Design.Wine.Dine.

    • Hello Spring!
    • Fig Season! / 5 Minute Cheese Board
    • Salad Wars – Quinoa Salad

    • Mason Jars

    Last week, I met with an absolutely lovely bride-to-be to chat about her wedding flowers.  I was pleasantly surprised/ecstatic (shhh!) to hear that her centerpieces are comprised of rustic lanterns, some beachy wood pieces, framed pictures of the couple… and for the flowers, my favorite: Mason Jars.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the look of classic white, varying centerpieces (like we did for Tiffany’s wedding as seen here), but there is such a timeless, cheerful simplicity about rustic mason jars that just makes me smile.  Since her colors are navy blue, white and yellow, we’re going to stick with white and yellow flowers (with Billy Balls aplenty) and being that I had just pinned this for my own inspiration board a few weeks ago, I think I’m going to have quite a bit of fun!  My meeting with Katie inspired me to dig out a few of my mason jars and put them to good use.  Filled with bright sunflowers, they’re just the pick-me-up that I’ve needed this week.

    Chalkboard Paint

    I have a confession.  I have spent a serious amount of time daydreaming about which of my kitchen walls to paint with Benjamin Moore’s Chalkboard Paint.  Being that we’re renters, I’ve ruled this urge out time and time again, but it’s always tempting me and saved in the back of my mind for when we are hopefully owners one day.  When a reader messaged me about the chalkboard in the background of one of my photos seen here, I figured it was time that I reveal my chalkboard paint obsession with the world.

    As I was gearing up for an afternoon of entertaining, I scoured the internet for a chalkboard that could fit above our wine cabinet/buffet that would serve as a menu for our guests.  Whatever I found was either entirely too large or much too expensive so I opted to make my own (similar to the bulletin board shown here – thanks again student budget!).

    {I had a picture frame that I wasn’t using so I removed the mat and glass, purchased a piece of panel board from Home Depot for $4, had it cut there to the size I needed and painted it with Benjamin Moore’s Chalkboard Paint – about $15/quart}

    {I hung the finished product over our buffet as a menu and it serves as a space for inspirational quotes when we aren’t entertaining}

    {Chalk Ink is AMAZING.  It’s about $7/4 pack at any arts and crafts store, writes like a marker and looks like chalk without the dust or mess}

    {I was on a Chalk Ink kick so I finally labeled my garden markers}

    Summer Saturdays

    Last week was completely chaotic and while it wound up successful, I was a little unprepared for the famous “6 Man” tournament/celebration to sweep the beach on Saturday.  Instead, we played it a little more low-key with some much-needed rest and recovery and by hitting up a few of our favorite restaurants.  Martha’s in Hermosa Beach definitely tops our list of favorite breakfast eateries in the LA area and this weekend (as always) it did not disappoint.  With a stunning beach view, we sipped on mimosas and split our two favorites: The Montecristo and Stuffed French Toast special… just what we needed to put an end to the week.

    {Delightful beach-side mimosas}

    {Before Martha’s, I’d never had a Montecristo… I was really missing out!  Layered sliced turkey, sliced ham, melted cheddar and swiss on grilled egg-dipped sour dough.  Served with raspberry preserves and syrup for dipping. Aaaaamazing!}

    {The Stuffed French Toast special varies from day-to-day.  Saturday’s was stuffed with peaches and cream cheese and served with a side of chicken jalapeno sausage… an utterly perfect combination of sweet and spicy}

    Favorite Things

    In today’s design world with inspiration readily at your fingertips and just a click away, it’s increasingly easy to become overwhelmed with options and potential projects.  Every once-in-a-while, I find myself either waterlogged with design or frustrated with a venture that isn’t progressing fast enough.  I’ve realized over time that whenever this happens, it’s important to take a step back and reflect on the things that I already have as well as the simple pleasures that always manage to put a smile on my face.  Here are a few of my favorites that are currently warming my heart.

    {Cheerful Mandevilla that has taken over her trellis}

    {Delicious vine ripe(ning) Roma tomatoes on our balcony}

    {Twinkling star lights that were just too friendly to take down after the 4th of July}

    {My little Lily… So happy to be outside in the sun}

    {Clear blue Pacific on an afternoon beach run}

    {Color gradation charts for days… gearing up for the next big project!}

    Weekend Waffles

    Growing up, one of my favorite meals of the week was my dad’s Saturday morning breakfast.  Between evening dance classes and homework during the week, it was hard for us all to sit down at the dinner table together so we made up for missed family time on the weekends over coffee, orange juice and whatever else my dad felt like whipping up.  Homemade waffles have been on my mind for a while now after stumbling across this recipe.  And after finding it again on Annie’s blog last week, I just had to give it a try.  Using the easy fruit topping my dad taught me years ago, I took a stab at combining a little family tradition with the infamous “Waffles of Insane Greatness”…and I think we just might have found our weekend tradition.

    Ingredients

    Waffles:
    3/4 cup all-purpose flour
    1/4 cup cornstarch
    1/2 tsp. baking powder
    1/2 tsp. baking soda
    1/2 tsp. salt
    1 1/2 tsp. sugar
    1/2 cup milk
    1/2 cup buttermilk
    1/3 cup vegetable oil
    1 egg, lightly beaten
    3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

    Fruit Topping:
    1 large peach (I removed the skin)
    1 cup sliced strawberries
    1 cup raspberries
    1 cup blackberries
    1/2 cup blueberries
    1 tbsp. French vanilla coffee creamer (liquid form)

    Directions

    Waffles:
    In a medium mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients and whisk together to blend.  In a separate medium mixing bowl, beat together the milk, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg and vanilla extract.  Add the dry ingredients and mix together until the batter is smooth with few lumps.  Set aside for 30 minutes and prep fruit topping. Preheat waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.

    Fruit Topping:
    Combine all fruit in a mixing bowl and drizzle French vanilla creamer over the top so that the fruit is lightly coated.  Mix together.

    Remove waffles from the waffle iron, butter (if desired) and serve with fruit topping.  Syrup is not needed as the fruit is bursting with natural sweetness and the French vanilla creamer creates the perfect consistency while adding a delightful twist.  While some people will insist on having syrup on their waffles, urge them to try it without.

    Bulletin Board DIY

    When my boyfriend and I were looking at apartments (almost a year ago – time flies!), both a beach side location and a spare bedroom/office were at the top of our list.  Being that we were on an entrepreneur’s/student’s budget, the first prevailed when we found a rare bright and airy loft in the South Bay without an extra room to call an office.  As a person currently juggling several projects, I think it’s imperative to be organized.  And as a designer, I’m always looking at aesthetically pleasing, inspirational and functional organization materials.  I’ve been eying this bulletin board for a while now to serve as an inspiration board next to my desk, but the two size options didn’t quite work with the wall space that I have (and I’m not paying that kind of  price for a bulletin board).  I decided to take a shot at making my own instead (using this economical alternative) and to my surprise, it turned out just lovely.  I can’t wait to hang it on our wall!

    Being that I didn’t want the existing wood frame, I removed it using a hammer and screw driver to separate it at the corners.  I ironed the fabric (oatmeal denim from JoAnn’s) pulled it tight and used a staple gun to hold it in place.

    It was important to me that the visible grain of the fabric be perfectly horizontal and vertical on the front so while the fabric looks unevenly applied on the back, it looks great from the front.

    Front of the bulletin board once the fabric has been applied.

    Next I applied antique gold upholstery nail head detailing around the border to give it a finished and decorative look.  I spaced them 2″ apart and they were $1.99/24 pack at JoAnn’s.

    Voila!

    And all for under $20!

    Wine Wednesday

    While I’ve got a bit of a summer Sauv Blanc obsession, there’s almost nothing I enjoy more than a great red.  Enter Radoux-Ferriere, an utterly perfect blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  Cab, Merlot and Cab Franc are typical components of Bordeaux style wines, however Syrah is not and that is exactly what sets this elegant and complex blend ahead of the norm while putting a California spin on tradition.  Barrel aged and meticulously blended for 24 months, the resulting rich chocolate and raspberry flavors make Radoux-Ferriere the perfect pair to red meat and other rich foods.  We enjoyed this on a recent weekend night-in with a plate of assorted cheeses and I can still remember every bit of the unforgettable savory flavor.  Enjoy Radoux-Ferriere, available exclusively at ONEHOPE Wine beginning next month.  Cheers!

