Turning The Tables On Brunch

 

When I threw a brunch for a wedding shower recently, I wanted to come up with something pretty... yet unexpected... yet entirely breezy. What I decided to do -- finger foods only... strewn all over the table. Literally, directly on the table. No serving platters. No serving utensils. Just a colorful melange of food to easily grab and throw onto a plate. 

Found -- Let There Be LuMee

Cheers to the pal who sees a void... fills it... and causes an outright stir.

In The Kitchen -- Hot Apple Cider Glory

At the most relaxing Halloween gathering I think I can ever recall, in the home of Kristina of Estilo, I was treated to a divine concoction -- a hot gin apple cider that Stephanie of Shindig stirred up for the grown ups to sip while trick-or-treating.

In The Kitchen -- Arugula Salad Divineness

 

A favorite salad that I've been making for years. It's light and refreshing while flavorful and divine. Perfect for dinner time, but I actually first threw this together to serve for a brunch alongside quiche -- still possibly my top way to have it.

Found -- A New Floral Delivery System

My daughter was having a piano recital and I wanted to bring her flowers. I happened to be at a market where I saw the sweetest bunch of freesias -- unbelievable scent and in the perfect hue for her. (Freesias are a little underrated, no?) 

Found -- A Bizarrely Good Balsamic

There is a little shop called We Olive that makes what must be the best Balsamic vinegar I've ever tasted.

Controlled Chaos -- 'Whenever It Works Out' Workouts

When it comes to exercise, I am a lazy dog. Plain and simple. 

Health Fix -- Indian Food And The Healing Wonders Of Ayurveda

I have long been a huge proponent of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healing system whose very translation is the science of life.

Found -- Gorgeous Tableware from Suite One Studio

I have fallen in love -- with this elegant line of handmade tableware from Suite One Studio. It-is-stunning.

Dressing Room -- A Perfect Sandal

 

I often think about what it would feel like to be in my daughter's shoes... but as summer approached, all I could think about was being in her sandals.

Found -- A Perfect Glass (That's Not A Glass)

Doesn't the experience of a beverage start with the right glass? Well, I have met something perfecto. Here's the twist -- it's not a glass at all, but a votive candle holder! 

Found -- Shear Beauty

I adore these scissors. 

Found -- A Perfect Pop

I had left off making popcorn at home sometime around the Jiffy Pop days. I'm not a fan of the microwave (don't own one), not to mention there were those stories about the not-so-healthy aspects of microwave popcorn anyhow.

In The Kitchen -- An Open Faced Goodie

So simple.

Avocado smeared on whole wheat toast + sliced tomatoes + sprinkled with lemon pepper. Healthy, satisfying, and yowza. I had it over the weekend at off-the-beaten-path, Java Station, and felt entirely compelled to pick up a fresh jar of lemon pepper salt afterward for later this week at home.

(p.s. Kiddos love it, too.)

Found -- Cool Craft For Kids

Some dear friends of ours came to visit last summer from Michigan and brought along this fun discovery -- Rainbow Loom (aka Twistz Bandz). 

In The Kitchen -- The Bomb Eggplant Pasta

Every house has its specialties, and this is one at ours -- Eggplant Pasta. Believe me when I tell you that this dish is-the-bomb.

Found -- A Scrumptious Bag

I was chatting with my friend, Kristina, yesterday and had trouble keeping my eyes off her bag. So pretty! Classic, timeless, and perfect size. She got hers at a trunk show at locals' fave spot, Diani Boutique, and I just saw that it's currently half off at the designer's own site, Linea Pelle.

photo: via my instagram

Found -- A Way To Chic Your Dog

I recently met a very sweet and sophisticated brown lab. Confidence was just emanating from her and I could tell this was a dog who felt really good about herself.

Let The Spirit Move You -- Perfume Oils

There was a time when I wore perfume -- traditional perfume. Lauren in my teens (remember those days?)... Opium (the infamous man-slayer) in college... Paris by YSL and Jessica McClintock and Coco by Chanel in early adulthood. But since that time, I've worn only one thing…

Found -- A Perfect Pouch

Simple, sweet, and it fits all the essentials, including the mood, from errand to evening. Attachable wristlet is also a stand alone keychain. 

By Baggu, and I got mine (above) here.