“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela
Category: Home
Monday Mood
Hope everyone had a great weekend. I spent the weekend binge watching Normal People (loved Marianne’s chic & elegant style), bike riding, doing yoga, making pizza, and jump starting my new skin regimen (with this, this, this, this, and this). It’s hard to believe next weekend is Memorial Day and the start of Summer. It won’t be a traditional Memorial Day weekend but we’ll still make the most of it.
Today I’m sharing what’s been in my shopping cart along with some weekend finds while browsing. I bought this cute eyelet tiered mini on sale at Shopbop. I’ve been living in my Fiore mini (runs big also like the maxi), and can’t wait for my Shop Mille dress to arrive. I took advantage of J. Crew’s swim sale which will be arriving this week, and found Marysia on sale here, here, & here. I spotted these comfortable Bottega look for less sandals, along with Dr Scholl’s original clogs (& these Marni ones). Now onto home, I updated our pool hammocks, found these chic ping pong paddles from the Jennifer Fisher x CB2 collab, and trying to decide on Adirondack chairs for our front patio. Considering this, this, or this.
Have a great week!
XOXO
Julie
Photo: Slim Aarons Pussyfooting available at Jonathan Adler.
Kitchen Ket-chup
I’ve been spending the majority of my time at home in the kitchen cooking. I’ve been trying new recipes and creating some of my own. I’ve also been updating my kitchen supplies and coveting new ones. Kitchen Ket-chup below.
- I’m a big fan of vintage pyrex I have both pink and turquoise. You can find some pieces here , here, here, and here.
- We are Happy to Serve You NYC Greek Coffee Cup Amazon, $15. Nostalgic for NYC transplants in LA.
- Mini Loaf Pan Set Williams Sonoma, $28. I love these mini loaf pans because I find that we never eat the whole loaf we bake. With these you can split up the recipe and freeze the additional mini loaf’s.
- Stainless Steel Mini Masher Amazon, $12.95. I’ve been making a lot of egg salad and avocado toast and the mini masher is perfect for making small portions.
- La Double J Floral Print Napkins Matches, $96. Check out all La Double J home at Matches here.
- Magic Linen Apron Amazon, $39. My new favorite apron.
- Margrethe Nested Mixing Bowls Goop, $60. I like these mixing bowls because they have lids.
- Ottolenghi Jerusalem Cookbook Amazon, $24. I’ve cooking a lot of Mediterranean food, and this is a great cookbook!
- Le Creuset Rose William Sonoma. I love any kitchenware that’s pink.
- 8 inch French Whisk Amazon, $8. My favorite whisk for making salad dressings.
Backgammon By The Pool
It’s Friday and cocktail hour this evening will consist of a skinny margarita, salty bar snacks, and a game of backgammon by the pool. I have been playing backgammon since I was 7 years old. My great uncle taught me how to play on a trip to visit him in Brazil. Today I play on the beautiful wood set that he taught me on. If you don’t know how to play backgammon now’s the time to learn. Here’s a link to the rules of backgammon.
Above picture is “Backgammon By The Pool” by Slim Aarons. To see a full selection of Slim Arrons prints at Jonathan Adler click here. I love the way Slim Aarons was able to capture the style, elegance, glamour of his subjects in that era.
A couple backgammon sets to choose from….
- Jonathan Adler Backgammon Set Anthropologie.
- SunnyLife Backgammon Set Shopbop.
- Acyclic Backgammon Set Monogram available Mark & Graham.
- Colorful Backgammon Set Moma Design Store.
To send you off into the weekend here a couple of things I’ve had my eyes on….
- Gucci Strawberry Pool Slides Saks, $310.
- Clear Lucite Cootie Stick Parker Thatch, $25. This is genius!
- The Songbird Velvet Slides/Slippers Birdies, $95. Cute Mother’s Day Gift along with my Mother’s Day Gift Guide.
- Banjanan Bella Dress Shopbop, $380.
- Vans UA Era Sneaker Navy Goop, $65. White here.
- High Waist Capri Alo, $88 ( & these on sale). During last week’s heat wave I realized I needed a new pair of capri’s.
Have a great weekend!
