Friday Wine Tasting... Kick off to Summer, Memorial Day Cocktails

 via image

Bring out the barbeques, sunscreen, bikinis, lounge chairs, and cocktails, it is Memorial Day Weekend, one of my favorite weekends of the year!!! Because in my mind it is the start of another fabulous summer!  Today we are onsite at Saltwater Farm Vineyard for Carol and Kevin's intimate wedding celebration at the winery, but then we are kicking back and enjoying a couple of days off.  I think it is the first Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend I have had off in 5 years, and I am ready to embrace every minute of it.  

Some fun plans this weekend: Birthday Cocktails at one of the hottest new Restaurants on the CT shoreline, Fresh Salt, backyard bbq with family and friends, the incredible Nicole Frechette is performing live at Chamard Vineyards on Sunday, and we are packing up our bags for a day at the beach in Old Lyme at Pavillion.  What are your plans this weekend?

Memorial Day Weekend Picks

Wine of the Week

Brass Tacks Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

$14.99

Winemaker's notes:

Let’s get down to brass tacks. This Cabernet Sauvignon is about the purity of the varietal flavors and California terroir. Brass Tacks Cabernet Sauvignon offers classic rich layers of currant, cherry and blackberry fruit that is framed by nicely integrated oak, which adds a touch of spice. This small lot Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from California's Central Coast that is influenced by the Pacific Ocean. This maritime influence creates an extended growing season that yields wines with full flavor development and great acid balance.

Food Pairings: Perfect with anything off the grill!
What the Experts Say:

"Very nice for the price. Dry and smooth, with blackberry, cherry, cola and currant flavors that have a scoury mouthfeel, because of the tannins. Lots of class and even some complexity. Editor's Choice"

88 Points

Wine Enthusiast 

Cocktail of the Week

John Daly Light

1 part Firefly Ice Tea Vodka

1 part Light Minute Maid Lemonade

Cup full of Ice

Garnish with a lemon

Inspiration from Anywhere: Soft Gingham and Flowers

Can you believe that June is just around the corner?  With the sunshine finally upon us, I can't help but imagine myself as a guest at an outdoor party filled with fresh flowers, soft colors, and tons of gingham details!  Take the tablecloth look down a notch by substituting pretty pastels for bolder colors and drop a mason jar-full of fresh-cut flowers on every table for a refreshing ambiance.  I think lemonade would be the drink of choice at this summer soiree, don't you?

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

xo, Paloma

Wedding Wednesday... Chamard Vineyard

A couple of months ago we had the privilege to team up with some amazingly talented ladies (Carrie Roseman Photography and Hana Floral Design and Rentals Unlimited) to do a photo shoot to showcase the beauty of the wine cellar renovations recently completed at Chamard Vineyard.  We are the exclusive event coordinators for the winery and couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of such an incredible team.

Chamard is located on the shoreline of Connecticut, has the most incredible old world charm, and the people that work at the vineyard have taken great pride in making it one of the hottest wineries in the state - not only as a place to visit on the CT Wine trail but also as a venue to host private events.  

As you enter the gates and pull down the long stone driveway, it is as if you have been transported to another place in another time, it has such an old world feel to it. The winery is crafted of stones from the property and wooden beams milled from trees harvested from the land as it was cleared over 20 years ago. Chamard sits on 40 acres of vines that gently slope along the southern Connecticut coast, just two miles from Long Island Sound, making it an ideal destination for guests coming from Boston or New York.

For more information on hosting your wedding at Chamard Vineyard email: Sarah@Trueevent.com 

Postcards and Pretties and Me! A look into our studio.

Headshot- Justin Marantz Photography and 
all of the interior pics of the studio were captured- Anna Sawin Photography

I was so honored and absolutely thrilled to be interviewed and featured on the oh so fabulous Postcards and Pretties blog as they give you an inside look into our studio!  Take a peak.

Tuesday Shoesday

I know I posted last week about my new yellow wedges from Anthro but can't help but share another favorite find for all my yellow friends.  These are AMAZING!!! 

