Happy birthday George!

We all love presidents day, for obvious reasons: NO WORK! YAY! What's not to love? Well in the spirit of this fabulous holiday, let us not forget why we've been gifted this day to celebrate. Yes, that's right: George Washington's birthday {which is actually on February 22nd}. In light of this day, we thought it was only appropriate to share a recipe for Hoecakes, a common breakfast food for Mr. Washington himself. They look and sound delicious to us... perhaps after sleeping in, we'll give them a shot!

Hoecakes

1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

2 large eggs

5 tablespoons corn oil, plus more if needed

Unsalted butter, for serving

Honey, for serving

Directions

  • Stir together cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Add buttermilk, eggs, and 4 tablespoons oil; whisk until smooth.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add remaining tablespoon oil; swirl to coat, and heat until a drop of batter sizzles upon contact. Working in batches, pour 1/3 cup batter per cake into skillet. Cook, turning once, until golden and cooked through, about 4 minutes.
  • Repeat with remaining batter (add more oil if needed, and reduce heat if sides brown too quickly). Serve immediately, topped with butter and honey.

    • *Photo and recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart

    Pure Bliss

    Wednesday night, we had the pleasure of partying down at the launch of the new magazine Celebrations. With so many beautifully creative minds behind these pages, we knew it couldn't be anything less than perfect, but we had NO idea just how perfect it would be! Now that we have your attention, here are a few of the reasons why we are obsessing:

    1. Abby & Will's letterpress invite was a perfect fit for one of their Color Board Features, all that which provide endless inspiration. {Did we mention the advertisements from vendors happen to adorably match each feature?} Love those details!

    2. Inspiration shoots like THIS! Industry professionals collaborate to create breathtaking scenes filled with details that raise the bar. Whether it's a mitzvah, dinner party or wedding, there are stunning ideas flowing from page to page to page. We were thrilled to participate in this particular photo shoot at Sweet Berry Farm, alongside one of our favorite photographers Ricky from Public Image Photography.

    3. REAL events + color combinations that are to die for! Abby and Andrew's feature is just one of the many that we've been drooling over. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. We continue to ooh & ahh over her TRUE Event details & flowers by Sayles Livingston, all captured by the lovely Leila Brewster Photography.

    *Photos courtesy of Celebrations

    Dress up those walls

    One trend that we can't get away from and can't get enough of is WALLPAPER! The thought of it may bring not-so-pretty memories of your childhood and what seemed like a good idea in the 80's or 90's... but don't let that ruin it for you!  Take a peek at some fresh new looks that we're obsessing over. {ohhhh how we love paper} Oh, and if you're a renter, don't be discouraged. There are a plethora of options for temporary, self-adhesive wallpaper including Tempaper Designs and Sherwin Williams. Gaze on and be inspired!

    Photos clockwise starting in top left corner: Remodelista; Desire to Inspire; Small Place Style; KID Collective; New House of Art; My Deco; Houses of Turquoise; Graham and Brown

    Tuesday Shoesday: BHLDN

    As many of you know, the much anticipated Anthropologie Wedding line {BHLDN} came out yesterday. We are officially melting over the gorgeous gowns and dresses that they have to offer. For those of you that have already said "I do" or picked out your wedding day wardrobe, don't kiss your BHLDN dreams goodbye. There are always shoes! {Specifically these handmade feather butterflies alight on petal-hued satin}. *Photos courtesy of BHLDN

    And the Winner is....

    Thank you all who left us some love on the blog and inspired a few chick flick viewings this weekend! We are thrilled to announce the winner of this gorgeous necklace to Miss Lyndsey Aston! Neallie from Vatne Designs will email you shortly to arrange your special delivery. CONGRATULATIONS! We truly appreciate all of our readers and hope to bring you lots more giveaway goodies in the future. Happy V-day!

    Happy Love Day!

    Happy Valentines day! Regardless of how you feel about February 14th {lover or hater}, please take a moment to remind yourself that love isn't only romantic. Let this day be about love, not romance! On this day, celebrate all of the wonderful people in your life who cheer you on and unconditionally adore you. THAT is what makes Valentines Day truly special. RIGHT?? Right!

    Stay tuned & check back at 3pm EST when we announce the winner of our Valentines Day Necklace Giveaway from Vatne Designs!

    *Photo courtesy of Tumblr

    A Vatne Valentines surprise!

    Vatne Designs is one of our favorite things to come out of Bellingham, Washington... next to Death Cab for Cutie {and the Postal Service} of course. It's nearly impossible to peruse their website without racking up a wish list. From now until Monday, they're offering Pearls for Paper readers 25% off your entire purchase! Hooray! {use the code PAPER25 at check out} AND enter to win a special Valentines necklace from Vatne!! {see below}

    We had a chance to get to know a little more about the lovely lady behind all these pretty pieces. Here's what Neallie had to say:

    How did you get into the business? I have been creating jewelry since I was young, it was an absolute favorite hobby of mine. I was lucky enough to find a career within the couture bridal industry straight out of college where I used my creativity daily, and worked with brides and wedding professionals throughout the country.  After staying home with my kiddos for a few years I decided to start my own business and my immediate instinct was to create jewelry and accessories for brides.  I have since expanded my line to include colors and styles which can be worn day to night, for any and all occasions.

    What is your favorite part? My favorite part of creating is just that. I love to create beautiful sparkly jewelry that makes you smile the second you see it.

    Do you have a signature piece? I would say that my signature pieces are my E101 earrings, they are the absolute favorite among my customers, friends and family. They add just the right amount of sparkle and bling to your everyday jeans and t-shirt, or they are perfect with a wedding gown. I love them.

    { valentines giveaway }

    To celebrate Valentines Day and to celebrate how fabulous you are, we have a special giveaway for one lucky lady! The lovely and talented Vatne Designs created this gorgeous necklace and it could be yours...

    {Glowing glass pearls in shades of silver and sand mingle together to form a stunning necklace,
    topped with swarovski crystals and dangling from a 19" chain}

    Enter to win this stunning necklace by doing the following:

    1. "Like" the Vatne Designs page on facebook

    2. In the comment section below, let us know your favorite chick flick, in honor of Valentines day!

    Follow Vatne Designs on twitter

    *Photos by Sheila Carson Photography

    Thursday Purseday

    I usually play it safe with my Thursday Purseday Posts - staying within my personal taste, what's in style, and all around simple. Today has changed that thanks to Neiman Marcus' "Fashion Extremes" section that showcases some wildly fashion forward designs. I know that my pick isn't too out there, but for me... it's a stretch. A very colorful one. {But who would say no to a Fendi?!} Hope you all are having a great week. XO

    *Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

    Tuesday Shoesday Retro

    Early this morning, with coffee in hand, I browsed my guilty pleasure shopping emails from Nordies, Neiman, ShopItToMe, Gilt, etc. I tiredly came across an up and coming trend: Retro. At first mention, I wasn't very intrigued, but after seeing these beauties at Nordstrom, I changed my mind. My never-ending obsession with the vintage chic look is alive and strong. Happy Tuesday Shoesday friends. From right to left:

    Stuart Weitzman 'Kimbow' Pump

    Seychelles 'Amethyst' Peep Toe

    Halogen® 'Karina' Pump

    *Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

    Southern Living Weddings

    There's a lot to love about Southern Living Magazine, after all, the South has such a distinct and irreplaceable charm. We were so excited for Alison and Chris when we heard their wedding was featured in Southern Living Weddings (among others!). From the custom printed buttons & flags to the cotton candy topped champagne, we don't know which detail we're still swooning over. {Perhaps it's the vintage stamps that appear on the invites, programs and cake..?! The list could go on.} Regardless, this couple and their gorgeous wedding will surely continue to inspire us all. We are beyond honored that they entrusted us with their stationery suite, and couldn't be happier with the end result. (Not to mention the attention it's getting ;))

    slweddings-cover.jpg

    This is certainly cause for celebration... what an exciting way to capture the memories of their big day! To see more on this feature or to check out other weddings, visit Southern Living Weddings online.

    SLM_88-891.jpg
    SLM_90-911.jpg

    *Photos courtesy of Southern Living Weddings Magazine

    Honeysuckle Color Crush

    A while back we announced that the new color trend for 2011 would most definitely be Honeysuckle, and today that cheerful color is getting the attention it deserves! We really have no need for a new credit card, but this Pantone Visa might change that. I mean, come on... how cute is that. And of course, with that plastic genie we could acquire all the other fun finds. Happy Weekend to you all, we'll see ya Monday!

    1. Pantone Visa 2. Tretorn Rubber Boot 3. Kate Spade STUD EARRINGS 4. Juicy Couture Travel Wallet 5. Adidas Watch 6. Lucky Brand Scarf 7. Chantecaille 'Brilliant' Gloss

    Love the color crush? Check out our Blue & Yellow board.

    Sweets for your Sweet

    Food is the way to pretty much anyone's heart {let's be honest}. Well in light of the upcoming holiday, we thought it appropriate to highlight some of our favorite Valentine Day treat finds.

    Perhaps you're a fan of our Cake Pops post from a few months back... we noticed it was quite a hit! Well, Bakerella, the creators of Cake Pops have many other fabulous recipes up their sleeves such as this one for Red Velvet Sandwich cookies. Oh HEAVENS! Roll up a stack in clear cellophane and tie ribbons on each end and it's the perfect little V-day gift!

    If you haven't heard of the Message-in-a-Cookie from Williams-Sonoma yet, then climb out of the cave you've been hiding in! Okay, not all of us are up to speed on cookie trends, but seriously, you have to check this out. Granted, the actual making of the cookies is quite tedious, but the outcome is so adorable and so worth it! What better way to say how you feel than through a COOKIE?!!

    We spotted this post from Baking Therapy's 2010 Valentines day celebration. Not only are they super cute, but they used the chocolate cupcake recipe from the infamous Magnolia Bakery with a little inspiration from Scootabaker {LA's home delivery bakery... brilliant!!}

    *Photos courtesy of Williams-Sonoma, Baking Therapy, Bakerella

    Tuesday Shoesday Coziness

    Not sure about you but all this snow is making us anxious to set aside some time to cozy up for a little R&R. As we dream of slipping on our sweats and grabbing our favorite book & cup of tea, we realize something is missing... on our feet! The perfect fix are these Ugg slippers from Bloomies. Happy Tuesday Shoesday! This is one Ugg purchase you will not regret...

    Engaged!

    We had to share this recent feature in Engaged Rhode Island Magazine! What a fun shout out and a fabulous way to inspire brides and event-lovers alike.  Thank heavens that the minds behind this publication see the value in having stellar save - the - dates and invitation suites. :) Take a peek at some of their top picks... And for more ideas to help plan the perfect wedding, check out Engaged RI Magazine online.

    Engaged-Mag-cover1.jpg
    Engaged-Mag-feature.jpg
    Engaged-mag-feature-2.jpg

    *Photos courtesy of Engaged RI Magazine, Paper Moss invites as featured above in numbers 1, 2, 4 & 9.

    1. Vintage 'Rhode Island Postcard' Save the Date

    2. Katie & Dave Invite

    4. Photo collage Save the Date

    9. Ticket Save the Date

    DIY: old books = new art

    Considering how much we love paper, it shouldn't come as a surprise that we were, well, attracted to this DIY we saw on the Jones Design Company blog. How can you resist? We are dying to get our hands on some old books of poetry and music sheets to compile a collage for our own walls. To see the step - by - step directions for how to transform this:

    To this: Visit the Jones Design Blog... and plan to get distracted :)

    Thursday Purseday: Let's Accessorize

    We all have that 'staple' black dress, black heels, and black purse. I find myself getting sick of them every now and then, but the truth is we can't live without 'em! Todays Thursday Purseday pick is another one of those staples, but we've added some accessories to help spice things up. If black is not for you {or your closet is full of them} be sure to check out their other colors! 1.botkier Venice Hobo 2.TKO ORLOGI Watch 3.5th Avenue Designs by Veronica Necklace 4.Carrera Safari Navigator Sunglasses

    *Photos courtesy of Endless.com

    Bridesmaids, your prayers are answered

    If you have been or will be a bridesmaid, you'll appreciate this little nugget that we just have to share. For all those times we silently suffered as our besties picked out dresses they swore we'd wear again, for the times we bit our tongue with jealousy that the groomsmen could just rent their tuxes, not fuss with altering something deemed "bridal sizing" and then clog their closets with the aftermath... Well, our sulking has been heard! Rent the Runway not only has a variety of perfect for partying dresses, but now, a recently launched bridal line.

    Now your bridesmaids can wear designer gowns {Milly, Badgley Mischka, D&G} or dresses that perfectly suit your wedding color scheme... and everyone wins. What a gracious compromise! After the wedding, bridesmaids pop their dresses back in the mail and never have to worry about them again.

    *Photo courtesy of Rent the Runway