XOXO,
Julie
Let’s Get Organized
This past month I’ve been doing a lot of purging and organizing at home. I thought it would be nice to connect with an expert in the field and hear her thoughts on keeping organized during this unique time at home. I connected with organizing guru Amy Suddleson / Lifestyle Organizer & Designer. Since 2008, Amy Suddleson has been a leader in lifestyle organizing and design. Amy has provided full service home organization, transforming spaces with her creative, functional and maintainable strategies paired with her stylish visual aesthetic.
Julie: Why do your clients reach out to you?
Amy: People reach out to me because they are overwhelmed with their space and just don’t know where to begin. I help them create a more simplified way of living by organizing, eliminating, and creating a peaceful space that provides balance in their lives. I have found that living an organized life, in a well-maintained home, eliminates internal chaos, leaving people feeling mentally and emotionally clearer – and ultimately, allowing more time to appreciate the people and things they love.
Julie: Any tips on staying organized during this unique time at home?
Amy: I believe in creating a flexible weekly schedule. You need structure in your day but also some flexibility. For example making your bed, opening your shades, scheduling your workouts, meal prep, and working. I do this by creating time blocks. For instance, cleaning the whole house at once can be overwhelming so I schedule it in blocks throughout the week. The task doesn’t seem as daunting if you break it up. I like using a digital calendar for myself but I find that kids really benefit from a visual calendar. A schedule is really important for creating a sense of normalcy for ourselves and the whole family during these unprecedented times.
Julie: What are your favorite bins for storing staples like flour, sugar, and snacks?
Amy: My favorite bins, baskets, and canisters are
- White Nordic Storage baskets with handles
- Mocha Water Hyacinth storage bins
- Artisan Glass Canisters with oak lids
- Anchor Hocking Montana Glass Canister
Julie: What are your favorite containers for organizing kitchen utensils in drawers and silverware?
Amy: My favorites kitchen drawer tray is Bamboo Silverware tray and the iDesign Linus expandable cutlery organizer.
Julie: What are your favorite hangers, jewelry organizer, and drawer organizers for the closet?
Amy: I use so many different types of items but here are a few. There is no one size fits all so it depends on my clients space and needs.
- Basic Acrylic Hangers
- Grey Wooden Shirt & Blouse Hangers
- Black Non-Slip Suit Hangers
- Jewelry Stackers with Clear Acrylic Lids
- Linen Drawer Organizer
It was a pleasure speaking with Amy I learned so much in our chat. Organization is an art and Amy is an expert! Amy shares her organizational tips and inspirational photos on her Instagram page @AmySuddelson.
Nesting
All this nesting at home has made me want to do some refreshing. I love my new dishes (way overdue). Other items that could use some sprucing are aprons, oven mitts, dish cloths, linen napkins, and sheets. Madewell just launched a collaboration with Parachute Home check it out here. I also spotted these colorful indoor outdoor bistro chairs at Anthropologie ( & these both 40% off! ) thinking they would be cute around my kitchen table. While I was searching for chairs I happen to find a cozy I Stole My Boyfriends sweatshirt and tee ON SALE (here & here).In other news Everlane just launched their $98 clog. While browsing Everlane check out the new sand color way of the Utility Jumpsuit (love!) great for lounging. Also part of their new arrivals is the Form Crossover and Day Crossover sandal.
Kitchen Chronicles
Since many of us are cooking a lot more then we once were I compiled a list of my must-have kitchen essentials.
- Kuhn Rikon Pressure Cooker Amazon, $169.95. This is a good size for a family of 4. A lot of people are intimidated by the pressure cooker but once you learn how to use it it’s so easy. Dinner is ready in 20 mins!
- Le Creuset Cast Iron Dutch Oven Williams Sonoma, $150-$400. I have several sizes of the dutch oven. I also use the braiser and roaster (above pic) pans a lot.
- All Clad 10 Piece Set Williams Sonoma, $699.95. I’ve had these pots and pans since I got married you only need to buy them once.
- Hamilton Slow Cooker Target, $69.99. This is a simple slow cooker with easy to use settings nothing fancy. For a more sophisticated one All Clad Gourmet Slow Cooker Williams Sonoma, $249.
- Magic Linen Japanese Crossback Apron Verishop, $47 & Classic Linen Apron Verishop, $36. I don’t cook without an apron on I hate to ruin my clothes.
- Bron Coucke Stainless Steel Mandoline Amazon, $129. I have the stainless steel french one but the plastic ones work just as well. Benriner Madoline Williams Sonoma, $59 Cute color!
- Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender Williams Somona, $349. This is the most used appliance by the kids.
- Year & Day dishes Verishop. Made in Portugal beautiful quality for the price and 25% off now.
- Pink Cuisinart Mini Prep Amazon, $32.99. The pink color way is supporting Breast Cancer Research.
- Tortilla Molds Amazon, $11.99. Tostada Tuesday is big at our house and it’s fun to make your own shells.
- Microplane Grader Amazon, $11.00.
- Open Kitchen Lemon & Lime Squeezer Williams Sonoma, $18
Home Sweet Home
Staying at home this past week has made me appreciate cooking even more, and sitting down and having a meal together as a family. I’ve enjoyed setting the table with nice plates (Year & Day is 25% off at Verishop also check out this), placemats, napkins, napkin rings, and simple flowers from the yard.
To keep busy we have been playing backgammon, making friendship bracelets, and I just ordered a tie-dye kit for the girls (tank, tee, & sweatshirt for tie-dying).
This is one of my classic recipes that I have been making for years. It’s simple, healthy, and delicious.
Chicken Marsala
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless pounded chicken breast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- fresh black pepper
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup white wine (doesn’t have to be marsala)
- 1/2 cup veggie or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
If your chicken is not already pounded place chicken between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/2 inch thick. Spinkle both sides evenly with salt and pepper. Place flour in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour, turning to coat, and shake off excess flour.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken cooking until it’s golden brown and then flipping to brown the other side. Remove chicken from the pan. Add mushrooms, wine, broth, and lemon juice to the pan. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 mins until the mixture is reduced to about 2/3 cup. Return chicken to the pan, turning well to coat and cook for an additional 5 mins. Sprinkle with parley and ready to serve.
Pan in the above picture is the 5 quart Le Creuset braiser.
Lucky You
Homeward Bound
Life this past weekend has changed for many of us. Our busy weekends have now slowed down which means a lot more time spent at home. This weekend consisted of a lot of cooking, long walks, closet organizing, and time spent with my family. I will try and share interesting things I find a long the way and please share with me as well.
- Shades of Pink Tablecloth Goop, $285.
- Manduka Yoga Block Amazon, $20. I tried a yoga class at home and realized I didn’t have a yoga block. A friend suggested I try an app called Glo which has over 4,000 workout classes on demand.
- Falcon Enamelware Bake Set Goop, $115.
- Marble Initial Coaster Wiliam Sonoma, $29.95.
- Pink Mini Prep Cuisinart Amazon, $32.99.
- PJ Salvage Tie Dye Jersey Sweatshirt Nordstrom, $62. It’s been rainy in LA and all I want to wear are cozy sweats.
- PJ Salvage Tie Dye Jersey Sweatpants Nordstrom, $62.
- Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set Goop, $395.
- La Double J Dessert Plates Goop, $350.
- Manduka Pro Yoga Mat Amazon, $96.
- Clare V x Anthropologie Platter Anthropologie, $58. Also love these dinner plates that just came in.
- Wilton Candy Melts Pot Amazon, $24. This came in handy when I made Goop’s Banana Bonbons. We dipped bananas, apricots, and pretzels. Our toppings consisted of chia seeds, slivered almonds, cacao nibs, and sea salt. Fun project with the kids.
J’Adore
We all know I love a good collaboration! What’s not to like about one of my favorite accessories brand partnering with Anthropologie! The collection is comprised of colorful housewares, summer beach staples, cozy leisure wear, stationary, and hair accessories. To shop the whole line click here. My picks below.
- Maisonette Dessert Plate Anthropologie, $18. Great hostess gift!
- Oui Clare V Sweatshirt Anthropologie, $125. Also like J’aime La Vie.
- Maisonette Mug Anthropologie, $16.
- Bamboo Bento Box Anthropologie, $18.
- Beach Sling Chair Anthropologie, $198.
- Le Plage Beach Towel Anthropologie, $54.
- Merci Stationary Anthropologie, $20.
New Year New Gear
Happy New Year! This year I hosted Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s at my house. I’ve been doing a lot of cooking and entertaining and wanted to share some of my favorite tools I use in the kitchen, and a couple of things that are on my wish list.
- Le Creuset Dutch Oven Williams Sonoma & Le Creuset Rectangle Dish Williams Sonoma. So easy to clean. All Le Creuset is 20% off at Williams Sonoma check it out here.
- Cuisinart Stainless Steel Mini Prep Plus Amazon A must for me in the kitchen. I have 4 in all different sizes.
- Kitchenaid 5 Quart Mixer Bloomingdales (love the turquoise) & Kitchenaid Handmixer Amazon.
- Stainless Steel Bonavita Tea Kettle Amazon. (also comes in glass) I’m a tea drinker and this is a great tea kettle.
- Adelina Slub Velvet Pillow Anthropologie, $58. The pillows in my front room are looking a bit tired so I’m replacing them with these.
- French Oilcloth Tablecloth Etsy, $95. The French Provencial oilcloth tablecloths are my favorite. So easy to clean and wipe down.
- Goop Blush Padova 10 Piece Set Goop. I love the pink color! It just came back in stock.
- Hawkins New York Glass Pitcher Verishop, $30.
- 100% Pure Linen Napkins Rough Linen. I am not a fan of ironing so I love the rough linen look.
- Pink Glass Candlesticks Goop, $80.
- Turquoise Mason Jars Amazon. I do all my flower arrangements in mason jars.
- Ceramic Dishes Year & Day. I am in the market for new everyday dishes and these are the ones I’m considering. Made in Portugal.
- Monogrammed Letterpress Initial Stationery Minted, $28. I ran out of my personalized stationery and picked these up the other day. Makes a great gift too.
Pink Palette
I just spent 36 hours in San Francisco over the weekend. As soon as I landed I checked into the W Hotel and headed right over to the SFMOMA which has an incredible modern art collection (thx to the Fisher family). After that, it was a holiday party at The Phoenix Hotel. The weather was chilly so I wore my new leopard coat (love!) all weekend long with black denim jeans. Since it was wet out I choose to pack my Acne Pistol boots (on sale) and my black lace-up’s (also like these from Mango) to trot around town. On Friday we lunched at Akiko’s for sushi, (so good) and then it was time for a bit of shopping. I walked around Hayes Valley (loved Reliquary boutique) and Fillmore street where I fell in love with the pink color palette at Goop Lab. We finished the trip with a group dinner at Park Tavern and then it was up early to catch a flight back to LA.
Below are some items that can help fill the Pink Palette void in your home.
- Blush Padova 10 Piece Clean Green 10 Piece Set Goop, $300 Also comes in powder blue here. Frying two piece set here.
- Magnolia Metallic Wreath with Leaves West Elm, $89.
- Heather Taylor Home Tablecloth Lulu & Georgia, $200.
- Set of 6 Juice Glasses Goop, $68.
- Hedvig Apron Goop, $84. Beautiful linen blend fabric. Also found these personalized aprons that make a great gift at Minted, $38.
- Hawkins New York Linen Napkins set of 4 Verishop, $72. Napkins in the above picture.
- Aesop Aromatique Hand Soap Nordstrom, $39.
- 3 Piece Pink Glass Mixing Bowls Goop, $85.
- Matte Gold 5 Piece Place Setting Goop, $150. Look for less here.
- Edition 4 Scented Candle Goop, $72. They had this candle burning in the store and it smells amazing.
- Pink Tumble Set of 4 Goop, $52. Glasses in the above picture.
- Pink Glass Cake Stand Goop, $72.
Photo: Jessie Randall
Backyard Basics
Great time to update your Backyard Basics with the July 4th sales in motion. Serena & Lily is offering 20% off the entire store along with West Elm.
- Sebastopol Stool Serena & Lily, $198 I just ordered two of these for my backyard. I love that it can be used as additional seating or a side/end table. I got the navy/white but I love the grey as well.
- Outdoor Simple Stripe Pillow West Elm, $29 I just got these and they are really nice quality for the price.
- Eastport Stripe Umbrella Serena & Lily, $698 Serena and Lily have the cutest outdoor umbrellas also love this one and this one.
- Tortola Lantern Serena & Lily, $198 also love Modern Porcelain Hurricane Lanterns West Elm, $21.
- Bamboo Lacquer Tray Mark and Graham, $99.
- Bose Speaker Nordstrom, $99 Just got this speaker love it…so easy to use.
- Boat and Toe Sailor Stripe L.L. Bean, $54.99.
- Oceana Outdoor Dinnerware Sur La Table, $8 The outdoor dinnerware is 50% off.
- Sydney Beach Towel Serena & Lily, $68.