May 8, 2017

Charcuterie + Crudités + Tappas Boards

 

Snack-filled meals have long been some of my favorites, back in November I even laid out my dining room with charcuterie, crudités, and tappas for my housewarming party. What I love most about these types of spreads is that there are no real rules, only fast and loose suggestions.

These tappas boards by Samarie Designs would be a beautiful addition to any spread. Printmaker Samarie Higgins teamed up with woodworker Jeremy Happ to create these one-of-a-kind pieces that use sustainable wood. Each one features a swirling work of art that’s sure to complement the food served upon it.

 

 

Charcuterie includes mainly meats and cheeses, with some supporting roles thrown in by way of fruits, veggies, nuts, and carbs. It’s definitely an appetizer that’s heavy enough to be considered a light dinner. (A recommended 5 oz. of meat and 2 oz. of cheese per person, if you’re curious.)

+ dry-cured salami, prosciutto, smoky sausage, speck, coppa, chorizo, and sopressata
+ one of each type of cheese: stinky (blue), aged (cheddar, gouda) , soft (double or triple creams), hard (parmesan, manchego), and fresh (ricotta, goat, mozzarella) served at room temperature
+ toast a sliced baguette and/or cut up flatbreads in the oven
+ add small bowls of nuts and dried fruits scattered in between
+ olives, cornichons, and artichoke hearts will elevate your entire board with new textures
+ a few types seasonal fresh fruit, either sliced or in bowls
+ slice the hard cheeses, break up the stinky ones, provide different knives for the soft and fresh
+ add in a grainy mustard, fig jam, and fragrant honey for those who want to get adventurous

 

 

Crudités platters are usually full of seasonal vegetables, something pickled, and a few sauces. It’s a versatile appetizer because it can be served cold or hot, depending on the time of year. Separate everything into groups when plating on platters and boards for maximum visual impact.

+ cold, sliced seasonal vegetables– broccolini, cauliflower (white, green, orange and purple), radishes (red, black, watermelon), asparagus, celery, carrots, assorted bell peppers, snap peas, haricot vert, English cucumbers
+ mini skewers with things like mozzarella balls with cherry tomatoes
+ steamed, grilled, or baked vegetables such as corn on the cob, mini potatoes, and edamame
+ something bright and citrusy, like sliced oranges or Meyer lemons
+ two to three sauces for dipping
+ hollow out a few small heads of cabbage and fill them with thicker sauces for serving
+ a fancy salt, like pink Himalayan

Posted In entertaining, food, house and home, kitchen, living, series, tips + tricks
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May 8, 2017

Aki Inomata

 

Aki Inomata‘s girl, girl, girl… seems especially fitting as I found a rogue caterpillar sitting outside my bedroom door when I woke up one day last week. Inomata spent two years raising bagworms in order to give them pieces of material to use as their protective cases. It ended up being a kind of commentary on women’s fashion as well as womanhood in general.

Male bagworms leave their protective cases when they become adults, and become moths. However female bagworms remain in their protective cases for their whole lives and wait for the male bagworms. This reminded me of my own experience of being approached by hundreds of men, whilst the few men that I was interested in often didn’t even glance at me. Though the gender issue is meant to have changed in our generation, why is it that women still make much more effort than men concerning their appearances?

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In create, textiles
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May 5, 2017

30 Swimsuits

Positano Swimsuit // Prettylittlething Mesh Bandeau Bikini

Every year I make the mistake of waiting until it’s time to wear a swimsuit to try and buy one, but this year I’m behind the 8 ball and starting my search early (on time?). I haven’t been one for bikinis since my 20s, so I’m thrilled that the selection of one-pieces is exceptionally robust this year. Lots of interesting cuts and graphic patterns that draw me in like a moth to a flame. Plenty are already on sale too, so if you’re on the hunt for a new suit there’s no time like the present.

