Kate and William's Wedding: How We Celebrated on April 29th, 2011

At 5am on Friday April 29th, my friend Laura hosted a get together in her home to watch Prince William and Kate Middleton get married in Westminster Abbey in London.  Our mutual friend Robyn along with Laura and her young children all shared in the excitement.

I remember getting up early with my mom and sister  to see Diana Spencer get married to Prince Charles.  I still can't believe that happened 30 years ago.  


Besides watching how beautiful Diana and Kate looked in their gowns, guests at both Diana's and Kate's ceremonies wore amazing hats.  Laura made sure each one of her guests had a  hat that was adorned with fun feathers and hot pink tulle.

Laura's hand decorated hats

I made a trip to Trader Joe's and Wegmans and picked up freshly baked blueberry and orange/cranberry scones, lemon curd, British cheddar cheese, cinnamon crumpets and Rose's lime marmalade.

Freshly Baked Blueberry and Cranberry/Orange Scones
Wegmans

Cinnamon Crumpets
Trader Joe's

Rose's Key Lime Marmalade: Wegmans
Lemon Curd: Trader Joe's

I forwent bringing clotted cream, having had it at Brown's Hotel in London many years ago and remembering it was not my favorite topping.  We had butter instead.


In addition to the food, Laura brought water to a rolling boil for tea that was served in elegant silver rimmed china.


Laura definitely made this event memorable for her children by bringing out her wedding head dress and double stranded pearl choker necklace for her daughter to wear while we all watched the pageantry unfold on tv.  Her daughter and son were captivated by the wedding events of the day -  the horses, Kate's gown, carriages and the singing in the church.


Kate followed some traditions like having a sprig of myrtle "herb of love" in her bouquet which dates back to Queen Victoria.  Personally, I was wondering if Kate had placed a sixpence coin in her shoe.  I was told when I visited a coin shop in the town of Windsor in the United Kingdom that for hundreds of years brides have customarily worn a sixpence coin in their shoe on their wedding day to bless their marriage with wealth and prosperity. I am not sure if royal weddings follow that tradition.

Laura's hand made Jordon Almonds Favors

Before we left, Laura mentioned that she made her guests a parting gift, Jordan almonds carefully wrapped in pink and white tulle. Upon further research I discovered why Jordan almonds are given as favors at weddings.

Fresh almonds have a bittersweet taste, which represents life. The sugarcoating is added with the hope that the newlyweds' life will be more sweet than bitter.

I also found his poem I would like to share too:

Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat

To remind us that life is both bitter and sweet.

Five wishes for the new husband and wife --

Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life!

I was so glad to have made the effort to watch the televised wedding live with really great friends.  This wedding, thirty years in the making, was definitely worth waiting for.


Wishing Prince William and Princess Kate a very happy, healthy, loving marriage!

Stella & Dot: Lisa Tyler, Star Stylist

 Attending a conference in Washington DC this past week, I got a chance to meet with Lisa Tyler, Independent Stylist, with Stella & Dot. I saw Stella & Dot’s product line at another event about two years ago and thought the design of the jewelry and accessories could be described as fresh and classic.

Stanford graduate Jessica Herrin who founded The Wedding Channel (which was acquired by The Knot) created Stella & Dot.  Venture capitalist, Sequoia, is banking on Stella & Dot to be successful.  Sequoia has funded the company with multiple millions. Will the company go public? We will see.

For blog readers, Stella & Dot is a home-based business featuring jewelry to be marketed by trunk shows and online Internet presence. Half of Stella & Dot's jewelry product line is actually priced less than $50 a piece. Lisa has graciously agreed to highlight some of Stella & Dot’s products on my blog.  Each stylist has access to marketing online and Lisa Tyler has a link to her site, www.stelladot.com/lisatyler. 


According to the Stella & Dot's catalogue the following celebrities have been photographed wearing the jewelry: Penelope Cruz, Jane Krakowski, Guiliana Rancic, and Tia Carrere.

I asked Lisa Tyler about highlighting a special piece from the line.  Stylist Lisa states, “This is a necklace that everyone is talking about right now, it's called the Bambaleo and was featured in this month's issue of InStyle magazine.  From our website:  "It is a hand braided antique chain with dyed pink jade, turquoise, and faceted cup chain.  This necklace an instant wardrobe update and the must have piece of the season."

I like the bloom flower rings.  Lisa mentions, “These are actually designed for little girls, but I have sold them to many adults!   The size is adjustable, so it will fit an adult finger.”   You can order any of Stella & Dot’s items on Lisa's website: www.stelladot.com/lisatyler. 

