LSW
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Inspiration to Reality... Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving preparation.
The day before Thanksgiving and with all there was to do I was anxiously awaiting a box from Save on Crafts that never did arrive. I suppose it was ultimately my fault for waiting until the 11th hour to place my order last week but I had high hopes it would arrive in time. At 4:30 after UPS had delivered another package I knew I was going to have to get creative, because it just wasn't going to get here. Lucky for me I had a couple of arrangements left from an event last Saturday that included curly willow branches and the most beautiful roses and coral colored peonies from Holland I have ever seen. Using the inspiration I found in Real Simple I had some fun with stuff I found in the house.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Table Components:
Natural Burlap Runner, Jo Anne Fabrics
Tan Linen Hemstitch Linen, Target
Cut Glass Candlesticks, Home Goods
Candlesticks, Taken for Granite
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Table Manners..
With the Thanksgiving Holiday biting at our heels, most of us have gotten a little bit rusty on our "formal" table manners. Not just for the "Kid's Table", these embroidered napkins by BetsyGrace on Etsy will not only educate us but will serve as a conversation piece just in case the topics go to areas such as religion, politics, "the turkey is dry", "why didn't you tell me" and my favorite "How could you forget the whip cream"...
LSW
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday Wine Tasting... Time to bring out the bubbly
Wine of the WeekNV Adami Garbel Prosecco
$15.00
I love picking out interesting holiday wines that pair perfectly with the meal. This year I was thinking of introducing a sparkling wine to add to the festivities of our Thanksgiving party. I think there is something about bubbly that says celebration. Since Thanksgiving is the official kickoff to the holiday season it is the perfect time to bring out the bubbly! This prosecco is also featured in Food & Wine magazine as a top 10 Thanksgiving pick this month. It is quite lovely!
What the Experts are saying:
"This pear scented Washington State Wine has a clean finish that makes it ideal with hors d'oeuvres and main courses"- Food & Wine
"Forward and easy with slightly sweet almond, peach and tangerine notes. Clean finishing prosecco."- Wines.com
Decorating for Thanksgiving...
Since we bought our first house 2 years ago I started hosting Thanksgiving, one of my absolute favorite holidays of the year. I used to love it simply for the high school football game in the morning and the fantastic feast my mom labored over for a week in advance. Now I have a new appreciation for the holiday. I never knew how much work was really involved until I started hosting all of our families, this year we have 16 people. It is the only holiday throughout the year that we are all together on one day, that is why I love it so much!
As I started thinking about the decor/theme I would do this year I fell in love with the table decorating ideas in this month's issue of Real Simple. Last year I did a true fall table with a mix or browns, reds, yellows, rich oranges, and greens. So this year I really wanted to do something different. Our dining room is a mix of chocolate and ivory colored walls, and a capiz shell chandelier hangs in the center. I love the idea of mixing different textures, colors and natural elements.
Thanksgiving Table Inspiration (Real Simple)
Mercury glass votive, Jamali Garden
As I started thinking about the decor/theme I would do this year I fell in love with the table decorating ideas in this month's issue of Real Simple. Last year I did a true fall table with a mix or browns, reds, yellows, rich oranges, and greens. So this year I really wanted to do something different. Our dining room is a mix of chocolate and ivory colored walls, and a capiz shell chandelier hangs in the center. I love the idea of mixing different textures, colors and natural elements.
Thanksgiving Table Inspiration (Real Simple)
Mercury glass votive, Jamali GardenCreative Packaging to keep you warm and toasty!
Ok, so I know they seem a bit creepy but they certainly made me laugh. Created by Ogilvy Frankfurt for Rellana Yarns, the woolly heads packaging is quite practical in choosing the perfect yarn color for your perfect man's complexion. Learning to knit has been at the top of my list for many years, this packaging might just have inspired me to pick up those needles instead of shoving those scrumptious christmas cookies into my mouth.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Keeping warm...Handmade...
I feel a bit ridiculous writing about winter accessories since our November seems warmer than our summer, but I know the cold will come very very soon! I find that there is nothing like a Hand-Knit Scarf made by a Grandmother, Mother, Mother-in-Law or even a Great Aunt Mildred. But if you don't have any of these wonderful knitters in your life, Etsy has come to our rescue! You can find millions and even zillions of beautiful Hand-Knit accessories created by Grandmothers, Mothers, Mothers-in-Law and Sisters. Now I know what you're thinking, the prices seem a little high compared to your local TJ Maxx but these are created with care, passion and love just like Great Aunt Mildred!
