A ROYAL WEDDING

Today is the big day. Kate Middleton is about to marry Prince William. My mom found this adorable print of the processional map of the Royal Wedding and I just had to share it! What a great memento from this historical day.

{image via House That Lars Built}

WEDDING WEDNESDAY: BRIDAL SHOWER

I love this adorable luncheon shoot that I found over on The Sweetest Occasion. How sweet would this be for a bridal brunch or luncheon? From the bunting to the gorgeous dinnerwear and china, this event would make any bride giddy with delight.

Stationery + styling: Kelly Maron Horvath of Paper Stories + Indie Wed |  Event design + wardrobe styling: Lauren LePine – Ryan Alexander Events  |  Floral design + styling: Lynn Fossbender of Pollen  |  Photography: Stevi Savage of AveryHouse  |  Styling support: Shannon Spellman of Plate  |  Venue: room1520  |  China rental: Plate  |  Model: Haley Lertola  |  via The Sweetest Occasion

STRAWBERRY ICED TEA

There is nothing better than a cool glass of iced tea on a warm day. I just loved how beautiful this Strawberry Iced Tea looks. Makes me want to sit on the porch and waste away the day.

{photo via Pinterest}

HAPPY EASTER

{Wooden Handmade Eggs via Wisteria}

IT'S EARTH DAY

Today, April 22nd, is Earth Day. We should be doing our part each and every day to take care of this precious planet of ours but today is a day to give our earth a big kiss on the lips. Plant a tree, get involved in a community beach cleanup or even strap a garden to the roof of your car. Whatever do, just make sure you get involved. And who knows, maybe you'll have so much fun you'll make it apart of your daily, weekly or monthly routine. 

{image via Bacsac}

WEDDING WEDNESDAY: SPRING BRIDAL LUNCHEON

Although this was originally styled as an Easter shoot, I couldn't help but think how adorable it would be for a spring bridal luncheon. Who doesn't love freshly squeezed lemonade, gorgeous calligraphy and mini speckled chocolate eggs? So fun.

Photography by Marie Labbancz  |  Styling by Styled, formerly Innove Events |  Floral by Table Art |  Cupcakes and Cake by Whipped Bake Shop  |  Venue  Morris House Hotel  |  Calligraphy by MJW Calligraphy

{via The Sweetest Occasion}

HOMEMADE CADBURY CREME EGGS

No way! Homemade Cadbury Creme Eggs?!? It is an unfortunate truth the Americans only get this tasty treat close to Easter, but now you can make it all year round thanks to Ashley's latest recipe over on Not Without Salt.

{photo by Ashley Rodriguez of Not Without Salt}

DIY: CONFETTI EGG GAME

Oh my God! How much fun does this look? This is a game of hide the eggs that even the adults will want to join in on. How to play:

• Hide the confetti eggs as you would for a normal egg hunt
• The smashing begins either as you find the eggs or once they have all been collected (your choice)
• Smashing only...no throwing allowed. We don't want to harm anyone or poke peoples eyes out
• The winner is the person who gets the glitter egg smashed over their head and they go home with a lucky prize given by the host

To make the eggs, check out the Oh Happy Day's post by Rebecca Wright for the DIY details.

{photos by Robyn Kessler for Oh Happy Day}

THE GEOMETRY OF PASTA

I am so excited about this book! The Geometry of Pasta teaches you how to match the perfect pasta with the right sauce, and how to cook it properly while maximizing taste. Click here to check out some of the recipes or simply pick up a copy of the book for yourself.

{images via The Geometry of Pasta, pasta collage compiled by Room for Dessert}

SHOP SWEET LULU

I am beyond happy to find out about Shop Sweet Lulu! I mean I am seriously freaking out I'm so excited about it. With round balloons, adorable stripey straws and the cutest packaging around, I can only start image all of the ideas that can be created with their colorful assortment of products for my next party.  Love!

{via A Cup of Jo}

WEDDING WEDNESDAY: BRITISH HATS

With the Royal Wedding only weeks away, I couldn't help but be inspired by one of the most iconic fashion items at a British wedding: the hat. Although hats may not be a requirement on the Royal Wedding invite, we know Kate Middleton is a huge fan. It's a time honored way of simply having a bit of fun. After doing some research, I can understand how much can be read by looking at a hat. Some of them are literally breathtaking works of art.

A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N.

{images via Rachel Trevor Morgan, Vivian Sheriff, Jane Taylor Millinery, BBC News}

BAKED FRENCH TOAST

Wondering what to make for brunch this Easter? Why not try a Baked French Toast. This recipe is so delicious and has been approved my hundreds of mouths. I know your family and friends will be raving over this dish. The best part: it's really easy to make. The added bonus: this dish needs to be made the night before so all you have to do is pop it in the oven in the morning and serve.

BAKED APPLE FRENCH TOAST

Preheat over to 350ºF

12 eggs
2 cups milk
2 tbs vanilla extract
1-2 medium baking apples (other options: pears, peaches, or any type of berry)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 tbs water
8-10 slices white breat (other options: sourdough, brioche, cinnamon raisin)
cinnamon sugar
optional: pecans
Spray Grease a 9x13" baking pan

1. Combine butter, brown sugar and water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave 10-20 seconds then stir to combine until smooth. Pour into bottom of sprayed baking dish.

2. Thinly slice unpeeled apples and place evenly on top of brown sugar mixture.

3. Cut bread slices in half and place them overlapping on top of apples. Slices should overlap like roof shingles. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the dish.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs. Pour in milk + vanilla and whisk to combine.

5. Pour liquid mixture into the baking dish over the bread until all of the bread is covered and soaking.

6. Cover and refrigerate. Note: Best to make the night before serving so the bread has time to absorb the eggs/milk.

7. Just before baking, sprinkle with cinnamon + sugar (pecans sprinkled on top are optional too). Bake at  350ºF for 40-60 minutes until golden. The best way to check if it's done: stick a knife inside and check to see that it's cooked all of the way thru (no egg liquid).

{This recipe comes from my time working at the Inn at Playa Del Rey. Photos by Julia Ferguson of Room for Dessert}

BLACK + WHITE-TASTIC

Get BOLD with black and white. Whether large or small, an accessory or for the home, black + white are all about making a statement. 

{Mr. Tea Pot, Chevron Serving Tray, Chanel Nail Polish, LAMB Purse, Black + White Sofa, White Camera, Monique Pean Earrings, Plate, Chevron Ginger Jar, Umbrella}

HOMEMADE SMORE BAR

Ok...this is pure genius: fresh homemade smores in candy bar form. This looks like the tastiest idea ever! Seriously, what is it about smores that make them so amazing? We are so lucky as Americans to have this time honored tradition of making smores. Here in London, no one ever knows what I'm talking about. Ms. Humble over at Not So Humble Pie is now a personal hero for coming up with this. For the recipe and to learn how to do it yourself, click here.

{photos by Not So Humble Pie}