Entre Nous.

Ice Ice Baby

I happened to catch a glimpse of Kate Hudson's engagement ring on the Today show a few days ago and couldn't help but gape. It's enormous, naturally. Hudson's platinum-set ring with an emerald-cut diamond and tapered baguettes on the side is approximately nine carats and has an estimated value of a whopping $200,000. But that's not the only reason I'm smitten. This type of engagement ring style is classic and timeless.I definitely wouldn't turn my nose up at a more petite version of this stunner. On the heels of the Royal Wedding (which I've DVRed and am waiting until tomorrow to throw a viewing party), I thought I'd share some eye candy suitable for a royal.

Greek Key and Chevron and Stripes! Oh, my!

 I'm in desperate need of a new iPhone case. My phone is 3 years old and my current gold leather case, which is about that old, is looking worse for wear. In fact I don't think I could even identify it as gold as most of the hue has worn off. As my Birthday looms (2 weeks 1 day) I'm definitely adding one of these covetable iPhone cases from Pencil Shavings Paper (below) or Dani Notes Stationary (above) on Etsy to my Birthday wish list.
  

@ Home

Excited beyond belief for the lastest docu-series on the Bravo block, Million Dollar Decorators. Has the pendulum swung so that now the term "decorator" is more en vogue than "designer"? Apparently so. Million Dollar Decorators "follows five of the most sought-after interior decorators as they navigate the high-pressured design industry for their wealthy, famous, and extremely demanding clients. From a 20 million dollar estate in La Jolla to the Osbourne’s new Hollywood apartment, viewers will get an all-access pass inside some of the most stunning homes in the world." The show features bona fide celebrity decorators, Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, Kathryn Ireland, Jeffrey Alan Marks, Mary McDonald and Nathan Turner. It's set to debut on May 31st.

Egg-cellent Martinis

For those of us who like to drink our desserts, why not bring Easter candy into the cocktail realm.

Jelly Bean Martini:
1 shot Raspberry flavored Vodka
1 shot Peach flavored Vodka
1/2 shot Chambord or other raspberry flavored liqueur
Splash of Sours
Shake in Martini Glass with ice, poor into glass and garnish with jelly beans

Peep-Tini:
2 Peeps (we like pink for these, but you can choose any color you want)
1 shot glass of half & half
1 shot Vanilla flavored Vodka
1 shot coconut flavored Liqueur
Splash of Grenadine
Blend all ingredients and one Peep with a bit of ice until light and fluffy
Pour in a chilled glass and garnish with the remaining peep

I'll be imbibing a Peep-Tini come Sunday.

[via Nathan Turner]

Luxe Locomotive

 There was a time when traveling by train was as much of an experience as a mode of transportation. Apparently that experience still exists and is as en vogue as ever, overseas on the Orient-Express. Nothing comparable exists within the states where train travel is regarded only as a way to transport you from point A to B. Remember that tragic cross country train ride Carrie and Samantha attempted on SATC? There's nothing tragic about travel aboard the Orient-Express, where one enjoys leisurely meals with real silverware (naturally) and where you'll fall asleep on luxury linens atop plush beds. A five star hotel on wheels, if you will. "The Orient Express experience has always been something more than a mere train journey. Ever since 1883, when the Orient Express made its first journey from Paris to Istanbul, it has captured the imagination of the world. Throughout, the train has been the temporary home of aristocrats, royalty, spies, film stars and writers - as well as, of course a certain fictional Belgian detective." "Step aboard the Orient Express and you step back into a more gracious and elegant age. Today, the glamour and romance lives on, and, in an age that too often reduces travel to speed and convenience, the experience is more alluring than ever." You had me at Paris to Istanbul. Train travel in a sleeper car has always been on my list of "things to do before I die", I've just upgraded that ambition to train travel aboard the Orient-Express.