I know I have said this before, but at this time of year I am even more grateful than ever. With everything going on in the world, how could I not be? I am almost giddy with the anticipation of being together with family and friends to share a Thanksgiving feast. I have always loved this particular holiday. I feel like it connects me not only to the people around the table whom I adore, but also to those who are no longer here to enjoy it with us. One of our traditions is to use plates and serving pieces that belonged to my mother-in-law, who loved Thanksgiving. It feels good to connect with her through our holiday traditions.

My children are old enough now to not only sous chef in a meaningful way, but also to take the reins in decorating the table, and setting the stage for a beautiful meal. I love spending the day with them in preparation mode. Now that they're out of the house, it feels even more special to spend time together. Their closeness is something I am especially grateful for.  As siblings, my father and his sister were incredibly close. Seeing that same love and connection between my own children fills me with so much joy. It truly represents what family means on a very deep level, which in turn translates quite literally into "giving thanks" as I do not only everyday, but especially during the holiday season.

In the spirit of giving thanks, I'd like to offer a special 25% discount on all lingerie, both online and in the shop, now through November 30th. If you're shopping online, please use code THANKS25. Discount is limited to stock on hand and is not applicable to custom orders. Our holiday hours next week are Tuesday 11am - 6pm, Wednesday 11am - 4pm, Closed on Thursday, Friday 11am - 6pm, and Saturday noon - 5pm. We look forward to helping you find the perfect gift for someone you love, or a special holiday treat for yourself.

Speaking of the holiday season, the holiday party invitations are starting to roll in. I am really looking forward to seeing friends, catching up, and ringing in the season. I think these colorful tourmaline earrings would be perfect for any event. The color and movement of the loops all feel rather festive, don't they?

I also think this pearl scarf would be lovely to wear to a holiday dinner. Ropes of pearls feel very luxurious and unexpected at the same time. Pearls warm to body temperature pretty quickly, so it would be a cozy option for a chilly evening.

If you are traveling or hosting travelers, you will most certainly need a beautiful pair of pajamas to wear. We have a few sets in 100% silk charmeuse, that would be perfect to gift, or to enjoy treating yourself to. My favorite is the Liberty Print called Gracefully, which I wear out too. I pair the pajama top with trousers, and feel both chic and comfortable for any occasion. I've lately taken to flying in it, which feels perfect. The silk keeps me warm on the plane, and I add our Minerva camisole underneath for an extra layer. It's like my silken armor for travel, and I love the little bit of lace that peeks out from the camisole. 

Of course you will be in need of a hostess gift at some point over the holiday weekend, either to present to whomever is cooking those turkeys, or for yourself as a reward for a job well done. Here, I would suggest one of our silk sleep masks, along with one of our beeswax and essential oil candles. It says "thank you, I love you, and now please rest" in the most elegant way.  

I am very excited as usual for Thanksgiving dinner this year. I love hosting friends and family at our house, and the cooking always begins with this recipe from Martha Stewart. I came across it in the early 2000's when I first began hosting Thanksgiving, and it has become a tradition to begin the holiday preparations with making this recipe first. It is a zesty twist on a more traditional cranberry sauce, and I think it is far more delicious. You can play around with the proportions, and even make it with honey instead of sugar, as I often do.  

Dried Cherry + Ginger Cranberry Sauce

One 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries

3/4 cup of dried cherries

1/2 cup finely chopped shallots

2 tbs. red wine vinegar

zest and juice of one orange (about a 1/2 cup)

2 tsp. grated ginger, peeled

3/4 cup packed brown sugar (or honey, if you prefer)

Combine cranberries, cherries, shallots, vinegar, orange zest and juice, ginger, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan, and cook over medium heat until cranberries pop. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries release their juices, about 15 minutes or so. If the cranberry sauce becomes too thick, add water until the desired consistency is reached. I like to cook it down quite a bit over a low heat.  I think it brings the flavors together really nicely. Transfer to a bowl to cool completely.  You can also make this ahead, and freeze.  

Happy Thanksgiving to All with tons of Love, Love, Love,

PS I hope you save the date for Wednesday, December 4th. We will be having our annual holiday party with our next door neighbor, Pamela Barish. It will be festive as always....looking forward to seeing you! 

Right now it feels especially good to invest in and wear pieces that are particularly meaningful and personal. Don't you agree? I have been thinking of this quite a bit lately. In general, I am definitely more considered and more selective about what I want to bring into my life, and know that I am not alone in feeling this way. Fine jewelry is a luxury, so it should have meaning as well as exist as an object of beauty. I also believe in the talismanic quality of jewelry. Important pieces can quickly become an amulet that one feels adrift without, therefore it rings true that these pieces should be more personal in a substantial and considered way. I've always thought of my jewelry as a kind of armor, which in today's world feels even more essential. Also, gold is good for you, in case you didn't know.

Spending time with people you love, and in places you feel connected to also happens to be good for you. I am so fortunate to have been able to do exactly that last month in Spain. I fulfilled my mission to see the exquisite Balenciaga and Spanish Painting exhibition at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Borneimsza before it closes this weekend, and was able to also enjoy tuning out the rest of the world in beautiful Mallorca. To be able to rest and recharge in nature with my loves is truly a gift. 

