 


 L’Orange the color of Festivity! - Here I’ve created a loose mood board for my bride and groom Pru and Dom centered on this sexy color. Together we’re in the pre-planning stages for their late summer 2011 Ojai wedding and reception – and the first element the couple wants to complete is an initial mood board for an overview of the reception - one of three mood boards to define the occasion. The beautiful redheaded Pru and handsome Dom are both architects and live in Orange County. The venue for the wedding has always been Pru’s parent’s large Ojai home’s backyard. Besides being her home the house has special meaning to Pru, as an only child she has spent days alone dreaming, building and designing in the sand & dirt future houses, cities and roads. Those formative years led to Pru's decision to become a creative – an architect. What I have learned from Pru and Dom and from most of my clients, they want to be married at home or at least celebrate very close to home with the inclusion of close family and friends. Pru’s favorite foods are apples and oranges, as she has grown up amidst orange and tangerine groves in the Ojai Valley and she respects the colors of the orchards’ orange and green. Deferring most of the design and concept to Pru, Dom however does shares her come hither personality - both are low key, but charming, relaxed, sunny, easy, breezy and confident in their choices. And it’s good to know that they both love vibrant, strong colors. Pru and Dom want to add architectural and design elements to their wedding and reception as a reflection of them as a couple, as designers and architects.


“LE ECLECTIC DÉCOR”

Taking inspiration from great interior and architectural designers they admire, and reflecting on their architectural principles they have begun designing their grand day. Pru and Dom are in the design stage, and their vision is tight - now they are resurrecting memories, combining their future dreams and are outlining their “Dream Reception”

• They have incorporated several bold-patterned slipper chairs for relaxation set in two areas adjacent to the dance floor one for the wedding party and an area for guests. Reflecting what we are seeing as wedding trends, again this occasion is considerate, intimate and homey. And at the same time it will be so unexpected for guests to see these elements in such a space as a tent. Later the chairs will be moved into the couple’s home as wing chairs in the dining and living room.

• A French 6’ pine table will serve double duty as a “Vin and Fromage” tasting table” complete with a “Greeting Cocktail” - ”The French Kiss” with Orange Twists; other French Aperitifs, mixers and garnishes, French cheeses and small baguettes.

• Later in the evening the same pine table will double as a “The Scotch Bar” and offerings of candied pecans, fried fruit, pineapple and hand make crackers.

• Canopies and tents are to be ordered – and several custom made by a local sail maker in small, large shapes and vintage shapes – the reception tent will be lined with a punchy small stripe fabric in the colors to match the slipper chairs. The same fabric is to be used for the “The Ladies’ Vanity Tent”, “The Bride’s Canopy” and a Children’s Tent.

• Stylish and sophisticated, edible cocktails are to be created as well as cootie catcher menus

• Local Caterer is serving up “in-season courses” and she will use locally grown ingredients as well. (Within 100 miles).

• A few vintage and modern chandeliers in the space are being considered.

• Lastly – in addition to wedding rings and earring a simple architectural gold cuff for Pru’s slim wrist and arms has been acquired.


Let’s Toast This Lovely, Beautiful And Creative Couple.
Share In Their Celebrations With

PRU AND DOM'S "LE SIGNATURE COCKTAIL MARIAGE" 

"LE PASSIONISTA"

A flair of ginger liqueur, add the best rum & and the very best tropical orange and guava juice.

Recommendations - make fresh squeezed orange juice and combine with guava juice.
Use good Ron Zacapa Centenario rum it is aged rum that can be found at specialty liquor stores.
Use Domaine de Canton - a ginger-flavored liqueur that can be found at specialty liquor stores too.

2 ounces orange-guava juice

1 1/2 ounces aged rum, such as Ron Zacapa Centenario
1/2 ounce ginger liqueur, such as Domaine de Canton
4 dashes orange bitters
Ice

Ok the INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Cover and shake until thoroughly chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass.

Raise your glasses!

Look into each others eyes!

And say – With feeling!

A VOTRE-SANTE!


By: Joanna Hendrie

Joanna Hendrie Events & Fetes
PMB 414 Orchid Ave.
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
949-644-8690

6/23/2010

It All In The Details







Welcome to Nisie's Enchanted Florist! Established in 1996, head designer and owner Nisie Vorachard  is one of the premier special event florists in Southern California. Known for style and attention to detail, they weave the traditional with the modern, and the delicate with the dramatic.

6/22/2010

Bracelets To Die For!


Stand out in a crowd with these gem studded cuffs from Rosena Sammi Jewelry.
Price:  $89.00/ ea.

6/21/2010

A Summer Tote!


Here is a lovely tote designed by Tory Burch. This tote offers a strap closure featuring rich leather and floral-print trim. Perfect for the summer!
Retail price: $250.00

6/18/2010

A Refreshing Summer Drink

Watermelon-Strawberry Agua Fresca

Here is a refreshing summer drink that I found a recipe for as I was reading my monthly edition of Food and Wine Magazine. Enjoy and have a great weekend!!!

