Here and there

Not only am I a huge fan of the Olympics, but now that I have a sibling living in the host city I've been glued to the events in an even more obsessive way. I love watching the outdoor events because you get a great aerial view of London. So, apologies for the lack of posts. That's where I've been.

I've also been here, in my favorite garden with my favorite garden shed with my favorite red door:

Soaking up the green of Pennsylvania.

Fashion/style:

You could win a diaper bag from So Young Mother at Cup of Jo today. It seems rather large and unisex so dads would like it too.

Travel over to Pacing the Panic Room to say goodbye to Ryan as he shuts down his family blog. I've enjoyed reading his thoughts on parenting and will miss him in my blogroll.

Want to take macro photos with your iphone? Check out this tip on Apartment Therapy for placing a drop of water on your iphone camera and getting a macro effect!

Interior design:

Head over to Young House Love to win an Epson Stylus wireless printer.

It's hard to find a house with character. I'm not really in the market for a house but it's something that's top on my list if not the most important element when looking for a home. So I loved this charming cottage found over on La Dolce Vita today. It's positively brimming with character!

Food:

I recently decided to work bacon into my weekly dinner routine. One should have bacon often, methinks. So my dinner tomorrow is going to consist of Peach, Bacon, and Gouda Grilled Cheese Sliders on Pretzel Bread from Jessica at How Sweet it Is.

More peaches to be found in this Peach Almond Galette from Adrianna at A Cozy Kitchen.

Dreaming

People, that's heaven right there.

While looking around the interwebs last week I stumbled across this serene hotel in Santorini. I immediately did what any normal person does. I started dreaming.

I can't imagine I'd be inside for much during the day, but I love how this looks like a light filled cave.

Imagine watching the sun set over the Aegean from your private pool.

This could be me, it would feel like meditating on the edge of the world.

Talk about incredible, I hope those images are helping you wind down from your Monday! The hotel is called Perivolas, check it out here.

Storm

We had a crazy scary storm tonight. Seriously, the sky was roiling and boiling like we were underneath the ocean looking up to the surface.

Food:


Ice cream in a bowl is pretty sweet, and when you can eat the bowl too? I think that's the sweetest of all. Check out the chocolate bowls from Victoria at A Subtle Revelry.

I was looking for something simple to bake for a get together this weekend and Siri has just given me the answer. I'll be breaking the cardinal rule of baking (which is to never try out a new recipe for a group of people) with this Coconut Cake with Berries and Cream from Martha Stewart. Wish me luck!

Interior design:

Design Mom is giving away a $150 gift certificate to Pottery Barn Kids. I think I'd be spending it on this adorable elephant bedding!

Fashion/style:

Erin at Apartment 34 has curated a collection for RueLaLa and as of today you can head over there to shop her awesome selections for your wardrobe.

I liked this post today by Joy on the daily balance of working and having a child. Her experience is not the normal one because she has an incredibly successful blog and has the luxury of working from home  but I still like her perspective.

Calm

I'm calm again today. Recovered from my brief visit into the insane world of gender stereotypes. Sometimes it just all feels too big to handle, you know? The sheer volume of crap that my child will be exposed to makes me feel so horribly out of control. So for now, let's just keep calm and carry on.

Interior design:

I'm lucky enough to live near the stunning Shelter Island and have gotten to visit a few times. I'm feeling inspired by this home posted today by Erin at House of Turquoise. The clean whites and greens are really calling to me.

Finding that perfect leather sofa is never easy. Emily Henderson makes it feel a bit easier with her roundup and tips on choosing the right one for you. Pretty much it comes down to this: The Chesterfield is the best couch ever.

I don't think any of us are going to live in a house shaped like a cloud, but it's fun to imagine. Of course, if any of you out there do happen in live in a cloud house, please invite me over! I'll bring baked goods, I promise.

Food:

I haven't quite mastered french toast, I always forget to soak it overnight and the rush morning job never works for me. This recipe for Banana Bread French Toast from the geniuses at Spoon Fork Bacon might do the trick.

Although the recipe says you can create homemade pizza dough in five minutes, Stephmodo is not mentioning the fact that you do have to let the dough sit for an hour before you can knead it and assemble a pizza. Still, it seems like a great alternative to my normal pizza dough from Whole Foods or Trader Joe's.

Love Roost's ode to the peach.

Fashion/style:

Cup of Jo has her usual Wednesday giveaway up. Today's offering is one of two dresses from the Portland-based clothing line Bridge & Burn.

We celebrated at work today because Emily Schuman's Cupcakes and Cashmere has become a national bestseller! A celebration like this wouldn't be complete without cupcakes, naturally. Sadly there was no cashmere.

Fighting the culture

It's Amelia Earhart's birthday today. That incredible woman was not only a pilot in a time when women weren't supposed to strive for more than being a good wife, but was also a feminist and challenged gender stereotypes all her life.

In that same vein, I urge you to read this intelligent post by Ryan at Pacing the Panic Room railing against the abominable princess culture that is choking the life and creativity out of little girls. The discussion is ongoing in the comment section too and is quite interesting. As a mother of two girls, it's a daily struggle to push back against the stereotypes and ideals that my 3 year old's head is being filled with. I bet good old Amelia would have a lot to say about it.

Food:

This is on my dinner to-make list for tomorrow. Cashew Chicken Stirfry from Manger.

I'm intrigued by these Shrimp Burgers with Chipotle Cream and Coconut Peach Salsa at How Sweet It Is.

A lot of the food bloggers are talking about slave-free tomatoes and how the consumer has the power to stop the horrific conditions that migrant workers (including children) work under. Check out the post on this topic by Ashley at Not Without Salt.

Fashion/style:

A Beautiful Mess has a $100 gift card giveaway to spend at vintage clothing store Ruche. Just tell them what you'd spend your gift card on to be entered to win.

I love the idea of handmade / homemade gifts for the holidays and what better than the ultimate in relaxation: bath salts. Liz at the charming blog Say Yes to Hoboken has a super easy recipe for making your own colorful bath salts with ideas for jarring, labeling, and gifting.

You could win a lovely mint tote bag from Rouge and Whimsy by entering a giveaway at Sincerely, Kinsey today.


I going to calm down now and show you the view of the sunset from my window this evening. The sky looks ablaze with a heavenly sort of light. In honor of Amelia herself perhaps.

Coming back after the weekend

A lovely weekend was had by all. Sorbet was consumed, some magical pea risotto with vermouth was made, new running shoes were bought, and plenty of outdoor activities were enjoyed. It was an especially blissful one for us and I hope you all had the same.

If you work outside of the home, do you find it easier or harder to come back after an especially good weekend?

Food:

I'm so intrigued by moody, dark food photography and I was excited to read this guest post on Gourmande in the Kitchen today. It's all about manipulating your images during and post shooting to get the look you want. I'm going to practice on some images soon and come back here to show you my new improved skillz.

It's all about peaches this week - they are overflowing in the farmers market, so soft and ripe that they bruise if you just breathe on them. Well how about using them for some lovely Peaches 'n Cream Pancakes from A Cozy Kitchen today?

Or some Peach, Tomato, and Mozzarella Crostini from Joy the Baker?

Interior design:

Oh my god. A free Jonathan Adler for Kohler sink? Didn't I just blog about how much I loved these? Well, Jon and Sherry at Young House Love must have been reading my mind because today they have a giveaway to win one of these beautiful sinks!! I'm torn between the deep annapolis navy or the palermo blue.

When I need inspiration for my home, I look no further than I Heart Organizing. Today, Jen's post on redoing her dresser in a fabulous navy blue with white hardware has me all a flutter. It turned out beautifully and gives me hope that I can do the same with furniture in my place.

Head over to Bleubird to enter a giveaway for a lovely hand wrapped pendant light from Chalk White Arrow.

That's it people. See you here tomorrow.

What are you reading? (and a few links)

Inspired by Erin at Apartment 34, I'd like to share some of the books I'm reading this summer. I don't find that I read any more or less in the summertime, as most of my reading is done on the kindle while riding on the subway. But for some reason it comes up more in discussions during the summer months, so I thought it would be fun to find out what you guys are reading too so I can add to my collection! Here's what I'm into or about to start right now:

What are you reading and loving so far this season? To see more books in my queue check out my Pinterest page on books.

Fashion/style:

Season 3 of Downton Abbey feels very far away. Whet your appetite with amazing editorial spread of some of the beautiful Crawley girls in Love Magazine, found on Tom + Lorenzo today.

