June's Recommended read + a goal!

I like to cook, I actually love to cook if there is someone to cook for. I especially enjoy cooking for company. I pour a glass of wine, listen to music and work away. Sadly, I've been so busy focusing on my life, kids and business that I haven't set aside much time for cooking lately! I was always busy but some how found time to cook at least four days of the week when my husband lived with me. There is something about sharing a meal with someone that's more enjoyable then dining alone. As you know, it's just my kids and I now, so cooking hasn't been my top priority. Although, eating healthy should be. I constantly try to introduce new and fresh foods to my children but children will be children and on some days I'm lucky to get my three year old to eat anything never mind something "foreign". 

That brings me to this month's recommended read.   Gwyneth Paltrow's new cookbook "My Father's Daughter". It's currently in my Amazon cart and I will be eagerly awaiting the books arrival. I agree with Gwyneth's approach to cooking on a number of levels. I too try not to eat processed foods, I also eat fresh, and organic when possible. I love that she includes her children in the cooking process, I try my best to do the same! 

Okay, now onto my goal. No, I'm not trying to copy "Julie" from the well known book and film "Julie and Julia", but I do need some motivation to start cooking again. It's healthier, cheaper and also some what therapeutic. 

Here's my objective: To cook one meal a week from Gwyneth's cook book! I can't promise I'll finish the entire book but I'll do my best! I'll often take photos and share my results and even my son's critique when possible! Fingers crossed that this spurs my desire to cook and make cooking fun again! Happy June! xx. Julie

Happy December

I will be making these cookies a few days before Christmas. Don't you just love how they are displayed and decorated?Such a simple but adorable concept! Happy December!

go to Food and Wine Magazine for the recipes!

YUM!

I was just scanning my email and ran across my Goop newsletter. In Today's MAKE section Gwyneth shares the details of a cooking collaboration with Ina Garten. I love both Ina and Gwyneth. Ina for her creative cooking and overall approach to design and entertaining and Gwyneth because she's a chic momma in so many ways ..{plus she comes across as a pretty down to earth person}. 

They prepared homemade herbed ricotta bruschette from Ina's latest cookbook, How Easy Is That? Easy and delicious? A busy mother of two little one's dream. 

Style File's...snapshot



Illustration by Lulu Dk

I just returned from two small installations! They both went very well {thank god}. Sorry for the late post. I promise to return with lots of goodies soon...In the meantime be sure to check out my "Style File" post over at La Dolce Vita today!! Thanks for having me Paloma!

here is a peek from Paloma's post, some of my favorite things:

Fabric: Quadrille's Alan Campbell and China Seas line. I also find Lulu Dk very inspiring, her collages and art work are genius!

Favorite Food : French Bistro - Bistro Cooking at home is one of my all time favorite cook books, every recipe I have ever made is AMAZING!

One {among a few} Fashion Icons - Grace Kelly. I am loving the 50's-60's inspired clothing this Fall. Add a bit of an edge to the outfit and you're all set!

Hope you're having a great day!



Bedroom Image: Veranda, April 2010

On my radar..for the Fall..

For Fashion?

I love, love, love layering my outfits with blazers! I live in them most of the year. This knit blazer from Madewell would be an instant staple for me.

another staple? Sweedish Hasbeen boot

At Home.

warm neutrals, tufted velvet, leopard prints + mixing natural wood and paint!

image: Paul Costello

image: Canadian House and Home.

a mirror in the kitchen? would you do it? love the look but is it practical?


love this leather butterfly chair from Urban Outfitters

and the warm unexpected colors of these Ikat rugs! Available at ABC Carpet and Home

In the Kitchen

I tend to cook more in the Fall then summer. Onion soup is a no-fail classic! See recipe here.

Dining AlFresco

When I dine outside, everything just tastes a little better. Wouldn't you agree? I hate to say the summer is winding down, but it is..before I kiss the next three weeks goodbye, I'll be taking full advantage of the short "native corn + tomato" season in Boston. {I think my southern friends have been enjoying them all summer!} Here's a bit of inspiration for on both fronts!

+ two recipes..although both are equally yummy alone with a hint of salt + pepper! {correction: salt, pepper + butter on the corn}

Images: Domino, via Trey and Laura, Krista Ewart, Food/recipes - Coastal Living, Domino, ?, Elle Decor, Melanie Acevedo, flickr, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful