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Autumn 2021

Hello there! It's been ages, I know. Please forgive the extended pause. The last few months have been a bit of a blur, with so much going on in all directions. I hope that you are doing well, and that you were able to enjoy the summer, and perhaps even travel around a bit, reconnecting with the people and places that bring you joy. It's hard to believe that the Fall season is upon us already. Looking back, I can see the sweet spot of the summer, when I was so happy to be out and about in the world after so long at home. It was heaven to have a change of scenery, and to reconnect with friends old and new. I think we are all craving the human side of things after so much time apart. 

I think that's part of the reason that I had a such a wonderful time creating a new setting for a longtime client's wedding rings, to commemorate her 30th wedding anniversary. To be trusted with something so incredibly sentimental and precious felt like a gift, and the end result has sparked so much joy all around. I am forever grateful to be given carte blanche in the design department, and I think the combination of personalities and the strength of love in every direction created the space for a particularly lovely outcome. Inspired by her love of flowers, and her desire for something fun and new, I designed this suite of rings to wear as a veritable garden party.  

We have a few similar rings in the works, and in the meantime this pretty little one is still available.

Flowers of all variety have long been a source of inspiration for me, and these sweet little plumeria earrings are kind of perfect for wearing in clusters, or alone, and certainly make a beautiful and thoughtful gift. We do sell singles, which can sometimes be all you need to refresh whatever earring combination you've been wearing.

We are also a little bit in love with these antique carved bead rings, with little flower finials, each set with a tiny precious stone. I love the little emerald center in the flower that adorns the faceted amethyst.

My garden obsession continues with the new robes that have just arrived in-store in the most delightful Liberty of London prints. They're so new we don't have them up on the website yet, so either swing by or call us and we can send images of our current stock. As per our tradition, we make but a few in unique print combinations, and once they're gone, they're gone. This batch feels fresh and different, so even if you already own one of our Asteria kimono style dressing gowns, you may want to add one of these to your collection.

There is something kind of lovely about wearing a floral print robe and spending time in the garden. Lately my focus has been on the potted geraniums that I got after being inspired by the courtyard at the gorgeous Hacienda de San Antonio, where we spent a weekend for a dear friend's birthday back at the beginning of the summer. I love their exuberant splash of color, the steadfast reliability of their blooms, and how incredibly easy they are to care for.  

We've been making lots of slips, since they're ultimately the most comfortable pieces to wear. I basically wear a slip or camisole underneath whatever I'm wearing everyday, and always wear one to sleep as well. Something silky and expertly tailored feels especially good at the moment. Our Ava slip has just the right amount of glamorous slinky chic to wear out, or get married in, or just to swan about the house. I have been wearing all of the prototypes for a year now, and am very proud of the shape and fit of this timeless slip. We spend so much time on pattern development, and the testing of every pattern, which really does show in the finished product. This slip has the most graceful drape to the back, and features straps that can be knotted or tied in a bow at the shoulder as you prefer. The little bit of elastic at the back of the waistline ensures that everything sits exactly where it should for a flattering and comfortable fit.

Another piece that we've perfected is our Hypnos sleep mask.  We consistently sell out of them, and our selection is always evolving. A fresh batch has just arrived, in case you might need one or two to have on hand. I personally love this one, though Flora looks lovely in this one, and you can browse our entire selection hereSomeone recently told me that wearing our sleep mask has resulted in an extra hour or two of sleep each night, which sounds incredibly restorative.

A few other things that I've found to be restorative recently are this podcast and book, and also this. If you decide to investigate, please let me know what you think. We certainly all need as much grounding influence as we can possibly find, especially with the shift in seasons.

Our daughter recently had to have her tonsils taken out, which was NOT fun. Anyone who has experienced this surgery as an adult will understand what I mean. So in addition to all of the mashed this and that, I made a batch of soufflé so that there was something savory and soft for her to enjoy. Of course you don't have to be on a restricted diet to enjoy these, and they are so satisfying at any time of day, with any kind of cheese you happen to have on hand, and for no particular reason.  

Cheese Soufflé

2 ounces all purpose flour

2 ounces butter

1 cup milk 

3 egg whites

2 egg yolks

1 cup grated gruyere or whatever cheese you prefer

salt, pepper, pinch of cayenne

grated Parmigiano for dusting the ramekins

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter and dust the ramekins with the grated parmesan.

Melt the butter and flour together to make a roux, when it's bubbly and smelling a bit nutty, slowly whisk in the milk to make a béchamel sauce. Mix in the egg yolks, one at a time. Then stir in the cheese, and season with salt and pepper, and the pinch of cayenne (or nutmeg, if you prefer).  

In a clean, separate bowl whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until fluffy and medium peaks form, then fold into the cheese mixture.  

Run your thumb around the edge of each ramekin to leave a clean edge of about 1/4 inch. Fill each ramekin to the bottom of that edge, and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or whenever they are puffed and the tops are a bit browned, and they no longer seem wet on the inside, and serve immediately with a bowl of crème fraiche. The tops will sink as they cool, but not to worry...they are still completely delicious.

Enjoy,

 

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