 

Aerie Super Scoop One-Piece Swimsuit // Emma Pake Antonia Lace-Up Swimsuit

 

ASOS Clean Cross Back Mono Stripe Swimsuit // Dolce Vita Seacoast One-Piece

 

Tavik Jett Colorblock Bikini Top + Bottoms // Baserange Kinch Swimsuit

 

Bathing Beauty Swimsuit Top + Bottoms // Beach Striped Halter One-Piece Swimsuit

 

Romy Pistol Pink One-Piece // Seaside Splendor Reversible One-Piece Swimsuit

 

The Ones Who Cutout One-Piece // The Ones Who Maren Top + Heather Bottoms

 

Weekday Pink Ribbed One Shoulder Swimsuit // Wake by the Ocean One-Piece Swimsuit

 

ASOS Layered Palm Plunge Halter Swimsuit // Out From Under Printed Tie-Front One-Piece Swimsuit

 

Solid & Striped Lexi One-Piece // Solid & Striped Morgan Bikini Top + Bottoms

 

Genevieve Bikini // ViX Striped One-Piece

 

Solid & Striped Willow One-Piece // Tide My Best One-Piece Swimsuit

 

Solid & Striped The Elle Striped Bikini // Matteau Square Maillot One Piece

 

Flagpole Jade One-Piece // The Ones Who Tali One-Piece

 

Tory Burch Solid Wrap One-Piece // Stella McCartney Stripe Padded Swimsuit

Posted In round up, series, style, wear it
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May 5, 2017

Jen Mann

 

In today’s age of selfies galore, Jen Mann’s paintings step back and explore human identities a bit deeper.

In the society of “me”, where we document ourselves like celebrities and share our lives online for everyone, the self is a prevalent, and important topic to our generation. Our identities are curated like our online profiles to reflect only the parts of ourselves we choose to keep alive. Who am I? Who are you? What does my life mean? Why am I alive? Mann’s work aims to address these very illusive questions, and explore, but not necessarily answer all of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In create, painting
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May 4, 2017

DIY Geometric Sunhat

 

It’s already May, and I’ve been a planting fool! But unfortunately, I’ve also already been sunburned once. Despite my daily layer of sunscreen, I’m realizing I need something more – like an gigantic hat to protect my face, neck, and scalp. (Having super dark hair and a flaky scalp do not mix.) I picked up a wide-brimmed straw hat for the job, but decided it needed a bit more personality. A few geometric shapes and three primary colors later and now I’ll be wearing it all summer long! Bonus: this one is foldable, so it’ll be easy to tuck into my bag on the go – no excuses.

 

 

Supplies:
• wide-brimmed straw hat
• craft paint
• cardstock
• scissors
• pen
• flat-tipped paintbrush
• palette or paper plate
• paper towels

 

 

Start out by making some simple cutout templates using the cardstock, pen, and scissors. I used objects from around the house – a salt cellar for the circle, a sticker for the square, and the corner of the cardstock for the triangle. (Of course you can opt to use any shapes you want, I think black and white squiggles would look great!) I recommend using a pen to trace each shape because a pencil didn’t seem to be dark enough.

 

 

Lay out your shapes and trace as you go, making sure to avoid placing circle next to circle, etc. Now get to painting. I chose a primary color palette because it’s bright and fun for summer, but I think a black and white scheme would be just as striking. Layer of paper towels or newsprint on your painting surface before getting started because it will come through a bit. After putting some paint on my palette, I went around and made a small daub of color on each shape as a guide.

 

 

Carefully line the edges of each shape using your flat-tipped brush before filling in the centers, using the brush in an up and down motion to get all the nooks and crannies where necessary. Allow your new hat to dry thoroughly (of course) before strutting your stuff and protecting your mug!

 

Posted In accessories, create, living, make it, style, wear it
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May 4, 2017

Ry Rocklen / Wardrobe

 

If my clothes looked this good when folded, well, they definitely wouldn’t sit in the laundry basket waiting for as long as they do. Los Angeles-based artist Ry Rocklen‘s Wardrobe is made entirely out of porcelain, assuring only intended wrinkles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In create, sculpture
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May 3, 2017

Block Shop Table Linens

 

You may be familiar with Block Shop‘s traditional Indian hand block printed scarves, but did you know they recently released a line of table linens? Because they did and they’re ideal for summer entertaining. The easy California vibe of each scarf carries over effortlessly to table runners and napkins, furthering sisters Lily and Hopie’s mission to make heirloom textiles with a high social benefit and low environmental impact.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted In create, entertaining, house and home, kitchen, living, textiles
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May 3, 2017

The Big Spring Closet Clean Out of 2017

 

I’ve been slowly going through my house, room by room, and getting rid of things I haven’t used recently. Call it the Marie Kondo method, call it decluttering, whatever you call it it feels really good. I’ve had April earmarked for my closet since the start of the year and was really looking forward to doing some serious damage. Most things end up in the donation pile, but there are usually a few more quality pieces that I’d like to get a return on – enter eBay!

