Friday, July 30, 2010

Couture Cakes

When I say the name Sylvia Weinstock, you may not have a clue who she is. But when you see her picture (to the right) then you may know just who she is. For all of you that don't, Weinstock is a baker or more of a cake designer. I had never heard of her before several years ago when I was watching an episode of "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane" and Kimora and her two daughters visited Weinstock to pick out a cake. She is known in both L.A. and NYC for her lavish and extravagant cakes and designs... and for those thick black glasses! I don't know about you, but after seeing her gorgeous cakes I wouldn't even want to cut into one because they're just that beautiful! Here are some of my favorites:
This cake is absolutely stunning. It is presented as if it were actually a piece of artwork. Those flowers are such stunning colors.

This cake was for a wedding done at the Plaza. So this couple got my dream wedding and my dream cake, how lucky of them! I have no idea what these cakes go for but I am guessing they are as pricey as a piece of actualy artowrk would be, or as pricey as a piece of couture. Maybe one day, when I am ordering my wedding cake, I will find out! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

**Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY that ends this Sunday, August 1!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Cropped Hair

So far this summer I have seen several movies where actresses have cropped hair and to me they look absolutely stunning. I would never in a million years cut my hair anywhere near that short. In fact, I can't remember the last time my hair was even close to being above my shoulders. However, so many celebs pull off the look and make me want to get the cropped look (it still will never happen!). I love the look and can imagine how wonderful it would be to be able to dry your hair in a matter of minutes and style it in only a few more. At the same time, I feel like if my hair was cut so short I would feel sad not being able to curl it or use headbands or bows or even tie it back into a pony tail. What do you all think of the cropped hair look? Do any of you sport the short cut? Would any of you ever dare to go that short?! I would love to hear everyones opinion on this because for me, it is a no way... but when looking at pictures, it always makes me wonder!


My favorites are Amber Valletta and Natalie Portman. Which one is your favorite? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

*Don't forget, my GIVEAWAY is still going on until this Sunday, August 1st, so feel free to enter!

Monday, July 26, 2010

The "F" Word

Don't worry.. this post is totally G rated! The "F" word I'm talking about is a particular season that just may be coming up, however, I cannot bring myself to actually type the entire word out due to it still being JULY. I actually love the first couple of weeks in August where I take requisite Target trips, mall trips, outlet jaunts, and the like to find things for back to school. It really is a great time because you get to have a lot of fun shopping for things that you actually need (okay so maybe I don't actually need another new pair of flats...) but nonetheless, I am a total nerd: I love back to school shopping. So I guess this post is another directed toward the college aged ladies (can I get a shout out?! only kidding!) . Here are several things that I cannot return to school without:
This may seem a little out of the ordinary but I get a lot of groceries before I depart pour l'ecole. I know it makes a lot more sense to grocery shop while actually in the same zip code as my school so I don't have to lug all of the food with me for the 5 hour drive, but I love having Market District brand products in my dorm. For all of 'yinz' who don't have a clue what I am talking about, Market District is a magical little huge grocery store for Pittsburghers that has tons of options and their own brand which is great as well. I find that having Market District products in my dorm make it feel a lot more homey than have WalMart brand products (I know, I know, I told you this was a bit odd). I like to stock up on French Roast coffee (I used to brew Starbucks French Roast but MD's is 10x better and I'm guessing it's 10x cheaper as well), chocolate covered almonds, pretzels, MD Sparkling Pomegranate Lemonade (this is seriously the best drink), Flavor packets for water, papertowels, etc.

The Company Store down throw. I own it in sage and adding a monogram is only $6 extra. When it comes to this throw, I am like a 4 year old child that has to take their teddy bear everywhere with them. It is hands down the best blanket in the entire world. I leave it at the end of my bed for naps, take it on long car rides, and cuddle up with it when it's cold. If you have someone heading off to college, or need a care package idea this is the best idea I've got. I cannot say enough about how much I love my down throw. (And just when you're thinking that it will get stained and dirty and then you'll have to throw it out.. no worries! It is machine washable! And if that's not enough to sell ya, there is a lifetime guarantee.. see once you have one, there is no getting rid of it.)

