Shout out & Scarf Love

It's moving day, one of four. So not fun. The above mentioned shout out is for my BF; thank you for helping me through this relocation adventure!!! You are my sunshine : )

I'm distracting my self with work. And when work slows a bit I get distracted by pretty things, pretty things like these scarves from Milleneufcentquatrevingtquatre.  The brand (named for the designer's birth year, in French, duh) is pretty amazing.  Designers Amelie Charroin and Marie Colin-Madan explain,  "By being here (Lyon), we made the choice to work closely with the best French silk manufacturers. Each piece is woven, printed and shaped in Rhône-Alpes, France."  Each square is a labor of love- even the box it comes in is hand painted by one of the designers.  Love!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend (holiday weekend for all you Americans).  Here in NYC we've definitely entered the summer realm.  It was a hot weekend and ran the gamut: dry, humid, wet (as in downpour), breezy and still.  Tumultuous, yes.

The luau BBQ I went to on Saturday was a blast!  Friends, fun, good food and drinks were in abundance.  My salads went over very well.  They were devoured in record time!

Other than that, weekend activities were confined to putting a dent in the apartment packing.  I've got quite a bit left and it's got to wrap up tonight (eek!).  Tomorrow the moving van arrives and by Saturday this pesky hurdle of an event will be through!

Print available on Etsy

Cheeky Tiki Vegan Ambrosia

I normally would not make something like this.  It's a little too indulgent for my day-to-day likes.  But this is a holiday weekend.  And peeps like guilty/comfort food at BBQs.  Plus, like I said down below, this salad seems destined for Benny's Cheeky Tiki Luau.

Cheeky Tiki Vegan Ambrosia

2 cans pineapple cut into chunks*
2 cans mandarin oranges
small bunch of red seedless grapes, halved 
1 apple diced
vegan maraschino cherries 
coconut flakes 
1 small bag mini marshmallows  (like these)
1 cup soy based sour cream
a lil agave

- Drain all canned fruit and combine the fruities in a bowl**
- Add mallows & a handful of coconut (add more if you're a coco fiend)
- Whip a cup of sour cream with agave (add the agave a tsp at a time until the mixture is smooth but not runny)
- Pour cream over salad, stir until well incorporated
- All finished!  Serve with a smile!

* I went with canned because half a leftover pineapple was not something I wanted to deal with during apt moving.  For the record, I love using fresh pineapple whenever possible.  It's so much more delicious that canned.

** Feel free to add or substitute other types of fruit

Illustrations by Judith Orner Bruce

Mum Mum's Vegan 'Tater Salad

I've made this salad so many times.  So, so many.  It's a family recipe that I've tweaked a bit.  Just a tiny, tiny bit though.  Really just sub-ing mayo for vegan mayo.  And I swear, no one will ever notice the difference!

So, I have to be completely honest... I've never measured out any of these ingredients when making the salad.  My method looks like this: add, taste, add, taste, continue until happy.  So this recipe is more of a guideline, feel free to adjust to your tastes!

Mum Mum's Vegan 'Tater Salad

Necessary
boiled potatoes, cut into large chunks  (I go with reds and leave the skins on!)
soy based mayo (like this or this)
brown mustard
dill relish (I go pretty heavy on this)
diced black olives
salt & pepper

Optional
diced red bell pepper

minced chives or green onions
minced garlic
canned pimentos
chopped marinated artichoke hearts
diced celery
crumbled tempeh bacon
diced canned water chestnuts (my family loves this one... but I pick it out)
paprika, celery seed, cracked red pepper or rosemary

- Locate Bowl
- Add boiled potatoes
- Throw in 'eyeballed' amounts of necessary and desired optional ingredients
- Mix it all up, yo
- Taste
- Add more sumthin' sumthin'
- Repeat last two steps until it's perfect
- Enjoy!

Image from Holly Maher

Veg-ed-Out Holiday Weekend Salads

Last night I whipped up the most incredible vegetarian Caesar dressing.  Seriously.  I licked the whisk.  I was feeling inspired partly by the incredible salad from Blossom Cafe.  (New Yorkers, get on that.)  I was also prepping for my weekend potluck.  The plan is a trifecta of vegan salads.  First off, Caesar with crispy strips of chick'un and home-made croutons.  Second to the table, my grandma's potato salad.  Vegan-i-fied.  Duh.  And thirdly an Ambrosia salad.  Yeah, I know you're laughing at that one.  So retro, right?  Well, it's a "Cheeky Tiki Luau" BBQ that we're attending and I figured an assemblage of pineapple, mandarin oranges, flaked coconut and boatload of veg marshmallows was barking up the right tree.  In case you too are in need of a Memorial Day weekend side salad, I'm going to share my recipes!  Numero uno:


Leave the Animals Alone, Caesar!  Salad.