FIRST JULIE'S JOURNEYS GIVEAWAY CONTEST

Lisa has agreed to be the first to offer a chance to win a giveaway to Julie Journey’s blog readers.  Lisa has selected this Stella & Dot bracelet, called the Soiree Pearl Pave bracelet in ivory. See link: Stella & Dot Soiree Pave Pearl Bracelet

To enter for the Stella and Dot giveaway, enter to win by either posting a comment with email address on Julie’s Journeys blog http://juliejourneys.blogspot.com/
or liking Lisa Tyler’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/stellaanddotlisatyler.  

We will select a winner by May 12th, 2011 and Lisa  will mail the bracelet to a lucky Julie's Journeys Blog Reader! Thanks Lisa!

Stella & Dot 
Lisa Tyler, Star Stylist
www.stelladot.com/lisatyler
lisagtyler@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/stellaanddotlisatyler
Tel # 703-282-0168

Sylvie's Recipe for Coq au Vin

In the Philly neighborhood of Fairmont, my friend Sharon has made this amazing recipe of Coq au Vin.  Coq au Vin (which in french means rooster in wine) dates back to the Gaul period along with ruler Julius Cesar. In this case, the recipe is a french braise of chicken cooked in wine.  Sharon told me that her Parisian friend Sylvie shared it with her.  Now Julie's Journeys blog readers are privy to it too. Thanks Sylvie!


Sylvie's recipe for Coq au Vin. This recipe serves 6.

2 tablespoons good olive oil

4 ounces good bacon or pancetta, diced 
1 (3 to 4-pound) chicken, cut in 8ths (I usually buy thighs, breasts and legs already cut)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 
1/2 pound carrots, cut diagonally in 1-inch pieces 
1 yellow onion, sliced 
1 teaspoon chopped garlic 
1/4 cup Cognac or good brandy 
1/2 bottle (375 ml) good dry red wine such as Burgundy
1 cup good chicken stock
10 fresh thyme sprigs 
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided 
1/2 pound frozen small whole onions 
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, stems removed and thickly sliced

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. 

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove the bacon to a plate with a slotted spoon. 

Meanwhile, lay the chicken out on paper towels and pat dry. Liberally sprinkle the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. When the bacon is removed, brown the chicken pieces in batches in a single layer for about 5 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Remove the chicken to the plate with the bacon and continue to brown until all the chicken is done. Set aside.

Add the carrots, onions, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper to the pan and cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the Cognac and put the bacon, chicken, and any juices that collected on the plate into the pot. Add the wine, chicken stock, and thyme and bring to a simmer. 

Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is just not pink. Remove from the oven and place on top of the stove. 

Add the frozen onions. In a medium sauté pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the mushrooms over medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until browned. Add to the stew. Bring the stew to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes. Season to taste. Serve hot.

My friend Sharon who really knows wine recommends serving a Red Burgundy wine with this dish! 


Bon Appetit!

Happy Easter: April 24, 2011

I wish Julie's Journeys blog readers a beautiful Easter!  

Holiday Basket of Easter Goodies

May love fill your hearts! 

Philadelphia, Museum of Art: Roberto Capucci - Designer Extraordinaire

A couple of months ago, my mom came across an article in Architectural Digest Magazine for an upcoming exhibit art show at the Philadelphia Museum Art featuring clothing designer, Roberto Capucci.  Luckily for me, my friend Sharon who lives in Philly, coordinated our visit to the museum.  Last weekend, I finally got a chance to see over 80 Capucci designed dresses, coats, and evening gowns.

Sketch of Roberto Capucci's dresses

Before I viewed the exhibit, I had heard that Capucci's clothes were like pieces of art to be viewed and studied like a masterpiece hanging in a private gallery.  

Photo taken in the Main Entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

After receiving a headset for a series of recordings for the exhibit, we waited a relatively short time for the 11a.m. showing.  During this time,  I was informed my museum personnel that I could not take any pictures since the dresses were not covered in glass.  I was a little disappointed because I wanted to share with my readers what I saw in person. I did get a chance to snap a photo of the banner hanging in the main lobby and also took a picture of a sketch.


Roberto began his work when he was 25 years old and through out his lifetime found inspiration in a variety of ways. Capucci's work span was from the 1950's and continued into the 1980's.  Having spent time in Paris, India, Italy and the United States, Capucci drew ideas from those places he visited.  There is an amazing "Nove Gonne" 9 Skirts dress that is made our of silk taffeta that apparently was used to promote the 1957 Cadillac 62 Series Convertible. Capucci's inspiration for this dress was the the concentric rings created when a pebble was thrown in the water.

