Friday, September 23, 2011

entertaining . . . bruschetta a la julia & julia





One of my favorite movies, Julie and Julia, came on tv a few nights ago. Every time I see that movie I dream about that bruschetta from the secene in the beginning when Julia is cooking dinner in the new apartment. It looks so delicious!! Here is the recipe - let me know how yours comes out! Bon Apetit!

Ingredients:


1 Red heirloom tomato

1 Yellow heirloom tomato

Plenty of fresh basil

Salt

Fresh ground pepper

Garlic clove, peeled

Bread; a rustic loaf with a stretchy, hole-y interior and a crisp crust

Olive Oil


Directions:


1. Cut the tomatoes into chunks, tear basil leaves into medium-small pieces (plenty!), and toss with olive oil. Let marinate for a while, and season with salt and pepper. Only use salt about 1/2 hour before using, as it will make the tomatoes release their juices, which you want, but not too much!


2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and fry the bread, or grill or toast it in a hot oven (400 F). Either way, try to get it crunchy on the outside while retaining some softness in the center.


3. Then rub it lightly or heavily, as you wish, with a whole garlic clove (the garlic will disintegrate into the bread since the coarse bread will act like a grater) and drizzle with the best extra-virgin olive oil (ONLY if you haven't fried it) and sprinkle with good sea salt and freshly ground pepper.


4. Spoon tomatoes over bread (you may want to drain the tomatoes in a mesh strainer to reduce the amount of juice). If the bread is really crunchy, let the tomatoes sit for a few minutes before serving to soften the bread.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

fashion...for the satin obsessed






Ode to Satin

Oh how I love satin, it's shimmer, it's gleam
A ballerina's pointe shoes, a bride's wedding dream
Ribbon, covered buttons and delicate pleats,
The only thing I love more are delicious sweets
Minolo, Vera and Margo Fonteyn,
Their creations in white, peach and elegant champagne
~christina caruso

images via allposters.com


Saturday, September 10, 2011

home...posh pillows












Talk about fresh design. I am loving the technique used by Dubois & Barral, here in their line of textiles turned pillows. I found them while browsing the design exchange, here. It's modern without looking grungy like so much of what is being shown these days; finally! The brush strokes soften the "distressed" look that is so popular right now and the bright colors make me just plain happy. Slightly feminine, a little old world and completely chic. I love!

images via design exchange

Sunday, September 4, 2011

fashion...pure delight






I have fallen in love with these photographs styled by Shana Faust; artfully taken by Roland Bello! The chalk drawn backgrounds are simply amazing. Her use of color, composition and texture are down right heavenly. Totally effortless - she has design in her soul. Click here to view her website and more of her delish designs.

images via shanafaust.com