Apr
2013

Setting the Table: Parisian Market

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One of my favorite things is going to the farmer’s market in the spring, and buying whatever vegetables catch my eye. I love my farmers market, but I imagine the ones in Paris would be even more amazing. Isn’t everything more amazing in Paris?

The inspiration for this post was the striped tablecloth, below. I found myself near Philadelphia this weekend, and couldn’t resist stopping by the Terrain store — It’s been on my list for years! As I’m sure you can tell by their website, the store was just gorgeous, and I especially loved that tablecloth in person. I can just imagine it sitting on a table in a tiny French kitchen — the perfect backdrop for tartines and wine, don’t you think?

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Inspiration images: linens, outfit, baguette, stripes, bike, door

Apr
2013

The Official CC Guacamole

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To me, guacamole is one of those things that takes some serious time to perfect. Most times when I’m making it for chips or tacos, it’s just a matter of mashing up a few avocados in a bowl with some garlic, lime juice, and sea salt. But with Cinco de Mayo around the corner, I decided it was high time to really perfect my gauc technique. I did a couple of things to make this version stand out- the first was actually taking the time to put minced onion, jalapeño, and cilantro into the mix- nothing too earth shattering there. But the next addition came as a complete surprise to me. Extra virgin olive oil. I initially just drizzled it on top to get that glistening photo effect but that when we actually dove in, I was blown away by the difference it made. It completely brought out the flavor of the avocados. Next time I plan to whip a tablespoon or so into the dip and then drizzle more on top. So so good!

The other item worth mentioning are these chips. We’re kind of obsessed. They’re the blue corn tortilla chips from Garden of Eatin’. These are not your flimsy tortilla chips. They’ve got real crunch and are perfectly salted. Totally not being paid to say that, just really love these guys, especially with my reinvented guac.

Do you guys have any guac secrets? What are you making for Cinco de Mayo? Would love to hear!

The Official CC Guacamole

4 small or 3 large avocados, pitted and finely diced
1 clove garlic, grated
3 tablespoons minced white onion
1 jalapeño, finely diced
1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
flaked sea salt and more olive oil for drizzling

Pit the avocados, scoop out the whole halves of avocado, and cut into a small dice. Gently mix the diced avocado with the garlic, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Place in serving bowl and drizzle with extra olive oil and flaked sea salt. If not serving right away, cover with plastic wrap- pressing plastic wrap directly on guacamole so it’s not exposed to the air and browns. Store in fridge until ready to serve.

Apr
2013

Weekend Wishes

Life Lately | April 26th |

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Happy Friday, guys! I’m so glad to be writing this post. I know I’ve said it before but this Friday series I started at the beginning of this year has really become one of my favorite posts on CC. I look forward to it all week. I love having a consistent method for slowing down, taking stock of what’s gone down each week, and reflecting on all the good (especially when I’m perhaps not in the best of moods!). It’s like taking an overall little breather in life.

So on that note…. here’s what went down this week:

I did a little too much beating myself over work stuff this week. This post via Cup of Jo on what success really looks like was just the reminder I needed.
Tonight we’re going to a friends for dinner and I made a version of this coconut cake. I’m not usually one for Cooking Light recipes, but this cake is so so good. The full can of coconut milk makes it so moist. I mixed up the frosting a bit and added in some blackberries for color- will share the recipe soon!
Picked up these colorful sandals from Zara. They arrived last night and are super comfy. Now I just need a pedicure so I can wear them…
We’re nearing Cinco de Mayo! I’ve got an insane gauc recipe coming to you on Monday, and Lauren put together an awesome recipe for fish tacos and mango margaritas. YUM.
Did you guys notice our updated comment bar? Huge thanks to Katelyn Brooke Designs for that one. Kate’s actually the one who designed my site and I love having her do little updates from time to time to keep the space fresh. Our comment bar was feeling a little congested, so now it should be much easier now to share and comment on posts.
We’ve been thinking about travel for next fall and I’ve got my heart set on going back to Paris. I haven’t been since I studied abroad in 2005 and am longing for the food, gorgeous architecture, and strolls down windy streets- hence the photo of the Jardin des Tuileries above.
Did you guys catch our Mother’s Day gift guide? I’d kind of like all of these items for myself. This post also made me really conscious of our blog growth. Looking back at last year’s guide made me realize just how much our style and aesthetic (and Photoshop techniques!) have developed. It can be so easy to feel like your blog is never good enough, but sifting through the archives is a great way (albeit a little scary!) to see how far you’ve come.
I had a chance to meet the lovely ladies of Verily Magazine this week. Have you guys checked them out? Definitely add their site to your weekend reading list, and be sure to actually subscribe. Yep- these ladies are printing this magazine, it’s that good.

This Friday is made even better by the fact that the SUN is shining. Do I constantly bring up the weather? Sorry if I do, but this NYC winter has been a tough one! I finally feel like we’re really in spring. We’ve got high 60s temps on the horizon all weekend. I’ve got a bit of work to do, but in between I’m looking forward to some napping, sun bathing, and reading on our newly decked out patio. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! xx

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Apr
2013

(The Ultimate) Mother’s Day Gift Guide

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Envelope locket / natural nail polish / Crumbs cupcakes / Chambray shirt (always a classic!) / 3-month flower subscription / Farrah Sit plante r / Aesop soap (I didn’t think it was possible for anything to smell so good. Seriously.) / Rose + Vanilla lip balm / Bellocq tea / French lavender / brush set / hand-dyed pillows

Does anyone else feel like April is just flying by? It’s pure craziness. In any event, it’s almost May, which means Mother’s Day is just around the corner. I think I enjoy Mother’s Day almost as much as my mom does. I get to spend the day with my very favorite person, and it includes all the things I love. Brunch, flowers, and chocolate? I’m there.

I’m definitely one of those people who prides themselves on being able to give the perfect gift. I tend to go for things that are useful, but still have an air of luxury. All moms are different, so we’ve come up with ideas ranging from beauty, to food and decor. Although my mom would insist presents aren’t necessary, it’s nice to be able to acknowledge everything she’s done for me over the years.

What’s your favorite gift you’ve ever given? Last year I gifted a baby Meyer lemon tree - it’s made 3 whole lemons since then.