March 4th, 2010 Posted by c
You might have read I was experimenting with rhubarb after I saw this recipe for Blood Orange Rhubarb crumble. I learned a few things…firstly, 3 stores later it became clear rhubarb is not in season and two, it probably goes better with strawberries based on how many people love strawberry-rhubarb pie. It certainly made for some pretty pictures and the blood oranges were so juicy- delicious but I made some rookie mistakes and this dessert just didn’t turn out like I had hoped. It tasted fine because we used it as a topping for vanilla ice cream but pretty much anything tastes good on ice cream so I’m not sure that is saying much. I’m not giving up on it and in a few more months when I can buy local, seasonal rhubarb I am going to give it another go. My kitchen experiments are not always successful for sure but I am having so much fun trying. Someone send me something to try…a fav family recipe or something funky and fun…I’ll give it a go and share my results (for better or worse!)
{rhubarb + blood oranges}
{like celery only prettier}
{best kitchen tool ever}
{oatmeal, brown sugar, cinnamon crumble top}
Tags: cooking experiments, rhubarb
Posted in Life | 1 Comment »
March 3rd, 2010 Posted by s
Spring is teasing us with bursts of sunshine and drizzles of rain. The very first hints of a bud have peaked out on my beloved peach tree. Hooray!
{photo of last spring’s peach blossoms}
One recent weekend morning, I woke early, slipped on my rain boots to splash in the remaining scattered puddles and armed with my soy latte from Abbot’s, was off for a nice neighborhood stroll. As I passed the elementary school on Abbot Kinney, I noticed a group of volunteers planting new trees. I wandered over and asked about their project. It looked like a lot of fun, and I sort of wished I could have joined.
Inspired, I googled volunteer opportunities when I returned home.
Enter Tree People – who’s motto is “Simply put, our work is about helping nature heal our cities.” Cool, right?
They are dedicated to making LA more green and I am already a big fan. There are lots of volunteer opportunities to plant trees, care for existing trees, or distribute fruit trees. Click here for a calendar of volunteer opportunities for every Saturday this month and more throughout the year. I can’t wait to participate in a local planting day. Who’s in?
Tags: environment, greening LA, philanthropy, planting trees, Tree People, Volunteer opportunities in LA
Posted in Life | 4 Comments »
March 2nd, 2010 Posted by c
Last night we met with our new interior designer. She is going to help us with some parts of our house that I’m not so crazy about. Most people would call those parts “beige” but I call them “problem areas” because any space without color is a problem for me. I love deep, rich, saturated color and well, the guy who built our house…not so much. Lucky for me one quick trip through the gardens and flower beds of my neighborhood provides me with enough color to hold me over while the designer and her paint can work their magic.
It’s the delicious beauty of spring isn’t it? Longer, sunnier days; the rainbow splash of colors popping up all over Los Angeles right now and farmer’s market tables that look like an artist’s paint palette. I’m going to try and carry the colorful theme into the kitchen tonight as I attempt to make my first rhubarb dessert. That ruby red color of their stalks is so pretty but I’ve never so much as tasted a rhubarb much less cooked with one. Anyone have a to-die-for rhubarb recipe?
Tags: rhubarb recipes, spring flowers, springtime in Los Angeles
Posted in Life | 5 Comments »
March 1st, 2010 Posted by s
My ever lovely, delightful and fashionable friend Leah writes a cute little blog called www.apartmentluxe.blogspot.com - highlighting great furniture & decor finds from the massive abiss that is NYC’s Craiglist postings. She has a great eye for good deals, can help determine brand authenticity and how to negotiate the listed price. Since I just began re-decorating my Venice “bungalow,” I asked her to work her magic on LA’s Furniture For Sale section, as I am desperate need for a little Leah-style in my home:
* * *
So if I could have a whole home full of mirrored furniture, I would!! Not to use for gazing at myself all day, but maybe just for pretending I live like some old hollywood movie star would have. Add a little glam to your bedroom or living room or ….my petite nyc apartment!
It was so fun shopping the LA Craigslist furniture postings, which are a whole new world to me. Estate sales? Patio sets? and Mission style everything!? I would have to say my favorite reminder that I wasn’t on NYC postings anymore was when I reached out to a seller about her dresser, she replied with her cell phone, full address, and what hours she was & wasn’t home for this potential purchase…love it!
Anyway, if I woke up in LA tomorrow, here’s some amazing mirrored items that I would love to see in person. They are all listed for $300 or less – which means negotiation should be for $75 to $100 less than that. Check out this large mirror and nightstand/end table from Venice (both nearly brand new):
And a set of 2 round top nesting tables from a downtown LA home that are perfect for small spaces:
Hope to see you in the Summer, LA !!!
Love, Apt Luxe.
Thank you, Leah! Please come back again, Paisley Petunia loves you & your Craigslist gems xoxoxo
Tags: apartment luxe, apt luxe blog, LA Craigslist Furniture, mirrored furniture, NYC Craigslist Furniture, old hollywood decor
Posted in Style | 2 Comments »
February 25th, 2010 Posted by c
We are busy little bees. I mean seriously busy. I am up to my eyeballs in stuff. Projects coming out my ears. S is in FL at the wedding of a dear friend. Anyways, you get it. The Paisley girls are on fast forward!
We promise to catch you up on all the details on Monday.
In the meantime here is a snap from the beach on Tuesday. It was a chilly winter day here in LA and yes, we know how lucky we are. Stay warm east coasters!
{winter sun-photo credit ckm}
Have a happy~happy Friday and enjoy this last weekend of February.
xoxo
c + s
Tags: lone surfer, los angeles, winter beach photos
Posted in Life | 2 Comments »