Enjoy!!
Top Row: Beige Ribbon Scarf $45.00 , Nuno felted Shawl/Wrap/Scarf $95.00 , New Yorker Hand-knit Scarf $40.00, Tuesday Cowl $60.00, Turquoise Mohair Shawl $75.00
Middle Row: Fuschia Mulberry Pom-Pom Scarf $18.00, Multi-Bubble Scarf $38.00, Sweet Cherry Capelet or Scarf or Collar $60.00 , Cable Knit Scarf with Flower Brooch $48.00 , Year-Round Wrap in Taupe $88.00
Bottom Row:
Hold me Neckwarmer $55.00 , Textured Hand-knit Scarf with Rose Pins $75.00, Purple Shawl $80.00 , Light Blue Neckwarmer $45.00, Sweet Cherry Capelet or Scarf or Collar $60.00
LSW
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
An End of an Era....
Hi, my name is Lucinda and I am a Magazinophile. It started at a very young age, National Geographic was the first to be exact ( I wanted to be a wildlife photographer). Slowly I moved on to Seventeen, Glamour and Elle. By the time I hit High School, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the magic. All the places that I traveled to, boarding school, college, Italy and New York City, my magazines travelled with me, my constant companions. My Father can attest that after graduating from college, the U-Haul truck arrived filled with only a bed and at least 20 boxes of magazines. The images have inspired me every step of the way. When I got to New York City, I literally ran to Conde Nast. Unfortunately, I never worked at one of their publications but headed to Mirabella instead. Sadly, Mirabellaclosed it's doors but the magazines helped me when I started designing Childrenswear. Finally, they made their way from NYC to the other end of Connecticut. I still have at least 20 boxes of Magazines in my house which I constantly leaf through for inspiration, renovating a house, cooking a dinner, creating an event, designing a logo, raising a son and dreaming of white sand beaches in the middle of a New England winter.
It has truly been a tough year witnessing the end of some of the most amazing publications. It feels like a death in the family, my constant companions being taken off the rack and disappearing forever. But then as I was leafing through
a vintage Domino and an Elegant Bride, I was reminded of few things that made me feel a little better. First, I am so glad that I never listened to my parents who constantly wanted me to throw my "friends" away (my husband knows better!!). Second, after years of being inspired by the pages of Elegant Bride, I feel lucky and honored to have inspired them (see images below). And lastly, even though we seem to be at an "end of an era" for publications, and there is nothing like going to the newsstand or your mailbox for that shiny new issue of Elle Decor, there is now the online magazine or shall I say Blog.
So it's ok to be sad and mourn over some good "friends" but there are always new ones to be found and many of them are at your fingertips which you can leaf through every morning (instead of monthly) with a cup of jo and your fuzzy bunny slippers.
Emily & Ben, Island Farm, Stonington, CT 2005
Tatianna & Jeff, Wadawanuck Club, Stonington, CT 2007
Monday, November 16, 2009
Portuguese Inspired New England Shoreline Wedding... Pedro and Jennifer
Inspiration/Color/Mood Board
Wedding Day DetailsThe color palette we chose helped to combine the bold colors of the Portuguese tiles and the warmth of the sunset and the shoreline community in Mystic and bright color of lobsters. Was the perfect blend of details to make it unique to both of them, true to their culture and tradition, and an event guests would always remember.
Some of my favorite details from this wedding.
1. Rice Paper votive holders from Luna Bazaar, will be used as individual vases filled with white flowers on the tables that guests will take as their favor at the end of the night.
2. Lighting: a mix of silk lanterns from Om Gallery and Paper Stars will glow throughout the rafters of the boat shed.
3. Personalized Lobster Bibs, with their names and date stamped by the bride will be at each place setting.
4. Natural Burlap Runners will accent the tables giving texture to the white linens, and cobalt blue chargers will be reflective of a Portuguese Tile.
Collaboration:
Paper: Chocolate Creative Design
Lighting: Power Posse Productions
Photography: The Wedding Bureau, Jeff Jacobson
Caterer/Venue: Mystic Seaport (Boat shed)
Rentals: Taylor Rental and Party Rental Ltd. (chargers)
Floral: Tommy's Flowers
Cake: The Cake Lady
Music: Suite Occasions (ceremony) Atlantic Coast Entertainment (reception)
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday Wine Tasting... Shelton Vineyards Bin 17
Wine of the Week
Shelton Vineyards Bin 17, American Chardonnay
$11.99
While we were on the Outerbanks we did some wine tasting at an adorable wine store in Nags Head, NC. I love trying local wines when I am traveling, as just about every state has at least one vineyard and are producing some serious wines. As we were tasting through a number of different local vintages, I discovered a delightful unoaked Chardonnay from Shelton Vineyards, Bin 17 American Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes: Lush fruit with highly-concentrated flavors of our Dijon Clone Chardonnay characterizes the 2008 Bin 17 Chardonnay. This wine receives no barrel-aging and no malo-lactic fermentation. This is a wine built on fruit expression alone that is abundant in this wine. The focused citrus notes are accented with melon, banana, and other tropical fruit nuances with a rich, round texture.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Waterfront Wedding... Erin and Steve
Inspiration Board we created 
Details from Erin and Steve's Wedding
This past season has been truly incredible and with one weekend left of weddings it is hard to believe it is coming to a close. Each and every couple I have worked with this past year has touched my life in a different way and I am forever grateful for the job I have and for them inviting me to be a part of such a special day in their lives.
Erin and Steve were married at the Branford House Mansion in Connecticut this summer. The mansion sits perched on a huge lawn with 180 degree views of the water. It is one of a few venues in the state, that is not a private residence, that has such an incredible location.
The design/color palette of this wedding is truly one of my favorites of the season. The combination of purple, turquoise, white and navy surrounded by the deep chocolate walls of the interior of the mansion was breath taking. We had such great fun in taking a beach themed wedding combined with the romance and elegance of the majestic mansion and making it unique to them.
Congratulations Erin and Steve!
Collaboration:
Florist: Hana Floral Design
Photographer: Scandinavian Photography
Music: Power Posse Productions
Hair/Makeup: Rob Rivers Salon
Photobooth: Photobooth Planet
Venue: Branford House Mansion
Rentals: Rentals Unlimited and Party Rental Ltd. (purple charger and aqua flute glass)
Monday, November 9, 2009
A glass of wine and a bit o' sparkle and shimmer
This is definitely an event not to be missed! A little bit of wine from Chamard Vineyards and a whole lot sparkle and shimmer from the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library! I seriously jump at any chance that I can get to have the talented Ms. Jennie Fresa work on this old face with her new line of makeup. I can't say enough about her mineral powder in Kenya!! Add a glass of wine from Chamard Vineyards and sit by their massive stone fireplace with a view overlooking fields of grapes....A little slice of Heaven on a cold Fall evening!!
Rsvp quickly as I know it will fill up fast!!!
See you there!
LSW
Across the finish line...
Day before the marathon at the expo picking up my packet and number to race. 
My father in law (George) and I at the finish in Manteo, NC with our medals.Since many of you have been following my training and blog postings about the marathon I thought I would give a quick recap of the race.
Yesterday turned out to be one of the most incredible runs I have had since I decided to train to be a marathon runner just over 3 years ago. At the start of the OBX marathon it was absolutely perfect conditions and I felt great the entire run. I highly recommend this marathon for people that are considering a place to do their first one. The course was great, although the unexpected trail portion of the course was quite challenging, sand, sticks, hills, exposed roots, rocks, fun times! I have no idea how the guy running in barefoot made it out of there.
I stayed with the 4 hour pacer for most of the run but started to pull away just after mile 13. I was hoping to beat sister's personal record of 3:40 but came in with an official time of 3:57:38, which for me was a personal record. Until the next one!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Why I run...
View on the beach this morning. Nags Head, NC
Why I Run... There are many reasons why I run.
I love the freedom of the open road. I love the the clarity and silence I find in myself by the end of a long run. I love exploring new places and discovering beauty in unexpected spots. I love it because 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. On bad days running is always there for me. On lonely days running is a good friend. On beautiful sunny days I couldn't imagine a better way to enjoy the afternoon. And in the middle of winter the brisk air fills me with life.
