Mother’s Day is two weeks away and it is time to start shopping for the special mom in your life! I always find it difficult to shop for my mom, but tend to have the most luck with small luxuries that she would not usually buy herself. Some of my favorite things in my Mother’s Day gift guide include the Dyson hairdryer set, La Mer collection, and the Anthropologie mamacita tee. Another great (and easy) gift is a bouquet of her favorite flowers. I recommend using Bouqs or UrbanStems for floral delivery if you do not have a local florist you like (always use Dr. Delphinium if you live in Dallas). Happy shopping! xoxo
I have had the hardest time finding artwork to fill the walls of our new home. We have been very intentional about the furniture we are buying, and want to be just as intentional about what we put on our walls. While sorting through boxes of old notes and cards (the only thing I hoard), I came up with the idea to frame recipe cards in our kitchen. Alex and I both have grandmothers who love to cook and either left or are creating a legacy of family recipes. I found a handwritten recipe card from each of our grandmothers and had them framed through Framebridge.
I decided to use Framebridge, because it is a much more affordable option for the same professional framing you would receive at a framing store. The process was as easy as selecting my frames online, mailing in my recipe cards and receiving my new artwork in just a few weeks. I was able to track the process of my order online, and knew that I could trust Framebridge’s team of expects with our family heirlooms. I decide on the Irvine Slim frame in white with a float mount so the mat would not cover any of my recipes. The framed recipe cards turned out better than I expected and I love having our grandmother’s handwriting on our kitchen walls. I cannot wait to share some of the other fun projects we have planned with Framebridge for the rest of our house! xoxo
Take 15% off your fist order with Framebridge using code INTRO15.
Yesterday I shared a few snaps of our table all set for Easter on Instagram Stories. I received so many questions about our table setting, I decided to dedicate a full post with all the details.
I followed Martha Stewart’s instructions to fold our dinner napkins into a bunny. Since I used linen napkins, I had to use starch to help the napkins keep their shape. The place cards are hollowed eggs that I painted with gold foil paint. Martha Stewart gives detailed instructions on how to hollow an egg. I didn’t have all the tools she used, so I created two holes with a needle and used an air mattress pump to blow out the yolk. I have also seen some people blow out the yolk with a straw, but I am not that paitent. After hollowing the egg, I covered the holes with white tissue paper and Mod Podge, then painted them. My placemats and napkins are from Williams-Sonoma, my china is Royal Doulton French Provincial and my silver is Reed & Barton English Chippendale. The centerpiece vase is from Tiffany & Co. and I found white hydrangeas at my local Trader Joes for only $5 per 3 stems. Happy Easter! xoxo
This year Alex and I are hosting Easter for our families, and we are trying to decide on a menu. Right now we are leaning towards an Easter brunch, but have been testing some more traditional recipes too. One of our favorite side dishes are these Rosemary Truffle Potatoes. They are so simple to make, and the rosemary and truffle flavors add so much to any meal! These would pair well with a traditional Easter ham or tenderloin. Enjoy! xoxo
1/2 teaspoon truffle oil (either black or white truffle)
In a large skillet, heat canola oil on medium heat. Canola oil works best because it has a higher smoke temperature and will not over power other flavors like olive oil would. Add chopped potatoes to warm skillet with salt and pepper. Let simmer on medium heat until golden brown, flipping potatoes periodically. Add rosemary and truffle oil and let simmer for about 2 minutes (you do not want the rosemary to burn). Serves 3-4 people. Best when served warm.
Whether you are visiting or planning a staycation, there are so many unique, historical and high-end hotels in Dallas! I have listed my favorite hotels in Dallas to help you decide between all the great options. Be sure to read my Favorite Restaurants in Dallas and Favorite Places to Shop in Dallas to plan your stay! xoxo
The Adolphus – We stayed here after our wedding and loved everything about this hotel. The Adolphus originally opened in 1912 and has an incredible history, including a visit from Queen Elizabeth in 1991 (her portrait is in the lobby). The hotel has had many renovations over the years, which includes a recent remodel to the main entrance. The rooftop pool, spa, and the drawing-room (photo above) were my favorite parts of the hotel. Both City Hall Bistro and The French Room made my list of Favorite Restaurants in Dallas and are located in the Adolphus. The Adolphus is owned by Marriott if you would like to use Marriott Rewards.
The Statler – I must have a soft spot for historic hotels. The Statler opened in 1956 and played a large role in establishing downtown Dallas as a business hub. In 2015 the hotel reopened after renovations but never lost the 1956 charm (this Insta was from the opening). Every room in the hotel has a unique mid-century feel, including the rooftop pool with a great view of downtown. Even if you do not stay at the hotel, be sure to stop in Overeasy for brunch, Fine China for dinner, or Bourbon & Banter for the speakeasy vibe. The Statler is owned by Hilton if you would like to use Hilton Honors.
The Joule – The building itself was built in the 1920s and is one of only two gothic high-rises in the Dallas skyline. Once through the Main Street gold doors, the hotel is much more modern. Art is a primary focus throughout the entire hotel and some rooms even have the perfect view of The Eyeball. The rooms, spa, and restaurants create the perfect experience. If you do not stay at The Joule, enjoy lunch at CBD Provisions, dinner at Americano, or the speakeasy vibe of Midnight Rambler.
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek – Originally built in the 1920s as a private residence, this hotel still carries a sense of exclusive elegance. The rooms, restaurant, spa, and pool are all well maintained but the decor does give the hotel an older feel. The restaurant at the Mansion also made my list of Favorite Restaurants in Dallas.
Hotel Crescent Court – Sophisticated and modern are the perfect words to describe the Crescent. Every detail is perfectly thought out from the amenities in the rooms to the spa and rooftop pool. The space is perfect for hosting an event or wedding. Fine dining and retail stores surround the hotel within walking distance.
W Dallas – Perfect location if you plan to attend a sporting event or concert at the American Airlines Center. The W is a classic high-end hotel with a central location in the Harwood District. The rooms, spa, bars, and rooftop pool are all elegantly modern. The Harwood District is full of restaurants a short Uber or walk away. The W is owned by Marriot if you would like to use Marriot Rewards.
Omni Dallas – The 23-story building is one of the newer light additions to the Dallas skyline. This hotel is great mainly for its location, kid-friendly atmosphere, and ability to accommodate larger groups. The rooms are updated, the rooftop pool is open year-round (heated) and the spa has the perfect view of downtown.
Image via Alex Phillips.
Need more Dallas recommendations? Check out my posts here:
My favorite part of spring (besides the weather) might just be all the beautiful dresses in store. There seems to be a million reasons to buy new dresses this time of year, including Easter, weddings, showers and graduation parties.
This white Gal Meets Glam dress is a part of the March collection, and I immediately loved the simplicity. The Gal Meets Glam line runs a little large, so I recommend ordering one size down (wearing 00). This dress is also shorter than what I typically wear. I am 5’6″ and it hits me about 2 inches above the knee. I completed the look with my favorite Marc Fisher heels in white and a Cult Gaia bamboo bag. This dress would also pair well with wedges or simple strap heels, but because it flares at the waist, flats do not pair well. I have linked this entire look and a few spring dresses perfect for Easter and spring parties below! xoxo
