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Monday, June 9, 2014

Sunny Day Staples: Sundresses And Sandals


Sundresses and sandals - two things that always represented a proper Summer wardrobe. These days, you are more likely to see me sporting an off the shoulder "something" with at least some sleeve.  But I do still love little strappy dresses and shoes. Don't you? Scroll down to see what struck my fancy. And just for fun, I've paired the sandals to the sundresses. I hope you find a frock or footwear you simply can't resist.





Tracy Reese Bib Slip
Chic, cool and crocheted, this is what Summer is all about. Please do click thru and get a close up look at the cotton and silk fabric. Really pretty! Now reduced at
Tracy Reese


UGG Australia Lucy Wedge
I thought these high styled wedges were a good match with Tracy's pink sundress. Yes?  Going tonal works well with the high low hem.
Nordstrom's


Two Vince Camuto
Back Cutout Sleeveless Maxi Dress
This less than $100 dress comes in sizes to fit 0-16. It's a stretch knit that shows its' stripes in ivory and black.

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Cicely 
Though the heel is high and a bit chunky, these shoes also have a light and airy feel about them. 


Beach House Maxi
Sold only thru Free People on line, this is a perfect pick for a day at the beach or on the boardwalk. A budget buy!
Free People


Benjamin Adams London Richmond
Glam from the ground up!  Love how the beads add sparkle to the neutral Free People dress.
Nordstrom's


LISA CORTI
Knee-length Dress
This is my idea of a sundress. 100% Cotton and 1,000% chic! Love the halter neckline. Very well priced at
YOOX


Studio Pollini
Olive Suede Tassel Accent Sandals
I love anything with a tassel! The mix of soft suede with the polished cotton of Lisa Corti's dress is a nice contrast. A great shoe.
SSENSE


ASOS Midi Bandeau Sundress 
Picnic anyone? Stretch cotton makes this one comfy dress, perfect for anything daytime.
ASOS


MM6 Maison Martin Margiela
Wedge Sandal 
Add a little color blocking and a pop of red to the great gingham sundress by ASOS. You'll wear these with trousers, too.
 Barneys New York


Alice + Trixie Gemma Maxi
So fresh in bright blue and white! This is an effortless dress that feels as good as it looks. Click through to see the great back of the dress. Available in four chic shades at the wonderful
Alice + Trixie


Kate Spade New York Nice
Never one to seek out white shoes, I think that Alice + Trixie's marvelous maxi calls for a touch of white with a measure of metallic.  Kate's wedges are a bold neutral for many dresses.
Zappos Couture


Riverbank Dress By
I Love Gorgeous
Smocked and shirred in muted cotton voile. Could anything be any sweeter? Available for sizes 2T - 12
I Love Gorgeous


Sparkly Plimsoll - Gold
I realize that these aren't sandals, but they are just too fun not to include, and are on the pretty little model above.  Perfect for fun in the sun, too.
I Love Gorgeous

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NORDSTROM - Shop Summer Steals - Price Point Shoes from Top Brands


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For Summer

Be My Guest: A Warm Welcome For Summer House Guests

(Via Ooh La Frou Frou)

No matter where you call home in the Summer - the big city, on a lake, near the ocean, or in the country - chances are your friends and family will find you. Make your guests feel at home (or even better than at home) with a little bit of simple preparation.  Just think about what makes you comfy in a hotel. Chances are, your guests will like the same.  When it comes to hospitality, it truly is the "little things" that count.

Designers Guild Ltd.


Astor Moss - Designer's Guild
A soft look for a contemporary home.  Shades of citrus mixed with white is refreshing for the warmer months.


India Hicks Bedding
You may know the name from reading about royalty.  India was a bridesmaid for Princess Di.  Her Father was one of the world's most renowned designers.  The girl has some style, and it might be called "Island Style." Her bedding is simple but refined. Pictured above is the English Garden pattern.  See the entire collection at 
HSN

Laguna Seagrass Baskets
What to do with bath towels, beach towels or sundries? Display them in the guest room in an organized fashion with a pleasing presentation. There will be no confusion as to which towels to use. This is a set of 3 with a real beachy feel. 
Serena and Lily


Jacaranda Living Waffle Weave Bathrobe
Robes take up sacred space in the suitcase. I always try to have at least one fresh robe in the guest closet.  After all, what's good enough for Ritz Carlton guests is perfect for my own special company. This one is priced very reasonably.
One Kings Lane


Serena And Lily Catalina Bedding
If you live seaside or want to make your guests feel like they do, this is a delightful coordinated set, without being matchy matchy.
Serena and Lily


Super Loft Feather Bed
Have you actually laid on your guest bed? If not, it is time to do so. Would you want to sleep in that bed?  If not, a feather bed may be what you need. They are especially helpful on a sofa bed.  I have trouble sleeping without one. These are fabulous!
Pacific Coast Feather


Aya Blu Soap Set
A fresh bar of soap is not only courteous, it is a necessity.  Stock up on guest soaps when you see them on sale. Tuck them away in your own lingerie drawers, for an instant pick me up. These long-lasting, moisturizing soaps are quad-milled for a supremely rich and creamy lather. They ship for free and are now on sale. for less than $15
Soft Surroundings


