L.A. In Bloom

Mother Daughter Weekend

2012-02-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

I'm just hours away from boarding a plane and heading up to Northern California for a weekend away with my mom and sister. Will report back on our adventures next week.

In the meantime, here's what I'm loving from around the web...

The new Prada Spring Summer 2012 video shot by Steven Meisel. Gets me totally revved up for spring.

Do you ever read Adam Bryant's column "Corner Office" in the Sunday New York Times? In this past Sunday's article he featured Amy Astley, the Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue. So good!

Loving Ellen Caldwell's new series "Gallerist at Home" for the New American Paintings blog.

Clare Vivier's flower jeans. Hello!

A pattern for Valentine's Day Friendship Bracelets.

Most Romantic Hotels in Mexico on my new favorite travel website Fathom. Dreamy....

Bon Appetempt makes Swedish Cardamom Buns with my old pal Lisa Fika. I want to eat one right now!

Simone LeBlanc Candle Giveaway

2012-02-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

Today's giveaway comes from someone near and dear to my heart, the lovely gifting guru Simone LeBlanc. Simone recently teamed up with Society for Rational Dress to develop a line of soy wax candles with earthy scents like Sandalwood Rose, Cucumber White Tea and Cedar Vanilla (I'm addicted to the Cedar Vanilla). And my lovely friend has generously offered to giveaway a candle to one LA in Bloom reader.

For a chance to win, leave a comment here telling us which scent sounds the most delicious to you AND "like" Simone LeBlanc on Facebook. You can also increase your odds of winning and gain extra entries if you a) follow @heatherbethtay on Twitter, b) follow @Simone_LeBlanc on Twitter and c) spread the word by tweeting about this giveaway (please tag your tweet with @heatherbethtay).  

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only and will close on Tuesday February 14th. I will draw a winner and announce it here on Wednesday February 15.

(PS. The winner of the Benah Giveaway is MirandaJ! Congrats! And please shoot me an email or comment with your mailing address)

Photo by Jeana Sohn

Pancake Breakfast

2012-02-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

In the midst of last Sunday's vegan feast, my friend Tevia (the evening's guest of honor) mentioned that on most mornings she makes vegan pancakes for her little boy (often in the shape of bugs). Tev is an incredible baker so I knew I wanted to get my hands on that recipe. Thankfully, she agreed to share and I've been feasting on these all weekend. So good served with maple syrup and nectarine jam.

Tevia's Vegan Pacakes
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
1 1/4 cups unbleached flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup water
1 cup almond milk
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup

Combine the above ingredients (be careful not to overmix). Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium and grease with coconut or canola oil. Once heated, spoon batter onto the pan and let cook for about two minutes per side, until lightly browned. Enjoy with side of bacon. Just kidding.

Thanks, Tev!

New Essentials

2012-02-03T08:48:00.000-08:00

Karen Walker sunglasses. Living in LA, I have several pairs of shades in rotation and these are my new favorites.

Keel's Simple Diary in pink. A chic little book for recording thoughts and gaining inspiration.

Yves Saint Laurent Sheer Candy Lip Balm in Succulent Pomegranate. Jeana Sohn clued me in to the silky goodness of this line by YSL.

Hermes Ulysse Notebook. Even a daily to-do list becomes a grand manifesto when written here.

Subscription to Paris Vogue. Instant style booster.

What are your new essentials???

Favorite Breakfast

2012-02-01T07:46:00.000-08:00

Huevos Rancheros from The Farmer and the Cook in Ojai, CA.

Food (I love you), Vegan Style

2012-01-30T12:02:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I cooked dinner for a couple of good friends who happen to be vegan. Despite the fact that I house several vegan cookbooks in my stash of recipe collections, including The Real Food Daily Cookbook and How it all Vegan!, I wanted some fresh inspiration.

And as I've been doing quite often lately, I turned to Foodily (food, i love you - cute, right?). Have you heard of it? Simply put, it's a recipe searching and sharing site (imagine if Pinterest met Epicurious). I typed in the word "vegan" and after browsing through many scrumptious sounding results I narrowed it down and decided on my menu: Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos for the main course and Coconut Pineapple Vegan Banana Bread for dessert.

YUM. Both recipes were winners, as evidenced by the fact that both the vegans and non-vegans at the table were equally satisfied. The healthfully satisfying Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos are destined to become a weeknight staple. In fact, the leftovers are sounding pretty good right about now, maybe topped with a fried egg???

Did you cook anything fabulous this weekend? Would love to hear about it.

Inspired by...

2012-01-27T08:57:00.000-08:00

Pink cactus spotted in Ojai.

Succulents and peonies as arranged by Holly Flora.

Pets with Fez

2012-01-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

In a search for some books on traditional weaving techniques, I paid a visit to Pets with Fez, a charmingly cluttered weaving studio Highland Park. Sadly for Angelenos, the shop is relocating to San Francisco this February and this is the last week to sort through the colorful selection of yarn, books and tchotchkes before they head north. Lots of beauty here! (thanks to Bea for suggesting I check it out!)

Benah Giveaway

2012-01-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

Today's giveaway is from Benah, an Australia-based accessories line known for graphically-patterned and vividly-hued silk scarves along with chic crossbody bags. I gravitated towards this particular piece because it reminds me of Greece, specfically the island of Santorini, with its whitewashed structures accented in varying shades of blue.

For a chance to win this wanderlust-inducing silk scarf (retail $190), leave a comment here telling us what you think about the collection AND "like" Benah on Facebook. You can also increase your odds of winning and gain extra entries if you a) follow @heatherbethtay on Twitter, b) follow @thebenah on Twitter and c) spread the word by tweeting about this giveaway (please tag your tweet with @heatherbethtay).  

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only and will close on Tuesday January 31st. I will draw a winner and announce it here on Wednesday February 1.

Knitting with Friends

2012-01-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

When I was in my early twenties I lived in New York. Brooklyn to be exact. I was the front desk girl at a fancy art gallery in midtown Manhattan and spent most of my nights hanging out with my roommates at Daddy's, the hipster dive bar in the middle our Italian immigrant neighborhood. And when I wasn't writing press releases at the gallery or flirting with boys at the bar, I was learning one of my most treasured skills: knit one, purl one.

Yeah, I moved to one of the most exciting cities in the world at the age of 21 and came back to Los Angeles two years later with sweaters and hats and even a handknit bikini in my suitcase. The hilarity of this is not lost on me. But not unlike how I feel about cooking and eating, knitting is best when done with friends and for me it has always been a social activity. In fact, one of my best friends and I discovered knitting together. Melissa (who was also my roommate in Williamsburg) and I were walking along Bedford Avenue when we stumbled upon a pretty little shop called The Yarn Tree. We walked in and quickly fell in love with the colorful selection of lush yarns and the promise each skein held. We were on the road to the satisfaction that comes from making something beautiful and useful.

Fast forward nearly a decade. I'm in LA and Melissa stayed in Brooklyn. Thankfully we see each other many times a year as family brings her west and work takes me east. During her last trip to LA, we stopped by a local yarn shop on the way to an afternoon at the Korean Spa, as I needed to pick up some more yarn for a project (the "neverending" cowl featured in the above pics). Within moments we were back in Brooklyn circa 2002, excitedly, almost frantically, browsing through pattern books, touching everything and plotting our next big knitting move. Ever since we knit our first stitch, Melissa and I have discussed knitting a throw. In fact, we started one around five years ago during one of my trips to New York, but it didn't quite work out so we shelved the project.

While browsing through a new book put out by Purl, the chic knitting store in Soho, we stopped when we spotted the above left picture of the brightly-hued throw. We loved it and decided to buy the supplies and commit to weekly cross country skype sessions where we would knit together, check on our progress and catch up on life. We obviously never made it to the spa. We decided that it would be a better idea to go home, get comfortable on my couch, pour some chilled prosecco and launch right into our project.

And since then Mel and I have both been knitting like crazy. And talking a lot. We talk about needle size, yarn types and knitting theories (i.e. "always have a small project going so you don't hit a wall with the big projects" - I like to apply this one to many different facets of life). We talk about everything else too. The throw is coming right along - we've knit around nine inches in length out of the total 50". This whole cross country knitting exercise is a reminder that knitting, just like cooking and eating and crafting and visiting the Korean spa, is really just an excuse to connect. Hopefully we'll get a warm and cozy blanket out of it too.

Ojai Farmers' Market

2012-01-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

Everything is prettier in Ojai (especially garden roses and purple kale). How did you spend the long weekend?

Thanks to everyone who entered the Object and Totem Giveaway! The lucky winner is BrianneLee! Congrats!

Tulip Magnolia Tree

2012-01-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

A few years back I was hanging out in the flower shop across the street from the gallery and saw a small tree with luscious pink and purple blooms. Holly told me it was called a Tulip Magnolia Tree and offered to get me one the following week. After planting it in my backyard, it was soon overtaken by slugs and we couldn't seem to get a handle on the problem. We gave up on the beautiful pink tree.

Fast-forward to last year around this time. We're getting ready for the wedding at home and spending every weekend planting different types of flowers, herbs, ferns, succulents and trees including a blooming Tulip Magnolia. The blooms fell off and we watered it and let it be. And now, almost a year later, we have our first bloom! I'm in heaven.

Beauty Bender

2012-01-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

My friend Alexis Johnson recently launched a great new website called Beauty Bender, which highlights the best new trends (for example, bobs are back) and products (lots of nail polish talk) in the world of beauty. They also have a fun weekly feature, called "Beauty Formula," where the interview someone about their beauty routine. In the case of last week's installment, that someone was me. Here's a snippet from Beauty Bender...

1. Morning (skincare/makeup) routine: My morning routine is simple - facewash and moisturizer by my fabulous facialist Nerida Joy. I don't use much makeup - a curl of my lashes with my Shu Uemura eyelash curler, some lipstick and a spritz of perfume gets me out the door.

2. Overnight skin ritual: Nerida Joy facewash, nightly repair gel and eye cream. Nerida is my skin guru.

3. Who cuts/colors your hair: My friend Beatrice Valenzuela cuts my hair. My color is natural.

4. Hair habit: Every day I intend to keep it loose but it always winds up parted in the middle in a low bun.

5. Favorite eye look: Naked with curled lashes and a bit of natural highlighter by Carmindy for Sally Hansen under the brow. If I'm dressing up, I might consider some black eyeliner, also by Carmindy. I'm also obsessed with this lavender shimmery eye shadow by Nars called Night Fairy.....continue reading HERE.

(wedding day primping photo by Nancy Neil)

Object and Totem Giveaway! CLOSED

2012-01-10T07:44:00.000-08:00

The first giveaway of 2012 is one that I'm particularly excited about. I first read about the Philadelphia-based ceramics and jewelry studio Object and Totem on Joanna Williams' blog, Keep Feeling Fascination and fell hard for the earthy necklaces and cool ceramics. Next thing you know, email intros are happening, plans are being hatched and there's an LA in Bloom-themed necklace in the works. According to designer Julianne Ahn, the necklace is inspired by my Mexico posts and my sparkly nail polish. Here is your chance to win a truly original statement piece, made with hand dyed cotton twine and assembled with wheel thrown beads that have been glazed and high fired. I'm in love.

For a chance to win: check out the Object and Totem website and leave a comment here letting us know what you think. You can also increase your odds of winning and gain extra entries if you a) follow @heatherbethtay on Twitter and b) spread the word by tweeting about this giveaway (please tag your tweet with @heatherbethtay).  

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only and will close on Monday January 16th. I will draw a winner and announce it here on Tuesday January 17th.

Mozza at Home

2012-01-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Y'all know I like a challenge in the kitchen right (remember the indian feast?)? Not that I crave a huge kitchen adventure every day. A big reason I love putting meals together is that it's an escape from the challenge of daily life. It's relaxing and dependable. I'm more of a special-occasion-culinary-adventure seeker.

Like on New Years Eve, when you have just been gifted The Mozza Cookbook. For me, that's a perfect opportunity to get a little crazy. We hatched a plan with two couples - the six of us would each select a recipe from the newly-released tome from our favorite restaurant and get together for a multi-course meal accompanied by champagne and wine. Somehow we wound up with 8 dishes. I've never been good at math.

I chose an appetizer, Crostini with White Beans alla Toscana with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and Saba while Alex selected our pasta course, Fiorentini with Guanciale, Tomato, and Spicy Pickled Peppers. There are many things to say about these recipes. For example, both of our recipes contained recipes within recipes. In the case of the pasta, there were actually three recipes embedded in one (1. Passata di Pomodoro, 2. Spicy Pickled Peppers, and 3. The final dish). Also, I think between the three couples we used five bottles of olive oil.

We got cooking on the homemade tomato sauce or, in Italian, Passata di Pomodoro. Very easy to put together and totally satisfying to see a big pot of sauce bubbling away on the stovetop. Per the instructions, we even brought out the food mill!

We spent the early morning making these Spicy Pickled Peppers, a key component of our pasta dish and I remembered how much I love the process.

Here is the result! I loved the spicy smell of the brine, scented with honey, juniper berries, cloves, black peppercorns and bay leaves. Gorgeous.

Moving on! We had White Bean Crostini to tend to and this recipe is super involved as well. We start with soaking cannellini beans overnight. Then it's time to cook them for approximately four hours with a handful of vegetables and aromatics - 16 cloves of garlic, a Spanish onion, two carrots, two celery ribs and two dried arbol chilies.

And then there's the radicchio.

After sitting in a marinade of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper we sauteed the leaves for a minute or two until lightly caramelized.

Everything about this dish was in balance and for me it was a lesson in recipe development. Atop garlic rubbed toasted baguette slices, we layered the radicchio leaves. Then the white beans, which we had just pureed in the blender. The recipe specifies to create a small crater in the beans which is obviously meant to be filled with finishing quality olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of saba (one of several ingredients we had to search for). Sprinkle with thyme leaves and coarsely ground black pepper. And guess what? Almost 24 hours later, it's a perfect dish.

Holly made braised leeks with buratta and breadcumbs. The leeks, which were from her garden, melted in your mouth.

It was as good as any burrata dish I've had at Osteria Mozza, a part of the menu for which they are particularly well known.

The flower and citrus filled-table.

Holly prepared the the lightest and maybe prettiest dish of the night - a salad of Little Gem Lettuce with Squash, Walnuts and Pecorino. I kept thinking how this would be a great dish to eat for lunch with a side of grilled flank steak or even salmon.

The pasta was the best meeting of noodles and sauce I have ever prepared in my kitchen. Perhaps it was the crispy chunks of pancetta? Or the fat rendered by the meat, to which you add the previously brewed tomato sauce (it almost seers in the animal fat)? Or maybe it's that final touch of adding 1/4 cup of finishing olive oil at the last moment? Whatever. Who cares. It's beyond.

Becky's Pork Ribs with Fennel and Apple Cider Vinegar served with cole slaw and roasted asparagus functioned as our main dish, our "secondi piatti." The meat was literally falling off the bone and had an almost smokey flavor.

And of course we had desserts. Two in fact. But by the time we got through this wildly fun and rich Italian feast, I could hardly think about eating the decadent Butterscotch Budino, my favorite dessert from Pizzeria Mozza, let alone photographing it. Which doesn't take away from how delicious the bites I did taste were.

This was a great evening. Although at times we felt daunted by the amount of ingredients, steps and fat content in each dish, any doubts were quickly replaced by feelings of satisfaction, love and awe. Thank you, ladies, for cooking and eating. Thanks to Alex for always being down for an adventure. And thank you, Mozza, for the inspiration!

Photography

2012-01-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

We are opening a beautiful photography show tomorrow night at Taylor De Cordoba, which is why I'm working late on a Friday evening, making sure every photo is level and properly lit. And I am particularly excited about this exhibit of new self-portraits and landscape photographs by San Francisco-based Danielle Nelson Mourning. Every image was taken in Northern California, from San Francisco to Pt. Reyes and Bolinas, and I'm loving the California light that Danielle captures so beautifully. To see more images from this body of work, click HERE.

Martha Stewart Weddings

2012-01-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

My June nuptials was a highlight of this past year and I've been dying to share our beautiful wedding photos with LA in Bloom readers. Naturally, I was over the moon when Martha Stewart Weddings asked to feature my wedding in their Winter issue and I've been waiting with bated breath for the mag to hit newstands, which it did last week. And although we're more than six months past the big event, I thought this would be a good way to share some of my favorite moments, starting with a bouquet that was so pretty it almost made me cry. Hope you enjoy.

Photography by Nancy Neil

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

What better way to ring in the New Year than with rich food, good friends and epic flowers? We celebrated by cooking an eight course meal with some of our nearest and dearest including florists Holly and Becky of Holly Flora. And here's a news flash: being friends with florists has its perks.

The plan was for each couple to cook two recipes from The Mozza Cookbook, which the six of us would enjoy together. I'll be posting sumptuous pictures and details about this sicko meal later in the week but for now, it's all about how flowers.

Holly walked in with two boxes filled with vases of brightly-hued poppies, ranunculus, and anemones and began laying them out on the table and around the house (yellow for the kitchen, purple in the bedroom). How gorgeous is this table? I've been friends with these ladies for years and I still can't get over it.

How did you celebrate this holiday weekend? Cook anything great, do anything great, see anything great? I've been seeing movies, watching Downton Abbey, knitting, doing yoga and generally staying off the computer, which has felt really nice. Hope you've had a good start to the new year.

Ojai

2011-12-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

I am officially on vacation from work and internet but couldn't help but share these pictures I took at the Ojai Valley Inn earlier this week. My sister and I spent a restorative 24 hours chilling in Ojai - we hiked, we spa-ed, we drank wine - it was a dream. Hope everyone is having a great week - I'll be back in 2012! xo

Cookies

2011-12-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my mom and I got crazy in the kitchen. We baked hundreds of cookies and drank several cups of vanilla scented coffee, all while listening to the"Nutcracker" Pandora station (my new favorite). We made:

Chocolate Crinkles (my perennial favorite)
Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing (major festive flavors going on here)
Gingerbread Men (so cute, I can hardly handle)

Have you doing any exciting baking this holiday season? Please share your favorite recipe!

Inspired

2011-12-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

Last week my friend Joanna Williams told me about a beautiful blog called Tales of Endearment, written by NY-based casting director Natalie Joos. The website claims to be "stories about friends, vintage, love, style and life" and lovingly features ladies of great talent and style. I especially love THIS piece on sisters Anette and Pheope, the NY-based designers of the Mexican-inspired jewelry line Anndra Neen. Have you uncovered any fabulous new blogs lately?

Presents in Bloom

2011-12-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

Can't believe the holidays are upon us - still many gifts that need to be wrapped and stockings that need to be stuffed! Here's a short list of some of my gifting inspirations, starting with the above box of goodies, which my thoughtful sister presented me for my birthday. Dishtowels, ribbon and notebooks presented in a beautiful pink box - in the words of Martha, "it's a good thing.

Speaking of Martha, I found this copy of Martha Stewart Christmas from 1989 in my mom's bookshelf and I was instantly flooded with memories of flipping through it as a kid and dreaming of wreaths and potpourri not to mention cookies and gingerbread houses. I was happy to discover many gently used copies on Ebay.

A World of Interiors magazine subscription would be the perfect gift for anyone on the quest for a little inspiration.

I'm in love with these ankle socks by Hansel from Basel - hello stocking stuffer.

As we all know by now, you can't go wrong with Clare Vivier. I'm particularly loving the leopard print clutches.

And lastly - the gift that keeps giving. Homemade jams and preserves made by Jen Smith of Full Moon Pickles.

Working/Weaving Weekend

2011-12-17T16:21:00.000-08:00

What are you doing this weekend? I am working on a new weaving project, finishing up holiday shopping and wrapping up some last minute work before the gallery closes for the holidays. Hope you have something festive planned!

And a big thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to my last post - your comments are greatly appreciated!

Webisode: Holiday Soirée

2011-12-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

Today's holiday webisode marks the final installment for 2011 and I hope you've enjoyed watching the series as much as I've enjoyed creating it. And with the release of my tenth webisode I would love to hear from you, dear readers, as I'm plotting an exciting 2012 season. What would you like to see more of, less of or can't get enough of? Please share you comments below. But first, let's make some Baked Brie Wrapped in Puff Pastry and Rebecca Marie's Spiked Spiced Cider. Enjoy, y'all!

Full recipes after the jump.

Baked Brie Wrapped in Puff Pastry

Serves 8
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My mom has been making Baked Brie Wrapped in Puff Pastry for years and it’s one of those super indulgent dishes that I only eat around the holidays. Once baked, the cheese oozes out of the flaky puff pastry and the sweetness from the preserves rounds out the flavors. I like to use fig preserves at Christmas time but you can use anything you like - pumpkin butter, raspberry jam or my new favorite, homemade guava jam.

1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, defrosted
1 15 ounce round of brie cheese
2 tablespoons fig preserves
1 egg

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. While the puff pastry defrosts, evenly spread preserves on top of the round of cheese.

Once the puff pastry is defrosted, lightly dust a rolling pin and a cutting board or marble slab with flour. Gently roll out the pastry until it is more than large enough to fully enclose the cheese.

Set the cheese, preserve side down, directly in the middle of the pastry and bring the dough up and around it, tucking it into a nice little package (imagine you are wrapping a gift). Using scissors or a knife, trim an inch or two of the puff pastry (there should be some overlap) to be used for decorations. Flip the brie and place it seam side down on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Using festively themed cookie cutters, cut several shapes out of the extra puff pastry and set aside.

Beat the egg in a small bowl and add a tablespoon of water. Using a brush, lightly paint the pastry wrapped cheese with the egg wash, which will help it become golden in hue. Arrange the cutouts in a decorative pattern on the top and the sides (the egg wash functions as glue, as well).

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the pastry has puffed up and turned golden. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so the cheese sets. Serve alongside slices of apples and fresh bread.

*download a printable version HERE

Rebecca Marie’s Spiked Spiced Cider

Serves 8
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My friend Rebecca was a bartender for years and turned me on to her recipe for Spiked Spiced Cider. It’s become my go-to drink to serve at a holiday party not only because it reminds me of my friend but also because it’s cozy, aromatic and takes two minutes to prepare. Becky also had the genius idea of making this in the slow cooker, which keeps it warm for the length of your party. If you don’t have a slow cooker, make this on the stove top and keep the heat on low.

1 gallon of apple cider
5 cinnamon sticks
1 heaping tablespoon of whole cloves
1 apple, thinly sliced and dusted with ground cinnamon
bourbon, brandy, whisky or rum

Pour the apple cider into a slow cooker and add cinnamon sticks, cloves and apple slices. Give it a nice stir and heat on high until heated through. Turn the heat to low or “keep warm” and serve in mugs over a shot of bourbon, brandy, whisky or rum. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice and remove cloves.

*download a printable version HERE

Holiday Shopping

2011-12-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

I went to a Holiday Bazzar this weekend hosted by my lovely ladies Joanna Williams, Simone LeBlanc and Melissa Coker at their shared studio space in Atwater Village. Guests perused the locally designed and handmade goods while enjoying sitar and tabla music and drinking champagne. When did shopping become so much fun?

Beatrice Valenzuela's selection of handmade Mexican shoes.

Loving her new high tops!

Beautiful bright pink pillow.

An eager shopper (me) grabs a diamond ring designed by Kathryn Bentley.

Gift sets filled with life's simple pleasures by Simone LeBlanc: a chai tea blend, a journal and lemon eucalyptus soap.

Simone hard at work in front of a beautiful textile.

Wallets designed by Clare Vivier in an array of candy colored hues - loved this vivid blue.

Hanging by Clare's table, surrounded by beautiful vintage dresses and stacks of fashion books.

Ceramic planters designed by Kelly Lamb.

Joanna, me and Simone in a lovefest moment.

Bea looking super cute in an Isabel Marant top.

I left the sale with a handful of purchases, mainly the gorgeous socks designed by Hannah Byun for Hansel from Basel. Thanks to the ladies who put this sale together - it was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon in December. And big thanks to my young husband Alex de Cordoba for photographing the day.

On the topic of holiday shopping, this was my first attempt of the season. Have you started? Is anyone feeling as out of control as I am??????

Happy Weekend + a Winner!

2011-12-10T08:32:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend ahead of them. I'm happy to have a bit of time to myself this morning - doing some work in my office with music playing (my sister just recommended this amazing album) and my Coqui Coqui coconut candle burning.

I'm also happy to announce the winner of the Wren giveaway: congrats to Maria of Orchard Bloom! And thanks to all who entered!

Desert Breakfast

2011-12-08T17:23:00.001-08:00

Oatmeal with bananas and french pressed coffee at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs.

Working from someplace beautiful today...

2011-12-07T11:31:00.001-08:00

Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs!

Raw Fudge

2011-12-05T07:28:00.001-08:00

Have you ever eaten raw fudge? My friend's mother made this for a dinner I hosted last week and I have been craving it ever since. It tastes different than the cooked fudge that most of us are used to but I think it's just as good. Loved eating this alongside a bowl of strawberries. Thanks for the recipe, Yoshi!

Carob Fudge
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1 cup raw carob powder
1/2 cup soaked almonds (soak overnight & chop)
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 dried apricots

Blend in food processor. Spread batter 1/2"thick and refrigerate until coconut butter sets the batter into a fudge like consistency. Cut into bars.

Wren Giveaway! CLOSED

2011-12-02T08:16:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday! What are your weekend plans, dear readers? And would they or would they not be more exciting if you were wearing a faux fur cropped jacket (above), designed by one of my favorite people and designers Melissa Coker of the fantastic line Wren? I know my weekend would be a bit chicer and cozier if I was snuggled up in faux fur.

Melissa has generously agreed to give away one "Kate Faux Fur Cropped Jacket" (in this gorgeous, dusty charcoal tone) to a lucky LA in Bloom reader. This USA-made piece boasts a hook and eye closure, is fully lined in silk and retails for $698.

For a chance to win, leave a comment here telling us which Wren collection is your favorite (I love Spring 2011) AND "like" Wren on Facebook. You can also increase your odds of winning and gain extra entries if you a) follow @heatherbethtay on Twitter, b) follow @ilovewren on Twitter and c) spread the word by tweeting about this giveaway (please tag your tweet with @heatherbethtay).  

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only and will close on Thursday December 8th. I will draw a winner and announce it here on Saturday December 10th.

Apartment Therapy

2011-12-01T07:23:00.001-08:00

Apartment Therapy featured a tour of our home yesterday! Click HERE to see the complete feature.

Diane Keaton at the Hammer

2011-11-29T21:36:00.001-08:00

Diane Keaton at the Hammer Museum, November 29, 2011.

The Hammer has the best public programming in Los Angeles. I always say that you can go to the Hammer and see something interesting (and most often for free) every day of the week.

Last night, the seat to get was at the Billy Wilder theatre where Diane Keaton was reading from her new memoir, Then Again.

She spoke eloquently about being a daughter, being a mother, being the center of attention. She read passages from her book about her mother's 15 year long fight with losing her memory and her eventual death in 2003.

She talked about the experience of reading her mother's journals and being scared of what she would find. She said everyone should keep a journal because it allows your loved ones to know you better. It was all very moving. Oh, and she looked fierce: beyond chic in a textured shift dress (Marni? Prada?) over a tight black turtleneck. This woman is inspiring on so many levels.

In the November issue of Vogue (2011)

In Manhattan (1979)

In Something's Gotta Give (2003)

In Annie Hall (1977)

In Baby Boom (1987)

In Love and Death (1975)

Ruby Red Ranunculus

2011-11-29T11:58:00.001-08:00

Ruby red ranunculus plus Heath vase plus Mexican table runner. Love.

Holiday Spirit

2011-11-28T07:34:00.001-08:00

How pretty are pink poinsettias?

This gingerbread lady spatula (from Sur La Table) was an impulse buy but it has already brought me loads of holiday joy - totally worth it.

My new favorite decor: persimmon branches.

Spices for a warm and boozy holiday drink - spiked spiced cider. So cozy!

How did you get into the holiday mood this weekend?

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-11-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

I am feeling particularly grateful this year and looking forward to wreaking some havoc in the kitchen tomorrow. With the holidays officially upon us I'm thinking about decorating my house for the season and planning a soiree or two. What are your plans for the weekend? Anything super cozy? I'm filming a holiday-themed webisode on Sunday! Can't wait to share it in a few weeks.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am truly grateful to have such an interesting group of readers who visit this blog on a regular basis. Thank you for being so engaged and engaging.

(how inspired is this image of Aerin Lauder's home from Vogue? I'm loving the giant bowl of pine cones, the ruby red peonies, the roaring fire, the whole deal.)

Mother/Daughter Weaving

2011-11-23T09:18:00.001-08:00

I observed a very sweet moment during my weaving class last saturday, as my friend and fellow student Bea brought her adorable two-year-old daughter to class. Remember being little and watching your mom do something totally grown-up and seemingly amazing?

Webisode: Baja, Mexico

2011-11-20T19:37:00.001-08:00

Earlier this fall, Alex and I took a four day trip to Baja, Mexico, spending time in the area's capital, La Paz and the charming surfer town of Todos Santos (blogged it here, here and here). While discovering hidden beaches, shopping for artisanal goods and feasting on carne asada tacos, we had cameras rolling. I hope you enjoy my first Travel Webisode!

More information on travelling through Baja after the jump.

Highlights of Baja

General:

We took a three-and-a-half hour direct flight from Los Angeles to La Paz on Alaska Air, rented a car and began our adventure. We stayed three nights in La Paz and one night in Todos Santos, but if I could have a do-over, I would stay two nights in each place. La Paz isn't the most charming town, but it is ideally located near the Sea of Cortez, which allowed us to easily spend long days at some of the most tranquil and beautiful beaches I have ever seen (we kept saying it reminded us of Greece). Todos Santos is the whole package - incredible beaches (although most are too wild for swimming), cozy cafes and great artisanal shopping. Here are some highlights and details about places we visit in the webisode:

Shop:
Weaving Studio in La Paz - Artesanias Cuauhtemoc
Calle Abasolo 3315, esquina Oaxaca - La Paz - BCS - Mexico
Col. Pueblo Nuevo - Tel.: 612-122-4575

Pottery Studio in La Paz - Ibarra’s Pottery
Prieto 625 btw Iglesias/República, Tel. 612-122-0404

Eat:

Restaurante el Zaguán in Todos Santos

Calle Juárez between Topete and Hidalgo, Tel: (612) 131-6769

Beach:

Playa Tecolote is a short drive from the town of La Paz and one of the most beautiful spots in the area. We stopped at one of the big beachside restaurants for Pacifico and fried calamari.

Sleep:

Hotel Mediterrane in La Paz - no frills but a great location, clean room and a rooftop deck, which is quite possibly the ideal spot to drink a margarita and watch the sunset over the water.

The Todos Santos Inn in Todos Santos - built in the mid-19th century, this hacienda style hotel has an open courtyard, a great pool and is located in the center of town.

HBT's Closet Essentials

2011-11-17T12:20:00.001-08:00

I have been knee-deep in fashion mags and blogs for the past couple weeks and I'm feeling inspired to freshen things up in my closet. Here's what I've been thinking, or in other words, welcome to HBT's wardrobe essentials.

A Sexy Dress

My friend Bea sent me a text with a snapshot she took of the below page from Paris Vogue with a note that read: "I think if you buy this dress, you'll sell a lot of art." Oh yeah, Bea. But seriously, now I've become obsessed with this sexy Oscar de la Renta number. On a less prohibitively expensive note, this plunging crimson DVF dress is pretty gorge too.

A Cozy Sweater

Jeana Sohn and I were going nuts over this cozy look below (also from Paris Vogue). Makes me want to head to the beach wearing a fuzzy top (love this Zara sweater and this one from Isabel Marant or even better, vintage Missoni ) with some denim cutoffs.

A Glittery Shoe

I have been crazed about the current Miu Miu collection and trying to distract myself from the glitter-covered shoes and sunglasses, as if attempting to forget that they exist so I won't do any crazy impulse buying. Alternatively, Clare Vivier uncovered this glitter and suede ankle boot from Barney's, which is less trendy and moderately less expensive than Miu Miu's version. LOVE (image from Style.com's new print magazine - such a fun read!).

A Printed Pair of Pants

Spotted in the latest issue of American Vogue, I'm lusting after a pair of printed pants. I am thinking I would like to wear these J.Crew leopard capris with an oversize sweater and glitter ankle boots. And maybe a pair of red Miu Miu glitter sunglasses. Thoughts?

What are your current wardrobe essentials? What are you lusting after, dreaming of or wearing to death. Tell me.

Breakfast

2011-11-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

What do you eat for breakfast? I've been making an egg with tortilla and salsa and a bowl of berries on the side. Love.

Kitchen Musings

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

I had a great, cozy Sunday at home. I read the paper, did a bit of weaving and spent some quality time in the kitchen. I've been thinking about making soup lately, so I went back to a recipe for Sweet Potato and Sausage soup from an old issue of Bon Appetit. So delish. While in the kitchen, waiting for sausage to brown, I puttered around and contemplated all the possibilities. For example, I bought a pumpkin at the farmers' market a couple weeks ago (above). Will I roast it? I've never cooked with pumpkin that didn't come out of a can. I have a fantasy of cutting it into fourths, roasting it, and serving with some really good goat cheese. Just a thought.

Fancy nut butters - perfect for a Date Shake, of course.

I bought these cans of Cream of Coconut from Surfas in Culver City and have been playing around with a recipe for Coconut Cake provided by the owner/chef at Hartwood, my favorite restaurant in Tulum, Mexico. It's so good (Chef Speak forthcoming!).

And what about this can of Chipotle Sauce (how cute, by the way)? I think it's begging for sauteed shrimp. Maybe chipotle shrimp tacos?

What did you cook this weekend????