Are you following The Selby's journey from Paris to Shanghai by train? He has been commissioned by Louis Vuitton to photograph the experience of traveling by train and the photographs are incredible. Part two of the journey is up now.

Food:

Craving these homemade sweet pickles from Hannah at Honey & Jam. My mom made some similar ones with a recipe from Darina Allen so I'll try both out and see what's best.

Making this for dinner tomorrow (ooops I've been up so long that it's now Sunday): Pea Risotto with Prosciutto and Basil Oil from Sunday Suppers.

A rainy day

Sometimes you just need to feel the rain. Have a lovely weekend!

Slim pickins

Tonight I stewed an apple and some peeled apricots, mixed in a little cinnamon and plain yogurt and made one little 7 month old very, very happy. I wish I had photos of it but it was gobbled so quickly that I barely had time to pull the spoon away. She was flapping her arms and squawking like a baby bird. I love creating recipes for my little ones, I know there is a very short window of time where I can control what goes into their bodies so I'm taking full advantage of it.

Slim pickins out in the blog world today ... slim but good - quality over quantity.

Food:

If I had a grill, you can bet I'd be slapping some peaches on there and enjoying this Grilled Peach Salad with Mint and Basil Pesto from Jeanine and Jack at Love & Lemons. Perhaps I can figure out a way to grill them on my oven burners or just cook them on the stovetop. It probably won't bring out that charred taste but should work fairly well.

Luisa at The Wednesday Chef is enjoying life at home with her new adorable baby boy, Hugo, but found a few minutes to post about Coconut Banana Bread today. I've never tried that combo before in a bread but it sounds too interesting not to.

You guys, we have literally not turned on our oven for the last month! It has been a cold salad and sandwich fest up in this house. Another option is chilled soup. For that I'll turn to Cannelle et Vanille who just posted a recipe for Watermelon, Tomato, and Almond Gazpacho from her upcoming book Small Plates and Sweet Treats (can't wait for that one!).

Fashion/style:


Head over to The Everygirl to enter to win $50 to spend at the totally cute Rifle Paper Co.You could get hand printed cards or other paper goods.

Should you not be interested in the hotel pools that Apartment Therapy posted about yesterday then perhaps these stunning public/almost free pools from around the world would be up your alley.

Ok now I'm off to watch another episode of The Newsroom!

Hoping for cool breezes

 Sunflower from my walk through the market this morning

Are any of you watching The Newsroom on HBO? We are two episodes in and loving it. The dynamic between Jeff Daniels and the smart as a whip Emily Mortimer is a really interesting one to watch. I can barely wait until the little ones are in bed before snuggling down for another episode.

Also, as I write this, the thunder is crashing down outside, the violence of the thunder seems appropriate for the oppressive heat we've been having all week. Looking forward to feeling a bit of a breeze through my window tonight.

Interior design:

Jenny has a giveaway today of an abstract painting from acclaimed artist Jessie Mackay. Just leave a comment on Little Green Notebook to enter.

Holly at Decor8 picked her 10 favorite items from the amazing home store Rowan and Wren. From dreamy couches to oil paintings I'm seriously coveting every single one of them.

Fashion/style:

Need a getaway? Or perhaps you're just sitting at your office desk (like me) dreaming of a holiday. If so, check out these insane hotel pools from around the world on Apartment Therapy today.

Giveaway on Cup of Jo today for pretty pink dress from Confetti by Alice Cheng. Just leave a comment here.

Food:

Head over to Spoon Fork Bacon to congratulate them on their upcoming book! Tiny Food Party is being published by Quirk this fall, I'm already pre-ordering my copy.

Check out this creamy mushroom risotto from Stacey on Veggie Mama today. She shares some interesting tips about cooking risotto (something I've tried my hand at and failed about 50% of the time).


Ok, I'm off to steal an umbrella from someone in the office.

Night spying

If I stand at the windows of my apartment I can look right into the windows of another apartment building across the street. It's a little spooky (and a lot cool) to watch other people going about their lives and walking from room to room having no idea they are in a fishbowl. Does that make me sound like a total weirdo? Sorry. I've seen some crazy stuff too, but I can't write about that on this classy blog ;-)

Anyway, all this to say, I'm sitting at my kitchen table and staring out the window, and mostly I see people doing the same thing I am: Typing at a screen, setting their dinner tables, reading a book, chasing their children around. Living their lives. And tomorrow I'll probably pass them on the street while I'm walking the dog and I'll wonder why they look vaguely familiar.

