Home Made Bread

Over the weekend I tackled a recipe I've had bookmarked forever-- no knead bread. I have never made bread before and this could not have been more simple or more delicious. We ate it piping hot with nutella. It was heavenly. Crispy crust, moist doughy insides.

It's also so easy to make that it's the perfect way to impress people when you're hosting a dinner party. It takes no work and you can time it perfectly for fresh hot bread at the dinner table.

Find the recipe over on the kitchn.

Portland Stumptown Coffee

Portland was amazing. I'll be posting about my finds over the next week, but suffice it to say, that town knows how to eat. Mix that with cold weather and grey days and I'm in heaven. I loved local roaster Stumptown Coffee. Sure it's hip and all the locations are super cool, but it's just a really really good cup of coffee and it felt more relaxed than either Intelligentsia or Blue Bottle. Plus, no jitters!






I drank it every day and was tempted to buy a bag to brew at home. But I opted not to, so that it would remain a special treat when I visit Portland.

Cupcakes seem to be helping.

It's all about the little things.

Come over and pad around in some comfy socks

Danny's got the right idea. Invite people over, ask them to switch out of shoes and put on some comfy socks. Feels like the holidays.

Want it

in an all white room. maybe 2 of them.

Via Design Sponge.

June Lake Getaway

If you're in California (or I guess even if you aren't) and want to go for a nice little jaunt into the snow I totally recommend checking out June Lake up the 395, just north of the turn-off to Mammoth. For one thing, it's small and kind of secluded even though it's only about 2 miles off the highway. The lake is beautiful, the mountain is open for skiing and you can stay in a number of really cute (and I mean CUTE, like stepping back in time cute) places like June Lake Pines which has individual cabins that appear to accommodate 2-4 people and Boulder Lodge which is the only resort with an indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna (though the sauna wasn't working when I was there). Boulder Lodge also has individual cabins that don't seem to be nearly as warm as the 'motel' area.

Fluffy Warm Hat

It looks a little bit like a cupcake. I like it in purple for some reason. Boden USA

At Home in Bed

Right now I just want to spend a week here:



So if you don't hear from me, you'll know where I am.

Verveine

Lemon Verbena, or verveine in French, is all over France: in teas, soaps, lotions, food. Known for its analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hypotensive and sedative properties it also boasts a refreshing citrus-like scent. It's taking a little while, but Verbena is slowly becoming a fragrance du jour here in the states.


Mrs. Meyers has a complete line of Lemon Verbena Cleaning products. It's amazing how extensive their collection is. They carry laundry soap, dryer sheets, carpet cleaner, window cleaner, room spray, furniture cream, and it's all phosphate and ammonia free!






Provence based L'occitane (now available in any mall in america) also carries an extensive line of Verbena Scented products. My favorites are the refreshing towelettes and shower gel.










Lipton France sells a Verveine Tisane (or 'infusion') that you can buy online here. It's a great after dinner tea that soothes and relaxes.








Seeds of Love has a great article on all the DIY uses for Lemon Verbena including scone recipes, a simple syrup for use in pound cakes and desserts, tea and a hair rinse. There are also tips for growing it yourself.






Etsy has a nice selection of handmade Verbena-based products including a verbena soap from seller valleyoftheroses

Creature Comforts

The French have this expression to be 'bien dans sa peau' which means literally to be good in your skin, or comfortable in one's own skin. This idea goes merrily down the road, hand in hand, with being at home at home. These are my goals in life. To be anywhere and to be comfortable.

This quality of being comfortable is also why, I believe, French women are so damn confident and chic. The focus is on your own comfort, not on looking right. In this spirit I share with you my favorite French designer, Isabel Marant. To me, her clothes epitomize both French chic and the idea of comfort inside and out. From her Fall '07 collection: