Vogel Bindery

I came across Vogel Bindery in an old Architectural Digest article a while back and I was blown away by the artistry and attention to detail. Everything is hand made using traditional techniques. They also work for a variety of clients; from creating personal wedding albums to guests books for the White House.

The dragon is fierce. Each binding is custom designed so they can create whatever you throw at them.

All bindings use 100% cotton rag paper and are bound in vegetable tanned leather.

Neat take on the cardholder. Tooling is executed by hand employing 24 Karat gold. Wow.

Moroccan Wedding Blanket

All Images via Flickr via moroccanmaryam's photostream

I'm a huge fan of Maryam over at My Marrackesh. She has a wonderful writing style, beautiful photos and just an overall incredibly interesting life. Having lived all over the world I can relate to the expat lifestyle and although I dearly love Chicago I get a severe case of wanderlust when I read her blog. Maryam and her husband have built on oasis called the Peacock Pavilions and I believe the opening will be this November. If I'm ever in that part of town, I will make sure to make reservations and perhaps meet the lovely Maryam while I'm at it.

Just like the rest of the blogging world I'm seriously considering getting myself a Moroccan wedding blanket. Moroccan wedding traditions are very rich and elaborate with wedding festivities lasting days. One wedding tradition still upheld in traditional Moroccan households is the weaving of the wedding blanket by the women in the bride's family. The wedding blanket is completely handmade and takes a painstaking amount of time to make; the lamb's wool is hand loomed and serves as a protection of evil, a talisman for the bride and her family. If you want a little more background check out Musings. Maryam sells both antique and brand new Moroccan wedding blankets and if you are interested in buying one you can contact her through her blog. Here's one blanket from Maryam's collection that is calling my name:

I love how fluffy the lamb's wool looks with the sequin stripes. I think it would be neat to have a protective talisman in your home... don't you?

Red Beans and Rice Didn't Miss Her

{Image via Delicious! Delicious!}

Oh lordy. I'm having a bad, bad craving for some classic New Orleans style red beans and rice. This creole dish is comprised of red beans, trinity, spices and smoked andouille sausage and it is slowly cooked and served over a steaming mound of Creole white rice with a side of cornbread to mop up your leftovers with. It's hearty, delicious and rib sticking good. Monday is the day to catch this traditional meal in restaurants across New Orleans and the reason has to do with a little housekeeping and penny-pinching creole thrift.

Back in the day, Monday mornings were wash days so one could have the pot of red beans on the stove cooking all day while the washing and mending of laundry was attended to. To conserve and not waste, the ham bone from Sunday's dinner was re-used in Monday's red beans and rice for flavor and texture which gave rise to our standard notion of what red beans and rice should taste like. Cooking a pot of beans was not only delicious but economical; beans are inexpensive and combined with the ham bone it became a protein laden dinner. That tradition has continued to this day, with the exclusion of laundry of course, and it is typically a Monday lunch special or served in conjunction with jambalaya or muffalettas for large get togethers. I have found that the best dishes I've had in my lifetime tend to be the simplest and this dish is a testament to that.

In my humble opinion the best place to get red beans and rice is no other than Bruff Commons at Tulane University. I've been to the hoity-toity New Orleans restaurants and tried their beans but they don't hold a candle to what the Bruff lunch ladies can whip up. If you are down in New Orleans make sure to stop by for Monday lunch. Oh and your red beans and rice will be lonely without some genuine Louisiana hot sauce. Happy eating!

Karyl Pierce Paxton

Can I sit here please? French parlour suit with a Libas silk stripe

In my search for all things Paul Gruer I came across this article in House Beautiful on designer Karyl Pierce Paxton's gorgeous 1897 side hall Queen Anne cottage in New Orleans. The decor is eclectic in a way that is unique to New Orleans; a combination of formal space with austere catholic works of art, African sculptures, with bright punches of color against a monochromatic backdrop. I get teased quite a bit for my love of neutrals but I really admire Karyl 's ability at putting together different aesthetics that in the end manage to meld together beautifully in a neutral setting.

My love for the orange embroidered silk curtains knows no bounds. Love how the chairs are upholstered in matching silk from the Silk Trading Company.

Beautiful chandelier noted

Specially designed Paul Gruer sconces and Mario Villa drawing

Doesn't this bathroom look serene? The french doors open out to a New Orleans styled coutryard.

Elgar - Nimrod

In honor of all the graduates out there today I'm posting my favorite piece of music of all time written by Edward Elgar. Most people know of Elgar through his "Pomp and Circumstance" piece that is routinely played at graduations but today I'm showcasing Nimrod. Nimrod was written by Elgar as part of fourteen variations on a central theme titled "Enigma Variations". It's haunting, beautiful, and noble. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Chandelier

I've been lusting for a pretty chandelier for our bedroom for quite some time. Nothing overly fussy but something modern with a historical perspective. Two designers from New Orleans come to mind:

The first is Julie Neill. I think her work is fabulous. She has a store on Magazine Street and has a blog called Bayou Contessa. The first chandelier is called "Robyn". It's glazed with a beautiful bronze gilt (all photos via Julie Neill website):

This one is called "Victoria". This one has more whimsy- (love the chandelier drops at the top! It looks like a little crown).

The second artist I'm really into is Paul Gruer. His works have a touch of fantasy and they scream New Orleans to me. This one is called "Fume". It's a three branch chandelier with putty glazed blossoms and silver accents. You can currently obtain Paul Gruer chandeliers from LeylaGrace (all photos via LeylaGrace):

Here is the "Mignon" chandelier. Love the dangling stars.

Both artists also create custom work so give them a call if you have something in mind. So help me decide: Which chandelier do you prefer?

Lorioz

Jeanne Lorioz's exagerated women always manage to bring a smile to my face; they are feminine and playful and they remind me slightly of Botero's work. Both artists poke fun at contemporary standards of beauty which I love. Lorioz has a particular fascination with the derriere which is...um..telling. You can find her work at Stephanie Hoppen's gallery in London:

Is she falling of the settee??

Check out how diminutive the man is compared to her!

Running Tips

I've come across some good running tips for first time marathon runners that I thought I'd share. These tips are great for anyone regardless of the distance or speed you are running:

Bring on the body glide baby!

1. Aches and Pains: You know those stitches you get in your side that hurt like hell when you are in the middle of run? I usually pinch my side and run through the pain but I was told that raising your arms above your head and drinking lots of water before a run will help. How that works I don't know. I'll try it out tomorrow.

2. Shoes: The lighter the better as long as you have superior built in support for your arches.

3. Start Slow: The tortoise wins the race right? I remind myself each time to build upon my training slowly. My dad told me to increase my mileage each week by 10 % and I think that's a good way to go as long as you build into that some recovery time whether it's a couple days or weeks.

4. Recover: Which leads me to recovery time. Instead of training every day of the week I was told that 3 to 4 days of good running are just as good or better. Let your muscles rest.

5. Eat up on your carbs: Say what? I'm used to avoiding carbs like the plague and now I should eat them heartily?? Yes! Well it makes sense; the body needs fuel. The carbs help replenish the glycogen you lost and eating a little protein will help your muscles repair. Oh and eat a helping of carbs after a run.

6. Build up on your core. Having core strength will help you avoid running injuries. My college ballerina roommate had a rock hard 6 pack which put all of us gym rats to shame. It's important to build your core strength regardless of the sport you are participating in. It will help build your strength and stability.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Stamps

I blame Martha Stewart for my attention to details. I'm now practically myopic. Case in point is the beautiful invitation set designed above by Cheree Berry for the "Today Show Throws a Martha Stewart Wedding" at Tiffany's. The Tiffany theme was carried through wonderfully with the Tiffany blue ink but what added the ultimate touch was the Audrey Hepburn stamp. The thought of finding a stamp that fit well with my wedding theme had me tantalized. Thanks to guest blogger Elizabeth over at {frolic!} I found exactly what I have been looking for- take a look below. Can you guess which stamp has me drooling???

To continue my ode to the streetcar and New Orleans I have been collecting these 1983 streetcar stamps with an embarrassing amount of zeal to use on my wedding invitations. There are a multitude of sources for stamp collectors; you can use ebay (my preferred method) or check out companies like Champion Stamp Company . Hopefully I can keep the big picture in mind and have a sense of continuity with the invitation and design.

Real Women Have Curves

I really like this dress:


The new Vogue Living Magazine I'm so so about, but I love the dress Vera Wang made for Rachel Weisz. Love the color, the mounds of ruffles and the built in bustier. It's similar to my wedding gown which is no suprise since my dress is made by the same designer. Prior to the publication of this issue, the Vera Wang consultants at the Vera Wang Boutique here in Chicago urged me to add boning in the bodice for a more complimentary look. After seeing the Rachel Weisz gown I need no further urging. They directed me over to Soheila Ghofrani at the Dress Doctor to insert the boning into the bodice and I think it will really compliment my "Latin" curves. Let's hope I don't lose them with all the marathon training I'm doing. Soheila Ghofrani has received rave reviews for her alterations work and I'm excited for my first appointment this summer. I'll keep you guys posted!

I love Paris in the Springtime

{Image via Flickr via inail1972}

Stacy over at la boudouir is visiting Europe for the first time and I can't wait to read about all her adventures and see Paris through her eyes. I'm a sucker for Paris, well France really and I always have and always will be. I can't think of anything more wonderful than having a charming flat in St. Germain des Pres where I could pretend to be witty and intellectual, drink cafe au lait at the cafe and smirk at tourists, and read and write to my hearts content. The last time Jack and I were in Paris we got engaged and all those cliche's you hear about Paris were suddenly a novelty- I was the cynic no longer. We were living in the romantic movie backdrop of Paris. If I were going back to Paris here are a couple of places I wouldn't want to miss:

Brasserie Balzar:

{Image via A Day in Paris}

This is where Jack and I ate after we got engaged. The food is unbelievable. Through our broken french we were able to order our meal and have a lively conversation with a funny Belgian lady next to us who wished us a hearty congratulations.

Angelina's:



I've never been but I've heard the African hot chocolate is a delight. The lovely Vane over at Brooklyn Bride took this picture on her honeymoon.


The Musee Les Arts Decoratifs:

{Image via Flickr via jpguk}

This is probably one of my favorite museums of all time. I could stare at the wonderful textiles, jewelry and ceramics for hours.

Cadolle Couture:

{Image via Girl in the City}

I believe this is where the first bra was invented. I would probably spend a fortune getting made to measure lingerie.

Benneton Graveur

{Image via Benneton Graveur}

I would get a set of personalized engraved stationary from here. The selection is amazing.

Salvage One

{All images via Salvage One}

Salvage One is having a third floor sale with up to 50% off their inventory that includes doors, hutches, sinks and other miscellaneous items. They salvage architectural treasures from wrecking balls and if I had a little place to fix up I would be in Salvage One in a heart beat. It's such a cool place I wish I could live there. If I had my pick of the place this is what I would get:




Brass Art Deco Vent Grates








Gothic Style Door




Marble Fireplace- very Parisian chic

Windex

Windex fixes everything.....or does it?

Image via The Mother Tongue

I can relate to Gus Portokalos in the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. If you come by my place I'll serve you with a spritz of witch-hazel instead of windex. I'm addicted to it big time. It started simply enough with my monthly eyebrow wax (I have my Dad to thank for my profusion of hair). My skin gets, well extremely red and blotchy and I get the worst splattering of bumps that last me days. Yes days. Until I dabbed some witch-hazel on my face and poof! the redness and bumps were gone within the hour. Freedom! No more hiding in my apartment for days post-wax. Mosquito bites, cuts, redness, you name it my witch-hazel will be out in no time. It's gentle and soothing and apparently it's the active ingredient in hemorrhoid medications. Hmm...need I say more???

Image via Tree Hugging Family

Towle

Without further ado, I give you my silver pattern of choice: Towle's "Old Master". It's classic and refined but not overly fussy. Towle has been a leader of the American silver industry since 1690 and still continue to produce exceptional silverware. I'm in love.

Image via Chef's Corner

Here's a fun little excerpt from the Southern Belle Primer on "Old Master":

"Old Master girls have spirit but don't drift too far away from tradition. Because of this they are fiercely attached to their family heirlooms. One Texas belle got thirty place settings of her groom's grandmother's Old Master as a wedding gift. When she got a divorce, she took her husband to court over the Old Master and let him keep the Cadillac without a whimper."

