Rainy Days

In Dallas, it's hard to know what kind of weather were going to get. One day it could be in the 40's, the next in the 70's. To say Dallas weather is "fickle," would be an understatement! For the time being, it looks like this rainy weather is here to stay (well, at least till tomorrow). Here are a few of our rainy day essentials to help you stay dry:

{J. Crew Trench Coat, Silk Scarf in Paisley, PS1 Leather Tote, Hunter Rain Boots} 

Interview with: Portrait Artist, Stella Ehrich

2012 was full of some milestones for our family, including our son, JR's, fifth birthday.  We wanted to commemorate the year by having his portrait painted and artist, Stella Ehrich, was the perfect person for the job. 

The process was magical and the final portrait is even more special than we could've imagined.  What we didn't expect to get out of the process was a new friendship. Working with Stella was a dream.  She truly cares about her subjects and has a passion for portraiture.  JR adores her and often asks when she is coming over again. 

I couldn't wait to share her with you! I hope you will take a moment to read our Q&A with her below:

For more information visit Stella's website here. 

Friday Favorites

thefoodiebugle

• It comes as no surprise that Carolina Herrera's home is just as stylish and elegant as she is. We are relishing in all this beauty. 
• Speaking of homes, this Southampton house is incredible. 
• One of the best blue-and-white posts I've ever laid eyes on. 
• Beauty hangover? It happens. Luckily for us beauty expert, Jamie O'banion stopped by Texas Living to share a few tips to help us avoid this dreadful hangover.     
• This warmer weather in Dallas has us itching to cook out. This would make the perfect meal!
• A wedding bouquet that is simple but so chic.

Inspiration Board: Gallery Wall Goodness

I love a good gallery wall.  At our first home, we had our staircase practically wallpapered in images, all in black frames.  I always thought that there needed to be some sort of unifying element (like the black frames) but some of these homes prove otherwise.  

At our current home, we recently started on our staircase again, but we did a lot of editing.  This time, we are only hanging black and white images. I think I might be missing the pops of color that we had before!  

What do you think?

MyRenovatedLife

Belclair House

EclecticRevisted

 HouseandHome

 ElleDecor

PrettyStuff

MeyerInteriors

I ♥ Blue and White: Blue and White China

It's no secret we have a weakness to all things blue and white. So for today's blue and white post, we've selected some of the very best in blue and white china. I've been a longtime fan of the Raynaud "Cristobal" dinnerware collection, but with so many  incredible options out there, it's difficult to choose a single favorite. Which would you choose if you had to pick just one? 

In the Know: Spun Sugar Paperie

While perusing Pinterest, I stumbled upon these watercolor paintings by Spun Sugar Paperie and am a bit obsessed. The drawings are so darling and would make the perfect addition to any room.  The macaroon and ice cream prints are at the top of my list, but that pink & blue chinoiserie interior print has my name on it. Sold! 

Most-Wanted: Winter Beauty Products

Around this time, every year, winter elements really begin taking a toll on our skin. Between the chilly winds, rain, and a lack of sunlight, it can be difficult to prevent winter from wreaking havoc on our skin. 

Eager to beat the chill, we set out to find the best winter beauty products and these are our 7 favorites:

{1. Rodin Face Oil 2. Fresh Sugar Face Polish 3. Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment 4. Sisley Black Rose Mask 5. Natura Bisse Glycolic Peel 6. Trace Martyn Enzyme Eye 7. Johnson's Baby Lotion }

Friday Favorites

CarolyneRoehm

Friday links for your holiday weekend! 

• Looking to volunteer this Monday? Make sure to check out the RSVP Calendar blog for several volunteer opportunities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
• Our newest letterpress invitation obsession? Bella Figura. The 2013 designs are perfection. 
• With Valentine's day just around the corner, this chocolate pomegranate tart would make a decadent treat for a Valentine's dinner. 
• Oscar de la Renta's new home collection featured in the new Lonny is a must-see. 
• This week, Robert Ballard, one of the world's most accomplished deep sea divers stopped by Texas Living to talk about his fascinating career. You can watch the segment here. His story is truly remarkable! 

In the Know: 23 Madison Studio

We love Etsy. But we especially love finding new Etsy shops. I was recently introduced to 23 Madison Studio and can't get enough of this illustration shop that sells everything from gift tags to note cards. I am a big fan of the art stickers with illustrations of everything girly. Between the Hermès Birkin bags, nail polish and ballet flats, you really can't go wrong! 

Most-Wanted: Faux Fur Coats

Nothing says glamour quite like a little (faux) fur. Here are our favorite faux fur coats and vests for the season to keep you looking fashionable during these wintry days. 

Tablescape Tuesday: Wish-List

These colder temperatures, (it's snowing in Dallas!), have us yearning for Spring and warmer weather. This week's wish-list draws inspiration from garden fresh greenery and organic accents perfect for a Spring tablescape. 

{1. Side Plates 2. Rosemary 3. Teak Server Set 4. Ceramic Berry Basket 

5. Goto Gold Bubble Glassware 6. Egg Shakers} 

Recipe We Love: Mixed Spiced Nuts

Tory Burch 

Over the holidays, I stumbled upon this mixed spiced nut recipe on Tory Burch's blog and it has become one of those recipes I keep coming back to. It makes a wonderful addition to any cocktail party, or just something to have out for the perfect snack.  