With this in mind, I've been working on a collection of pieces to honor the people I love, and allow them to be with me symbolically whether they are physically close or geographically far. Personally, I am feeling the need to gather my dear ones near to my heart. This feeling is clearly universal. For one lovely woman, I created this diamond necklace using her family's stones. One representing each person in her nuclear family. She now wears these stones from another generation in her family that represent the family she has created. It makes for a timeless future heirloom to be passed down to her daughters. For another, I created a necklace to represent a couple, and also the baby they are excited to welcome early next year.  

For myself, I'm working on a piece with opal, tourmaline, emerald, and aquamarine to represent my family, throwing in a diamond and a pearl for good measure, as I love them so. I think I may also add sapphires to represent some of my dear Virgo friends.  Really, there are no rules or boundaries, and it has been so much fun to come up with different combinations of stones for not only necklaces, but bracelets, rings, and earrings as well. These pieces will be mostly custom, and part of a Family Constellation series.  Since the nature of this collection is so personal, I suggest calling or sending an email to schedule an appointment for a consultation.  It's been such a pleasure to work with clients to create these beautiful and treasured heirlooms.  

If this resonates with you and you'd like to explore the options further, I look forward to hearing from you. Remember that these are custom pieces, and may take a bit of time to come to fruition, so I will just remind you that there are less than 100 days until Christmas.  (Hint, hint...)

I always love it when we receive new Liberty of London fabrics to work with.  There is something genuinely special about them.  I love the history associated with the company, the collaborations with integral artists and designers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and how many of the prints from this fertile period are still manufactured today.  There is a timelessness to the prints that I am drawn to, and I so enjoy seeing them layered together, as I do in our print-block kimono style Asteria and Selene robes.

We also still have a limited stock of their incredible crinkled silk chiffon.  It is no longer manufactured, which is such a shame.  It makes it all the more special, of course.  I love it for the Thea slip and matching robe. 

Please save the date for Thursday, October 10th.  We are planning a little early fall party, with our lovely neighbor Pamela Barish. Last year around this time, we hosted a cocktail party and served variations of olive oil cake. This time I'm thinking of doing a little chocolate cake tasting.  I'm also thinking of switching up a few tried and true recipes. I have been making flourless chocolate cakes in some form or another for over two decades. Peter's birthday is coming up, and I've been making him the same Fallen Chocolate Soufflé Cake from David Waltuck since before we were married. It might be time to try a new one, and hopefully you will be able to join us and let me know which one is the best. I'm thinking of substituting pistachios for almonds in the River Cafe's Chocolate Almond Cake recipe, which I think will be delicious.

I'm still cooking like it's summer, because frankly it still feels like it is.  This olive-oil poached tuna steak is lovely and easy, and perfectly captures the season.  It's also very forgiving, as you can use whatever herbs and aromatics that you have on hand.  This is the version I've been making lately.  

Olive Oil Poached Tuna Steaks

One large tuna steak, or two small to fit in a small saucepan

2-3 whole garlic cloves

1 or 2 slices of fennel bulb

3-4 sprigs of fresh dill

1 tsp. black peppercorns

a pinch of red chile pepper flakes

a slice of lemon rind

1 dried bay leaf

1 tsp. of crushed fennel seeds

Pinch of kosher salt

enough olive oil to cover the fish

Lemon to serve

Place all ingredients in a small saucepan, and warm gently to poach the fish until desired doneness.  You want it to cook slowly, without allowing the oil to boil. Test the fish when it becomes opaque.  I like it when then center is still pink.  Gently lift the fish out of the oil, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the top, and season with salt and pepper before serving.  

 Enjoy,

Well I suppose the last sweet days of summer are upon us.  This is the moment where I take stock of where I've been, what I've seen, and what I still want to do while the sun is shining brightly and the days are long.  I traveled quite a bit in early summer, and had the good fortune to be in London in June, blessedly missing the scorching heat wave.  I had the opportunity to see dear friends, make new ones, and catch some lovely exhibitions.  The Lee Krasner exhibition at the Barbican Centre is simply wonderful.  Also dreamy is the Leonardo da Vinci at the Queen's Gallery, as well as one of my most favorite artists Joaquin Sorolla at the National Gallery.  His paintings capture the light, the sea, and the essence of family that make me feel exactly like summer.  

Nothing embodies the essence of summer quite like the parks in London.   On a beautiful day, it is the loveliest experience to have a little wander, which is exactly what I did.

I was also lucky enough to catch the last day of Sarah Wheeler's charming show, Bloom Away, featuring a beautiful collection of botanical photographs. I love floral representation in all forms, so it was especially nice to see such a thoughtfully curated selection of images. The Dior exhibition at the V&A is indeed sublime, and such a wonderful treat.  The quality of the craftsmanship, and the inventiveness of the designers over the last 73 years is quite an inspiration. The whole installation is incredible, spanning so many different aspects of the house of Dior, and showcasing the depth of talent that has played a hand in some of the most iconic designs of the last several decades.

