Big news. We made some new friends and blended up a batch of our mother’s signature peach cocktail to soak up some wisdom.

We’re pumped to be this week’s contributor to Stately Things‘ Wisdom & a Cocktail series.

Head this way for both.

*Top image via DC&AS

I’ve been studying the principles of manifestation for the past few months and listening to a lot of talks by teachers of the subject.  Of all the different things that go into the practice of manifesting your desires, this one has really made an impact on me.

The idea removes the waiting, wishing and wanting so we can live an experience even before an accompanying situation comes around.  The Law of Attraction then kicks in, and you find yourself having more of whatever it is you desire.  There are a lot of things that enable this practice but two are really standing out to me now.

One:  It’s unlikely the desired experience or feeling includes space for self-criticism/hatred/doubt/etc., so that has to be dismissed as often as arises.

Two:  It also seems unlikely the desire includes desperate, controlling or manipulative energy so total surrender, and release of attachment to a particular outcome, is also necessary.

(photo found here)

It all make so much sense to me; though, the actual application of the ideas are definitely a work in progress.  I’ll keep you posted.

I often listen to BBC World News in the morning.  Yesterday I heard a piece on a Swiss finishing school that teaches “international protocol and etiquette.”  My ears perked up when I heard mention of etiquette rules for cheese consumption (one of my all-time favorites).

Did you know that hard cheese should not be eaten with bread (and is most appropriately eaten with fork and knife)?  Apparently, if you’re aspiring to international standards, only soft cheese may be eaten on bread – with the exception of mozzarella cheese.  Though considered a soft cheese, mozzarella should also be eaten with knife and fork.

A few years ago I received a lovely set of cheese knives, which came with this handy guide.

A few additional pieces of protocol for you:

Every piece of cheese should include the rind, in order to experience its full flavor.  Lastly, and most important, it is apparently very bad form to ever cut the nose or tip off cheese, as it is considered to be the best part.  Fair enough, I suppose.  However, when it comes to the bread pairings, I’m happy to know the rules but can’t say I’ll be following them!

I’m just really getting into this social media thing lately. In addition to my recent membership to and excitement about Instagram, I’m also chirping at the feed over at @Sister_Disco_

(“The Animal Fair” by Alice and Martin Provensen via Brain Pickings – Part 20 )

What can I say, I think these things are so fun.   Some of my favorites:

Tyga @TygaVerified – so, it took me a bit to realize this isn’t the real Tyga

Astrology Zone @astrologyzone – ahhh, Susan, you are amazing!

Erin Haslag @WELLinLA (and Sister Disco homie) – learning so much from this girl about wellness and how to live a more joy filled life!

Mindy Kaling @mindykaling – cracks me up!

Gabrielle Bernstein @GabbyBernstein – truth, always!

via I Thee Wed

As you know, wedding invitations come flooding in with the warmer months.  After Farrell returned from her friend’s beautiful homemade wedding in Houston, she and I were talking about wedding gift ideas.  I thought I’d take a little poll of some of my married friends to find out about gifts they received that were particularly meaningful, thoughtful, useful, appreciated, memorable and unique.

via I Thee Wed

Overwhelmingly, these brides truly appreciated every gift they received and think of the gift giver whenever they see or use the item.  The strong consensus was to stick to the registry unless you know the couple very well.  Monetary gifts were always quite welcomed and were often more or less prevalent based on the city in which the wedding takes place.  I know from personal experience, in Cleveland more people bring physical gifts to the wedding venue than in NYC, where envelopes are often more common.  The couple’s life stage is also an important consideration.  Obviously, a couple that is a little older and has been living together for some time is likely to have a more complete array of household items than a younger couple just starting out.

via I Thee Wed

Specifically, some of the non-registry gifts mentioned were:

• Experiential Gifts – these included a night at a bed and breakfast, symphony tickets and helicopter ride during the couple’s honeymoon.

• Consumable Gifts – such as a membership to a wine/cheese of the month club, a gift certificate to a nice restaurant and a starter collection of spices.

• Personalized, Monogrammed and Engraved Gifts – etsy.com is great for this and there are more options than I can begin to name.  Many of my friends mentioned heartfelt sayings they received, either engraved on a platter or nicely framed.  One received a beautifully framed heart shape map cutout of where the couple was married.  Another mentioned a wall hanging that has a photograph for each letter of their last name.  The options are really endless in this category.

• Gifts to for Starting a Life Together – this one is my personal favorite; one couple received a set of unique Christmas ornaments to decorate their first Christmas tree.

• Vessels, vessels, vessels – many people mentioned lovely serving trays, crystal platters, sterling silver dishes, bowls and trays made by local artists and the like that are either used frequently or saved for very special occasions.

• Sentimental Gifts – a few different folks received extra-special bowls and dishes from their families country of origin.  Another’s most personal and sentimental gift was a song her husband wrote and performed for her at the wedding.

via I Thee Wed

That you to all the beautiful brides in my life for your feedback!  xo