Basics
romaine (chard or dino kale if you wanna health-en it up)
vegan chicken (seitan or soy protein)
capers (lots and lots of them)
Croutons
day old bread, cut in 1/2" cubes
minced garlic and olive oil for frying
Non-dairy Parm Cheese
1/2 cup blanched almonds
3-4 teaspoons nutritional yeast flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dressing
2/3 cup soy based sour cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
3-4 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced capers
2-3 teaspoons caper juice
1 teaspoon agave surup (or other sweetener)
a pinch of salt and dash of black pepper

- Prepare the dressing first, even a day or more in advance is okay.  You want the dressing to have some time to sit, let the flavors mix together and get all delicious.  The dressing is pretty simple.  Stick the ingredients in a small bowl, whisk.  Donez-o.
- Wash your leafy greens, dry, chop.
- Cook up your faux meat according to the manufacturer's instructions.  Allow to cool and slice in to bite size strips (if necessary).
- Crouton time!  Throw garlic and oil in a pan, let 'em heat up.  Toss in the bread cubes, let them get all oily.  Toast each side, turning carefully, not stirring!  Remove from the pan, let cool.
- Moving to caper frying!  Pat capers dry and add them to a pan of hot oil.  Fry until the capers open up  "like flowers" and look all crispy-yum-o.  Let them drain and cool on a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, combine romaine, chick'un and dressing.  Stir it up good.  Top with parm and capers, add the croutons just before serving (so they stay crisp).  Ta-da!!!  Eat it up!

Photo by Meg at Wellsphere

Botanic Fantasic

I'm a huge fan of all things botanical; including prints of all things botanical.  New find/ big love: Dan Blackman's program poster for DelVal College.  Read about the project here.

While you're there look at some other work by Blackman,; Bikers Band identity, illustrations for Good Magazine, the packaging for Love Beets (so cute BTW), and much, much more!

For a laughs read about his cat Costello (bad Costello!).

La Bayadère

Last night I departed on a trip to India and watched a love quadrangle unfold between temple dancer, high priest, princess and noble warrior.  Yes, La Bayadère at the Met!  It was magical.  This ballet is one of my two faves.  The scenery is absolutely majestic.  The costumes are beyond whimsical.  But the dancing- the dancing transports you to another world.  It was the first time I watched soloist Hee Seo in a leading role (Nikiya the bayadère) and I must say she is now one of my favorites at ABT.  Watching her was entrancing!

Read a beautiful article and interview with Hee Seo here in Time Out NY

Photo by Gene Schiavone

Prom

Remember last Friday when I told you I was going to prom?  Yep, we went!  Here are our photos.  I made the corsage and boutonniere myself (after a 2 hour hunt for the right color roses).  We had lots of fun sipping drinks, snacking on delicious vegan goodies, and making some new friends.  I'm definitely looking forward to prom next year.  I'm going to try to recruit a group of friends next time; it'll be just like in the ol' days, rolling a dozen thick.  Ah... high school.

Eye Spy Sparkle

I ODed on glitter make-up just before turning 18.  See, I was a high school cheerleader.  'Nuff said, right?  Since then I've shied fled from all face sparkle.  This little tutorial from The Beauty Department may have swayed me though.  It incorporates a pale cream shadow for shine and a classic wing of black liquid liner.  I should have worn it to my prom last Friday.  Boo.  I'll have to save it for the next special occasion.  (Psst- I'll tell you more about prom later today, tune back!)

Trinkets/ Pixie Market

Pretty duds from Pixie Market, just in!  I love the lucite, enamel, high polish gold and rhinestones.  So mid-century chic, don't you agree?!  Head over to the accessories page for these goodies, and much more.  If you're new to Pixie Market take a moment and shop around.  They've got super cute stuff at really great prices!  I'm fashion crushing on this sweet printed dress, these crazy sandals and a pair of silky purple trousers!   

White

You know summer is fast approaching when the fashion buz returns to the white on white topic.  And man oh man, am I hearing the buz!  I like how Liz does it here; she looks super fresh hiding behind mint-to-berry ombre shades, with an oversize envelope clutch in cool violet, perched atop perfectly-peachy wedge pumps.

Build A (Rainbow!!!) Bike

For the past few years, once the temperature warms up and we are on the brink of summer,  my need for a pretty new bike is rekindled.  This summer may be the summer that I go for it!  I've been seriously shopping around.  In the end I'll probably go with something sleek, timeless and inexpensive like this.  In the meantime I'm having fun trying out hundreds of custom build-a-colorful-bike combos!  Visit the following to create your dream cycle...

- Mission
- Jelly Bean (Australia only)
- Bike by Me
- Urban Outfitters by Republic
- Republic

Know of any other super cool, ultra colorful bike suppliers?

Daimon Downey Scarves

I wear a scarf almost every day.  Doesn't matter how hot NYC gets, I can count on be freezing at some point (probably sitting under the a/c vent at work).  I therefore, can never, ever have enough scarves.  These beautiful printed silk scarves from artist Daimon Downey are my newest obsession.  The color combos are making me wriggle in my seat with excitement!  Bay & Fyfe will ship these lovelies world-wide so click on over to their site!  They are limited edition, so don't wait!

Discovered via the Inside Out blog on Home Life

Good morning angels & happy Monday!  It's raining cats and dogs in New York (thunder & lightening too- oh my!).  I really, really wanted to stay curled up in bed this morning.  It's nice to indulge in laziness on a moody, dark rain day.  Alas, fashion design beckoned.  Into the city I trudged.  Fortunately this and these kept me (mostly) dry.  Hope you all had a delightful weekend.

Photos by Glen Proebstel

Four for Friday

Happy Friday friends!  I'm thrilled that it's weekend time.  Do you have fun plans?  I'm going to prom tonight!!!  Other than that I want to spend tons of time outdoors, enjoying NY's beautiful weather.  See you back here on Monday!

- Found a new stop for dessert inspiration: Matchbox Kitchen.  Chocolate Truffles?  Jelly Doughnut Holes? Lemon Cakes? Mmmm, yes please!

- I am a huge-o-normous fan of Raney Town.  It's a design collaborative.  It's Raquel and Rebecca.  It's design heaven.

- I've been gathering images, building mood boards, assembling color palettes (cuz I've got a new apartment to decorate come the end of May)!  In my searches I found Simply Grove, which is filled with chic decorating ideas. Love this!

- I just found out that Joy Thigpen, the creative director of OnceWed, has her own blog.  So hooked.

Seletti Tea Cups

I am completely in love with these Seletti tea cups!  Seletti has an extensive line of white table ware but these 2 tone porcelain cups are by far my fave.  I'm also really diggin' these fridge containers and the wooden cutlery.  No online shop.  Boo.  But, the good news is they're carried at quite a few stores in NYC!  Check here to see where you can find Seletti products.

And?

I love the snaking curves of an ampersand.  You probably figured that; your reading w&w after all.  Ampersand prints from Ampersand Shop.

Pssst, they also have this super cute bicycle print!

Etsy Love/ A Merry Mishap

Etsy store A Merry Mishap is chock full of the cutest, colorful trinkets.  I cant choose a favorite among the chunky rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.  I do really like the neon pink studs.  But the multi-color necklaces are so cool too, I love all the different geometric planes going on there!  Can you pick a fave?

ABT's spring season has begun and my first trip to the Met (this year) is only hours away!  I'm going to see Giselle tonight!  So, so, so excited!  I wait all year for this...

Also, whilst on the subject of ballet, I saw the documentary First Position last weekend.  If you are a lover of ballet you must see it!  It's amazing.  I was practically crying the entire time.  The young dancers that the documentary team follows have the most incredible stories.  Plus they are so talented; truly brilliant little dancers.  They are the next generation Principals.  Honestly, even if you're not a dance fanatic this film will impress you.  (My BF really liked it!)  Watch the trailer here.

Photo by Renata Pavam for ABT

Flower Power

I've been hunting for some new floral wardrobe pieces.  One can never have too many flowers, after all!  I love how Krystal Bick keeps it edgy though; dual prints, moody colors, a little leather plus some seriously architectural metallic heels.  And the clutch.  See that clutch?  Love that clutch!

Photos by Vanessa Jackman

It's official, European tour is booked.  Something to look forward to!

I was really excited about researching and sharing a certain post with you today but my computer is being a pain in the derrière.  Clicking between windows and tabs is proving to be too much for my little Dell.  And opening Photoshop?  Ha.  Forget it.

Hopefully we will be up and running tomorrow.  In the meantime go over to Grizzly Bear Modern and download all their mixes!  (Awesome album art too!) 

Four for Friday

Happy Friday!  I'm so thrilled that this week is over.  The next two days look promising; good weekend weather, hooray!  I'm recovering from the week's depressed attitude due to some exciting events...