That's me in a nutshell:) Now I just have to figure out what formal place setting to set my eyes on!

Hopleaf-Belgian Beer

Maybe this post will get you reved up for Happy Hour today!

Image via Brew Like A Monk

I'm not a big drinker, in fact I hardly drink but this past year or so I've had the good fortune of trying some seriously good Belgian abbey-style ales. I like them enough to serve our favorite brands at the wedding if a) my mom would let me and b) if they weren't so expensive. Since we are providing our own alcohol we will probably be able to get the beer at a great discounted rate- or at least I can hope.

Most Belgian abbey's commission commerical breweries to make beers for them or licence their names as a means for receiving free beer and monetary support for the abbey's. The Trappists, in keeping with their principles of shunning the outside world, are the last of their kind to own and operate their own breweries. So you have your abbey-style ales and your Trappist ales- both delicious.

If you are in the Chicago area head out to Hopleaf, a Belgian-style tavern that serves both phenomenal beer AND food. Their beer list is exhaustive and the place is usually packed to the brim regardless the day. One of my favorite beers is the Triple Karmeliet (an abbey style ale). This 400 year old 3 grain recipe comes from the Carmelites of Dendermonde and it is made out of raw and malted barley, wheat and oats. Hopleaf's description is mouthwatering: "Restrained happiness, generous spring, fruity banana & vanilla character from the house yeast". Perfection. Another great beer is the Trappist Roquefort #10. This dark ale is full-bodied without the typical heaviness of dark ales and has a fruity and chocolaty taste (and an 11.5% alcohol content!). I can say from first hand experience that this makes a great dessert accompaniment.

Image via Flickr via George C K

If you try the food then share the Mussels for two Belgian-style at Hopleaf; the mussels are steamed in Wittkerke white ale with sliced shallots, celery, thyme and bay-leaf. They are served with frites and aioli that will make your mouth water; you will be tempted to eat them all on your own. Happy Friday and check out Hopleaf when you have time!

Image via Lyke 2 Drink

Streetcar

Streetcar, I heart you.

Image credit: Photos by Rick

It was a happy day when one could hear the sounds of the streetcar coming down St. Charles Avenue after Hurricane Katrina. They are as much a symbol of New Orleans as the oak trees that line the streets, the fleur de lis, crawfish boils, or even Mardi Gras. I managed to survive 4 years in New Orleans without a car thanks to the well run streetcars and shady buses. The streetcar aided in my escape from the self imposed academic bubble called Uptown for my downtime in the Quarter many a time. Hence my undying love and devotion for this form of public transportation.

Thus it was an even happier day when I found out that the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority are renting out the streetcar for private events. Weee!!!!! Although we are having a really small wedding reception we thought it would be a nice touch to be able to provide transportation for guests from the chapel to the reception site. Since both happen to be located on St. Charles Avenue what better way to do it than in streetcar style! Bring on the lack of air conditioning and cute Christmas decor! I know our guests will eat it up.

I have to give a shout out to Alma M. who is in a word- lovely. She remained completely calm and collected as I shrieked and whopped with joy on reserving my streetcar. Oh and on the side she gives good marital advice too. That's just how they roll in New Orleans....

Reception Dress

I LOVE my wedding dress. Love it so much I wish I could wear it around the house. Love it so much that I will actually wear it to my reception as I dance the night away. Despite it's long heavy train nothing is impeding me from making the most of it. Thankfully I don't have any cultural dictations to satisfy so I don't have to worry about having a separate reception dress. If I had to have a wardrobe change I would definitely utilize a subtle color; go with something flowy that makes dancing easy. Any one of these beautiful gowns from the Spring/Fall 2008 season would fit the bill. In fact, they could serve as THE wedding dress on their own for the fashion forward bride. (All images from here):

Valentino

Elie Saab

Blumarine

Reem Acra

Marianne Dulong

I have a crush on Marianne Dulong. I think her work is fantastic; her pieces make a subtle yet undeniable statement. I find her work classic yet modern, raw yet finished. Any of the pieces below would make great jewelry staples like the classic pearl earrings or the gold link bracelet. She takes a classic piece of jewelry and puts her own unique twist on it which I love. She is based out of Denmark but she has her online shop that you can visit here: