Spot on brand: Anne Thomas accessories

Beautiful collection that's bursting with some of the most delicate designs for shoes and jewelry I've come across lately and which can easily become classics. I'm talking about one of my new favorites, Anne Thomas accessories. Check them out-

My recipe for Tiramisu

This is an original Italian Tiramisu recipe I've been using lately and I wanted to share as the result is really light and fresh (with some fluffy tiramisu cream y'all!) yes, try it and (please) consume it in two, three days the most as this is a dessert that must be eaten right after it's been cooled down in the fridge for the very first time and the cream is at its best consistency. It's coming from a lady named Lorenza..

Tirami su di Lorenza

3 eggs, separated

3tbs to 1/2 cup granulated sugar

250gr mascarpone cheese

200gr whipped cream, whisked till it forms soft peaks

1-1 1/2 box of ladyfingers

3/4 cup strong espresso coffee, cold

4-5 tbs brandy or Marsala

100gr dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao)

Beat the egg whites with the whisk attachment until a meringue is formed. In another bowl beat the egg yolks with the sugar until white and fluffy. Add the mascarpone cheese into the batter of the yolks and sugar and beat until combined. Add slowly the beaten whipped cream and meringue. Whisk coffee and brandy or Marsala together and dip in it all the ladyfingers just for a second or two so that they get wet. Arrange half of them in a rectangular baking dish. Cover them with half of the cream batter. Do the same arrangement one more time. Use a serrated knife and cut the chocolate in shaves. Put the chocolate shaves on top of the cream. Put the Tiramisu in the fridge at least for 3 hours, up to overnight, until set. Enjoy!

The little things

/Santa Monica beach views/

/these plates from Leah Reena Goren/

/morning coffees/

/linen curtains/

/sour cream enchiladas/

/architecture/

/garden flowers/

Summer essentials

High waisted bikini pants, gingham prints, white colors, relaxed dresses, straw beach totes, slip-ons, shirt oversized dresses, classic black all-in-one swimsuits are some of my favorite pieces that define my list for this summer and will definitely be in full use in the next upcoming months.

from top to bottom and from left to right:

/ oversized shirt dress / chambray bandana / the corsica straw beach tote / the best black swimsuit /        / gingham dress / sun safe bucket hat / cross strap slide sandals / Pale lotus bikini set

Music of the day

Few days ago saw this band playing live and they absolutely amazed me, not that I expected anything less just to be clear but you never know how a show will extend..

One of the best performances ever, too bad it was for only an hour :( I could go on forever listening to these guys

I'm absolutely talking about Foals, track above is one of the most dynamic ones, What went down-

*photos from my experience at the Center stage, ATL playing along Californians Silversun pickups

Take me there

At Cacao sweets & treats, where everything is made from scratch, and by everything I mean everyday freshly baked treats from breads and biscuits to some of the most beautifully decorated cakes.

All of the forementioned run by the adorable owner/baker Candice Hunsinger whose ultimate life dream is to retire to Santorini, Greece :) Well, I couldn't agree with you more!

Cacao sweets & treats: 122 Center Street, downtown Grayslake, Illinois

Orzo with bacon and summer vegetables

This is one of the most summery dishes. It is so light yet so flavorful and delicious, perfect for all you pasta lovers out there! Easy to make and a nice way to substitute any other kind of pasta with orzo, it pairs so well with the rest of the ingredients. Enjoy it with a glass of wine!


Orzo with bacon and summer vegetables (adapted from Bev cooks)

4 strips bacon, cut into small chunks
1/2 small red onion, diced
1/2 small white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 scallions, finely diced
1 Tbs. lemon zest
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tsp freshly chopped sage
1 pinch crushed red or green pepper flakes
1 cup frozen or fresh peas
3 – 4 roma tomatoes, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets
1 1/2 cup orzo
coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
fresh basil and parmesan cheese (optional but omg, do it)

Render the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, until crispy. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and place on some paper towels to drain. Drain all but 2 Tbs. bacon fat. Add the onions to the pan and sauté until they start to soften, 4 minutes. Add the garlic, scallions, lemon zest, thyme and sage to the skillet. Season with the crushed pepper and a little salt. Sauté another minute, or until that mix is pretty fragrant. Add the tomatoes, broccoli and peas to the pan. The juice from the tomatoes will create a very light sauce, so you’ll simmer the mix until the veggies soften, 5 minutes. You may add a little water to help it along if you want! In the meantime, boil the orzo until al dente, just a few minutes. Reserve a few Tbs. of the pasta water and drain the rest. Add the bacon back to the pan. Add the cooked orzo to the pan and give everything a good toss. If you need to add a little pasta water for a little more “sauce,” go right ahead. Check the seasonings and garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. Dive on in.

Spot on brand: the Sleeper

Pajama style wear is a trend, this is a brand that makes exactly (and only) that kind of style clothes in the most brilliantly unique way! Be aware.

Of the Sleeper