Wide Awake

Have you seen the New York Time's video and photo collage of this year's top actresses- The Hollywood Issue, Wide Awake? The photos are mesmerizing, and while some of the videos are slightly unnerving, it's quite the gallery of creativity.

I believe Anne Hathaway's video is my favorite, but then again, I adore any brunette with a pixie cut, starring in Broadway musicals. Which one is your favorite?

Fudge Brownies

It's recipe Wednesday (still on the search for the series name) brought to you by Lemons and Lima Beans. In the spirit of the holidays and all those "right to the hips" foods that we'll all be devouring, how about delicious fudge brownies? A perfect dessert for entertaining, or really anytime!

Thanks Ashleigh for sharing!

Fudge Brownies
Yield: One 8x8 pan

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for pan
1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt or 1/4 teaspoon table salt
2/3 cup all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, extending it up two sides of pan. Butter the liner. Set aside.

In a medium heat-proof bowl set over gently simmering water, melt chocolate and butter together until only a couple of unmelted bits remain. Off the heat, stir until smooth and fully melted. Whisk in the sugar, then eggs one at a time, then vanilla and salt. Stir in the flour until fully incorporated and then scrape batter into a prepared pan, spreading out until even. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool before cutting into desired size bars. May also be frozen prior to cutting for cleaner margins.

From Smitten Kitchen

Photo Booth

As our wedding favor, we decided to go with photos from a photo booth. We set it up right outside our reception, and everyone loved it! I first saw this idea back in 2008 at my friend Court's wedding; she's obviously too cool and thought of this idea before it was trending. Thank you Firefly Imageworks!

Here are some of my favorite shots.

Merry Christmas

(photo source unknown)

Wishing you and yours a lovely Christmas celebration with your family and friends. It is a such a magical time to remember our many blessings and spend time with loved ones.

Philip and I are heading to Jersey to see some of his family, and then heading to NC to visit with my sister and her family. I cannot wait to squeeze my little nephews.

Merry Christmas dahlings! 

We did it!

I volunteer with the group, Many Hopes, and we concluded our monthlong, annual fundraiser a few weeks ago. All the donations were just tallied, and we came in well over our goal (!!!). So, what does this mean exactly?

A Round Up of New Years Ideas

(New Years party 1956, by Alfred Eisenstaedt)

If I had the time, the money, and let's be honest, the DIY know-how, I would love to create all these ideas for our New Years party. But, my predictable cheese platter and boy's tasty cocktails will just have to do. Simple is better, right?

This banner from Confetti Design Shop on Etsy.

What are you doing New Years Eve?

(photo from LIFE magazine)

After much contemplation, boy and I decided to host a New Years Party at our tiny apartment this year. And considering, we dragged our feet on getting the invites out, it will be an intimate gathering of friends, as I like to say. Hosting a New Years party is a lot of pressure. Years from now, people will ask our party goers, "what did you do for New Years in 2012?" Gosh, I hope it's a kicka$$ response that we can provide.

Doesn't everyone have grandiose ideas of New Years with dancing, sparkly decor, big bands, and kissing gentleman? I don't think those parties occurred since the days of Bing, Fred, and  Holiday Inn.

Well, more on the food and decor later, but let's talk dress since I indicated "sparkly attire" on the invite. I know the gents are excited. I have my eye on a few little numbers at ASOS, and I'd love your thoughts.

Film: To the Wonder

Heavens, I’m excited for this. Philip is an avid fan of Terrence Malick; I, on the other hand, have yet to  fall for his creative genius. However, I believe this one will do it for me. Doesn't it look incredible? I adore Javier Bardem. Let’s be honest, he has the sexiest voice ever. 

Signature Cocktails

(photo source unknown) 

One of my favorite things about our wedding was our signature cocktails- the PSM and CNM- titled by our initials. Our lovely friend, Sally, created a sweet little bar menu with descriptions of the cocktails and our list of spirits. The PSM was a Manhattan, Philip’s favorite drink, and the CNM was a French 75. Ironically, all the male wedding guests I bumped into were drinking Manhattans, and  the women seemed to take a liking to the French 75s. Manhattans are fairly straightforward; I’m sure Philip would say otherwise. I found the recipe for my drink on Saveur, and I’d love to share it with you.

