Fair Street Fauna

Today we took a summertime stroll down Fair Street in Santa Cruz and were immediately hit by all the aromas that smell like sunshine. Sweet scents of garden roses, jasmine and everything green greeted us as we sauntered from neighborhood garden bed to garden bed.

These trees were braided together over time, intertwined with each other like long lost lovers hands.

The sweetest smelling garden roses in the most beautiful peach tones

It took everything in me not to take the neighbors dog home with me!

The end of the evening I made the family a delicious Bouillabaisse from some of the freshest seafood from the Santa Cruz Pier. The perfect way to compliment a day in the sunshine followed by the cool misty evening.  

Northern Exposure

Yesterday my beau and I made the beautiful journey up the coast to escape the heat that's been engulfing Southern California.  Truly it's one of my favorite things to do.  The drive is so picturesque that at any given moment you feel as though you're smack bang in the middle of a postcard. 

As we were driving up the California coast we watched the cool fog descend over the black mountains and breathed a sigh of relief. Not only is the heat a little friendlier up here, we'll also be welcoming the deeper sleep thanks to these crisp cool nights.

We'll be in Santa Cruz for the next couple of days before we head up to San Francisco. I'll be sharing my Northern California Summer experiences with you every day! The food, the fashion and the fauna. Joy!


By the way... I have an exciting new business venture with my uber talented friend that I just can't wait to sure with you, so stay tuned!

Thirsty anyone?

I came across this website the other day and couldn't wait to share it.. In truth Perrier is known for it's edgy and suggestive - to say the least, advertising campaigns, (remember the advertisement with the bottle and the woman's hand?), so I had some idea of what I was getting into. This website is all part of Perrier's new interactive web campaign starring the tantalizing Dita Von Teese and I gotta tell you, as a fellow woman I was sold! Clearly they're attempting to capture the male market, but the music, lighting and playful concept really captured the beauty and allure of women...and if you glorify us and show us to be the prize that we are, then you've got me too! This really does seem to be the new way of marketing but I'd love to know what you think, my fellow readers!

Click to watch Perrier by Dita

Blog Lovin'

Check me out on Blog Lovin'! It's a great way to streamline all of the blogs that you want to stay connected to!

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Weeks of Wonder...

Things have been a little quiet around this space lately I know... It's been one of those times where life has needed my full attention and I would never want to take up your time dear readers, unless I had something that I felt was interesting to contribute. No diluted rants for you! But if you ever want to reach me, please don't hesitate to email, hearing from you just makes my day! 

Here's a couple of things I've found in LA lately that I just love....

**picture courtesy of toliveandeatinla.com

Take the trip to Atwater Village for these killer Tacos. If you're vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, or a meat lover don't worry! They've got something for you that will have your taste buds in full fiesta mode! The Fish Burrito with Honey Chipotle Salsa followed by their delicious soft serve is my pick!

**photo courtesy of ahtseriouseats.com

Looking for a Polenta Raspberry Scone that will have you dreaming about it for days to come? Visit this local neighborhood gourmet deli. Fabulous wine's, liquors, pizzas, cheeses but if you're looking for something a little more substantial, try their burger that rivals Umami's. It's no joke!

Okay I know this sounds morbid and horrible but it's really quite fun.  In the summertime Hollywood opens up one of it's largest cemeteries and showcases some of the great classic movies.  Many of the people resting (for eternity) in these grounds were some of Hollywood's finest back in the day so in a way, you're commemorating their achievements and paying them a little visit all at the same time... I know for some it puts the creep in creepy....but they don't call it Hollyweird for nothing!

Hiking is my exercise of choice. I love being out in nature and out and about in the Hills. If your'e looking for the quintessential hike in LA then Runyon Canyon is the place to go. However, if you want to hike in a less crowded prettier environment then Bronson Canyon has your name on it.

