Bishop Bevy

Remember when I wanted to find a new cocktail? Well here is one I came across from ModCottage. I don't think I can order it when I'm out, but it does sound yummy, especially since it's still cold here! Spiced anything sounds soooo good right now!

Image from ModCottage

Back to the Real World

So I am back from my fabulous trip down to warm and sunny California, as well as back from my holiday break with the family. It is now back to reality and back to the daily grind. But for some reason this year, I am embracing being back and having things be routine. I love having time again to browse my regular haunts and scoping out the 2009 posts so far. Some are recapping 2008, some are making 2009 resolutions, some are talking about 2009 trends, and others are just writing like it is just another day.

I am torn as to what topics I want to navigate through during these first new year posts since all of the above mentioned posts are wonderful and valid. I am a planner and a future thinker, so making goals and predictions comes naturally to me. I am also analytical and like to review the past. But recently I have been trying to stay focused on the present. So really, I want to tie everything into one, because just like my decor style, my thoughts and emotions are eclectic and sometimes almost random.

So I hope you enjoy this eclectic smattering of New Yearesque posts.....

Three things I wanted to write about while on vacation:

1) There has been some crazy weather this season!! Before the holidays Las Vegas even got snow! Back at home in Vancouver, they have received tons of snow since Dec 13th... more than a couple feet in total! Many many planes were delayed and work was cancelled due to poor commuting conditions! And the snow was not confined to only Vancouver, Toronto had a some back to back storms as well... This all adds up to it being a white Canadian Christmas from Coast to Coast for the first time since 1971!!

Photograph by Cleo Sullivan

2) Does anyone know of any light refreshing drinks for 2009? I want to find some not too sweet, not too strong sipping cocktails for the new year. Finally I might be able to avoid being that one person at the table who goes... um, ahh, let me see... before finally going with a glass of their house wine!

Photography by Victoria Granof

3) I just want to dress up. Lately I have had this unrelenting desire to go over the top with everything. I want bright fun jewellery, elegant gowns, and big and romantic hair! Unfortunately my cravings are not so practical, especially now with the recession. I wonder however, can I bring some luxury into my life for little to nothing?

Photography by Richard Phibbs

A Table Centers From Leftover Decorations

Lately I have written about table settings here and here. And when I was home my mom had me make a center piece for a dinner party. What I had to work with were decorations from years past and random household items....

I didn't have too much instruction, other than it should be simple, allow enough room for serving trays and it shouldn't be too tall. So late Monday night I tackled it and here is what I came up with.

Now if I could only take half decent pictures to better show the centerpiece!

White Layer Cake

I haven't posted about weddings before, and I don't really spend much time dreaming about them. However this dress from Beka and Jesse's wedding that I found on The art of love just blew me away! I absolutely love the structured top, and the layers. It is romantic and flowy yet long and elegant. And the hem line at the bottom being just above the ground gives the dress a crisp and modern feel to it. I would buy that dress is a heartbeat if it was another colour!

I absolutely love her hair too! Can someone show me how to do a flowy up do?

All images are from The Art of Love

And check out how she altered the dress, with the sash and taking off many of the layers. I stand corrected, if this dress came in a different colour, i would buy it!

Via Snippet and Ink

Tableoration

I am still dreaming of wonderful winter parties...and the table settings....

Make it bold and original Laurence Pasquier

Do a casual breakfast buffet Jocelyne Beaudoin

Or keep it simple and modern. Adrian Briscoe

But nothing over the top.... not this year!

Simple Centerpieces

I love to entertain - I inherited this love from my mom who is a superb hostess. We had many dinner parties at our house when I was growing up, and my mom would always do all the prep herself. On top of it, she has this amazing ability of making it all look so easy. Unfortunately I didn't inherit that part. I am always a basket case by the time guests come over that it always overshadows the point of the night - to get together with friends and ENJOY each others company. So here are some super simple, yet beautiful centerpieces - one less thing to do before the guests arrive!

Maura Mcevoy via Real Simple

Joanna Henderson

Deirdre Roodney

Sara Essex

Anita Alero via Real Simple

Sara Essex

Sara Essex

Party Season!

I'm back in town and I am ready to go out and party with my friends! Good thing, since the Christmas party season has started! I got a head start last night, with a impromptu girlfriend gathering at the Flying Tiger only an hour after getting off the plane! How great it is to be back in the world of wonderful drinks and food and familiar faces, it was almost sensory overload! I'm still dizzy on how fast the Internet is and how bright and flavourful the colours are and how warm it is! The next few weeks will be filled with...

Festive dinner parties (Jeffrey W. Miller)

Work Christmas parties (Jocelyne Beaudoin) (I love that sputnik light!)

And tons of catching up with friends! (Jeffrey W. Miller)