mushroom duo.

I decided to get cozy tonight with a warm latte and Food & Wine's "Chef Recipes Made Easy" and came across some wonderful mushroom-infused recipes that I wanted to share as we are well into fall now - the perfect time to start cooking with this deliciously hearty, earthy ingredient.  Here are a couple of easy, yet elegant ways to use the tasty little morsel that is the mushroom.  The first is a delicious hors d'oeurve created by renowned Chef, Daniel Boulud (a guarantee that it's amazing!) - Warm Camembert with Wild Mushroom Fricassee - the perfect alternative to the over-used baked brie.  This creamy, French cow's milk cheese is divine when warm and gooey. Paired with the rich sauteed mushrooms, crunchy walnuts and toasted baguette, this dish is the perfect party accompaniment to warm up your guests this season. Serve with a light, fruitier red for great balance.

The second dish is equally comforting for a chilly fall evening dinner party - Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms - created by Chef Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde in NYC. Utilizing store-bought gnocchi makes for easy prep, while cooking in a rich stock and topping with fresh Parmesan cheese and truffle oil makes for a truly decadent treat.  Serve with a creamy Sicilian white or light red. Bon Appetit!

Warm Camembert with Wild Mushroom Fricasse

Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms



All images courtesy of Food & Wine.

stylish shelves.

There's something about endless shelves filled with books that make a space feel so comfortable and lived in.  I would love to have a stylish library with walls and walls of books one day...and hopefully a nice ladder to access them all! Here are a few photos of great personal libraries; I love the way that some are organized by color, using the books as wall art...the perfect example of beautiful, functional design. I'm absolutely in love with this first room...

via decorpad

via Elle Decor

via Flourish Design & Style

via Final Architecture

a taste of fall.

There's nothing better than going apple picking in the fall with a nice treat of apple cider donuts and hot, steamy cider to warm up after a chilly day.  I made homemade donuts once with my family and have been wanting to try them again, but this time infused with some of my favorite fall flavors.  Here are some great recipes for classic apple cider donuts (from one of my favorite food blogs, Smitten Kitchen), as well as little pumpkin drop donuts.  Pair either choice with fresh mulled apple cider for a comforting combo full of delightful fall flavors!

 

Pumpkin Drop Donuts

Photo and recipe courtesy of Lara Ferroni

 

Warm Mulled Cider

Photo and recipe courtesy of Real Simple

latest obsession: cor sin labe doli bow ties

Although I'm loving the "all buttoned up" look that's currently on trend, it still makes me miss being able to accessorize with a little neckline glitz. Enter the Cor Sin Labe Doli ceramic bow tie. I can't help but love these quirky little accessories for the collar from Italian designer, Antonioli. The designers behind the bow claim that these eccentric little pieces are often even worn wrapped around the wrist as a bracelet or dangling from the neck with a collarless shirt. Who knew a ceramic bow tie could be so versatile?! Not to mention they come in a variety of colors to match all of those prefectly pressed shirts hanging in your closet. I think I may just have to splurge for the gold...

Image via Vogue.com

living room love

via Simply Smitten

via Pinterest [Sarah Nardi]

Rita Konig's apartment via theproperstranger

inspiration in remembrance

A fearless visionary and creative genius, Steve Jobs was more than just a highly successful entrepreneur and CEO.  He was a game-changer. The incredible legacy he leaves behind not only through his influence on the way we interact with technology, but also on the definition of personal excellence, will forever be imbedded in our culture. I will always admire his bold desire to pursue seemingly crazy and unattainable goals, and to pursue them well - so well that the results redefined what is now the future. His legacy, as well as his wonderful quote below, are dedicated to all those out there with big dreams.  Thank you Mr. Jobs for inspiring us all.

via The Glitter Guide

refreshing blackberry sage coolers

Blackberries are by far my favorite fruit, so before they go out of season, I just had to pass along this delicious recipe I came across from Scaling Back blog for refreshing Blackberry Sage Coolers.  Aside from the gorgeous color, this purple concoction is the perfect drink for late summer entertaining.  As with all produce, its best to use ingredients that are in season, so be sure to try it out before the season's end (or freeze them to enjoy later on through the fall)!  California blackberries are available from May to October, while Northwest blackberries tend to last from late July to late August.  The unique flavor combination of fruit and herb, paired with the effervescence of a splash of club soda is simply divine!  For a great signature cocktail, add a little vodka and enjoy!

via Scaling Back blog

INGREDIENTS:

15 medium sage leaves

4 tablespoons sugar

1 cup water

8 ounces blackberries

Bring water and sugar to a boil over high heat until sugar is dissolved. Using the back of a spoon, crush sage leaves and add syrup mixture. Set aside and let sage infuse for 15 minutes, then remove herbs. Puree blackberries in a blender and strain the mixture through a fine strainer. To prepare, place a tablespoon of blackberry puree in the bottom of a glass and add a tablespoon of the sage syrup. Top off with 8 ounces of club soda and enjoy!

a touch of turquoise.

