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| happiness. |
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| Paper Basket Bouquet |
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| Daffodil Favors |
Daffodils
I recently bought some daffodils at Trader Joes and am loving the color and spring feeling it's bringing to my home. I am really trying to have fresh flowers at home- keeps things fresh and cheery. Thank god it's spring...was about to lose it if we had one more day of rain in SF!
101 Cookbooks
I have been making an effort to eat whole foods lately. I know this sounds Nor Cal hippy dippy of me, but the more I read- the more I am starting to realize just how much awful stuff there is in some of the food that we eat. I have discovered an amazing blog that is a great resource for whole food recipes- 101 Cookbooks.
I have pre ordered Heidi's new cookbook- coming out early April- Super Natural Every Day. Excited to try out her recipes...soon it will be a new natural me!
I absolutely love quinoa. It's known to be the perfect protein and I find it a perfect base for meals. I am going to make this Double Broccoli Quinoa this week...looks simply perfect.
I have pre ordered Heidi's new cookbook- coming out early April- Super Natural Every Day. Excited to try out her recipes...soon it will be a new natural me!
I absolutely love quinoa. It's known to be the perfect protein and I find it a perfect base for meals. I am going to make this Double Broccoli Quinoa this week...looks simply perfect.
Here's the recipe:
3 cups cooked quinoa
5 cups raw broccoli, cut into small florets and stems
3 medium garlic cloves
2/3 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
2 big pinches salt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup heavy cream
Optional toppings: slivered basil, fire oil (optional), sliced avocado
crumbled feta or goat cheese
Heat the quinoa and set aside.
Now barely cook the broccoli by pouring 3/4 cup water into a large pot and bringing it to a simmer. Add a big pinch of salt and stir in the broccoli. Cover and cook for a minute, just long enough to take the raw edge off. Transfer the broccoli to a strainer and run under cold water until it stops cooking. Set aside.
To make the broccoli pesto puree two cups of the cooked broccoli, the garlic, 1/2 cup of the almonds, Parmesan, salt, and lemon juice in a food processor. Drizzle in the olive oil and cream and pulse until smooth.
Just before serving, toss the quinoa and remaining broccoli florets with about 1/2 of the broccoli pesto. Taste and adjust if needed, you might want to add more of the pest a bit at a time, or you might want a bit more salt or an added squeeze of lemon juice. Turn out onto a serving platter and top with the remaining almonds, a drizzle of the chile oil, and some sliced avocado or any of the other optional toppings.
Serves 4 - 6.
Enjoy!
Blackberry Farm Wedding
I have never actually been to Blackberry Farm, but it's definitely on the top of my "wish list". I discovered Blackberry Farm from Martha Stewart- the owner of the spot was on the show talking about their recipes, kitchen and fabulous land...from that moment on, I was hooked. Everything about the property and experience just sounds dreamy- fly fishing, spa, amazing food and accommodations located in the Smoky Mountains...yes, please.
I am in love with anything that has to do with a barn- so you can imagine how much I fell in love this amazing barn wedding at Blackberry Farm featured on Snippet & Ink.
I am in love with anything that has to do with a barn- so you can imagine how much I fell in love this amazing barn wedding at Blackberry Farm featured on Snippet & Ink.
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| digging the simplicity of the flowers mint julep glasses...and of course the mason jars. |
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| ready to go now. |
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| look- they even already have a place setting for me...it's a sign!! |
See you in Tennessee!
San Francisco Restaurants
With all my oohhing and ahhing over the NYC food last week, thinking that I need to do a post for San Francisco. Sometimes it's easy to forget how good the food is right where we live...and if you live in the Bay Area- the food is pretty spectacular.
I often have people ask me for SF restaurant recommendations...by no means am I any sort of expert- I only think it's because I've lived here for so long. I wish I was more adventurous in my dining- I often stay in the same neighborhood aka"campus": Marina, Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, and Polk Street...but there are so many fantastic neighborhood restaurants that I have yet to discover- the Mission, Castro, Noe Valley, Potrero Hill, Soma, etc.
I wanted to share with you a list of my favorite SF spots and then the "to do" restaurants that I haven't tried yet:
FAVORITES:
Tipsy Pig, Umami, Mamacitas: My cousin, Stryker, is one of the owners of these three spots, so I am obviously a bit biased...but even if we weren't related- I would be going to these spots all the time. Umami has half off bottles of wine before 7pm, Tipsy Pig's moscow mule cocktail is heavenly, and I love just about everything on the Mamacita menu.
