Citrus Recipes not to be missed

Cannelle et Vanille

Did you know it's peak season for many citrus varieties? It's all I crave lately- fresh squeezed orange juice, a perfectly tart grapefruit, the crimson colored flesh of blood orange. Plus the brightly colored fruit seemingly happy to sit on my counter makes me think of sunshine, even if it is painfully chilly out, and sunshine makes me smile :) Here are a few must-eat and must-drink (duh!) recipes...

Pommelo, Hibiscus, and Vanilla Bean Sorbet & Lobster and Citrus Salad

Blood Orange Campari and Finger Lime Gin 

Boozy Camapari Citrus Pops

Citrus Lime Basil Cookies

And just for fun, an entire bloghop dedicated to citrus recipes plus a citrus season calendar!

Piggy

How cute is this little "piggy bank?" I imagine I'd use the included chalk to write something far more frivolous like "shoes" or "vaca." Alan and I have been dying to get away! It's been almost 3 years since we've been able to shake off the wanderlust. Have you been saving up for something special? Do tell!

{Curiosity Shoppe Online}

A New Year with Note to Self

Introducing Sarah Tolzmann of Note to Self! She's here to share her proudest of 2011 and high hopes for 2012. It's a New Year, afterall!

a snapshot of Sarah's midnight revelries

My proudest accomplishment in 2011?

My proudest accomplishment of 2011… was finding a balance between my hobby as a blogger and my graduate program. Both sort of demand a lot of attention, and I never expected that the "twain could ever meet." But midway through last year I decided to just take a chance, make some changes, and go after new opportunities whenever possible. Working with Matchbook and blogging itself has become a challenging creative outlet and a wonderful compliment to my work. I think it goes without saying that design in action is much more fun than design in theory!

My greatest aspiration for 2012?

…is to finally graduate with my Master's! Going back to school is one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it has also created a new passion for what I can do. I'm thankful for all that I've learned, and am excited (and a little nervous) to see where it takes me - hopefully back to NYC so I can have cocktails with you, Roxy!

Drink More Milk

I don't know what kind of milk you're drinkin', but it can't be better than this. Cheeky. And I love the story behind the branding and packaging. A fantastic toast celebrating those who fight and have fought so hard for equal rights!

{Pretty Packaging | Design by Emily Hale}

Pretty Products

Call me a sucker, but the design of these product pages make me want to shop even more. Color coordination and pretty products make me happy. My wallet, however, is not having the same effect.

{APC}

A New Year with I Love Your Crazy

I'm delighted to introduce Shannon of I Love Your Crazy for the latest installment of A New Year!

I love Roxy's short and sweet tribute to the old and new year, and I am giddy to be included. My name is Shannon Darrough, and I write a blog called I Love Your Crazy when I am not freelancing, decorating, or designing. 2011 has been a year of many blessings, but Roxy asked for my proudest accomplishment and greatest aspiration, and to that I must oblige. 

My proudest accomplishment in 2011?

I married William on April 2, 2011. I smile every time I think about it. 

My greatest aspiration for 2012?

The perfectionist in me has a list of improvements a mile long, but 2012 is the year I live in the moment. Last year was a blur, so I am ready to take a deep breath and cherish each blessing. I wish you all a very happy new year full of breathtaking moments! 

xoxo,

Shannon Darrough

Painterly Placemats

Aren't these placemats quirky and fun? Color scheme is paramount when coming up with a beautiful tablescape, and I love all the colors you could pull from right under your plate. I wonder how a florist would feel if I sent them a "paint chip placemat" and asked them to match "Pronto 0214?"

{Leif}