In a saucepan simmer 1/2 cup of water with 1/4 cup of sugar until sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat.
Add 2 mint sprigs.
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh ginger
Pinch of salt
Let stand for 10 minutes, then strain into a blender
Add 2 cups seedless watermelon
and
Add 2 cups hulled strawberries
*Puree*

Serve in glasses over ice.
Top with chilled sparkling warer
Garnish with mint sprigs

6/17/2010

Thursday's Wine: Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County 2008, California


From our friends at Epicurious. Todays wine choice is a lovely white wine--perfect for the summer. Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County 2008. Aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, raspberries, and peppery spice are enveloped in easygoing tannins and a lush, fruity finish. Fabulous with smoky grilled ribs!
Wonderfully priced at $22.00

6/16/2010

MAC in Lillyland



Eyeshadow

Face Powder

Introducing the MAC Pearlmatte Eyeshadow and Face Powder. MAC and Lilly Pulitzer teamed up to produce this collection full of pinks just like Lilly’s designs. The eyshadow contains three shades (white, green and pink) and the face powder comes in four shades all designed in a lovely floral pattern. 

6/15/2010

The Tuxedo Jumpsuit


Effortlessly chic Lanvin's tuxedo jumpsuit is the height of cool and perfect for the coming season, accessorise with killer heels and a sleek clutch for an androgynous evening look. A fabulous outfit for a night out on the town with the girls.
Retail price:  $2,960.00

6/14/2010

Judith Leiber 'Streamline' Evening Bag



Judith Leiber's stunning art deco inspired evening bag is perfect for the bride to be. With crystal accents, push lock closure, drop-in chain strap, silvertone hardware and lined interior, this purse will definitely be a talk show piece.
Price: $2,595.00



6/12/2010

A Sweet Delight: Chocolate Coffee Kiss


INGREDIENTS

3/4 fluid ounce coffee liqueur
 3/4 fluid ounce Irish cream liqueur
1/2 fluid ounce creme de cacao liqueur
 1 teaspoon brandy-based orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier®)
1 cup hot brewed coffee
2 tablespoons whipped cream
1 1/2 fluid ounces chocolate syrup
1 maraschino cherry

DIRECTIONS

In a coffee mug, combine coffee liqueur, Irish cream, creme de cacao and Grand Marnier. Fill mug with hot coffee. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate syrup and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

{Courtesy of Allrecipes.com}

Feather Decor


Another emerging trend over the last few years are feather arrangements and bouquets for weddings and special events. The'yre gorgeous, elegant and easy to assemble.




6/10/2010

Veuve Clicquot Sakura Collection






 Veuve Clicquot has always been my favorite brand in champagnes. This year its eleased the Sakura Collection Veuve Clicquot Rosé, which is composed of a Rose Sakura Box (Sakura in Japanese for Cherry blossom) and a half bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé.
Price varies between $69.99-117.00

6/09/2010

The Vintage Way


Temperley London's delicate ivory cutout lace shrug will beautifully finish a demure wedding ensemble. With satin covered buttons, a cropped cut and an elegant high neck, this super luxe shrug has the feel of an exquisite vintage piece.
Retail Price: $1,275.00

6/08/2010

Floral Dress by Ruche


Loving this beautiful floral print dress from Ruche!
Retail price:  $36.99

6/07/2010

Monday's Handbag: Lanvin Pouchette Oulala Mariage

Adorned with a raw-trimmed chiffon pompom and transparent Swarovski crystals, Lanvin's off-white satin clutch is the perfect partner to a contemporary bridal gown.
Retail price:  $1,090.00














6/04/2010

French Essence


Kudos to my Facebook friend Joanna Hendrie of Joanna Hendrie Events and Fetes for telling me about the blog French Essence. Merci Beacoup!

6/03/2010

Thursday's Wine: 2007 7 Deadly Zins


 Looking for the ultimate blend, David and Michael Phillips chose seven vineyards their superiority to develop this wine. The Phillips brothers quickly related the Seven Sins from their Catholic school upbringing to the seven Old Vine Zinfandels blended in their wine. This is a sinful blend indeed!

Notes of sweet plums and pepper dominate the nose, while flavors of blueberry, raspberry, cinnamon, and black pepper pack the palate from start to finish. The silky-smooth tannins hold the wine together and deliver a soft, fruit driven experience. Pairs well with Barbecued Salmon, prime rib or grilled veggies. Get crazy with delectable dark chocolate desserts!
Retail at $13.00-$17.00

6/01/2010

SATC2



The eagerly anticipated Sex and the City 2 movie arrived this past weekend. Swamped with homework, I decided to take a break and venture out to the movie theater. And believe me the girls didn't disappoint. I have found a new love though...Carrie's Christian Louboutin Gold Sequined shoes!