Summer is here so let the festivities begin! If you’ve been invited to a party, bring a little something for the host. I always plan ahead and even keep a closet stocked with gifts for spur of the moment invitations. My philosophy is: If you see it and you love, pick it up! Here are three ideas for the perfect summer gift.

Three Good Gifts

1. Does your host like to cook? Give her the prettiest apron. $25.

2. Wine is (almost) always a good choice. The finishing touch is an eco-friendly wine bag. $50 set of 10.

3. Don’t you hate it when you’re at a party and you’ve lost your glass? A gift and a problem-solver! $10 set of 4.

I woke up this morning and realized that Memorial Day is less than two weeks away! With that in mind, Suzette and I wanted to share a few you books you might consider bringing along to the beach, a hammock or a shady spot under a tree.

SUZETTE’S PICKS

Thanks to a friend, I discovered author Gillian Flynn. I have read two of her books and could not put them down. I even re-arranged my schedule to finish them!

Gone Girl   The story of a marriage gone terribly wrong. On the morning of one couple’s fifth wedding anniversary, the wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. In the weeks that follow, hubby spews an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. He’s oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter — but is he really a killer?

Dark Places   A seven-year-old girl flees her tiny farmhouse as her mother and two sisters lay dying. She famously testifies that her fifteen-year-old brother was the culprit. Twenty-five years later, her brother sits in prison and the girl is living off a donated fund. After being approached for details by a secret society obsessed with notorious crimes, Libby agrees to reconnect with the players from that night. For a fee, she’ll report her findings. As the truth emerges, Libby is once again on the run from a killer.

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon. Full disclaimer: I have a special connection to the author — her husband is a childhood friend. The true story of a fearless young woman in Afghanistan who not only reinvented herself as an entrepreneur to save her family but, in the face of ferocious opposition, brought hope to the lives of dozens of women in war-torn Kabul.

Next on my list:  Sharp Objects.

SANDY’S PICKS

I have to admit, I tend to sell most books I’ve read on Amazon, but here are a few that are still in my library. Worn pages and all…

Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer. I’ve read every book Krakauer has written. I particularly liked Under the Banner of Heaven which I read while I was addicted to the HBO series Big Love. Where Men Win Glory chronicles the heroic life and death of Pat Tillman, an NFL player who walked away from his career to join the Army in a surge of post-9/11 patriotism. After he was killed in Afghanistan two years later, the circumstances of his death were covered up to deter anti-war sentiment, much to the dismay of his family…and the American public.

Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay. This book was a gift from my sister-in-law and it was truly a gift. Although there are times I cried my eyes out, I loved it. It’s the story of American journalist, Julia Jarmond, investigating the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup of Jewish families in 1942 Paris. As the police go door to door, Sarah, a ten-year-old girl tries to protect her brother and hides him in a bedroom cupboard. In her research, Julia discovers a trail of secrets that link her to Sarah.

Heat: An Amateur’s Adventures as Kitchen Slave, Line Cook, Pasta-Maker, and Apprentic to a Dante-Quoting Butcher in Tuscany. The New Yorker writer and editor, Bill Buford, left his job to become a slave at one of my favorite restaurants in New York: Mario Batali’s Babbo. The experiment inspires him to travel abroad where he does a lot more than cook.

Next on my list: The Kite Runner.

We are excited to share our latest magazine: Wedding Style, Wedding Etiquette. Three Brides, Three Weddings. Be the Perfect Guest and Give the Perfect Gift. We hope you like it!

Click to view Wedding Style, Wedding Etiquette by Dessa Lea on GLOSSI.COM

I’m trying really hard to be a better baker. The first time I made an apple pie for Thanksgiving, I used too much shortening in the crust and it was inedible. And since my family has outfitted me with loads of baking utensils (cookie cutters, pastry bags and tips, muffin pans) I feel the need to improve my game. A lot.

Needless to say I was really happy to find an easy cookie recipe that my family loves and I didn’t screw up. I wasn’t going to mention that they’re vegan, but it didn’t matter. I even sent a box to school with Brody. They disappeared quickly!

Maldon sea salt / Almond butter batter

Almond Butter Cookie with Maldon Sea Salt

The original recipe is from Gwyneth Paltrow’s new book It’s All Good.

It’s Mother’s Day and not only do you have a brunch date, but a dinner date too! Pick one dress that works for day and evening and accessorize accordingly.

When Allan and Laura met, it was a take your breath away, “this is the one” kind of moment. Their journey was complete (but only just beginning) when 50 of their closest friends and family members met in Key West to witness their nuptials.

The tone of the wedding was set when we received the most unique save the date ever: a viewfinder loaded with engagement photos and the inscription “We are getting married 4/13/13 in Key West, Florida. Please save the date. We would be honored if you would join us. Cheers, Allan & Laura.”