I am so grateful to be embarking on a quick, end-of-summer getaway to Spain. The perfect contrast to a busy city trip is time spent under a tree, or on a beach, which is exactly what I need after the stimulation of early summer in London.  I'm packing one of our new cotton/silk blend robes and slips for sleeping, and a few other cotton pieces for wearing over swimsuits or slips for daytime.  We have the cotton/silk robes and slips in matching sets in the shop, perfect for the August heat.  The fabric feels deliciously light and cool on the skin.  

Packing jewelry for a trip is a task I always quite enjoy.  For a beach holiday, a bright pair of earrings, some turquoise and coral pieces, and a few beaded necklaces always make it into my jewelry case.  We have new silk chiffon ribbons that we've added beads to, which look lovely tied in a variety of ways.  I love them for a pop of color and texture, and am definitely taking them along.  They also make perfect gifts, so I plan to pack a few extra to give to friends on our trip. 

Two summers ago in Mallorca, I complimented a chic and lovely woman on her straw bag at dinner.  At the end of the evening, she took her belongings out of the bag as they were leaving, and insisted that I accept it as a gift.  It was such a lovely gesture, and I've enjoyed it all the more for it.  I hope to see her again soon, and am packing a little something special for her, just in case I do.  

You may have seen the nice article that Martha McCully wrote for the Home section of the Los Angeles Times in June. I so enjoyed spending the day with Martha, taking her to my favorite shops in Los Angeles, and shopping for tabletop items that make entertaining such a joyful, creative process for me.  I do love feeding people, and setting a beautiful table is certainly an important part of that love.  I never entertain without these uniquely gorgeous table linens from Gregory Parkinson, which you can find at Turpan. The Makoto Kagoshima and Juba Tenshin ceramics that we have collected over the years from Chariots on Fire always have a place on our table. No meal is complete without an assortment of Milla Chocolates, and stopping by their jewel box of a shop on Venice Boulevard is a true delight. There is always something special at Tortoise General Store, which is an excellent source for gifts of all kinds. 

Summer dessert is always easy, with all of the amazing stone fruit we have here in Southern California.  One doesn't really have to do more than serve a bowl of fruit over ice and let guests enjoy, so don't ask me why I had a bee in my bonnet about making the Lemon Tart from The River Cafe in London.  Perhaps it's because I had it in June, and it just was so delicious that it stuck with me.  It could also be, that I remember that lemon tart from Michel Richard on Robertson Boulevard from my early days of living in Los Angeles, and how it was absolutely THE perfect ending to every remotely memorable dinner party. I can't really say, and though I wasn't able to source the Amalfi lemons, what I found from Apricot Lane Farms at the farmer's market last Sunday were in no sense second rate.  Be warned, this recipe is not for the faint of heart.  The amount of butter feels almost obscene, but fear not.  The results are so spectacular, that your guests will remember the deliciousness for a long long time to come.

The River Cafe Lemon Tart

For the Pastry:

2.5 cups flour

2 sticks butter, cold and cut into small cubes

3/4 cup sifted Confectioner's sugar

3 egg yolks

pinch sea salt

Place flour, butter, sugar, and pinch of sea salt in a food processor.  Pulse until it resembles coarse meal, then add the egg yolks and pulse a few times, until it comes together.  Pat into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Grate into a 12 inch tart pan with a removable bottom, and press the dough along the bottom and sides.  Place a sheet of buttered parchment paper over the dough, and fill with dried beans, rice, or pie weights.  

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, and then remove the parchment and weights.  Bake another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.  Let cool completely.

For the Lemon Filling:

Zest and juice of 7 large lemons

1.5 cups granulated sugar

6 whole eggs, plus 9 egg yolks

2.5 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature

Place zest, lemon juice, sugar, and eggs in a large saucepan over a very low heat, whisking constantly until sugar is dissolved, and eggs are broken up.

Add half the butter and continue to whisk. At this point the eggs will start to cook, and the mixture will thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add remaining butter and continue whisking until mixture becomes very thick. It is important to keep whisking throughout the cooking process to prevent mixture from curdling.  

Remove pan from heat and set it on a cold heatproof surface. Continue to whisk until mixture is lukewarm. 

Preheat broiler, and spoon lemon filling into pastry shell and let settle for a least 5 minutes. Broil until top is mottled brown, 3 to 5 minutes. You may want to cover the edges of the crust with a little aluminum foil, to prevent it from blackening.  Let cool completely before serving.

Enjoy,

Everyone likes a stacking ring, and collecting them can become a delightful and lifelong pursuit.  It's such a personal endeavor, and so meaningful to find just the perfect ring to pair with an existing favorite.  We have a lovely selection, in many different stones and shapes, and are always happy to make suggestions.

I've been wearing flower earrings every single day now for quite some time.  The studs are especially charming, and would make a delightful gift.  These are also part of our Mother's Day promotion, and are currently eligible for a 20% discount.  I am especially fond of the black diamond and blue sapphire pair.  They feel really unique and unexpected, while looking so pretty and feminine on the ear.  