Aqua, Robin's Egg, Tiffany Blue...whatever you choose to call it, I love a little splash of cool, turquoise perfection.  Paired with stark white, its just the touch a room needs for a clean, yet simple feel.  Try fresh, bold stripes, accessorizing with a vase for a pop of color, or wash a little powder room in this amazing hue. This beachy tint is vibrant and energizing, yet still understated and soothing - just the thing to add a fresh new air to your space!

Lonny Magazine [Photo by Patrick Cline/Design by Ruthie Sommers] via Pinterest

Mary McDonald's Office via Pinterest

via decorpad

via The Glitter Guide

via Decorista

distressed chic.

I'm absolutely loving the look of distressed, casual denim (in a lighter wash) paired with polished, more formal pieces (sequin jackets, structured bags, tailored blazers, pretty pumps).  Maybe its the juxtaposition of opposites, or just the fact that this look is so effortlessly chic...either way, I can't get enough of it. Try cuffing your worn boyfriend jeans for added style or throw on with your favorite tee and a bright blazer...this look can really work for anyone and will definitely give your look a little more edge without a ton of effort.

via lifestyledblog

via lookbook.nu/

via J.Crew

via The Glitter Guide

mid-week inspiration...

Just a little thought to get you through the week...xx

via Mighty To Save



handwritten perfection.

There's nothing quite like a handwritten note, especially when it's sent with love on the perfect personal stationary. The elegant and long established stationer, Demsey and Carroll, has come out with some fabulous designs that I just had to share.  The first, designed by one of my favorite interior designers, Madeline Weinrib, is the perfect combo of simple and chic. The understated cards paired with envelopes lined with the designer's famously chic patterns are timeless and modern at the same time - the perfect gift for a designer friend! The second, a cheekier little correspondance collection, is from the one-and-only Simon Doonan (creative director of Barney's, TV personality and Jonathan Adler's witty counterpart).  His simple cards with little witticisms are the perfect way to send a note with a touch of humor. I love the last one where you can fill in your own little bit of cheeky genius with his "______ is the new ______" card - so fun!

[here is a close-up of Doonan's cards' witty sayings...]

All cards for the Madeline Weinrib and Simon Doonan

for Dempsey and Carroll Collections can be found here.



happy weekending!

Happy Friday everyone!  Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend and look for new, fresh posts next week! How divine is this gorgeous dress paired with a casual weekend ride?  Love.

via From Paris to London

happy weekending!

Happy Friday lovely ladies!  It's supposed to be a hot one, so I'll be devoting my weekend to lounging poolside with cool drinks and good friends...stay tuned for some new posts next week!  Nothing gets me more in the mood for some summer fun than a few vintage Slim Aarons shots...enjoy!

Photo by Slim Aarons [Marbella, Spain 1971]

Photo by Slim Aarons [Lake Forest, IL 1960]

Photo by Slim Aarons [Palm Desert, CA]

And I will definitely be beating the heat by sipping on this minty concoction!

Electric Lemonade



Any fun plans for the weekend? xx

small indulgences.

The hor d'oeuvre is probably my favorite course to design and prepare (as well as eat!).  There are endless ways to be creative with these one-bite sensations in terms of color, presentation, flavor profiles and plating.  Even the simplest hors d'oeuvres can really vamp up your cocktail hour or even a laid-back get-together.  The key is to use quality ingredients and to keep things simple.  One of the most important aspects of a good hors d'oeuvre is that it be easy to eat with a cocktail in hand - in other words, make sure it is no larger than one bite or so.  Here is a delicious recipe that incorporates quality ingredients with a hint of sophistication, while still presenting them in a rustic, approachable fashion - Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese + Pear.  The salty pancetta paired with the subtly sweet pear and silky goat cheese is the perfect compliment to your next summer soiree! Enjoy!

Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese + Pear 

[via Bon Appetit]



happy weekending!

Happy Friday! Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend full of relaxation and fun.  Would love to just stay in and watch old movies with some good wine, lounging in this little number...what do you think? xx

via LuckyMag

designing on a dime

There's nothing better than having your own space...unless of course you have to fill it on a not-so-chic young professional's budget.  I came across these fun images for a little inspiration - sometimes all it takes are a few unique (and bold!) finds to make a space feel styled and full. 

via Decorpad

via Pinterest [The Paris Apartment]

via Decorpad

Annsley Interiors via Decorpad

Good Taste Money-Saving Tips:

• Buy staple pieces like arm chairs and couches in basic colors from inexpensive retailers like IKEA and accent with bold patterned pillows to create an interesting, finished look.
• Try buying inexpensive lamp bases and doctoring them up a bit with fun, bold shades.
• A bold rug (think black + white chevron or a fun geometric print) can unify a room and/or serve as an interesting focal point.
• Make your own modern art. Buy a canvas at your local crafts store and look at modern pieces for inspiration (you don't have to be an artist to do a little colorblocking!).  The bright color will fill white walls so you can avoid expensive paint and alot of effort.
• Search local flea markets or Etsy.com for unique furniture pieces. Chests, headboards, mirrors and coffee tables can all add up, but sometimes a little imagination and a coat or two of paint are just the thing to give a less-than-impressive find new life.  Half the time, these pieces are so unique they end up being statement pieces that stand out more than your more expensive purchases.
• Use staples that you already have in a unique, personalized way.  Style books on shelves with cool frames or color coordinate them to create a visual statement.

How do you save without sacrificing style??

Good Taste Fourth of July Fete!

Happy Fourth! There are few things better than a laid-back, early summer barbeque to kick off the summer (and the 4th!). Wake up that typical cookout menu with a few twists on traditional favorites.  Mini burgers with brie and fun, boozy popsicles are the perfect way to keep the menu casual and fun while updating flavor profiles. As always, I have provided make-ahead tips for menu items that can be prepped ahead in order to lighten the load on your day-of entertaining checklist.  With just a few little additions [and fun touches], your menu will be the highlight of the holiday weekend... 


Collage by In Good Taste [Laura Boyd]



Menu designed by In Good Taste [Laura Boyd]*



· Make popsicles a few days before the party and store in freezer until just before serving.

· Form mini burgers into small patties the day before and store in the fridge. 

· Cut cold brie into small squares and store in fridge as well.

· Make the red onion  marmalade the day before and return to room temp before serving.

· Fry the crispy onions the day before and store in air tight plastic bags.

· Cube watermelon and tomatoes the night before and store in fridge in air tight containers.

· Make pound cake a few days ahead and freeze if necessary. Defrost the day before.

· Cut berries the night before and store in air tight containers in fridge.

  

*All recipes and photo credits are listed within the 'Bites' tab. Enjoy! xx

sunkissed purr-fection.

I love me a little leopard print, so of course I was dying when I came across this amazing bronzer compact from Dolce & Gabbana (available at saks.com).  The limited edition bronzer, showcasing their signature animal print, is the perfect addition to spice up your make-up bag with its saucy interior.  Sweep a healthy glow onto those early summer cheeks and say hello to summertime purrfection.

via NYTimes

color block.

Daring, bold color absolutely makes for better eye candy [especially when paired with a little pop of leopard print].  Spice up your summer wardrobe and throw a bunch of saturated brights in close proximity.  Whether its a graphic, color-blocked dress, two-toned heels or just a few colorful stacked bangles, loud hues serve as instant mood boosters  and always make for a cheeky, fun statement.  One of my favorite combos is the less expected (and often thought of as clashing) hot pink and red duo. Pick a few vivid shades (two or three, not too many!) and go for it - as Jonathan Adler puts it, it's so "happy chic."



via pretty.visage.tumblr.com

via SierraChantal

Vacay outfit by Taylor of SterlingStyle via The Glitter Guide

via MusingsInFemininity

via MusingsInFemininity

happy monday!

Happiest of mondays to all you lovely ladies!  So sorry for the lack of posts this month - hoping to get right back in the swing of things now that I've finished the wedding I was working on.  Feel free to leave comments and let me know if there is anything in particular you'd like to see posted this summer! xx

via Fashionista