"It's the most wonderful time of the year...."

Ahhh.. the first day of school! I'm ready and he's ready.

For Back to School commercials, no one does it better than Staples. Enjoy!!

(clicking on the YouTube link will take you directly to the videos.)

Found via YouTube.

New Staples Back to School found at YouTube.

Staples Commercial with Alice Cooper found on YouTube.

Monday Typefaces...Pancakes!!

We love pancakes!! Perfect for the 1st day of school!

Found via Avocado and Papaya.

Friday Wine Tasting...Gruner Veltliner

Wine of the Week
Berger 2008 Gruner Veltliner
$11.99

I went into my favorite wine store yesterday, Country Roads in Marlborough, to see what was new and exciting and to replenish my wine cellar that had been greatly depleted over the last couple weeks. When I walked in I saw that they were featuring a couple of new bottles I had never seen before and I discovered this fabulous Gruner Veltliner. I was initially attracted to the different size and shape of the bottle and the funny little cap that sat on top, almost like a beer cap, and decided to give it a try.

This is the perfect wine to sip as the last days of summer roll by and we transition into fall, and it is priced under $12 for a 1 liter bottle. It will be hard for you to have just one glass.

What the Experts are saying:

Gruner is crisp and clean much like the air in the Austrian Alps—the same Alps which provided mountainous cover for the hurried departure of the Von Trapp family. For me Gruner provides another kind of escape—from the ubiquitous Chardonnay. Chardonnay is typically the default white for folks searching for an accompaniment to everyday food. (via, the crushed grape )

An exotic array of fruit, herb and spice flavors, attractive mineral undertones and mouth puckering acidity. Fresh, clean, light citrus fruit flavor, refreshing acidity, with floral and mineral hints. Not overpowering, simple enough to enjoy without heavy contemplation, an overall fun and friendly wine. Displays ample fruit and mild acidity and almost a sweetness to it and therefore is perfect for spicy hot foods, simply prepared white fish, salads, or as a pre-meal aperitif. (via, all star wine)

Beautiful Packaging..clean, simple and to the point!

Just when I fell in love with Help Remedies packaging designed by Little Fury, they made it even better by using just a touch of color. I was very pleased to find out about what their packaging is made of...molded paper pulp and a bio plastic made primarily of corn. Great design and good for the environment!!

Dog Days of Summer...

I have been inspired by the work of Jon Klassen, especially how he seamlessly combines beautiful illustrations with a sense of humor. As I was searching through his portfolio, I found one project that most certainly caught my eye, The Wurstminster Dog Show. The brainchild of the Wurst Gallery in Portland, Oregon, The Wurstminster Dog Show allowed artists the ability to celebrate our four legged friends while raising money to help those in need.

"The Wurstminster Dog Show was on February 3, 2007 at the Wurst Gallery in Portland, Oregon. Artists were invited to reserve a dog breed on a first come, first serve basis. The only requirement was the artist attempt to capture the look and spirit of their chosen breed in their own unique way. A portion of the proceeds from this show will be donated to the Dove Lewis Animal Hospital in Portland, Oregon."

There have been some fabulous posts regarding "man's best friend". At the Mystic Seaport from August 28-30 they are celebrating "Dog Days". Amanda Herzberger from Orchard Cove Photography has been doing her part to help some pups get adopted by taking the most amazing portraits that will make you want to take them all home. Christine Toner from Stonington Paperie has written a beautiful and heartfelt post on her recent loss of a best friend.

Marathon Training in Full Swing

I am a huge runner! I love the way it feels to be on the open road, just me, my thoughts, and my ipod. I always loved it because it was the one time during the day that I could just be. I could push myself as hard as I possibly could, drag my feet along on tired days, or just run without a thought about my pace. I never really enjoyed running until I started to train for my first marathon a couple of years ago. Inspired by sister and her love of running I discovered that I don't know how I ever lived without it. Husband thinks I am a bit obsessed with my routine and schedule to train for marathons but for me it is a hobby, a stress reliever, and a good friend. Sister and I are training for the OBX marathon this November and are following Hal Higdon's schedule (he says if you stick with Hal you will finish, and that is 100% true) His programs are designed to get you to finish. We are on week 5 of an 18 week program.

In the spirit of the marathon and the training I came across these fabulous note cards by Far Gone Greetings, that I thought I would share. They made me laugh!

inside the card "Congratulations on another milestone"
inside the card "You? Injured? Nah!"
inside the card "Marathoner on the rocks?
How about a martini on the rocks?
Come on, let's celebrate!"

August is Jellyfish Season!

August is most definitely Jellyfish season on the Connecticut & Rhode Island shorelines. This year, I have even seen some sneaky ones that sting like a red jellyfish but are clear. Fortunately for us, these Jellyfish won't sting! Created by Michael McDowell at Mudpuppy, each jellyfish is one-of-a--kind. They are "cast from a handmade mold with a beautiful cashmere stoneware slip clay". The tentacles are 100% natural hemp cord and run to up to 4 feet! I can't wait to order a bunch as I have the perfect spot for them hanging in my front stairwell!!