I think we will do Mother's Day dinner this year, so in the morning it will be nice to keep it simple.  I like to make almond milk every week, and one of nicest things about having it around is the ability to make delicious overnight oats.  It's easy enough to do, and such a treat to have on hand, especially for houseguests.  I assemble it in the morning, after making the almond milk, and then we have it for breakfast the next day.  You can play around with the proportions, or substitute a different kind of dried fruit, for instance.  It's a very forgiving recipe.  

Overnight Oats

1 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 cup raisins

1/4 cup dried, shredded, unsweetened coconut

1/4 cup sprouted pumpkin seeds

1 tbs. maple syrup

1/4 tsp cinnamon

generous pinch sea salt

1 1/2 cups freshly made almond milk 

Mix together all dry ingredients in a glass container with an airtight lid.  Pour over almond milk, and maple syrup, then mix to combine.  The dry ingredients should be completely immersed in the almond milk. You can experiment with how much liquid you prefer, as it isn't really an exact science.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  I like to serve it with a handful of mixed berries, or a spoonful of jam.

Enjoy,

I don't think I can remember a Spring in Los Angeles feeling quite this much like an actual season, rather than just a subtle, brief transition that passes far too quickly to even notice.  This month, it actually feels like SPRING in really substantial ways, and what could be better?  First there was the incredible butterfly migration, then the sweet hummingbird's nest above our front door, the blossoms on our coral tree that have long been missing, followed by the heavenly aroma of the wisteria bloom in our backyard...all a nod to the historic superbloom the entire state is experiencing at the moment. It feels so incredibly good to see the blossoms, hear the birds, and feel the season shifting right in our very bones.  I hope you're enjoying this beautiful moment in nature, wherever you are.  I've been taking in the longer days, adjusting to the natural shift in my internal body clock, and creating lots of beauty wherever I can.

Lately,  I find myself looking through my collection of pearls every chance that I have, and finding new ways to use them. Pearl drop earrings are always so lovely either on their own, or in combination with each other.  I have always favored pearls over almost any other type of jewel. There is just something about the luminosity that I find so compelling.  It's no wonder that pearls were prized by every civilization from as far back as the earliest recorded history.  Pearl mania has gripped many societies, and the "Queen of Gems" are fascinating in their uniqueness, variety, and natural beauty.  Everyone looks beautiful in pearls.  It's true, I promise.

One of my favorite pearl pieces ever has to be this stunning ring.  The lotus leaf setting holds the baroque south sea pearl so beautifully, making it such a substantial and luminous jewel.  It's already found its forever home, so I'm on the lookout for another pearl to create something equally stunning.  In the meantime, I adore with these tiny little keshi pearls.  Strung on brightly colored coral silk, with our handmade 18K gold clasp, they are just the thing for Spring.

Have you taken a look at Boticelli's fifteenth century painting "Primavera" lately?  I've long found it quite inspirational.  It is grandly romantic, and such an incredibly lush visual.  It has goddesses in nature, cupid, flowers, leaves, vines, and an orchard.  Not least of course, are the delightful Three Graces in their diaphanous gowns.  Stay tuned for our summer sleepwear, which we will introduce later in the season.  We are using a beautifully translucent silk and cotton fabric that I love for how light and soft it is. 

The transformation of Chloris into Flora, the Goddess of flowers and of Spring, is my favorite part, marking the beginning of the season.  I can't get enough of the flowers in her hair, the garland around her neck, and her floral embroidered gown.  

It also feels very spring-like to have floral rings on my fingers. It has been such a joy to create these one-of-a-kind pieces.  They've been going quickly, but I keep making more.  I find them to be both charming and happy, and who couldn't use a little of that on a daily basis?  

It has been such a treat to experience Spring in Los Angeles this year, and I hope that if you're in town, you'll come over for a visit to see all of the lovely Spring pieces we have in the boutique. The cotton sleepwear feels especially fresh, as do the Liberty print florals.  I've been wearing this lovely cotton plaid and French lace slip under all of my Spring dresses lately.  

And finally, I got around to putting together a few new pieces with some of the special stones that I have been collecting.  The lapis, labradorite, Chinese writing stone, and Norena Jasper all look quite beautiful as a collection, but of course you could wear just one at a time.  

Lately, I find myself making this citrus salad over and over again. It has everything I am attracted to in a Springtime dish; color, brightness of flavor, and it is quite simple and cleansing to the palate. I just cut off the peels, and slice up whatever citrus fruit I have handy.  A combination of oranges, along with tangerines, mandarins, kumquats, and grapefruit all work beautifully.  Blood oranges, along with Cara Cara and Valencia are nice, and have different colors and flavor profiles. I then tear a handful of mint leaves to scatter over the top, along with the juice of one of the oranges.  It's especially nice after a meal for a light dessert.  I serve it with chocolates, and a pot of ginger tea.  It is also nice for breakfast in the morning, with greek yogurt and walnuts.  What a pretty way to begin the day!



Enjoy,

Yes, I do love a Valentine. Finding a little treat for loved ones, and celebrating LOVE might strike some as a little prescribed, a little Hallmark perhaps, but I disagree.  What better emotion to rally around, or to invoke? Especially now, I feel that everyone and everything needs more love love love. Valentine's Day is the most forgiving of all holidays, and the easiest to celebrate.  Chocolates, flowers, a love note...it really isn't that difficult to find a way to treat your love or yourSELF, which is just as, or perhaps even more important. Of course, we have many beautiful ways to do just that. Let us help you find the perfect thing this year. It's what we do best, and given our offerings of jewelry, lingerie, books, and essential oil + beeswax candles...I promise you'll find something that your Darling will love. 

