Paper & Ink

Farrell and I LOVE stationery and the stores that sell it. I've been surprised to find out that a lot of girls have secret dreams of owning a stationery store, so I want to introduce you to some women who have made it happen: Amy Gardner and her staff at Rock Paper Scissors in Charlottesville, VA. This store is amazing. What really sets them apart is their custom printing. They can create the nicest invitations with your own pictures- black and white, sepia toned, or color. The ones I have seen are really elegant, fresh and unique. Check out an example and more information here. Their save-the-dates are are especially cute. (And really, wouldn't you love to do something individual that doesn't involve custom made stamps?) If you don't live in Charlottesville, it's ok- they will still be happy to work with you. (Honestly, the problem with Rock Paper Scissors is that once you discover it, you won't want to open your store any more- you will just want to work at theirs!) - LG

Blue & White...on a plate?

I love decorating in blue and white. Some say it is boring, but it always looks clean, and it never goes out of style. (As a side note, I really hate those decorating articles that suggest changing the look of your room by reupholstering your furniture. Please- that is not an "inexpensive" design solution.)

In particular, I am very fond of blue and white tableware, and have an embarassing collection of British themed pieces such as this:

So I was very sad when a friend informed me that food does not present well on blue china, and that it should never be used in a formal setting. I wonder if anyone else has ever heard this rule. Is broccoli really going to look less appetizing on a blue plate? The pattern in question is below. It is a little bit modern, but...wouldn't it be pretty during spring? (In case you are wondering, this is Haviland's Laque de Chine pattern in Azure and Platinum. It can be purchased here.) - LG

Répondez S'il Vous Plaît

So, my current pet peeve is…Why does the general population think that it is no longer necessary to RSVP to social events (weddings, showers, dinner parties, book club, etc.) to which they are invited? Whether you are accepting or declining the invitation, I think that regardless it is just common courtesy to respond in a timely manner. According to Emily Post, one should respond within one or two days of receiving an invitation to an event. Now, I realize that may be a bit aggressive for the present day, but in it really all comes down to respect for the host or hostess of said event. As soon as you know if you can attend – take a moment to let your host know! Most invitations these days even welcome responses via email, allowing guests to respond at their convenience.
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Getting Started

It took me a while to pick a topic for my first post. I have decided it is only fitting that I pay tribute to The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. As noted in the sidebar, I have never been known for my cooking. In fact, I spend most family holidays sulking outside of the kitchen after my mother has shamed me for being the slowest potato peeler in North America. Until Ina Garten, I had only mastered the following: chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chess pie and biscuits (I am clearly a baker rather than a cook, and yes, I maintain that there is a difference.) If you are in a similar position, I highly recommend Barefoot Contessa at Home. I particularly like the roasted pepper and goat cheese sandwich recipe. Other than a few panicky emails to Farrell during the roasting of the peppers (“Should my oven REALLY be smoking this much?!?”), I felt very gourmet and confident in my abilities. And it turns out that in cooking, as in a lot of things in life, confidence is the real key. (Oh, and apparently you can’t go wrong if you cook everything in olive oil and kosher salt.) - LG