Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Seein' red & blue 2012


 Well another July 4th, another year of lovelies, I've happened upon in the last 12 months. However I must say if I see another berry dessert inspiration for the 4th, I may throw myself on a firecracker....

 Lindsay Coral Harper
 Kiane von Mueflling's abode made stunning with De Gournay wallpaper.

 Iittala bird....
Jonathan Schmuck glass... love the swirls & ribbons patterns.
 Emma Bridgewater... I love her black & cream simple wares best though.



Women love the reds & blues & so many designers do as well...

 Hermes...

 Jason Wu for Target...
 Women can rock the silk knots for french cuffs too....a must for style...
 All American Kate Spade...
Vintage Vera could be stunning if Hermes is not in the wallet...

 kit+lili for the littlest chic ones...
 Mens style...very drool worthy.
 I love Doyle Mueser's Bespoke collection.


Le Noeud Papillion bowtie from Sydney, Australa...

 J Press ribbon belts...
Daniel Worthington time pieces...they do have womens as well.
Kiel James Partick classic rope bracelets...


 Travelling to London this summer to root on our athletes would be very patriotic, not to mention London is mighty red, white & blue too.
 London's Globe Trotter Luggage is a dream of mine. This is just fab for our 4th even it was to commerate the Jubilee.
 The Le Sardinia camera highlighting London would be chic & ideal.

 Boatman Geller is preptastic & their phone covers prove it.


 Perhaps this would be more appealing considering our nations heat...

Have a wonderful 4th with your family!!
Alicia

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Wishful Pinking...


Wishing you a divine weekend. Grab some lovely new peonies, even if only from Whole Foods (here in AZ),  Ballet Pink up your nails courtesy of Essie or perhaps twirl through the kitchen & whip up a batch of strawberry ice cream but whatever you do as you do it all this weekend...be pink: youthful, cheerful & ever so delightful.
More on peonies next week.....

Friday, May 4, 2012

Bury me in berries!!!

Once again the season of starwberries looms upon the horizons of farmers markets & better produce departments. I'm excited, no a bit nuts for the starwberries. Now in AZ I do miss the times picking fresh at the farms that dot north of Metro Detroit: fresh slightly cool because I always go in the morning & oh sooo sweet.
Now in Arizona its a rougher road but thanks to some amazing farmers in California, the local markets are dotted with lovely plump sweeties, that seemingly jump into my mouth at will. Perfection.
I will confess though "au natural" is not always my whim. Its hot here, reaaallly hot,  so sometimes blended with mint & club soda makes a refreshing non alcoholic spritzer that seals the day with a cool pucker. Yes a shot of rum makes a fine mojito as well.
Margaritas...easy choice.
Of course salads always work. I actually blend strawberries & balasmic vinegar, let them marinate for a day on the counter & then use the yummy sludge to make a killer salad dressing (good olive oil, Maldon salt & fresh black pepper...thats it) which most often ends up over greens with chevre & nuts.
If you marinate slice in a balsamic with salt & pepper they also make the perfect topping to bruschetta. Argula & soft cheese of your choice on grilled bread. Mouth is watering.
Somewhere between main course & dessert is strawberry gazpacho.  It really can go either way sweet or savory.
Macerate in balsamic has become a common choice but ever try in red wine?? Rose works well too: I prefer Spanish rose its less sweet but all vino coices are wonderful.
Desserts...glorious desserts.
 Cheesecake, short cake & pound cake or top 3 but cream cake & pavlova is a must try. I loved the chewy marshmellow like meringue of the pavlova & its a killer compliment to the berries.
Then theres the kid in me that just loves the milkshake. Good vanilla, strawberries, milk & my stick blender...heaven.
You didnt think I forgot chocolate covered strawberries did you....heck no!!
And of course jam: fridge jam is just berries, sugar & water. Now its fridge, only as titled but really...heaven.
So stray from the store, hit the fields for me this year & be berry happy.
Images courtesy of Good Housekeeping, Good Food UK, Johner, Martha Stewart Living & Me,