Katie Ermilio

I am totally enamored with the designs from young designer Katie Ermilio. Ermilio, the daughter of a bespoke menswear tailor has the knack! Clearly it's in her blood (her grandfather made clothes for Grace Kelly) but her aesthetic is fresh an bold. I'm obsessed!

The Perfectly Imperfect Home

From former Editor in Chief of Domino, Deborah Needleman, The Perfectly Imperfect Home, a book about how to have a beautiful home that is actually lived in, is an inspiration! I love the fabulous watercolors by Virginia Johnson and the newly realized notion that even though my home isn't always photog ready it doesn't necessarily mean I'm a domestic deviant. Imperfection is perfect, and most of the time adds a little extra charm to a space. Get it here.

Tata Harper

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I have a bit of an obsession with skincare products. I can't help it; I'm an addict. My new love is Tata Harper's line. Fresh from her farm in Vermont, the line is totally natural and mostly organic. Unlike so many of its counterparts, it's got nothing harmful to your being in it. Tata's holistic approach to skincare (and stress relief... her aromatherapy oils are amazing) is just the ticket. I have to say my skin is looking particularly glowy despite all of the dry weather and over heated buildings in our fair city. My favorite product, though it's hard to choose, is her Hydrating Floral Essence. It's light enough to use as a toner in between washing and moisturizing in the winter, and moisturizing enough to use on it's own in the summer. Magic! Oh and I am totally a sucker for her gorgeous packaging .
Thank you Tata!

The Water

I came across this song, from Johnny Flynn & Laura Marling, yesterday and had to share. I think it is so sweet and enchanting. It reminds me of the old Ian & Sylvia records my dad used to play when I was little. Enjoy & have a wonderful weekend!

I can't help it...

As an event designer, I am constantly on the lookout for inspiration and fun ideas. When I see something that would be perfect at the hypothetical wedding of one of my friends, I log it. Well here's one for my sister, the avid puzzle solver. When I came across these puzzle alternatives to a traditional guestbook I couldn't help but think... that'd be perfect for her! I'm sorry sis; I can't help it!

Donna Hay is my hero

I have been a long time fan of Australian homemaker, cook, all around renaissance woman Donna Hay and her fabulous cookbooks & magazine. I have subscribed for many years and must say that anytime I'm in a jam looking for the perfect recipe she never fails to come through for me. So, when I started planning my holiday party this year and her 10th anniversary magazine arrived I new she would, once again, have the perfect menu just waiting for me inside its pages. Here are a few of the recipes that I think I'm going to give a whirl this year. I'll be sure to document the outcome for all of you!

Dill and Salt-Cured Salmon

• • 1 ½ cup (450g) rock salt+

  • 2 tablespoons caster (superfine) sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon white peppercorns
  • 1.5kg side salmon, trimmed and pin-boned++
  • 1 bunch dill, chopped

  brandy dressing

  • ⅓ cup (80ml) brandy
  • 1 teaspoon caster (superfine) sugar
  • sea salt and cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon store-bought grated horseradish
  • 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

  Process the salt, sugar, water and peppercorns in short bursts in a food processor until just combined. Place the salmon on a tray, rub with the dill, then the salt mixture. Cover with plastic wrap, place a tray on top of the salmon, weigh down with a heavy object and refrigerate for 24 hours.

  To make the brandy dressing, place the brandy, sugar, salt and pepper in a saucepan over high heat. Bring to the boil and cook for 2 minutes or until reduced by half. Stir through the horseradish and vinegar and cool slightly. Thinly slice the salmon, spoon over the dressing and serve with chunks of dark rye bread. Serves 12.
  + The type of salt used for curing is important. You should use rock salt rather than a finer salt because its coarseness cures the meat without imparting too much saltiness.
  ++ Ask your fishmonger to pin-bone the fish for you. Alternatively, run your fingers along the fish and remove any protruding bones with a set of tweezers.
  +++ The salmon will keep, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Bleu Cheese & Caramelized Onion Brioche

• 1 x small (260g) loaf brioche, cut into rectangles
• ⅓ cup (90g) caramelised onion relish
• 1 small Granny Smith (green) apple, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 20g butter
• 200g blue cheese, crumbled
• chervil leaves and cracked black pepper, to serve

Spread the brioche with the caramelised onion and top with apple slices. Heat the oil and butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the brioche, apple-side down, and cook for 1–2 minutes each side or until golden. Top with the blue cheese, chervil and pepper to serve.
Makes 16.

Chili & Lemongrass Chicken

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 stalks lemongrass, very finely chopped
• 2 large mild red chillies, seeds removed and chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
• 500g chicken mince
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• ¼ cup shredded mint leaves
• 16 witlof (Belgian endive) or baby cos (romaine) leaves

Heat a frying pan over high heat. Add the oil, lemongrass, chilli and ginger and cook for 1 minute. Add the mince and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir through the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and mint. Spoon the lemongrass chicken into the witlof and serve. Makes 16.

Check out these recipes and more at Donna Hay

(& I seriously recommend subscribing to her mag. It's seriously the best!)

Anything But Turkey...

Every year, part of my Thanksgiving tradition is attending a party thrown in my town called the 'Anything But Turkey Party' or as we all call it the 'ABT.' As you can probably tell from the name it is a potluck type shindig where anything but turkey can be served up. This year we're bringing one of my family's favorite hors devours and I thought I'd share the recipe with you. Warning, they are addictive and a bit naughty to say the least.

Mama T's Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

*One Bottle Soy Sauce
*1/4 box Brown Sugar
*3-4 cans Water Chestnuts (whole)
*Bacon (2-3 packages should do)
*Mango Chutney (mom suggests using Major Greys) or alternatively peach chutney works very well

Here's a pic of them in production.

Preheat the oven to 350 F
Line a sheet pan with non stick foil
Mix soy sauce (I prefer Kikoman) and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl.
Drain and rinse the water chestnuts.
Put them in the soy/sugar mixture and let soak for a few hours (2-3 should do it)
Cut bacon into thirds
Wrap each water chestnut in a piece of bacon
Dip back into the soy mixture to coat (you'll be glad you did this; it'll give the bite a nice glaze later)
Place bacon wrapped chestnuts on sheet pan place in oven
Bake until they are brown and crispy
Serve with chutney
Enjoy!
P.S. Try not to eat them all before guests arrive!

strangebeautiful

Lately I have been obsessed with amazing nail polish company, strangebeautiful. I just had to share my obsession with all of you! Jane Schub, a graduate of RISD, was initially inspired by this Ettore Sottsass Red Valentine typewriter and its rich color.

She went on to develop an array of amazing hues for her fabulous nail polishes based on everything from vintage kitchen appliances to the belly of a pigeon. I just can't get enough of these provocative paints. Find more about strangebeautiful here. xx

Fragrance to Go!

With the travel security measures getting stricter and bag allowances getting smaller how's a girl supposed to be a jetsetter and still look and feel glam. Over here at p&p we are big fans of all things floral and fragrant and so we have vetted a few carry-on approved, pint sized perfumes for you . My personal favorite is Kai (see above). It's a gorgeous mixture of white flowers like gardenia and jasmine! Love it!

Another favorite is this solid perfume from Tokyo Rose. It's scented with Linden and honey rose for a subtle scent, perfect for a day at the beach or a summer soiree.


And last but not least, Tocca's solid version of the 'Stella' scent is to die for. The candle is my absolute favorite (the most amazing blood orange fragrance) and the perfume is just as nice!

Summer Garden

As you can imagine we were busy at work over the Memorial Day weekend. Because I couldn't be there, my mom and sister sent me a few pictures of our garden at home so I wouldn't miss the all the gorgeous flowers. Enjoy!

cannelle et vanille

In the name of full disclosure I have to tell you there is something I love more than I love flowers... and that thing is food. I admit it. We've have been incorporating a lot of produce into our designs of late and I cannot tell you how happy working with both flowers and veg has made me! Recently, I came across the blog of very talented photographer and food stylist, Aran Goyoaga. I have a real weak spot for beautiful food photography and have been known to pour over the pages of Donna Hay for hours on end. Enter, Canelle et Vanille. A welcome member on the foodie blogger scene, Aran's photo's of her at home culinary adventures are enough to bring tears to my eyes. Pour over her blog, full of gorgeous pics and beautiful recipes... you'll be glad you did!

Watermelon Radishes!

Last weekend p&p took a much needed break and both of us headed for the country! Sierra went to a wonderful place in Pennsylvania and I headed to my mom's house in Maryland. One of the best parts of our little town there is the Saturday morning farmers market. When I saw these watermelon radishes there I couldn't resist picking up a few and bringing them back to the studio for Sierra to see! We are now obsessed with them and want to put them in everything... from dinner to the centerpiece!

A walk in the park!

We are very excited for this upcoming weekend full of beautiful wedding flowers and can't wait to share what we've been working on with all of you! In the meantime I couldn't resist sharing the gorgeous rose I saw while walking my dog by the hudson river this morning. Please excuse the less than wonderful photograph!

Wedding Inspiration: Robin's Egg, Peach, & Lavender

Paper valaise, Sarah Seven, Tara Pollio Floral Event Design via Style Me Pretty,Simply Bloom Photography

The first strawberry!

The first strawberry of the season is here in my windowsill garden... isn't it beautiful?! Now we just have to wait for the tomatoes to make an appearance.