Sometimes it’s the lead up that can be the most fun: prepping for the party is so part of the joy.
Love too that the second daughter and the second son’s girlfriend are getting in on the game, they spent the better part of their Saturday making up some amazing dips and things.
Writing this during second half of super bowl, kind of hoping the Pats win as oldest daughter’s man is extremely attached and I want her to have a good week, lol.
Anyways, we did some New England lobster rolls, good old tenderloin sandwiches with arugula and horseradish cream sauce, a couple of Georgia peach tarts and a double batch of Katharine Hepburn brownies. We took it all on the road, two son’s hosted the party, so happy.
Last day of the first month and honestly we’re having a hard time leaving the house, yet leave the house we do: there’s travel, and work, and life, and a fun little coat.
We like to share resources, and one nice find was a boutique in Coronado, CA, Paris & Me. A mother and daughter team, we love that, with great little European inspired pieces, at great little prices. Lizzie and I were out there sourcing colleges, and of course had to source some new clothes.
Picked up this black sweater for moi, and the fun white coat for her, which we borrowed today for the office run. LOVE both, she also got a fun pair of faux leather lace-up leggings.
Check out their site here, Paris & Me, or better yet, stop in when you’re day tripping, :), the on site collection is quite nice.
We’ve talked about our go-to column of black, and while not original it get’s us out the door.
loving this Cosabella bodysuit, it goes under anything
We’re easing back into our style work and one little piece we simply can’t get enough of is this simple little bodysuit. It’s like wearing a pair of tights on your torso: slim, clean, and 3/4 sleeves. Picked this up locally at Lace & Day, they really know their stuff, and now encouraging clients and friends to pick one up too. Gifted one to the third daughter, and she’s got the layering look going as well.
kind of a smile
kind of serious yet LOVE the boots
Colleague stopped in and she and I were talking about wearing versus not wearing the clothes we collect. It’s so easy to fall into wardrobe default. Yeah, the jeans are for sure default yet the blouse is new. I say, for the new year, let’s all wear what we have, and wear what we buy. This silk graphic cutaway would be so corporate/office appropriate all suited up, popped it over the bodysuit and paired with denim, sandals, and glitter socks to be fun instead. We’re loving socks, with any footwear at all.
this is what we do at the office…not really
glitter socks with sandals, you bet
this is our new high heel height
Know we have to break free of the denim habit, just can’t shake it. One habit that’s gone for sure is any heel height over 3″. No way.
We’re in the studio suite today and tomorrow, and then back again Monday, January 23rd. Working with all things spring 17, and some samples at half off too.
Every day dress, layer it, and wear your good stuff.
wine and bread, yes, please. no detox going on here
standard issue caesar, as good and solid as denim in the wardrobe
I’ve always got two pans going, want those things to cook, not steam
honestly this tastes way better than it looks
no need to buy frozen fries, slice those babies up and add kosher salt, cayenne, and olive oil
asparagus in the wok, yes, please
real cheese only, pasteurized need not apply
gotta love the two pot technique for the home cook
it’s winter, let’s cook
Already mid-January, and after last months shenanigans we’ve barely left the house. We’ve been cooking, and cleaning, and organizing exciting things like the spice cabinet; actually every single kitchen cabinet.
Family meal time has become kind of sacred, and now no-one is in any hurry to leave the table. Even when the man is away we’ve made simple things for the three of us like penne Carbonaro instead of calling for take-out. Add a glass of wine and life is beautiful.
Yeah, we’ve been at the studio showroom here and there, yet we’re really doing what feels right now and knowing the style stuff will kick in. Besides, it’s kind of dark outside for outfit photos, and we’ve been in dress down mode lately. We know the ultimate combination is a great meal, a great outfit, a great setting, all in the company of those you love. Spring is just around the corner, and we’re simply trusting ourselves to get there when the time is right.
Fifth child, third daughter turned eighteen Sunday, New Year’s Day.
She’s not crazy about her birthday, I think she thinks it’s kind of not special, especially after all the holiday hustle. One year- she and I will never forget it- completely fried, I asked her if it was okay if her cake didn’t have frosting, never again.
So now I pace myself, and make sure there’s enough juice to celebrate properly. Birthday’s around here are most often a family dinner, at home. Cooked up a bunch of batches of Bolognese, a big caesar salad, and baked off two cheesecakes, each in a large tart pan as the springform pans went somehow missing, and cooled them off quickly outside.
She’s worn the same paper crown for five years now, kind of like a good outfit, when it works simply hit replay. We picked that up in Northern CA at a little french gift shop while in wine country.
Today, three days into the new year, the house is completely picked up and cleared out. We’re ready for all the freshness each day brings with it.
Happy birthday, Lizzie. We love you more than you’ll ever know.
Indoor garland down, white poinsettia rotated to white tulips, and the Christmas morning ham is transformed with red split lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves and thyme into soup, just like that.
Christmas dinner roses now on the kitchen table, small changes, always moving towards a new day, and this week a brand new year.
prepping the beef, lots of rosemary, kosher salt, and pepper
jewel cookies by me, baklava by EJ
Cooking, dining, celebrating and serving have been the theme the last few days. We’ve covered the table with newspaper for king crab legs and mac and cheese. Ham and eggs, with a bloody on the side. Tenderloin and mashed too. Flowers, totally simple: a big bouquet of red roses bought at the grocery Christmas Eve day and then cut down into 3 small on the rocks glasses. Of course white votives, and branches of greenery laid down too. Do it yourself.
As for gifts? This man of mine never knew thirty or so years ago that he’d become a collector of fine handbags, yikes. One of our first trips together took us to a Caribbean island and of course I had to get a new bag to go with my swimsuit, which at the time was a little one-shouldered number. I took that bag on small little boats and held it overhead when we walked to shore.
Now at Christmas he gifts the five women in his life a brand new bag, Santa Baby indeed. Thank god he’s a really excellent lawyer. 🙂 We use them all year-long, and years after that, and they’re often traded around. The afterglow continues.
a feathered ornament, with cash!
cloth lobster bibs from sister in CA, how cool!
my phone on the table, how rude!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year week to all. With these holidays on a Sunday this year it feels like three straight weeks of hustle.
mini and me in off the shoulder
yes, there really is a Santa
Every day dress, and wishing you all a continuous glow.
Yeah, we’ve baked for days and have pretty much gifted it all away. There’s been outfits, and parties, and travel.
Took a break from social media for a bit, know the holiday season even in the best of times can be trying and filled with emotion. So needed to hit pause, for myself and maybe for you.
It’s Christmas Eve day, and I’m tucked in with good food stock and wine. This man of mine I’ve been with for over thirty years has taught me to give and go beyond. So give and go we do.
Market run early this morning was fresh, and colorful. We’ll continue to roast, and bake, and celebrate. In the spirit of abundance, let’s all now gift it away.
Holiday production mode moving into higher gear for everyone.
We’ve been trimming trees, hanging small white lights, and decorating with natural material and things we have on hand. You know we like the glow of small white votives, and pine cones and greenery can spruce up anything.
Started some baking detail today, and this huge spool of red and white twine is just the thing to wrap small loaves in parchment for gifting.
Day by day, we’re all getting there.
Special heartfelt prayers for families and friends that really need love, strength, and a warm glow.
No staff here, nary even a committee. We believe, yet getting there can feel huge.
Yesterday, wore some new red shoes to the office.
Today, picked up a pair of white poinsettia to bookend the fireplace and a pair of ivy topiary for the countertop of home central. White and green, we can do that all season long.
Three small steps, and so it begins.
No gift guides here, simply some amateur photography, peace and good will.