Sociale: This is right up the street from where I live- one of my top 5 favorite spots in San Francisco. Little neighborhood spot, you can sit outside- amazing pasta and wine.
Pizzeria Delfina: Amazing. Get the pizza with the arugula and prosciutto. You will go home very happy. If the wait is too long...walk right down the street to Dino's.
Wayfare Tavern: New Tyler Florence spot downtown. I love the feel of this spot- big fire and great place to get cocktails. This is always a spot I go for work things because of it's location, but the food is always top notch.
Hillstones: So I am embarrassed to admit that I am suggesting a chain restaurant (gasp)...this spot used to be called Houston's- it's the same look, location and menu- just different name. So many fabulous things about this spot- no wine corkage, artichoke dip, veggie burger and brownie dessert. Go there hungry.
Firenze By Night: John and I went here years ago because one of my friend's is the bartender. To be honest, I didn't really have high expectations for this spot because of the kitschy name of the restaurant- but I've got to say that the dinner was absolutely incredible. I am not sure if it was because we were being served a lot of free cocktails, but it is some of the best Italian food that I have had in SF.
Little Star Pizza: Deep dish, incredible pizza...one piece and you'll be stuffed- totally worth it- my favorite is the Mediterranean Chicken. I don't love the location- but the pizza is worth going off campus.
La Med: John used to live around the corner from this spot and I still have never gotten sick of the food- consistent and affordable- always happy at the end of my meal. I sadly have only ordered one thing for the many years that I have been going here (Middle Eastern Plate with Lamb Lule)...it's just so good- can't imagine ordering anything else.
Boulette's Larder: We rented this spot out for my mom's birthday a couple of years ago and it's just dreamy- we ate right in the kitchen- the food and experience was out of this world. I am not sure how dreamy the night would be if I had to pick up the bill, but if you have someone else hosting- suggest this spot. Right in the ferry building.
Cavallo Point: Pass the expensive and snotty Murray's Circle and head straight to Farley Bar. Across the bridge, I adore this location and spot. Great martinis and bites at Farley Bar.
I often have people ask me for SF restaurant recommendations...by no means am I any sort of expert- I only think it's because I've lived here for so long. I wish I was more adventurous in my dining- I often stay in the same neighborhood aka"campus": Marina, Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, and Polk Street...but there are so many fantastic neighborhood restaurants that I have yet to discover- the Mission, Castro, Noe Valley, Potrero Hill, Soma, etc.
I wanted to share with you a list of my favorite SF spots and then the "to do" restaurants that I haven't tried yet:
FAVORITES:
Tipsy Pig, Umami, Mamacitas: My cousin, Stryker, is one of the owners of these three spots, so I am obviously a bit biased...but even if we weren't related- I would be going to these spots all the time. Umami has half off bottles of wine before 7pm, Tipsy Pig's moscow mule cocktail is heavenly, and I love just about everything on the Mamacita menu.
Sociale: This is right up the street from where I live- one of my top 5 favorite spots in San Francisco. Little neighborhood spot, you can sit outside- amazing pasta and wine.
Pizzeria Delfina: Amazing. Get the pizza with the arugula and prosciutto. You will go home very happy. If the wait is too long...walk right down the street to Dino's.
Wayfare Tavern: New Tyler Florence spot downtown. I love the feel of this spot- big fire and great place to get cocktails. This is always a spot I go for work things because of it's location, but the food is always top notch.
Hillstones: So I am embarrassed to admit that I am suggesting a chain restaurant (gasp)...this spot used to be called Houston's- it's the same look, location and menu- just different name. So many fabulous things about this spot- no wine corkage, artichoke dip, veggie burger and brownie dessert. Go there hungry.
Firenze By Night: John and I went here years ago because one of my friend's is the bartender. To be honest, I didn't really have high expectations for this spot because of the kitschy name of the restaurant- but I've got to say that the dinner was absolutely incredible. I am not sure if it was because we were being served a lot of free cocktails, but it is some of the best Italian food that I have had in SF.
Little Star Pizza: Deep dish, incredible pizza...one piece and you'll be stuffed- totally worth it- my favorite is the Mediterranean Chicken. I don't love the location- but the pizza is worth going off campus.
La Med: John used to live around the corner from this spot and I still have never gotten sick of the food- consistent and affordable- always happy at the end of my meal. I sadly have only ordered one thing for the many years that I have been going here (Middle Eastern Plate with Lamb Lule)...it's just so good- can't imagine ordering anything else.
Boulette's Larder: We rented this spot out for my mom's birthday a couple of years ago and it's just dreamy- we ate right in the kitchen- the food and experience was out of this world. I am not sure how dreamy the night would be if I had to pick up the bill, but if you have someone else hosting- suggest this spot. Right in the ferry building.
Cavallo Point: Pass the expensive and snotty Murray's Circle and head straight to Farley Bar. Across the bridge, I adore this location and spot. Great martinis and bites at Farley Bar.
"TO DO":
Chez Spencer: supposed to be in a very random location, but amazing French food.
Heirloom: everyone is talking about this place lately, want to see what all the buzz is about
Frances: see notes about for Heirloom. Tried to make reservations and first available was in June!
Nob Hill Cafe: I have been talking about going to this spot for years. My friend, Sterling, used to live right by this spot and we still never went. Looks like a cute spot in the perfect SF location.
Flour + Water: I can't imagine any pizza better than Delfina, but people continue to quack about this spot. Impossible to get reservations.
Chapeau: This spot is walking distance from where I live...with 1200 yelp reviews- this spot has got to be good
Farina: I just need to go and have dinner here- feel like I've been talking about it now for about a year. The pesto is supposed to be heavenly and is in a fun location in the Mission.
Benihana: I think the last time I went here was for my 8th birthday, but now at 31- people are still going there for their birthday parties...got to try it again!
What am I missing? Let me know some of your favorite spots.
It's a Wrap...
Happy Friday! This week has been so stormy and gross in San Francisco- but I must admit, I love the excuse to stay inside and hunker down. I make the compost cookies earlier this week and am looking forward to wrapping them up for my friends...not sure what they will think of the Reeses, Raisinets, Peanut Butter M&Ms, malt balls, pretzel and Frito's mix (do you think I went a little overboard? the cashier at Walgreens looked at me as if I was a total slob.)
One of my favorite things about baking is the packaging. Here are some of my latest packaging finds this week...spotted on You are my Fave.
One of my favorite things about baking is the packaging. Here are some of my latest packaging finds this week...spotted on You are my Fave.
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| look how sweet the little transparent sticker dots make this card. Thanks to Tokketok for sharing.
The polka dot stickers were bought over at the Etsy, Romantic Pink store. Love this store- check out these great finds:
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| I showed these to my mom because I thought she would love them...but she made sure to let me know that know that the french words on the packaging make no sense...oh well, still cute! |
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| scalloped tags HAPPY FRIDAY! |
Keep Calm...
We have almost made it to the weekend...thank god.
Enough with the Keep Calm, Carry On...we all know how we really are feeling:
Enough with the Keep Calm, Carry On...we all know how we really are feeling:
Leave it to Etsy to have these posters- click here to start your shopping.
Just a Glass...
Thank you Alexis Swanson for sharing the fabulous find of half bottles of wine...solving the issue of wanting to have just one glass of wine at the end of the day and not feeling like you need to take down the entire bottle. A half bottle of wine is one 2.5 glasses...farewell hangover!
halfwitwines.com is an e-commerce sited DEVOTED to the business of half bottle wines, from every corner of the earth. They sell half-bottles of wine from Australia to Lebanon to Idaho– and everything in between. These people mean business, with an inventory of over 1200 selections.
Let me count the reasons I love + use half-bottles:
1. Portion control: one half bottle = 2.5 glasses
2. Guilt free, no waste
3. Great way to sample your favorite wineries’ new vintages
4. Slips easily into a jacket pocket
5. Brilliant on a Tuesday night or Sunday night
6. Late night, by the computer
halfwitwines.com is an e-commerce sited DEVOTED to the business of half bottle wines, from every corner of the earth. They sell half-bottles of wine from Australia to Lebanon to Idaho– and everything in between. These people mean business, with an inventory of over 1200 selections.
Let me count the reasons I love + use half-bottles:
1. Portion control: one half bottle = 2.5 glasses
2. Guilt free, no waste
3. Great way to sample your favorite wineries’ new vintages
4. Slips easily into a jacket pocket
5. Brilliant on a Tuesday night or Sunday night
6. Late night, by the computer
Cheers!
Emerald & Ella
I am starting to think that I should do a weekly post to my newest favorite Etsy store...just when I think I can't find anything cuter...I fall across another store. Today I wanted to share with you my find of the Emerald & Ella etsy shop.
I am starting to think of cute ideas for Easter gifts...think these party supplies could be just what I have been looking for!
Hooray for Etsy- you've done it again.
I am starting to think of cute ideas for Easter gifts...think these party supplies could be just what I have been looking for!
Hooray for Etsy- you've done it again.
