It doesn’t happen as often as I’d like, but I finally caught the get-organized-and-rearrange-the-house bug. Studio living doesn’t give me many options for change, so aside from my bed shifting I spent most of my time purging old documents and adding to my Goodwill pile. It felt great but I still have to move on to my closet and dressing room, and that’s pretty much going to suck. I tend to use those rooms as storage for everything I don’t want to see in my bedroom and living room so it’ll be a big project. Hopefully the bug bites me again soon. Sigh.
Happy weekend to you. Kiss!
Office cubby, organized. I have the Expedit shelf as my (former headboard) room separator of sorts, so I use one of the squares to hold my office goodies. Is it just me or is this always the first place to collect junk? It felt so good to be rid of all the extra papers!
Favorite summer pieces, easily accessible. I figured it was time to move my most-used summer pieces out from the dressing room into the living area where there’s lots more natural light, and where I ultimately get ready everyday. My statement necklace, Litter shoulder chain, and summer fedora are ready for repeat.
Bedside table, set. Since I moved my bed slightly I now have room for a little nightstand. I like to sleep with my phone far away so I found this awesome vintage travel clock. The face and case are turquoise leather, and it folds into a compact! Also with a water glass, jewelry tray, and sleep mask next to me I have everything I need for bed. I already love this so much more than using one of the cramped book shelves. Yay!
Glitter teaspoon set / Glitter tart servers
I’m a sucker for anything glittery. Really, that’s all this is. This sweet teaspoon and server set from Leif (one of my favorite online shops) evokes visions of outdoor summer parties with bubbly, tarts, and sorbets. Just. So. Pretty.
Filed under: Fashion
Mirror Ring / Palms of Jewels Ring / Multi Chain Bracelet
One of my favorite fashion houses has some kick ass arm and finger swag: fun and cheeky but still wearable and classy, I am in complete adoration over all of the goods from Maison Martin Margiela’s jewelry line.
The Mirror Ring is a great cocktail size and fairly simple. It’s sure to get some inquiries, though, as it’s obviously hiding something when closed. I know there’s a discreet and sexy way to utilize that mirror for a quick gloss touch-up (or post dinner teeth check). Love it!
The Palms of Jewels ring is just that: the crystals face inward toward your palms while the smooth round surface with a single crystal faces outward. I’d love to see how the glimpses of crystals look during the normal course of a conversation or over dinner. I envision it to be stunning and surprising.
The Multi Chain bracelet is just plain pretty, but still slightly edgy with the different textures and layers. I love them all but would get tons of use out of this guy.
Have you ever had lettuce in your soup? You might think it’s weird, but I promise it is so worth a try. Naturally the texture is more delicate than spinach or kale, so when it’s swimming in a piping hot broth it becomes very tender with a flavor is light and clean.
There are some beautiful varieties of local lettuces appearing at the farmer’s markets, so now is the perfect time to experiment. We used a gorgeous variety called galisse; an heirloom similar to a butter lettuce. Either variety would work perfectly, and in case you’re wondering, the key to avoiding a big soggy bite is to cut the leaves into small ribbons and add to a light broth just before serving.
For the record, this is my guy’s creation and we’ve also been referring to it as Garbage Soup — but only because the broth is made completely of scraps that would usually be thrown in the trash. Also, this version is pretty much comprised of remnants from other dishes, so the potatoes, peas, croutons, and cheese were all remainders hiding in the fridge. In that sense it’s not a recipe as much as it is (hopefully) inspiration to repurpose scraps and leftovers into a whole new dish. As it is here though, it’s worth buying ingredients for because it is so fragrant and clean, with a perfect mix of textures and some decadent bits. It really is like a bowl of Seattle spring/summer.
Spring/summer because we never know which is which, or when one officially starts. Here’s our take on Garbage Lettuce Soup!
A quick broth made from the scraps of English peas (strings removed for their bitter factor), a few tops and tails of spring onions and chive strings. Add water, bring to a boil then simmer lightly for about 45 minutes. Strain, season to taste with salt.
Slice a boiled Yukon Gold potato and line the bottom of a bowl. Makes for a hidden buttery surprise.
Cover the potatoes with the sliced lettuce, fresh peas (from the shells simmering in the broth), salt, and pepper.
Ladle the seasoned broth over the veggies.
Top with toasted croutons.
Grate pecorino or parmesan over the top and add a light drizzle of olive oil.
Filed under: Fashion
I don’t know that I’ve ever posted fashion spreads before, but I was so taken with Karlie Kloss in this months issue of Vogue that I couldn’t help but share the editorial here. I don’t pore over fashion magazines or know many models by name but I often find Karlie to be one of the few models I “get”. Her graceful athleticism (from years of classical ballet training) and the styling here make for a gorgeous shoot from Brazil.
[Photographed by Mario Testino, Vogue, July 2012]
So when is the next holiday? I’m counting down already and I’m praying that it doesn’t fall on a day I already have off. I have a crazy weekend ahead with a big convention across the street from the restaurant, so I’m taking today to mentally prepare for the onslaught of hungry customers. I’m planning a walk here shortly and maybe lunch with mom. I’m glad most of you have a weekend ahead of you. Make it a good one!
Here are some of my favorites from the week.
Kiss!
Etsy goodies, arrived. Vintage milk glass coffee cups and saucers from a French restaurant. Get this: my guy works in coffee, I love the smell, but don’t drink it. I told myself this purchase was for him, but we all know the truth. This set was just too gorgeous to be passed up over the trifles of whether or not I actually drink the beverage that’s intended to be served in them. Entertaining! Yeah, I’ll use them for entertaining.
Summer weather, here. A sexy afternoon lunch with my guy and my new-on-sale silk tank. The front is long and loose, and the back is shorter and fitted with a cut-out at the shoulders. It’s awesome, I’ll see if I can’t get good pic.
[Sunnies Ray-Ban / Top 3.1 Philip Lim / Skirt Gucci / Bag Chanel / Shoes Miu Miu]
Before you freak out and start talking smack, don’t forget my method for shopping.
Cherry pie, gone. My first lattice was a success (with help from my guy) and the sour cherries from our favorite farmer were unbelievable. Sad the cherries are gone now, but berries and stone fruit are still ahead.
Filed under: Art and Design
Check out this charming print campaign for Lego by the German agency Jung von Matt. In spite of some chatter that it’s not a completely original idea, it’s still a fun exercise. Look closely and you’ll see each one is an interpretation of classic cartoon characters using only lego bricks. Love the minimalist approach.
I got all but the last one which I’d never heard of. How many can you guess?
[The Simpsons / South Park / The Sumrfs / Bert & Ernie / Donald Duck, Huey, Dewey, Louie / Asterix & Obélix / Lucky Luke and the Daltons]
Filed under: Nostalgia
Of course the holiday lands on a day that I already have off. Whatever. I have a day planned with the people I love most. Hope you do too. Listen to Marilyn, be safe out there.
See you on Thursday. Kiss!
[This and more great old-Hollywood pics here.]
Black Cap Raspberries
Hello sweet thang. I’m a Black Cap raspberry. I’m kind of a big deal. Well, you know…some varieties of berries are considered invasive to Washington state, but I’m actually, ahem, a native variety. Oh yeah. I’m wild.
I’m considered an heirloom variety, but you can just think of me as free from genetic altering. This pretty much means that with me you’re guaranteed maximum nutrient and antioxidant potency. Yeah that’s right, I just said potency. Come to the dark side and enjoy the taste of blueberries mixed with blackberries. Seriously, I taste gooood. Catch you at the University Farmer’s Market next Saturday? Alriiiight.
Ooh, my favorite! 