This is on my wanted list. For $17.50 I say how can you pass it up! I love the white zin print because it seems to be the brightest, but I just can't decide! I would really like to see these in person before purchasing because I am very particular about my water bottles. When starting my blog, my second post was about my love for Camelbak water bottles. My Camelbak is now in water bottle heaven after discovering that yesterday the mouthpiece came completely off. I am most definitely going to be purchasing a new one ASAP because it is SO worth the $22. I had mine for 2 years and literally used it every single day (that's 730 days!). So while I won't be replacing my Camelbak with a Lilly water bottle, I will certainly give Lilly a chance!
Coasters! I am thinking that 99% of college students do not use coasters, especially on the school's dorm room furniture, but I can't help it but to always reach for a coaster when setting something down. I guess I was just brought up that way. Above is a picture of 2 coasters that I made in my senior year of high school in a graphic arts class. I keep them right in my desk drawer at school and one next to my bed so my drinkware is always elevated away from the furniture.
These are only some of my many back to school packing tips but I'll be sure to add more tips as back to school approaches. Next up is my vacation re-cap! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

*Don't forget to enter my headband and key ring GIVEAWAY! It ends on Sunday!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Tom Sheerer

I have found a new interior design love: Tom Sheerer. He reminds me of a more "homey" version of Kelley Proxmire. Here are some images found through Google that I have now tucked away in my design folder.
I love the dark walls. I would never dare to paint walls that dark but he creates a gorgeous space with the dark walls. I especially love the pink details in the fabrics. They almost have an "India" vibe going on. Plus, the white beds and chair also help to brighten up the space.
I think this is the neatest idea. It's an "outdoor" area but the walls are made of stacked logs. How about that as an addition for a cozy ski or lake home.
I am loving the floor to ceiling shelves with all of the books. It gives a "safe" cluttered look that I just love. This reminds me of something you would see in a RL home catalog.
Have you seen Tom Scheerer's work before? Do you love it? I think I am his newest fan! What are you favorite interior designers? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

**Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Wingtips, Oxfords, Spectators, Oh My!

As the title says, shoes are the subject of today. Yes, I know it is only July, but I can't help but to think of the upcoming fall season and what ideas I want to try. I used to have many a pair of saddle shoes when I was younger, and I loved them. Now, I am lusting for a new pair for the grown up S! I am loving all of the options out there. They are somewhat "in style" although I'm not really sure that this style of shoe goes out and in. It's more of a classic for people that know their stuff. I think I am going to end up going with a Bass pair of bucks but here are other pairs I have my eye on come September.

The first 4 pairs are from Bass (the first pair are the ones that I am thinking about purchasing--perfectly comfortable for walking to class and a neutral color to match with most outfits).The second to last pair is Forever 21, and the last pair is Brooks Brothers.Will you be sporting lovely oxfords this coming fall season? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

**Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Giveaway!

I have finally reached over 400 followers so I am doing another giveaway to celebrate all of my lovely followers! This giveaway is not sponsored by anyone; it is just something I picked out on my own and thought that you all would love! It is a headband and key chain from Baekgaard. I posted about Baekgaard about a year ago and have since loved this brand. I even gave my roommate a pretty little travel jewelry box for her birthday and still want to get one for myself! I also own the headband that I am giving away and I cannot tell you how much I love it. It's the perfect width and fit for my head, and the colors are so vibrant and fun. It's a great pop of color for any outfit. Although I may be a bit biased since I am headband obsessed!This is the headband in my hair (don't worry that's not the one I am giving away.. but they are exactly the same!).The headband and keychain!

To enter:
-Follow: 1 entry (if you don't have a blog, you can still enter: e-mail me at Summerwind41490@gmail.com)
- Blog about this: 2 entries
-Add it to your sidebar: 3 entries
-Tweet about it with a link to my blog: 4 entries 
-Add my button to your sidebar: 6 entriesMake sure you comment on each thing you did, and leave a link if you post or add anything to your blog! This giveaway ends Sunday August 1 at 11:59pm. Good luck to you all. Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Friday, July 16, 2010

"Pimp" My Laptop and other Random Bits

Caution: This post is all over the place ;)

 Because you have to set your laptop apart when you go to the library and everyone has the same computer as you! What do you add to your laptop to make it more fun and personalized? I added my monogram sticker from 2PreppyGirls, a sorority sticker, and a Vineyard Vines sticker!
 I won HIMYF's giveaway! Isn't this Lilly necklace adorable? Thank you HIMYF! If you haven't checked her blog out, definitely do so, it is so much fun to read!


Ok so here is where you may start thinking I have turned into a 13 year old girl. Taylor Lautner is filming in Pittsburgh for a new movie called "Abduction". Well, it just so happens that he was filming last night so cCm and I decided that we would casually check out the scene. Well, there were probabaly around 60 to 100 girls (I think there might have been one boy) that ranged in age from 9-50. So cCm and I stood around with all of the other star struck girls, some we knew and they had actually seen Taylor that morning and got pictures of him. We stood there for a while and nothing happened. Felling sillier by the second, cCm and I decided we were going to leave (plus it was SO hot outside). Ten minutes after we return home cCm gets a call from on of her friends telling her that Talyor had just driven through, rolled down his window and said hi to all of the girls. Of course. It only seems fitting that we stand there and waste an hour in the heat, and we leave and then he decides to show up. That's how it always seems to happen, doesn't it. It's funny too... I never get "googley eyed" for any celeb. The last time I got all giggly over any male celeb was when I was obsessed with Hanson in elementary school... but that is a story for another time. Needless to say, I am in love with Taylor Lautner. Not because he has incredible acting skills (please note the sarcasm), not because he is the "it" celeb at the moment, and certainly not because he plays the werewolf in that movie. I have no knowledge if he is intelligent or an interesting person. He is a younger man who hasn't even graduated high school (or maybe he did but only this year). I know absolutely nothing about him except that he dated Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez (I only know these facts because I may also have a slight obsession with TSwift)  and I don't really care to learn more about him.To be honest, he is just so incredibly attractive and that is the reason that I am so madly, deeply in "love" with him. Let me just hope when I find my "true love" that this is not why I love him! Is there anyone else my age (in their 20s) who thinks Taylor Lautner is dreamy? If not, maybe you should tell a small lie, and tell me you do so I won't feel like such a teenie bopper. Have a fabulous day!
Yours, 
sCe

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Country Lovin' from a Northern Girl

When someone asks me what kind of music do I like, I usually name artists rather than say a type of music. Also, most of you know I am kind of an old soul when it comes to music. I love Frank Sinatra and the rest of the rat pack, along with Jazz artists such as Diana Krall and David Benoit. However, I can honestly say I have never really gotten into country music (with the exception of Taylor Swift--I LOVE her). Of course I have MANY friends that just love country music and I have listened to their music with them from time to time. Going to school in the south really opened my eyes to some really great country music. I know a lot of my readers are big country fans so I am curious as to what you're favorite country songs are? I'd love to widen my horizon in this genre! Here are my faves:

Best Days of Your Life- Kellie Pickler... I had no idea who she was until my Big introduced me to her. She actually met her in N.Y.C. in Saks. They were both trying on Louboutins.. how cool!

Wagon Wheel- Old Crow Medicine Show.. I am obsessed with this song. The first time I hear it was this past school year, and now every time I hear it, it reminds me of my friends and all of the fun times I have at school! I even know every word and introduced cCm to it as well, and she loves it now!

Sorority Girl- Luke Brian.. I am OBSESSED with this song. The lyrics are almost too true AND I love that it says ZETA in it!!

Rold Tide- I don't even know who sings it. But when the college bowls were going on, friends of mine had their statuses up on facebook as "Roll Tide".. I had NO idea what that meant, and so I asked my sister and she said some of her friends had the same status. So we googled it and found out that it's for Alabama's football team and this song came up through google and now cCm and I are obsessed. I'm sad to say that I'm not much of an Alabama football follower though.


Song of the South- Alabama... This song is another that really reminds me of school. I love it!

Carolina- Eric Church.. I really enjoy this song not only because the song is good but I love the lyrics too!

I hope you all have a fabulous day! Remember to let me know what your favorite country songs are!
Yours,
sCe

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Love it!

I came across this song on YouTube and I am in love. At the end the dad goes on to say that the song was for his 7yr old daughter. You must listen to it; it's wonderful!

Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Friday, July 9, 2010

Gambling at the Greenbrier?

In 2004 my mother, father, cCm, and I headed to White Sulfur Springs, WV to spend a long weekend at the Greenbrier Resort. This was 5 years prior to being bought by its newest owner: Jim Justice. We had one of the most memorable times while we stayed there. We went horseback riding, clay shooting, bowling, and swimming (indoors and out). Of course, everything was just fabulous. I was only 14 at the time and to this day can remember every single detail of the trip such as the fabulously designed interiors (my favorite was Draper's Cafe because of all of the pink!), high tea, the dress code (which I think every top notch resort should adhere to) and our gorgeous suite.
cCm and I goofing off after dinner one night. Yes, I am guilty. I took a BB picture of a picture. Six years ago, we were technologically deprived of digital cameras. Why not use a scanner you ask? Scanners and I have a bad history together.