Homemade Graham Crackers

(photo via Lemons and Lima Beans) 

I am going to start a series of posts for recipe sharing. I know, I know . . . you're thinking "but Caitlyn, boy does all the cooking." Well, hopefully this series will inspire me to get back in the kitchen after a long hiatus. (And for your information, I was feeling so domestic the other night I whipped up goat cheese and rosemary stuffed chicken- so there!). 

Oh and did I mention that all the recipes will come from my good friend Ashleigh's blog, Lemons and Lima Beans? She's an amazing cook with a discerning sweet tooth leaning towards all things coconut. Every Wednesday or so, I'll be sharing one of her recipes. 

Counting my Blessings

Boy and I have been married a month (from yesterday- Nov 18). I ashamedly did not realize this until a friend informed me- thanks Ash. Gosh, it doesn't seem like a month, and I'm not even sure that "marriage" has hit us yet. Sure, we've had out little squabbles, and instead of one of us driving to our respective apartment for some space, we've had to stay right in that room to duke it out. Let's just say that long-term grudges are not a factor in our relationship; one of us usually melts down in the first few minutes . . . I won't say who is more likely :)

Blog Crush: miss elaini ous'

I met miss elaini ous' via email after becoming an avid reader of her blog. Last year, Elaini (author of miss elaini ous') set out to replicate the Uniform Project by wearing a little black dress for 100 days to raise awareness and support for orphans in India. Elaini has an incredible story, and I was so excited about her little project that I sought out and sent items to accessorize her LBD - my accessories here.

Gift Guide: For Him

 (photo via Man Candy)

Let's do the 'for him' gift guide, shall we? Straying away from just Etsy on this one, I have some finds that I'm excited to share with you. So without further ado, here are some ideas for your boyfriend, friend, brother, husband, dad, grandfather, boy crush or whomever . . .

A Mad Men inspired cocktail glass set from Zest Vintage. 

A letterpress poster by Joey Roth to place above his desk. 

Today

I would just like to take today's post as a moment of silence for the past weekend's happenings.  As an auntie of two wee boys, I have a mere inkling of a parent's love for his or her children, and I can't imagine what the families of Sandy Hook must be experiencing.

As a woman of prayer, I'll be lifting up the victim's families in prayer, and I pray in all our different ways, we all do the same. 

Dancers Among Us

My dear friend Court shared this website with me the other day, and as a former dancer in my youth, I cannot stop staring at these mesmerizing shots. Amazing to hear that his three year old son sparked his interest for this project. I would love to have this little gem on my coffee table to leaf through . . .

Stocking Stuffers: For Her

Stocking stuffers aren't just for children so here are some ideas for her.

From clockwise-  (1) Gold polka dot tights from ShopCurious (2) Take some of your Instagrams and turn them into Stickygrams to display for all her visitors to see (3) Fun tie dye hair ties from Mane Message (4) Minted Rose Lip Balm for those wintry days (5) A girly bottle of Bombay Gin.  (6) Balloon Monday Brooch from Howkapow to brighten her day

P.S. Be sure to check out  the for her gift guide and my wishlist. 

Life Lately

Gift Guide: For Her

I am obsessed with blogger gift guides. If I can even capture a sampling of their creative and ingenious ideas, then I'll be one happy lady. Let's give it a go via all things Etsy for those ladies in your life who are . . .

The Photographer: for that friend who drinks a copious amount of caffeine to stay alert until the midnight hour, perfecting snapshots from a recent wedding- how about this sweet little teapot from TheWhitePepper? She can make herbal tea and feel better about those sleepy eyes.

The Hippie: for that friend who wears loose dresses flip flops in the dead of winter but still needs to keep her head warm in the concrete jungles of Chicago- an urban turban from gertiebaxter?

The Humanitarian: for that friend who travels to foreign lands to start community art projects, how about this rad canvas and leather bag from Elvisbagdynasty for all her painting supplies?

The Homemaker: for that friend (or sister) who bears the resemblance of June Cleaver and will always shame you when it comes to homemaking- the book Dinner: A Love Story: It All Begins at the Family Table by Jenny Rosenstrach

The Maker: for that friend who spends her time creating and fashioning her own Etsy line, how about a colorful necklace that she didn't have to make from Fable + Lore?

The Ladyfriend: Ok, well I don't have a ladyfriend, but as a ladyfriend with a childish heart for coloring, I would love to get my hands on this little book from teamart. Jon Hamm . . . swoon

Up to No Good

(photo via piccsy.com) 

So, remember that we entertained the other evening? Well, the cheese platter wasn't the only eventful happening. Our friends arrived, Philip mixed up some delicious cocktails, and we clinked glasses to celebrate the new place. Just as we're settling in, a knock at the door led to some very disgruntled neighbors, and I really should have captialized 'very' to communicate just how truly upset they were. The wife and husband went to explain how we were the loudest tenants they had ever been under and how for the last week, our movements resembled that of a horse. No introductions, no warnings, no understanding; to say the least, Philip and I were mortified. They exited our front stoop with our jaws still agape at what had just happened. After our friends left and until the next morning, we tossed and turned around ideas of how we could resolve this conflict. And by Sunday afternoon as we stood at a local bakery, we found a solution.

Artwork

"Serious Business"

The living/dining area is *almost* set up, and then we're on to the bedroom. Since we chose grey for the walls, I'm trying to stick to black and white with a couple of accent colors. Ideas are welcomed! 

On Entertaining

(photo via High Terrain, Brookyn Slate Co. product)

I've talked about what to get the host or hostess when you stay the weekend or simply join for dinner,  but as the host, what's your go-to dish to serve? My tried and true is a well thought-out cheese platter. I like to include a variety of cheeses, some light crackers or baguette, grapes or apple slices, and if I'm feeling saucy, I'll find some devilish fig chutney to add. To complete the platter and upon boy's constant request, I break off a few pieces of dark chocolate.

My Wishlist

If Santa were to visit our little apartment this season, these would be my wishes . . .

This aztec cape from Spanish Moss. Perfect for Saturday brunch, wouldn't you say?

Ombre

I am in love with my bangs, but I still need to get myself through the winter bore. So, I'm considering ombre hair with slight dirty blond tips. It seems to be all the rage this season, and I just can't help but  jump on that band wagon.

Grey Hues

Well the living/dining space is painted a midnight navy, and we couldn't be more happy with it. While relaxing and trendy, it's a great hue to have in your palate for decorating. Photos forthcoming.

For the bedroom, we are painting it slate grey, sexy but calming. Here are some of the photos of my inspiration . . .

Christmas Tunes

(photo source unknown) 

Do you like Christmas music? Do you burst with excitement when the Friday after Thanksgiving finally arrives, and you can unashamedly play your favorite holiday tunes?! Because I sure do! When we arrived in the D.C. airport after our honeymoon, I heard my first carol of the season, and needless to say, I was elated. Philip mockingly asked if I had just orgasmed when I heard that (TMI? Sorry P’s mom). It’s true though; I can’t get enough of Bing, Mariah, Perry, Mormon Tabernacle Choir and so many others around the holidays. Some of my favorites include . . .

Wedding: Gifts (boy)

(photo via Firefly Imageworks) 

For boy’s wedding gifts from me . . . 

 

*he received monogrammed cuff-links of my initials C (Caitlyn) and N (Nicole), and of course, he wore them to the wedding (via Forever Urban).  

Wedding: Gifts

(photo via Firefly Imageworks, our amazing photographer)

Oddly enough, I want to share some of the presents we gave to friends and family that joined us on our wedding day. I found this task particularly difficult. I wanted the gifts to be ceremonial and symbolic, but with my minimalist tendencies, I tried to find a balance of practicality as well.

Sneak Peak: Wedding Photos

More coming soon . . . 

Traditions

Boy and I are getting our Christmas tree tonight, and this will be my first real tree since living in my parents’ home.  Now don’t get me wrong, I had my fair share of fake trees in college dorms and community houses, but a real tree in my own home . . . to say I’m ecstatic would be an understatement.  Growing up, my mom put up eight (that’s right, 8!) Christmas trees in our home. When I told Philip this, his jaw dropped, and I think he was slightly terrified of what traditions could transpire in the coming years.  I don’t plan on setting up eight Christmas trees, but I do love many of the traditions my parents introduced to us children, and I am so looking forward to creating traditions of our own. Here are some traditions from my childhood . . .