 

via Anthropologie

 For more shoe love, check out {life in the super burbs} {brancoprata} {magnolia rouge} {demoiselle} {meant to be sent} {simply & forever} {landlocked bride} {swatchbook weddings} {luna & chloe weddings} {merci new york} {enchanted dream weddings}

Coffee Talk Monday... The Providence Granola Project

I am obsessed with gifts that give month after month. I especially love the wine of the month clubs that are so much fun for people that love getting to try new vineyards and wines that you may never have picked up if it hadn't arrived as part of the monthly shipment.  It is always a surprise when the box arrives and a really amazing treat when you open it to find the gift of the month.  I was especially thrilled when I was gifted Granola of the month for the holidays from a colleague and friend that I get the privilege of working with throughout the year.  I had no idea that in addition to having the most fabulous photobooth business he is also a founder of the Providence Granola Project. 

The Providence Granola Project was conceived as a way to provide job skills and work experience to Providence's newly arrived refugee community. Currently they have employees from Burundi, Iraq, and Sudan who lovingly make their granola from scratch in the Amos House kitchen.  And I can tell you it is the best granola I have ever had (my favorite was the Dark Chocolate Cherry in December).  So YUMMY!  This makes such a great gift and also supports an amazing cause. 

Happy Birthday Sarah!

I am hijacking the blog quickly to wish the darling, talented, funny, life-loving, pretty as can be, stylish, Sarah TRUE a very happy birthday. Here's to another year of making your dreams come true. xoxo, Abby

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Friday Wine Tasting... Birthday Weekend

 Wine of the week...

Aria Estate Brut NV, D.O. Cava, $10 

This weekend I feel like drinking something bubbly, both Abby and I are celebrating our birthdays!  and while there is all this buzzing about the world ending on my birthday I am reminded to embrace life and all of the things I love about it.  I can't believe how fast this past year went by, while I have checked off a few more things on my list to do before I die, I still have so many more adventures to experience, moments to embrace and memories to create.  So in celebration of another fabulous year, and many more to come, cheers to our birthdays!  And a very special bride and groom that I am working with tomorrow in Mystic, Holly and Tryfan, Congratulations!

Tasting Notes: A blend of the three Cava varieties. Fermented at lower temperatures than the regular Brut Reserva. Aged 15 months on the lees. Delicate nose of green apple, quince and spice. Crisp, bright with lively mousse. More fruity than the regular Brut Reserva. Smooth across the palate with fresh orchard fruit flavors.

What the experts say:

The Aria is a little richer and more full bodied than basic cavas like Cristalino and Freixenet, and is probably a little closer in style to champagne. But it's still cava, with the typical fresh, clean lingering finish, a minimum of fruit, and a notable absence of yeast and oak. In all, a lot of wine for not a lot of money.

Read more: http://www.winecurmudgeon.com/my_weblog/2011/02/wine-of-the-week-segura-viudas-aria-estate-brut-nv.html#ixzz1MvVXYyMO

Tuesday Shoesday

I am obsessed with wedges and these are by far my favorite pair this season. The leather is so buttery soft and the wedge gives you great height without compromising comfort. Anthropologie has the best shoes right now! I had such a hard time deciding which yellow ones to add to my collection. So happy with my purchase!

via Anthropologie

For more shoe love, check out {life in the super burbs} {brancoprata} {magnolia rouge} {demoiselle} {meant to be sent} {simply & forever} {landlocked bride} {swatchbook weddings} {luna & chloe weddings} {merci new york} {enchanted dream weddings}

Coffe Talk Monday.... Breathe

Took a day off to just be...  To breathe!  To relax, re-energize, and be pampered.  The perfect start to my birthday week.  It was the first time I had the opportunity to visit the Norwich Inn and Spa and what a great place to escape for the day with one of my dearest friends.  The services were incredible, lunch was delicious and healthy, and for a day of beauty package, a fitness class and free product were included.  I left there with a huge smile on my face and a glowing tint on my skin.  I was reminded that I definitely need to do that more often.

Friday Wine Tasting... Spring into Summer wtih Rose

Wine of the Week...

Mulderbosch 2010 Rose

$11

Finally we had a week of gorgeous sunny weather. Excited about the change of seasons from what seemed like the longest winter ever, I thought it would be appropriate this week to pick up a bottle of Rose. 

This wine is a real treat!  Great price point, and delicious chilled, while sitting on the back deck.  Tried and proven, it is the perfect way to toast the start of my favorite season.  Cheers to the weekend!

What the experts are saying:

winemaker's notes: 

This sexy, sophisticated dry rosé combines mouthwatering flavors of wild strawberry and pomegranate with graceful notes of lavender and herbes de provence. It's a versatile and accessible pink for all seasons!

The Mulderbosch has always been one of my favorites, and this year it's even more interesting. Would that all South African wines were this well done. This year's vintage is bone dry, with a mineral finish and just enough berry fruitiness. It's very well made and should get better over the next 10 or 12 months. And did I mention that it costs a couple of dollars less this year? - The Wine Curmudgeon

Read more

Inspiration from Anywhere: Big Sisters of RI Gala in Newport

Newport is one of my favorite places and it just happens to be hosting this year's Big Sisters of RI Gala. That gala just happens to be this weekend, and TRUE Event just happens to be designing it. I am so looking forward to seeing this board come to life on Saturday night! I've been working with the gala committee for almost a year now and all the hard work and hours spent planning are sure to make for an enchanting evening. Can't wait to share pictures! xoxo, Abby

Wedding Wednesday: Round Hill Country Club

This gorgeous summer affair from last year at Round Hill Country Club in Greenwich, CT has me craving the green grass between my toes and a cocktail in my hand like you wouldn't believe! There is just something fabulous about a warm summer wedding and it's hard to believe that those nights are just around the corner! 



Vendors:

Photographer: Cava Weddings / Venue/Caterer: Round Hill Country Club / Florist: Hana Floral Design / Ceremony: Christ Church / Lighting: Power Posse and Ryan Designs (Fabric/chandeliers) / Tent: Northeast Tent / Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. / Music: Elan Artists- Hudson Project/Pianist / Transportation: ABC Motor Coach, 800-952-0083 ext. 210

Tuesday Shoesday

It's official - wedding season is here in full force. One of my most favorite things in the planning process is seeing what shoe the bride chooses (that shouldn't be surprising). I secretly love them all and may or may not find myself perusing the bridal section of online stores quite a bit. Today's victim? Nordstrom Bridal. So many shoes, so many possibilities - whatever your wedding style might be. From Manolo's to flip flops there is a shoe for everyone, even those of us who are already married ;) 

Nordstrom 

For even more Tuesday Shoesday, check out: {brancoprata} {magnolia rouge} {demoiselle} {meant to be sent} {simply & forever} {landlocked bride} {swatchbook weddings}{luna & chloe weddings} {merci new york} {enchanted dream weddings}  

Coffe Talk Monday.... Emerald Green and Birthday Dresses

This month Abby and I are celebrating our birthdays and I am already trying to find the perfect emerald green dress to wear out (it all started 2 years ago when sister bought be the most incredible green dress for my big birthday)!  I haven't been thrilled with what is out there and have been waiting to see if anything else would pop up online or in stores, especially after Pippa Middleton rocked a beautiful emerald green dress at the reception of her sister's Royal Wedding.  But in my search online I did discover a few beauties that are all contenders in my search for the perfect green dress... 

 Emerson Thorpe, Big Drop NYC $265

Porter, Big Drop NYC, $248

 Halston Heritage, Pink Mascara, $325

Geren Ford, Bluefly, $189

Friday Wine Tasting... Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Today kicks off our first wedding of the year at Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, the perfect backdrop for a spring wedding or place to visit this season.  On Sundays throughout May you can find an incredible line up of musicians playing in the tasting room.  Be sure to check out their calendar of events to see what they have going on throughout the summer.  One thing I have been so anxious to try is their yoga in the vines on Tuesday mornings, can't think of a better way to begin the day.  Cheers to Dom and Jen as they get ready to say "I do" on this gorgeous May day.

  

**One of my favorites in the tasting room is their 2008 Estate Chardonnay.

Inspiration from Anywhere: Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  I just couldn't help but get lost in the dream of being in sunny Mexico for this festive holiday, so this week's Inspiration from Anywhere was a given. Pass the guacamole and break out the pinata! Today we are celebrating with bold colors and sand in our feet. I can almost hear the mariachi band in the background.

click image for full credits

Tuesday Shoesday

How fun is this little surprise of a shoe hidden under that traditional gown? A dash of yellow and a few feathers seems like a lovely combination if you ask me! What do you think?

Mike Larson via Style Me Pretty

For even more Tuesday Shoesday, check out: {brancoprata} {magnolia rouge} {demoiselle} {meant to be sent} {simply & forever} {landlocked bride} {swatchbook weddings}{luna & chloe weddings} {merci new york} {enchanted dream weddings}