TRUE & WESSON Philosophy # 31

Found via thingsweforget.blogspot.com

It's all in the details... Escort Cards

Gillian & Nate Inspiration Board

A couple of months ago I blogged about one of my upcoming weddings at the Boston Harbor Hotel with Gillian and Nate and posted images from their wedding inspiration board. I just love the details that have really taken shape that are truly a reflection of them and their relationship.

I just had to share with you this fabulous idea we designed for an escort card board.

I recently discovered this fabulous vintage poster site, that Gillian purchased this poster from as the artwork for a huge board that will be displayed as the escort card board. It will be backed by a metal sheet with escort cards stuck to it with custom designed magnets with little skis.

As guests remove their name from the board they will reveal the poster that will then hang as a decoration. I think this is such a unique way to display your escort cards. Another idea is to have the image framed with a matte around the border that could then be signed by guests as your guest book.

Summer Fades, Our Travels end and we come back Home..

As Summer begins to fade, our travels end and we slowly head back home. I love this project that thisishomeproject started in early August. They asked for an inspiring anecdote about home in one sentence only! Submissions end on Monday, August 31st and people can vote for their favorite top 10. After September 15, those top ten finalists can see their phrases turned into postcards for sale at their etsy shop.

Good Luck!!

Monday Typefaces...Furniture

While Ms. True is looking for the perfect fabric for her new couch, I am looking for some new furniture for our house and the Chocolate Studio. I am loving this ad campaign for High Fashion Home Furniture created by The Butler Bros.

New Packaging for the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library

Makeup. Makeup and I have not been the best of friends over the course of my life. One would think that an artist who can paint portraits could paint their own face. Unfortunately, I am completely inept. When I actually do try to put makeup on, it has scared even some of the closest of friends. Fortunately, that all changed when I met the fabulous Ms. Jennie Fresa a few years ago.

It was at the Island and she was with one of our brides. From the doorway, I watched this sweet little fairy (brow furrowed deep in concentration) gracefully and softly and rather swiftly transform a girl (who like myself didn't wear makeup) into a glowing work of art. But don't get me wrong, she's not all pixie dust, she has the confidence of a tiger. She truly has an amazing talent and has the ability to make even the most nervous bride feel as though they REALLY are the most important person in the room. Many leave Jennie and feel as though they have found a friend for life. This is exactly the person who should be with the bride right before her ceremony!!

After leaving NYC and moving to the country much of my "girliness" was lost along the way. It also hasn't helped that I am constantly catching crayfish, praying mantises and frogs with my 6 year old son. But when Jennie put on my first pair of false eyelashes for Sarah and I's shoot with the Marantz's something happened...I became a girl again.

So, when she told me that she had finally made the decision to go ahead and create her own makeup line, I couldn't be more pleased. But when she asked me to help her create a new logo for the packaging...well..I was ecstatic!!

Of all the logos I have created over the years, this has to be this one I am most pleased with (yes, I love yours too Ms. True!..it is a tie!).

So...I can't wait to get some "me" time and head to The Beauty Library to pick up some more of her line!! I honestly swear by her Safari Mineral Bronzer in Kenya...it makes even the most exhausted looking Mom glow like Giselle!

So a big hooray and thank you to Ms. Jennie!! And a big thank you to the talented Carrie Roseman for the fabulous photographs!!

The Fabulous Ms. Jennie Fresa!

The warm and welcoming entrance to The Beauty Library

Championship Celebration... Newport, RI

This past weekend I had the opportunity to work with an incredible couple, not for their wedding but for a really important, special occasion. To celebrate a championship season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and winning the Stanley Cup, Mark Eaton and his family and friends had a reason to throw a party!

It was the perfect summer day from start to finish in Newport at the lovely Belle Mer (one of my favorite destinations) and we had an amazing team to collaborate with. It is a day I know I will always remember and one that I had such fun planning.

Color Story: (inspired by the Penguins team colors we accented the space with yellow and black.

Stanley Cup comes to Newport
Belle Mer

Trying to capture the day from the distance on my own little camera, I don't know why I bother.

Belle Mer, Back Lawn of the Salon

Hana Floral Design

Sangria Specialty Cocktail Incredible Food Stations by the Culinary Team at Belle Mer
Salad StationThe Inflatable Bouncer was a huge hit for the kids

As the sun set guests sat around the fire pit on the back lawn with an incredible view of the bridge in the distance.The event crew, Carrie Scott (Belle Mer), Me and Grace (True Event)
I love how Buzz Media is working hard in the background.

For more pictures check out Anna Sawin's page, I love the one of her drinking out of the cup!

Collaboration:
Venue: Belle Mer, Newport, RI
Flowers: Hana Floral Design
Photography: Anna Sawin Photography
Videography: Buzz Media Company
Music: Steel Rhythm (cocktail hour) and Power Posse (D.J.)
Transportation: Local Motion of Boston
Rentals (Furniture): Rentals Unlimited
Paper: Chocolate Creative Design
Inflatable Bouncer: Better Bounce Inflatables