Knowing that every detail was thoughtfully addressed, I was honored when Allan and Laura asked me to help with their wedding attire. With three children ranging in age from 7-13, we wanted to keep the look coordinated but informal. The fact that all three and mom and dad were happy = mission accomplished!

Allan and Laura

Their unique save the date

We arrived in Key West on Friday and checked in to Simonton Court, a privately owned, boutique bed and breakfast, one of the two lodging options recommended. At sunset, the festivities kicked off with a beautiful catamaran ride.

Saturday April 13, 2013. The day we had been anxiously awaiting. Allan and Laura arranged for guests to travel to the ceremony at The Key West Garden Club (one of the city’s most tranquil spots) via trolley. The event was filled with tender words and personal touches. One of the most memorable was the decoration the couple’s oldest son Thomas created for the event.

Inspired in school by origami, Thomas taught himself to perfect the craft. Secretly and with the help of his grandparents (who transported them) and the staff (who hung them), Laura and Allan exchanged vows under birds that Thomas made especially for them. It was a thoughtful gift that added to the love that filled the air the entire weekend.

A cottage and the lush grounds at Simonton Court

Origami birds made by the couple’s son Thomas

The kiss (and a perfectly coordinated family!)

The band

Giovanni, the bride, me and the bride’s sister-in-law

The reception began immediately after the ceremony. Guests were greeted by a local band that played the couple’s favorite songs.

The Brinton wedding weekend was truly one of the most memorable we have had the pleasure of being a part of. I am honored to call Allan a dear friend and I’m happy that his beautiful wife has become a dear friend as well. They are a wonderful couple and their love has touched the hearts of all who know them. To bear witness to it was a tad emotional to say the least. Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Brinton!

The Brinton Family. Photo by John Barone Photography.

Suzette and I are thrilled to be taking part in Clover Market in Ardmore on Sunday, May 19th from 10 am to 5 pm. If you haven’t been before, it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s a juried selection of more than 100 high-end vendors exhibiting art, antiques, vintage and handmade products. Most of the artists, designers and craftspeople are there, so it’s a great opportunity to meet some pretty inspiring people. There are also great food vendors including Brulee Bakery, Carlino’s Specialty Foods, Cupcakes Gourmet and Firinji.

Located in a parking lot on Lancaster Avenue, Clover Market is within walking distance of the Ardmore train station and Suburban Square. Stop by to see us! We’ll be unveiling a whole new booth design as well as new Snake Charmers and a collection of very happy hoop earrings!

Spring is without a doubt my favorite time of year. There’s something about having the long, weary winter in the rearview that makes me so happy. As soon as buds form on the trees, I escape to Jenkins Arboretum. It’s not far from home and perfect for a short walk to organize my thoughts. I look forward to spending a lot of time there in the coming months. Spring is also the time when I tackle my long list of projects around the house. First I purge, then I splurge! Right now, I’m (sadly) parting with a portion of my enormous magazine collection which will make hubby very happy. We’re also planning a landscape project to add some badly needed curb appeal to our property. Look for a post on this (hopefully) coming soon!

Walking Jenkins Arboretum on a beautiful Spring day

Elisabeth’s Walk in Jenkins Arboretum

A dress that will make me very happy

A peony globe, made for our booth for Clover Market on May 19th

Shelves I just installed in my studio to clear some of the clutter

Anyone who knows me knows that I have been to and in enough weddings to write about wedding etiquette! Many people go through periods in their lives where they’re inundated with wedding invitations followed by baby showers and birthday parties. We average five weddings a year and one year had ten!

As flowers bloom and temperatures warm up, wedding season hits its stride. We thought it would be helpful to provide a few tips to be the best guest possible.

BE A GREAT WEDDING GUEST

It is an exciting (and stressful) time for the engaged couple. Do your best to share your enthusiasm and gratitude for being part of it.

1. When you learn of the engagement, send a card immediately.
2. Respond to the wedding invitation promptly. Couples think a lot about their guest list. You may not be aware of their limitations, concerns or restrictions. If the invite is addressed to you plus guest, bring a date. If it is addressed solely to you, never put them in an awkward position and ask if you can bring a guest.
3. If you are not the Best Man or Maid of Honor and would like to say a few words, you may do so at the rehearsal dinner if you are invited. Family, members of the bridal party and out of town guest are generally in attendance making it an intimate setting to share a heartfelt toast.
4. If you happen to be seated with someone you do not care for, plaster on a smile and make the most of it. Make small talk or mingle once the meal is finished. Then, tear up the dance floor!
5. Mark the date for years to come. It’s thoughtful to send the couple an anniversary card.

