This next week we’re heading up to Northern California and I can’t wait. We haven’t been since we got married there in April, so I’ve just about reached my limit for how long I like to be away. On the agenda: a day trip to Napa, oysters at Stinson Beach, a 4th of July barbecue at my parents’ house, trying out new restaurants in San Francisco, visiting friends, and going to a wedding. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and here’s a little glimpse of five things that are making me happy right now.
{Heart-shaped glasses that match the bougainvillea}
{A pint of Guinness at the newly re-opened Tom Bergin’s}
The last few days have been warm and still. At times I waver on whether I see myself living in L.A. for the long term. I miss the quaint towns, the quiet mornings, and fresh air of Northern California. But those clear nights when you don’t need a jacket are pretty special and are ideal for lounging in the grass.
We shot this Estée Lauder video a few weeks back and I love how it came out. There’s something about summertime date nights that make even the simplest ideas (like heading to the beach in sultry make-up) seem fresh and fun.
I have a serious weakness for pickles. They’re a necessity when eating deli sandwiches and a go-to snack with cocktails on summer afternoons. I love all varieties (especially when stored in big, old-fashioned barrels), but bread and butter pickles have always been my favorite. An older neighbor that lived up the street from me growing up would bring by homemade batches in industrial jars and they were always such a treat. I’d eat them straight out of the jar, often finishing them all in one sitting.
This past weekend I decided to make them on my own using this recipe. I sliced them up thin using a Mandolin for consistent cuts (and fun ruffled edges) and let them marinate until they were crunchy, full of flavor, and equal parts sweet and salty. Just like old times, I ate them straight out of the jar, but managed to save a few to finish off some fried chicken sandwiches.