Food:

Does this blog post go under the food category? Perhaps it should go under a brand new category of awesomely cool stuff? Either way, I'm breaking out these shark bite cupcakes that Emily presents at Cupcakes and Cashmere for upcoming SHARK WEEK (it starts August 12 on Discovery Channel, put it in your calendars people). I mean, seriously, they even have fake blood inside!

I love lemon curd with a passion, oozing off a slice of hot buttered toast. And I used to have a hard time finding it. Until, I discovered it at TJ Maxx across the street from my office, and now I always have a few merry jars in my cabinet. This roundup of online speciality food stores at The Kitchn would have also been a perfect place to look for those difficult objects (like good Cadbury bars or Lyle's Golden Syrup).

Be sure to enter the contest at The Pioneer Woman's site to win a beautiful cherry red Kitchen Aid 
stand mixer!

I'm planning on hitting up the lavender stand at the Union Square farmer's market tomorrow to purchase some dried lavender for this Almond Custard Pie with Lavender Syrup from Eva at Adventures in Cooking.

Fashion/style:

I've wanted to participate in Umba Box's monthly system (where you receive a specially curated item for your home monthly) ever since Oh Joy blogged about it. But before you purchase it, try entering the contest at Sincerely, Kinsey to win a 3 month subscription.

Really excited for the next issue of Anthology Magazine. Issue No. 8 deals with people in the creative industry and the way their lives and work intertwine. See a preview here.

Steaming in the city

It's muggy and steamy outside. I think I can feel the sun's rays penetrating the glass and surrounding my head in a vice. All I can stomach is a bowl of cool tomatoes in olive oil for lunch. This week of 90-degree temperatures isn't going to pass quickly, I can tell.

Food:

I'm jazzed about the fact that La Tartine Gourmande has opened an Etsy store to sell her fabulous prints! Can you imagine how good they'd look framed in your kitchen?

These Peach and Pecan Oat Crumble Bars over at The Kitchn look pretty tempting.

Win a copy of the Joy the Baker cookbook at The Everygirl. You just have to follow Joy on Twitter or facebook to enter (you probably already do, so just tell The Everygirl and you'll be entered to win!)

Next time you're in the mood for cream cheese, try out this recipe from Fig & Fauna for Fig Honey Cream Cheese It looks so luscious.

Interior design:

Prolific designer Jonathan Adler has turned his attention to the design of the kitchen sink. I'd be so excited to have any one of the gorgeous sink line he has just put out with Kohler. From cobalt blue to a delicious sunny yellow, these would look divine in my kitchen. (Via The Kitchn.)

Check out Dreamy Whites today for a really interesting interview with Sara Duckett of Sadie Olive and a chance to win $600 to spend on Sara's design services or at her gorgeous online shop of vintage objects for the home.

The clouds were out in beautiful billowy form today.

Random friday

A few random notes:

It's Friday the 13th and if you're afraid of it then you have a condition called figgatriskaidekaphobia! 

Last night's Manhattanhenge was obscured by clouds, but the sky looked gorgeous anyway, see photo below.

And finally: I've set up The Curator Facebook page, so please head over there! You can also use the Facebook icon to the left of the page.

Fashion/style:

Win a $50 gift certificate to spend at Chicwish, the indie clothing shop. Just tell Sydney what you'd buy with your winnings!

I have trouble finding an attractive and stylist cover for my iPad. They all seem so, well, electronic. Thinking about taking this sweet idea of using an older book as a cover/holder. Found on Remodelista today.

Food:

There is another beautiful pie recipe in Nikole Herriott's For the Love of Pie series. This time it's an apricot crumble from Tim at Lottie + Doof. Perfect for me, because as you can see below, I've got more than a few apricots hanging out on my kitchen table.

There was a lovely tribute to prolific food writer Marion Cunningham posted today on The Kitchn.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, filled with fresh fruit and beautiful night skies.

Flash mob for the setting sun

I'll be one of those people standing on the east side of Manhattan today with my camera, waiting to catch a glimpse of the sun on the second day of Manhattanhenge. To say I'm excited is a bit of an understatement. Why? Not sure. I wonder what everyone will do after the sun sinks out of sight? Will we all just walk away and rejoin the rest of the rushing traffic? Blend into the crowds like a flash mob does after a dance? Act like we didn't all just share this amazing single moment where the sun aligned with the streets of this city? All of my questions will be answered at 8:25pm.

Fashion/style:

Win a set of beautiful Marigot cotton pajamas on Cup of Jo today. Giveaway ends tomorrow.

I loved this post today on Apartment Therapy about finding ways to minimize the stress of losing tech gadgets.

Of course, sometimes you want to lose those tech gadgets on purpose. Make sure you check out this beautifully written post today titled, "Turn Down the Noise" on A Poor Man's Feast. It's all about the overwhelming nature of the technology we look at these days and how these things meant to make us more productive can just end up making us feel more frazzled.

Food:

I just had a BLT sandwich for lunch and I'd be lying if I said I couldn't have one again for dinner. If I did, then I'd be sure to make this California BLT with Avocado and Basil Mayonnaise on The Kitchn today.

I love ending my meal with dessert, most of the time I'm satisfied with just a hot cup of very sweet Earl Grey tea (and perhaps a chocolate biscuit or two) but now I'm craving these toffee squares adapted from the West Village Milk & Cookies bakery.

Interior design:

Giveaway from A Beautiful Mess, to win a $100 gift certificate to the quirky home goods shop Catching Fireflies.

Coveting/pinning these towels (stripes! herringbone!) from Nine Space found at Apartment 34.

See you tomorrow.

Of morning walks

Leeks from my morning walk through union square

Fashion/style:

I'm excited to peruse the summer issue of Souvenir magazine. This is one of those lifestyle e-zines that you have to purchase, but you can see a preview here.

You could win a vodka gift basket from Texas-based Dripping Springs Vodka at A Subtle Revelry today. You can bet I entered that one pronto.

Interior design:


There is a Cup of Jo giveaway from the beautiful home and garden shop Terrain today! Enter to win a $200 gift certificate to spend at their store. You only have until Thursday to enter. (This is boring, but I'd probably use it to buy up a whole collection of Weck canning supplies. I just can't get enough of that jar shape.)

Have you guys seen the new West Elm collection of South Africa inspired designs? They seem to be working with a lot of South African designers and the results are these truly gorgeous pieces.


Food:

Peaches? Cream? French toast? The makings of a perfect weekend morning (and afternoon and evening). Check out the yummy looking recipe for Peaches and Cream Stuffed French Toast from the sisters at A Beautiful Mess today.

The lovely and talented Aran of Cannelle et Vanille is coming to New York! She's hosting a food styling workshop and dinner at the Sunday Suppers studio in October. The dinner will have a menu right out of her new book (out this fall). This event is going to sell out in a flash and I for one will be trying to get a ticket when they go on sale Thursday morning on the Sunday Suppers website. 

If I win those Weck jars in the Terrain giveaway mentioned above, you can bet I'll be filling them with this Rhubarb, Raspberry, and Cardamom Jam from Spoon Fork Bacon.

And that's it for today, see you here tomorrow.

Farmers market bounty

No words needed, right?

Sometimes I get a good feeling

I can't believe I'm about to talk about a rapper but do you know that Flo Rida song, "I get a good feeling"? Well, it has been stuck in my head all day and every time I feel like my day is heading downhill this just pops into my head out of nowhere. It has just made itself my anthem for the summer.

Food:

It's burger week at Sweet Paul!! And he's celebrating today with a burger giveaway from D'Artagnan. You could win one of their cool burger kits (all ingredients included to make amazing burgers).

As usual the simple beauty and joy in the food and photography of Aran at Cannelle et Vanille blows me away. Her musings on a recent trip to New York and a mouthwatering recipe for Cardamom and Lime-flavored Black Raspberry and Currant Custard have me speechless.

Fashion/style:

The bags I use at the farmers market are always some ripped, faded affair that I pull out of my handbag. And then I gaze around at the other people swinging their cute baskets packed neatly with bunches of basil and carrots peeking over the top. So this time, I'm thinking ahead and am going to get one of these market bags reviewed at The Kitchn today.

