All inspiration for Castle, an Aussie based company crafting handprinted pieces for the home. Founded in 2008 by Rachel Castle, this line carries clean, sophisticated bed linens and cushions. Crisp white is met with color creating geometric pattern on both the sheets and pillowcases, whereas delicate flower details are used on the cushions and quilts. And if you like it enough to frame it, Castle also offers handmade artworks, screen prints and handstitched one-off embroideries. All art is sewn by Rachel herself and her very patient and loving mother, Jillian Patching. Go forth and spread the fancy in your fortress.

see more and order at castleandthings.com.au

I am obsessed with wineries so when I saw this wedding on The Inspired Bride today, I just had to share. An intimate affair held at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, California. Couple Meridith & Colin let their ceremony site speak for itself, adding just a touch of delightful detail. Shades of green, chocolate and ivory carry you through the gorgeous grape harvest ceremony to the wine cellar reception. This fine day included not only vino but a mixture of moss, mustaches, and music. Some of the treasures included champagne corks made into holders for the calligraphed placecards, stone-like ceramic tiles for guests to sign and write messages on, which will be used for a tabletop in the couple’s wine cellar later, and a custom made chalkboard menu from the bride’s father.  See and read more: inspiredbride.net

photos taken by Leigh Miller

Calling all bunnies to the borough! You must check out the new Self. Just in time to get a fresh look for fall, this salon has undergone a major makeover of it’s own bringing you a newly vamped space that promises to relax, ease and appease you.  And if that isn’t enough to draw you in, they are offering a 20% off discount on all services until October 31, 2009. With a superior staff and loads of fun product to try, this place quietly nestled in Williamsburg is only a hop, skip and jump away. See all you can do for your’self’ at selfsalonbrooklyn.com.

147 Grand Street  Brooklyn, NY   718.599.1449

bridal services also available at selfsalonbrooklyn.com/bridal.html

I was in the food store the other day and came across Siggi’s yogurt.  Created by Siggi Hilmarsson in 2006, this yogurt is made to taste of skyr, a the traditional yogurt of Iceland. It is subtle, not-so-sweet, and contains all natural ingredients. The fabulous cup design by Sveinn and Boris uses 40-50% less plastic than regular yogurt cups and is supported by a recyclable cardboard sleeve. I find the delicate illustrations charming and the overall simplicity of the cup reiterates the natural essence of the product.  Take a taste and let us know what you think.

find out more at skyr.com

One thing I love about fall is the idea of curling up to a fire in the evenings with a creamy cocktail.  Of course this is to my imaginary fireplace for now but visiting others with the wood burning safe haven is always a pleasure.

One of my go-to cocktails is Baileys on the rocks, which my mother turned me onto, but I also love drinks that combine coffee with liquor.  Two of my other fav concoctions are below. Now if caffeine keeps you up at night be sure to request decaf.  Happy brewing!

photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com

Bushmills Irish Coffee, courtesy of the bar.com spotted on foodnetwork.com

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey
• 3 oz. hot coffee
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. heavy cream

Directions:  Pour coffee into a warmed Irish coffee glass mug. Add sugar to taste, stir to dissolve. Add Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey. Top with slightly whipped cream, poured gently over the back of a spoon.

Espresso Martinis, recipe from Amalfi Restaurant, Nargansett, RI

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 shots vodka
• 1 shot expresso, cooled to room temp
• 1/4 ounce creme de cacao
• 1/4 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
• 1/4 ounce Tia Maria
• Ice cubes

Directions:  In a martini shaker, combine vodka, espresso, creme de cacao, Godiva white chocolate liqueur, and  Tia Maria. Shake. Add ice cubes. Shake again. Strain into martini glass.

A palette of bark, lilac, ivory, tea and white is absolutely scrumptious this fall. Break up the classic and traditional with just a hint of hue.  It’s luscious yet cozy and simply irresistible.

1 & 4. photos by Gentl & Hyers represented by Edge Agency, 2. Megan Park, AW09, meganpark.co.uk, 3. Elegant City houses with a country twist, Decorology.com, 5. Photo by Morten Holtum, spotted on Decorology.com, 6. Favor tea bags, MarthaStewartWeddings.com, 7. Vert invitation, spotted on Parcel Post, 8. Hand Calligraphy, Design Sponge

A perfect accessory to any package, letter, or invitation wax seals look handmade (even if they are not), expensive and they add a touch of old world charm.  After finding yesterday’s jewelry version I came across Design Sponge’s recent post on handmade wooden wax seals. Designer Kim from Ragehaus has graciously given us, by us I mean those willing to toil with crafts, step by step instructions for creating your own wooden wax seal. For instructions click here.

Photo courtesy of Ragehaus

If making your own stamp seems too aggressive for you, there is wax-works.com who can create a custom 1 inch Wax Seal Hand Stamper for $55. And if the ‘Easy Button’ is your best friend, a peel and stick faux option is available at waxseals.com. Prices range per quantity but custom designs and colors are available. One guarantee with the peel and stick option, no Mr. Miyagi needed.

Jessica de Lotz’s jewellery collection The Love Story. Paris 1946 is both nostalgic and poetic. Made to reflect time and heritage the necklaces, bangles and cufflinks resemble stamped wax seals. Each silver plated 22ct, rose or yellow gold with silver combination on hand stamped seal. Customize by initial or order from the other ready made designs: Crown, Eiffel Tower, poker symbols or Plate with knife and fork. Oh so enchanting!

necklace £210.00, bangle £120.00, cufflinks £145.00, Jessica de Lotz Jewellery

Take a cue from the ’40s and ’50s with vintage inspired lace, silk and layered wedding dresses by Katie Jean. Utterly romantic and feminine, no two are made alike; completely customizable by color, length, fabric and layer.  Prices range from $275-$425, available on ktjean etsy.com.

Photo taken by Stephanie DeSaga

Stacie & Geoff: butterfly kisses, swinging, and sweet sounds on a sunny day make for a beautiful engagement shoot taken by Sloan Photographers spotted on OnceWed.com.

see more of their photos, sloanphotographers