Around the Flower Shop

2011-11-11T07:48:00.001-08:00

I paid a visit to the Holly Flora flower studio yesterday and got a glimpse into all the beautiful projects the girls are working on.

Loving the chocolate cosmos - any flower that smells like cocoa is fine by me.

These peonies make me absolutely crazy - that color!

Check out these pink dahlias - truly divine. Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend!

My Favorite Sandwich

2011-11-10T10:14:00.001-08:00

Almond Butter, Banana and Honey Sandwich
Serves 1
......................................

I've made this in the morning and brought it with me to the gallery almost every day this week - it's easy to transport, healthy, comforting and totally delish.

two tablespoons almond butter (could use cashew or peanut)
two slices of your favorite bread (I like Ezekiel)
one banana
one teaspoon honey

Spread one tablespoons of almond butter on each slice of bread. Thinly slice a banana and spread evenly on one sandwich half. Drizzle with honey and press the two halves together.

Irene Neuwirth + A Winner

2011-11-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

Are y'all familiar with LA-based jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth? If not, I suggest you head on over to her website and spend some time drooling over her fine jewelry line.

I love that these pieces from her newly launched "Diamond Collection" appear ancient, as though I could have stumbled upon them in an exhibition at the Met. Total fantasy pieces!

Which brings us to another designer we know and love - Kathryn Bentley. The lucky winner of 3 enamel cuffs from the Dream Collective Giveaway is Alena of Oh It's Just Perfect. Congrats to you and many thanks to all who entered.

Obsessed

2011-11-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

Arizone Muse on the cover of the new Paris Vogue.

Weaving at Barnsdall Park. I literally go to bed at night dreaming about what color I will add next.

Baskets of yarn. And Bea booties.

Technicolor roses!

California Design: 1930-1965 at LACMA. I vote for Heath Ceramics to reintroduce this color combo.

And lastly...the newest addition to my Clare Vivier collection - a white La Trop. Love.

What are your current obsessions?

Malibu Day

2011-11-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

Alex and I recently had a "date day" out in Malibu. We started the morning with breakfast at Joan's on Third, my perennial favorite place to grab it a quick bite. Always cozy!

We split a blueberry danish and a soft boiled egg with morning potatoes before heading out to the Malibu, the town in which I grew up. Alex and I live in the center of Los Angeles where everything is always bustling - lights, cars, sounds. The moment we arrive in this surfer town, suddenly we're on vacation.

After a few hours reading, resting and walking on the beach, we felt a hankering for fish tacos. We made our way back home, stopping for cajun style catfish and calamari at the Reel Inn.

It is so important for me to take days like this that are all about pure relaxation and enjoyment. What are your favorite ways to disconnect from normal life and take some time for yourself? I would love to know.

Dream Collective Giveaway! CLOSED

2011-11-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

The latest giveaway comes from Kathryn Bentley, the Echo Park-based designer of the hippie cool jewelry line Dream Collective and co-owner of the boutique Vivier and Bentley. Kathryn makes the kind of pieces that I want to wear daily and with nearly every outfit I own. Her pieces - rings, necklaces and bracelets - are meant to be layered, which is why we are giving away not one, but three cuffs from her covetable collection (I'm dying for one of these beauties myself). For a chance to win the above three enamel cuffs (value $450), please do the following:

Leave a comment here telling us which is your favorite style in her collection AND "like" Kathryn Bentley on Facebook. You can also increase your odds of winning and gain extra entries if you a) follow @heatherbethtay on Twitter, b) follow @kathryn_bentley on Twitter and c) spread the word by tweeting about this giveaway (please tag your tweet with @heatherbethtay).  

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only and will close on Tuesday November 8th. I will draw a winner and announce it here on Wednesday November 9th.

Webisode: Bacon Potato Hash

2011-11-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

Every month or so, I need to step away from the Date Shake and indulge in something a bit more decadent. This is where my Bacon Potato Hash comes in. Served with fried eggs and crisp arugula, the recipe is inspired by a scene in Nora Ephron’s semi-autobiographical foodie novel Heartburn. Our heartbroken narrator describes the hash as something she likes to make and eat when “feeling blue,” and indeed this is the ultimate comfort food. Dig in!

Full recipe after the jump.

Bacon Potato Hash
Serves 2
...........................................................

1 lb small potatoes, cleaned
8 oz thick, uncured bacon
sea salt
freshly ground pepper
2 eggs
salad greens, like arugula

Cover potatoes with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for approximately 15 minutes, until potatoes are just tender. Let them cool in an ice bath for five minutes, drain into a bowl and place in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Once cooled, slice into bite size wedges.

Using kitchen shears, cut bacon into 1” strips directly into a heavy bottomed pan over medium heat. Once some of the fat is rendered, throw in the potatoes and let them cook until golden and crisp. Stir occasionally, making sure all sides are evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve on a bed of greens and top with a fried egg. Garnish with flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

*printable version coming soon!

Gallery Flowers

2011-10-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

Peonies from Holly Flora arrived just in time for the opening of a new exhibition at Taylor De Cordoba entitled Recrafting History: history, nostalgia & craft in the American memory and curated by Ellen Caldwell. It's always so exciting to have great new artwork in the gallery.

I'm particularly loving these pieces:

Jen Pack

Eric Beltz

Stephanie Washburn

Frohawk Two Feathers

New Chef Speak!

2011-10-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

Chef Speak is back, y'all! For my latest piece, I interviewed Sara Johannes, the Executive Chef of WP24, Wolfgang Puck's new modern Chinese restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. Situated on the 24th floor of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, the expansive city views are nothing if not stunning.

And lucky for us, Chef Johannes shared her recipe for Tiny Pork Potstickers, so we can recreate some of the flavors and textures of WP24 in our own kitchens. Click HERE to see an interview, images and a killer recipe.

Webisode: Apple Picking

2011-10-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Fall is truly the season of coziness and one of my favorite ways to get into the spirit is to venture outdoors for an afternoon of apple picking. While recently visiting my sister in San Francisco, she suggested we pile in the car and head about 60 miles north of San Francisco. Final destination: Gabriel Farm in Sebastopol, where they grow row upon row of both Fuji and Golden Delicious apple trees. We each went home with a box full of apples (15 lbs each!) and although I would have loved to put up some apple butter or make a cheddar, apple and bacon sandwich or two, these apples were perfect as is - juicy, crisp, tart and just sweet enough. We finished them in a matter of weeks.

So let me ask you this - how do you celebrate the season? What are your cozy rituals?

See pictures from our apple picking adventure after the jump.

Books and Mags

2011-10-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday, readers! How was the weekend? I spent a good part of it laying on the couch, leafing through the New York Times, cookbooks and magazines. Between a few gifts and recent purchases, I found myself with an exciting stack of books and magazines on my nightstand. Here are some of my current favorites. What are you reading? Anything new and great?

The Gentlewoman. Always inspiring.

Jeana Sohn blogged about this issue of AnOther Magazine last month and I finally picked up a copy. How insane is that cover? It's a keeper!
The Mozza Cookbook. I couldn't help myself. Very illuminating as to how Nancy Silverton gets those pizzas so damn good (hint: heavy whipping cream!)
The writer Anne Zimmerman sent me The Food of Morocco as a thank you gift for inviting her to participate in Eating Our Words at the beginning of the month. Can't wait to put my tagine to use. Thank you, Anne!
My mom lent me a copy of This Beautiful Life for my trip to Baja and told me that I wouldn't be able to put it down. As she predicted, I read this gripping story about a Manhattan-based family coping with a technology induced crisis in one afternoon. If you want a little teaser, check out this review on Fresh Air.
And lastly, my old pal Brian Phillips edited the new book Rodarte, Catherine Opie, Alec South and sent me a copy last week. Everything here is truly gorgeous. Thank you, BP!

Baja: the best of the rest

2011-10-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

Mornings in La Paz were spent strolling through town, sampling horchata and popping in and out of shops. In preparation for a day by the beach, I found my perfect sun hat. The bright blue ribbon reminds me of something I would have worn as a little girl.
We stocked up on local vanilla beans and cinnamon at a quaint organics store.
The cutest lollipops.
Beautiful produce at the Farmers' Market.
Driving through the desert...
Only to arrive at a crystal blue ocean.
When I say crystal, I mean CRYSTAL. It looked like a postcard.
Happiness in the sea of cortez. What's not to like?
We watched the sun set all around us.
And drove home through a silent desert.
The second half of our trip was spent in Todos Santos - when we first arrived, we went straight for lunch at a restaurant known for great fish. We started with margaritas and guacamole.
We shopped around town for locally made products. Soap...
Ceramics...
We went to the beach.
And spent some time staring at some crazy waves.
The evening ended with carne asada tacos.
Churros and a fried plantain.
And a dancing performance in the town square. I kind of couldn't believe what we stumbled into.
Bottom line: Baja is a special place and I feel lucky to have spent several days exploring the charming towns, silent deserts and beckoning seas.

Baja Architecture

2011-10-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

I found myself very inspired by the contrast in architectural styles found in Baja California Sur. On the one hand there is color everywhere. And then there are buildings like this one, which we stumbled into, while walking on a main shopping street in La Paz. So clean and elegant.

Right around the color, we're back to the color zone.

I loved this green house near the beach in Todos Santos.

We paid a visit to the colorful Hotelito in the hills of Todos Santos.

Built in the mid-19th century as the home of a sugar baron, the Todos Santos Inn is where we spent our final night in Baja. This courtyard style hacienda has a beautiful pool and felt intensely cozy to me. I can't wait to visit again and stay for more days! Have you been to Baja? Where did you stay?

Webisode: Working Lunch

2011-10-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

My friend Melissa introduced me to this recipe for Mediterranean Couscous soon after we graduated from college, when we were first starting to learn about cooking and all things domestic. Easy to put together, healthy and as flavorful as the ingredients you decide to use, this quickly became our workday staple. In place of shrimp, you could substitute chicken or tofu. For the veggies, I like to go with what’s seasonal.

Full recipe after the jump.

Mediterranean Couscous

Serves 6

...........................................................

1 box of couscous

1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp

1 large heirloom tomato, chopped

2 small cucumbers (or one large), peeled and deseeded, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

½ cup of mint leaves, roughly chopped

3 scallions, chopped

juice of one lemon

extra virgin olive oil

salt

pepper

6 ounces feta (Greek or French)

Make the couscous according to the instructions on the box. This involves letting the couscous sit in boiling water, off the heat, for around five minutes.

Set a pan on medium heat and coat with olive oil. When the oil is warm, toss in the shrimp and season liberally with salt and pepper. After a couple of minutes, when they have started to turn opaque, give them a stir. Once just pink, after 3-5 minutes in total, they are done. Turn off heat and set aside.

Lightly fluff with a fork. In a large bowl, combine couscous, chopped veggies and shrimp. Drizzle liberally with olive oil, the juice of a lemon and salt and pepper to taste. Top with mint leaves and crumbled feta.

*download a printable version HERE

Baja Weavers

2011-10-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of our trip to Baja (which I'll be blogging about all week!) was visiting Artesanias Cuauhtemoc, a family run weaving studio in La Paz. Not sure if I've mentioned it here, but I've been taking a weaving class for the last three months and am almost done with my first project - a table runner! So when we stumbled into the weaving room with upwards of 10 large looms built into the architecture, I almost passed out.

Form meets function in the airy weaving studio.

Boxes of colorful yarn ready to become a wall hanging.

