All Set: A Tuscan Summer

Few things delight me as much as a well set table so I was thrilled my Mom put this gem together...the color palate brings the warm tones of Tuscany to mind and the sweets she featured look heavenly.  We picked up these plates at an antique show about a year ago and have been itching to use them ever since.  There's nothing quite like a good vintage find!  

Shark Week!

If you love Air Jaws and Sharkzilla as much as I do (and don't even say it if you don't or I'll be forced to pass serious judgement upon you), then you'll be thrilled to know that this year is the 25th anniversary of Shark Week!  It's gonna be awesome.  Now somebody cue the music from Jaws, stat.

1. Shark Cookie Cutter, Etsy $2.45  2. Shark Print, Happy Menocal $100  3. Edible Shark Toppers, Etsy $9.95  4. Atelier Minyon Shark Tooth Ring, Max & Chloe $1,780  5. Shark Bookends, Etsy $44.99

Let The Games Begin!

So who else is psyched about this week's Olympic Opening Ceremonies?  I don't know about you, but I'm counting down the days!  It seemed wrong to let the week go by without some sort of Olympic tribute, so I rounded up a few summer games inspired items.  Wait, what's that?  They won't be using Pantone yellow bikes, Chanel tennis rackets and five pound weights?  Interesting choice, Olympic committee.  Nonetheless, I can't wait to cheer on Team U-S-A!  

1. Bear Bow Youth Set, Amazon $31.49  2. Tennis Racket, Chanel $255  3. Lunarglide Running Shoes, Nike $140.21  4. Violet Lake Ryder Bikini, Net-A-Porter $85 Top, $85 Bottom  5. Neoprene Hand Weights, Pro Therapy Supplies $23.49  6. Pantone Bike, ABICI Italia

You're A Grand 'Ol Flag

Happy 4th of July!  I'm excited to celebrate Independence Day in the birthplace of freedom (and fun fact: the birthplace of me), Philadelphia.  I haven't made a definite plan for the day but maybe I'll take a stroll by Independence Hall...the famed building where the Declaration of Independence was signed.  Or maybe I'll visit the Liberty Bell or Betsy Ross' house or something equally patriotic.  Or maybe I'll just stuff my face with the most delicious food in the world, watch some fireworks and call it a day.  There's really no telling.  Regardless, I put together a roundup inspired by 'ol Glory for the occasion.  I don't know about you but I'm all kinds of thankful to live in the land of the free and home of the brave!  Enjoy your celebration!

1. Flag Lantern String Lights, Pier 1 $11.96  2. Twin Pop Molds, Amazon $12.99 for 4  3. Flag Tank, Fashiolista  4. Red White and Blue Pinwheel, Amazon $2.76  5. Flag Elastic Suspenders, Amazon $9.61  6. Red and Blue Star Paper Straws, Fishs Eddy $4.95  7. Vans LPE, Shoebacca $52.99

The Foodie Files

Contrary to what reality television would have you believe, there's a very real reason New Jersey is called 'The Garden State'.  The area where I grew up is part of that reason.  Call it nostalgia if you want (though I prefer to call it extremely good taste), but I firmly believe some of the best produce in the world comes from New Jersey.  Throughout my childhood- and even now as an adult- my favorite of that produce has always been Jersey sweet corn and tomatoes.  There's just nothing like it!  So when my roommate mentioned a recipe she came across for a savory corn and tomato pie, my ears perked up real fast.  Since I'll be up north for the first few weeks of July, I wanted to test kitchen it now so as not to waste valuable Jersey goodness on a sub par meal.  I switched out a few ingredients and changed up some of the measurements from the original recipe but the resulting pie was delicious!  It would be fabulous in a brunch setting but honestly worked great as the main dish when I whipped it up the other night.  It just tasted like summer to me...mmMmm....so good.  And bonus, it's completely vegetarian (which has become increasingly important to me as the number of vegetarians in my life keeps increasing.  Pray for them.  Kidding.  But seriously).

Ingredients:

6 medium tomatoes (I used an 'on the vine' variety)
3-4 ears of sweet corn (depending on size)
3 TBS fresh basil, chopped
1 3/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 TBS fresh lemon juice

2 sheets pie crust (I used Trader Joe's Brand)
2 TBSP melted butter for brushing on the crust

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Whisk Greek yogurt and lemon juice together and set aside.

Slice the tomatoes into approximately 1/4 inch slices.

Cut corn off the cob.

Secure the bottom layer of your pie crust in place and add half of your tomatoes, corn, basil and cheese one layer at a time.

Salt and pepper to taste then repeat this process, adding the remaining ingredients one layer at a time.  Drizzle the Greek yogurt and lemon mixture over the pie, then add the top layer of crust.

Cut a vent in the center of the pie, then brush with butter.  Bake for 35 minutes at 400 degrees.  And there you have it!  Easy as pie.

