California on my mind

The Daily Doodle: off to see the rest of this Golden State. Be back in a week!

strawberries like to sleep in

The Daily Doodle: wiwtb - what I wore to bake today. 

The Mr. and I splurged on a few too many strawberries at the farmer's market, and thus before they had the chance to spoil I whipped up an easy strawberry pie CLICK using a pre-made shell and less sugar.  Any sugar substitute will also taste dandy.

My new obsession is do-it-yourself whipped cream, I cannot get enough of it. Whipped by hand for a little workout, naturally. Use full-fat cream. A few girls from Laguna told me the secret is to add whipped cream to your sweet coffee with a little sea salt sprinkled on top!!! Serve your handmade sugar-free whipped cream with this pie anytime of day.

there's a lioness in the lounge

The Daily Doodle: What I wore to work today. A long sleeved Chaser T from pre-work yoga with lacy shorts from a discount store, iIsabel jewels and RareVintage glasses. Perhaps not an inspired outfit, but impressive considering I only had to tuck little shorts into my purse before yoga, and a packet of leggings-and-a-cami after. No extra luggage required.

besides no makeup

The Daily Doodle: What I wore to work today.

chloe knows

The Daily Doodle: the little black dress I love. 

Created by Chloe in 2006. Perfection for this Fall. Nabbed from {this is glamourous.}

cool girl for fall

The Daily Doodle: What will you be wearing this Autumn?

DSquared2 Resort 2012

summer into fall

The Daily Doodle: Summer sales begin to dwindle and fall fashion starts pouring in. Is it really that time already?  

Garance Doré's photograph. Garance herself is an illustrator.

vive la Chopra

In Deepak Chopra's commentary about the dietary habits of centenarians across the globe, Chopra explains that a psychologically pleasing diet contributes in a quantifiable and very meaningful way to one's overall state of health, even if your daily pipe or other indulgence is clearly "unhealthy."

soul surfer

The Daily Doodle: The best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun. 

In Deepak Chopra's commentary about the dietary habits of centenarians across the globe, Chopra explains that a psychologically pleasing diet contributes in a quantifiable and very meaningful way to one's overall state of health, even if your daily pipe or other indulgence is clearly "unhealthy."

aujourd'hui l'aubergine

The daily doodle today is eggplant. I have been lusting for a little Moussaka lately, and though The Mister is not this violet nightshade's biggest fan, I went ahead and labored through the late afternoon to make us a homemade version anyways, (like I said, I have a scratch to itch.) Lo and behold, I turned my man into a believer!

Moussaka: I used a very loose version of this recipe. I prefer Creme Fraiche over Béchamel - which removes quite a bit of work -  and I use parmesan only on the top and then serve with extra at the table.  Fresh grated parmesan only, please. Make it a new house rule. The nutmeg/cinnamon flavors are a must, and pumpkin pie spice will do just fine. I also substitute Beef for Lamb as it is in-season, add zucchini to liven it up, and a word to the rookies: as with any lasagna-style baked and layered casserole, Moussaka does not fit under the category of wham-bam-thank-you-ma-am. 

Ingredients at their best in AUGUST include:

Aubergine

Basil

Beetroot

Blackberries

Corn

Crab

Duck

Fennel

Fig

Lamb

Lettuce

Mackerel

Melon

Nectarine

Peaches

Plums

Summer Squash

Tomatoes

Get thee a grater. I have (forcibly) used our family's rape a fromage to grate enough parmesan for twenty plus people on regular occasions --- and 20-plus French cheese loving people no less! My family must have moved up in the cheese grating world, because this summer they sent me home with the above 'heirloom.'

wheel of fortune

Aah, Scorpio: Analytical, All or nothing, Energetic, Industrious, Self-Assured, Vivacious...

Miss Astrid Kirschenbaum in an impromptu apres surf stretch/yoga session. I am all about intertwining yoga into my day little bits at a time. A few sun salutes upon waking, some crazier poses in the grass while outside, and warriors or stretching to wind down in the evening. Most importantly I am evermore mindful of my posture. 

Vrishikasana ~ Scorpion Pose

Vrischik ~ Scorpio

For more info click Pincha Mayurasana, forearm balance.