Mirror, Mirror

Though olive and grapefruit aren't the most traditional color combo (or food combo....ew...), they do make for an eye catching ensemble.  I love the way the scarf ties everything together- the color palate, the accessories- it all takes a cue from that lovely silk number.  I'd wear this in a millisecond...what about you?  

1. Grapefruit Commute Top, Modcloth $27.99  2. Brass Drop Earrings, Etro $640  3. Coralie Bag, Badgley Mischka $375  4. Parachute Satin Harem Pants, Willow $495  5. Chesil Scarf, Anthropologie $198  6. Marum Platform Sandals, ALDO $49.98  7. Super Lucia Sunglasses, Piperlime $150  8. Tribal Arrows Bracelet, Forever 21 $5.80

Fancy Friendships

Um, get this story- two best friends travel to Ecuador and incidentally rediscover their love of friendship bracelets.  They come home and add a few of their grandmothers' vintage brooches to their fun finds.  They're stopped on the street by a Women's Wear Daily reporter who likes their bracelets and runs a story on their unique style.  Two days after the story runs, they receive so much feedback they quit their jobs and go into full time jewelry design.  Since then, their company Frieda & Nellie has been featured in Elle, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and The Oprah Magazine (among others) and you can purchase their line of jewelry at J. Crew, Barneys Co-Op or Henri Bendel.  Amazing, right?  That's a little something I like to call living the dream.  Not only do they have a bonafide "is this real life?"-esque story, they make a darn cool bracelet.  Each of their pieces is handmade, one of a kind and a total party for your arm.  I don't know about you, but I just added "think of something awesome" and "casually bump into someone influential" to this week's To Do list.  Seriously...my mind=blown.

Get It Together: Green With Envy

1. Paci Pendant, Store03 $345  2. Oversized Zinc Letters, Anthropologie $98  3. Brass Knuckles Bookends, CB2 $19.95  4. Emerald Mohair Throw, Jayson Home & Garden $195  5. Gray Zig Zag Ikat Pillow, Store03 $45  6.  Chicago Trays, Jayson Home & Garden $78-$195  7. Emeco Hudson Rocking Chair, Design Public $845  8. Unison Reed Square Pillow, Design Public $52

Design Musings

Well.  I had a rough weekend, folks.  One of those Murphy's Law whirlwinds.  My hard drive crashed and needed to be replaced, so I literally lost every template, every picture, every bit of music, every everything on my computer.  Which stinks.  But it's time to come out of mourning and rebuild!  Since I have to start from scratch in every area, I'm gonna try a few new things...for example, this Design Musings template.  What do you guys think?  

Table for Twelve: Garden Tea Party

I wanted the summer's last Table for Twelve to be special...really special.  After a few brainstorming sessions, we decided what better way to bid summer adieu than with a big, floral bang?  My Mom and I hosted a garden tea party at my parents' South Jersey home and, for the first time ever, extended an invitation to a few faithful Design-Muse readers.  The resulting afternoon was lovely, personified.  I'm a big believer that any day that includes flowers, delicate food, tea and your grandmother's china has no choice but to be fabulous.  Our mismatched, antique place settings were a big hit, as were the napkin brooches (handmade by my talented Aunt Evelyn).  We decorated tables with hydrangeas, daisies and greens, all fresh from my Dad's garden.  The overall look was so dainty and feminine- exactly what I envisioned for our beautiful outdoor fête.

The food was, perhaps, my favorite part of the whole afternoon.  We filled the gazebo with crisp, white tablecloths, satin, an abundance of chandeliers and a wide assortment of finger foods.  There was mini quiche, lavender cupcakes, Watermelon gazpacho, Waldorf chicken salad, summer crostini, tassies and butterballs, madeline cookies, fresh fruit, cream puffs, a chocolate fountain and- of course- plenty of tea and scones.  We filled teacups with greenery and assorted garden surprises and used them to label each of the dishes.  It was ladylike to the extreme...in fact, I'm sitting up a little straighter just remembering it.

By the time the guest list was completed we'd invited a lot of women...

 ..., but I couldn't imagine the day without every last one of them present.  I so appreciated their enthusiasm to be a part of this event!  Armed with only paper fans, they soaked up some serious sun and didn't mutter a single complaint.  Are they wonderful, or what?  As a small thank you for their support, everyone went home with the brooch from their place setting and a selection of artisan tea.

As I walked around admiring all the beautiful sundresses and watching ladies laugh and sip their tea, I was just so...happy.  It was the perfect way to spend the day- surrounded by incredible women enjoying a girly afternoon.

Thanks again to everyone who pitched in to help make the day so lovely.  For more information on this party or any of our other extravaganzas  (Pool Party, Sugary Sweet Goodbye Party, Picnic in the Park, Royal Wedding, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Valentine's Day...to name a few)  or to find out about Design-Muse's party planning services, contact me here.  

Paradise Island: Lillian

Welcome to the final post in our Paradise Island series!  I hope you've enjoyed the sneak peak into the lives of our Table for Twelve ladies...I think they picked out some pretty amazing selections, don't you?  If you missed anything- anything at all- you can get caught up here (missing out is never fun...just saying).  As for today...well...it seems I saved the best for last.  Today's Paradise Island is all about my Mom, Lillian.  I've told you all about how wonderfully amazing she is before, and in a fabulous case of perfect timing, I've got a sweet girl on deck that wants to give that thought an "Amen".  However genuine my bragging on my Mom might be...she's still my Mom, so there's a degree of "well, of course you'd say that" involved.  So when Amy, the Lillian's Paintbrush crew chief, e-mailed me and asked if I would publish a message of gratitude for her on Design-Muse, I didn't think twice before saying yes.  Amy is one of the most treasured employees my Mom has ever had.  After making the difficult decision to resign and enroll at Valley Forge Christian College this fall, Amy had a few things she wanted to say publicly.  I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to give her the floor.


Let me introduce myself, my name is Amy and I have worked for Lillian's paintbrush for 7 years.  Sadly, yesterday was my last day as Lillian's employee.  I thought it would only be fitting to share my love and appreciation for Lillian with all of you.  Now where do I start?  I wish everyone could know Lillian personally.  She truly is an amazing woman.  Her heart is full of love for those around her.  She also has an abundance of patience.  Each time I am ready to complain or get annoyed with someone, Lillian sees the side of the other person and can defuse the situation with understanding.  Another way Lillian has inspired me to be patient is a saying she uses... "I choose to remain calm."  She explained to me that the one thing we have control over is our emotions and that we can choose to remain calm. 

Lillian is also very gracious, she is always ready to give and help those in need.  There have been many times I have been in a jam and Lillian has come to my rescue.  She also has been a blessing to my family. For those who know Lillian, I am sure you have been touched some way by her kindness.  She is that way with clients as well.  When we all are tired and ready to go home, she pushes us to go the extra mile to make sure the job site is spotless and error free.

On a lighter note, one thing I will truly miss is her ability to tell stories.  I have the worst time telling any type of story, so this quality I truly envy of Lillian.  I love hearing her ask "have you seen this movie?" because I know a detailed story is soon to follow. 

Lillian has been a joy to work for and I will always be grateful for all she has done.  I will always admire her and take what I have learned from her into my next journey. 

Lillian- You have been a dear friend, and inspiration, and a role model to me.  I thank God for you.  You have seen me through all my ups and downs.  I am thankful I got to share these 7 years with you not only as an employee but as a friend.  You and your family have been a blessing!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love and support, for laughing with me and comforting me when I was down.  You're truly the best boss anyone could ask for!  I am forever grateful!

Q&A: Lillian would be famous for an unforgettable singing performance with a full orchestra.  Her celebrity BFF would be Marilyn Monroe and she would help her steal every last item in Eva Mendez's closet.  

1. Beyond Vintage Bead Detail Blouse, Piperlime $82.97  2. Wood Working Toolkit, Sunrise Exports  3. Betsey Johnson Teardrop Earrings, Macy's $35  4. Rouge Allure Lipstick, Chanel $32  5. The Dreamer Boot-Cut Jeans, Old Navy $17.50  6. SK-II LXP Moist Softening Serum, Bloomingdales $265  7. Clinique Quick Corrector, Nordstrom $14.50  8. Alexander Wang Oval Sunglasses, Saks Fifth Ave $369  9. Genoa Thong Sandals, Tommy Hilfiger $50

The Foodie Files

I've never been much of a pie person.  That's terrible, right?  I mean, it sounds downright un-American.  It's not that I dislike pie, it's just that- up until recently- I'd never craved it.  With the exception of a few moments during various Pushing Daises marathons, I'd never so much as thought about pie.  But weirdly enough, I've been desperate for a homemade peach pie for the last three weeks or so (out of the blue and for the first time ever).  Weirder still, when I finally got around to making it yesterday and googled "peach pie" for a few hints on what on earth a recipe might look like, I discovered it was National Peach Pie day!  Am I the only one who thinks thats the craziest thing ever!?  My non-excitable brother and cousin weren't quite as awestruck about my discovery, but I stand by the fact that that's amazing.  I was pretty thrilled at how the pie came out, especially since it was my first attempt (although how could I go wrong on National Peach Pie Day)!  What I ended up making was a variation of this recipe, although I definitely adjusted a few items.  Hope you enjoy it!  And happy belated National Peach Pie Day!

Ingredients:
1 package pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
1 egg, beaten
5 fresh peaches
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Before you get started, preheat the oven to 450 degrees and set water to boil in a large pot.  Lightly score the bottom of each peach with an X, then toss 'em in the boiling water to blanch for 2 to 3 minutes.  Use a slotted spoon to transfer peaches to an ice-water bath to stop the cooking.

Peel the skins off with a paring knife...they should come off extremely easily (many thanks to Martha Stewart for the inside scoop on how to skin a peach.  I'd still be hacking away at it if I hadn't known to blanch it first). 

Once all the peaches are skinned, cut them in cubes and place them in a large bowl.  Sprinkle with lemon juice and mix gently. 

Line the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie plate with one of the pie crusts. Brush with some of the beaten egg.  

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Pour over the peaches, and mix gently. 

Pour into the pie crust.

Cover with the other pie crust and fold the edges under.  Flute the edges to seal or press the edges with the tines of a fork dipped in egg.  Brush the remaining egg over the top crust.  Cut several slits in the top crust to vent steam.  

Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is brown and the juice begins to bubble through the vents.