Gobi Towels And Sheeting
Not so basic but just simply stylish. These sheets and towels are the perfect pairing for a lovely guest experience.  If the guest room has its' own bath en suite, all the more perfect.  Find them both at 
Serena and Lily


Ellen Luggage Rack
A handy essential that makes life so much easier for your guest.
One Kings Lane


Borasilicate Glass Carafe and Glass
Like a fine hotel, I like to have water ready for my guests at bedtime. It is a thoughtful gesture that is appreciated by all. This set comes with a cup, as well.
Burke Decor


Charlottenberg - Dramatic Bedlinen
I just want to get in this bed. How welcoming! Designer's Guild does it again with fine linen and a pretty palette.
Designer's Guild


Arteriors Gold Snail Container
A flowering plant or fresh flowers will always be welcomed in a guest room. Loving this chic cachepot at
Zhush


Granada Monogram Embossed 
Guest Towel
I love the idea of paper guest towels.  First of all, there is no laundry to do.  The monogram is always classic and classy.  Your guests will appreciate not having to soil your linens, as well. This is a set of 100 which will last at least a season.
Swoozie's



Sparkling Embers Diffuser Set
With the scent of rare botanics, this is one of the most stylish diffuser containers I have ever seen. DL and Co. only creates fabulous fragrances, and they are one of my favorites. The only problem is that with a room that smells this lovely, your guest may never want to leave.
Barneys New York



Shop SoftSurroundings.com Now!


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Friday, June 6, 2014

Foodie Friday: A Celebration Of French Food

(Via Etsy)

Beginning today , the eyes of the world will be on Normandy, and the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. The Battle at Normandy was the worst of times, But today we celebrate freedom and the lives of those lost, my own uncle included, with some fabulous French food!

Bon Appetit!


Shop Le Creuset



Ratatouille Brunch Bake
 A French peasant dish that is as colorful as the language. A fun company recipe!
The Woks Of Life


How to Make French Crepes
Without a French bone in my body (though my husband and daughter both are of French descent) I grew up on French crepes! Go figure. As a child I was very fond of these wafer thin delights spread with butter and jelly, then sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Here is an authentic but easy recipe to follow.
Spicie Foodie


Petits Croques-Monsieur
The French sure know how to elevate a ham and cheese sandwich! And those cute cornichons!
Taste


Chocolate Soufflé With Hazelnut Ganache
Don't be afraid of a souffle. It's alright to be perfectly imperfect!
SBS Australia


Verrine Fraicheur: Cucumber, Yogurt and Smoked Salmon
The perfect dish to cool off with in the warmer months!
La Tartine Gourmande


Almond Praline Profiterole Stack
And the average delicious profiterole just got kicked up a notch.  These sure look fun.
Taste


Onion Soup With Cabernet Franc
Is there a better soup? Not in my book. Find this beautiful recipe at
Gourmet Traveller


Seared-Tuna Niçoise Salad with 
Sesame-Miso Dressing
One of my favorite salads has been reimagined in the most beautiful fashion.  How impressive!
Food and Wine


Coquilles St-Jacques 
(Gratinéed Scallops)
This was the first meal I prepared for my husband after we were married. It's a rich dish, and probably best served as an appetizer. I happen to love the look of it. The taste is divine!
Saveur


Crème Brulée
I have always wanted to make this but don't have a kitchen torch! I think it is high time I get one.  This recipe is easy yet impressive.
30 Pounds Of Apples

Here is a rather inexpensive torch at Sur La Table



A French Press Cold Brew
After my Meg spent a Summer in Paris, she came back stating that we HAD TO get a French Press Coffee Maker. It was the only way to enjoy a cup of coffee. We tried it, and it is great fun, and I hear, full of flavor. After reading this article, you'll say "oui," too.
The Kitchn

P.S. I love Bodum's Gold EILEEN 8-Cup French Press Coffee Maker at Zappos Ooh La La!


Summer Tomato Bouillabaisse
With Basil Rouille
One of my favorite restaurant meals. And that piece of bread is essential to getting every drop of the wine enhanced sauce.
Bon Appetit


Cherry Blossom Macarons
And though I have never tried to make a French Macaron, I've enjoyed a few in my day. These were just too pretty not to include. Note to my friend, Mollie, you simply must visit Ladurée when visiting Paris!
Anna and Blue


Aran Goyoaga’s Wild Mushroom, 
Taleggio And Fig Tarts (Gluten Free)
A savory, gluten free dish by the creator of Cannelle et Vanille. How lovely to serve with a salad for brunch!
Taste-Williams Sonoma


Tomato Tarte Tatin 
A tarte tatin is so very French! Make it with tomatoes and it becomes a Summer favorite for me. Such a burst of color and sunshine for the plate! Sweet and Savory.
The Boston Globe


Double Chocolate Mousse
One of my very favorite things on earth!  Chocolate is paired with  Crème Chantilly for a very elegant dessert.
Huffington Taste


Parisian Breakfast: Quiche with Brussels Sprouts, Shallots, and Dill
 Flaky buttery crust with a different technique to making the filling. Read about it at
Food 52




You haven't had an eclair until you have tried one of Chef Adam's at L'Eclair De Genie located in Paris' Marais neighborhood.


L'Éclair De Genie
14 Rue Pavée, 75004 Paris, France
+33 1 42 77 85 11

Shop for Party Favors @ Beau-coup.com



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