Momofuko Cookies
I got home yesterday from the most amazing girl's weekend in New York City. Sunshine, long days of strolling, the best of friends and tons of food & bevys...I was in heaven. I truly think that NYC has some of the most incredible and inventive food (must try: amazing s'mores dessert Ditch Plains and out of this world tasting menu at 10 Downing).
One of the many highlights of the weekend was our visit to Momofuko Milk Bar. I have heard a lot of this spot- but I must admit- it exceeded all of my expectations. I ordered the candy bar pie soft serve and Ginny got the cereal milk soft serve...it was insane- Ginny's soft serve seriously tasted like the milk at the end of the bowl of cereal!!
As you all know- I am a cookie fanatic and had to give their compost cookie a try...wowow...amazing! I did some internet stalking and have found the recipe for their signature compost cookie. I am going to bake some this week and will let you know if it's as good as the real deal.
Follow this link to the recipe...let me know how it goes. I am going to put reeses butter cup, pretzels, milk chocolate and butterscotch in my batch!
One of the many highlights of the weekend was our visit to Momofuko Milk Bar. I have heard a lot of this spot- but I must admit- it exceeded all of my expectations. I ordered the candy bar pie soft serve and Ginny got the cereal milk soft serve...it was insane- Ginny's soft serve seriously tasted like the milk at the end of the bowl of cereal!!
As you all know- I am a cookie fanatic and had to give their compost cookie a try...wowow...amazing! I did some internet stalking and have found the recipe for their signature compost cookie. I am going to bake some this week and will let you know if it's as good as the real deal.
Follow this link to the recipe...let me know how it goes. I am going to put reeses butter cup, pretzels, milk chocolate and butterscotch in my batch!
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| Shillers Brunch |
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| love love love these bagels |
Live Colorfully!
I love Kate Spade's new ad campaign- Live Colorfully!
Today is 20% off at Kate Spade...need to find the online code...but was just in the store earlier this week and the girls told me about this awesome deal!
Today is 20% off at Kate Spade...need to find the online code...but was just in the store earlier this week and the girls told me about this awesome deal!
Garnish
Here's a classic example of "why didn't I think of that??"...check out the gorgeous Garnish blog. I am just obsessed with this amazing Garnish Online Store for affordable and adorable packaging for gifts.
Thanks to TomKat Studios for sharing this great find.
You all know how much I love personalizing things...going to definitely be using this site a lot in the near future.
Here are some great ideas from the Garnish Blog:
Thanks to TomKat Studios for sharing this great find.
You all know how much I love personalizing things...going to definitely be using this site a lot in the near future.
Here are some great ideas from the Garnish Blog:
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| love the simplicity of this packaging. |
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| via Garnish "Don’t our no soup for you containers look fab! The idea is that each guest gets their own serving of caesar salad, with super yum Parmesan crisp on top. And what a great way to personalize everyone’s dish, by using some simple rub-on letters on our wooden cutlery! So easy!" |
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| i know...christmas is far off...but how cute would this be for birthday gifts, etc.... |
Get shopping ladies!
Paris on the Brain
After yesterday's post, I definitely have Paris on the brain. It's one of those things that now everywhere I look- little bits of Paris are popping up...right here in SF! Thanks to the Calder Clark blog- I discovered these gorgeous prints. I think they would be perfect for a kitchen. You can find these prints from Lucille's Kitchen (etsy, of course).
Just wish I could have an almond croissant right about now...then really would be having a complete Paris day!
Just wish I could have an almond croissant right about now...then really would be having a complete Paris day!
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| a french cake recipe |
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| cake made with love |
Handcut Maps
You can buy these gorgeous maps at Famille Summerbelle.
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| Ahhh Paris! |
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| Yay! NYC girls weekend coming so soon!! |
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| London Map...Royal Wedding awaits! |
Happy Weekend!
The end of the week is FINALLY here! I am not sure about you all, but this one has been a doozy. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend in SF- hopefully will get to the Farmers Market on Saturday and maybe even the Alameda Flea Market on Sunday.
As always- inspired by my dear pal Ina and going to make her warm goat cheese salad on Saturday.
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| what are you up to this weekend? |
Can't Get Enough Monogramming....
Erin Gates over at Elements of Style blogged about the most adorable etsy find...I just can't get enough of it. I am already a total monogram freak and with these products and reasonable prices- think I am going to have to do some online shopping today.
Hurry up and check out Dani Notes on etsy.
Hurry up and check out Dani Notes on etsy.
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| cutest i phone case |
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| personalized return address wraps |
Happy Wednesday!
nothing puts a smile on my face more than peonies...
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| Thank You Kristin Halgedahl. Gorgeous photo. |
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