I guess running really has become such a huge part of who I am. I couldn't imagine my days without it, and tomorrow at 7:20 when the OBX marathon kicks off I am hoping for the energy to carry me to the finish. It is really an unpredictable experience, but truly one that leaves you changed for the rest of your life.
Some of my favorites...
Why I RUN...
"My philosophy: You never know how far you can go until you go too far. I love seeing just how far the body and mind can be pushed" - Jen Segger
" Running helps me achieve mental clarity and explore new places at my own pace."- Senja Palonen
"You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming."
-Frank Shorter
"The marathon's about being in contention over the last 10K. That's when it's about what you have in your core. You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really come down to what's left inside you. To be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon." - Rob de Castella
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tights...
What is it with tights??? I mean I seriously hated them as a child. Made of scratchy, itchy wool which lost their shape after 1 day!! But now with a little bit of stretch and a whole lot of color they can add happiness to a very dreary winter...
LSW
Onward...
Two days until I run the OBX marathon. It is hard to believe after 18 weeks of training with Hal Higdon's program the week of the race is here.
In the spirit of the marathon, I came across this video today via wonting and it made me smile. The adventures of running, you never know what you will encounter on the open road. Hoping for a good weather day on Sunday.
The film was inspired by certain personal experiences in running – a favorite run over Blanchland moor in Northumberland, being attacked by a crow in Singapore – and also by the transcendent, almost psychedelic experience of the simple act of running. -James Jarvis
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
A Memorable Day in CT... Open House Recap and Launch of Wedding Row
The Red House
110 E. Main Street, Home of True Event and Jennie Fresa Beauty LibraryTrue Event
True and Wesson Portfolio. Some of our favorite events this season, collaboration of Chocolate Creative Design and True Event.
The adorable Bruce Plotkin towering over me
Wesson & True Jennie Fresa Beauty Library
On Sunday we opened the doors of the Red House and home of our new studio in Clinton, CT for a celebration that brought together brides, friends, family and industry experts for a truly memorable day. Not only an incredibly special day for True Event but for the other new businesses opening with us, Jennie Fresa Beauty Library (my housemate in the red house) and Beneath the Gown (Second Floor of 110 E. Main St.).
In collaboration with these incredibly talented, wonderful ladies and the ladies of Stonington Design and Paperie (110 E. Main St.) and the White Dress by the Shore (110 E. Main St.) we launched Wedding Row... Great Style, One Destination. Stretched between the historic properties of 104 East Main Street (Red House) and 110 East Main Street we have established a wedding community offering the best in events, bridal attire, lingerie, beauty, paper and design. The creative energy floating between the two houses is incredible and we are so excited about all that is to come over the next year on Wedding Row.
We feel so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful friends in the industry that supported us in this huge celebration to toast with us as guests and as sponsors of the event and would like to give an extra special thank you to all of you for making Sunday a huge success.
Collaboration:
Betty Parri of Perfect Parties, and her amazing crew crafted an incredible display of stationary and passed savory Hors D'oeuvres and sweet treats throughout the afternoon. Also showcasing the talents of her in house pastry chef, with a gorgeous collection of cakes that were designed and presented in the spirit of the four seasons.
The uber talented, Yumiko of Hana Floral Design, totally went above and beyond to decorate each one of our spaces and the tent. The arrangements were crafted in the theme and design of each space and season. Absolutely gorgeous!
Geof Gordon of Photobooth Planet kept the crowd entertained as they got together to take photos in his old school, fabulous photobooth. A huge hit at every event!
Chamard Vineyards treated guests to a tasting of their impressive portfolio of local wines. The winery is just a short trip up the road from the Red House.
Rentals Unlimited provided the fabulous linens and rentals throughout the properties and Sperry Tents set up two of their tents in between the houses, showcasing their gorgeous blue star tent.
Elan Artists and the talented ladies of Loukoum, an accordion and violin/cello duo, played as guests came in and out of the tent. They were not only absolutely adorable and super sweet but the sound that they created was brilliant. With a unique sound and combination of instruments they are the perfect accent of music for any special occasion and we were so lucky to have them be a part of our opening.
Lastly a huge thank you to Anna Sawin who captured all of the details so perfectly in a portfolio of pictures that will always mark November 1st as a day to remember.
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