Fourth of July: Drinks and Sweets

Our plans for the Fourth of July are coming together slowly and organically. Naturally, when we began making plans, among the first handful of questions I began to ask myself were two concerning drinks and sweets. Let's call those Questions 3 and 4.

Our front-runners to solve the aforementioned Questions 3 and 4: Pimm's Cup and lemon bars.

The Busty Baker

Most of us know lemon bars from school picnics and parties. When I was little, they were always one of my favorite selections at a party dessert table. If you haven't made lemon bars from scratch, believe me, they are fantastically simple and satisfying. Shortbread crust, plus a lemon-egg concoction and scant oven time equals sheer, lemony bliss. This is a good recipe. Based on my experience with it, I suggest increasing the lemon-egg portion by about one-third, as I found it a bit too cakey the last go-round.

Pimm's Cup Pitchers at Borough Market, London, via Chris Goldberg.

Unlike lemon bars, the Pimm's Cup is a delight that may or may not yet be familiar to you. (Please forgive me in advance if it's sacrilegious to serve a British tipple on Independence Day.) I first tried it a few years ago, when I was living in Cairo and my dear friend's British roommate contributed a huge punch bowl of the stuff to a brunch gathering. It was fresh and fruity and clean, almost like a subdued sangría. Here's a nice recipe that you can tweak as you like. Pimm's liqueur, the (surprise!) main ingredient, is available at most liquor stores. There are several different types of Pimm's liqueur, each of which has a different liquor as the primary ingredient. You'll want Pimm's No. 1, the gin-based variant, for the traditional Pimm's Cup.

I love that both of these options are refreshing and include bright, quintessential summer flavors. Not to mention that they're easy as (apple) pie to make and allow for any number of variations to satisfy your and your guests' whims. What about a stone fruit Pimm's Cup using complementary herbs? Or grapefruit bars?

What are your plans for the Fourth? Have you settled on your answers to Questions 3 and 4?

Fishtail Hems

The Sartorialist

Dresses and skirts with fishtail hems (also known as "high-low" hems) seem to be on every D.C. street right now. From a practical perspective, they're sort of like an apparel version of a mullet (party in the front; business in the back), combining the grace of a train with a sexy flash of leg. Based on what I'm seeing, this style could take over the spot that boho maxi dresses have enjoyed for the last several summer seasons. Here are a few fishtail-hemmed pieces that I like:

From left: BCBGeneration, Mango, Zara, Zara.

And these versions in black offer a subtler approach to the trend:

From left: BCBGeneration, Anthropologie, Zara, Anthropologie.

What do you think? Would you venture into fishtail territory, or do you prefer a hemline that's a little more conventional?

Authors' Letters to Their Young Fans

Beatrix Potter, 1913.

Here's a bit of Monday inspiration for you. It's a collection of letters, both thoughtful and humorous, written by notable authors to their young fans. My favorite is Beatrix Potter's response to a little girl's request that Ms. Potter include her bunny, Fluffy, in an upcoming children's book. Have you ever written a letter to a famous person who you admired? Did you receive a response?

Happy Weekend!

The lovely Esther Williams, through the lens of Slim Aarons.

I'm not sure why this week has felt so long, but I am looking forward to a few days off! Over the weekend, I'll go with some friends to a concert at D.C.'s historic Howard Theatre. Beyond that, who knows! Don't you just love the freedom of weekend possibilities? Hope you have lots of fun this weekend and enjoy these bits and pieces from around the web.

More neon! This time in the shape of a beach-proof carry-all.

Phenomenal French countryside poppies.

Strawberry rosé spritzer. A great, seasonal twist on the classic mimosa.

These dove salt and pepper shakers from Jonathan Adler are simple, yet design-y, with just a dash of kitsch.

What adorable hair and makeup (not to mention the outfit).

Gauzy cardigan = summer perfection.

Awesome DIY crystal bottle stoppers.

Um, wow. This is like a blueberry version of chocolate lava cake. 

An NYC-based resource for house plants, via Sous Style.

Pixelated t-shirt. I'd pair this with white jeans.

Neon

I'm a little obsessed with neutrals. I joke (well, half-joke, because it's true) that I could pick any two items from my closet, and they'd match, since my closet is full of black, white, beige, navy, olive, and gray. This palette makes for a convenient backdrop for my jewelry, which tends to be colorful and bold. It also works well as a counter-point to neon accessories, which have made a triumphant return from the eighties stylebook.

Here's a smattering of some poppy flourescent accessories to mix with your neutrals, or your not-so-neutrals.

Clockwise from top left: Melie Bianco clutch, Pop nail polish, ASOS watch, Cole Haan slippers, Mystique sandals, Rebecca Minkoff clutch.

Summer Drinks: Peach Rosemary Fizz

In warm weather, I tend to enjoy a chilled white or rosé wine or a clear mixed drink (usually some combo of vodka/gin and soda/tonic) with plenty of lime. On a day like today, when the temp feels like it’s 102, something to cool me down is especially welcome. But, why not celebrate the season by getting a little more fancy? Doesn’t this peach rosemary fizz look divine?

Jennifer Young for A Merry Mishap.

You might also try the same approach with different fruit and herb combinations. What about strawberry and basil, lemon and mint, or plum and sage? Do you have a favorite summer drink?

Strappy Summer Sandals

Gladiator sandals and spin-offs have been a thing for a few summers now. I never really caught the gladiator bug, but a new-to-me style (styles, really . . . read on!) has planted a seed that just might grow into a full-fledged craving.

Moped slide-style sandal tied into gladiator.

Moped slide-style sandal tied with scarf.

Moped slide-style sandal.

The surprise? These are all the same shoe! Mohop's Moped customizable strappy sandals come with several ribbons of different colors and textures that you can tie into styles to match your outfit or mood. They come in slide (shown above) and thong versions, each of which offers slightly different style options. What could be better (and more fun) than endless strappy sandal possibilities?

Apartment Gardens

I've been thinking a lot lately about how to bring some more of the outdoors inside, despite the constraints of my apartment. At the moment, there's one healthy (though possibly lonely) houseplant on the coffee table.  It's lush, in a green-glazed pot, but otherwise pretty non-descript.

For several years, I've had a crush on kumquat trees. There's something so whimsical and fresh about an indoor citrus tree, whether kept in a trim topiary style or as a fuller shrub.

Lovely potted kumquat tree.

The variety of possibilities for apartment-friendly container gardening is also inspirational. Tiny pots, bottles, and cans make plants mobile, enabling maximum access to suitable light and temperature conditions.

Herb garden in tea cans.

Vertical pallet garden via Apartment Therapy.

Plastic bottle planters.

Herbs and vegetables grown in a shoe organizer via Apartment Therapy.

Tiny window sill garden.

DIY Ikea planter re-do.

I have my eye on the weathered tea cans. Mismatched thrifted tea cups, kettles, or pitchers would also be sweet.  And the vertical planters could do nicely on an indoor wall or the narrowest of balconies.

Which of these ideas would work best for your space? What do you do to bring a bit of the outdoors into your home?

Happy Father's Day Weekend!

Iconic Oval Office photo of John F. Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, Jr., by Stanley Tretick.

Posting has been a bit light this week since I spent most of my free moments socializing with my guests. No weekend plans yet, but I'm looking forward to enjoying the (hot!) summer weather. Maybe some pool time is in my near future. Did you have a good week? Any weekend plans? Don't forget to tell your dad that you love him on Sunday (and as often as possible, really.). Here are a few bits and pieces for you to browse before I see you again next week:

Interesting (and somewhat surprising) stats on dads in the United States.

Father's Day gift guides here and here. Or you could even make something extra-personalized and thoughtful.

A green goddess grilled cheese sandwich. Mmmmmmmm.

Fantastic street art images from Melbourne.

Homemade lemon curd. In a clamp-lid jar. Who could ask for more?

These quilled wedding invitations almost look like living, growing vines and tendrils.

DIY travel tic tac toe game.

Exquisite hand-painted stationery.

Space-dyed striped canvas ballet flats. Could be a fun way to mix patterns for summer.

Super cute, simple, graphic (and inexpensive!) DIY kids' t-shirts. Same idea could work easily for adults, too.

Gospel Brunch at The Hamilton

A highlight in a weekend of many highlights (including the D.C. Pride Parade. Wow. Moving and exhilarating on many levels.) was the excellent gospel brunch at The Hamilton. We were lucky to catch one of the last shows of the D.C. Jazz Fest, with the brilliant Anthony Walker on piano, plus other gifted musicians and vocalists. And the Southern-style fare hit the spot. In a town replete with weekend brunch options, many of which feature a side of jazz, this one is absolutely a must, whether you're a D.C. local or visiting from out of town.

On the way out, I couldn't help but appreciate the décor's whimsical avian motifs.

Mural-sized paintings of tropical birds, by Hunt Slonem, line the main dining room walls

Swan in flight. And, the glass ceiling! So pretty I couldn't bear to crop it out.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend, too. Do you have any favorite brunch spots where you are?

Notebooks

Gosh, how pretty are these? Perfect for just about any reason you might have to jot down a few thoughts or to sketch something that catches your eye (or comes to your mind), if I do say so myself.

Lovely sherbet- and gold-hued notebooks by Brown Paper via Oh Joy!

Sassy Liberty print notebooks at Paper Source.

Happy Weekend!

in the Eastern Market neighborhood, D.C.

Hope you've all had a great week. I have some special visitors coming into town tomorrow, so am excited to hang out and play tour guide. Also, the D.C. Jazz Fest is wrapping up, so we'll see if we can't sneak a show into our schedule.

What will you be up to over the next few days? Hopefully, your plans are either fun or relaxing, depending on the kind of weekend you need most. I'll see you next week. In the meantime, enjoy checking out these bits and pieces:

Even adults should have dresses that "make us do a giant spin."

Oven-roasted tomatoes: one of life's simplest and most pleasurable pleasures.

Faux leather strappy sandals in turmeric orange.

Box of beautiful vintage threads and sewing notions. How perfect these would be for embellishing a simple t-shirt.

Oh, this could be useful! Secret iPhone tricks via Not Martha.

Gorgeous ceramic and recylcled glass bowl/serving dish in midnight blue.

The best street markets (Including antiques! And junk!) in NYC via Nat the Fat Rat.

An especially lovely Napa Valley wedding.

A handy interactive seasonal ingredient guide based on U.S. locations.

Cute overload: amigurumi jellyfish in every color of the rainbow.

Design Inspiration: A Refurbished Lebanese Home

Pinterest is a veritable treasure trove of interior design ideas, and all sorts of ideas, really. For example, I find the deep, moody blue and purple hues in this living room enchanting.

Blueprint Modern via Jody McKee's Pinterest

But, after scanning tons of interiors, some gorgeous, some totally over-done, and most at least a little on the busy side for my taste, I yearn for something simpler and more sincere. This refurbished Lebanese home in Batroun, documented by the New York Times in 2010, gets it just right. Fresh, bright, and a bit styled, yet welcoming and livable, don't you think?

Bryan Denton for the New York Times

Bryan Denton for the New York Times

Bryan Denton for the New York Times

Bryan Denton for the New York Times

Bryan Denton for the New York Times

How have you decorated your home? Does form or function reign, or do you strike a balance between the two? And where do you find design influences?

Summer Food: Pickles and Canning

I mentioned that I went to Norfolk, Virginia over the weekend. It's a low-key place with some special local landmarks. We also visited Virginia Beach, which was buzzing with an impressive air show (Hello, Blue Angels!) and lots of sun seekers.

Besides a solid dose of relaxation away from the city, the Southern Virginia coast offered some fantastic food! Two stars on the scene: crab chowder at A.W. Schucks in Norfolk . . .

Summery crab tomato chowder at A.W. Schucks.

. . . and pickled green beans in a phenomenal bloody Mary at Waterman's in Virginia Beach. (Note: I didn't get a photo of the bloody Mary, but you can learn how to make it here. Just note that the proper garnish is a divine pickled green bean, not a celery stick.)

I'd like to replicate both recipes. Some quick research on pickling led me to this adorable video featuring, you guessed it, green beans!

Last summer, I tinkered with quick pickle recipes involving sweet Vidalia onions and those wonderful, crunchy pickling cucumbers. They lived up to their name and were ready to eat after a few minutes resting in vinegar and spices. This summer, I think I'll up the ante and move into canning territory. That little video sure makes it look easy, doesn't it?

Have you ever made pickles, quick or otherwise? Or maybe you're an avid canner? In either case (or even if you're an ingenue, like me), I'd love to hear your experiences and aspirations.

The Michelle Obama Look Book

Um, I'm not sure how I missed this.

Mrs. Obama, wearing Naeem Khan at the 2012 White House Correspondents Association Dinner.

What's your favorite style statement from Mrs. O?

Summer Totes

The simple shape of tote bags and their dependable utility make them my favorite type of handbag, no contest. For summer, totes make it easy to pack a pair of flip flops in your work bag or to carry a towel, beach read, and sunscreen on your way to the shore. Luckily, there's no shortage of beautiful, functional totes out there, if you're looking for a trusty bag to get you through the warmest months of the year. Here's a small selection of a few that caught my eye.

Clockwise from bottom left: Makr Carry Goods, cocosheaven, Joanna Maxham via Boticca,
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent via shopbop.com, Lorenza Gandaglia via L-atitude, Design Africa via L-atitude, L-atitude.

Do you have a favorite summer bag? Do you like a big, roomy tote, or do you prefer a different style?

Happy Weekend!

I'm going on a little road trip to parts south and looking forward to fresh air out of the city. If weather cooperates, we'll get some beach time, too. A handy city guide from Design*Sponge will be one of my inspirations as I explore Norfolk. At the top of my list: fresh-from-the-docks seafood at A.W. Shucks, shopping at Thrift Store USA and Firefly Antiques, and a stroll through the Ghent neighborhood. Have you been to Norfolk? If you have any insider tips, I'd love to hear them.

Image via City Data.

I'll report back next week. In the meantime, enjoy some link love!

Low-tech iPad cases made of repurposed oil paintings at Anthropologie via Design*Sponge.

This seductive sequined clutch would be gorgeous with summer whites.

Adorable little bunny cookies.

DIY rolled paper pencils via Not Martha.

Japanese minimalist potted plants from Qusamura via Art Hound.

A whole bunch of simple, seasonal "farm stand" recipes.

DIY painted straw market baskets and accessories. They're silver here, but any color would work beautifully.

Random pretty images. Love those neon feathers.

Painfully cute pasta hair bows and art.

Chive blossom vinegar recipe.