Monthly Archives: May 2012

a simple, delicious, and refreshing summer treat

I recently discovered an awesome new recipe that is a simple twist on an old standby… ice cream.  Everyone always loves ice cream, especially in the summer, right?!  Well, I found this great variation via The Kitchn.   It calls for layers of lemon zest, olive oil and sea salt between layers of ice cream.  What is great about this recipe is that it is so versatile.  You can use frozen yogurt or change up the toppings to suit your taste.  You can make it a winter treat by using cinnamon, nutmeg, berries or vanilla extract. Think of herbs, spices, citrus, or fruits.  Also, it’s gluten free!  Another great option is to use some balsamic vinegar between the layers.  However, my favorite so far is the combination of olive oil, sea salt and lemon zest with vanilla ice cream!  I made this when my mom was in town over the Easter weekend as a post brunch dessert, and it was such a hit!  What makes this perfect for parties is that you can make it in advance and just pull it out of the freezer when you are ready to serve.  I served them in tiny mason jars which held a good amount for a single serving.  I cannot wait to try out some different variations on these.



6 Comments

Filed under Celebrating, Diet

on the web: of a kind

Of A Kind is a fashion website that features limited edition products and stories from the emerging fashion designers behind the products.  The site’s tagline is “Know and Own” – which is exactly what the site sets out to do.  It presents interviews with up and coming talent about the artists’ process and products, and then offers a limited quantity of each product for sale over the site (think Gilt).  I love the idea behind this site, because I love supporting local emerging talent.  For example, when I go shopping in my neighborhood, I always prefer the small independent boutique stores.  This is the same thinking.  Although this talent isn’t exactly local, it’s emerging, which is great!  It’s also a great way to spot new talent and score some pieces before everyone else jumps on the bandwagon.

Check out an interview with the women behind the site about why they started the site and wanted to make online shopping a more personal experience.

Double Arrow Necklace by BRVTVS from Of A Kind

Capri Necklace by Gemma Redux from Of A Kind

Denim and Leather Max Jacket by Veda

Leave a comment

Filed under Art, Design, Fashion, On the Web, Trending

where to find great art

Animal Locomotion from 20x200

In my opinion, one of the most important parts of creating a home is choosing what to display.  An edited eye is key to this process, as the best spaces are those that have been carefully curated and display only pieces that contribute to the overall theme of the space.  This means that not everything you own should be put in a frame and hung on a wall. Be selective about it.  On the flip side though, I definitely think it is important to show your walls some love and decorate them!  Every now and then I will see a space with blank walls that pulls off the clean modern look, but most of the time it just looks empty.  I personally love to pick up a piece of art every time I travel, so my walls are a tribute to the places I have been.  Art is everywhere, and it does not necessarily have to be expensive either.  There are so many great sources out there, so whatever you chose to collect, invest in some key pieces and (don’t leave out this step!) invest in some quality framing!  How you choose to present the piece (i.e. whether it is framed and the type of frame) is just as important as the piece itself.

Do you have empty walls in need of some TLC?  If so, check out these great resources!  20×200 is one of my favorites.  It started in 2007 based on the idea of bringing affordable limited editions to the masses.  I highly recommend visiting this site for all your art needs!  Canvas & Canvas is another great resource that sells original hand painted pieces by its own artists and produces only 99 pieces of each design, and wait for it… presents it on stretched canvas!  Worthwhisland functions more as an affordable online gallery, while Exhibition A is a members only (think Gilt) gallery exhibiting established contemporary artwork.  Also Luster is an online photographic gallery, and Buy Some Damn Art is a limited edition gallery that updates a new show each week.  Don’t forget about Etsy either.  There is SO much amazing stuff on Etsy.  Two of my favorite shops are EyePoetryPhotography which features some of the most beautifully whimsical and romantic photos inspired by travel and nature and also TinyFawn which offers the most adorable animal featured prints (great for kids rooms!).

Linus Bear Print from TinyFawn on Etsy

4 Comments

Filed under Art, Design, Uncategorized

lines i love: mara hoffman, the queen of prints

Even if you have not heard her name, you have probably seen her work.  Mara Hoffman is a fashion designer based out of New York who produces some of the best prints around.  Each season, she reinterprets her work in a new and fresh way.   Inspired by travels and by nature, Hoffman mixes geometric shapes with tribal elements and vibrant colors to create some really fresh designs.  I have always been a fan of her maxi dresses, but this season I am totally loving her swimwear!  Not only does her swimwear line incorporate some awesome prints and beading, but she really mixes up the shapes as well.  I cannot wait to sport one of these at the pool in a few months!  Check our some of her fashions at Les Pommettes, Sirene, and Bona Drag.

One Piece Swimsuit from Saks

V Wire Bikini from Revolve

Two Piece Bead Detail Swimsuit from Saks

1 Comment

Filed under Fashion, Lines I Love, Uncategorized