Wednesday, September 29, 2010

slipping into autumn


We woke up to rain this past sunday, for the first time in a long time. Steel grey clouds signaling a change of seasons ~ I am not sure how to describe it, but there was something distinctly autumnal about the way they moved across the sky. The market was full of fall fruits and muted colors.

Some things I am enjoying right now:

* Hervé Pierre at home
* a wedding in Iceland
* and yummy little cakes

I am feeling unabashedly feminine today. Sorry guys!

xo

Friday, September 24, 2010

trouvée: an old postcard

Carlyle House was built 1751-1753 by British merchant John Carlyle for his bride, Sarah Fairfax of Belvoir, a member of one of the most prestigious families in colonial Virginia. John and Sarah moved into their completed house on August 1, 1753. That same night, she gave birth to their first son, prompting John to write to his brother George “its a fine beginning.” Their home quickly became a center of social and political life in Alexandria and gained a foothold in history when British General Braddock made the mansion his headquarters in 1755. Braddock summoned five colonial governors to meet there to plan the early campaigns of the French and Indian War. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Carlyle House is the only stone, 18th-century Palladian-style house in Alexandria.

And its unusual garden terrace is where the gentleman and I will be married in a few short weeks!

(Vintage postcard found on eBay and used as a save-the-date.)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

the autumnal equinox

It is the first day of autumn (with a full moon no less!), but summer is hanging on here in Washington. Those cool fall breezes have yet to win out over the heat and humidity. Perhaps this weekend? I hope so. . . the gentleman and I plan to mark the change of seasons with wild mushroom risotto. That calls for crisp air and a robust pinot grigio.

Here are a few things you might enjoy reading:

* São Schlumberger in Vanity Fair
* a lovely piece on Enfilade
* and the Mystery Diva

Happy thursday! Welome fall.

(above: dusk at Grandale Farm)

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

blue skies in virginia


This past weekend, two friends tied the knot in the foot hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Clear skies and bright sun smiled down on a beautiful couple! Add in gorgeous flowers, a boat-load of creativity, and some delicious food and wine, and and you have one smashing wedding. (Needless to say, I was taking notes!).

Last week saw big changes in my life. After months of anticipation, the gentleman and I loaded up a Uhaul with his belongings and drove half-way across the country. And now there are two toothbrushes sitting by my sink (pardon me, our sink). Hurrah! We are surrounded by piles of books and bubble wrap, but couldn't be happier.

More to come when I find my way through the boxes. . .

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

warm potatoes and cold corn

Mom is here and we're eating good food. The evenings are still warm and so we'll take our dinners to the roof and watch the sun set gently over the city. The pressure is off: a mother-of-the-bride outfit has been found! Time for wine.

Some late-summer culinary inspiration:

* Anna Magazine: the recipes (especially the salads)
* warm potato salad
* chilled corn soup

Happy wednesday.

And happy Rosh Hashanah.

Monday, September 6, 2010

each peach pear plum



A few things from this past week ~ hurricane skies and plums from the sunday market. Earl came and went without much fuss, leaving behind some crisp autumal air. Last night's dinner included warm peaches with fresh cream. Segue to fall.

And yum. Plum cake!

Happy holiday monday.

Friday, September 3, 2010

putting it on paper

A little look at our invitations! Being a lover of paper goods, I admit that this was one of the hardest things for me to make a decision about. There are just so many wonderful ideas out there. In the end, I decided to stick with something very simple and traditional ~ letterpress invitations by William Arthur (printed in Kennebunk, Maine).

I did have a little fun with the reply cards, which are from Cavallini & Co. Each postcard has a different bird! I simply printed the return address in the same font and color as the invitation, leaving space for each guest to write their own response. We have really enjoyed seeing what people come up with ~ they say the most wonderful things!

Then to trim it all out, I scoured eBay for vintage stamps. Of course, I had to have the 1982 Love stamp designed by Mary Faulconer, and to carry on the bird motif, a 5-cent Audubon stamp. The calligraphy was done by the amazingly talented Kathryn Murray (you can see some more of her work over here).

Are you beginning to sense a theme?

A few more bits next week. Until then, enjoy this last official weekend of summer!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

a sneak peek


. . . at the spot where we'll be married. On an October afternoon in Virginia. Amidst the crepe myrtle and magnolia.

More to come. xo