Greek Cucumber Salad

July 12, 2011

It’s officially bikini season and in my effort to cut back, our fridge is stocked with tons of healthy salad ingredients. To be honest, I get really tired of plain, leafy greens so I try to mix it up to keep things interesting and stay on track. For me, sometimes that means cutting the lettuce all together and substituting cucumbers. I know, I know, spinach and spring mix are better for you, but I promise the crisp freshness of this delicious Greek Cucumber Salad will not disappoint.

2 large cucumbers (peeled and chopped)
2 cups sweet cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2 large red onion (thinly sliced)
1 ripe avocado
2/3 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and quartered)
*I use Mezzetta brand Pitted Kalamata Olives Marinated with Herbs and Napa Valley Cabernet
2 tbsp. Greek dressing
*I use Girard’s Greek Feta
Sprinkle of feta cheese
Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste

Serves 4 as an appetizer, 2 as an entrée.

T & T

July 11, 2011

After a hard drive crash and the loss of all of my software and data last week, I’m happy to say that I’m finally up-and-running and ready to share my most recent and largest floral job – the La Jolla wedding of our friends Tiffany and Troy. As I mentioned here, Tiffany had collected hundreds of containers (and candlesticks turned vases) for their big day. Each was different from the next (varying in size and height) to create an absolutely stunning array of ivory centerpieces running the lengths of large, rectangular tables seating 14+ people. With some careful calculation, a few unexpected obstacles and an impulse decision to stock up on roughly 300 hundred extra stems, my mom and I were able to pull off the feat together. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone that helped us along the way, including my mom (who has taught me everything I know about flowers and flew here from Michigan to help), my boyfriend (for his fabulous hydrangea clipping and heavy lifting skills) as well as his incredible aunt an uncle that lent us their space, kept us fed and hydrated, assisted in a successful delivery and were there for moral support.

I’m hoping to have access to some professional shots soon, but couldn’t wait to share these in the interim. For floral inquiries, please email me at megan.robinson12@gmail.com.

Final floral placements on the patio at The Darlington House in La Jolla, CA.

Five armed candelabra turned floral arrangement for the sweetheart table.

A simple silver bowl overflowing with hydrangeas, peonies, dahlias and ranunculus.

Tall, stemmed, apothecary containers with a floral cupcake tray in the background.

Collecting Coral

June 30, 2011

Summertime has arrived! Today was arguably the most beautiful day we’ve had so far this year in LA’s South Bay. Famous for its endless sunshine, Manhattan and Hermosa Beach were unfortunately doomed with an unusually chilly all-summer-June-Gloom last year. Needless to say, I’m thrilled that 2011 is turning out to be quite the opposite. The clear blue skies and views from Malibu to Palos Verdes were just too tempting for me to spend my afternoon in the office. Instead, I took a stroll on the sand, broke out my summer coral collection and gave our place a much needed beach-chic update.

I love this piece of coral between a unique turquoise vase and mercury glass container.

Top off plain bookshelves with a few striking pieces of coral or shells to add a summery, ocean getaway feel to your home. Take it a step further by stacking books bound in cool oceanic hues.

$3 shell vase find at a local florist that was relocating.

Add coral to unexpected places (as shown on top of a stack of rustic wood drink coasters).

Wedding Flowers

June 29, 2011

There is always something nerve-wracking about the few days prior to a large floral delivery – particularly with weddings. A friend of mine is getting married this weekend and as our gift to her, my boyfriend and I are taking care of the flowers (with me arranging them of course). That being said, I’m not settling with anything less than perfection… so the pressure is on! As one of the founding partners of ONEHOPE Wine, Tiffany has the most incredible style and has been collecting hundreds of mercury glass containers and votive holders for her vintage-chic (with a little hint of rustic Napa) nuptials. Almost none of the vases are the same, which makes it tough logistically, but well worth it in the end for the aesthetic variation and interest. In preparation for her big day, we got together to take one last container count and I just had to share some of my favorites.

Appropriately labeled “gigantivase”.

I’m loving this scalloped goblet.

Three tiered cupcake stand that will be covered in flowers rather than sweets.

Delicate jeweled candelabra turned gorgeous centerpiece.

Peony Perfection

June 28, 2011

While I have an appreciation for all flowers, in my opinion there is none more perfect than the peony. Starting as a tiny little ball (smaller than a golf ball) peonies mature into stunning blooms often in excess of 5 or 6 inches in diameter. Their array of gorgeous hues combined with an undeniably sweet scent make this romantic flower a top pick amongst brides and women in general (hint, hint, gents!). Always a crowd pleaser, they are a great addition to any interior space and promise to make a statement in even the simplest vase. In LA, we don’t typically have peonies past the second week of July, so in honor of a great season (or in my sadness of them going out of season), I picked up a bunch in my favorite color.

Cut the stems short and arrange a few of them in a simple glass or silver julip vase.

Don’t worry about keeping the color uniform. Peonies are prettiest when natural and mixed with various shades.

Smitten with Seattle

June 27, 2011

When our friends decided to get married just outside of Seattle, I was thrilled to have an excuse to finally visit the famously rainy city. I had never been, but the allure of the first Starbucks, Sur la Table and Pike Place Market were enough to have me packing my rain coat weeks before the big day. As a designer, I was ecstatic that the city was even better than I had imagined and I couldn’t get enough of the endless historic brick buildings, cobblestone alleyways, fresh seafood and flowers, and countless design shops scattered around town. I came back to LA completely refreshed, inspired and with an overwhelming desire to return to Seattle someday soon.