My favorite memory was during dinner one night in the main dining room, in between one of our delicious courses, the waiter brought out a silver domed platter. My mother, cCm, and I were clueless as to what this "dish" could be. The waiter simply explained that it was special for the ladies. As soon as he took the dome off, there were 3 black jewelry boxes sitting there. My sister was only 10 and I was 14, so we thought that this was actually from the chef! We finally realized it was from my father, and we all opened our boxes. For me, diamond earrings. For cCm, ruby earrings. For my mother, the most gorgeous diamond and opal ring I have ever seen. It was such a wonderful surprise!At age 10, cCm thought that this end table in our suite would be the perfect "hideout" for her and her clan of stuffed animals.

Anyways, if you follow the news of the Greenbrier (I follow them on Twitter), you know that they have recently opened their casino (July 2). This was a red carpet event with celebrities such as Jessica Simpson and Brooke Shields. Many of these celebrities were actually paid an upwards of $100,000 to attend, writing it off as an "appearance fee" (see this article). Now, I don't really know who wouldn't want to attend one of the most fabulous resorts while getting paid to attend! However, I think that having all of the celebrities attend this grand opening and turning it into something along the lines of a "Hollywood" type event was a tacky move on the Greenbrier's part.
Of course you have to give Jim Justice some credit. I understand very well that he is trying to get the word out about the Greenbrier and get good advertising for the new casino, but having photographers all over the place and catering to celebrities that were paid to be in attendance does not impress me at all.
I cannot judge the casino, because I have yet to visit it and see all that it has to offer. And apparently it has a lot to offer. Plus Carleton Varney designed it so I don't have a doubt in my mind that it's anything but gorgeous. But when I think of a casino, I immediately think tacky. I picture Las Vegas, Atlantic City, bright lights, old women with fanny packs, young women with not enough clothing on. Tell me I'm stereotyping, and you are right, but that is just how it is for me. Maybe the casino will help the Greenbrier stay away from the bankruptcy state it was in just a short time ago, but it does nothing more than to detract me from the beautiful, southern, elegant, timeless, classic, resort that it has always been known for.
How do you feel about the casino opening at the Greenbrier? Are you a big gambler and excited to have something more to do while staying at the resort? Do you think that this aspect will deter the resorts reputation of timeless elegance? What do you think of the Greenbrier holding the red carpet event by paying celebrities a large sum to attend the event? I am so curious as to hear everyone's opinion on this matter! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

**also, I'm done blogging all of the requests I got from some bloggers, so if there is any post that you would like to see me do in the future, let me know by commenting or sending me an e-mail at summerwind41490@gmail.com! I love when I get requests, especially if they're something I would have never thought to do! I have kept in mind that a lot of you have asked for a hair tutorial so I'll have that up at some point this month.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

New York, New York

More Pictures from a fabulous trip! I hope you all aren't too bored! I'm sure these posts have kept my aunts, uncles, and grandparents busy!
Me

Daddy and Mother
cCm and I at FAO Scwartz. The Harry Potter section was very small but we LOVED it. They also had a pretty impressive candy section where we stocked up like.. well.. like little kids in a candy store!Family back to the Oak Bar for more drinks and some appetizers.
The C girls in Times Square. I changed my shoes 3 times that day. First, I was wearing the Miss Trish for Target sandals that I did a post on a while back, then into heels for the evening, and by the time we were headed out from the city, I had put on my new Tory Burch flats (I got a great deal on them at Bergdorfs on 5th). My feet still ache thinking about all of those shoe changes!I am not a huge Forever 21 fan because of their lack of quality, and the cut of their clothes is quite skimpy. However, cCm and I heard that this Forever 21 opened just 2 days before we arrived and that it was multiple stories and we just had to go in. I have to admit it was really neat. The store was so pretty and not cluttered like the usual stores are. There were many sections and the accessories were displayed very nicely. There were tons and tons of dressing rooms, and they weren't your average dressing rooms. They had actual doors as apposed to curtains. Plenty of hooks and a large mirror. The store was SO crowded, I can't even guess how many people were in there at the same time but the store was so massive that you didn't really feel like there were tons of people. Overall the store really impressed me, but again, I only purchased a few different pieces of costume jewelry, but cCm did get many dresses that she loves, and they looked great on her.

