Cupcakes and Cashmere

Summer Eats

June 20th, 2012

{Homemade drumsticks}

It’s the first official day of summer, so I pulled together some of my favorite recipes of the season for inspiration. Here’s to sweet treats, bright nails, spontaneous road trips, naps in hammocks, barbecues, and lots of outdoor lounging all summer long.

{Key Lime Tarts}

{Peach Collins}

{Caprese Skewers}

{Nectarine and Blackberry Galette}

{Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches}



{Vanilla Bean Ice Cream}

{Orange Taffy}

{Orange-Lime Margaritas}

{Very Berry Pie}

{Root Beer Float Popsicles}

Five Things

April 6th, 2012

{Mixed metal mani: 2 coats tiny silver glitter + 1 coat large gold glitter}

The official countdown to the wedding has begun (as has the hysteria to go along with it), since it’s now just a week away. We’ve had a long engagement, so it’s not to say that it’s exactly snuck up on us or anything, but there’s just so much left to do between now and next Saturday. In the meantime, here are just a few things that have been inspiring me lately.

{Second to last fitting + peek at my shoes}

{Skittle-colored Prada inspiration}

{Cara Cara oranges for fresh juice in the morning}

{Rainbow rooms at dusk in the desert}

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Stationery Specifics

March 21st, 2012

When I graduated from college, my dad gave me a beautiful set of personalized stationery. It came in a dark green box with cream-colored notes that had my full name written across the top. It was one of the sweetest gifts I’d ever received and it marked the first time I truly felt like an adult. I still have the box tucked away in my closet – with just a few cards left. I don’t know if I’ll ever bring myself to use the last one, especially since I’ll be changing my name (though not professionally) in just a few short weeks. Beyond personalized notes though, it’s fair to say that I have an obsession with all things related to paper, so I figured I’d share some of my favorite stationery-related items that I use most frequently.

Good paper (plus matching envelopes). It seems rather obvious, but I always make sure to have several sizes and colors of paper lying around so I can make cards instead of buying them. I recently purchased this double loop punch to make ordinary paper look really special (as seen above).

Glitter. I use this set for nearly everything – finger nails, cards, you name it.



Glue pen
. The perfect way to use said glitter to write sweet sayings with sparkle.



Decorative paper
. I use this for wrapping small gifts or for lining plain envelopes – the easiest way to make a big impact. Simply trace the outside of the envelope on the backside of the paper you want to use and cut it out (make sure to leave a little room on the sides and along the top, so you can still seal it closed).

Stamps. These bring back memories from childhood, but now I opt for quirky characters (like this orange lobster) to dress up neutral card stock.

Finished cards for spring.

Holiday Gift Guide – Under $100

December 15th, 2011

This is the final post from this year’s gift guide with items under $100 (you can see the under $25 edition here and under $50 edition here). They’re all indulgent and sweet, whether you’re drawn to holiday-inspired ice creams (flavors like boozy eggnog and dark chocolate peppermint arrive at your door on dry ice), gold-tipped earbuds, or a monogrammed ice bucket. I hope these guides have been helpful in the gift-giving process, whether for yourself or for others!

1. Jo Malone Cologne Collection $95
2. Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski Crystal Clip Earrings $75
3. Chanel Trendsetting Nail Trio $75
4. Nautical Knot Kelly Ice Bucket $55
5. Kate Spade Multi Dot Gia Cosmetic $75
6. Catbird Heart Ring $88
7. Jeni’s Ice Cream Splendid Holiday Collection $70
8. Harry Allen’s C’mere Hand Gold Edition $95
9. Nixon The Wire In-Ear Headphone $60
10. Lanvin Metal and Printed Acetate Pen $95