July 13th, 2011
I’d been searching for leopard pumps for a while, but tracking down the right pair proved to be a lot more challenging than I realized. The print had to look realistic and not fake, the toe not too square or pointy, and with a heel that was delicate and not chunky. I got to feeling like Goldilocks until I spotted (no pun intended) this pair by Brian Atwood. Since they were far too expensive, I was thrilled when I saw these pumps, by Steve Madden, which met all of my requirements for a fraction of the price.
July 13th, 2011
There are few things quite as perfect as toffee. Bonus points when it’s covered in chocolate. And almonds. English toffee has always been one of my favorite treats, but somehow I’d never attempted it at home. Yesterday afternoon I made a batch (from this recipe) and they were just how they should be: crunchy and buttery. And since I’ve gotten a lot questions in the past about making candy, I think the most important thing (besides truly following the directions) is to invest in a great candy thermometer (I have this one).
July 12th, 2011
Lately it seems like we’ve been entertaining several nights a week, which is fine by me. I love impromptu dinner parties and I think we’re well on our way to perfecting the art of casual dining. Aside from serving up some of my favorite summer dishes (like this and this), I keep things simple: all white flowers, candles (they should always be scentless during a meal), and unfussy table settings. And since a Brita water filter on the table is about as unappealing as it gets, I’ve been infusing water with different flavors (like mint, lemon, and orange), pouring them into individual bottles (I got mine here) and labeling them with a simple image to differentiate them. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
{Mint}
{Lemon}
{Orange}
{Orange label}
July 11th, 2011
Club Monaco Tank and Skirt, Vintage Belt, Zara Clutch, Vintage + Dannijo Bracelets, Pencey Booties
Since I still have some semblance of a tan from Costa Rica, I’ve been wearing lots of light-colored pieces layered together. This skirt, in particular, has quickly become a favorite, since it lends itself just as well to a fancy monochromatic look as it does with a loose chambray shirt and flat sandals.