Guest Post: Patricia from Condiment Digital Magazine

I'm psyched to have Patricia, the founder and editorial director of Condiment digital magazine (get it?  Condiment?  Something that gives flavor?  I love that...) guest blogging today.  I found Condiment on Twitter and was immediately taken with their format.  They publish several new lifestyle articles each week on a homepage that acts as an interactive magazine cover.  It's quite sharp looking.  When you have a minute, you should explore their archives...there's some good stuff in there!

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Every season has its cool factor and nothing's better than spending days and nights outdoors on your balcony or patio during the warmer months. It doesn't matter if you rent or own, or how large or small your space might be. You can create something that brings in all the elements you love, and creates a unique and personalized environment for all your lazy days (and nights!) of summer.

Solar Powered Lighting, Ikea $7.99 each

First, take a good stock of what you've got to work with in terms of your space. Grab measurements and get to planning. Do you want something for casual lounging about, serving meals, or catching a few rays? Are there children in the home to factor in? Once you've got a sense of what you want and need, you can get to decorating. 

Havana II Sectional Pieces, CB2 $199-$399

For seating options, the sky truly is the limit. It all depends on the environment you want to create. Cozy cushioned seats can be found at places like Target and Ikea if budget is an issue. For something with a clean line, Adirondack style chairs can often be found in a variety of materials and colors, while stores like Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn likely have great wood pieces. 

Adirondack Chair, Crate & Barrel $209

Wicker is another good go-to option. Add in outdoor pillows or cushions to then soften the space. Speaking of space, if yours is limited, a pair of simple chairs in a unique material and a small table can be more than enough to create an environment you'll want to duck to all season. Larger spaces can allow for tables of all types, but don't think you necessarily have to skip a table top if you're limited on area -- bistro table and chair sets come in a variety of styles and materials and can work very well. 

Black Cast Aluminum Bistro Set, Bed Bath & Beyond $179.99

Once you've got your furniture down, it's time to add in color and accessories.  Tea lights, outdoor lanterns, comfy cushions, pops of colors, paper lanterns, Italian lights, and potted plants of all types and sizes can all work to add a touch. Put potted plants to double use by using for herb and small fruit or vegetable gardens.

Iris Speckled Planter, West Elm $14.99

If you've got kids, look to pool stores for storage options to tuck away toys -- they often offer wood and plastic styles that can double as seating so that you and little ones can both use and love your outdoor space. 

Ready, Set, Memorial Day

Not only have we nearly reached the weekend, we've come to the unofficial official start of summer...which is pretty much the greatest news ever.  My Tennessee family and I are toying with a few different Memorial Day options and if any of them come to fruition I'm pretty confident this weekend is gonna be a blast.  Come to think of it, even if none of them work out we'll still have fun together.  We always do.  In the spirit of Memorial Day, I grabbed a bit of picnic gear and a few subtly patriotic pieces for the round up below.  It's gonna be a scorcher so break out the sunscreen! 

1. Picnic 1 by John Bucklin, Serena and Lily $850  2. Tibi Striped Crepe Tank, Net-A-Porter $200  3. Elizabeth and James Burke Drawstripng Chambray Shorts, Net-A-Porter $245  4. Washi Tape, Etsy $4 per roll  5. Between Lines Maxi Dress, Anthropologie $168  6. Vintage Style Tin, Amazon £10  7. Red Gingham Plate, Zazzle $27  8. Kain Classic Modal Tank, Net-A-Porter $85  9. Beach Celeb Bag, ModCloth $44.99  10. Striped Metal Water Tank Dispenser, World Market $29.99

The Foodie Files

Picnic season is upon us (and thank heavens for that), so what could possibly be more appropriate than a delicious fresh squeezed lemonade recipe?  Maybe a delicious fresh squeezed blackberry mint lemonade recipe!  How's that sound?  Cause it sure tastes incredible.  Oh and bonus, it's seriously easy to make.  I think your Memorial Day guests would agree there's no time like the present to give it a try.

Ingredients:

3 cups water

1/2 cup simple syrup

1 cup lemon juice (about 6 lemons)

2/3 cup blackberries

2 TBS mint (about 15 leaves), chopped

Mix water and simple syrup and set aside.

Juice lemons and add to water mixture, watching for seeds as you pour.

Muddle the daylights out of the blackberries and mint. 

Add to lemonade, stir, pour and enjoy!

Bathing Beauties

Is it too early to talk about bathing suits?  I certainly hope not cause I've been stalking suits ever since this year's first drop of sunshine.  These pretty numbers are a little pricy (read: a lot pricey) but they made me all kinds of happy.  Keep your eyes peeled for a sale, folks!  

1. Scalloped Halterneck Bikini, Chloe $410  2. Vivid Bits Maillot, Anthropologie $328 3. Nosara, Steven Alan $180 4. Red Stripe Gathered Bikini, Topshop £30