Definitely grabbing one of the many gorgeous prints created by Nichole's husband and featured over at Little Brown Pen today. He has taken some of his favorite literary quotes and created illustrations for them.  I especially love this one by Kate Chopin.

Interior design:

As Gabrielle warns at the beginning of her Living With Kids post today, you'll probably covet everything you see in the Auckland house of Janette Maclean of Danish Bird. From the walls of windows to her clean Danish style, the design of this home is inspiring.

I'll end with a shot of the park cause it's really where I want to be (listening to Flo Rida of course):

Moody monday

It's one of those mondays. That's all I have to say about that. I'll need sugar and chocolate to get through the day. UPDATE: I just got a mint chocolate chip cupcake at an editor's birthday party, so yayy! I have some pep in my step now.

Interior design:

To celebrate their 5 year blogging anniversary, John and Sherry at Young House Love are hosting an awesome giveaway of crazy cool home items (worth over $500).

Next, head to Habitually Chic where the lovely Heather is giving away an Oomph side table (they retail for $1400!). You just have to choose your favorite color and finish to enter.

Win a set of 8 colorful Mattie Luxe melamine plates at House of Turquoise today! Just visit the Mattie Luxe website and pick your favorite pattern. Then head back to House of Turquoise and leave a comment to enter.

Food:


Next time I feel that hankering for Mexican food, I'm reaching for this Grilled Corn, Mushroom + Roasted Poblano Tacos from How Sweet it Is. And that next time? Probably tonight.

Loving this popsicle recipe roundup by Ez at Creature Comforts.

After the day I've had, this Blackberry Gin Fizz from Smitten Kitchen would really hit the spot.

Fashion/Style:

You'd better hurry over to Emily at Cupcakes and Cashmere to enter her book giveaway today. She already has 12,500 entries and it just went up this morning! You could win a signed copy of her book, pretty hair ties, chocolate covered gummy bears, a candle, and a nail polish that hasn't even released to stores yet.

Ever want to enhance your Vans? Well, check out this cute polka dot DIY project at A Beautiful Mess today. So cute.

See you tomorrow :)

Dispatches from the weekend

Here's what I was up to:

To see more, follow me on Instagram @dervlakelly.

I'll be back with Monday's picks later this afternoon.

Friday picks and unplug!

ripening blueberries

Food:

Don't you hate when you buy a whole package of fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, and you only end up using a few sprigs then the rest goes moldy in the fridge? Is that just me? Well anyway, I thought this tip for freezing herbs in olive oil found over at The Kitchn today was GENIUS, like pure genius, not to mention pretty. So pretty. You could just pop a frozen olive herb ice cube into your winter stew and voila, instant flavor in the dead of winter! You could also freeze the herbs in butter.

A slice of this honey and lavender cake on Design Sponge would go great with my nightly cup of tea. It would probably go great with anything really.

Interior design:

Who doesn't dream of having enough space in your home for a cozy reading nook? I think I pinned every single one of these.

Fashion/style:

It's a day late, but you can still participate! Giveaway at Cup of Jo for a $200 gift certificate to the summer shop Everything But Water.

The Daybook giveaway from Ruche, the super cool clothing site. They have just debuted an itty bitty collection for children and you can win a $100 gift certificate to anything on the site.

And last, a really interesting article on the extinction of down time. It has been written about a lot, and I'm guilty of the constant connection to electronic devices myself. But some serious unplugging is needed this weekend.

Have a beautiful weekend and make sure unplug (after you read this, of course).

Curator Picks - 7/5

I hope you in the US had a lovely holiday yesterday!

Fashion/style:

I teared up watching this simply gorgeous video made by Andrew and Carissa for volume 4 of the always inspiring Kinfolk magazine. It's about finding the essence of summer, and drilling life down to the bare essentials. Beware, if you live in the middle of NYC you may get a little jealous watching this video. But I don't care, cause I've already watched it at least 15 times. (Originally found via Creature Comforts.)

Check out Miss Moss today for a totally clever fashion comparison between Givenchy's latest collection and the costumes in Game of Thrones. Spot on!

Another good post on Cup of Jo today about balance between children and work. I loved former editor of the awesome Cookie magazine Pilar Guzman's take on her job balance. Her quip about having a "little person breathing through the crack of the door when I'm in the bathroom" made me laugh.

Food:

There is a giveaway on The Everygirl for a Zoku Ice Pop Maker from Williams Sonoma. The last thing I need is another machine cluttering up my limited kitchen counter space, but I'd probably sacrifice it for this, oh this and a stand mixer. But that's another story.

I want to make and serve these Cucumber Mint sandwiches found on Sunday Suppers today. I feel like I'd need to have some guests in the house before I made them though. Otherwise I'd leave the crusts on.

I'm not sure I'm ready to think about autumn baking yet, but when I am, I'm pulling out this recipe for  Cider Caramel Apple Pie from Honey & Jam (also featured on Cup of Jo today).

Yumm, check out these Brown Sugar Blueberry cookies from A Cozy Kitchen. Full blueberries popping out of a puffy cookie - sounds like the perfect partner for my cup of tea.


See you tomorrow!

Curator Picks - 7/3

For those readers in America, tomorrow is a national holiday. It's one that I didn't grow up celebrating as an American holiday but rather we celebrated it as my sister's birthday. So, happy birthday Genevieve! (Side note: She has probably been celebrating her birthday for many hours already as she lives in Cambodia and is 12 hours ahead).

Food:

In the spirit of the holiday, I found this pretty flag cake on Smitten Kitchen to be rather fun. Especially perfect as everyone's kitchens are overflowing with blueberries and strawberries. After attempting some crazy pinterest cakes she instead opted for this simple solution and I'm glad she did.

The pancakes I make are usually thin crepelike affairs that drape limply over the plate and are drowned in lemon and castor sugar. I was intrigued by Heidi's riff on a rice and sesame pancake at 101 Cookbooks today. This could serve as a nice easy dinner some night this week.

Lovely giveaway on A Cozy Kitchen of some of Adrianna's favorite kitchen stuff. You could win a copy of Gabrielle Hamilton's Blood Bones, & Butter, ice cube trays, a vegetable peeler, and a wooden spoon.

Fashion/style:

I love the "my balance" segment on Cup of Jo where parents discuss balancing work and children. The last series focused on mothers in a similar work from home kind of environment as Joanna herself. But this current series has interviews with parents who work outside the home. Aa a mother who has a full time job in an office environment, I enjoyed today's piece with Janet Ozzard of Babycenter.

Giveaway on A Beautiful Mess for a lovely bracelet from Threads, a business that sells student-made jewelry to help them fund their education.

Want to win a pair of London brand MiH cutoff jean shorts and a tee? Then head to SF Girl By Bay to enter the contest!

Interior design:

Partially in tribute to the late Nora Ephron, but mostly because my husband is obsessed with this movie and could literally watch it 10 times in a row, I'm linking to Design Sponge's popular "living in" series because today they tackled the cute and romantic You've Got Mail. There's a great roundup of some of the beautiful pieces you see throughout the movie and in Meg Ryan's unbelievable Upper West Side apartment.


Enjoy the holiday tomorrow (if you're in the US). If there are some good blog posts out there tomorrow I'll be back with a post, otherwise I'll see you guys on Thursday!

PS: Am I the only one noticing the incredibly fluffy clouds over Manhattan this week? I just want to dive into them:

Curator Picks - 7/2

If anyone visited this space on Friday they'd have noticed that I wasn't here. Sorry about that. I was in Pennsylvania picking blueberries from my parents garden. I hope you all had a lovely weekend too!

Interior design:


I'm constantly in awe of Scandinavian design and I'm starting a Scandinavian design board on Pinterest to prove it. If you do that too you could participate in the Remodelista giveaway to win a wood bead necklace made by Leyda Mount of The Swan Lake.

Multiple giveaways from Young House Love for gift certificates and other things for art in your home.

Food:

Sun-dried tomato giveaway (sounds intriguing, doesn't it??) on Adventures in Cooking plus an awesome looking recipe for a savory bread pudding with aged gouda and cheddar.

I'm not usually a muffin fan - but Joy may have won me over with these blueberry lemon poppyseed muffins today.

I'm trying to work more quinoa into our diet. This recipe for toasted sesame quinoa with chicken by Jessica at How Sweet it is might do it for me.

The world lost the lovely Barbara Harris of Winos and Foodies to cancer. Read Tartelette's beautiful tribute here.