Scent of the Month

For this month's fragrance we chose Quercus - 'a light burst of citrus and basil, supported by a heart accord of jasmine, cardamom and muguet that is sweet, spiced and supremely delicate. The greenness of the basil persists into the surprisingly resilient musk and sandalwood base notes. These are warmed through with moss and patchouli to create elegant, strong and uplifting cologne. Named after the Latin for the British Oak.'

Clockwise from top left: cover up, sunglasses, notebook, swimsuit, towel, sandals, bag, earrings, fragrance

Song of the Week

Lorde - Royals

Fashion Inspiration: Weekend in Tulum

Inspiration: Kate Hudson's boho style always looks carefree and unfussy, and we love seeing her easy looks on her Mexican vacations.  She looks pulled together, but still totally relaxed, and we know she would fully embrace the local fashion culture - especially the embroidery.

clockwise from top left: white coverup, blue printed coverup, striped dress, black tunic, white skirt, weekender bag, 

sandals, hat, pouch handbag, red top, embroidered black dress, earrings, bikini top, bikini bottom

Recipe: Ice Cream Social

Some days it is just too hot to cook, so we love making a DIY Ice Cream Bar. With various ice cream flavors and your choice of toppings, everyone is happy.

Suggestions:
Ice Cream
Rocky Road
French Vanilla
Lemon Sorbet
Salted Caramel
Tart Frozen Yoghurt

Toppings
Strawberries
Raspberries
Banana
Crushed Candy Bars (Butterfinger, Heath)
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
Butterscotch Chips
Whipped Cream

Sauces
Chocolate
Caramel
Red Berry Sauce

Let everyone serve themselves in large bowls or put ice cream in between freshly baked cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich.

We Recommend: Exit Through the Gift Shop

This fascinating documentary introduces the viewer to many of street art's biggest names, including Shepard Fairey, Space Invader, Banksy and the man who reinvented himself as Mr. Brainwash. The primary filmmaker found himself in the right place at the right time, and was able to capture the very beginning of the movement. Later edited into this final version by Banksy himself, it is an interesting exploration of what is considered art, and how public perception can be manipulated.

Off the Grid at Fort Mason

One of our favorite low-key Friday night activities in the summer is to grab dinner at Off the Grid at Fort Mason. Multiple food and drink trucks and tents offer something for everyone, no matter what you're in the mood to eat. We love to sample a little bit of everything.

The cocktail offerings from one of our favorite Haight St. watering holes. 

We sampled the Waterside Mule and it was quite good.

El Sur & the special of the night: Empanada de Humita - filled with fresh corn, 

red bell peppers, crumbled goat cheese & basil

Pierogi Truck & yummy pierogis with dill, sour cream & sauce

Salted Caramel Cupcake from Cupkates Bakery

Polka Dots

 

 

blouse: Sonia Rykiel (similar), pants: Forever 21 (similar), belt: Chanel (similar), shoes: Splendid

Foodie Favorite & Recipe: Smoked Albacore Tacos at Ruddell's Smokehouse in Cayucos

 

On a recent road trip down Highway 1, we stopped in Cayucos, an adorable beach town on the Central Coast.  We decided to get lunch at Ruddell's Smokehouse, a hole in the wall down by the water, and we were extremely happy we did.  Ruddell's menu consists of several kinds of smoked fish or meat tacos or sandwiches, and we tried Albacore tuna and pork.  Both were delicious, but the tuna was an especial stand out, made even better by their homemade hot sauces.  We were thrilled to find the recipe for the tacos online - we will have to figure out a way to replicate the sauces next!

Smoked Albacore Tuna Tacos

1/2 cup sour cream • 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon chili powder • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 pound smoked albacore, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 package (12) taco shells, warmed
Toppings: shredded cabbage, chopped tomato, lime juice, taco sauce

- COMBINE sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro and 2 tablespoons seasoning mix in small bow.
 
- COMBINE albacore, lemon juice and remaining seasonings in medium bowl; pour into large skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

- FILL taco shells with fish mixture. Top with cabbage, tomato and sour cream mixture, lime juice and taco sauce. Makes 6 servings.

This recipe can be made with other types of smoked fish or meat as well.

Visit their site for more information.

A Room Fit for the Royal Baby

We are so excited about the new Price of Cambridge! 

Kate has been seen shopping for items to fill the royal nursery, 

and here are a few items we would include.

clockwise from top left: wall mural, rhino book ends, chandelier, paddington book, 

complete beatrix potter collection book, curtains, diaper bag, brass sail boats, boat changing table storage, 

robot bank, 3 door cabinet, growth chart, changing table, crib, rug, rocking chair, bird sculpture, 

drum bookcase, bassinet, star mobile, lion wall art, hunting scene wall art, moon wall art, zoo animals wall art, lamp

Song of the Week

Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop

Style Icon: Kerry Washington

 

Kerry Washington has had an amazing year, with the professional successes of her show Scandal (including her recent Emmy nomination) and film Django Unchained, and now her surprise recent marriage. She has also recently really come into her own fashion-wise, quickly becoming one of our favorite actresses on the red carpet. The beautiful star never shies away from color or prints, but sticks to classic shapes that flatter her slim, hourglass shape. We're looking forward to seeing what she choses for the upcoming Emmys.

Vista Vision

We Recommend: The Helmut Newton Exhibit at the Annenberg

Helmut Newton: White Women • Sleepless Nights • Big Nudes recently opened at the Annenberg Space for Photography in LA's Century City.  The exhibit covers the great photographer's work in the three books he released of the title names, and is an excellent intro to his photography, or a stunning refresher for those of us who already love his work.  In addition to photographs, the show features a short film that describes Newton's career, featuring many amazing photographers, models, and friends inspired by the man who, to quote Robert Evans, 'brought eroticism into fashion.'

The exhibit runs through September 8th.

The Big Nudes gallery wall

The gallery

Karl Lagerfeld, by Newton

Helmut Newton

Charlotte Rampling in Arles, from Newton's book White Women

Interior Design Inspiration: The Secret Garden

 Not so much an interior design as a garden inspiration, but the charming childhood favorite The Secret Garden still makes us wish for a private outdoor sanctuary all our own, full of our favorite garden decor.  For this post, we were inspired both by the Frances Hodgson Burnett classic, and a visit to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, UK.

Clockwise from top left: Horse Bust, Lantern, Table, Chair, Container, Rug, Bench, Topiary, Birdbath, Hedgehog Pillow

Get to Know: Tom Dixon Lighting

We love British Design Company Tom Dixon, especially their pendant lighting. 

Their innovative and  modern shapes are so unique. Here are a few of our favorites:

You can pick up one for your own home here.