The White Petal

Puppy Lovin'

2012-01-20T15:40:00.000-08:00

I ran into an itty, bitty Dorkie(get it, Dachshund/Yorkie *snicker*) puppy a few days ago and it was so incredibly adorable I just had to share.

Extra Virginity by Tom Muller

2012-01-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

I'm on my soap box today. I just completed a fascinating book about olive oil and all the fraud, globalization, deception, history and crime that has evolved from this little fruit. Certainly the book is scathing about ‘supermarket’ olive oil, which fills the shelves in a range of fancy labels, bottles and prices. These oils are often old, rancid and, according to Mueller and the University of Davis, 69% are not extra virgin or even olive oil at all . Even though we may find the taste acceptable, that’s probably because it has gone through so much refinement, deodorizing and false flavouring that it is no longer recognizable. The book also covers the history and power that this industry has but sadly it lacks any of the regulation that say the wine industry does. This book really opened my eyes to the underbelly of what is a seriously deceptive world.

So I did my research to find some excellent oils and I ran across the California Olive Oil Council which is a great place to start to find small producers of real, delicious, buttery, peppery oil. I ordered from Allure Estates and I can attest that it is the real thing.

Rainboot Lovin!

2012-01-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

Today is a rainy, chilly day out and my first thought this morning was, its going to be a soggy walk to work today-I really wish I owned some rain boots. Shopping here I come!

Here are my favorites:

Berry Wool Plaid from Chooka

At $85, these hit every mark for me! I just love the plaid and the lace up because not all calf's fit every boot. So adorable!

Corwin by Hunter

Bring on rain, snow and sleet these are out of my budget at $175 but they are so cute, I think I could wear them everyday.....almost. Piperlime as has them in white.

Adi Designs at Sears

I love the chartreuse and the style is a classic rain boot. At $35.95 these are a steal!

My Favorite Unique Gifts

2011-12-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

Finding a unique gift for all the loved ones and friends in your life can be an exhausting task. Here are some great gifts from some really great sites.

Wine lovers generally love things that help make their wine better , not just prettier. I think this decanter is brilliant and to boot its only $58 and made of recycled materials. Uncommon Goods

Teen and Tweens are for me the absolutely hardest to buy for. Its so difficult to find whats "cool" and the safest option is a gift card which I find to be boring. Then I came across a the Smash folios at work. Awesome! With no shortage of teen angst in the world the Smash folios provide the perfect place to contain it all. $15.95 at Paper Source

In my experience guys generally don't want or need much and when they do want something they'll buy it. So if you have a techie in your life check out the Lomography line of cameras. The above picture is of the Lomography Spinner. It takes a 360 degree photo which is pretty darn cool. Not the cheapest at $98.99 but he'll love it. Pop Deluxe

Of A Kind has these fantastic grab bags that are perfect for someone you may of may not know too well. It has a good random assortment that most people will love and at $45 it won't break the bank.

A good card wallet is a good gift for a man or woman. This one from Etsy is simple, elegant and looks like its already been loved. $35

The Holiday's In Full Swing!

2011-12-03T08:57:00.001-08:00

Its getting cold and festive outside my door today. What better way to get inspired for the holidays than to look at beautiful party tables!

I'm not so sure about the fur wraps on the chairs but I love the concept of a cozy blanket!

Where would a person buy a giant white peacock? I think in this case any white/silver/green/red themed back splash would work.

I do think that winter is a great time to just use white on a table, but check out the table below. The color screams festive and I absolutely love that silverware cozy! I wonder where I could find those?

Want a whimsical table?

One Of My Favorite Sources To Get Inspired

2011-10-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

The French version of Cote Maison is one of my favorite sites to browse around to get inspired for anything. From food to design its full of enticing photos. Check it out here and make sure you turn on your Google translator.

The Fabulous Reem Acra Gives Sneak Preview Of Whats To Come!

2011-10-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

O'Delicious! Fried Green Tomatoes!

2011-09-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

We have about two dozen green tomatoes out in the yard and with the sudden on set of fall in my area, I've given up any hope that they will turn red. So, this evening I tried my hand at fried green tomatoes and yum! They were delicious and I highly recommend making them provided you at not attempting to fit into a wedding dress.

Here is what I did,

Slice your green tomatoes and sprinkle them with some salt. Let them sit while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

In three bowls or bags, add flour into one, 2-3 eggs in another and bread crumbs or panko crumbs in the last. Add salt, pepper, cajun seasoning or italian seasoning into the bread crumbs.

Dip the slices in the flour,

then into the egg,

then into the bread crumbs,

then in to the oil, I used canola.

Mine took 3-5minutes each over a medium heat but really just fry them until they are perfectly golden brown.

I served mine with pork chops but I hear they also make for a tasty breakfast treat.

Enjoy!!!

High Dining For Dogs

2011-08-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

I get so bored with the same old dog dishes, I know its a minor issue in this day and age, but most of them are just cutesy and well boring. I think my dachshunds deserve a bit of a change so while looking online for a dog dish that blends with the craftsman influence of my house I ran across these. All very chic and very unlike the dish with multi-colored dog prints on it. Still on the hunt for a craftsman dish though........

$65 on Etsy

$130 on Etsy

$56-$169 on Muttropolis

And yes, my practical husband thinks I'm a little crazy, but thats why he married me!

A Cake On Every Table!

2011-08-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

We did this set up recently and it just wowed me. I loved that there was a different cake on every table as part of the centerpiece-of course those flowers are pretty amazing too!

For my wedding we did buffet station because it encouraged people to get up and move around and I think this does the same thing but almost better. I can just see all the guests table hopping to discover what cake is on each table. Yum!

How Much Should You Spend On A Wedding?

2011-07-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

The average wedding in the US is $30,000 and that number alone makes me gulp twice. Our wedding was much less but my question to you is, how much is too much? In August I'll be working a wedding which there will be 800 guests and believe me when I say its lavish on every level, the company I work for even had to hire a carpenter months in advance to assist in the decor. Crazy, right? When I hear of that much money being spent on one day I can't help be a little bitter on behalf of the rest of us who can't find jobs, are losing their homes and will be paying student loans for the next 50 years. Then again, if 100k was just a drop in the bucket in my savings account, how lavish would I go?

Truth be told, I might spend some serious dough on a gorgeous location but I think I would still want an intimate wedding.

And just because I am day dreaming about beautiful locations to have a wedding, I'll share with you some of my favorites around the world.

Villa d'Este

Lake Como, Italy

Guana Island

British Virgin Islands

Hearst Castle

San Simeon, CA

The Cloisters

NY, NY

Did you see the Groupon Getaway today?

2011-07-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

I think this may be the best deal I've seen in a really long time. For $240-$268 pp you get 4 nights at a gorgeous all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. Wish I was there right now and out of the 105 degree temperatures of Michigan.

Not a member of Groupon, click here.

As an all-inclusive resort, BlueBay Villas Doradas sates its boarders with a quartet of eateries serving cuisine ranging from the international buffet at Las Grazas Restaurant to à la carte steaks at El Dorado Restaurant. A pair of alfresco bars, including a swim-up drinkery, flank the resort's two expansive outdoor pools. Back inside, a team of aestheticians pampers guests with massages and facials in the full-service spa, and hairstylists sculpt stylish coifs in the beauty salon. A steady throb of Caribbean drums entices passersby to partake in a merengue dance lesson, and health hunters can hit the resort's gym or square off against like-minded vacationers on the volleyball or tennis courts. A multifarious hotbed of entertainment, BlueBay also packs three casinos into its compound.

Please Vote For My DIY Smores Wedding Favors!

2011-07-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

I have summited the wedding favor I created for my big day on Instructables.com and I would just love it if you could vote for me! Click here to get to my page. Each account can only vote once but signing up for an account is free!

For less than $1 each, it ended up being an awesome favor!

Searching For The Perfect Plus Size Bridesmaid Dress?

2011-07-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

Guess what, I ran across it today and I'm in love!

Only $42.99 at shopruche.com

I love this site!

Pet Prep For Your Wedding

2011-06-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

I saw this article in todays WSJ.com and I thought I'd share. I think that its an important reminder that animals at weddings need to be prepped as much as, if not more than the humans involved. Now it appears that there is a budding industry of care takers that can do it all for you.

By Sarah E. Needleman

More couples are including pets in their nuptials — a trend that I wrote about in today’s WSJ article, “At Some Weddings, Man’s Best Friend Is Man’s Best Man.”

Jules Bianchi

But what didn’t make the story were a number of details about the wedding planners, animal trainers and other businesses that are offering new services and products for helping pets fulfill their special roles.

For example, husband-and-wife team Dedi and Gary Wood of Plano, Texas, oversee dogs in wedding ceremonies for their business, Shadow & Marty’s Pet Care Services, which they launched in 2008. The couple charges customers between $100 and $300 per wedding depending on the amount of work involved, and so far they’ve provided the service for six clients.

“We basically will pick up the dog, get him dressed, and transport him to and from the wedding,” says Ms. Wood. The couple’s business, which last year posted $50,000 in revenue, also offers regular pet sitting and waste-removal services.

Wedding planners typically don’t charge extra to incorporate pets into their clients’ nuptials. But there is often more work involved when pets play a part, and accidents are sometimes unavoidable.

Anna Pohl, owner of Day Planners LLC, an event-planning business in Sarasota, Fla., says she had to run after a puppy that bolted from the aisle at a client’s beach wedding last year when a seagull’s cry startled it. At another wedding she planned, she struggled to hush chirping parakeets from overpowering the sermon. “They were so loud, but the groom’s mother thought they were pretty,” recalls Pohl, who plans about two weddings with pets a year out an average of 30. “I don’t think I would do that again.”

Nora Sheils, owner of Bridal Bliss LLC in Lake Oswego, Ore., can relate. Once a client’s normally well-behaved Schnauzer bit a wedding guest’s ear after the man took the canine’s photo. “We think it was the flash that freaked the dog out,” she says. “We had to call an ambulance.”

Colleen Paige, owner of TheWeddingDog.com, trains pets to participate in weddings without such problems. She mostly works with dogs, but has also prepped a pot belly pig, miniature horse and a goat for weddings, often setting up mock events for practice sessions. She charges about $2,500 per event and double or more if multiple pets and travel are involved, or if an animal is especially badly behaved.

Paige, who last year readied pets for 15 weddings, says her job also includes pet sitting since she has to make sure the animals don’t eat anything they shouldn’t before or after they walk down the aisle, or dirty the bride’s dress by brushing up against it.

Then there’s the messy stuff, like cleaning up after pets so that brides, grooms and their guests don’t soil their shoes or inhale smelly odors.

“You have to be a pet lover,” she says, to run a business like hers. “It takes a special person to deal with animals and people.”

How To Get The Most For The Least On Your Honeymoon

2011-06-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

Your Honeymoon might be a time to splurge on a lavish trip but if you can do it on a budget than it becomes all the better. Here are my tips and tricks for getting the most out of your honeymoon (or any trip for that matter).

1. Tell everyone its your honeymoon. Now sometimes, you'll just get a congratulations but on your flight, hotel and fancy restaurant you'll most likely get a bottle of bubbly, wine or free dessert.

2. Traveling to the US, Europe or Canada? Subscribe to Groupon and Livingsocial months before you leave and you might just get a great deal on a massage, dinner or as in todays Groupon in Hawaii, $30 for two people to horseback ride around Koko Crater on Oahu. London's deal today just happens to be 23 Euro's instead of 53 Euro's for Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at the Marriott Canary Wharf Hotel. Yum!

3. Not sure where to go yet? Three sites rank at the top of my list for hotel deals. Off and Away, Jetsetter and Livingsocial Escapes. Off and Away is a bidding system that adds 1 cent and 20 seconds each time you bid. Its kind of a tricky system so buy plenty of bids to ensure you get what you want. Jetsetter and Livingsocial Escapes have high end hotels and excursions at a discount. Good stuff.

4. Want to save major bucks on food and beverages? Don't eat at your hotel often. Its to easy to say "add it to my bill" when your plate of pancakes was $23. Instead use Yelp.com to find where the locals eat and find a grocery store to stock up on snacks and breakfast items.

5. Renting a car? Search online for the little guys that are just in the location you are visiting and book with them. They are able to more competitive than your standard Enterprise or Budget.

6. Have a family member that travels a lot. See if you can hint to them that airline miles would make an excellent wedding gift.

Ribbons Get A Bad Rap

2011-05-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

In the wedding world ribbon details get stuck in the stereotype of being feminine and classic. While there is a bit of truth to that ribbons can also be an inexpensive way to add whimsy and color to a wedding. The key is to use them in unexpected ways and avoid all the bows.

Here are some of my favorites:

The Best Farmers Markets In the US

2011-05-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Its farmers market season and I just love my little Royal Oak's weekly market although when I first walked into it I was a bit bummed. Its mainly indoors and being from California where they have taken the farmers market to an art form I can't help but be a bit sentimental about those balmy evening markets full of live music and amazing food. I think this may call for some travels to check out other cities farmers markets!

My picks for markets around the US:

San Francisco, CA

The Ferry Building can't be beat for unique produce and artisanal meats, cheese and bread. Its one of my favorite markets and it has the ultimate location on the water. The food(and Blue Bottle Coffee) is unbelievably good so make sure you schedule some time to eat while you are there.

Chicago, IL

The Green City Market has been named by Alice Waters as "the best sustainable farmers market in the country". Being a fan of Miss Alice I can't wait to visit the windy city and check out this farmers market. "On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, farmers selling squash blossoms and maple syrup share space with vendors who serve just-squeezed wheatgrass juice and make crepes fresh to order."

Santa Monica, CA

I'm adding this to my list because 900,000 people every year can't be wrong. "There's a grower-only selection on Wednesday, two markets on Saturday (including one that's mostly organic), and one on Sunday with live performances. Go there for the stunning selection of citrus, seasonal favorites like figs, and heirloom tomatoes every color of the rainbow — and stay for the incredible people-watching. "

Seattle, WA

Pikes Place Farmers Market while maybe a bit touristy, it also happens to have some of the best vibes of any market I've been to. Every stall is fun and entertaining and since Seattle is full of foodies you know that the pickings will be unique and delicious. This is after all, home of the flying fish stalls. Mmmmmm salmon. Being an ex Starbucks employee, make sure you grab a coffee at the first Starbucks right across the street.

Honolulu, HI

How did I miss this one when I was in Hawaii? I guess I'll just have to go back and visit! Held at the Kapiolani Community College and apparently hosting some of the best tropical fruits and veggie available. As one yelper puts it "Come early (no later than 7:30am) get your produce, flowers, and other local goodies (honey, butter, cheese, taro poke), grab a bite to eat (kim chee portuguese sausage on a stick, kalua pig sliders, locomoco, grilled abalone), and then get the hell out." Apparently its a popular place for the tourists as well.

Boston, MA

Copley Farmers Market seems to be the place to hit up when you are in fantastic city of Boston. "Heirloom varieties of every conceivable fruit or veggie you can think of. Zephyr squash, ground cherries, rosemary goat's milk soap, lollipop radishes, pistachio tarts that are as long as your arm (!), rosemary bushes, ginaromous sunflowers, lavender cranberry lemonade, those prehistoric tomatoes, mint honey, cider donuts, apples, cherries, and berries, oh my! Photo from Yelp.com

Summer Lovin Simple Weddings

2011-05-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

I love simple summer weddings, in fact that was our alternate idea for our own wedding. Here are some truly inspired breezy summer weddings.

