The Minimalist Heel

As much as I wish I was, I am not a heel wearer - they're usually uncomfortable and I think I look awkward in them.  But in a recent effort to dress up a bit more, I'm adding heels/wedges to my fashion rotation, starting with these amazing Zara sandals.  I bought them in nude this week and couldn't be more obsessed.  They're perfect for dressing up a casual summer ensemble (like this or this), or paired with a cocktail dress for a fancy night out.  And, the best part - they're shockingly comfortable!

via so capricious

Blackberry Butter

Food seasons kind of confuse me - for example, berries are notoriously a summer fruit, but they are all over the place starting early April.  I'm either being crazy OCD about this, or it has something to do with our unusual California weather.  Either way, I'm not complaining.  This butter recipe is a bit different, and would be a fun way to enjoy the abundance of berries we're seeing this season.  I imagine it'd be particularly delicious on a cheese plate with fresh bread and some Mt. Tam.

Blackberry Butter

1 lb. salted butter, softened

1/8 cup honey

1/2 cup blackberries

With a hand mixer, whip butter and honey until fluffy.  Add berries and whip in very short bursts until mixed (for best results, you'll want to leave small chunks of berries).  Scoop into mason jars and store in the refrigerator.

via my own ideas

Seascape Strawberries

Upon sampling seascape strawberries at the farmer's market last summer, my berry standard was immediately raised.  Native to California, this variety of the popular summer fruit is distinguished by a glossy exterior, bright red inside, and an inherently sweet taste.  When ripe, they practically melt in your mouth.  I've been eagerly anticipating their reappearance, and was so excited to see them served as an amuse buche earlier this week at Nopa.  This summer, I'm looking forward to using seascapes in the kitchen - namely for strawberry shortcake ice cream, a sparkling brunch cocktail, and a spring garden salad.

via reluctant entertainer

Strawberry Grapefruit "Poptails"

Last summer, after one of my semi-frequent Amazon shopping sprees, I found myself the proud owner of a popsicle making kit.  While it's probably one of the most unnecessary kitchen gadgets (I mean really, I couldn't just buy popsicles for a dollar like everyone else?), it has been fun to experiment with unique fruit flavors and combinations.  Especially when there's alcohol involved.  These "poptails" are so delicious, made with ripe seasonal ingredients and quality vodka.  I can't wait to add them to the Friday happy hour rotation.

Strawberry Grapefruit "Poptails"

8 oz. fresh grapefruit juice

12 strawberries

5 oz. vodka

Blend grapefruit juice and strawberries until pureed.  Add vodka and blend for another 20 seconds, then pour mixture into popsicle molds.  Freeze for at least 6 hours, but preferably overnight.

via endless simmer

Beverly Hills Home Tour

When I'm bored, I often find myself scrolling through various home tours on Architectural Digest or my new favorite site, Domaine.  It's fun to admire the intricate detailing, thoughtful design, and chic decor of the fabulous homes featured on these sites.  The home above, owned by Hedi Gores of Pressed Juicery, caught my eye immediately.  I love the pool space (especially the greenery and moroccan tile wall) and the eclectic accents in the living room.  I'm not always a fan of bohemian styled homes, but this one seems to work perfectly.

via domaine

Friday Favorites

 

After a busy work week, I'm heading down to San Luis Obispo this weekend to visit my sister, enjoy some central coast wine tasting, and celebrate Mother's Day.  The weather will be warm and breezy - perfect for springtime outdoor activities.  While I finish packing, here are few great recent discoveries:

I'm loving these fresh, bright scents by Le Labo (they even have personalized labels!)

This gorgeous workspace has me thinking about adding a desk to my bedroom

My new favorite seasonal recipe - spring nettle and leek soup

A round up of the best Mother's Day brunch recipes

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Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Last weekend, my roommate and I celebrated our favorite Mexican holiday by throwing a fun-filled fiesta, complete with costumes, and of course, a piñata.  It was fun setting up the vibrant decor - we used Mexican party flags, hanging fans as place settings, colorful serveware, and bunches of ranunculus from the farmer's market.  We even dressed the part with these embroidered tops!  And before the real party started, we had a couple friends over for dinner, which was a great way to kick off the night.  Layne's chicken enchiladas were a crowd pleaser, and my homemade margaritas proved to be pretty tasty (made with my new favorite liqueur, Mariposa):

Homemade Margarita

Serves 2

2 oz. silver tequila

1 oz. Cointreau

1 oz. Mariposa

1 oz. lime or grapefruit juice

Combine all ingredients and serve over ice.  Garnish with fresh lime.

Clean Whites

When it comes to home design, I almost always prefer white everything.  Don't get me wrong, I love pops of color - particularly with pillows, flowers, art - but I like the idea of keeping all the main stuff within a neutral palette.  Whites tend to create a simple and timeless canvas, something that can be easily updated, but is always fresh and inviting.  While they are high maintenance, I actually appreciate the constant reminder that I must keep things clean and tidy.  The snapshots above are a few of my favorite "neutral" living scenes - I love the mix of textures, organic elements, and clean lines.

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Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower is making a serious comeback.  Gone are the days of the mushy steamed variety; today, we are using the vegetable as a grain substitute in traditional recipes like pizza crust, tortillas and this rice.  I've been making this recipe at least once a week for the last month and am happy to report that it's an awesome alternative to fried rice.  With fresh ingredients and asian influences, it's super flavorful, especially when topped with a fried egg.

Cauliflower "Fried Rice"

1 head cauliflower, roughly chopped

2 tbsp. sesame oil

3 cloves minced garlic

2 tbsp. minced fresh ginger

2 leeks, thinly sliced

2 eggs

2 tsp. light soy sauce

2 tbsp. green onions, thinly sliced

2 tbsp. sesame seeds

Throw chopped cauliflower in food processor/Vitamix and give it a few quick pulses (until it is in small pieces the size of rice - should look like this).  Heat 2 tbsp. sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.  Add leeks and cook for about 10 minutes, until tender.  Add garlic, ginger, and cauliflower; sauté for another 5 minutes (do not overcook, or cauliflower will become soggy).

Meanwhile, fry the eggs in a separate pan.  Divide "rice" into bowls.  Top each with an egg, drizzle with soy sauce, then garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

*If you want added proteni, I've also made versions with shrimp and sausage (just chop up and cook with cauliflower).

Friday Favorites

I realized this week that I've totally been slacking in the blog department.  Between tons of work, a trip to LA, and trying to enjoy the insanely warm San Francisco weather, I just haven't had much free time.  But I making a promise to myself that I'll be back next Monday with daily posts!  For now, I'm studying up on the 2013 Kentucky Derby contenders, and finalizing plans for tomorrow's Cinco de Mayo fiesta.  A few links I'm loving lately:

Gap's new color-blocked clutches - perfect for summer

This intricate "embroidered cake" is a guaranteed crowd pleaser

One of my favorite apps, Google Now, is now available for iPhone

Danielle Moss' Chicago apartment tour on The Everygirl (that fireplace!)

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