GIVE A SPECIAL WEDDING GIFT

Wedding registries are a blessing in disguise. If the couple has one, give them a gift they really want. If they don’t, cash is the obvious choice. There is no standard on the appropriate amount. However, if you are attending multiple events associated with the wedding (engagement party, bridal shower, etc.,) a rule of thumb is 20% for each event and 60% for the wedding gift. If you give cash, a personal touch is nice. One of my favorites is a personalized frame. Sandy’s gift of choice (for wine lovers) is a basket filled with a bottle of wine to enjoy each of their first five wedding anniversaries.

Suzette’s Favorites – a personalized frame and Shari’s Berries

Sandy’s Gift of Choice – five bottles of wine for five anniversaries

Do something unexpected for their honeymoon. Find out where they are going and what they like. Book a couple’s massage, have a bottle of champagne or their favorite wine and cheese delivered to their room when they arrive. If they are outdoorsy or sports enthusiasts, book an excursion or lesson you know they will love.

You can also send a gift once they arrive home. Shari’s Berries are one of my favorites. Include a personal note to the newlyweds: “Special treats to enjoy the treasured memories of your wedding and honeymoon.”

GO THE DISTANCE FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING

We have had the pleasure of attending a few destination weddings over the last several years — Bald Head Island, Gervasi Vineyard in Ohio (see our post here) and most recently Key West. Each was an intimate affair shared with close friends and family.

Many believe that attending a destination wedding is gift enough. However, there are those who believe if you receive an invitation, a gift is necessary. (This also applies if you decline the invitation). We think this is personal preference depending on your relationship with the couple. You can always do something special for the couple once they return.

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION

A wedding is always a great excuse for a new dress! We have created a “What to Wear” series (a very formal black tie, a semi-formal and a beach wedding). We hope this helps when planning your wardrobe. A few more things to keep in mind:

1. Do not wear white or cream to any festivities surrounding the affair.
2. Wear black only to a wedding after 5:00 pm.
3. Ultimately, wedding attire depends on the time of day. If it’s an evening wedding, always opt for a more formal look.

We have given you a lot of information. If you have questions we didn’t address, please do not hesitate to ask. Contact us at info@dessalea.com.

On Tuesday, April 9^th, a day after my 42^nd birthday, I began my first detox. In retrospect, I guess I have been moving toward this for a long time — in and out of fitness routines, in and out of healthy eating. The only constant has been my love of food.

Since the birth of my son in 2010, I have been focused on leading a more healthful existence. I nursed for 14 months and was acutely aware that everything I consumed found its way to him. In addition, I’ve seen a couple documentaries (Fast Food Nation, Super Size Me) and read a few books (Forks Over Knives, Food, Inc., Breaking the Food Seduction) that have deeply affected me. It wasn’t because I ate fast food, but because I have been a carnivore my whole life, blissfully ignorant of the health risks and environmental consequences associated with that sort of consumption — and the food industry as a whole.

Now that I’m in my 40s and have a toddler to keep up with, my health and fitness are top priorities. I’ve been on a devoted schedule of yoga, cardio, weight training and swimming for the last two years and I’ve seen major changes. Inspired by the women around me, I wanted more. I wanted to get really fit and I wanted to feel cleansed. I wanted to start over with a baseline of perfectly healthy, nutritious foods that were free of processing, pesticides and side effects — like guilt.

I got the Detox from Goop (Gwyneth Paltrow’s web site). It seemed impossible at first glance — seven days of abstaining from sugar, caffeine, dairy, grains with gluten, meat, shellfish, anything processed (including soy products which I relied on heavily), fatty nuts and alcohol — but I pledged to myself that I would do it for three days (instead of the seven) to see how I felt (I was a little concerned because I have hypoglycemia).

Cucumber Lime + Basil Juice | Blueberry Almond Smoothie | Beet, Carrot + Apple Juice

Avocado Cucumber Soup | Teriyaki Chicken | Miso Soup

There were three meals a day plus two snacks and the daily menus with recipes made it easy to follow. The recipes were delicious, fast and easy to prepare. I felt so good after the third day I completed the full seven and three weeks later, I’m still loosely following the program, incorporating smoothies as meals and juices for snacks. Even my husband is on board, encouraging family meals inspired by my detox experience. I went as far as buying Paltrow’s newest cookbook It’s All Good and have made something from it every single day since. I love it — it’s fantastic.

I’ve lost four pounds (and counting), kicked an over-the-top coffee habit, eliminated recurring headaches and have seen a drastic reduction in allergy symptoms that I thought were brought on by dust mites and leaf mold. People have told me that my skin looks better and I have more energy than I’ve had in a long time.

What I’m making now: Peach Almond Smoothies | Kale Chips | Sweet Potato Muffins

How I’m feeling: Like a new person!

Who ultimately inspired me? My friend Megan Budd Forgie! (Read her story here)

If you’ve never tried something like this, I would highly recommend it. In a (hyphenated) word, it’s life-changing.