A nearly completed project.

A weaver at work.

There is a shop just outside of the studio, stocked with stacks of vivid rugs, tapestries, bedspreads, table linens, scarfs and dresses, many of which are made on site.

This piece came back to LA with us.

And this one...

Inspiring colors and designs got me thinking about my next weaving project.

I love the Baja weavers! Can't wait to visit again. Since starting weaving lessons, I'm reminded how satisfying it is to make things and also how much I love having a hobby. What's your hobby?

Artesanias Cuauhtemoc
Calle Abasolo 3315, esquina Oaxaca - La Paz - BCS - Mexico
Col. Pueblo Nuevo - Tel.: 612-122-4575

Tesoros de Baja, Mexico

2011-10-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Just back from a wonderful trip to Baja, where we split our time between the area's capital, La Paz and the charming surfer town of Todos Santos. The trip was inspired on so many levels and, as always after visiting Mexico, I feel a restored sense of peace and happiness. We hiked to hidden beaches, visited a weaving studio, feasted on freshly caught fish and shopped for locally made goods (we also filmed a travel webisode!). Behold our colorful treasures...

Baja California Sur

2011-10-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we boarded a plane and landed in La Paz, Mexico, where we're enjoying a long weekend in this seaside desert region. I'll be back later in the week with pictures and travel tips but for now, here is what I'm loving:

eating the best fish tacos
swimming in the sea of cortez
combing through shops searching for handmade treasures
challenging myself to sample as many paletas as possible
tequila tasting

This is all another way of saying that there will be no webisode tomorrow but we'll be back next week with one of my favorite workday lunches. Stay tuned!

News!

2011-10-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Wait, what day is it? Between planning the upcoming season at Taylor De Cordoba, working on future webisodes and hosting an Eating Our Words event, this week has been satisfying and quick. The air has turned crisp and autumnal here in LA, which I'm loving. How was this week for YOU?

A few cool little press pieces came out during the past few days. New American Paintings published a piece called "Gallerist at Home."

The German site, Olfactorialist interviewed me for their regular feature "Smells like..."

I also wrote a new piece for Martha Stewart Weddings all about the art of creating a bridal registry. Click HERE to see the best of our registry.

GIVEAWAY UPDATE: The winner of the Ariel Gordon Giveaway is Rachel (please email me with your shipping address)! Congrats, Rachel and thanks to everyone who entered.

Tartine

2011-10-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

A recent breakfast at Tartine Bakery in San Francisco. Couldn't be prettier.

I've been thinking about croissants and how perfect they can be (Tartine's version is one of the best I've had outside of France).

I think I want to channel my inner Meryl Streep in "It's Complicated" and try my hand at making them from scratch.

Have you made homemade croissants? Would love to hear success stories/horror stories and recipe suggestions.

Webisode: Cooking with Bea

2011-10-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

I’m in love with this recipe for Salsa de Nopales y Granada (Cactus and Pomegranate Salsa) from my friend, the shoe designer and wonderful cook, Beatrice Valenzuela. Bea came up with this simple recipe while living next to a giant pomegranate tree and having more fruit than she knew what to do with. I had never cooked with nopales until she introduced me to this salsa and it was exciting to learn how to work with such a unique ingredient. Served with carne asada tacos, big chunks of queso fresco and lime, this is truly a thing of magic.

Full recipe after the jump.

Salsa de Nopales y Granada

Serves 6
...........................................................

3 poblano peppers
4-6 nopal (beaver cactus) leaves
1/2 red onion
1 pomegranate
olive oil
the juice of one lemon
1 tbs ponzu sauce
maldons sea salt
freshly ground pepper
cilantro for garnish
herbes de provence

Grill poblano peppers about three minutes per side then set aside in a container covered for up to 10 minute (this will help the clear skin separate from the pepper). Try to remove as much of the clear skin from peppers as possible. Cut chilies into long strips removing and discarding seeds and stems.

If you didn’t buy them pre-cleaned, clean and cut nopal leaves into long strips and finely slice half of an onion.

Saute the nopales in olive oil, letting their syrup cook cook off, until nicely browned, around ten minutes. Throw in the onion and the peppers and cook for another five or ten minutes until everything is golden. Transfer to your serving dish.

Clean and separate pomegranate seeds. Dress the cooked vegetables with olive oil, lemon juice, ponzu sauce, salt and pepper. Add the pomegranate seeds and garnish with cilantro and Herbes de Provence.

*download a printable version HERE

Coming Soon

2011-09-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

Next week's webisode was so much fun to put together that I wanted to share some behind the scenes shots. Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Ariel Gordon Giveaway!

2011-09-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

I'm all about stacking ring upon ring (I have three wedding rings), so these colorful baubles from Ariel Gordon Jewelry really spoke to me. And Ariel is generously giving away a 14K gold mini rose cut stacking ring to one LA in Bloom reader. The winner gets to select the stone, either Peruvian opal, rhodolite garnet or turquoise. Which one is your favorite? I think it would have to be the turquoise for me.

For a chance to win, leave a comment here telling us which is your favorite style in her collection AND "like" Ariel Gordon Jewelry on Facebook. You can also increase your odds of winning and gain extra entries if you a) follow @heatherbethtay on Twitter, b) follow @agjewelry on Twitter and c) spread the word by tweeting about this giveaway (please tag your tweet with @heatherbethtay).  

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only and will close on Thursday October 6th. I will draw a winner and announce it here on on Friday October 7th.

Beauty, Bath and Beyond

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Marie Claire's regular feature, "Bathroom Confidential," I took a tour inside the bright blue bathroom belonging to my sister, Megan Taylor. Several times a years, I fly up to San Francisco and spend a weekend with my sis at her cozy apartment. And by the time I head home I always feel especially clean, moisturized and smelling delicious. I'm constantly hounding her with questions about all of her products so I thought we would settle it once and for all with a blog post. Behold Megan's beauty essentials:

Shampoo/Conditioner: Alba Botanica (gardenia)
Body lotion: McEvoy Ranch 80 Acres (verde)

Fase wash: Jurlique Balancing Foaming Cleanser
Moisturizer: Jurlique Skin Brightening Essence
Sunscreen: Jurlique SPF 30

Lipstick: Benefit (skinny dip)
Mascara: YSL
Lip balm: Rosebud Salve
Nail polish: Essie (castaway)
Hair ties: Hair elastics from Sephora

Perfume: Agent Provocateur
Candle: Votivo (red current) and Jonathan Adler (capri)
Incense: Juniper Ridge (pinon)

Plant: Maidenhair fern
Towels: Turkish towels from Distant and Damask bathmat from Anthropologie
Robe: Striped terrycloth from Paris

Thank you, Sissy, for taking us inside your beautiful bathroom!

Webisode: After Work Snack

2011-09-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

Today's webisode is inspired by a snack Alex prepared upon returning from our honeymoon in Mexico. Let me know what you think! Also, do you have any favorite travel-inspired snacks? I would love to know.

Full recipes after the jump.

Baked Tortilla Chips

Serves 2

...........................................................

How delicious are tortilla chips? ¡Muy Sabrosas! But the standard fried version is not the healthiest food in the world. My husband Alex baked them on a whim and we loved the results - crunchy, flavorful and essentially guilt free.

6 corn tortillas

2 tablespoons grapeseed oil

pinch of sea salt

pinch of smoked paprika

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut tortillas into fourths and spread on a baking sheet. Brush the tortilla segments with oil and sprinkle with salt and smoked paprika.

Bake for at least 8 - 12 minutes or until golden.

Let cool on the baking sheet for around ten minutes (this is where they really crisp up). Serve with homemade guacamole!

*download a printable version HERE

Guacamole

Serves 2

...........................................................

This is a bit of a blend of guacamole and salsa. I am one of those people who doesn’t love (read: abhors) cilantro, but if you like it, go ahead and include it.

2 ripe avocados

1 fresh tomato, roughly chopped

2 scallions, chopped

1 jalapeno, seeds and veins removed and small diced

2 limes

pinch of sea salt

pinch of freshly ground pepper

Scoop out the flesh of the avocados and mash with a fork. Add the tomatoes, scallions, jalapenos, lime juice, salt and pepper. Stir and taste for seasonings. Serve with homemade tortilla chips!

*download a printable version HERE

Farmers’ Market Margaritas

Serves 2

...........................................................

You can make this classic margarita with nearly any fruit that is in season. Feel free to experiment with this recipe - I’ve tried strawberry, watermelon and even figs. I have a very plentiful grapefruit tree in my backyard so that’s what we used here. Using good quality tequila is key - I like Patron Silver for this recipe.

1/2 grapefruit

1 ounce agave

2 ounces lime juice (2 limes)

4 ounces good quality silver tequila

1 cup of ice

Muddle four bite-size pieces of grapefruit, the agave and the juice of two limes in a cocktail shaker. Add tequila and ice and shake until mixed and icy cold. Strain into glasses and garnish with grapefruit segments.

*download a printable version HERE

Flower Girl

2011-09-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

Bedroom + Backyard Updates

2011-09-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of the Sunset shoot, Alex and I focused on improving two main areas of our home - the bedroom and the backyard. I loved the process of pulling these spaces together so I wanted to share some additional images of the finished products.

My friend and interior designer Lauren Soloff has great style and she helped with the bedroom. The idea was to create a calming escape of warm and cool whites peppered with vivid colors. We bought linen sheets from the Matteo warehouse downtown and splurged on a handwoven pillow from Nickey Kaheo. We tied it all together with a mid-century Danish dresser and bedside tables from Denmark 50 and lamps from West Elm. Artwork from Taylor De Cordoba artists Kyle Field and Frohawk Two Feathers made everything pop.

While Lauren and I were in a world of linens and pillows, Alex was working with our friend Tory Polone to transform the backyard. How amazing is this white fire pit?

Alex has wanted to build furniture for years and this project provided the perfect excuse to start. With the help of his dad, Pedro (a master woodworker), he built the banquette around the fire pit, the farmhouse table and the accompanying bench with his own two hands.

And two days before our shoot, I remembered a beautiful hammock stuffed in the corner our garage. We bought it two years ago on a trip to Zihuatanejo and had never gotten around to installing it. Once Alex and Tory hung it in between an orange and a grapefruit tree in a shady corner, I felt like we had created the backyard we have been envisioning for years - a place to lounge, entertain and embrace the year-round blue skies and warm temps of LA living.

UPDATE: the winner of the Annie Costello Brown Giveaway is Jennifer of Whisk it Good! Congrats and thanks to all who entered!

Sunset Love

2011-09-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is really a story about the power of blogs. It all started with this post about my home office, which led to this house tour in Design Sponge, which finally led to a message in my inbox from an editor of Sunset Magazine asking if our home has ever been photographed for a magazine. And one year later, the October issue of Sunset has finally hit newsstands and I'm thrilled with the resulting story.

I could never have pulled the house together without the help of some very talented people including Neil Bokal and Lauren Soloff for interiors, Tory Polone for helping us create the backyard of my dreams and Holly Flora for over-the-top flowers. Thank you, friends!

We spent a full twelve-hour day shooting with the Sunset team back in August and by 8PM we felt nothing but love for photographer Thomas Story, stylist Miranda Jones and writer Jess Chamberlain. Here are some behind the scenes shots from our photoshoot day, taken by my main squeeze Alex de Cordoba.