Capucci made dresses that looked like flowers, butterflies, leaves, oranges, fans, fire, baroque angels and big cupcake paper liners. He used a great deal of woven and pleated silks to construct his dresses.  Capucci also went through a period using stones, wire, bamboo, ostrich feathers to adorn some his creations. In some of his works you will find peasant like trimmings and in other's Roberto used glow in the dark beads.  The craftsmanship in each piece of clothing could be defined as stupendous!  


Lastly, I wanted to mention that Yves St. Laurent, Valentino and Oscar de la Renta have all at one time pulled their inspiration from Capucci's designs.  From architectural elements to nature, Capucci's works are timeless masterpieces.


The Roberto Capucci, Art Into Fashion Exhibit is being held until June 5th.  Tickets are required and if you would like to see some of his pieces online or want more information regarding the designer's life, go to the following link:


http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/411.html


The Philadelphia Museum of Art sells this book in it's museum shop:





Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Philadelphia, Northern Liberties: Green Eggs Cafe

Green Eggs Cafe, Northern Liberties

Having spent this past weekend in Philadelphia with college friends, I got a chance to visit one of the most popular cafe's for breakfast.  Located in the upcoming neighborhood called Northern Liberties on 719 North 2nd Street is a place called Green Eggs Cafe.  Now you are thinking Green Eggs? The next thought that enters your mind Dr. Seuss?

My friend Sharon who lives in the Fairmount section of Philly, recommended that we get over to Green Eggs as early as possible this past Sunday morning.  Apparently the place gets packed very quickly.   My friend Betsy and I jump out of Sharon's car to get in line.  While Betsy and I wait, we see that almost every table is taken.  Greeted by Elliott, our friendly hostess, Sharon joins us us in the knick of time as we pass by a large chalk board letting us know about the cafe's specials and that this restaurant is about no freezers or microwaves. The restaurant's website states that herbs and spices are grown in house on the rooftop garden.

Looking at the breakfast menu, the choices range from eggs/omelets, several varieties of french toast (stuffed, creme brulee, peanut butter crunch) breakfast burritos and fun selections with catchy names like, The Kitchen Sink or Middle Eastern Benedict. Kalina, our server appears, and let's us know that Green Eggs Cafe opened up in Northern Liberties in September of 2010 and also mentions there is another location in South Philly on Dickinson Street.  Kalina brings us a round of hot and cold drinks and gives us a chance to choose from the menu.

The Kitchen Sink, Green Eggs Cafe

Betsy picks The Kitchen Sink which is two scrambled eggs, potatoes, peppers, onions, topped with jumbo country sausage gravy all served in a sizzling hot personal sized skillet.  This meal is not for the faint of heart and probably could be shared between two people.

Breakfast Burrito, Green Eggs Cafe

And I order the Breakfast Burrito which is made with a tomato basil tortilla with eggs, olives, corn chorizo sausage, potatoes, peppers, onions, tex mex cheese, topped with pico de gallo, sour creme, avocado, and fire roasted red pepper black bean sauce.

Egg white  Omelet, Green Eggs Cafe

 Sharon orders a omelet that is special ordered with egg whites with spinach and tomatoes.


When our food appears, I glance over to the line of 20 people waiting to get into Green Eggs Cafe. I am thankful that Sharon encouraged Betsy and I to get here sooner.


I love the fact that besides serving fresh, delicious food, Green Eggs Cafe ensures that the takeout containers are biodegradable and all paper products, aluminum, glass and plastics are recycled.  Great staff, Good food, Green ways of managing the cafe's operation!


Visit Green Eggs Cafe for breakfast or lunch.
http://www.greeneggscafe.net/


Northern Liberties
719 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 922-3447 (EGGS)


South Philly
1306 Dickinson Street
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 226-3447 (EGGS)

Books Based in Baltimore: Denise Irwin, Author

Denise Irwin has been a life long resident of Baltimore and in a relatively short period of time has accomplished what many of us yearn to do in our lifetime.  Denise is the author of The Pink Chestnut, Johnny, and Alison.  To get to know Denise Irwin as an author, I have a couple of questions that I thought I would ask.

Julie: Tell us more about the three novels you just recently had published. 

Denise:  Julie, Johnny is the story of a young man suffering with schizophrenia. 
His alter ego is a bloodthirsty murder.  The story unfolds through his eyes as he struggles with his psychotic behavior. 

