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,

I'm thrilled 2018 is here.  Last year was rough.  I've never been so happy to close the books on a year before.  I feel like I may have said that several times over the last few years, and each time I've meant it, but not like this.  I think 2017 turned us all inside out.  Starting a new year feels like heaven, and so far I really like this one.  

Our first party of the year will be our annual Valentine's Day celebration. I hope that you can join us on Thursday, February 8th from 6-9pm.  It may seem corny, but I always love Valentine's Day, and we certainly try to make the most of any holiday that highlights love, flowers, chocolate, jewelry, and lingerie.  It's very "up our street" over here.  

We are joining forces with our Main Street neighbors, Pamela Barish and Coldsmoke.  Next door at Pamela's, Laura Jean Anderson will be singing love songs, and Anjelica Huston will debut her new clay sculpture.  Coldsmoke will host The Unlikely Florist, who will be on hand with gorgeous bouquets.  There will be complimentary valet parking as well.

We will have a selection of our 18K gold flat band rings in a variety of sizes and colors, ready for custom hand engraving as a gift of a poesy ring for your beloved.  I have been fascinated by the tradition of poesy rings ever since learning about these 15th - 17th century love tokens.  I wanted to make a modern version, so we will have a few engraved, and some not, which will be ready for your customization.  Think about something sweet to say to your love, and we will have it hand engraved in time for February 14th.

In addition, we will be debuting our bespoke slipper collaboration with Julio Chavez of Solid State Studios. He will join us for the event to trace your foot for limited edition, custom handmade slippers.  It's been such a blast to work on this project with Julio.  I am excited to introduce you to him!  

I also think that it's important to gift yourself for Valentine's Day.  A ruby red stretch silk charmeuse slip could quite possibly be the perfect treat for you, as would a delicious deep garnet silk robe with a gentle shawl collar and contrast piping.  You could pair either one with one of our 100% beeswax and essential oil candles, or a matching silk sleep mask.  It's all about L O V E, and treating yourself exquisitely.

Lastly, if you haven't tasted the Hazelnut Praline Bar from Milla Chocolates, then you are in for a treat.  We have a special edition version in a gorgeous red wrapper, which is perfect for sharing on Valentine's Day.   On the topic of chocolate, there will be plenty to share at our event on the 8th.  I'm planning to do a tasting of our three favorite flourless chocolate cake recipes, to see which one truly is the best.  Please come help us decide.  It will be fun and delicious.

With so many options for treating yourself or your Darling, it's difficult to choose just one.  Let us help...it's our favorite thing to do, spreading love, beauty, and delicious chocolates for all!  

Much Love,

The countdown is ON!  We officially have less than ten days until Christmas now, and we would be thrilled to help you choose a spectacular gift for the special people on your list.  Whether they are setting off on an adventure, or settling in at home for the holidays, we have many wonderful options.  

Here are a few of our suggestions, but by all means these are not the only pieces to choose from.  Swing by the shop this weekend, or next week.  We are here, and will be open even on Christmas Eve until late afternoon for those last minute shoppers.

I've made some one-of-a-kind beaded necklaces that have been really popular.  They were inspired by weavings, and make a unique and lovely gift.  

These rings are also wonderful gifts, and can be stacked with other pieces in the collection, or worn alone for a simple and elegant look. 

I've also been putting together a collection of one-of-a-kind vintage sterling silver pieces. I have curated part of the collection, and then I've taken apart other pieces and combined them to make unique pieces, like these statement earrings.

The color blocked and print blocked robes are so chic and have been going fast.  We only have a few left, so don't wait until the last minute! 

The Liberty print sleep masks in 100% silk crepe-de-chine and silk charmeuse are a perfect gift, and we have new prints in store, available now!

We also have a selection of Milla Chocolates, and of course our 100% beeswax and essential oil scented candles, too.  These are great host and hostess gifts, as well as delicious stocking stuffers. We also share them with weary shoppers!  

Looking forward to seeing you, and to helping you with your holiday shopping. One week left!