Recipe courtesy of Chef Dana Minuta 

6 oz raw cashews
6 oz raw almonds
6 oz raw pecans
6 oz raw walnuts
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 1/2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp Thai fish sauce

For the full directions, head over to Tory Burch's blog. 

Friday Favorites

So many fun links to share with you on this lovely Friday afternoon! 

• Every thoughtful holiday gift deserves a thoughtful thank you note. Our go-to source for thank you cards? CONNOR.
• This is the perfect winter salad from Love and Lemons. Kale, pine nuts, cranberries - it's too good to be true! 
• From baby announcements, to our "Emerald Day," it was a fun-filled week at Texas Living. Check out this segment with Northpark Center's fashion expert, Victoria Snee. 
• It's no secret we love all things blue-and-white. This Pucci number would be perfect for any Spring soiree. 
• Leave it to the gals at Smocked Auctions to make the most adorable Easter smocked clothing for the little ones. The Chocolate Bunny Collection is my 2nd collaboration with Smocked Auctions, and I am so excited for it to premier this Sunday! You can check out the collection on their facebook page. 

In the Know: The Animal Print Shop

These animal prints by Sharon Montrose have made their way around the blogosphere, but I just can't seem to get enough of these charming prints! I especially love the Little Darling series- simply adorable prints of baby animals that would make the perfect addition to any nursery or kids room.

 How perfect is Molly Sim's nursery?

The Animal Print Shop

Color Of The Year: Emerald

Did you know Pantone has pinpointed emerald it's 2013 color of the year? To celebrate this announcement, it was "Emerald Day" at Texas Living yesterday. We talked jewels, "green" products, emerald fashion, and emerald accessories. You can watch the emerald-inspired segments here! 

Because we can't get enough of it, here are some of our favorite emerald pieces that we will be incorporating into our everyday living. 

{1. Equipment Blouse 2. Guest Book 3. Emerald Earrings 4. Essie Nail Polish 

5. PROENZA SCHOULER Bag 6. Alice and Olivia Heels (on sale!) 7. Waylande Gregory Tray}

Tablescape Tuesday: Wish-List

Inspired by jewel tones, here are a few things on our "tablescape wish-list" this Tuesday morning. 

{1. Dinner Plate 2. Glasses 3. Place Cards 4. Napkin Rings 5. Print Coasters }

I've always loved traditional Tobacco Leaf China by Mottahedah.  In fact, it was on my wedding registry seven years ago and featured in my book, Tablescapes: Setting the Table with Style.

Above are a few other picks that could put a more modern spin on this traditional dinner pattern.

Guess What?

We are expecting! So thrilled to finally share the exciting news that a baby is on board! 

It was such a treat to share this special news on Texas Living today! You can watch the segment here, which also includes Kathryn Beach's tips on announcing your joyful news. 

Big News on Texas Living TV!

Image

Today is a big day at Texas Living and not just because we are moving to our new time slot- weekdays at noon!  Tune in to catch our big reveal or check back in with us here later today to watch! :) 

Interns Needed!

Are you an aspiring event planner, tastemaker, or lifestyle expert? Are you entranced by the social scene or spend hours daydreaming about the perfect wedding or soiree: gowns, table settings, floral arrangements, and all? We have the perfect opportunity for you! Interns are needed helping Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, the RSVP Social Calendar, and Whitman Media, LLC. 

Hours are flexible- we just require a smile, positivity, enthusiasm, and a penchant for all things gracious.

There is a minimum requirement of 6 hours per week

Internship Duties:
- Managing and creating social invitations
- Planning events and parties- working with caterers, florists, and more
- Assisting with management and updating the RSVP Social Calendar
- Correspondence with local charities, non-profits, clients, the arts, and affiliates
- Helping with the RSVP Social Calendar blog and the Kimberly Schlegel Whitman blog.
- Managing guests lists, responses, and databases
- Daily organizational duties

Please send resumes to: katie@rsvpcalendar.com 

Friday Favorites

For your weekend enjoyment, here are our must-see links from the week. 

• We loved having D Mom's Editor, Josyln Taylor on Texas Living this week. She stopped by to share some of her "boredom busters" that you and your entire family will enjoy! You can watch the segment here. 
• Have you heard of Paris In Four Months? I recently stumbled upon it, and it has quickly become a favorite blog of mine. Visual perfection. 
• Looking for the perfect winter meal? I'm dying to try this one.
• Just because Christmas is in the past, that doesn't mean we have moved on from winter tablescapes. We absolutely love this one, featured in a Style Me Pretty winter wedding shoot. 

On another note, starting Monday, Texas Living will be live at noon instead of 11am! Set those DVRS!  

Most-Wanted: Resort

Brrr it's cold outside! Let's brighten up our morning dreaming about some Resort Collections...

When it comes to go-to brands, J. Crew is at the very top of the list. The 2013 Resort Collection has started making it's appearance online, and I have already added several of the pieces to my shopping cart. From the lady-like silhouettes, to the colorful prints and patterns (oh hello, polka-dot blouse), it all feels feminine and fresh. Check out the full collection here.

 

What would Resort be without a little wrap-dress or a perfectly printed outfit? DVF has done it again with a collection full of color and surprise that makes us want to pack our bags right now and head to warmer weather. You can see the full collection here. 

New Journal for The New Year

It's a New Year, which means there is no better time to start your 2013 journal. I've mentioned my love for Smythson notebooks before, but recently I've come across several others that I love too. 

Here are some of our favorite noteworthy journals to get your 2013 started on the right page.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wishing you Holiday Cheer and a Happy New Year!