As summer speeds on by us, I have tried to stop and take notice some of the things that make me smile these days. Here are thirteen things that have made me smile these past couple of weeks.
1. I just finished reading a great book by the talented chef/owner of Prune restaurant in NYC, Gabrielle Hamilton. Blood, Bones & Butter is a memoir that is about more than Hamilton’s life in the kitchen. Her story is both touching and witty, as she takes the reader on her journey to create a life that resonates with her.
2. Finishing Spring 2012 in time for trade shows this month and already starting to brainstorm for Fall 2012…
3. My Pour la Victoire sandals (and bright, happy pedicure to match) that I purchased on sale at Shopbop.com. I feel as if these are the perfect sandals I have spent years trying to find—comfortable, simple and classic.
My new favorite Pour La Victoire sandals from Shopbop.com
4. Heirloom tomatoes from Fairview Gardens in Goleta, CA…tossed in a simple salad with arugula, avocado, some good olive oil and sea salt…yes, please
Candy-like heirloom tomatoes from Fairview Gardens
5. I unfortunately had to go to Portland, Oregon for a funeral this past weekend. While not under ideal circumstances, I did love seeing my family. Upon checking into my hotel, I saw my brother Alan’s restaurant Produce Row Cafe’ on the cover of Portland Monthly. I had the chance to visit my brother Blake’s store, Blake, which I had not yet seen finished. It is amazing!!!
The women's denim wall at Blake
Blake--my brother's store where you can shop for incredible denim and other clothes as well as quirky, fun salvaged items too!
6. Organic Minty Lemonade at the Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market
Organic minty lemonade at the farmer's market
7. Blooming, fragrant and gorgeous tuberose
I love the sweet smell of blooming tuberose!
8. Tuesday night farmer’s market dinners with friends
Delicious Tuesday night farmer's market dinner made with friends
9. The view from my aunt’s house in Portland
The gorgeous view from my aunt's house in Portland
10. Bullett Magazine—I am newly obsessed with this magazine. I have purchased it on my last two outbound flights from LAX and cannot get enough of the gorgeous photography, wonderful articles and inspiring styling. Love it!
11. New & exciting design projects on the horizon with Merryl Brown Events and the Community Environmental Council for the 2011 Green Gala…stay tuned!
12. Florence & The Machine’s Live in London 2010 version of “Rabbit Hole (Raise it Up)” (I am that person who can listen to the same song 50 times in a row…)
13. Pizza with friends and my little girl at Lucali in Carroll Gardens (Brooklyn, NY)
Tons of fresh basil on our pizza at Lucali