It seems like my new apartment is going to work out, we are finalizing paperwork early next.  I cannot wait for this to be over!  Moving is one of my least favorite parts of life.  Soooo stressful!  I just keep telling myself, "it's almost over, hang on for two more weeks!"

A recent and much more sunny event is developing: my sister was granted a summer painting residency in Germany!  So awesome!  I'm going to visit for a couple weeks in August.  Saturday we'll plan the tour agenda (Germany, Czechoslovakia, the Netherlands and Belgium are on  my list).

Other that that, I really just want to enjoy the wondrous weather (fingers are crossed; the thunderstorms need to hold off until Monday- I'm counting on you to be truthful iPhone weather).  Have a lovely one and happy mother's day to all the mommies out there! 

-  These glasses from See By Us are so cute.  I think glasses may be my next accessory purchase.  I love the nerdy chic look!

- I found another Brooklyn florist to stalk.  Pear Tree Flowers will make your heart ache.  Yeah.  That's how pretty.

- I'm totally hooked on the blog Annika Kaplan.  Such a great array of goodies featured!

- Check out this gorgeous feature on Jonny Holmes decorative spin on Bodoni.  Wood block printing... sigh.

In Other News

Last night was the Met's Costume Institute Gala.  Besides debuting a fashion themed exhibit, the Gala is prime red carpet watching.  It's fashion peep's Oscars.  To be honest I'm generally meh about red carpet shows.  The gowns are usually dulls-day.  And I've probably seen them on a computer screen before.  The Gala is generally more interesting. Go check it out at Style.

I was diggin' Emma Stone in Lanvin, most of the Calvin Klein gals, Givenchy (minus Beyonce), Arizona Muse's Erdem look, Jessica Stam's Dior armor bodice, Ginnifer Goodwin's l'orange Lhuillier number, the Donna Karan girlies, a Prada look here and there, Zellweger in an uncharacteristic but gorgeous Pucci, Claire Danes in J Mendel, plus Christoper Kane's crystalline gown worn by Caroline Sieber.  Your faves?  For giggles check out the Fug Girls mostly malicious recap. 

And, if you are in or around NYC duck into the exhibit!  For a quick gander, check out the Met's page for Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.

Dark Days

I can't bring myself to write up a real post at the moment.  I was on a total high until an hour ago.  Now it feels like the floor fell out from beneath me.  I'll be fine.  I was just taken by surprise.  Until I'm in a better mood, enjoy these (dark and haunting) photos from Sarah.  Flowers never cease to raise my spirits (even when they are dark and haunting).

Wet My Whistle, Dear Whisky

Have I ever downloaded you on my booze preferences?  I didn't think so.  I joked recently with the BF; I'll eat just about anything* but offer me a beverage and I'll probably say, "no thank you".  In the alcohol category I'm even less likely to take a glass.  I'll drink a hard cider.  For special occasions I do champagne.  I like the classic brunch drinks; champagne cocktails and bloody Marys.  Lambic beers are good by me.  And whiskey.  Aaaaand... that's all I truly enjoy drinking.  Once in a while I'll take a chance on some fruity rum or vodka cocktail.  But if I find myself at a bar with a petite menu, it's a whiskey sour for me.  Like Kate**, I too like my whiskey girl-ed up!  Head over to Kate's blog for the adapted recipe of  Villian's Bella Donna cocktail.  This looks like a good one!   Perfect for summah time!!!

* Meaning anything that's not fuzzy or feathered.  There are a couple types of tropical fruit that I don't dig but other than that- I like food!  Typical 'problem' veggies are a non issue.  Give me your tomatoes/onions/mushrooms/Brussels sprouts/beets/eggplant!

** Kate Miss is the awesome blogger of For Me, For You

Agnes-Cecile's weepy rainbow portraits jumped out at me this morning through the muck of my Facebook news feed.*   Thanks Katie!**  Agnes-Cecile is actually the pseudonym for Silvia Pelissero, a self-taught Italian painter.  I'm super fond of her watercolors work!  It will be exciting to following this young artist and watch her captivating style develop.

*Ugh, on a completely separate note, isn't FB rotten?  It makes hate otherwise wonderful people.  I've blocked half my friend from the news feed; their status updated bring out my most condescending & intolerant side.  Bummers, yo.

**  Katie is the best type of Facebook friend.  She shares insightful links and has great spelling/grammar/punctuation skills.  (She is a writer, after all.)  Quick aside; Katie's a long-time friend of the BF and a former dance buddy of mine... now she lives in Germany (grumpy face).  Come back Katie!  We miss you!