Pinch me - it's sunny!

We're finally getting some much needed sun and warm weather this weekend here in the pacific northwest. It's amazing how quickly everyone's mood changes when this happens. We suddenly fall in love with Seattle all over again and remember why we live here in the first place - those glorious 3 months of summer! This has me daydreaming about barbecues, refreshing beverages, and outdoor entertaining. Here are some fun ideas you can incorporate into any summer event.

Mint and watermelon mojito. What could taste more like summer than that?

Or, how beautiful is this tub of cherry mojitos? Fresh cherries is one of my favorite parts of summer.

These paper flowers are easy to make and personalize for any party or reception. If you don't have something to hang them from directly overhead use fishing line strung between trees or poles.


Hanging candles and lanterns create a lovely glow as the sun goes down. If only I had a place with a view like this.

All images via Martha Stewart

Celebrity Weddings

For those of you living under a rock the last couple of days...

Jenna Bush tied the knot last weekend at her parents ranch in Texas. A couple of photos were released to the press on Sunday. Admit it - you're curious. I sure am. Actually I'm more curious to know what it's like to have George Bush as a father.

Is the top of her cake falling over here or is it just me?

Her beautiful dress was designed by Oscar de la Renta. What do you think of it? I'm pleasantly surprised that she didn't go with the princess ball-gown look.

From what we can see it looked like a fairly simple but lovely evening. Rather understated for the daughter of the president. View more photos and the whole story on the New York Times.

Spring '09 Runway - Vera Wang

Vera Wang had a lot of amazing detail in the back of her gowns this season. I love the color of this first one.

Look at the detail on this train!

She did a few with this side-train as well.

A beautiful, soft Grecian inspired look.

But my absolute favorite has to be this one...

It's chic and sophisticated but the bows and ruffles give it a hint of sweetness. Yes, as you've probably noticed I have a thing for the mermaid silhouette. I think it's incredibly flattering.


All images via Brides

Spring '09 Runway - Oscar de la Renta

All of the bridal designers displayed their Spring 2009 fashions on the runways a couple of weeks ago and I'm loving some of the emerging trends: one-shoulder, crumb-catchers, huge bows, layers and layers of ruffles and 50's petticoat silhouettes. Here are some of my favorites from Oscar de la Renta.







He also had some very cute short styles



All images via Brides