Lots of Love,

The Thanksgiving holiday is BIG in my family, both figuratively and literally.  We host a large, long table of friends and family for dinner, and we spend days preparing the feast.  This holiday is no exception, and the cooking has already begun.  My thoughts are not solely on the kitchen, however.  I am thinking also about how grateful I am this year.  I'm appreciative of all of the good fortune we've had, as well as for the bumps in the road. Sometimes those bumps have felt more like Everest-high mountains, but alas, we are making our way along this great journey, and feeling lucky to be here.  I hope that you have a lovely and cozy Thanksgiving holiday ahead of you, and that you relish the time with family and friends.  I also hope that the food is delicious, and thoroughly enjoyed.  On the chance that you are not the one in the kitchen this year, and feel like coming over, or if your idea of Black Friday shopping includes black diamonds, our Thanksgiving holiday hours will be as follows:

Wednesday, November 22nd  11am - 3pm

Thursday, November 23rd  CLOSED

Friday, November 24th  12-5pm

Saturday, November 25th  12-5pm

Sunday, November 26th CLOSED

I'm really thrilled with our newest editions to the lingerie collection.  The color-blocked silk crepe-de-chine Asteria robes are here, and are quite festive.  Here's a preview of one of the color combinations we are offering this season.  

Speaking of combinations, the new trade bead necklaces I've been making are reminding me of weaving, both in practice, and in how they've turned out.  They are all one-of-a-kind, so they make an especially unique gift.  

I was so excited that our son was coming home from college for the holiday, that I made this Pear and Almond cake to welcome him.  It's such a delicious cake.  I adapted it a bit from one of the Books for Cooks Recipe compendiums.  It's great for brunch, for afternoon tea, or really anytime at all.  It would even be delicious served for dessert after Thanksgiving dinner.  It never lasts more than a day in our house, and is a beautiful, rustic looking cake.  

Baked Pear and Almond Cake

100g all purpose flour 

1 tbsp. baking powder

75g almond flour

1 1/2 sticks butter, softened

175g granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 organic eggs, beaten

6 ripe pears, sliced into thick wedges, lengthwise (do this right before you place them in the cake tin so that they don't turn brown)

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Butter a 9.5 inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.  

Sift the flour and baking powder, and add the almonds.  Beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla together until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs a little at a time, sprinkling in a spoonful of flour about halfway through to prevent curdling.  Fold in the flour mixture gently, yet thoroughly.  Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the springform pan.  The batter will be thick.  

Slice the pears into quarters, removing the core and any brown spots.  Arrange the slices next to each other in a fanned out circle in the center of the batter.  Leave a border of around 3/4 of an inch between the pears and the sides of the tin.  Bake until the pears are tender, and the cake has risen up around them, and turned a golden brown.  This takes about 40 minutes.  

Transfer to a wire rack to cool, and then run a knife around the edges before removing the sides of the springform pan.  You can sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the top if you like, but I think it's pretty just as it is.

Enjoy,

Ah, Fall.  Finally.  It felt like summer was going to reign eternal this year, with those infernal hundred degree days seeming to last forever.  Then, all of a sudden and without warning, there was a chill in the air.  Finally.  I heard someone talking about Fall the other day, and how it really is the beginning of the year, instead of January.  I have always felt that way too.  Whether it is because of school starting, our wedding anniversary in September (21 years!), or the change in weather that is supposed to happen, the season does feel like the start of something, rather than the end.  There is also the fact that I opened the LFrank boutique in the fall of 2007, which this year marks its tenth anniversary!  

I am filled with gratitude, just thinking about the last ten years.  I have met some truly wonderful people, and have made incredible friends through the work that I do.  I love it when a client becomes a dear friend, and when a dear friend becomes a client.  There is so much meaning in all of this for me.  Jewelry and lingerie are intimate purchases, and oftentimes they are a cherished part of the larger stories of our lives.  I consider myself blessed beyond measure to be able to do what I love so much, each and every day. Sometimes it is really really really difficult, and other times it feels like magic is happening before my very eyes.  

