practical-no, adorable-yes!

love these pants with little hearts. at bloomingdales. (Bloomies is running Friends & Family this week- use code FRIENDS at checkout for 20% off)

french dress

So pretty and chic.

French custom wedding dresses. Via simplesong.

marche baskets

My friend Erica discovered these cute, French-farmhouse-chic baskets at The Container Store. I especially like the wastebasket version as a vintage-y potential container to hold my wrapping paper.

Sunday supper

Sunday Suppers are back! We were enjoying a lazy, unseasonably warm Sunday in front of the TV with all of the windows open, getting caught up fresh air as well as our backlog of DVR recordings when we were suddenly inspired by a Micheal Symon episode on grilling: BLT Salad with heirloom tomatoes and grilled romaine, Pork Souvlaki with grilled citrus, and Grilled French Toast with strawberries and rosemary. Pretty simple and definitely delicious. We made a mad dash to Whole Foods at 5pm and had the whole thing done and food on our forks by 8:30. The pork receipe calls for a long period of marinating, but in the episode Symon said it could be done in an hour.

Weekend in Tennessee

Spent a beautiful/delicious weekend in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains outside Knoxville, Tennessee as a surprise birthday for my husband. I managed to keep the "surprise" until the day before we left, but unfortunately, it is really hard to surprise the person you live with! One errant airline webpage left open on the shared computer can bring down the whole operation. Will practice being sneakier for next time. Highlights were the food, more food and definitely seeing the seven week old truffle puppies! Did some hiking and exploring the farm to compensate for all of the time spent eating.

happy

In honor of my husband's birthday, I baked him a "favorite cake". Its light, fluffy and covered in whipped cream and is therefore his favorite. This year I added a layer of raspberry. Happy birthday, hon!

perfect pears

My parents sent us a dozen beautiful Riviera pears as a sweet Valentine's treat. We've been eating them in a variety of ways to make sure we eat them all and not one goes to waste! The salad pictured above is my favorite. Toasted walnuts, chopped shallot, arugula, grated pecorino romano and pears baked in a honey glaze.

We have also enjoyed pear Bellinis (pear puree in champagne) and, for breakfast, pears over granola with yogurt and honey. Yum!

hooray for friday!

From Once Wed. Enjoy your weekend!!