10 Summer Things
01 LL Bean Totes | I have a new appreciation for brands with a long history, LL Bean being a perfect example! Growing up in New England, everyone had one of the classic canvas totes. I have a couple and I use them for everything. I carry one around as a work tote with my computer, extra camera equipment, my water bottle, etc. The more it gets beat up, the better it looks! A monogram is always a chic addition.
02 Summer Produce | I have been cooking up a storm this month. Summer produce is at the height of the season! I love making big plates of tomato and basil doused in good olive oil and flaky sea salt, corn salad with jalapenos, scallions, and cilantro, crispy smashed potatoes, and lots of stone fruit crumbles. Make the most of your local farmers’ market!
03 Oak Essentials | Jenni Kayne has launched a new skincare line, Oak Essentials. I was lucky enough to preview the products and I love how natural everything smells! Everything feels heavenly on the skin. My favorites so far are the Restorative Mask and the Ritual Oil (made with Blue Tansy, one of my favorite skincare ingredients!)
04 Vintage Plates | As I have said before, I really love the mix of old and new. I have a nice little collection of handmade ceramics I have collected over the years, but not very many vintage pieces. When I saw this stack of French vintage plates on Elsie Green, I had to have them! It said they were found at a flea market in Lyons. I love the sweet little blackberry pattern and how each plate has a different amount of wear. I like to think of all the past dinner parties that were held on these plates! Check them out for a great selection of French vintage finds.
05 Merit Beauty | Merit Beauty launched this year with a simple and edited line of beauty products. I love a paired-down makeup routine and they have made it so easy: foundation stick, bronzer or blush, eyebrow gel, mascara, and lip gloss. I absolutely love the foundation stick (I have repurchased twice!) and the creamy bronzer!
07 Pick Your Own | One of the most enjoyable things to do in summer is to pick your own fruit and vegetables. Underwood Farms is about 45 miles from Los Angeles and offers a great selection of produce available to pick. We went a few weekends ago and came home with baskets of tomatoes, basil, peppers, cucumbers, raspberries, and a big armful of flowers. If you can find a local farm that offers the same, I highly encourage you to do this!
06 Grilled Oysters | I have so many ideas and recipes that I always want to make in the summer. Last weekend, it occurred to me that I really need to start getting to my list before summer is over. This was one of them: Grilled Oysters with Calabrian Chili + Garlic Butter with Crispy Breadcrumbs. Here is a quick way to make them:
Shuck Oyster and keep on ice until ready to cook. Combine softened butter(4 tablespoons or so), a spoonful of Calabrian chilis in oil (found at Eataly), half a clove of grated garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toast some panko (1/2 cup) in some olive oil until golden brown. Add some chopped parsley and salt. Put a dab of the chili butter into each shucked oyster. Place the oysters on the grill and allow the oysters to cook through (2-4 minutes depending on oyster size.) The butter and juices should boil up. Place the oysters on a platter and sprinkle breadcrumbs on each.
08 Berkshires | I shared on my instagram some photos of The Berkshires, one of my favorite places for culture, antiquing, and nature. It is a great place to take a road trip if you are on the East Coast! If you need some ideas, I have a few guides in my Travel Section.
09 Jenni Kayne Architectural Digest Feature | AD released a tour of Jenni Kayne’s newest home designed with Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen. I loved her last home in Los Angeles and was so interested to see what she would do with this one. The incredible windows allow the beauty of the trees and hillside to feel like it is part of the house. I love the layering of neutrals and natural materials: slipcovered linen furniture, oak cabinets, and French limestone.
See the full tour here
10 Wine Country | Heading back to wine country this month for a couple of jobs. I always feel extra inspired there: the country roads, the golden light, good food, and good wine. Hoping to try some new restaurants and get back to some old favorites!