Nothing in this life is ever easy, or ever accomplished without support, therefore the gratitude and love that I feel is truly and deeply heartfelt.  So I thank you, all of you reading this, and everyone who has contributed to the continued success of LFrank.  It means the world to me, doing what I do, and I look forward to expanding and creating more and more beauty for you to enjoy.  There is so much more to come.  Stay tuned for updates on some of the projects that I've been working on.  I am especially excited to share them with you soon, but not just yet.  I promise to keep you posted!

Speaking of beauty, we have a lovely selection of new earrings in the shop.  Please swing by to have a look, and try them on if you're in the neighborhood.  There are lots of pretty options, from studs, to dangles...diamonds to colored stones.  It's not really too early to start making a holiday wishlist.  

We also are starting to receive some of our new lingerie pieces, and I am happy to give you a sneak peek.  These are just a few of the robes that are coming our way before the holidays.  Many of them will feature Liberty Print trim, on 100% silk crepe de chine. Several will be one-of-a-kind, so don't wait too long to come shop. 

A few of the styles are borrowed from our Men's Sleepwear Collection, but scaled down and made especially for women in an assortment of silks and fine cottons.  I think you'll love them.

After all of the hot weather, I finally felt like making something autumnal in the kitchen. We haven't had a Halloween night without a version of this butternut squash soup for nearly twenty years, and this year was no exception.  

We began hosting the families of our children's friends for Halloween from the first year of preschool, and I would make sure that the children all had some of this soup in their bellies before diving into their cherished bags of candy.  It made me less anxious about the impact of all of that sugar!  

The difference this year was the addition of honey-nut squash, which I've been getting from the Weiser Farms stand at the Farmer's Market.  They are famous for their potatoes, and I predict they will also be famous for this hybrid squash.  It's delicious without adding a single thing to it, and including it in this soup makes it even better.  

Autumnal Squash Soup

One large yellow onion, diced

Four large carrots, diced

Four large celery ribs, diced

Three garlic cloves, minced

One medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

One medium butternut squash, halved and roasted

Two - Three small Honey - Nut squash, halved and roasted

One liter of water

Olive oil and butter for sautéing the vegetables

Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

Crumbled goat's cheese, sprouted pumpkin seeds, cilantro, and urfa biber pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and place squash cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet that has a light coating of olive oil.  While it is roasting (for about 30 minutes), sauté the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and sweet potato in a few tablespoons of olive oil and a small bit of butter, taking care not to let them brown.  

When the squash is finished roasting, scoop out the flesh and add it to the vegetables with the liter of water, and let it simmer for another 20 - 30 minutes.  Turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minute before you purée it with an immersion blender, or by transferring the soup in batches to a blender.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  

I'll then garnish the bowls of soup with crumbled goat's cheese, sprouted pumpkin seeds, torn sprigs of cilantro, and a generous pinch of urfa biber pepper.  It's equally good with chives and red chili flakes, or really with nothing at all.  

Enjoy,

Here we are, already heading into the last few delicious weeks of summer.  I hope you are enjoying yours, and finding time to relax and recharge.  I'm finding it ever more important to try to disconnect these days.  I am actually taking the rest of the month of August to do just that on the beaches of Spain and Portugal.  I am so looking forward to spending long, lazy days with friends.  I always love traveling abroad, but this year I also got to explore a bit of the United States as well.  Earlier in the summer we had the delightful pleasure to travel to Maine at the end of June, for the spectacularly gorgeous and perfect wedding of Nathalie Love and Daniel Pappas.  

I had the even greater honor of designing Nathalie's engagement and wedding rings.   As I've always felt that designing these incredibly meaningful pieces is the highlight of what I do, I usually have not had the pleasure of knowing the couple well.  This particular commission was different however, as I first met Nathalie when she was a little girl, and Dan and Nathalie had been together for a little over a decade before they married. Designing a ring for them was great fun.  Dan is a total gentleman, and ideal client, with clear ideas of what he did not want, and of what would be perfect for Nathalie.  He also had the diamonds from his Mother's engagement ring, along with the diamonds from a ring that Nathalie's father Nick gave to her mother Lisa when Nathalie was born.  

I was able to take those stones, along with additional diamonds for the band, and create something unique and lovely, that perfectly captured Nathalie's magical spirit.  There is great sentiment in any engagement ring, and with this one I feel even more so.  There is a tremendous amount of love surrounding Nathalie and Dan as a couple, and that was abundantly evident on the small island where their wedding took place.  Islesboro, Maine is one of the most lovely places in the country, and being there was a dream.  You can read more about the wedding, and see the beautiful photos (taken by the bride's godmother, Pamela Hanson) here.

Summer weddings also are perfect for our bridal lingerie collection.  If there is ever a time to invest in lingerie, it is definitely for your wedding and honeymoon.  Feeling beautiful when you are spending the day preparing to walk down the aisle is so important, as is waking up feeling beautiful as a newlywed.  Every bride should swan around in something special.  We especially love the Maia silk dressing gown with the Laetitia slip underneath. The chantilly lace on the bodice of the slip makes it especially feminine.  

The farmer's market at the end of summer is always glorious here in Southern California. The heirloom tomatoes are just as delicious as they are beautiful, and there is an abundance of just about everything that I love.  The green beans have been really outstanding lately, so I've been making lots of them.  This side dish has proven to be quite popular with everyone in my family, and is very easy to make, which is perfect for summer cooking. 

one pound green beans, trimmed and washed

one pint cherry tomatoes

one half red onion, sliced thinly 

one half cup pitted kalamata olives

extra virgin olive oil

red wine vinegar

chopped parsley

salt + pepper

Toss the green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives in enough olive oil to lightly coat.  Roast on a sheet pan at 375 degrees for approximately 25 minutes, until beans are tender, the onions have wilted, and the tomatoes are starting to burst open and release their juices.  Then add a spoonful or two of red wine vinegar to the pan, along with the chopped parsley, and toss.  Season with salt + pepper.

Enjoy,

It's well into June now, with Father's Day this Sunday, June 18th.  Have you sorted out how to celebrate the Fathers in your life?  Unfortunately, my father is no longer with us, so I can't quite celebrate him the way that I can with my mother, on Mother's Day.  I do think of him however, and about how grateful I am to have had him as my father.  I am also profoundly grateful that my children have Peter.  He is everything one would want in a father, and though they tease him mercilessly at times, everyone knows how completely devoted they are, and with good reason.  Parenting is never remotely easy, even in the best of circumstances, but he is patient, loving, and steadfast in a way that seems effortless.  He's also hilarious, and keeps them (and me!) laughing in the best way possible.  He is the inspiration for the pieces in our men's sleepwear collection, and tested the fit so we know they're comfortable.  

 We do have a nice selection of men's sleepwear in our GENTLEMAN'S section.  We have robes in several gorgeous fabrics, both solid and stripes, and all with contrast piping, and the exquisite attention to detail we pay to our women's lingerie collection.  We also are thrilled to introduce the pajama pants and shirts.  We sell them separately, to allow for a mixed set of fabrics, but feel free to order them to match.  I especially like the plaids with the stripes.  

Our beaded necklaces are not only just for women.  They also look great on men, and men of different styles.  It can go the way of sexy surfer style, or look far more polished while being a touch bohemian.  Our inventory is always shifting, depending on the bead collection of the moment, and what seems to suit the season.  Call or come by, and let us help you find something perfect.

To celebrate Father's Day this year, I'm planning to make a lobster salad.  It seems festive and perfect for lunch outdoors.  I'll get the lobster from Santa Monica Seafood, and then toss the meat with bibb lettuce, tons of fresh herbs, slices of pink grapefruit, fennel, and avocado.  I will make a chili-lime vinaigrette, with diced red chili pepper, freshly squeezed lime juice, extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of pink salt and freshly ground black pepper.  I always season the salad with fresh ground black pepper and pink salt after tossing.  I can't remember who taught me to do this, but it really helps the flavors come together and makes everything taste a bit brighter.  

Enjoy,

May happens to be one of my favorite months.  Not just because of Mother's Day, and the fact that my first born arrived early, and in May, making me a brand new Mama just a few days beforehand.  No, I love May for many reasons.  I love the ecstatic purple of the blooming Jacaranda trees in my neighborhood.  I love that some of my very best friends in the world were born in May.  Stone fruit appears at the farmer's market in May, heralding the upcoming summer, and making us swoon with delight at the season's first crop of dark red cherries.  The weather in May can be nothing short of perfect, with the longer evening light making it perfect for an after-dinner stroll. 

Another reason to love May is that Emeralds are the birthstone of the month, and we have several gorgeous pieces that celebrate the stone.   I especially like the stacking ring with the emerald and the pavé amethyst band.  It's just like those beloved Jacaranda trees of mine.

The Spring/Summer season always has me pulling out my collection of beads.  I've been making these necklaces for so many years, yet I never ever tire of them.  They are pieces to collect, to gift, and to wear in multiple combinations, or simply and elegantly alone.  You can wear them as chokers, as they're adjustable, or hanging low, almost like a pendant.  We have a delightful variety of texture, shape, and color.  I'm sure you'll find one to adore.   There are so many to choose from, and you can click here to shop.

I'm also delighted to give you a preview of our men's sleepwear collection.  The robes have been in the store for awhile, and have garnered a fair share of attention from our female clients as well.  Now we have pajama tops and bottoms to complement the robes.  They are perfect for gifting on Father's Day, which is fast upon us next month.  We are using the finest Italian cotton men's shirting fabrics, with contrasting piping details, along with an excellent cut to ensure that the men in your life look sharp, even during slumber.  

I decided to make banana bread last weekend, inspired by the overripe bananas in our fruit bowl, and the need for something sweet and delicious for breakfast on Sunday.   I started with the basics, bananas, eggs, butter...and added greek yogurt, a couple of chopped dark chocolate bars, and swapped some of the flour with almond meal.  It really was delicious, and of course didn't last until Monday.  I hope you will love it too.

Enjoy,

I feel like I have literally raced through April.  I can't believe that we are nearing the end of the month, heading straight for May and the most important day of that month:  Mother's Day.  There are many ways to honor your mother, the mother of your children, or yourself for that matter.  Please don't forget yourself!  We have so many beautiful ways for you to treat you.  Earrings are always a popular gift, as are our 100% silk crepe de chine Liberty Print robes.  There are also quite a few prints in 100% cotton that are really special as well.  There is only one of this particular Liberty print, and I love it so much that I really want it to go to a good home.  It's a print with the energy and design of a William Morris/Art Nouveau textile.  The colors are just beautiful, as is the lovely French lace detail along the side seams.  

Another fabulous gift idea for Mothers of all kinds; meaning new, seasoned, in-law, or otherwise, would be one of our luxurious sleep masks.  Made by hand, with exquisite detailing, this is one gift that everyone would be thrilled to receive.  I basically cannot sleep without one, and we have several beautiful options in stock to choose from.  

I would also bet that this necklace would go over exceptionally well as a Mother's Day gift.  It's the right amount of elegance, charm, and grace, which is what most of us aspire to in our Mothering, isn't it?

I'm also a big fan of earrings for Mother's Day.  I just visited my mother, and she was wearing the earrings that I gave her last year.  Perhaps a fringed pair like these?

The warm weather this week is perfect for poolside lunches.  There is nothing better on a Sunday than a trip to the farmer's market, followed by a lazy lunch with friends and family.  Springtime at a California farmer's market is literally heaven to me, and I am lucky to be close to some of the best.  The last few weeks have been amazing, and the smell of the sweet pea blossoms alone is enough to swoon over.  

Usually, the menu consists of something eggy, a delicious assortment of saucisson from the butcher, vegetables with the delicious tzatziki from the Greek guys, and a salad of some sort. There has been amazing celery root at the market lately, from Weiser Farms.  I love a riff on a classic celeri remoulade.  This is mine...

Celeri Remoulade

One large celery root (or two small), sliced into matchsticks on the mandoline

One handful of chopped herbs (I like a combination of parsley, chives, tarragon, dill)

Toss with:

Juice of 2 lemons, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tbs. red wine vinegar,  2 tbs. dijon mustard, 1/2 cup of olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.  Combine all ingredients in a glass jar, and shake to emulsify.  

I like to serve this chilled, with slices of radishes on top for a garnish.

Enjoy,