Webisode: Date Shake

2011-09-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

In today's webisode, I prepare my favorite power breakfast, which is inspired by a magical weekend in Palm Springs, when I first visited Hadley Fruit Orchards to taste their famous "Date Shake." This creamy blend of dates, bananas and ice cream was all the rage in the 60's and 70's. The shake was delicious - I really loved the combination of ingredients - but it was too rich for my taste. So I came up with this fake-out version, which I like even better than the original. Instead of ice cream, the almond milk and banana, combined with a handful of ice, blends into something creamy and seemingly decadent. This is a healthy breakfast masquerading as something far more indulgent. And because of the protein in the almond butter, it carries me to my lunch hour.

Full recipe after the jump.

Almond Banana Date Smoothie

Serves 1
...........................................................

1 banana
2 pitted fresh dates
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 cup of almond milk
a pinch of cinnamon
1 cup of ice (add more or less depending on your taste)

Combine ingredients in blender and blend until creamy and smooth.

*download a printable version HERE

Sparkle Zone

2011-09-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

In the words of Clare Vivier, I have a serious crush on my new sparkly nails. As in, I catch myself glancing at them every five minutes and planning outfits to complement the beautiful sparkliness. It's a lot, I realize that, and maybe even verges on absurd but for some reason it's making me happy. Thoughts?

Have a Delicious Weekend

2011-09-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

After a very long work week, I'm so happy the weekend has arrived. I'm going to experiment with a few cake recipes, all inspired by my recent honeymoon in Tulum. What are you cooking this weekend?

(How about this beautiful breakfast pic? Taken at Outerlands on a recent weekend in SF with my sis. I want to do it all over again.)

Dinner as Poetry

2011-09-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

Last sunday, my friend Gaby invited us up to her cousin's house in the Hollywood Hills for a traditional ragu dinner. Meaning she would simmer a variety of different hearty meats (in this case, pork sausage and beef) in a homemade tomato sauce for approximately ten hours. It was a tough decision, but we ultimately we accepted! Alex and I brought strawberry mint margaritas and melon wrapped in prosciutto, which a group of us enjoyed while taking in the view of our fine city.

The ragu was dynamite - per Sicilian culinary tradition, Gaby removed the meat from the sauce and served it on a big plate in the center of the table. The remaining ragu served as a light yet rich coating for big servings of pasta. We drank wine. We couldn't stop talking about how delicious it all was. Leave it to Gaby.

Annie Costello Brown Giveaway! CLOSED

2011-09-14T23:11:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited about today's giveaway from Annie Costello Brown and her line ACB. Annie is one of LA's hottest jewelry designers, well-known for her chic braided leather necklaces and bracelets (she recently collaborated with Stefano Pilati on a jewelry collection for Yves Saint Laurent!). And today Annie is generously giving away this beautiful statement necklace (see above) to one LA in Bloom reader. How gorgeous?   

For a chance to win, leave a comment here telling us which is your favorite style in her collection AND "like" Annie Costello Brown on Facebook. You can also increase your odds of winning and gain extra entries if you a) follow @heatherbethtay on Twitter, b) follow @ACB_Universal on Twitter and c) spread the word by tweeting about this giveaway (please tag your tweet with @heatherbethtay).  

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only and will close on Wednesday September 21st. I will draw a winner and announce it here on on Thursday September 22nd.

Webisode: Home Canning

2011-09-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

While last week's episode focused on the quick and easy, this week is all about slowing down and reveling in the act of making. The prospect of home canning has intrigued me for years but feeling intimidated by the process held me back. That is until I met Jen Smith, an inspiring artist, cook and canning enthusiast who completely demystified the process for me in one afternoon. Hopefully you'll find this as informative and fun as I did. And if you decide to take the plunge and try your hand at canning, please let me know what you're making and how it turns out! I would love to know. Today it's all about Peach Jam and Dilly Beans. Behold episode numero due.

Full recipes after the jump.

Peach Jam
Yields 3 ½-pint jars
...........................................................

One bright spot to the end of summer is the abundance of fresh produce at killer prices. Last September, I found ripe and juicy peaches for $1 a pound at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market. My friend Jen Smith had recently taught me how to make peach jam, so I bought ten pounds of peaches and spent the afternoon preserving them. This is such a great recipe and you can use it as a blueprint for preserving any fruit (plums with rosemary is my new favorite). If you’re thinking about tackling this project, I suggest purchasing a canning kit, which might include a jar rack, a funnel and jar tongs. It will make your life a whole lot easier.

2 ½ pounds peaches, peeled, pitted and cut into ½-inch wedges
1 ½ cups sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice & zest of ½ a lemon
Sterilize 3 half-pint sized mason jars by submerging them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Boil new lids for a few minutes (while the rings and jars are reusable, to insure sterilization and a proper seal, the lid needs to be used only once when canning).

Combine all of the ingredients in a nonreactive saucepan (stainless steel or enamel-lined cast iron - think Le Creuset). Bring to a boil, while stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is glassy and the liquid runs off the side of a spoon in thick, heavy drops, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

Once the consistency has thickened from that of a light syrup to a golden gel, spoon the jam into the jars, leaving 1/4 inch of space at the top. Carefully wipe off the tops of the jars and loosely seal with lids and rings.

Place jars in canning rack and carefully submerge in rapidly boiling water for ten minutes. Pull from the water and allow to cool for 24 hours. Make sure the lid is vacuum sealed (there will be a victorious popping sound shortly after the jars come out of the water). Store jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

*download a printable version HERE

Dilly Beans

Yields 2 pints
...........................................................

The first time I met Jen Smith was at a beautiful brunch in the Hollywood Hills. Right away I noticed little bowls of pickled veggies scattered between frittatas and fruit salads and your more standard brunch fare. I had to find out who was behind this exquisite spread and while roaming the kitchen, I found my answer. Turns out in addition to working as a caterer for fashion and art events in LA, Jen is a canning enthusiast (she even runs a “Pickle of the Month Club” - how cool is that?). I asked if she would teach me how to “put up” my summer bounty, and many jars later, I am hooked. Pickling is an incredibly satisfying way to spend an afternoon, not to mention to savor the season. Jen’s Dilly Beans are the perfect place to start.

1 tablespoon pickling spice (see recipe below)
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon pure sea salt (without anti-caking agent)
2 bay leaves
3 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 chili arbol
1 pound small green beans, such as haricot vert

Sterilize 2 pint sized mason jars by submerging them boiling water for 10 minutes. Boil new lids for a few minutes(while the rings and jars are reusable, to insure sterilization and a proper seal, the lid needs to be used only once when canning goods.)

Make the brine by bringing vinegar, water and salt to a rapid boil in a non-reactive pan (stainless steel or enamel-lined cast iron).

Remove jars from water and fill each jar with one garlic glove, one whole bay leaf, 1 chili and 1 tablespoon of pickling spice.

Tightly pack jars with beans (if the beans are too long and stick out of the top of the jar, simply trim them with a paring knife). Fill with hot brine leaving a 3/4 inch head room from the top of the jar. Carefully wipe off the tops of jars and loosely seal with lids and rings.

Place jars in canning rack and carefully submerge in rapidly boiling water for ten minutes. Pull from the water and allow to cool for 24 hours. Make sure the lid is vacuum sealed (there will be a victorious popping sound shortly after the jars come out of the water). Dilly beans stay good in the fridge for many months.

Pickling Spice

To make the pickling spice, combine the following ingredients and store in a mason jar with your dried herbs and spices.

2 tablespoons black peppercorns
2 tablespoons mustard seeds
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
2 tablespoons hot red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons allspice berries
2 tablespoons dill seeds
2 tablespoons celery seed
1 tablespoon whole cloves
2 small cinnamon sticks, crushed or broken into pieces
12 bay leaves, crumbled

*download a printable version HERE

Fall Clothes

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Even though it's still hot hot hot here in LA, I can't stop thinking about cozy fall clothes. I recently picked up some beautiful sweaters from H&M and a marigold-hued Isabel Marant scarf that I'm obsessed with.

What are you desiring for fall? Even though I've been fighting the urge, I think I'm going to need one of Clare Vivier's leopard print clutches pronto. I feel like it has my name written all over it.

(Update: the winner of the Kneeland Co. Giveaway is Ginny Cook! Congrats and thanks to all who entered!)

Art Weekend (plus a big fat thank you!)

2011-09-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great week! We were busy installing our Kimberly Brooks exhibition and getting the gallery ready to re-open after being closed to the public for August. And tonight is Taylor De Cordoba's big public opening for Kimberly's show (how beautiful are these pieces?) from 6-8PM - would love to see you there! Today is also the unofficial launch of the art season and I'm excited to walk through the galleries and see all the fall shows (for a great guide to the best of what's happening in the LA art scene, check out ForYourArt). Are you seeing any art or movies or anything interesting this weekend? Please share!

Also: I am truly grateful for all the positive comments, tweets, emails I received about the webisode. Thank you so much for watching and supporting! Means a lot.

Hello Webisodes!

2011-09-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hola September! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend and a lovely end to summer. With Labor Day now behind us, I'm looking forward to the fall: a time of new beginnings, new projects and new inspirations.

Today, I bring you something new! I've been wanting to make videos for a while and with the help of some very talented people, I've put together a handful of episodes. As always, it's all about embracing the coziness and more often than not, that begins in the kitchen and ends at the table. So, my friends, without further ado, episode one. I hope you like it. Please let me know what you think! And check back next Tuesday for the second installment.

Also: friends who helped me pull this together: namely Holly Flora, Jeana Sohn, Alex de Cordoba, Brad Breeck and most importantly Andy Jurgensen, thank you!

Full recipes after the jump.

Heirloom Tomato and Plum Salad
Serves 2
...........................................................

This salad is inspired by a lovely summer meal at Outerlands, one of my favorite restaurants in the Sunset district of San Francisco. The restaurant is the whole package - the rustic beachy decor feeds my inner design nerd, and of course there’s the menu, which rotates constantly with food that is both wholesome and inventive. This salad is really a lesson in simplicity. And while it could be made with any fresh fruit, Outerlands co-owner David Muller presents his version with fresh plums and heirloom tomatoes. I love leafy greens in my salads, so I serve it topped with handfuls of arugula. You won’t need all the dressing for two people, but I like to make extra, store it in the fridge and use it throughout the week.

¼ cup freshly sqeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges
2 plums, sliced into wedges
4 oz arugula

Place the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper in a mason jar and shake vigorously till emulsified.

Combine tomatoes, plums and arugula in your serving bowl. Just before serving, top with vinaigrette to taste.

*download a printable version HERE

Cheese and Charcuterie Plate
Serves 4
...........................................................

My chic friend Margo is perhaps the most gracious hostess I know. While visiting her house last summer, she prepared a lunch that I’ve been reincarnating in different versions every since. The secret to this meal is that there was no “main dish.” Instead, Margo served an assortment of gorgeous cheese, cured meats, freshly baked breads, a bowl of plums, sliced peaches, and a green salad. Creating your own version is a great opportunity to experiment with different meats and cheeses - ask your cheese monger what varieties compliment each other. You could even organize the board thematically - go Spanish with Manchego cheese and Chorizo sausage with Marcona Almonds or if Italy is your inspiration, use chunks of good Parmesan Cheese and slices of Proscuitto with a small bowl of roasted red peppers. I like to serve this meal on a rustic wooden board.

selection of 3 cheeses (one cow, one goat, one sheep), slicing a few servings of each
selection of 3 cured meats (bresaola, soppressata and proscuitto), thinly sliced
olives
tupelo honey
raisin walnut loaf, sliced
baguette, sliced

Artfully arrange meats and cheeses (wedges and slices) on a board or platter. Fill in the gaps with small bowls: one with olives (along with a smaller bowl for the pits) and the other filled with honey. You want the board to look elegant but overflowing with goodness. Place your sliced breads in a basket, bowl or platter nearby.