This is it for my beach/NYC recap! I hope you all enjoyed it. What are your favorite parts of going to the beach or going to NYC? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Start Spreadin' the News

New York, New York!cCm, M, and I in M's apartment. We took the ferry over to NYC and we stopped by to visit M and my aunt and uncle at their new apartment. They live in an absolutely stunning, all inclusive apartment building. It has a giant, up to date gym, a gorgeous terrace with a pool, spa, lounge, bar, dog park, dining areas, outdoor grilling stations that all have spectacular views across the river to NYC. It has a large parking garage so you can have a car, and a 3 minute ferry ride that takes you into the financial district is less than a block away. So that is how we got to NYC. We parked in their building, and took the ferry in! It was a scorching 100 degrees. I have never been so hot! The dress I am wearing is from Anne Taylor Loft. If you follow me on Twitter, I tweeted about getting this dress. It's a gorgeous dress and it was on sale for $10. Yes, $10. I picked it up and it was a 2 petite and I usually wear a 4 regular, but I guess the stars aligned that day because the dress fits like a glove! After we got off the ferry, we walked a bit to The Odeon for lunch. It was delicious, and the prices weren't too bad either. I had a chicken salad sandwich, my mom and dad both got the BLT, and cCm got croc monsieur. I would really recommend this restaurant. It's spacious, with a pretty dining area, full service bar, homemade ice cream, and delicious food. The service was top notch, and the dress is smart casual. cCm and I at The Plaza Hotel. Every time we go to NYC, we go here. Oh how I wish I could live there like Eloise! If you can't tell, cCm and I are obsessed with Eloise at the Plaza. I used to love the books as a child, and then, when the movies came out, I loved those too. This year, however, we were even more thrilled than usual because it was the first time we'd been back to NYC and the Eloise boutique was open.Outside of the Eloise boutique!
Young or old, this is every girls dream! When you first walk in, you are greeted with all different shades of pink. Lavish pink furniture, pink walls, pink displays, and a touch of Eloise everywhere you venture. Above, cCm and I are in the "dress up" room. It has adorable tutus and other costumes along with sweatshirts (cCm got one and it is adorable, I wish they had adult sizes!).They had the most adorable shopping bags. This one is cCm's. It had pretty fuchsia satin ribbon for the handles. As I said, cCm got a white sweatshirt that say's 'Eloise' large in her signature pink print and underneath it says 'At the Plaza' . It is really adorable, but they only had a child large, which fit too snug on me. However, I got the most adorable pink travel mug and a post card which I am going to frame for my dorm room because it matches perfectly with the rest of my pink decor. Seriously, if you have a chance to go to this boutique and are an Eloise fan, this is well worth it. I am telling you, if you have a little girl, it is a must do on your trip into the city.After the Eloise boutique we stopped at the Oak Bar for drinks. This is one of my favorite rooms in the entire world. I love the cozy but luxurious feeling of the entire space. The luxe wood paneling and sprawling paintings make for a really unique space. Plus the view out towards Central Park is also wonderful. Above is my dad and I.I just had to post these two even though I look awfully sweaty (hey, it was 100 degrees!). The first is Frank Sinatra and the next is Jackie O. To make it even better, Frank Sinatra was the man of the hour during our first stop at the Oak Bar. He played all throughout the day; I loved it!.

More to come on this extremely long post! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Red, White and Blue Recap

What a wonderful fourth of July weekend. The weather was beautiful and there was no shortage of red, white and blue, that's for sure! I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and made lots of fun memories. Here are a few shots of my red, white and blue celebrations (all taken by my nemesis.. also known as my blackberry).First was the red manicure

Then comes the red, white and blue cake I baked.

Last but not least: the outfit. Apparently my dad and I were on the same wave length when choosing what to wear. I have a navy top (Eddie Bauer), him a red top. Then you move on to our J. Crew plaid belts, and our seersucker bottoms, mine red (Ann Taylor Loft), and his blue. I also completed my look with a navy blue and white hair bow that was adorable, but unfortunately you cannot see it in this picture.. my dad must have left his hair bow at home ;)

How did you spend your holiday weekend? I watched Remember Me (I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars), ran a 5k, watched a parade, had a lunch cookout, spent time at the Country Club eating and swimming and saw fireworks! Lots and lots of fun! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe
 

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