    Lake Tahoe

    While living in LA has its perks, life here frequently leaves me craving lush greenery, open space and fresh air.  So when my boyfriend asked me to accompany him on a business trip to Lake Tahoe over the weekend, I jumped at the opportunity to get away from the city (and the overly dramatized ‘Carmageddon‘).  Being that this was my first trip to Tahoe, I was thrilled that it was just as beautiful as I’d imagined.  Our weekend was filled with the great outdoors, tasty eats, some eventful golf tournament work and just enough relaxation time to leave me feeling completely refreshed.  Here are some of my favorite things from the weekend that I’m already missing.

    Picturesque views and mountainous terrain.

    Sparkling, clear, turquoise water.

    Green pines juxtaposed against a clear blue sky… something that made me
    a little homesick for Michigan.

    The smell of fresh cut grass and stunning views on Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.

    Some of the greatest sweet coconut prawns I’ve ever had… served with Thai chili aioli and horseradish dipping sauce from The Beacon Bar and Grill at historic Camp Richardson.

    Hands down the best dirty burger we’ve ever ordered… properly named “The Kitchen Sink” and served open face with chili, swiss, pepper jack, cheddar, sautéed onions, jalapeno, bacon, fried egg and avocado… with a side of garlic fries. YUM.
    (Also from The Beacon Bar and Grill).

    Scrumptious sweets from the Camp Richardson Coffee Shop.

    Best Smoothie Ever

    I contemplated whether to title this post “60 Second Smoothie” or “Best Smoothie Ever” as both would be entirely true.  I picked the latter when I remembered how my friend (who originally shared this concoction with me) sold it: “This is the best smoothie you’ll ever have.”  Done.  I’ve tweaked it a bit over time to make it my own, but the basic components still remain: A banana, frozen fruit, milk.  As someone who consumed way too much yogurt as a kid, I simply can’t stand it in my smoothies and I’m not a fan of blended ice.  Jump-start your day with this super fast and absolutely delicious variation and I promise you’ll make it a part of your daily morning routine.

    1 medium banana
    1 handful of frozen strawberries
    1 handful of mixed frozen berries (I use blueberries, blackberries and raspberries)
    1 handful baby spinach (I promise you CAN NOT taste this in your smoothie and it adds a natural Vitamin B boost)
    3/4 cup milk (or milk substitute)

    Peel the banana and break it up into small pieces.  Combine ingredients in blender (I use the Magic Bullet and swear by it).  Blend until no solids are left and the mixture is a smooth, frothy consistency.  Apply sip rim and drink from blender cup (if you’re using a Magic Bullet) or pour into a 16oz. glass and garnish with fruit.  Serves one.

    This is an impressionable alternative to juice if you have house guests and it is simple enough to make for multiple people.  I like the taste of the berries, but frozen peaches, mango and pomegranate make very tasty alternatives!

    Wine Wednesday

    Those of you who know me personally, know how close to my heart ONEHOPE Wine is.  Therefore, I find it only fitting that my first Wine Wednesday post highlight this incredible company.  Born with the idea of integrating “giving back” into business (above and beyond the corporate style of cutting a check to a foundation at the end of the year), ONEHOPE Wine has succeeded in making serving-a-greater-purpose the fabric of their brand.  50% of all profits are donated to partner charities and each different varietal goes toward a different cause.  While I LOVE all of their wines (created by Rob Mondavi Jr.), the Sauvignon Blanc, which benefits the American Forest Foundation (AFF) is by far my favorite summer wine with its citrus undertones and crisp finish.  Perfect pairings are salmon (my personal favorite), light pasta dishes, fresh fruits and a variety of cheeses.  I can’t wait to open a bottle tonight!

    For every $1 donated, the American Forest Foundation will plant a tree to preserve one of our most precious resources. Cheers to that!

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