Thursday, December 31, 2009

We'll Take a Cup O' Kindness Yet

Another year older. Another year passed. As the world welcomes the start of a new decade, I'm also welcoming the start of a new one in my life.


Max Wagner

It hardly seems ten years since family and friends were gathered to celebrate my twentieth birthday and waiting to see what, if anything, Y2K might bring.


Caroline & Matt- Whitebox

The past 10 years were filled with events I could have never predicted as the ball dropped on the night of December 31, 1999, events that changed me and some that changed the world.


Lauren & Zack- Our Labor of Love

Some events took me down paths very different than the ones I'd originally planned for myself, and all the events molded me into the person I am now.


Tom Watson Photography

While I'm trying to figure out just where the last decade went and attempting to reconcile that I'm no longer a Twentysomething, I am looking forward to discovering what my 30s hold and what lies ahead in 2010.


Emma Mitchell

And for all of you, I wish for 2010 to be a year filled with much happiness and contentment. Happy New Year!!

Lindsay and Scott at Oceancliff Part Three

Posted by Mariah, Photos by Trish and Melissa


Now that all that snuggling is over it's time to head downstairs for the super sparkly party.


Ta-da! A winter wonderland.



She was going for a silver and sparkly feel, I think that was acheived!



Beautiful arrangements by Stoneblossom.



Snowflake cake. Mmmmm.



These square wreaths in the background were really fun!



Those little grey fuzzy pom things in the arrangements are so cool!



All of the tables were named after famous Newport landmarks, the photos of each were all snowy scenes, very clever!



The snowflake was a running theme...



Lindsay checking out the ballroom before everyone enters...



I love a vision realized!



How happy and cute are these two?



They look like they are having so much fun.



Too bad Scott is having such a bad time!



These two are really in love, and it shows!







Hold it... hold it....



A perfect ten.



This detail on her dress was so amazing!



Don't you wish your hubby would look at you like this everyday?



Ditto.



Twinkly and romantical.



Wouldn't it be funny if it was an ice cream cake...appropriate but not very practical.



And of course, a beautiful last photo. Trish's signature closer!




Each guest got to take home some beautiful and delicous gingerbread snowflake cookies...

Family and friends, want to see the rest of Lindsay and Scott's photos when they are ready? Click here and register to receive an email.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Way She Shimmers

During the holidays, it always seems pretty frocks are plentiful in stores, each anxiously waiting to be plucked from the rack and claimed by a lovely lady for wear during the various parties of the season.

And of all the events during the holidays, New Year's Eve provides a perfect reason to don one of the numerous dresses vying for a chance in the spotlight; there are beautiful metallic numbers that glisten and glow.



Sophie Hexter- Stylist


L: Temperley London. R: Badgley Mischka- Platinum Label.

L: Temeperly London. R: See by Chloe
L: Matthew Williamson. R: Philosophy di Alberta Ferreti.

Jewel-toned dresses glisten and shine next to black beauties that dazzle with embellishments. With so many choices and only one New Year's Eve each year, it's always difficult to decide what dress should get its chance to sparkle.



Linda Nova- Stylist

Linda Nova- Stylist


L: ModCloth. R: Yoana Baraschi.

L: Anna Sui. R: Rachel Gilbert.

L: Rachel Gilbert. R: Alberta Ferretti.

While I'd adore the chance to throw on any of the gorgeous options above, this year, I'll be rocking a black, one-shouldered number as I welcome the new year. How about you? If you're heading out this New Year's Eve, what made your cut?

Flavor-of-the-Month . . . In Defense of Gingerbread


Is it just me? I love gingerbread cookies. I wait all year to make them, bake them once in December and start dreaming about next year.

They are the perfect cookies for all winter long! They're spicy and comforting...you know, I would eat them in a box and I would eat them with a fox. I would eat them in a house and I would eat them with a mouse. I would eat them here and..sorry...


Who's with me? Let me share my favorite gingerbread cookie recipe with you:

Gingerbread Cookies
(modified from Southern Living Incredible Cookies)

1/4 c water
1 & 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 c molasses
1 c butter, softened
1 c sugar
5 c unbleached, all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp coarse salt
1 & 1/2 TBSP ground ginger
1/2 tsp allspice
1 & 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Line baking sheets with parchment.


Stir together the water and baking soda until dissolved. Stir in the molasses; set aside.

Beat butter & sugar until fluffy and combined.

Whisk together flour, salt and spices.

Add to the butter mixture, alternating with the molasses mixture. Begin and end with the flour. Form dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and chill 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350.


On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with a floured cookie cutter and place on baking sheet. Freeze for 5 minutes before baking.


{They are going to spread.}
Bake 12 minutes (for a large shape). Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet, then transfer to cooling rack. Cool completely before decorating with royal icing.

To decorate:


  • Using a #2 tip, outline the shape of the snowflake in white royal icing.
  • Thin the icing with water, stirring until it is the consistency of thick syrup. Cover with a damp dish towel and let sit several minutes.
  • Stir gently to pop any bubbles that may have formed and transfer to a squeeze bottle.


  • Fill in the outline using a toothpick to guide into corners.
  • Let dry at least one hour.


  • Again with a #2 tip, pipe a snowflake pattern on each cookie.
  • Let dry overnight.
  • Mix a little meringue powder with water. (see sanding station here)
  • With a small paintbrush, paint the mixture on only the snowflake design.
  • Pour on sanding or sparkling sugar and shake of excess.



I also made some mini gingerbread hearts...very dangerous, these little bite-size ones!

I'm so looking forward to seeing YOUR cookies!!! Click below to link up. The linky will be closed on January 3rd to prevent spammers.

OH...and there is a new feature here....to add this post (or any) to twitter, stumble upon, facebook, etc, just click on the button at the end of each post. :)

Flavor-of-the-Month January Edition....BOOZY! :) Maybe you make a mean pina colada cake, or Kahlua tart, or a gingerbread martini (!)...link it up the last day of January! EVERYONE is welcome!!!