Penelope
Favorite Color: Purple
Ultimate Girls’ Day/Night:
“My ultimate girls’ day? Ooo, how about boutique shopping followed by a bistro lunch? Then a night on a rooftop patio with some wine and, preferably, an extra large slice of key lime pie.”
Travel back in time
These 10 hotels are steeped in luxury and history...stay at one of these locations and create your own history. Maybe I can begin my memoirs here...hmmm
Source: http://www.departures.com/articles/hotels-with-history
May 16, 2012 at 10:00 AM
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Be the first to comment on this postVintage travel
I treasure travel books from the early 20th century. Passenger to Teheran by Vita Sackville-West creates powerful, vivid images as you follow a diplomat's wife and her travels before the world was commercialized.
Source: http://www.amazon.com/Passenger-Teheran-Tauris-Parke-Paperback/dp/1845113438
Travel to the Mason Dixon line
Keep it casual and dole out Seven Daughters Sangria or other fresh thirst-quenchers from this extra-large Mason jar from Pottery Barn. I think this will be a great addition to any outdoor party.
Source: www.potterybarn.com
I scream, you scream we all scream for ice cream...
Some of my best childhood memories are of summertime trips to the ice cream parlor. Now I can bring that nostalgia into my kitchen, with Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream. Molly Moon Neitzel opened her first ice cream shop in 2008. She uses hormone-free dairy and seasonal, local and organic products. Now you can create your sweet treats.
Source: http://www.amazon.com/Molly-Moons-Homemade-Ice-Cream/dp/1570618100
Inside the home of Frank Lloyd Wright
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan is the story of Mamah Borthwick Cheney, Frank Lloyd Wright’s muse and mistress of seven years, while they were both married with children. The book contemplates how morality and love become intertwined. Pour a glass of Seven Daughters Pinot and be prepared for an intricate and compelling story.
Source: http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Frank-Novel-Nancy-Horan/dp/0345494997
Get ready for a sugar rush
Sugar is typically an ingredient in my baking recipes, but these candy-coated colors from butter London are strictly for my nails. I heart the "I Want Candy" collection; it makes my nails look yummy for spring. Not ready for a pop of color, butter London has a color for every gal!
Source: http://www.butterlondon.com/lacquers/packs/Iwantcandy
Blooming Gorgeous
With spring upon us...I like to take time to stop and smell the flowers and jump in puddles with my rain boots...What are your favorite spring activities? Whatever they may be, I hope they add a little spring to your step...
Source: http://feltandwireshop.com/products/spring-has-sprung-wpainspired-letterpress-poster
Red Wine=Less Fat...
New research points to a compound in red wine that might help fight weight-gain. According to a recent Purdue University study, the compound seems to be able to block cellular processes that allow fat cells to develop, opening a door to a potential method to control obesity. Want more information...Check out this article in Self Magazine....While you are reading, I am going to order a case of Seven Daughters Merlot...
Source: http://www.shape.com/blogs/shape-your-life/how-red-wine-might-help-block-fat-cells-forming
The steaks are high...
When it's been a long day... I am starving, and want a fantastic meal in minutes. This steak recipe can be created in no time...I think I will have a glass of Seven Daughters Merlot while I wait...bon appetite...
Steak with roasted parsnips, tomatoes, and scallions
Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m | Total Time: 40m
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds parsnips, cut into 2-inch pieces, halved or quartered if thick
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 bunch scallions, trimmed
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
kosher salt and black pepper
4 strip or rib-eye steaks (1/2 inch thick; about 1 1/2 pounds total)
Directions
Heat oven to 450° F. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, toss the parsnips, tomatoes, scallions, and thyme with ¼ cup of the oil; season with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cover the dish with foil and roast until the juices are bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to roast until tender, 10 to 15 minutes more.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper; in batches, cook to the desired doneness, 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the vegetables.
The girl next door
American Beauty features over 100 photos of American women photographed by Vogue alumna Claiborne Swanson Frank. Each image captures the women's beauty and style as displayed in everyday American life. Subjects include artists, mothers and a few celebs...so there will be someone in this book whose inner and outer beauty will serve as an inspiration for you to create your own definition of American Beauty.
Just like fine wine...this brass gets better with time
Everyone knows how much I love anything with a vintage flair. This brass bottle opener by Jonathan Adler is the perfect accessory to my Seven Daughters collection of wine!
Source: http://www.jonathanadler.com/Brass-Muse-Bottle-Opener
Biscuits are not just for breakfast anymore
These Brie and Chive Biscuits were a hit at my last potluck dinner...and you can use the same recipe to create magical muffins. Enjoy!
Brie and Chive Biscuits
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the work surface
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
6 ounces Brie, cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces (including the rind)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
3/4 cup buttermilk
Directions
1. Heat oven to 375° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. Add the butter and, using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut in until crumbly. Add the Brie and chives and toss to combine. Add the buttermilk and stir just until moistened (do not overmix).
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it a few times to bring it together. Gently shape into a 1-inch-thick disk. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or a small glass), cut out 16 biscuits (flouring the cutter and reshaping the scraps as necessary). Place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden, 15 to 18 minutes.
Hands-on Time: 15m
Total Time: 35m
Not your typical Block Party
I heart this preppy spin on this season's hottest trend...Color Blocking..
More than the Alamo
San Antonio definitely has more to offer than just the Alamo! San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the U.S., yet has maintained an old world charm through the city's historic preservation efforts. Stay at one of the B&B's in the King William district, and make sure you take a leisurely stroll along the River Walk and observe the art projects installed underneath bridges and along the riverbanks. Make sure you pack your walking shoes...or even your cowgirl boots!
Source: http://www.elledecor.com/entertaining-travel/articles/san-antonio-travel-guide
Looking for Old World Charm
Then you will love this charming accessory from De Vera, NYC or other vintage inspired pieces.
Source: http://www.vogue.com/fashion/most-wanted/most-wanted-february-9-2012/
Playlist
The last playlist I made for my friends included the following songs. It’s a great little list to play while traveling, eating, drinking wine or just hanging together.
1. New Slang by The Shins
2. Fences by Phoenix
3. Kids by MGMT
4. Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People
5. West Coast by Coconut Records
6. White Sky by Vampire Weekend
7. Under Cover of Darkness by The Strokes
8. Dashboard by Modest Mouse
Image Source: http://www.avintageposter.com/products
Doily Dotted Tote Bags
Can you say DIY preciousness!?! Doily dotted tote bags. You and your girlfriends need these in your lives immediately.
Full Tutorial: http://ashleyannphotography.com/