'Til Monday

This week's 'Til Monday image  is of a series of icicles cascading from the roof  and eaves of a Victorian home in Cambridge.  I'm not sure what appealed to me more,  the colors of the house or the daunting beauty of the icicles that formed.

It's a bit ironic that I chose this photo,  since I have  seen both the good, the bad and the ugly side of ice this weekend.  More on the bad and ugly later in the week.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

A Salty Adventure

Last Saturday night, after a bottle of good champagne, my husband and I blissfully put the kids to bed and began working on our second course, a smoky citrus tomato salad. The not-so secret but essential ingredient:  smoked Mexican salt.  The crystals are a rich brown, almost black,  and are just as smoky as they are salty.  We finished off the evening with my new favorite chocolate:  Mast Brothers' dark chocolate with roughly chopped almonds and sea salt.  It was truly a salt-bound adventure.

The ingredients for the salad are below.  Keep in mind, as I mentioned in my last "foodie" post,  I don't really keep track of measurements,  so be bold and make this salty adventure your very own.

Smoky Tomato Salad: Heirloom tomatoes and blood oranges cut into large pieces, a small amount of arugula tossed on top (remember it's not about the leafy greens), and a generous pinch of  Mexican smoked salt.

Dressing:  Rice vinegar and virgin olive oil.  NO PEPPER.

Enjoy!

Special Delivery: Ring A Date

About a year ago a came across a ring-a-date calendar that  was designed in the late 60's by Giorgio Della Beffa.  Loved it, didn't buy and regretted it ever since.  It seems there are very few in existence.

Explaining the days of the week to your children can be frustrating for them and for you.  I thought this calendar could be helpful.  Fortunately, my husband found an Italian company that manufactures a reproduction.  He quickly emailed his friend in Italy (always good to have European friends) and voila!  my special delivery arrived.  A happy ending to a desperate search for the calendar my kids can interact with and help them understand the days of the week.  I'm pleased to say they wake up excited to ring in the day!   Grazie mille,  Arduino!!!

Out And About: Suzuki Bean

I get very excited when new shops open in my neighborhood, especially if they are unique small businesses.  Suzuki Bean is just that.  It's owned and operated by Joji, a photo stylist, who has an eye for detail and a love for repurposed items.  She fills her store with jewelry, furniture, tableware and art, all of which is either someone's past treasure or originally handmade. The arranged mini vignettes that display her wares make shopping a real visual treat.  Take a look:

'Til Monday

This week's 'Til Monday image is of Lykke Li, my current  musical artist obsession.  Staying true to my New Year's resolutions we're  dancing to the tune of "I'm Good, I'm Gone".

Have a great weekend!