I'm just back from the gem show in Tucson, where I found lots of beautiful stones and beads to make into even more beautiful pieces of jewelry. I continue to be inspired by the beautiful range of pink tourmaline stones, and love making these floral earrings. They are so flirty and feminine, without being too sweet. We also have tiny flower stud earrings for the more faint of heart. They are quite possibly the most charming earrings ever. You can see them here.

For those in need of immediate gratification, the newest selection of trade bead necklaces is already available for Valentine's gifting. They are strung on an adjustable length red leather cord, making them extra lovely, and feature 18K gold beads in both yellow and rose gold. My favorite necklace for your sweetheart is the one with the iridescent silver heart beads. They seem to glow from within, and I was immediately drawn to their smoothness, icy sweetness, and rounded heart shape.

One special gift could be Mona Kuhn's Bushes and Succulents. Mona is a Los Angeles based artist and friend of mine, and her work celebrates the power of femininity and the strength inherent in being a woman.  I have long been a fan of Mona's work, and am thrilled to have her beautiful new book available in store and online. We have a limited quantity of signed copies, available next week for Valentine's Day gifting.  

We have lingerie and sleepwear in both silks and cottons, whichever your fancy. I always feel like a Liberty print robe is an especially gorgeous gift. It is one of our most popular choices for a luxurious present, and one of the most well received too. The 100% silk crepe de chine travels exceptionally well, ensuring a bit of beauty and comfort away from home. The Liberty print silk also makes a lovely eye mask for sleeping deeply and soundly, which truly is a luxury in and of itself.  We have a selection of them to choose from, either mixing and matching with a robe, or on its own as a sweet Valentine treat.

I would also love to suggest this new bright cherry red, short slip with a deeper red contrasting French lace hem.  It is such a flattering shape, and the color looks great on everyone. It would be virtually impossible to feel blue if you're wearing this.

For an over-the-top grand romantic gesture, I would consider a ring with a hypnotic deep red, rubellite tourmaline cabochon. The stone is truly mesmerizing, and the grand scale of the piece makes it quite majestic. It's the kind of ring you just have to wear, not keep it tucked away, but wear and enjoy it every chance you have. If something more delicate is in order, then I suggest this sweet little ruby ring.

This year I'm going to try and make a kind of healthy-ish truffle for my Valentines. I plan to combine roasted pecans, dried cherries, a bit of olive oil and honey, and then dip them in dark chocolate with a sprinkling of sea salt on top.  I don't think that the butter and cream will be missed necessarily, and I do believe that the appreciation of a homemade sweet is never something to underestimate!

Treats are wonderful for Valentine's Day, but nothing beats a love letter.  My lifelong love of handwritten notes was just deepened by the gift of an outstanding selection of Japanese pens and beautiful William Morris paper from one of my favorite friends. I had forgotten how much I love a fountain pen, love the different colors of ink, the feeling of the nib on the paper...how nice to be reminded!  It is especially wonderful in this digital age, not just to write the notes, but to know how much of a treat it is these days to receive one.  I hope you write at least one Valentine this year, enjoy the love of those around you, and reflect it right back out there.  Love love love is all we need.

Happy Valentine's Day, 

Hello 2019!  I must say that so far, I like this new year.  I suspect it has something to do with my extended vacation from the relentless news cycle, and its attendant anxieties.  I've chosen instead to listen to music instead of talking heads, to dive into the pile of books on my bedside table, and to watch more films. The result is that I feel calmer, more productive, and just better than I have in awhile.  Usually I am in recovery mode, after the mad rush of the holidays. Because I am not obsessing over the state of the world, I feel like I have time to think and to reflect, and ultimately to be inspired, which is something we all can benefit from. Don't worry, I am not "head in the sand" ignoring the world,  I absorb enough information just from being awake and aware.  I'm just taking a bit of a pause, catching my breath, and setting my intentions for the new year ahead.

I find myself reflecting on the incredible amount of art I was lucky enough to see this past year.  It was an epic year for exhibitions, and some of my all-time favorites were the Picasso show at the Tate Modern in London, the Van Gogh/Japan show in Amsterdam last summer, and the recent Edward Burne-Jones at the Tate Britain. We were also fortunate enough to see the Picasso Bleu et Rose, the Miro retrospective, and the Basquiat/Schiele exhibitions in Paris, as well as an incredible John Singer Sergeant show at the National Museum in Stockholm, which reopened in October after a five year long renovation.

The Lars Tunbjork exhibition at Fotografiska was really wonderful too.  They are open until one o'clock in the morning, so we wandered in around 11pm and had the place nearly to ourselves. Why can't more museums do this?  It feels like such a privilege to have a quiet gallery to oneself.

The most wonderful though, was the Louisiana Museum in Denmark. It was such an outstanding experience on all fronts. Spending an afternoon there was one of the highlights of 2018 for me. The combination of nature, modern art, architecture, and design felt so intentional, soulful, and so thoughtfully regarded. If you haven't yet been, make it your next trip. You won't be disappointed. 

It was also such a delight to discover the lesser known magic of the Thorvaldsens Museum, which pairs a grand scale with a cabinet-of-curiosities feeling, and the exotic treasures at The David Collection in Copenhagen. They both felt truly special and intimate, as they are precisely that: the expression of a singular passion for collecting.

If you've been over to visit the shop recently in the afternoon, you may have caught us in the middle of tea time. I make a pot of ginger tea with lemon and honey to share, which felt especially nice during the recent rainstorms. It's quite strong, and the perfect afternoon treat. We are attempting to be virtuous after the indulgences of the holiday season, but I still managed to make a batch of salted rye cookies. One of our talented foodie clients shared her recipe with us, and we are all a bit obsessed. I suppose the Swedish notion of fika really did make an impression on me.  Spending time with a hot drink and a biscuit in the afternoon, catching up on things together definitely feels like something to carry on with in 2019.  It's a lovely and delicious way to feel more grounded and connected.

Ginger Tea

I pour 3oz fresh ginger juice, the juice of one lemon, plus one or two spoonfuls of honey (depending on desired sweetness) in a tea pot. Add the hot water, and stir to combine.  You can also refrigerate any leftover tea, as it's delicious and refreshing to drink cold.  This hardly ever happens, as we usually drink it all, but it's a treat when it does.

Salted Rye Cookies

2 sticks unsalted, European style butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/2 tsp. finely grated orange zest

2.5 cups whole rye flour 

3 tbs. coarse turbinado sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and the granulated sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.  Beat in the egg, a pinch of salt, and the orange zest.  Slowly mix in the flour. Divide the dough into two portions, and place each on a sheet of plastic wrap.  Shape into logs approximately 2 inches in diameter, and wrap tightly.  Chill until firm, about an hour (or overnight).

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.  On a sheet of waxed paper, combine 1.5 tsp salt and the turbinado sugar.  Unwrap the dough, and roll them in the salt/sugar mixture to coat well.  Place each log on a cutting board, and using a sharp knife, cut into 1/8 inch rounds.  Arrange the rounds approximately 1 inch apart on the parchment paper lined baking sheets., and bake until lightly browned on the edges, about 16 minutes.  Rotate the pans halfway through so that the cookies bake evenly. When finished baking, remove to wire racks to cool completely.  They won't last long, I promise.

Enjoy,

It seems that the mad rush of the holiday season has begun in earnest!  We are all basking in the love of the wonderful crowd who stopped by on Wednesday evening to celebrate the season.  Thank you to everyone who joined us to raise a glass and enjoy all of the sweet treats.  The mulled wine smelled so delicious that it drew people in off of the sidewalk, and gave the evening a true sense of holiday cheer.  One of the nicest things about gathering everyone together is seeing old friends and new, as well as introducing everyone.  It has been such a privilege to witness the widening and deepening of our community here in Venice over the years.  I also love feeding people, and sharing my new work.  If you didn't manage to make it over, you can catch a little glimpse of the evening, along with some of the newest pieces here.  

Putting together suggestions for gifting is always a great joy.  I get to imagine how something will be received, and hopefully treasured.  We have a beautiful selection of new jewels to choose from.  As ever, we are delighted to share some of our favorite gift ideas.  I think one of these beautiful little garden rings would be such a treat to give or receive.  Each one is unique, and has its own personality.  The pearls with the pink sapphire leaves is especially charming.  It reminds me of cherry blossoms.

If gemstones are not on your list, then one of our 18K gold pieces might be perfect. The simplicity and warmth of the gold is timeless and the patina that comes with age is incredibly beautiful.  I love seeing how the pieces age and soften a bit over time.  The integrity of the gold is one of the reasons I chose to work with it.  

Recently we have added oxidized sterling silver settings, mixing them in with the 18K gold for a more antique feeling.  When I started making jewelry in my second year at university, I worked in oxidized sterling silver almost exclusively, so this feels nostalgic for me in lots of ways. Jewelry from the Georgian period also featured settings of sterling silver, and lots of flower and other natural motifs. These have what I think is a vintage, yet very modern feeling. 

A robe would also make an outstanding gift. Waking up to a new silky kimono would be first on my list, I will admit.  We have both solid silk charmeuse, and Liberty of London prints in 100% silk crepe de chine, as well as a few limited edition silk crinkle chiffon pieces.   You could coordinate one with a handmade silk sleep mask for a charming gift set.  We have several to choose from, and in my mind, they are life changing.  I can't really sleep without one anymore.  It might just be the one of the nicest things you could give this Christmas.  The gift of a beautiful and more restful night's sleep is one that you can't really beat.  

A gift doesn't have to be over the top.  Some of our most simple and modest pieces make the best gifts.  Indeed, one of our 100% beeswax and essential oils is something that everyone on your list would be delighted to receive.  Our newest addition to the collection is Zen Garden, which is inspired by the incense from the Ryoanji temple in Kyoto, Japan.  It made such an impression on me, that I wanted to capture the essence of that experience to share with everyone. I recently gave one of them to a lovely friend from Japan.  She wrote to tell me that she loves it, as it reminds her of "walks through Kyoto in the fall when the air is crisp, the leaves are golden, and memories of incense wafting from temples..." I can't think of a better way to describe it.  

While the treats for last night included some of my family's traditional holiday favorites, it is a new recipe that I felt most excited about it.  A client of mine shared her recipe for salted rye cookies, and I must say that we all loved them!  They were heaven with the mulled wine.  The mulled wine recipe was also shared, and adapted from the Joy of Cooking.  In addition to feeling seasonal and tasting delicious, it made the store smell amazing.  Trust me, and make it for your holiday gatherings.  Everyone will love it, and your house will have the most incredible aroma.

Mulled Wine

2.5 cups cane sugar

3 cups water

50 whole cloves

10 cinnamon sticks

3 crushed nutmegs

5 star anise pods

3 cardamom pods

Peels of 3 lemons and 2 oranges

4 cups lemon juice

5 bottles red wine

2 oranges, 1 lime, both sliced into rounds  

Combine the sugar, water, 6 cinnamon sticks, 3 star anise pods, the nutmeg and cardamom, together with the citrus peels in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil.  Continue to boil for 5 minutes.  Turn off the heat, and cover the pan to let steep for 30 minutes, or longer if you have time.  Strain the syrup through a mesh sieve into a large pot that can hold all of the liquid.  I use a stockpot, that way I don't have to worry about splashing red wine everywhere.  

Add the lemon juice, the wine, and the sliced oranges and lime, along with four cinnamon sticks, and a couple of star anise pods. Heat the wine slowly over a low heat until it is just below simmering.  Keep warm, and serve in glass tea cups with a slice of citrus for garnish.  

Enjoy,

Hello again!  It's been a little while, I know.  I've been traveling, working, adjusting to life without children in the house.  I have to say, ahem...it's not all that bad.  (Clearly, my children don't read this!)  That said, I am beyond excited to have everyone home, under one roof, for the first time since the summer.  CANNOT WAIT, actually.  I love it so much when the four of us are together, so this Thanksgiving I am grateful for that more than usual, and grateful for the wonderful friends who join us around the table for our epic feast.  

The cooking has begun, and the clock is ticking.  Instead of feeling pressure though, I'm just going to focus on the gratitude.  I feel like with each passing year on the planet, I feel it more deeply.  The recent wildfires plaguing our state and causing so much devastation only serve to intensify the feeling.  So many people have lost so much, it's just heartbreaking.  There have been incredible stories of bravery, compassion and of coming together as a community.  We chose to donate to the cause through www.directrelief.org/emergency/california-wildfires/ and encourage you to do what you can too.  I'm proud to be a native Californian, and am always amazed by the resiliency and the beauty of this magical place. It's been an especially wild year, so focusing on making beautiful things, and being grateful for the opportunity to do so, resonates profoundly.  If you aren't participating in the mad, turkey-related frenzy, then please come over for a visit. We would love to see you.  

Our Thanksgiving holiday hours are:

Wednesday, November 21st, 11-4pm

Thursday, November 22nd, CLOSED

Friday, November 23rd, 11-6pm

Saturday, November 24th, 12-5pm

Sunday, November 25th, CLOSED

On the subject of gratitude, I just had the honor and delight of reimagining an engagement ring for a truly lovely woman. There is no better feeling than knowing that new life has been given to an enormously sentimental and important treasure. Working on these kinds of future heirlooms is one of the things I love most, and something I am always grateful to have the opportunity to do.  I love the freshness that this piece has, and its powerful feminine energy.  It feels perfect for right now, and I hope it will be treasured for many years to come. 

I have also been working on lots of new pieces for the holiday season, and a selection of beautiful new earrings, rings, and necklaces are available in store now.  I am particularly besotted with the dainty and colorful collection of garden rings.  Here is a little peek at a few new favorites.  They are especially charming worn together in little groupings.  

Have you seen our dark floral Liberty print robes?  I love them.  They feel perfect for the season, and come in solids, or print blocked styles.  We also have coordinated sleep masks available, so you can put together the perfect set.  

Welcome Home Breakfast

I like to make this morning feast when we come home from travels, as it feels clean and simple, and as un-fussy as it gets.  Our son returns from two months away, and our daughter will be home from school for the long weekend, and everyone needs something home cooked and healthy.  This egg and vegetable based dish assembles quickly, which is helpful when you have hungry travelers from far away lands.  Everyone can pick and choose which bits they like most, and there are never any leftovers. Yes, it helps to have homemade pesto sauce on hand, but it's also delicious with harissa or even just hot sauce, which everyone should have in their pantry.  And really, any vegetable can work.  Use what you have, and what you love.  Sometimes I make it with zucchini, spinach, and potatoes.  It has endless possibilities, so it is never boring, and always seasonal.

One bunch asparagus, ends trimmed, and cut into two inch pieces

One bunch broccolini

One handful wild arugula or other salad greens

Fresh herbs, parsley, basil, dill, chives

One piece of Prosciutto per person

Two handfuls of cherry tomatoes

Two eggs per person, poached

Pesto sauce, or Harissa, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Cheese of your choice, shaved or simply dotted over the top

First I crisp the prosciutto in a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. This happens quickly, so really just a few minutes per side.  Remove to a platter, then saute the cherry tomatoes in the same pan, until they blister and soften.  Add those to the platter as well.  In a separate pan, boil about an inch or two of water, and blanch the asparagus and the broccolini until tender, but still bright green.  Add to the platter, and season with sea salt, pepper, and a couple of spoonfuls of olive oil.  Poach the eggs in a small pot of boiling water.  I lower the heat when I crack the eggs in.  This helps them to keep their shape.  When they are ready, I add them to the platter, nestled in and around the vegetables, and spoon over the pesto sauce or harissa.  Then I sprinkle over the arugula and freshly torn herbs, along with a little cheese.  I usually shave a little pecorino or parmesan, or dot a bit of goat's cheese or mozzarella, really I just use whatever is handy.  A little salt and freshly ground pepper over the eggs, and serve immediately.  Welcome home to all the travelers out there....

Enjoy the holiday weekend, with tons of love love love...

Oh August, please don't go.  I am relishing the last days of the month, even as we are just over half-way there.  One reason is certainly our daughter's imminent departure for college.  I wish we could slow down time, not only to enjoy summer and the longer, brighter days, but to have her home a little longer.  Thankfully she isn't going far, so that does make it a bit easier to bear.  It's an incredibly bittersweet time.  I'm going to surprise her with a few of our new cotton slips to sleep in, though without lace.  I'm sure the laundry situation in the dorms won't exactly be conducive to preserving fine French lace!  One thing that stayed with me from college days, is that all of the girls back then were sleeping in t-shirts and men's boxer shorts.  Needless to say, it wasn't exactly my vibe.  I understand comfort just as well as anyone, but what could be more comfortable than sliding into a slip?  

Thinking back to college days, I'm feeling a bit nostalgic for making bracelets by hand, so that's what I've been doing every chance I get. I used to spend hours making these when I was younger, and it feels really nice to reconnect with that process. We have a selection of handmade beauties, featuring combinations of African trade beads and either 18K gold or oxidized sterling silver beads.  They are fully adjustable, unisex, and look great in groupings. We will be adding more as the days go on, as they are proving to be quite popular.  You can find them here.

We recently received a new batch of cotton slips to see out the rest of the warm weather. I love a lace hem, and we have a few new designs.  I am so inspired by the lace that we use from Solstiss in France. They are the ultimate purveyor of fine French lace. Their work is truly unparalleled, and used by the finest fashion houses.  The actual making of lace is something I've long appreciated.  The Lace Museum in Burano, Italy is a real treat for anyone traveling through Venice.  I found it quite inspiring to learn how painstaking it is to make lace by hand.  I have so much more respect for vintage lace pieces, and the effort that went into making them, and I truly respect all of the tiny details that are so often overlooked. 

These Italian cotton and lace half-slips have been indispensable to me this summer.  I wear them underneath dresses, or sheer skirts, or on their own with a camisole when it's too hot to wear anything else.  The crisp cotton feels cool on the skin, and the lace adds a lovely bit of femininity to what would otherwise be considered a traditional men's shirting fabric.  

My daughter and I recently took a pasta making class with Chef Gino at the Gourmandise School of cooking in Santa Monica.  It was so much fun, and we had a blast making it at home.  Apparently even all of the children in Italy know the recipe:  100 grams of flour, plus one egg per person.  We used that maxim and made enough for the army of teenagers that were hanging around the kitchen, patiently waiting.  It was so much fun to make the fettuccine, for the Uni pasta (see earlier notebook entry from January 2017 for that recipe) and also a batch of ricotta and asparagus ravioli.  Be forewarned, it's messy.  The army of teenagers really comes in handy for the clean up!  

Fresh Pasta Recipe

amounts are per person

100 grams 00 (or all purpose) flour

1 egg + 1 yolk, lightly beaten

Place the flour you are using on a flat surface in a mound, and make a well in the center.  Pour the egg in the center, and carefully begin to incorporate the flour into the egg until you have a rough dough.  Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes, then let rest in the refrigerator for about an hour.  After resting, use a pasta maker to roll out the dough, and cut into desired shapes.  Toss noodles in flour and rest until ready to cook.  In a generously salted pot of water, boil pasta for 2-3 minutes until al dente.  Toss with whatever sauce you've made, and eat immediately.  

Asparagus + Fresh Ricotta Ravioli

One container fresh ricotta

One bunch asparagus, lightly roasted and chopped into tiny pieces

One cup of parmigiano reggiano (with a little bit of pecorino thrown in)

One egg, lightly beaten

Zest from one lemon

Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg

Salt + Pepper to taste

1/2 stick of butter, melted

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, and use as filling for your homemade pasta ravioli. Boil in a pot of generously salted water for approximately 4 minutes, until floating at the top.  Transfer to a shallow saute pan with the melted butter, making sure a bit of the pasta cooking water comes along too.  Salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with a bit of parmigiano reggiano and freshly torn herbs.  Basil and mint are especially nice here.

Enjoy,