Johnny

The Pink Chestnut is a non-fiction memoir of my personal battle through cancer treatment.  After five failed attempts, I asked myself why I was writing my story.  My goal in the book unfolded when I realized how little I understood cancer and the impact it has on day- to -day life.  This book shares how we managed our daily life during treatment. 

Alison draws on some of the characters in Johnny.  Private Investigator Sam Marksman lives aboard his sailboat, Irish Cream, with his rescued Golden Retriever, Bailey.  The book weaves its way through Sam’s investigations and his lack of understanding women.

Alison

Julie: What inspired you to write them?

Denise: After a career in writing technical documents, when I was released from cancer treatment I decided it was time to follow my dream of sharing stories.  My favorite authors told great stories.

Julie: Where do you get most of your ideas?

Denise: I have to honestly say I’m not always sure where they come from.  Most begin as a small seed planted somewhere in my head and they bloom the same as a spring flower that pushes it’s was through the snow and dirt.

Julie: Who is your favorite character(s) in any of your works?

Denise: That’s a difficult question to answer.  As I write, I enjoy each character as he or she becomes a part of the story.  If I had to choose, I suspect I would say Sam Marksman and Leona Parker who have remained primary characters throughout “The Fells Point Private Investigator Series”.

Julie: How do you choose the names for your characters?
Denise: For me, that can be the hardest part of writing and keeping the names straight.  I do maintain a list of each character along with a small bio of any character that returns from a previous book.

Julie: What is your favorite theme or element in writing?
Denise: My books thus far have surrounded a private investigator assisting law enforcement in solving criminal cases. 

Julie: What scene in your writing has made you laugh the hardest or cry the most?
Denise: The funniest was in Alison when Sam Marksman stole her high-heeled shoes. I cried through most of Chapter-Three in The Pink Chestnut as I wrote it.  There were many suppressed memories that resurfaced.  I struggled with some of those memories.

Julie: What's your favorite character archetype of literature?
Denise: The Underdog turns into the Hero.

Julie: What is your favorite novel by a different author?
Denise: The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub

Julie: How do you manage writer’s block?
Denise: When I’m working on a book there are times I’ll walk away from it and return later to read what was written.  As a member of a writing forum, I draw on what the other members are working on.  I write small pieces to post on the site.  During a block, I take the opportunity to focus on my home and put it back in order.  I tend to neglect my home when I’m writing.

Julie: What do you think makes good writing?
Denise: Writing that draws the reader into the story and keeps the attention of the reader throughout the story leaving the reader wanting more.

Want to read Johnny, The Pink Chestnut and Alison? Check out  Barnes Noble or the links for Amazon.  
Denise Irwin currently lives in New England and welcomes emails at denisirwin@aol.com.

Barnes&Noble: http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=denise+irwin&page=index&prod=univ&choice=allproducts&query=Denise+Irwin&flag=False&pos=-1&box=Denise+Irwin&r=1&box=denise%20irwin&pos=-1&ugrp=2

Maryland, Bel Air: Savona - Fine Italian Foods and Wine

 Look for many quaint shops on Main Street in Bel Air, Maryland.  Recently I have informed my readers about Tiger Lily Boutique and now I want all of you to know about another wonderful place called Savona.  My friend Stacey encouraged us to try out this Italian shop.

The moment you walk into Savona, Maria, the owner, embraces her customers with her love of food and wine.  This past Saturday, she offered to give us a couple of wine samplings and informs us about her award winning muffelato.

My friend Stacey suggested we try a cheeseboard with three types of cheeses from the variety of twenty listed on the menu.   Maria suggested a fontina, a creamy prima donna, and a sheep’s milk manchengo.

Our server, Amanda, brings out a cheeseboard covered with tasty toasted artisan bread slices, whole olives with spread, and cranraisins.  I like a good Pinot Grigio and Maria hand selects a great one from the wall of wine.  We discovered that The Kris, Delle Venezia made for a perfect Saturday afternoon sipping wine.

I also wanted to mention that Savona’s menu also includes salads, wraps, paninis, meats and delicious Italian desserts including Vaccaro’s cannolis, Italian cookies and biscotti.  Like to enjoy great Italian food and wine?  Go visit Maria and her staff at Savona in Bel Air!  Molto Bene!

Savona

2 N. Main Street

Bel Air, MD 21014

410-803-0000

http://www.savonabelair.com/

Maryland, Bel Air: Tiger Lily Boutique

Walking down Main Street of Bel Air, my friend Stacey suggested that we take a quick peak into the Tiger Lily Boutique.  I immediately loved the brightly colored pink interior and crystal chandeliers. Tiger Lily carries fun and youthful designer lines including: Free People, 

Eliza B., Miss Me, BB Dakota, Yummie Tummie, and !IT Jeans.

Speaking with Tiger Lily owner, Toni McCracken, I discovered that the boutique has been opened for about five years and Toni deliberately looks for unique merchandise for her boutique. Two of the ladies working in the store were willing to bring the contemporary clothing to life. 

Serena is wearing a Free People Bohemian Summer dress &

Jenna has on a BB Dakota Black Lace dress.  

Thanks ladies for your willingness to model these for 

Julie’s Journeys blog readers!

 Ms. McCracken mentioned that this dress was very popular too!  

It’s from YA of LA, Black One Shoulder Dress.  

Unique with Fun Detail and Amazing Price Point!

The store also has lots of fun accessories

 including purses and jewelry. 

Check out these brightly colored rosette purses.

  

The boutique also carries Troll Beads too. 

Creative display, I'd say!

Modern, Unique, and Colorful all come to mind when visiting Tiger Lily!  

Bring a friend and explore for yourselves!

Tiger Lily

19 N. Main Street

Bel Air, MD

410-420-9784

http://www.tigerlilybelair.com/

Baltimore: Clementine - Makers of Fine Foods in Hamilton

Today I would like to let you know about a restaurant called Clementine that can be found at 5402 Harford Road in the up and coming northeast Baltimore neighborhood of Hamilton. The Chef/owner of Clementine, Winston Blick, ran the kitchen in Federal Hill’s SoBo Café. It is great to have the urban feel of Federal Hill move to northeast Baltimore.

Clementine’s opened in 2008 and it’s fabulous to watch the transformation of the restaurant which has physically expanded its space and currently offers a pretty extensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  When Clementine’s first opened it’s doors, I typically would order the chicken that was served airline style, which means off the bone, but with the wing. Going back after the expansion, I was excited to see the menu’s offerings were more varied and the restaurant has also obtained a liquor license.

What immediately captured my eye is the Charcuterie.  You are thinking what is a charcuterie? The website describes it as a shop where pork products such as hams, sausages and pates are made and sold.  Luckily for patrons, meats and poultry are hormone-free.

Opting to try the pork next time, I ordered “The Colette” a sandwich made of turkey Danish Blue Cheese spread, arugula, and red wine braised onions. The sandwiches at Clementine come with the choice of moroccan carrot salad, pasta salad, spring onion and tarragon pasta salad, fruit salad with mint and sesame oil or a small house salad.  Our server was friendly and very attentive.

Besides being family oriented, Clementine’s gives a casual urban feel without having to go downtown.  The area of Hamilton is going through a revival and more independent retail shops, restaurants, art galleries, and bookstores are opening on Harford Road.  Besides dining at Clementine, also set aside some time to explore the stores and shops in the area.  I guarantee that you will enjoy the experience!

Clementine 
5402 Harford Road
Baltimore, MD 
410-444-1497

http://bmoreclementine.com/


Want to know more about the neighborhood's of Hamilton/Lauraville? Take a look at this neat blog:
http://hamiltonlauravillemainstreet.blogspot.com/

Baltimore: The Kellogg Collection

While spending some time in McLean, Virginia, I was first introduced to The Kellogg Collection.  I was impressed with the quality merchandise and was equally excited to know that I could find the similar home furnishings and custom interior design in Baltimore on Falls Road.  A couple days ago, I wrote about Sunnyfields.  After visiting Sunnyfields I got a chance to visit The Kellogg Collection.

As I entered into the showroom, I was immediately greeted by Paige Hebert. Paige and the other Kellogg Collection staff were super down to earth in this ultra luxe store. The Kellogg Collection's rooms were tastefully decorated with beautifully upholstered furniture adorned with richly textured fabric pillows.  Also look for a host of uber cool mirrors, lamps, tables, rugs, pictures and other home items displayed throughout multiple showrooms.

Display at Kellogg Collection Baltimore Showroom
The Kellogg Collection website

The Kellogg Collection, Baltimore
The Kellogg Collection website

The Kellogg Collection first opened it's flagship store's doors in 1982 in Washington D.C. on Wisconsin Avenue. Today there are five shops throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.  Each store offers professional design services in addition to displaying furniture and home furnishings.

The website is a great way to explore each of the shops offerings although I would highly recommend visiting any of The Kellogg Collection shops in person. 


The Kellogg Collection
6241 Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21209
410-296-4378
http://www.kelloggcollection.com/