i took adrienne out for dinner at pizzaiolo for her last night in california. since then, i've been dreaming about the gazpacho i had, which was so refreshing in the unusual east bay heat.  a fan in the restaurant would have undoubtedly been more refreshing, but you know, it's fine. now oakland has resumed its cooler temperatures and i'm still jonesing for that delicious cold tomato-y goodness. the result? making gazpacho after a trip to the farmer's market!

EDIT: it somehow got hot today.

mike makes french toast for breakfast and it is delicious! butter-seared on the outside, custardy on the inside. perfect morning? yes!

yesterday's post-work cookie - the perfect remedy for a long day.

josh carter, one half of the duo phantogram with sarah barthel, was my neighbor when i was living in upstate new york. so strange and terrific to see his band in spin magazine - especially considering i flipped through it purely by chance! above, phantogram's "mouthful of diamonds" video - congrats joshie, you done good!

feels good to roll up my sleeves and bake some chocolate chip cookies. i was worried about my incorporation of unbleached whole wheat flour and raw sugar, but thankfully, it all worked out. tasty tasty. the pros of baking alone: you don't have to share the mixing paddles caked in cookie dough with anyone - you can lick the spindles to your heart's delight. 

i spent the past 6 days enjoying my californian surroundings with partner in crime ms. adrienne who was visiting from new york. too bad she didn't escape high temperatures as it was HOT in norcal. nevertheless, there were still adventures to be had in sonoma and stinson beach. seems like all we did was cook eat (a lot). missing her already.

there's something in the water...

my uniform as of late: aesa + rachel comey + clare vivier

dear clare vivier,

loving my new la tropezienne bag. it has enabled me to lug around steig larsson's 2nd installment - a recent guilty pleasure - among all of my other trinkets and necessities. the perfect size for all occasions. thank you!

i forgot how much i love to swim... oh weekend, you were far too short.

clearly, i have jewelry on the mind. above, lauren manoogian's innovative pieces: necklace of paperclips and tape, hand panted leather bracelet, paper garland necklaces.

aesa jewelry - beautiful design.

afternoons at home - photos by m

a weekend in sonoma to see my fam and the lovely betsy! above, my drive north at dusk - proof that i'm illegally taking pictures while driving - soooo unsafe.

the beautiful tile floor of el molino central - my favorite new coffee / mexican restaurant serving new orleans iced coffee (the obsession continues) outside sonoma proper. 

el paseo - possibly one of the prettiest nooks in mill valley.

getting swatches in the mail from b+j fabrics is like christmas for me. i'm working on a special project and i feel like the planning just keeps going on and on and on... but getting fabric in the mail is such a perk!

well these two ladies are completely adorable! "your gonna miss me" by lulu and the lampshades courtesy of creative review here.

walking to get coffee

farmer's market, i wish i could quit you.