bon appétit : insalata caprese

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insalata caprese
Now that summer is here, I am in full swing of taking advantage of all the seasonal farm-fresh ingredients. And what better way to start than with a salad, especially after a weekend of some heavy eating. So earlier this week, I made one of my all time favorite salads, insalata caprese (another is salad niçoise, perhaps I will share later this summer). If you’re unfamiliar with this dish, it’s basically a combination of mozzarella, basil and tomato. I love the simplicity of this dish and the oh so freshness of it all. Served as an appetizer or if you’re anything like me, enjoy as an entrée… either way it’s a perfect summer salad. Keep reading for the recipe… 

insalata caprese

Insalata Caprese

serves 2

Ingredients

  • 1 large tomato, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 1 large ball mozzarella, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 4-5 basil leaves, julienned
  • extra-virgin olive oil
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. On a platter arrange tomato and mozzarella slices, alternating and overlapping them.
  2. Sprinkle salad with basil and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
  3. Season salad with sea salt and pepper to taste.

the style list : bold necklaces

Posted in style by

bold necklaces

Bonjour lovelies! Are you all having a great start to the week? I have to admit after a celebratory weekend, I had (and very much needed) an extra dose of caffeine yesterday. But now, I am fully charged and ready to go for today’s installment of the style list. Have any of you joined the bold necklace trend? I must admit when it comes to wearing jewelry, I have a very minimalistic approach, and my daily wear usually consists of earrings and my wedding band. As of lately, though, I’m making a statement with some neck candy. So I’ve rounded five favorites that just might leave you to wanting to make a statement of your own. Keep reading for my picks…

{1} greek play

{2} truly turquoise

{3} lovely bloom

{4} summer standout

{5} beautiful bouquet

pretty palette : smitten with strawberries

Posted in inspiration by

smitten strawberry

Summers in California mean some major strawberry season. I remember as a little girl making trips to strawberry stands and bringing home baskets full of strawberries. Since I do all my strawberry pickings at the grocery store these days, I am looking forward to next month, as I hope to stop at one of those stands during my travels. So to kick things off this week, I decided to create an inspiration board full of this vibrant little berry. Perfectly good by themselves, mixed into a cocktail, or layered with cream and cake for a delicious parfait… there is no wrong way to eat them! What can I say, I am completely smitten with strawberries! I hope you all are having a great start to the week!

*images {row 1} strawberry escort cards, strawberry ice cream, bowl of strawberries {row 2} strawberries and cream icebox bars, strawberry pistachio semifreddo, strawberry pina colada {row 3} strawberry tiramisu, strawberry sauce, strawberry parfaits

bon weekend : birthday girl

Posted in life by

bon weekend birthday

I turn 29 today and feeling more giddy than usual… I’m so excited and can’t wait to see what adventures await for me this year. I’m celebrating with a lovely lunch with my grandparents, an afternoon mani/pedi, and then off to a night out with R. And tomorrow will be another day of celebration in honor of dad, so I’ll be serving up an afternoon of burgers and beer (making these too, of course). But before I head off to a couple days of celebration, I’m leaving you with my favorite links from the week. Enjoy and have a lovely weekend!

Because it’s my birthday and I’m in a celebratory mood.

My paper-holic self went crazy over this collection!

Claire outdoes herself with some wood and leather… thinking of doing this in my office space.

You had me at mango lime pops!

Have had my eye on this lovely for a while and I’m treating myself to it this weekend!

*image via sweet thing

with a twist : root beer floats

Posted in life by

dad's root beer float

In honor of Father’s Day I thought it would be fun to serve up root beer floats using Dad’s Old Fashioned Root Beer… How perfect is that?! In my version of this American classic, I twist things up a bit and don’t use traditional ice cream but gelato instead. And of course I use my favorite from Talenti… it makes for a richer and creamier float. Delicious! So on this Father’s Day make these gelato root beer floats, its a great drink to serve for both fathers and kids to enjoy!

dad's root beer float

dad's root beer float

Dad’s Root Beer Floats
makes 1

Ingredients
2 scoops vanilla gelato
Dad’s Root beer

Instructions
Place gelato in a tall glass. Fill glass with root beer. Serve immediately with a straw.

gift guide : father’s day

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father's day gift guide
Have you all got your Father’s Day gifts yet? Is it just me or do you have a hard time shopping for men/guys? And to be honest I am a little behind this year… So I’ve rounded up a few items to help me and you find that perfect gift (if you haven’t already) for that special man! Whether it’s for your dad, grandpa, uncle, or brother, there’s a little something for every man on this list. But if worse comes to worse and you can’t find a thing, I’m sure an ice cold six-pack will be appreciated… Have a lovely day!

{1} polka dot socks {2} journal {3} aviator sunglasses {4} brass letter opener {5} cuff links {6} whiskey stones {7} striped tie {8} eau fraiche body splash

bon appétit : blueberry jam

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blueberry jam

Wouldn’t you agree that nothing says an American summer like making homemade jam? I love making jams and I have made it a summer season tradition. There is just something about making them that brings such joy and comfort to me. On a little grocery trip this past weekend, I noticed the bounty of blueberries and knew I needed to bring some home since they are at the peak of their season (and my current obsession). I simply had to make a batch of my own blueberry jam! Served on an english muffin with some butter for breakfast or in our home a big favorite is mixing them into cocktails. So are any of you making some jam this summer? Do you have any favorite jam recipes? Please share as I would love to hear your faves and keep reading for my blueberry jam recipe… 

blueberry jam

blueberry jam

Blueberry Jam

makes about 3 cups

Ingredients

  • 4 cups organic blueberries
  • 3/4 cup organic cane sugar
  • Peel of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup of water

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a heavy wide pot.
  2. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Cook, stirring gently, until blueberries are just tender, about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer half of the blueberry mixture to a mason jar (or jars).
  5. On medium-low, continue simmering liquid with remaining berries until it thickens into a syrupy consistency, 25-30minutes.
  6. Discard lemon peel and pour syrup over blueberries seal and let cool to room temperature. Chill for up to 1 month.