hmm

I can't decide my opinion on this. except for Wisconsin. that's pretty spot on.

Image via Pinterest

Tweed Ride

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, come ride.  Tweed Ride originally began in London and has picked up popularity in Columbus-sponsored by PG (Paradise Garage). The ride is April 30th, 2011. Begins at 4:00 pm at Goodale Park.  Be prepared for a leisurely 5 mile ride around Columbus ending at Planks Pizza in German Village.

                                      

                                             London's Tweed Ride

London's Tweed Run

quoc pham shoes

Bobbin Bicycles has stylish gear along with quoc pham.  The adorable flasks, caps, and socks all make for a festive ride. 

TOSRV co-founder Greg Siple addresses the 200 cyclists who assembled on the Ohio Statehouse steps in 1967 for the start of the 6th annual tour. Credit: Warren Walker.

See official Tweed Ride of London here and the beautiful flyers and tweed blog ridingpretty.
The Facebook Link has more information on the upcoming ride.  I guess I'll start searching for my tweed outfit now....

Romance

With all of The Royal Wedding hype I can't help but think of Romance.  Or stop humming Ingrid Michaelson's song "Little Romance."  

Via Molly Dreams

Via Pretty Little World

Via Pretty Little World

Via Daily Crushes

Via Molly Dreams

Via Habitually Chic

Via Dress Design Decor

Via Pinterest

Via Cate Parr Artwork

Royal Wedding

It seems that everyone is going into overload for William & Kate's upcoming ceremony.  In anticipation of the nuptials Jeni's Ice Cream has come out with 4 flavors available online for limited time only. The entire collection is $60.00 and should be ordered April 27th for Friday delivery or May 4th for Mother's Day.

Prince William's Chocolate Biscuit Groom's Cake
Dark Chocolate ice cream and rich butter biscuits soaked in Lyle's Golden Syrup, with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Eton Mess
A tip of the hat to a dessert from Prince William's alma mater, Eton College, it's royal mess of hand-layered vanilla cream, strawberry sorbet, and raspberry sauce studded with hand-piped meringue stars.

The Royal Wedding Cake
Molasses ice cream with brandied raisins, dates, and pineapple, with lemon zest, walnuts, and traditional spices.

White Stilton on Toast with Champagne-soaked Bilberries
A Royal Champagne Brunch: pungent white Stilton cheese with brown bread crumbs and a generous helping of Champagne-plumped (blueberry-like) bilberries.

If this isn't enough for your wedding fix, browse the official website of The Royal Wedding 2011. 

Dress Rehearsal for carriage and staff of Buckingham Palace, via Flickr

Fiona Cairns, Royal Wedding Cake Designer via Flickr

Everyone is talking about the big day, which will now be a paid holiday for England.  Designers, spectators, retailers, media, and everyone alike are in anticipation of Friday. Have your own Royal Party with these simple suggestions to make it your own. High Tea doesn't have to be in London. It can be in the comfort of your own home in Columbus.

Georgetown Cupcakes in DC

 Printable collection by http://www.birdsparty.com/welcome.html

Via Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas

Paris Tea

Harney & Sons  has the absolute best tea. I don't even like tea. I'm a wanna be tea liker. The eye catching canisters always peak my interest and lead me to the checkout line. Everytime I get home I am disappointed.  It wasn't until last month when I had Paris tea by Harney & Sons and finally the one.

Paris, from the classic collection, is a black tea blend with vanilla and lemon. It divine. Harney & Sons Tea has 200 varieties stemming from the gardens of Asia and India.  On each tin there's a tea rating from 0 to 5. Paris tea ranks of 1, 2, and 4 respectively.  

Briskness (Does your mouth pucker?)

Body (Does the tea fill your mouth?)

Aroma (Does the tea have a robust scent?) 

A little milk & a little splenda makes it just my cup of tea =)

Booth at SIAL Paris 2010

A flagship store opened just last Fall 2010 in Soho that I am beyond excited to visit in June. No time to make it to Europe or NY? The Bexley Coffee Shop on Cassady has a large selection of Harney & Sons that makes the perfect gift for you or a friend! 

Meet Me in the Kitchen

All of these kitchens are so gorgeous I can't even contain myself. Kitchens are the perfect place for everyone to gather and chat over coffee, cpie, or a full meal. They're also one of the selling points of a house. A quick renovation on an outdated kitchen can automatically change everything. 

I think I have spent more time in kitchen than any other room in my house. 

Images via design sponge, live creating yourself, pretty little world, elle decor, & habitually chic

Lent

In just a couple of days I will be eating baked goods again & i. cannot. wait.

Images via Sucre, personal, & one kings lane

Sprucin' it up: Salad

The typical lettuce side salads have become somewhat passé. Replace it with a flavorful salad that will have everyone talking.  Just as simple but something unexpected. 

All You Need:

• Can of Beets
• 1 Pink Grapefruit
• 2 Avocados
• 1 Tbsp Walnut Oil
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• .5 Tsp Dijon- grain mustard is fine too
• 2 Tbsp Lemon juice
• 1.5 Tsp Cumin (ground)
• Chopped Basil (optional)

Find a platter or large plate to display the salad, no bowls here =) Mix the oils, dijon, lemon juice, cumin, and season with salt & pepper.  Toss half the dressing with the drained beets and spoon them onto the center of the platter. Next peel the grapefruit and cut the rinds off as much as possible so the skin is off the fruit.  

Place the grapefruit in a circle surrounding the beets. Next cut the avocado long ways into slender pieces, usually about 8 long per avocado.  Place the slices on the outskirts of the grapefruit so there are now bright vibrant rings of color from the beets, grapefruit, and avocado.  Drizzle the rest of the dressing over the entire salad.  Now toss the fresh basil for a garnish & you're ready to serve.  A large serving platter spoon works best. Enjoy!!