The Prettiest of Books

New Project

Although I'm not finished with my bedroom redesign just yet, I'm more than thrilled to soon be embarking on another design project! A few days ago, a dear friend of mine mentioned she was in the process of purchasing a house in the District. I couldn't be happier that she has decided to take the plunge and make a long-term investment, and was so flattered when she asked moi to be her decorator. In my opinion, my friend's taste is so impeccable I don't think she needs any help (think Sex and the City meets blue-blood, Pennsylvania prep), but, of course, I could never turn down such an offer! Only the finest furnishings will do for this lovely lady and I can't wait to peruse our city's best antique shops with her in the coming months.
As soon as she signs the papers, we'll hit the pavement running. For now, I've collected a few inspirational images to mull over.

 Images via Elle Decor, Lonny, etc.

Wanna Buy It Wednesday: 125 Algoma Road, West Palm Beach, FL

  125 Algoma Road is an enchanting 5 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom residence in an exclusive estate section near the shops and restaurants of Worth Avenue, West Palm Beach. With multiple entertaining spaces, it serves as the ideal home for both formal and informal living. It's evident that these homeowners put a great deal of thought into their design choices, as the property has many unique features. I love the huge kitchen window overlooking the backyard, the concrete-stained floors in the living room, and the covered terrace with ample seating. Not to mention, the gardens have been manicured to perfection! This home's sophistication and beauty are challenging to match, even with a $6.5 million price tag.

Good Things to Come

  When I stumbled on these exquisite photos today, I was reminded of how pretty the ocean can be in the summertime. I am so excited to hit the water in a few months with my family. Each year we go to Lake Huron in Canada and West Palm Beach in Florida. Maybe this year I'll even take a few beach photos of my own!  

via

  

Rosemary Pound Cake

Last night, I made Martha Stewart's Rosemary Pound Cake, which turned out to be so delicious I had to share the recipe with you! First, I made a simple rosemary-infused honey that was used to drizzle on top of the cake and also incorporate into the batter.  I decided to halve the recipe, since the odds of me eating two entire pound cakes this week were slim.  This cake is perfect for a Springtime brunch or afternoon luncheon. Not to mention, it's super easy to make.



Rosemary Honey

Drizzle this honey over fresh ricotta spread on toast or stir it into a mug of mild tea. It can be used as a glaze for poultry or pork when whisked with fresh lemon juice.

1 cup honey
5 rosemary sprigs

Bring honey and rosemary to a simmer in a small saucepan. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and let steep until cool, about 45 minutes. Remove rosemary, or leave in for stronger flavor.

Rosemary Pound Cake
Aromatic rosemary-laced cake is best served warm, when the herb's flavor is at its peak and the cake is soft and tender.

2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cake flour
1 tbs. baking power
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 tsp. salt
3 tbs. finely chopped rosemary
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 large eggs, plus 1 large egg white
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup Rosemary Honey, recipe above

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter 2 loaf pans. Line the bottom with parchment paper and butter that as well. Whisk together flours, baking power, and 1 tsp. of salt.
2. Beat butter, sugar, rosemary, and vanilla with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in eggs and egg white, 1 at a time. Reduce speed to low. Beat in flour mixture in 2 additions, alternating with milk.
3. Divide batter between pans and bake, rotating halfway through, for 50-60 minutes. Brush cakes with rosemary honey and cool for 15 minutes. Serve warm with more honey.

 

If I Had All the Time in the World

I would read these books over and over.

 

via 1, 2

So Long, Dame Elizabeth

  Could she have been more beautiful? I called my Grandmother the second I heard the news and she was beside herself. 

Dame Elizabeth certainly had her pitfalls, but I will always remember her as one of the most talented and beautiful actresses to ever grace this earth.

 via 1, 2, 3

Spring Has Sprung!

 via 1, 2