Stylish Couple

What a handsome and stylish young couple!  We attended this lovely reception at the historic Olivas Adobe in Oxnard, CA and it was a magical evening.  I love the groom's suit complete with straight leg pants and the bride designed and made her gorgeous gown.

Watermelon-Lime Bars

A wonderful ice cold treat for these hot and humid days.  This delicious dessert also makes for a very stylish presentation.

Here's the recipe from epicurious.com.

So Fragrant

I love my plumeria trees.  Their blossoms are not only gorgeous, they also add an amazing fragrance to the yard.  Every time I look at them I daydream about the South Pacific.

Displaying China

Stacks and stacks of gorgeous creme and gold china, so lovely.  Show it off, even if you don't use it everyday.

Berries

Berry season is coming to a close(very sad).  We've had some of the most glorious organic berries from our local farmers as well as Whole Foods market.  If you haven't tried Bob's Red Mill Organic High Fiber Pancake Mix, it really is great, even the kids eat it!  It calls for water but I use milk and add both cinnamon and vanilla extract.  Yummy and healthy!

Cheeky Garden

It's a bright beautiful day at the beach.  Here's some purple inspiration for the day.  Purple and berry colors seem to be all the rage this Fall.

Cheeky Fashion

Johnnie Boden, you've gotta LOVE this man!  Right now I'm coveting this lovely tweed jacket. . .

Cheeky Garden

In my tangled little cottage garden there are many wondrous little gems.  Enjoy!    

Cheeky Portraits

Portraits are so fabulous!  What's better then a painting of you or your loved ones?  Something to treasure for generations to come!  This little masterpiece was painted by artist Gayle Leroy.

Super stylish marimekko handbags

Marimekko is so cheeky and so stylish!  Growing up we always had these lovely designs all around the house-bedding, clothing, you name it!  Also check out the ultra chic apparel for women and children.  I don't think I'l be able to choose just one thing. . .

Dried Cherry Scones

If you like scones, you'll love this recipe from the current issue of Gourmet magazine, it is also on epicurious.com.  It was fast, the kids got to help add ingredients, and totally scrumptious!  Of course I had to add a healthy twist by substituting whole grain pastry flour for the cake flour and the result was fabulous.  This is now my "base" scone recipe, you can your fave ingredients to make it your own.

Family Portraits

Family portraits sure have changed over the years.  I love the current trend of taking pictures in an outdoor setting, in everyday clothing.  No more matchy-matchy outfits, stiff poses and fake smiles.   Even the pictures of my kids having a meltdown turn out great and provide wonderful memories.  Portrait studios are o.k., but I love the relaxed feeling of the less formal photo shoot, by creative people(a lot of them moms).  And photo shoots aren't just for holiday pictures any more.  Think beach, mountains, backyard. They're also fabulous gifts!

Could you do it yourself?  Sure, I've got tons of great photos of my kids, but let's face it the photographer  has a unique perspective, Photoshop, and not to mention the fact it's nice to have a few photos of YOURSELF with your kiddos!

Two of my favorite photographers are moms.  In southern-cal I ADORE Whitney Hartmann(whitneyhartmann.com).  In northern-cal I LOVE Kim Binfield(binfieldphotography.com)

So check out the wonderful work of these photographers or search out local mom photographers in your area.