Color that POPS!

Sand between your toes.

Elegant, misty and Southern.

For the lovers of a farmers market.

The fruit filled barn, don't you just love that rustic feeling?

A Succulent Bouquet

2011-04-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

Bouquets with succulents don't have to be rough around the edges. The succulents add an earthy color that seems to make all the other colors pop that much more. Check out the bouquets below, they are all fun, flirty and oh, so romantic. I just love them!

Don't you just adore them?

A Simple Floral Collection For Your Centerpieces

2011-04-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Its not always necessary to have tons of flowers coming out of your centerpieces. Often a collection of a few bottles or vases can have just as much impact. Look for deals on bottles on ebay, craigslist and the dollar store for and easy DIY look. After your wedding you can easily sell the left over bottles on craigslist, trust me they will sell-tons of brides are looking for bottle collections. Also look for brown and green beer bottles to add into the collection, your fiancée will love helping you with the centerpieces if it entails drinking the beer/root beer.

Then just add 2-3 flower stalks per bottle and a few tea lights. For evening receptions in my opinions, you must have candles on the table, it adds romance, light and shimmer to the evening. Photos will also come out better if there are candles in the background. Its that easy.

Figure that for the average 8-10 person round table you will need to have a 12" diameter to make the impact you need.

Celebrate Your Anniversary With Great Wine At Half Off!

2011-04-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

I just placed my first order on Lot18, which is a site for exclusive deals for wine. Think Groupon or Livingsocial kind of stuff. I love this site! Really though, that applies to any site where I get a killer deal on anything that you normally would pay a fortune for.

Its an invite only site so follow the link to sign up https://www.lot18.com/i/V88002

And when you order 4+ bottles of wine you get free shipping, even better right?

Return Of The Gilt Group Wedding Shop!

2011-04-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Want to get into Klienfeld's Sample Sale before all the other girls in line? Or win a chance to get a free Marchesa Gown and a trip to NYC? If yes is the answer, check Gilt Group at noon on April 14th because they are bringing back their Wedding Shop! The sale only goes until the 17th and when they sell out of item its gone. My experience with Gilt is that the discount is around 40%-50%. If you aren't a member already here is a link for an invite. Invite to Gilt Group

Also check out their partner site Jetsetter, my husband and I booked the Mauna Lani in Hawaii

on that site for a really great deal. Get a luxury honeymoon at a great price.

About The Wedding Shop

"Are you newly engaged, attending a wedding, or helping to plan the nuptials of a loved one or friend? If so, you’re in luck: Gilt’s last big bridal event was such a resounding success that we decided right away to do another one—and we’re very excited to announce that the time has finally come! Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 14th at noon ET, when we’ll have an array of unique offerings to help you tailor your big day into the personalized wedding of your dreams.

On the fashion front, we’re offering early admission to the Kleinfeld sample sale via our friends at Gilt City, to kick things off in style. We’ll have designer picks for grooms and their buddies, and Badgley Mischka, Judith Lieber, Nicole Miller, and others will be on hand with an array of of-the-moment handbags, shoes, gloves, jewelry, and more. Vera Wang Bridesmaids and Twobirds Bridesmaids will both be returning to offer their coveted bridal-party styles."

Celebrating William and Kate's Wedding In Style

2011-04-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Want to celebrate the big Royal wedding but can't get to London? Try one of these fabulous cities that are getting all gussied up (slippers included) for the 6am I Do's.

