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,

Midsummer already, and the heat is here with a vengeance.  I now feel like being lazy, sitting in the sun (I know, I know...but the vitamin D!!!), and reading book after book after book.  I did manage to spend a little time by the pool on July 4th, and also to read my brilliant and talented friend Evgenia Citkowitz's novel, The Shades. What I haven't quite accomplished is the lazy part.  Not my nature, I'm afraid.  We just returned from a quick trip to London and Amsterdam, and as ever I am inspired by all of the incredible art, nature, and certainly the food that we experienced, and am busy bringing those inspirations to life.  I am always happiest when the four of us are on a trip, away from the quotidian distractions of life.  This trip was no exception, and it was absolute heaven to all be together.  From the epic Picasso exhibition at the Tate Modern in London, to the Van Gogh and Japan in Amsterdam, with meals at The River Cafe, and De Kas amongst others, and plenty of laughs, my heart and mind are both full.  

As much as I love to travel, I am always thrilled to come home. It feels good to be back in the store, with all of the new summer pieces. I love colorful earrings with a bit of movement, as well as pearls in all forms. These are two pair of several new earrings that have just arrived, and are true to my love of all things floral.  

This weather makes me feel like staying in my swiss cotton slips all day.  It's just difficult to want to wear anything but, on days when it's hovering around 90 degrees on the westside.  This beautifully crisp set of cotton pieces are new, and perfect for these brutally hot days.  The mid length version is what I love to wear over my swimsuit, or even over a slip as a dress.  I wore mine last summer in Mallorca, and the light weight of the cotton was a dream. In either plaid with red lace or stripes with greige lace, they are both charming for the beach or poolside, and not just for sleeping.

We had a little sample sale last year, and it went so well, that we have decided to do it again.  This time, the discounts range from 65-85% on selected pieces of lingerie in silk, cotton, and even a few of the Liberty prints.  The sale begins on Tuesday, July 10th, both in store and online.  Shop early for the best selection. We will also have a small selection of jewelry with special pricing.  We only do this once a year, so if you've had your eye on something, don't miss out! 

It's a bit hot for cooking, so though this summer dessert does involve roasting stone fruit in the oven, it is served with cooling greek yogurt for a refreshing end to a summer meal.  I love making it with apricots, but it can also be made with peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, figs, or a combination of all.   Simply halve and pit the fruit, and place cut side up in a roasting pan that has been generously buttered.  I then top the fruit with little bits of cut up butter and drizzle with honey and sprigs of fresh thyme.  Roast in the oven at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or so, until the fruit is soft and beginning to look caramelized at the edges.  Serve with a dollop of full fat plain greek yogurt, a sprinkling of chopped walnuts, and a spoonful of the juices from the roasting pan. Of course almonds, pecans, or pistachios would also be delicious, if you prefer. Sometimes I use citrus slices, and top with shredded coconut and shaved dark chocolate instead of yogurt and nuts.  Really, it can be anything you'd like.

We have deliciously cool A/C at the boutique, and we make a delightfully refreshing iced tea with elderflower, so swing by if you can.  We look forward to seeing you, and catching up.  Whether you've completed your summer travels, or are about to embark on an adventure, enjoy these sweet midsummer days... 

Happy Weekend, Everyone!  It might be gray and gloomy on this Spring afternoon in Venice (early June gloom, perhaps?), but I am feeling sunny inside. We are so lucky just to live in this vibrant city.  I haven't always felt this way, but LA has won me over.  There is just so much to do and see here, and such lovely people who have flocked to this fair coast.  I had a cozy dinner with friends last night, who had just been downtown to see the LA Philharmonic.  I'm now trying to find last-minute tickets to see Gustavo Dudamel conduct Beethoven's Ninth, and convince my 18 year old daughter that it will be thrilling (instead of Coachella, where all of her friends are). I know you are all wishing me luck with that, which is most sincerely appreciated!  I also am enjoying that it sort of feels like Spring all of a sudden.  The flowers and blossoms on the trees thrill me to no end, and after years of drought they feel especially meaningful.

For the last few months we have been working on a bright new lingerie collection, featuring a few new shapes and updated versions of our favorites, all along with stunning new Liberty print pieces as well.  Most of all, I like the new bralette and brief set in color blocked greens and blues or pinks and reds.  

The newest floral Liberty print robes are completely gorgeous.  In crisp 100% silk crepe de chine, they feel perfect on the skin, no matter what the season.  

New earrings have arrived, and again my favorites are the bright color combinations.  There is a particularly lovely pair that feature bright purple amethysts set in oxidized sterling silver, with a dark green tourmaline drop set in 18K yellow gold.  The length, the playful colors, and the gentle movement make these quite special indeed.  My love affair with tourmaline continues, as shown below.  The sheer spectrum of colors alone is reason enough, and composing a selection of stones is one of my most favorite things to do.  

I recently had the privilege of gathering with some of my neighbors to say farewell to one of us who is leaving the neighborhood, and moving on to new adventures.  It was called for 6pm, and a potluck, which I normally find really unnerving.  I am never sure if the food will coordinate, or if there will be enough, or what to bring in the first place.  Since our gracious neighbors were hosting, I really didn't have to worry about anything (Thank you Brooke + Randall!), so I decided to arrange an assortment of cheese and other delicious snacks that are usually a big hit in our house.  This time was no exception, as Brooke wrote to me the morning after:

"Liseanne – In addition to your energy and presence, that cheese platter extraordinaire was amazing…!  I need you to ID everything on that platter and in the bowl – I’m serious! I’m going to be serving it in lieu of dinner from now on!"

So for you Brooke, and for anyone else who might be interested, here is what I brought, and a list of what you see.   And yes, it totally works in lieu of dinner!

Cocktail Party Cheese Plate

Sliced aged Manchego, cubed Irish Dubliner Cheddar, Thinly sliced Petite Basque, chunks of aged Parmigiano

Italian flat Rosemary herbed crackers

Mary's Gone Crackers, Jalapeño flavor

Pita bread crackers

Dried papaya and dried turkish figs

Cashews, walnuts, pecans

Mandarin orange broken open, and still in the peel

Marinated goat's cheese, with fresh squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, fresh chives, salt and freshly ground black pepper 

Enjoy,

What is the saying, March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb?  The weather yesterday fits perfectly into this bit of nineteenth century weather folklore, with sheets of rain falling for hours on end.  In California these days, this is tricky business.  We desperately need the water, but the horrendous mudslides in Santa Barbara County were just six weeks ago, so we are feeling a bit tender.  I was actually in Japan during the mudslides, and it was heartbreaking to learn of them when we were having such an amazing trip, enjoying the tranquility and reverence that Japan has with regards to nature.  We were delighted by the gentle waterfalls we discovered there, while back at home the more violent side of nature was in full force.  I'm happy that the sun is shining now, and enjoying how refreshed all of the trees look after their long drink.  

Traveling through Japan is a life altering experience.  The culture is so different to ours, and the trip sank in deeply with all of us.  Of course it was inspirational, in more ways than I could have imagined.  A few new things have arrived in the shop, and more will certainly come.  For now, I will share a few images from our travels, and some of what it inspired.  

I have a lot of bamboo in my garden, so it was a treat to see the great bamboo forests of Japan.  They take such care with nature, therefore everything appears to just thrive, whether in a park or forest, or even the smallest container garden outside of an apartment.  It was January, and yet we didn't see anything dead or neglected at all, everything was just weathering the winter with aplomb.

I am really obsessed with moss.  I was so excited that there are moss temples in Japan.  It was heaven to walk through the gardens, seeing so many different types of moss, in both shade and sunlight.  I'm working on encouraging the moss that is growing naturally in spots around our garden, and aspiring to something like this.

The color and symmetry of the famous Fushimi-Inari shrine in Kyoto is quite striking.  During the first part of the new year, people come from all over Japan to pray for good business for the year.  It is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in all of Japan, so understandably was quite crowded.  We were lucky enough to have a moment to ourselves along the path.   

There is a subtle geometry to much of Japanese design, and a play between symmetry and asymmetry.  We have several new pair of earrings that feature my take on that delicate balance.

I never travel without one of our silk dressing gowns, a slip, and a sleep mask.  They are perfect for decompressing after a long day, and the masks come in handy for naps on planes and trains.  This was the combination that I took with me on our trip to Japan.  The color blocked robe felt perfect there, and I loved the combination with the jewel toned slip.  

We redesigned our slips, making them easier to construct, but retaining all of the details that make them so special.  These are in a stretch-silk charmeuse, and come in an assortment of lengths and colors.  We are getting ready to shoot our next look book, and promise to keep you posted.  Some of the new pieces are already in the shop on Main Street.  Come by and try one on if you are in the neighborhood.  As always, we'd love to see you.  

If you read last month's journal entry, or joined us for our Valentine's Day party on February 8th, then you might be interested to learn which chocolate cake was the favorite.  I can't believe it, but it was so popular, that I didn't actually get to taste them myself.  A bit sad, I know.  Judging from the feedback, the favorites were pretty evenly divided amongst the Ottolenghi Fudge Cake, the River Cafe Chocolate Nemesis, and a classic Torta Caprese, which I learned to make in Sicily several years ago.  Emanuela Notarbartolo di Sciara has a beautiful cookbook, with charming illustrations by Fiona Corsini, and an amazing recipe for Torta Caprese.  I'll share my version of it, because in all honesty I think it may have been the absolute favorite that night.   

Torta Caprese

250 grams whole almonds (you can also use almond meal and skip the grinding part)

200 grams sugar, divided

250 grams 70% chocolate, coarsely chopped

200 grams unsalted butter

6 large eggs, separated and warmed to room temperature

confectioner's sugar for dusting the top of the cake

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F, and set a rack on the middle level of your oven.  Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with a sheet of parchment paper.  

Grind the almonds (if not using almond meal) in the Cuisinart in three batches, adding two tablespoons of sugar to each batch, using six tablespoons total.

Melt the chopped chocolate and the butter in the top of a double boiler, or in a bowl set over a pan of boiling water.    Set aside to cool slightly.

Beat the egg yolks in a large bowl with an electric mixer for about 5-7 minutes, until light yellow.  Gradually, with the mixer set to low, add in 10 tablespoons of sugar, mixing well.  Add the melted chocolate and butter, followed by the ground almond/sugar mixture, and mix well.  

Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl with the remaining sugar until firm peaks form.  Fold them into the chocolate mixture in three batches, taking care not to overmix.  

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake for about an hour.  I begin checking at 45 minutes, so as to be sure not to overbake.  When done, cool in the pan for about thirty minutes or so, and then remove the sides of the pan.

Before serving (and when the cake is completely cool) dust the top lightly with confectioner's sugar.  I serve this cake with lightly whipped cream, sweetened with maple syrup.  It's also delicious with creme fraiche.  

 Enjoy,