At this point these Designer Baking food stamps are only a concept, but wouldn’t you love to see them realized? The quote “bread and olive” led STUDIOLAV to design this set of stamps made out of solid olive wood, the iconic fabric patterns Pied de Poule and Tweed Herringbone transforming your bread, cookies, and pies into small haute couture baking marvels one stamp at a time.
Coffee & Crayons is a newer find for me, one full of Jessica’s self-taught journey in food photography. Along with some delicious recipes she also shares bits and pieces of her life as a mother – the good days and the bad.
Recent Favorites: Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwich, 10 Minute Toasted Sesame Chopped Noodle Salad, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Summer Ice Pops
Cotter Crunch is helmed by Lindsay Cotter, a gluten-free nutrition specialist who focuses on fueling active people with real food. Because so many of her recipes are grain-free, many are adaptable to my type 2 diabetes lifestyles as well. Lindsay is clearly passionate about what she does and that enthusiasm and dedications is 100% contagious.
Recent Favorites: Creamy Sweet Corn Cauliflower Grits, Creamy Fig Yogurt Breakfast Parfait Cups, Honey Mustard Baked Fish and Veggies (One Pan Meal)
My Baking Addiction appeals to my gigantic sweet tooth – the one I’m not supposed to have – and baker Jamie clearly relates to my love of sugar. With autumn fast approaching my baking game is about to go up a notch, and I can’t wait to dig into these recipe archives.
Recent Favorites: Cinnamon Roll Blondies, Lemon Berry Mascarpone Tart, Cherry Fritter Cake
Running to the Kitchen offers everything from butter-laden to paleo recipes and everything in between. I love this kind of site because it’s realistic for most of us – a moderate amount of healthy fuel with occasional indulgences. Gina clearly agrees and has a backstory worth reading over as well.
Recent Favorites: Yogurt Tahini Mediterranean Carrot Salad, Pistachio Crusted Flank Steak with Peach Puree, Toasted Muffin Summer Fruit Panzanella
Shutterbean‘s Tracy Benjamin dabbles in a lot of areas – everyday life, organizing tips, the occasional decorating post, photography, and food. I love that she admits that she’s constantly thinking about food, which is probably the #1 reason you should be a food blogger!
Recent Favorites: Hippy Banana Bread, Jasmine Tea Infused Vodka, Herbed Goat Cheese
Posted In blog love, food, living, recipes, series
1/ Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque
I’ve been using this super affordable, very refreshing face masque a few times a month since seeing Jessica recommend it on her site. Just slather it on, wait 15-20 minutes for it to dry, then wipe off with a warm washcloth. It smells so good and has been key in drying up pesky pimples.
2/ Lady Bell Bell Peppers
This is the first year I’m growing peppers since moving back to PA (they were disastrous in Oklahoma), and the four plants I have in pots are doing great! Each one has about four peppers that should be ready to pick in a few more weeks.
3/ SOO AE My Collagen Hydrogel Lip Patch
Plumping lip glosses have never been my thing, but this slippery little lip mask intrigued me with it’s promises. While I only noticed minimal plumping, what I loved was how it left my lips feeling super smooth.
4/ Duster Kimono
This kimono accidentally “fell” into my cart last weekend at Target. I don’t have a ton of color in my wardrobe and that blue just called out to me to dress up jeans and a tee or a sundress.
5/ Chenille Plant
This chenille plant on my back porch is the best thing I planted this year! I love its personality and unusual fuchsia flowers that resemble a cat’s tail.
6/ Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes
These wipes are my first foray into using micellar water, which is touted as a makeup removing magnet. They’re really gentle and seem to do their job well – exactly what I look for in all of skincare products.
7/ Feya Candles
All of their candles smell amazing (I’m burning the lemongrass sage right now) and their mission is based on giving back. It’s a win-win that I’m happy to take advantage of!
8/ Sseko Rue Ankle Strap Sandals
These sandals are responsibly made, super comfortable, AND give back. I also love that the accent on the toe strap can be switched out with any number of different designs – it’s like owning several pairs of shoes in one. Great if you’re into a capsule wardrobe.
9/ Dove Purely Pampering Coconut Milk with Jasmine Petals Body Wash
My Grandma gave me a bottle of this last month and I’m am in love with the scent as well as the way it makes my skin feel. My home has hard water which can dry my skin out, and this body wash is so moisturizing that even if I forgot to put on lotion after a shower I hardly notice.
I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve cooked with any kind of heat this summer, and will use almost any excuse to avoid it. Now that it’s mid-July I’m beginning to tire of salads and starting to search out recipes that are cool, refreshing, and healthy. I’ve never made spring rolls or worked with rice paper before, but they seem like a great place to start. Flavorful, versatile, and delicious looking!
Click on each image to go to the recipe.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
Click on each image to go to the project.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
Posted In accessories, accessories, bags, beauty bag, entertaining, food, grow it, kids, kitchen, living, make it, outdoors, round up, series, style, walls, wear it
1/ Super Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes
I’ve been doing container gardens for the past few years, and this summer I ventured into the world of cherry tomatoes, Sweet 100s specifically. They’re a vining variety that are deliciously meaty and sweet. Last week I was able to start picking a few day as they ripen and my salad game has gone up a notch!
2/ Mom’s Stuff All-Purpose Piñon Salve
I started using Mom’s Stuff a few years ago after meeting Mom’s daughter and trying out a sample. Each jar is handmade from all natural ingredients that deeply moisturize, soothe, and protect your skin and there are no filler ingredients like water, cheap oils, or stabilizers. Lately I’ve been dabbing some on bug bites for comfort.
3/ Illume Candles Vanity Tins
Illume Candles first entered my life back in college, when I bought two delicious smelling candles for more than I could afford. I’m loving the design of their Vanity Tins and the scents are just as good as ever!
4/ Pineapple Sage
It was the pineapple-scented leaves that caused me to pick up one of these to plant this year. In late summer they bloom bright red, tube-shaped blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
5/ La Colombe Draft Latte
This is the treat I’ve been reaching for on hot summer mornings! Lactose-free milk and cold pressed espresso make for a slightly sweet drink without any added sugar.
6/ Kristin Ess Instant Lift Thickening Spray
Forever on the search for the perfect hair product that will give my fine hair more oomph, and this spray has become the top contender. You don’t need to use a ton, it’s not super sticky, and the smell is amazing.
7/ Lou & Grey Linen Racerback Tank (50% off!)
I picked up black and grey ones a few weeks ago and have been more or less living in them. They hit my short(ish) torso in just the right spot and the cut is super flattering.
8/ Carmex Comfort Care Colloidal Oatmeal Lip Balm
As a lip balm-aholic you can take my word that this stuff is the real deal. Its blend of natural colloidal oatmeal and cold-pressed antioxidant rich fruit seed oil provides long-lasting moisture for visibly smoother lips.
9/ Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
A collection of poetry and prose about survival, about the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. And how to find the sweetness in all areas of life.
It’s officially (officially!) summer, and as the temperatures climb my appetite drops. I want nothing hot on my plate, especially first thing in the morning with my iced coffee. This year I want to experiment with some breakfast cookies that can be made up in advance for the week and enjoyed on the go or on the slow. Check out theses twelve recipes I’m hoping to test out!
Click on each image to go to the recipe.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
1/ EcoBark Dog Harness
After years of searching for a harness that helped control my dog’s tendency to pull, as well as one that fit her broad chest/small neck measurements, I’ve found it. This thing is a lifesaver and the straps are made from recycled water bottles – bonus. (Note: runs small)
2/ Lemon Tree
Plants are therapeutic for me, and I picked up one of these little guys during a plant buying binge. I liked the idea of trying to grow it so much that I bought my Grandma one for Mother’s Day, too. No doubt hers will be five feet tall before mine hits 18-inches!
3/ Native Union Night Cable
This ten-foot long cable is amazing for charging your phone and devices while lounging in bed. The weighted knot anchors it to any surface, so you’re not left searching for your fallen phone when the alarm goes off in the morning.
4/ Elemental Coffee
My favorite coffee from when I lived in Oklahoma City remains my favorite 2 1/2 years post-move. The small batch roastery imports and roasts their own, and you can order a subscription service to show up on your doorstep. I highly recommend the Perusha.
5/ NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square
A classic orangey-red that looks amazing on any skin tone, it’s been my go-to for a few years.
6/ Case Study Bentwood Tray Table
I rely on this tray table in the evenings, when I’m sitting on the couch with the dogs and either listening to records or half paying attention to something on television. It’s a great height and wide enough that I can sit crosslegged under it.
7/ Bebe drawn by Preserve a Moment
The super talented Susanne Kasielke drew my pup, Bebe, from a photo I’d shared in Instagram months ago. Her work is top-notch and I suspect it won’t be long until I commission her to illustrate my other pup as well!
8/ Tadesse Bucket Bag
The perfect bag for summer, its roomy interior provides so much space for essentials while the drawstring closure keeps it all secure. (It’s also available in a mini size and several colors of leather!)
9/ Yucca Plant
I had no clue that yucca plants could survive outdoors in Pennsylvania, or that I had three in my front yard, or that they bloom sporadically! Mine sprouted some tall stalks just about overnight, now I’m waiting for their white bell-like flowers to bloom.
I suppose it’s part of my slow evolution into a Plant Lady that flowers work their way into my diet. With the exception of rose, I’m not sure any of the other petals I’ve eaten have had much flavor – more of a garnish situation I guess? This summer I’m anxious to work some more of this unexpected ingredient into everyday recipes to make them a little bit more special.
Click on each image to go to the recipe.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
What started as an end-of-year client thank you project by design studio Universal Favourite, Complements is now gauging interest in making their modular chocolates a for sale product. These tasty bites were created by combining 3D printing, design, and the help of Bakedown Cakery to make the flavor profiles like shortbread, blackcurrant, and fairy floss a reality. Wouldn’t you love to get your hands on a box?