 

 

 

If you’ve never sold with eBay before it couldn’t be easier, let me lay it out.

Step 1. List it.
 Take a few photos to upload, decide on the selling format that’s right for you, and you’re done. (I love the feature that allows you to save a draft for later!)

Step 2. Ship it.
After your item sells mail it out.

Step 3. Get paid.
PayPal gets you your earnings in the fastest, simplest way – and for free.

Just think of all the potential cash you have laying around your house right now in the form of clothes you’re no longer into, kitchen appliances you’ve never opened, and decor that’s just not your jam anymore.

 

 

 

I’m good about keeping whatever’s on hangers down to what I wear on the regular, but things like jeans, sweater, and bags that are on shelves are more difficult to keep in check. By making a little extra cash on things I’m no longer wearing, I can justify buying this bamboo handbag I’ve been eyeing and this navy blue mini peasant dress that I’d love to have for summer. Like everything in life, keeping your belonging in check is all about balance.

 

 

 

Things I’m letting go of that are up for grabs?

A brightly hand painted, hand stitched clutch by Tiff Manuell.

A silk Missoni for Target scarf with a modern geometric zigzag pattern.

A rose gold MOTO 360 smartwatch that I just couldn’t get used to wearing.

A vintage 1980s black sequined handbag with a tied silk strap.

A linen scarf designed by one of my favorite painters, Kristi Kohut.

A small, sporty cross body goldenrod yellow leather purse with clasp closure.

A red, orange, and white bowling-style messenger bag from the 1990s.

A glazed canvas Wanderlust wallet from Petunia Pickle Bottom.

 

 

 

Be sure to check out eBay’s Clean Up, Cash In Game to learn what’s hot for selling by playing a fun match game, you’ll also be entered for a chance to win up to a $50 gift card. Add something new from your wishlist while clearing out the things from your own closet that might be on someone else’s – talk about a win-win!

This post sponsored by eBay. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!

Posted In accessories, bags, behind the scenes, sponsored post, style, wear it
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May 2, 2017

Then and Now

 

My Mom is my everything. My best friend, my sounding board, my ride or die. The one who gives me tough love when I need it and tells me to be gentle with myself when the days are hard. We’ve always been close, but it was only once we no longer lived in the same house that I began to appreciate the things that once annoyed me. The way she always put me first, how fiercely protective she can be, and even the amount of discipline she instilled in the way she raised me.

 

1981

My mom was made to be a mother, my mother. She had me at a young 22 years old, but was wise beyond her years after some difficult family circumstances early on in life. But once she gave birth she never really looked back – we went everywhere together, did everything, and were sidekicks. We still are.

 

2015

I wanted to give her something extra special this Mother’s Day, something that represents how we began and how far we’ve come as mother and daughter as well as friends. I chose two of Artifact Uprising‘s Instagram Friendly frames, each of them measures 8 x 10″ and is deep set with a gorgeous walnut finish. In the first she’s holding a one and half year old me in her arms at my cousin’s baptism, and in the second we’re crouching in together at Mother’s Day brunch two years ago.

 

 

Both of these photos were already in my Instagram feed, so I only had to connect the channel and voila – no uploading necessary. I know these two museum quality frames will be something my Mom cherishes for years to come, and I love that we can add to them in the future with more shots of the two of us!

This post sponsored by Artifact Uprising. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content! Enjoy 10% off your order through May 9th with code AUxMOTHERDAY17.

Posted In behind the scenes, create, holidays, house and home, living, mother's day, photography, sponsored post, walls
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