Patriotic

 Happy 4th of July and happy 3 day weekend!!!

Thirsty Thursdays: Pumpkin Latte

Today calls for a little something sweet and in the spirit of Trick-or-Treat! Food is pretty much the only thing I get pleasure from as I'm entering into my 35th week of pregnancy. So, I don't mind at all if I indulge in one of these bad boys to get me through the day. Cheers!

Thirsty Thursdays: Tea Time

Whether it's English Breakfast (I'll take mine with milk please), Earl Grey, Green (my fave), White, Chamomile, Ginger, or Lemon, it signifies relaxation and taking the time to relax, even it it's a minute or two.

What's your cup of tea?

Sunday fabulous Sunday...

Nothing makes me happier then a little sunshine and dining al fresco with my lovey!!! So grab a bottle of vino, a thin crust pizza (straight outta the brick oven - make mine Margherita please!!), and enjoy a lazy Sunday! Here's to la dolce vita in Los Angeles and Spring - let the sunshine!

Happy Love Brunch

Show someone you care by making them a little brunch with love...

Thirsty Thursdays: Hot Cocoa

I'm feeling mellow and craving chocolate this week! What better way to wet your whistle then with a warm cup of sweet chocolatey goodness!!?? Sip from a vintage cup and saucer and enjoy. Friday isn't too far away...

Motivation

Why not be a little vain and have fashion be your motivation for keeping on track this weekend?

Thirsty Thursdays: Coffee Please

Because everyone loves

a strong cup of freshly pressed coffee and it's been that kind of long week!

Think Pink!

"Pink all by itself can be perceived as feminine, but what you pair it with makes all the difference. Think of a man in a black suit with a pink shirt and tie, or plopping a pink sofa into a listless beige room. Pink is suddenly daring and electric. The right shade of pink can energize any space." -Kelly Wearstler House Beautiful

Paint your entryway pink for an instant pop of color! Mix with gold, mirror, and zebra accents to play down the girliness.

Store all your precious love notes, birthday cards, and thank you notes in pink hat boxes!

Who doesn't love pink cupcakes!!??

Lily Pulitzer store

Monogrammed guest towels by Leontine Linens

The perfect shade of pink Pratt & Lambert's Coral Pink 2-6

Eat your MILK

Last night I tasted the most mouth watering, unusually delicious piece of cake I have ever had! It was Blue Velvet cake from Los Angeles bake shop MILK. It was so good my husband and I drove from Brentwood to West Hollywood today to buy a piece for ourselves to share! We used to live only a few blocks away from this little shop on Beverly Blvd., next to El Coyote, owned by The Patina Group, and never once did we stop in to sample the baked goods! If you are in the neighborhood, I highly suggest you sample this decadent sinfulness of cake! Opening soon: MILK at the Malibu Country Mart!

dinner last night

This year, I have been making the most of working with what I have. Creating something out of nothing. Rummaging through what I already own, and re-inventing it. Challenging myself to create, create, and create! Of course, food, is another story. When I was a fully employed Sales Specialist, pounding the pavement (Hospitality design firms in my case), I didn't think twice about spending $40 at "Whole Paycheck" only to walk in my front door with a brown bag carrying a good bottle of red wine, a pungent cheese, and some crackers. Voila! dinner is served. I am a self-proclaimed foodie, epicurean, and lover of good, clean, tasty meals. Cooking relaxes me, teaches me patience, and every time I try something new, I really do get better. For me it's not only about the food, it's the experience. It's the people that come to my table, to share conversation, to laugh, to kick back, and to relax. My favorite part of my day is by far, cooking up a tasty meal for my man!

I had 2 chicken breasts in the freezer, a lemon and a head of garlic in the fridge, and ground pepper, coarse sea salt, and garlic powder in my spice drawer. I tendered and marinated the chicken for 5 hours then baked at 350 for 25 minutes. Then, I found a box of couscous in my pantry and a half used carton of chicken broth in my fridge and made Greek style couscous. I chopped 2 stalks of celery, 1/2 a leftover red onion (from the weekend), added dried cranberries, and sundried tomatoes. It was simple, homemade, fresh, healthy, cost effective, and my husband and I both enjoyed it while watching our latest tuesday night guilty pleasure "Miami Social" on Bravo.

What are you enjoying this summer?

Laguna Culinary Arts

Sweet dreams are made of this...

Nobody can ignore a table of eye-catching candies in bright colors. In lieu of take home gifts, I have decided to have a candy table reminiscent of the old candy parlors I used to visit on family trips and at Disneyland. I also love macarons, especially if they come all the way from Laduree in Paris, the sweetest shop in the world! Ooh la La Dolce Vita!!!