Peach and Nectarine Salad with Mint

In putting together an AT post for tomorrow I was going through my pictures of france from last year and ran across the salad I plan to make this weekend:

White Peaches. Nectarines. Torn up Mint. Done.

I forget how good and simple food can be when done right.

Summertime Bicycle

You guys have all seen this clip from Flight of the Conchords, right? Well then I think you'd understand why I want this bike.

WestEnd Bullet Planter

Here is the last planting I did for the project I've been working on. I've been project managing the design and installation of a sales office and 2 models at a new live/work loft place in the Marina that the Kor Group are behind called WestEnd. It's been long hours and lots of work, but the ladies I'm working with are awesome and I'm really proud of what we've done. The launch is tuesday so I'll have lots of photos and details then. For now, back to work.

Kitty Update

Update: Now with a picture!

I just found out that my mom is getting me a kitten for my birthday. But not just any kitten--my cat's granddaughter. My kitty was a retired breeding cat so the lineage has been tracked and her daughter gave birth to a litter of kittens the same day I had to put Coco to sleep. I'll have her at the end of the month. Stay tuned for ridic kitty pics.

Back from Vacation

Just spent 5 days in Oregon for my cousin's wedding. It was a nice break, but I'm slammed with work now. This image will have to make due until I can post more. The events leading up to this were: 3 days of drinking and dance parties on decks on a lake, lots of fried food, pinch hitting as a bridesmaid, 7:30 wake up for hair and makeup, taping boobs, taking a lot of pictures and then, finally, a lengthy conversation about lazy eyes.

It is going to be busy, posts will continue to be light, please come back and see me though. I like you.

First Day of Summer

We sent the girls off to their first day of summer camp today! I can't believe it's already summertime. There are so many things I had planned (in my mind) to do this summer: picnics, snocones, lounging, swimming, camping, traveling, etc.

Yesterday, the official first day of summer I made the trek out to the long beach flea market (for work) and then feasted on these donuts for lunch. I've been doing a whole no sugar/no white flour diet the last couple of months, so I definitely savored these (also, I totally ate 3).

This week I'm working and then on to Oregon for a family reunion/wedding. Looking forward to seeing some of that beautiful oregon coast to help kick off summertime. How are you celebrating summer?

Foil Baked Feta

It's been a long 2 weeks full of work (good work) and more work and then I threw in buying a car for a little something extra. I'm kind of crashing today but I promise to share more about the cool project I've been working on. In the meantime, all I can get it together to make is this foil baked feta. I eat it with tortilla chips and it's good. Damn good. From here.

Blu Dot for Urban Outfitters

I had no idea that Blu Dot was going to do a line of furniture for Urban Outfitter but I just noticed a couple of pieces on the site. I like the 3 piece side table and the yellow nightstand. They still seem a little pricey but maybe I'm just spoiled by buying on craigslist...

Mom's Garden

My mom's garden is out of control these days (with awesomeness). I grew up gardening with my mom and about 10 years ago she started designing for clients. She specializes in drought tolerant and california native plantings and experiments with different plants in her own garden. She lives in a place that's hotter than shit so it's important that she not have to water constantly and that stuff survives.

I just love how lush and colorful her garden is. On an overcast day all the colors really pop. I'll have to go back and photograph some of the details.

Strawberry Balsamic Cobbler (With Mint)

A couple of weeks ago when I was spending lots of time at home I had some strawberries that were going bad and decided to do something about it. So I made a cobbler, but not just any old cobbler, I did a strawberry/mint/basil/balsamic vinegar one. It turned out well, if a little heavy on the vinegar...



For the recipe, I basically did this to the strawberries plus I added mint and then I more or less followed this recipe.
Baking really does wonders for grief, it gave me something to do with my hands and it kept me in the house close to the little one. That same day I made creme brulee and somehow, never managed to eat any of it.

LA Picnic Time with Joy the Baker

Thanks to Illie, a faithful reader, I am now super excited about a blogger/baker picnic here in LA that, if it comes to fruition, will be hosted by Joy the Baker. She is threatening to bring those cupcakes. I am drooling and excited to make it out to meet some fellow bloggers and enjoy some time outside. I'll post about a location as soon as she announces one. Also, did anyone else make it to the Blog Out Loud Event. I was tired so didn't mingle too much...

Smog Shoppe

Smog Shoppe is an event space in Culver City that is so inspiring to me: sort of a mix of Paris meets Anthropologie meets a thrift store meets Flora Grubb. I need to visit in person, and soon. It's time to spend time outside, to grow plants and to embrace summertime. I'm thinking of hosting my annual crepe party (which has been on hold the last couple of years) and finally planning some of those picnics in the park.





Photos are by picotte.

Modern Spread

The Plain Air opening had a really nice simple spread. I love when buffets are understated but surprisingly good. They used a vintage tablecloth in rad colors, fancy potted succulents, white candles, bowls of olives and goat cheese with lemon zest, olive oil, chili flakes, pepper and sea salt. The goat cheese platter reminded me of something similar with avocados and I definitely plan on using it for a summer buffet sometime soon.

Peonies

These make me feel very indulgent and very happy.