*download a printable version HERE

Watermelon Granita
Serves 6
...........................................................

On my first trip to Italy, my sister and I spent a week exploring Tuscany and Piedmont, areas that are known for sensational food and wine. We were so inspired that we decided to take a cooking class, where we learned to cook regional specialities such as Pici Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic, a Country Herb Spinach Pie and Flaky Pastry with Chocolate, Pears and Pine nuts. One of the best things I recall tasting on that trip was a scoop of watermelon granita following a particularly heavy lunch. It was a hot day and the granita was intensely refreshing, like a snow cone but softer and with more flavor. You can make granita out of any fruit (I love using meyer lemons with vanilla sugar and mint) or even with espresso and cream. Italian inspired dessert, totally divine if you ask me.

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
4 cups, cubed watermelon
the zest of 1 lemon

Make simple syrup by combining the sugar and water in a small pan over medium heat and cooking until the sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Let cool.

Blend the cubed watermelon in batches until smooth and pour into a wide and shallow baking dish (if the watermelon is not blending smoothly, add a splash of water). Add the lemon zest and half of the cooled simple syrup to the pureed fruit and stir. Give it a taste and add more syrup if needed - the amount of simple syrup necessary depends on the the type of fruit and your sweetness quotient (store any leftover simple syrup in a mason jar in the fridge and use for ice tea or coffee throughout the week).

Place the baking dish in your freezer for an hour. Remove and rake it over with a fork breaking up any ice crystals. You’ll want to do this again two more times over the next hour or two, depending on your freezer. Rake again before serving (the consistency should be light and fluffy) and spoon into martini glasses . Serve with shortbread cookies.

*download a printable version HERE

Newness

2011-09-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

My lovely readers, I am launching a new project next week on this here blog and I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I've enjoyed putting it together.

So please check back tuesday morning for numero uno in the LA in Bloom "webisode" series.

And until then, have a wonderful and relaxing labor day weekend. Hope you're doing something fun. Next up: FALL!

Fig Madness

2011-09-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

For me, a big part of savoring summer is making the most of these last weeks of the produce - I'm on a quest to buy and eat as many heirloom tomatoes, peaches, peppers, squash blossoms, strawberries, melons and figs as possible. Last weekend I used what I had in the fridge and assembled something simple but very good: figs, stuffed with a slice of feta and a mint leaf and wrapped with prosciutto. With the few figs I had remaining, I made Bea's Fresh Fig Margaritas - so good! What have you been cooking with the summer bounty? I'm getting some great ideas from the New York Times' sandwich slideshow! Bacon, Lettuce and Plum Sandwiches? I want that.

Kneeland Co. Giveaway - CLOSED

2011-08-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to announce that today's giveaway is hosted by Kneeland Co., the LA-based vintage textile studio owned by my pal Joanna Williams. We are giving away a vintage suzani from Uzbekistan, circa 1960. This 33" x 33" blue silk textile is covered with beautiful traditional Uzbeki embroidery (retail price: $400).

For a chance to win, leave a comment here AND follow @kneelandco on Twitter. You can also increase your odds of winning and gain extra entries if you a) follow @heatherbethtay on Twitter and b) spread the word by tweeting about this giveaway (please tag your tweet with @heatherbethtay).

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only and will close on Tuesday September 6th. I will draw a winner and announce it here on Wednesday September 7th.

Savoring Summer

2011-08-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Is summer almost over? Like a blink of an eye, I tell ya. In fact, I barely even noticed it. First of all, I got married. Which was blissful and amazing. Immeditately following the honeymoon, I went into crazy work mode and I haven't stopped working since (less an epic trip to Big Sur).

Next week is back to school, back to work, back to it all. And I love that feeling of the launch of a new season. We're opening a great show at the gallery and I'm so excited to roll out a new project here on the blog (which I'll talk more about soon!). In the meantime, we still have a few days before Labor Day and I'm savoring every moment of the season. So when Clare called me up on Saturday and asked me to go to the Hollywood Bowl with her on Sunday I said YES before she could even tell me who was performing. Packing a picnic and seeing a show at this beautiful outdoor venue is one of my favorite summer rituals and I knew I had to be there. While sipping rosé, noshing on figs with cheese and listening to a tribute to Serge Gainsbourg, the air was warm and suddenly I could feel it: SUMMER!

What are your favorite summer rituals? Tell me, please!

Photos by Alex de Cordoba.

French Vouge Invades LA

2011-08-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

Just picked up the new issue of French Vogue and I'm devouring the epic 65-page editorial "Escale A LA," photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin and styled by Emmanuelle Alt, Melanie Ward and Suzanne Koller. The fall clothes are sick, obviously, but what I'm really loving is the way in which the spread captures the beautiful strangeness of Los Angeles. With locations spanning from Joshua Tree all the way west to Venice Beach and backgrounds ranging from gaudy mansions to humble apartments straight out of the 60's, the scope is wide and the aesthetics varied. Yet somehow it all connects.

Alex looked over my shoulder while I was flipping through it for the tenth time and he commented that it takes an outsider to present a fresh view of the city. I think that's right on. In a city that has be photographed and filmed endlessly, French Vogue highlights one of it's most fascinating stylistic elements here: the conflation of the iconic and the mundane. It's strange, it's beautiful, I love it.

Oli + Me

2011-08-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'm loving these neon necklaces designed by LA-based Grace Lee of Oli + Me. A stack of these around your neck (or wrist for that matter) feels like the perfect summer wardrobe update.

On another note, the winner of the Thunderwing Press Giveaway is Michele Pietra! Congrats and thanks to all who entered.

Flower Moments

2011-08-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

In Season: White Carrots

2011-08-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever cooked white carrots? I saw them last week at the Farmer's Market and thought they looked so beautiful. Patty suggested this simple preparation, which sounded heavenly: grill them, slather them with melted butter, mint leaves and salt and pepper.

What are your favorite summer veggie sides? I'm kind of obsessed with sauteed corn, a la Ina Garten.

Sweet & Savory Fig Prosciutto Torte

2011-08-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

Hola readers! How was the weekend? Did anyone try their hand at a stone fruit crumble? As promised, we are back with the second dish Sherry and I learned to bake, a Sweet and Savory Fig and Proscuitto Torte. I had never made a torte and after executing the simple recipe, it emerged as yet another great baking option, when one craves an alternative to a crisp or a crumble or even a pie. And what I love about these blank canvas-style recipes, is that the options are endless and the ingredient combinations innumerable. We started with figs, baskets of which seemed to be calling my name at the Farmer's Market. What flavors compliment figs? Perhaps prosciutto ("Let's add it to the dough," says our guru Patty) and caramelized onions ("Let's sprinkle slices of red onion atop the figs and drizzle with olive oil."). So off we went, back to the canyon and into the kitchen where we started slicing prosciutto.

After combining the wet and dry ingredients, we mixed in thinly sliced dry-cured meat.

Next up, we plopped the dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking dish, flattened it out and started contemplating the design of our figs.

Three across seemed just about right...

We thinly sliced a third of a red onion and scattered the segments about.

Get this: after drizzling with olive oil, the onions caramelize while baking. How cool is that? Makes me feel like I'm multi-tasking.

We stuck our creation in a 350 degree oven, where we let it bake for around 35 minutes. During this time, the lovely Lady Walsh took me on a tour of her canyon abode, making sure to point out her favorite things.

As the tour ended, so did nap time, and I made sure to steal a snuggle or two with Sherry's adorable two-year-old son Leo Valentine. He's so cute I could barely stand it.

And with that, the timer went off and our torte was lightly golden, the figs and onions had caramelized and we knew it was time to dig in. This dish is truly delicious and allows for so much improvisation, which makes my imagination run wild with different flavor combinations. Served with a few slices of good cheese and a mixed green salad, I'm hard pressed to dream up a more inspired summer lunch.

Sweet & Savory Fig Prosciutto Torte
Serves 8
Recipe written by Patricia Clark

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 oz of thinly sliced prosciutto, thinly sliced
3 ripe figs, cut into wedges
2 eggs & 1/2 cup whole milk
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1/3 of a red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Line a pyrex baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with vegetable oil
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Stir well
Add the eggs + milk, butter and oil and stir until the mixture has reached a thick consistency
Mix in the chopped prosciutto
Press the mixture into the lined pan
Layer in the fix wedges (decoratively if you like) and gently press into the base
Arrange the onions in small areas around the pan
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes on the middle rack of your oven
Once slightly cooled, cut into squares and enjoy

Shopping and Baking in Santa Monica

2011-08-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest things about summer in LA is the amazing bounty of beautiful fruit and veggies at the Farmer's Markets. And the queen of all markets has to be the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, specifically the Wednesday edition. Living in Hollywood, I rarely get that far west but now that my good friend Sherry Walsh is renting a summer house in Rustic Canyon, I have an excuse to make the trek. The lovely Lady Walsh invited me over on a recent Wednesday morning for some produce shopping followed by a baking lesson led by our friend, Patty Clark, a wonderful caterer visiting from New York.

Walking through the rows of stalls, we sampled stone fruit, melon, berries, figs, tomatoes and finally decided that we would make a Fig Torte and a Peach Crumble. Once we got back to Sherry's house, we layed out our bounty and started slicing peaches. And a perfectly ripe peach is a beautiful thing.

Patty started mixing the crumble toping, a simple combination of flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt and cold butter.

Once the texture felt like small pebbles, we sprinkled a handful of the topping on the bottom of a greased baking dish and began layering the peach wedges.

Three peaches was plenty.

On top of this beautiful mound, we sprinkled a mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar and salt and dotted with butter.

We added the remainder of the topping and into the oven it went.

Forty minutes later and voilà. Even though I've been baking since I was a little thing, it still feels like magic to me.

Um, hi! I couldn't help but sneak a bite right out of the dish.

Check back next week for a recipe for a Sweet and Savory Fig Torte and a sneak peek into Sherry's beautiful house in the canyon.

Peach Crumble
Serves 8
Recipe written by Patricia Clark

Ingredients:
Topping:
2 cups flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp butter, cut into pieces, frozen

Filling:
3 ripe peaches, peeled, pits removed and cut into wedges
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp butter, cut into pieces

Instructions:
Make the topping
Combine flour, sugars and salt until well mixed
Gently cut in 4 tbsp frozen butter pieces with fingertips
Sprinkle in 1 1/2 tbsp cold water and combine to a small pebbles texture

Heat oven to 375 degrees
Grease bottom of a pyrex
Sprinkle in a handful of the topping
Layer in the peaches
Sprinkle on the 1/2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon and a pinch salt and dot with the remainder of butter
Top with the rest of the topping
Bake for 40 minutes
Serve hot with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Thunderwing Press Giveaway

2011-08-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

As, I've previously professed, I am a stationery nut. And while I feel like I spend a good half of my waking hours communicating via email, I still love the experience of both sending and receiving a handwritten note on beautiful paper. So it's been very convenient becoming friends with New York-based Jennifer Brandt Taylor and her adorable husband Nic over the past few years. In addition to being an amazing writer and vintage collector (her book Vintage L.A.: Eats, Boutiques, Decor, Landmarks, Markets & More is one of my faves), JBT and Nic own and operate Thunderwing Press. And today, my readers, they have generously offered to give away a set of very special Thank You Notes. This 12-piece card-set with matching envelopes was designed with customized type specifically for LA in Bloom, and was hand-letterpressed using an antique Chandler & Price press, on Holyoke 100% cotton paper printed with metallic gold ink. And if that's not enough, check out the rad packaging....

For a chance to win, leave a comment here AND "Like" Thunderwing Press on Facebook. You can also increase your odds of winning and gain extra entries if you a) follow @TaylorDeCordoba on Twitter, b) follow @thunderwingers on twitter c) spread the word by tweeting about this giveaway (please tag your tweet with @heatherbethtay).

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only and will close on Tuesday August 23. I will draw a winner and announce it here on Wednesday August 24.

Perfect Cup of Coffee

2011-08-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

In Big Sur.

Sunday Night Dinner

2011-08-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

I worked all weekend but somehow managed to throw together a satisfying summery meal last night: grilled bread with feta, roasted red peppers and harissa, gazpacho (from Cookbook), grilled asparagus and salad with roasted peaches and tomatoes. What did you cook this weekend?

PS - The winner of the Beatrice Valenzuela Giveaway is Natalie of My Daily Toast! Congrats and thanks to all who entered. Check back on Wednesday for an old fashioned and gorgeous new giveaway.

The Wild Magazine

2011-08-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

Have you seen The Wild Magazine? It's a fantastic publication, mainly online but they have printed several issues and are attempting to fund the publication of another print issue with the help of kickstarter.

I love their mission statement:

The Wild was founded on the premise that fashion, design, and style are not mutually exclusive from the social and cultural issues that impact our world.

While presenting a visually striking content, our international team of talented writers, photographers, designers and artists aims to focus on selfless modern day hero’s, artists with a vision, innovative sustainable initiatives and fashion with a conscience.

The Wild is more than a magazine, it’s a concept for a generation of visionaries, a rendezvous point for progressive and optimistic ideas for the world we live in.

Welcome to the Wild!

How cool is that? And if I wasn't already sold, last week the kind folks at The Wild interviewed me for their blog. Check it out here.

Three Babes Bakeshop

2011-08-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

I love pie, especially on a hot summer day, topped with a scoop of ice cream perhaps. So on our last trip to San Francisco, I was very happy when my sister shared her new favorite culinary discovery, Three Babes Bakeshop, a pop-up dedicated to making and selling handmade pie. It was difficult to choose between the delicious-sounding flavors - Peach and Mixed Berry Lattice, Salty Honey Walnut and a savory Summer Vegetable Pie with a Cornmeal Crust. I selected the the Honeyed Apricot Crumble and man, was it delish. So much so, that I decided to interview the Three Babes for Chef Speak (I'm happy to reveal that they shared their recipe for the Honeyed Apricot Crumble, which is basically a apricot pie finished off with crumble topping - best of both worlds kind of situation). Check out the new piece HERE!

And - I'm curious - what's your favorite kind of pie? If I was faced with the difficult task of picking one, I think it would have to be peach. But in the fall there is nothing like a pumpkin pie to give me an instant cozy feeling.

Updates

2011-08-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

Been working overtime to get ready for today's photoshoot and I'm thrilled that it's finally here. I feel so lucky to have amazing friends who have helped me get everything done in record time. Our friend Tory Polone helped us create my dream outdoor entertaining space complete with firepit, hammock and farmhouse table. And Lauren Soloff, the granola queen herself, helped make my bedroom into the cozy escape I've always wanted. Gracias amigas!

Sunset Cocktails

2011-08-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

There is something so special in Bea's style. Loved spending a recent evening enjoying her version of a Negroni - prosecco, freshly squeezed orange juice and a shot of Aperol over ice - while watching the sunset over Hollywood.

A Weekend at Home

2011-08-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend getting ready for a photoshoot, which has been in the works for a solid year, and is finally happening this week. It's a house story in one of my favorite mags, which means the pressure is on to make everything look dynamite. Alex and I have been doing a major clean-out, which has made me realize that although I have proudly waged a "war against clutter," I might be a bit of a hoarder. Just a little bit.

In addition to cleaning, we've been freshening up stacks of books, re-hanging artwork and creating cozy little vignettes.

What did YOU do this weekend? Anybody do any spectacular cooking or movie-watching or art-viewing or reading? Please share.

Big Sur, Day to Night

2011-08-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do in Big Sur is visiting Henry Miller Library and just wandering around the property. The place is filled with such a strong sense of history and it's surrounded by the redwoods. We admired the books, the flowers and the trees.

Mid-afternoon, we headed back up the two mile dirt road to our beautiful rental house, where a relaxing afternoon of drinking wine and talking in the backyard ensued.

Jeana had the really sweet idea to take a portrait of each of us to remember the trip. While Jeana started shooting, I started bringing a big pot of water to a boil. I wanted to make something very delicious for Joanna's birthday dinner, as she had made a special request for Raspberry Cheesecake that I failed to deliver for myriad technical reasons. I settled on a Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake (recipe below), which I have been making for years and modifying along the way. I served it with a simple arugula salad, dressed with lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Having your picture taken by Jeana is really an amazing experience, especially when you're roaming around the mountains through the fog. You can see the final portraits here. Meanwhile, I was having fun in the kitchen.

Despite the lack of Raspberry Cheesecake, I think the birthday girl was pleased. We tore through the pasta, prompting one diner (who shall remain nameless) to say, "I shouldn't have had sevenths."

And because this trip was all about embracing the love and coziness, we spent the remainder of the evening watching and rigorously discussing It's Complicated. Yep, we totally went for it.

Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables
(Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis)

2 red peppers, cored and cut into 1-inch wide strips
2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 summer squash, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cremini mushrooms, halved
1 yellow onion, peeled and sliced into 1-inch strips
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 tablespoon dried Italian herb mix or herbs de Provence
1 pound penne pasta
3 cups marinara sauce (store bought or homemade)
1 cup grated fontina cheese
1/2 cup grated smoked mozzarella
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus 1/3 cup for topping
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

On a baking sheet, toss the peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and onions with olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and dried herbs. Roast until tender, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook for about 6 minutes. Since you will be cooking the pasta a second time in the oven, you want to make sure the inside is still hard. Drain in a colander.

In a large bowl, toss the drained pasta with the roasted vegetables, marinara sauce, cheeses, peas, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Using a wooden spoon, gently mix, until all the pasta is coated with the sauce and the ingredients are combined.

Pour the pasta into a greased 9 by 13-inch pan. Top with the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan and butter pieces. Bake until top is golden and cheese melts, about 25 minutes.

HBT Notes: I always add roasted garlic to this and have used every vegetable imaginable. Just use whatever is fresh and make sure that you do not leave out the smoked mozzarella. It's the ingredient that takes this dish over the top.

Beatrice Valenzuela Giveaway - CLOSED

2011-08-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

I've posted many times before about my lovely and multi-talented friend Bea, from when I first discovered her amazing line of mexican shoes to when we spent a morning making preserved lemons in Echo Park. Since we first met, we've been in a book club together, traveled to Palm Springs and every eight weeks Jeana Sohn and I head to Bea's house to get our hair cut (and do a little shoe shopping). I am so excited that today's giveaway is a pair of Bea's beautiful shoes, each pair handmade in Mexico City (her hometown). I have had my eye on these cobalt blue leather slip ons for some time...and now they can be yours!

For a chance to win, leave a comment here telling us which is your favorite style in her collection AND follow @Valenzuela_Bea on twitter. You can also increase your odds of winning and gain extra entries if you a) follow @heatherbethtay on Twitter, b) be-friend Beatrice Valenzuela on Facebook c) spread the word by tweeting about this giveaway (please tag your tweet with @heatherbethtay).

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only and will close on Tuesday August 9. I will draw a winner and announce it here on Wednesday August 10.

Photo by Nancy Neil.

Deetjen's Big Sur

2011-08-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of our Big Sur fantasy weekend was eating breakfast at Deetjan's at the Big Sur Inn. This place is the complete epitome of cozy woodsy living, so much so that we went two days in a row for creamy lattes and the best eggs benedict in the universe. As if the natural setting isn't gorgeous enough, the hotel is beautifully landscaped with hydrangeas that almost made me cry.

Completely satisfied and warm from hot coffee and banana bread, we walked into the woods and got all spiritual. What is it about these trees that is so powerful?

I have a million gorgeous pictures of the girls but I'll leave you with this one for now. Later this week I'll post the recipe for the Veggie Pasta Bake (sneak peak on Jeana's Sohn's blog) that I made for Joanna's birthday dinner.

The Ladies of Big Sur

2011-08-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

Just returned to Los Angeles after a restorative weekend celebrating my friend Joanna's birthday in Big Sur. We rented a beautiful house in the mountains with a perfect view of the ocean. The five of us (Jeana, Simone, Joanna, Melissa and myself) spent the weekend reading, cooking, watching movies (Nancy Meyers only, please) and venturing out to classic Big Sur haunts (listening to Bob Dylan while driving with the windows down on Highway 1 will never get old). But the best part of the whole experience was unwinding with my ladies in such an magical environment.

Stay tuned for more Big Sur action this week...

Catching Up

2011-07-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

It has been a really good week. I've worked hard, but not so hard that I ran myself into the ground - an idea that is simple in theory but is very challenging for me in practice. I spent Monday in Ojai recuperating from the insanity of the last two weeks and tomorrow I leave for Big Sur for a girlfriend's birthday weekend. I'm feeling pretty lucky right about now. And Alex and I just returned from a great date night dinner at one of our local favorites, Tasca Wine Bar. Turns out they have a dynamite happy hour (sun-friday, 5:30-7:30).

Spanish Sangria ($5)

White Anchovy, egg and tomato on toast ($3)

Fried calamari with garlic aioli ($3)

Wild mushroom risotto fritter with truffle sauce ($4)

Grilled Angus burger with Gruyere cheese and carmelized onions (8)

DELISH.

On another exciting note, Jeana Sohn and I were interviewed for the LA Weekly's annual fashion issue. We chatted with writer Gendy Alimurung about Los Angeles' style identity. Click HERE to read the article.

And lastly, the winner of the Hansel from Basel giveaway is Nicole of Jim et Nicole! Thanks to all who entered. Check back next week for a very exciting giveaway!

Birch

2011-07-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

During our wonderful trip to San Francisco a few weeks back, we stumbled upon the most gorgeous store.

Located in Hayes Valley, Birch is the creation of florist and photographer Torryne Choate. Everything about this elegant black on black space spoke to me, starting with a wall covered with the best magazines, each presented like a piece of art.

Birch carries copies of World of Interiors, French Vogue, Gentlewoman, Aperture, C, and many other titles, some of which I had never heard of and loved leafing through.

In addition to being the newsstand of my dreams, Birch is also a flower stuido. I know. It's a total custom-made-for-HBT-freakshow.

Everywhere I looked there was a gorgeous vignette of flowers and magazines and books.

We walked away with some bright yellow billy balls for my sister's apartment and two copies of French Vogue (for the "sexy summer inspiration" in the words of my friend Bea).

But more than that, I left inspired and awe-struck that a store so whimsical exists in the middle of SF. It seems like something pre-recession and straight out of Paris. I felt instantly transported.