I get by with a little help from my friends...

Speaking of friends, a photo of Biel and Garner co-stars turned besties- read the article at Marie Claire

My darlings, would you mind if I asked for a little help? You see I'm slowly checking things off my list: I've received my official LLC paperwork and started a bank account; I've birthed (tough stuff, people) a beautiful baby marketing plan; I have a brand name I'm super excited about; Product development is moving right along; I've got a beyond talented web & graphic designer and as soon as the look and logo come out I can spill the beans about all this fuss! My designer asked me to gather up brands and websites I like so she can get an idea of my likes and dislikes. I have quite a handful of faves (too many!) that are undoubtedly my cup of te(a), but I was wondering if you'd like to share yours? Don't they say two heads are better than one? Please do share as I'd love to hear from you :)

Karen Mordechai

My darlings, how was your weekend? I'm in a bit of a daze this morning even after my venti soy latte.  My allergies made their first appearance on Saturday and have overstayed their welcome. My eyeballs are so itchy, I fear I will rub all my lashes out by the end of the day and if I have to labor through only breathing out of my mouth for much longer my lungs may collapse. Because of all of the above I hid out inside all weekend, despite the beautiful weather, pining for my bike and brunch outdoors. I am now having sun-kissed daydreams of outdoor splendor à la Karen Mordechai.

Have you been over to Karen's blog, Sunday Suppers? From weddings and food to family and more, it's so lovely and the perfect mini getaway for a Monday morning!

Weekend Picture Book

How Do You Know the Bride & Groom?



L to R via MS Weddings: 1) "This 'How Do You Know Christy and Hunter?' poster is a guide to the button patterns. 2) Guests can pick from buttons covered with patterns -- each signifies a certain time, place, or activity in the couples' lives -- to identify their connection with them. 3& 4) Guests can pin their buttons to their collar or shirt for an easy icebreaker and conversation starter."

Do you think it's socially acceptable to renew your vows after 3 years of marriage? Between BHLDN and this fabulous editorial, the idea is becoming less and less loonie and more and more genius. Don't they say there's a fine line? I'm on a tightrope. Anyways, I just had to share this cutesy and clever ice breaker button idea conceived, styled, and made reality by boutique event-design and styling firm Styled Creative (also responsible for Dallas Shaw's fantastically sparkly shoot!) and Two Paperdolls. Isn't it darling?

They also remind you to make time for your Mr. To Be with tea for two!

To read the rest of the article, see Martha Stewart Weddings.

Book a Room at the Pantone Hotel

Did you know in its efforts to promote itself as a lifestyle brand, Pantone now has a hotel taking reservations in Brussels? How's that for living colorfully?! Interior designers Michel Penneman and Oliver Hannaert designated each of the 7 floors its own color to encourage guests to choose their room based on the color, I guess you could say, of their mood. In light of this year's crazy ventures, I would have to request a room on the Pantone 200 C floor dubbed "daring and fiery." Would we be floor mates, darlings?

{Via The NY Times Blog}

I bet MacGyver Couldn't Pull This Off

Paper Cup Wreath

Teabag and Glove Garlands

Coffee Filter Pendant (or more likely a more expensive version) on cover of Downtown Chic by Sixx Design

Remember MacGyver from the 80's and early 90's? That silly show in which the secret agent, MacGyver, rigged and resourcefully found his way out of every problem. He basically made miracles out of nothing. Well, my brain works in odd ways, whereas a normal person would probably say, "How clever, creative, and utterly resourceful are those decorations?!" My first thought was "I bet MacGyver couldn't pull that off." Seriously, I think he would be so screwed if he had to appear on Design on a Dime. Just sayin'.

Weekend Picture Book II LA

So I kind of realized my blog has been leaning more towards my personal adventures lately. I usually try to keep it separate, at least during the week, but it's honestly really nice to be able to share little moments with you here and there. I hope you don't mind :) I promise to try to get back to regular programming soon!

It turns out the only picture you ever really want is the picture that turns out blurry. I'm really such a huge fan of Ms. Robin Roberts...have you read her book? You should.

Did you see me and A's pics? Jane and James took part in the fun too. You can see more event pics here. Scroll right, and you'll see more of A and I!

Jane's home was near unrecognizable. We were actually sitting on top of the tennis court and decked out in Open Hearts style...

The food was to die for, but this is a photo of what happens when you are too busy mingling and making new friends to eat or really rather when the Patron is free flowing. Priorities, people. Priorities.

Do you like to day drink during vaca? I do. That smile you see is not for the cam, but for that fabulous bottle of red you can see in the mirror...

There was a LOT more eating to make up for the lack of it at the gala and because I have fantastic luck, the only restaurant we really had plans to go to was Anthony Bourdain's Philippe's. It was downtown near the Staples Center, it was also NBA All Star Weekend and sitting in traffic for an hour makes a French dip taste even better. Well that and slaw...and chili...and pickles...and pie...

There was hiking with great vistas, albeit a rainy day. I will spare you the grimy pics. Then of course more eating at the most darling brunch spot the Larchmont Bungalow. Eggs Benedict is my jam...

Before too long, I was in a food coma so I opted for my usual soy latte, but it was bigger than normal, and I was totally okay with it...

And last but certainly not least, we met an old friend and a new one at El Compadre's in West Hollywood. Good company, good food, and a mariachi band to boot!