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I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day in all its Hallmarky-cheesy-romantic glory, but I do like it as a day to celebrate all kinds of love in your life.
So here are a few things from this weekend where I enjoyed a lil’ Valentine’s love with some of my sweets!
Since I think the best Valentines are in elementary school, where everyone gives out cards to boys & girls alike, I made school-aged V-Day cards for some of my best gals. We were planning to get together for dinner on Friday night, and I thought a little surprise was in order {emphasis on little}. In addition to the hand-made cards, I wrapped up pink light bulbs which I have read are ultra-flattering and perfect for entertaining.
And the surprises kept coming all weekend.
How great are these Kosta Boda glass lips? It is actually clear glass and the back is painted red, so it picks up all kinds of fun light, and definitely adds a bit of zing to our bookshelves!
But what really made my heart go pitter-patter are these vintage mother-of-pearl spreaders and steak-knives with mother-of-pearl handles. They were a Valentine’s Day gift from my in-laws (along with the fancy smackers), who picked them up at an estate sale, still in the original Gump’s packaging, no less. I can’t wait to put them to use and definitely feeling the love!
Finally, for a bit more pink, it is Valentine’s Day after all, these flowering quince branches are loved by both lady & gent alike, and much more interesting than roses!
And if you still need something for the loves in your life, it is not too late to make Kimberley’s Chocolate Truffles with Chili and Sesame. I was lucky enough to sample a few this weekend and they may make a chocolate lover of me yet!!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
xxo
Growing up, my grandmother always had vanilla sugar in an old Schilling canister. She would take the used vanilla beans and let it permeate the sugar – and then use it for cookies, french toast, really any thing that called for or could be improved with vanilla and sugar.
And since I have a penchant for salt, I thought I would try my hand at vanilla salt.
But because I wanted the vanilla to be really present – in smell, taste, and sight – I didn’t just add an empty vanilla bean to the salt. I added the vanilla “caviar” to the salt and mixed it all around with a fork. This way you could really see that it was vanilla. Once it was well combined, I threw in the empty pod too, for good measure.
This salt would be awesome for sweets that call for a bit of salt – think caramels and chocolates, cookies and ice cream. But I can’t wait to use it for things that are traditionally savory. I think that hint of vanilla will open up totally new flavors on some of our favorite things.
This weekend we will be trying it out, with lots of other different salts too, on all variety of heirloom tomatoes – which was the reason for that trip to Chinatown.
Vanilla Salt
It may be a little late to snag one of these Linen Deck Towels in time for the long weekend, but I will definitely have them on hand for the rest of summer.
I love linen – sheets, pants, jackets, couches, napkins, you name it – it’s a fabric that just exudes simple luxury. And the thought of spending the summer with linen under my bum sounds just fabulous. Take ‘em to the beach, backyard BBQs, deck parties, anywhere that has sunshine (and maybe a cocktail).
They would also be the perfect present for summer birthdays or as a thank you gift for any summer travels.
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend! Hope it is filled with food, drinks, friends and fiestas … and a few little luxuries too!
Images via Deck Towel via Design*Sponge
About a month ago, I had a full Eddie Ross weekend. You may recall that I went to his Color & Candlelight event, but I also went to the Chelsea Flea Market with Eddie, Jaithan and a few others. It was such a treat learning tips and tricks from him – the man is a master at finding hidden gems.
I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but I always have my eye on flatware – I love mixing in different pieces – ivory spoons or mother of pearl knives, so when I found these vintage horn knives I was instantly smitten.
They have a few nicks and cracks, but overall are in pretty good shape. I just need to take them for a quick sharpening and they are ready for the table.
And after this recent swing of New York adventures, getting back to the table will be a welcome change. And I love that I will have an NYC find waiting for me.
What are your favorite flea market/thrift store finds? Or items that you remind you of other places?
So to tell you the truth, not a ton of cooking or entertaining has been going on here. Knowing that we have a deadline on this city keeps us out – walking, exploring, eating (and drinking) – I hope you understand.
But before I head of for each day’s adventure, I always do a quick blog check and I recently saw this genius tray on the style files. And I couldn’t help but share it with you.
It would be a great wedding/birthday/hostess/no reason at all gift. In fact, my half-birthday is next week, and I have just decided that I am going to celebrate it! Or a going away present – you can get those for yourself, right?
The Fat Tray by Harri Koskinen for Alessi is a bamboo storage box with a lidded tray and a moveable divider that makes entertaining anywhere other than the kitchen so much easier. I love that plates and flatware or glasses can be tucked in the box, with larger items on top. Breakfast in bed, backyard picnic, rooftop shenanigans, the options are (almost) endless…
Who knows, now I may need to throw one last soiree, just to really have a reason to use this guy right now.
Until then … I’ll be galavanting around this fair city!
Fat Tray by Harri Koskinen for Alessi available for purchase from Alessi online, at selected retailers or Unica Home.
Images via Alessi.
You’ve been sitting at the computer with baited breath waiting for this recipe, right?
I said it was coming up and then I went and waited a whole day to post it. Because it’s not like the original version with beautiful photographs wasn’t just a click away.
So even though you likely weren’t anxiously awaiting this recipe, that is really too bad.
These bars are a snap to make, you likely have most of the ingredients in the pantry (unlike my last blueberry crumb combo) and I can’t name a grocery store just about anywhere that doesn’t have blueberries in stock – year ’round too.
What is even better is that come summer when the markets have berries cheap and by the basketful, you’ll have this recipe tucked away in your head. Just in time for all those backyard BBQs.
These old-fashioned bars will make you the belle of the ball (er yard, roof, etc.).
And you can thank me then.
For today, just thank your mother. She’s the reason we are getting these goodies a few months early.
Recipe…
Moms and grandmas if you are reading, please stop here. Not all moms and g-moms, just those that happen to be mine (or B’s) – might ruin someone’s surprise…
Now that we have that covered, this little package is just too great not to share ahead of time. Especially since you still have time to get something out for Saturday delivery (not that we would ever wait until the last minute or anything).
I must admit the I ♥ NYC shirts have always seemed a bit cheesy (right?), so I’ve never had the impulse to purchase any. But now that we will soon be packing our bags and heading back to CA, I couldn’t resist. On this stop I only snagged ‘em for the moms, but I won’t lie – there is a good chance I may pick one or two up for me too. They will be much more fun to sport out west.
And who doesn’t love a homemade treat? These blueberry crumb bars have been on my mind since I first saw them on Smitten Kitchen ages ago, and I thought they would be perfect to ship long-distance. And there is the fact that I have a thing for blueberry treats. Never mind that blueberries aren’t quite in season – this heat lately has made it seem like the middle of summer.
They bake up in a cinch (which is a plus when one is without any serious baking equipment) and look quite lovely too. Thought I’d give them some extra pizazz by wrapping them individually before popping them all together in a ziploc – not glam but keeps the air out and keeps things confined incase they get a bit bumped around in route.
Other than the blueberries, t-shirts and boxes (you know – the main parts), everything else I had on hand. Butter, sugar, flour – check. I wrapped the shirt in tissue and twine and the cookies in parchment. The recipe on a notecard and a note on stationary and out it went. I picked up the boxes at the Jam Paper near my house, which I loved – they were supposed to be blue on the outside, but I swapped it to make for easy writing/mailing and the bright color another added surprise inside.
I can’t say how little this cost (in case mom does read on) but I will say it was much less than the usual flowers and I think will be appreciated much more!!
Have you sent a care package lately? Received one? What is your favorite thing to get/give?
Don’t worry … the recipe for these treats are up next!
Congrats Kelly – you have won the pair of Creative Candles tapers. Email me with your address and I will get them sent your way.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
I was just chatting with a friend who is hosting a baby shower this weekend and she asked me for ideas for favors. I am not always a huge fan of favors in the traditional sense – where they are forced or expected – truly, what am I supposed to do with this one tiny frame? I’d rather the host spent more on bubbly.
But there is a whole ‘nother type of favor that I really like. Something thoughtful and unexpected – and useful. Say scones and advil after a late dinner party, or cookies after a luncheon. When I have a fun activity during the day, I tend to think that means fun for the rest of the afternoon, so knowing that a chocolate-chip surprise is hanging out in my purse come 4 o’clock seems just about perfect.
Another trick I love is to have cellophane bags and some twine on hand and let people take home the flowers from the centerpieces. Chances are the vases are yours (or need to be returned), but this way everyone can enjoy the flowers a bit longer. Plus it is green and budget friendly – two items for the price of one!
You can have a little note by the arrangement with the bags, saying something along the lines of “please take a few blooms, but kindly leave the vases” or for a smaller soiree, just spread the word. If you are feeling extra snazzy, you can put some pretty labels on the bags or even have them pre-printed.
You can purchase cellophane bags in bulk online from many spots (I have bought them from here a few times and was always happy with the product – they even have ones that are compostable!) or in a hurry, Michael’s, Target and Sur la Table generally have them on site. Just make sure you buy food-safe ones, incase you want to use the extras for those cookies.
This trick works great with simple arrangements – a big bunch of tulips, daffodils, ranunculus – perfect flowers for these spring showers.
Would you enjoy having a few flowers to take home?
Images, clockwaise from top: The tulips on my table right now; Martha Stewart; Elena of inspiration + photography via LanalouStyle
This weekend was full of those little surprises that I just love. It started on Saturday morning with Color & Candlelight with Eddie Ross. The event was held at Gracious Home in Chelsea and sponsored by Creative Candles – so it was no surprise that the bulk of the chat centered colored candles.
Eddie gave great tips for updating so many looks with such a simple and inexpensive trick.
Colored candles are a great way to make your rooms, parties, you name it look magazine ready in no time. All with the simple swap from a white taper (or votive or pillar) to colored. They are cheaper than new pillows and can last longer than fresh flowers.
I particularly loved his idea of placing a big group of candles of differing heights on a coffee table or even just a single – a bit of instant drama, and a way to show off more candlesticks that are likely hiding in a hutch.
And a quick way to modernize antique candlesticks? Add a fun colored candle, and then set them inside a straight-sided hurricane (like this pic from Martha Stewart).
Being someone who is not necessarily color-shy, but seriously in love with neutrals, it’s a great trick. A quick pink taper on any candlestick (brass perhaps), and voila – instant spice!
With the colored candles (as seen on the table here), they really do help your eye continue to move up, in a way that white candles wouldn’t.
And so even though there may be a bit more color on the table than I would use at home (change the patterned overlay to maybe a smaller runner – I would want the food to shine through a bit too), I can’t wait to get more color in such a simple way. (And did you notice the candlesticks on Eddie’s table are brass? It’s popping up everywhere!)
We have more tips from Eddie coming up, but in the meantime, I thought a GIVEAWAY is in order.
I snagged some of these great candles, and thought that maybe you should have some too!!
Just leave a comment about how you would use colored candles and what color you like best (options below) and I will pick a winner at random. The winner of a pair of 7/8″ x 18″ tapers will be picked May 1, so all entries must be in by then.
Good luck and I can’t wait to hear everyone’s favorite color!