"Shag Like Royalty" in San Francisco

Personality Hotels’ "Shag Like Royalty" package includes: overnight accommodations at Kensington Park Hotel, two mini bottles of gin, a can of Spotted Dick Pudding, a copy of "Knickers in a Twist: A Dictionary of British Slang," a list of San Francisco’s best British pubs and more. The "Shag Like Royalty" package is valid through May 15. Rates start at $189 per night, excluding tax and based upon availability. For reservations, call 1-800.553.1900

"Royal Treatment" Package in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla.

Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach will host a special spa day to celebrate the historic nuptials of Kate Middleton and Prince William on April 29. Large screen TVs will broadcast wedding coverage throughout the day and British nibbles including crumpets, tea sandwiches and cookies will be served complimentary in the spa’s relaxation lounge. The package allows guests to indulge in two hours of pampering beginning with the Welcome Foot Ritual and continuing with a Full Body Scrub, Restorative Massage, Nourishing Mud Wrap, Relaxing Scalp Massage, Foot & Hand Paraffin Treatment and a special Royal Treatment goodie bag. The package is $429 including gratuity and complimentary valet. You can get a room on the evening of April 29 for an additional $429. To book, call 1-855-750-2740.

"Royal Watchers" at the Seattle Fairmont Empress Hotel

The Fairmont and Clipper Vacations have teamed up to offer “Royal Watchers” a unique opportunity to enjoy Kate and William’s upcoming nuptials, while enjoying a royal stay in Victoria, B.C. The pageantry is scheduled to begin at 3am and continue until 11am. Recognizing that this once in a lifetime event starts very early, the Fairmont Empress has invited viewers to feel free to attend the breakfast event in their pajamas and a fluffy, white, comfortable Fairmont Robe. One night only, on the night of 28 April, and for a limited number of participants. Package rates start at $188 per person, double occupancy and include: Round trip transportation between Seattle and Victoria on the Victoria Clipper, overnight stay at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the “Rise and Shine with the Royals Breakfast” in the Empress Dining Room, flat screen viewing of the Royal Wedding during breakfast, late check-out and all applicable taxes.

An Absolutely Delicious Vanilla Sugar!

2011-04-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

My Uncle sent me a recipe for homemade strawberry shortcake which was absolutely delicious but I think it was the super simple vanilla sugar that stole the show. It will now be a staple in my pantry for toast, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, ice cream. Needless to say, I'll be putting it on everything.

I also think this would make a great homemade wedding favor in adorable little jars with recipe tags.

The recipe is incredibly simple

2 1/2-3 cups sugar

2 vanilla beans

a mason jar

To make, put 3 cups organic sugar in an air tight container.

Split one to 2 vanilla beans down the middle.

Scrape the insides of the bean into the sugar with the pointed end of a sharp knife.

Cut the halves of the bean into two pieces and put them in as well.

Seal the container and let it stand for several days, at least a week, shaking it three or four times a day.

Mmmmmm, delicious.

Here is the short cake recipe too!

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix in a bowl

-2 1/2 cups Cake flour or all purpose flour. Cake flour makes it lighter.

-1/2 cup corn meal fine ground

- 2/3 cup vanilla sugar

-1 teaspoon fine salt

2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.

3. Mix all together well then mix the following in a bowl:

-1/2 cup buttermilk and 1 cup cream; the zest of 2 lemons and the zest of 2 small or 1 large orange/s;

Add the contents to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don't over mix.

In two other bowls place 1/4 cup melted butter and 1/3 cup vanilla sugar.

Turn the dough out onto a floured board, kneed 8 to twleve times, gently, don't over do it! less is better. Roll out into a roll long enough to give you 8 equal portions. Cut the roll into 8 equal portions, dip each into the butter then one half into the sugar and place on a no stick cooking sheet or no stick aluminum foil sugar side up. Flatten each roll slightly and gently.

Bake in a preheated oven 20 to 25 minutes sugar side up until lightly browned. Cool on WIRE RACK or else the bottoms will get soggy.

This recipe is of course great with strawberries but also works with just about any fruit you love.