If you read a recent post regarding my favorite spa, then you'll know that I'm a sucker for all things luxurious and pampered.  However, sometimes I can't always drop those pretty pennies in order to indulge and thanks to this gem, I don't have to!  Olympic Spa is a women's only Korean style spa that will literally have you feeling like a new woman.  They scrub you from top to toe (and find a few places in between that you never knew you had) removing all of those dry, rough spots that build up over time. I GUARANTEE after leaving this trusty spot, not only have you never felt softer, your pocket book will thank you! But  p.s. prepare to be naked in front of a room full of women. all. the. time. 

If you live in LA check these hot spots out, if you don't, then come visit!

xx

Gimmie S'More of that Toasty Goodness!

S'Mores, one of the great American past times! For those of you reading abroad who are unfamiliar, a S'More is a freshly toasted marshmallow straight out of the fire, sandwiched in between a piece of chocolate and two sweet flakey cookies... The smokey hot and sticky marshmallow melts the chocolate and with every chewy melty bite, you're already justifying your next one! Some people are extremely particular about the way they toast their marshmallows..okay fine, I'm extremely particular about the way I toast my marshmallows. For me, it's gotta be crispy on the outside and completely gooey and melted all the way through.. yes!


This Sunday, July 4th marks the American Day of Independence. Which really is a wonderful excuse for everyone to get together and enjoy the warm weather and par take in some classic American eats. I'll be sharing my 4th of July menu with you, but thought I'd start with my twist on the S'More... This year we'll be making this cherished dessert with Toasted Coconut Marshmallows, just to add to the decadence! 


Here's my recipe for homemade Marshmallows..the key is to work quickly with the freshly whipped marshmallow and have a great stand mixer than can take the work!


Ingredients:
7oz of sweetened shredded coconut 


3 Packets of Gelatin 
1/2 cup of cold water


1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 cup of light corn syrup
1/2 cup of water
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon Vanilla
confectioners sugar to dust


Directions:
Spread Coconut on baking sheet and place in a 400F preheated oven. Watch closely and take out when it is golden and toasty.

Put gelatin and water in your stand mixer and allow to rest while you make the syrup.

                                      

Put sugar, corn syrup, water and salt into a saucepan and place on medium heat.

                                      

Once sugar is dissolved, turn up the heat and allow syrup to reach 240F on your candy thermometer. Remove from heat immediately.

                                                 

Put your mixer on slow and slowly add syrup to gelatin mixture. Once all of the mixture has been added, turn up to the highest speed and whisk until the consistency is very thick. This will take approximately 15 minutes.  Add Vanilla and mix until completely incorporated.

Place half of the toasted Coconut in a 8 x 12 inch glass pan and then spread your marshmallow over the top. Dampen your hands and smooth out the top of the mixture. Top with the remaining coconut and allow to sit uncovered at room temperature over night.

Cut into squares and dust remaining sides in confectioners sugar so that they won't stick together!

....then try not to eat the entire tray in one sitting!

Stay tuned for final product pix!

The Art of Being Still...

The past two weeks have been quite a whirlwind.  There have been sleepovers, shopping excursions, bachelorette parties, birthdays, babies being born, iPhone 4 obsessing and of course, laundry piling up and house chores coming out of my ears due to my ridiculous social calendar. Finally it all culminated in me getting sick.... ugh. I'm convinced that sometimes our bodies have a way of saying 'enough is enough, time to be still'.  


Sometimes we don't realize how hard that is until we're sitting pretty (or in my sniffly state, not so pretty) in our space. After two days in bed I found myself going through some old photos from a trip I made this time two years ago to Kazakhstan.  

I was struck by how simple these peoples lives were and that with the absence of all the "stuff" we use to keep ourselves busy, they find the pure gratitude and joy in the simple things in life. Something that I definitely returned home with, that I've managed misplace along the way...

What's distracting you from finding the simple joy and gratitude in your life? Definitely an exercise that everyone can benefit from!