I love breakfast, I adore parties, and I cherish my friends..

So, this morning I combined all three of those beautiful things and had a small group of good friends over for a sophisticated little breakfast party.

We enjoyed french toast (with peanut butter!), chicken&apple sausage, coffee cake, and fruit around a garden-inspired table.  It's such a treat for me to spend a special time with friends - I couldn't have been more delighted with the morning.

 
 
After breakfast, we moved to the living room to play a guessing game.  I stole this idea from Marie Antoinette  when I watched it last night.  It's one of my favorite parts of the movie and it turned out to be even more fun in real life.  Please be jealous of all of the famous people I had in my house...

Miss Helen Keller.  She can't sing, but she left her literary footprint.  Would you say she was more famous for her childhood or adulthood?

Miss Anne Frank.  Poor dear.

Mr. President Abraham Lincoln & Moses.  Who would have thought they would make such a lovely pair?

Bond. James Bond.  He thought he was Rambo for the longest time...little did he know he was actually the incredible 007...

Tomorrow morning I'm having a small group of friends over for a breakfast party, so today was my day to prepare... and it could not have been better.  I began the afternoon shopping for flowers at the nursery and for fruit at Trader Joe's.  I'm convinced that there is not a more splendid way to spend the first day of Spring than being outside in the sun potting flowers and herbs... at least I can't think of one at the moment.

Tonight I'm watching one of my favorite movies, Marie Antoinette, and relaxing before the start of another wonderful day.

This (lovely, warm, fabulous) afternoon, I got to spend time with (sweet, gorgeous, glamorous) Steffie.

We're doing a creative, anthropologie-esque photo shoot this weekend and I. can't. wait.

Here's a sneak peek of (stunning) Steffie... just to keep you intrigued.

A few days ago, I wrote about my sister, Cary.  Today, I want to tell you about my baby sister, Kensey.

I remember when I was living in Israel, Kensey sent me her school picture and I was blown away by how beautiful and grown up she had suddenly become.  Since then, Kensey has only continued to evolve into a more beautiful woman.

There are so many little glimpses of Kensey that few people get the privaledge of seeing.  As her big sister and someone who has known Kensey for her entire life... I've been blessed to see some of those things - things that run deeper than outer beauty and which, quite often, outshine it.

Kensey has one of the most natural senses of humor that I've ever witnessed.  She can make me laugh in any circumstance.  Sometimes I beg her, "Kensey, say this!" or, "Kensey, do this!"  And when I'm lucky, she'll oblidge me.  I love to laugh.  That's why I love to be around my baby sister.

Kensey also has a huge heart that is willing to love people that are hard for me to love.  When I've said something rude or judgemental about someone, she will be the first to defend them.  Kensey loves those who are hurting, those who have no one, those who aren't loved by most.

I treasure my little sister... for everything that she is.

 

Today's sunshine and warm breeze brought on all the feelings of summer for me.  I rushed home from work, grabbed my bathing suit, stretched out on the back porch for a tan, and sleepily soaked in some of the sun's warm rays.  Perfect.

I had my camera nearby and decided to practice shooting while the sun was still high in the sky.  I got a few very mundane images such as this one: