And We're Back!


We're back from our trip to Hawaii. This trip was not on our radar this year, but when a friend asked me to be a part of her wedding in Hawaii, we decided to make it into a vacation as well. My husband finally got to see where I spent most of my teen years. We also got a chance to do some hiking in the forest and hike Diamond Head as well as lounge at the pool and frolic in the ocean. I'll get some pictures posted next week. Our time went fast and now we're getting back into the swing of real life. Looking forward to being here again!
xo, jen

Loving Vera

photo:: Skinny laMinx 
Soon after we moved to California, I scored a set of 7 vintage Vera napkins for like $3. The design is old school and fabulous. Then maybe a year or so ago Macy's had a Vera bathroom collection and I bought a fab shower curtain and toothbrush holder. finally used them this summer and they really brighten the bathroom. And finally a few weeks ago at an antique market, I found another Vera napkin. It doesn't match the ones I already have (i think it's new, not vintage), but I love the design and it's in great condition. I adore Vera! Have a great weekend.


xo, jen
Vera Neumann was a designer well known for her both bold and cheerful patterns, largely on scarves. Her company partners with many brands today so that her beautiful work can still be enjoyed as a part of everyday living. Currently Crate and Barrel has a new collection of Vera products.

Made :: Salted Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies

Lately it's been hot here in Southern California and I try not to complain too much, but MAN IT IS HOT! i complain because we DO NOT have air conditioning in our house. That being said, there's not a whole lot of cooking going on since we don't what to make the house hotter.
Unfortunately I really, really wanted to bake cookies. After much much consideration, I went for it. The  dough was made one day and I baked them early in the morning the following two days. And you know what, the cookies were so good that I didn't complain and my husband didn't complain about the house being hot. If you love that buttery salty sweet taste, you've got to make these cookies. The recipe used is a slight adaptation from David Lebovitz.




Notes: The vanilla bean sea salt you can make yourself, with vanilla bean and sea salt or buy. I used Hepps, picked it up at the Farmer's Market for $5. My oven is super old and baking times usually take about twice as long as the recommended baking time. The recommended baking time for this recipe is 10 minutes.

Salted Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies
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4 ounces of butter, softened
2/3 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
vanilla bean sea salt, for finishing

Mix butter, brown sugar, and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix by hand, flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Slowly stir in flour mixture in with the creamy mixture until combined. Add chocolate chips and almonds. Cover and chill for 24 hours.
To Bake: preheat oven 350 degrees and then bake. Halfway(or whenever cookies are somewhat set ) through the baking, sprinkle with the vanilla bean sea salt. Continue baking. Remove from oven and cool. Enjoy.
xo, jen