STONE FRUIT TARTS

On an episode of Barefoot Contessa, I saw Ina Garten make these simple apple tarts. Since stone fruit is in season {my favorite}, I thought I would try out this recipe with a few revisions. I lowered the sugar measurements since I decided not to use green apples and used coconut oil instead of butter. The coconut oil worked like a charm and still managed to thicken the juices and give the pastry a glisten. Since you are using prepackaged puff pastery they couldn't be easier to make and might I add, insanely delicious. These would be perfect for a dinner party, right out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. 
Stone Fruit Tarts
{makes 12 tarts}

1 package {2 sheets} frozen puff pastry, defrosted 
Fruit of your choice {I used rainier cherries, apricots and nectarines, but you can stick to one}
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil {you can use butter if you prefer}
1/2 cup Apricot Jam
3 tbs liqueur of choice {I used frangelico}

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper. Cut each sheet of puff pastry into 6 squares. Divide the pastry between the prepared sheet pans and refrigerate while you prepare the fruit. Slice cherries in half, removing the pits. Slice nectarines and apricots crosswise in 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place overlapping slices of fruit diagonally across the pastry and placing a few on each side of the arranged slices. Sprinkle the fruit evenly with the sugar and dot them with coconut oil {or butter}. Bake for 40 minutes, until the pastry is browned and the edges of the fruit starts to brown. When the tarts are done, heat the apricot jam together with the liqueur of your choice until bubbly and brush the fruit and pastry completely with the jam mixture. Allow to cool and serve warm or at room temperature.


{recipe revised from ina garten}

SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.

Sweet. Acacia Wedge Server $21.95
Sweeter. Colorblocked Bread Board $128
Sweetest. Oar Server $24.95


I just added that Oar Server to my little collection of pretty wooden boards. I use them all the time for cheese plates or to serve appetizers. They add a relaxed, rustic vibe to any get together, which I love. 

How was your weekend? Mine was so lovely. James and I had an impromptu dinner and a movie date night, which was insanely fun. When you live with your boyfriend it's nice to throw on some heels every once and a while and go on a proper date, don't ya think? I also did something quite frightening...I cut my hair. I have had practically the same hair cut for eight years and suddenly felt like I should mix things up. I don't know if I love it or hate it, but it felt good to let go {this was my inspiration photo}. I promise pictures coming soon! 

MASCULIN + FÉMININ

1/2/3/4/5/6

Here are some of my favorite menswear inspired and ladylike looks this week. Are you clearly drawn to one style over another or do you go back and forth like me? 

Happy friday the 13th. Any plans for the weekend? I'm looking forward to coffee and brunch dates with friends and starting to pack for our trip to Martha's Vineyard. I'm counting down the days, can you tell?

SNAPSHOTS FROM NAPA

After our camping trip we spent spent a delightful afternoon in Napa visiting a few wineries. Frog's Leap was by far our favorite. We not only loved their wines, but the property is just gorgeous. They have an organic garden of both veggies and flowers, a historic red barn built in 1884 and rows and rows of grapevines and olive trees. To end the perfect day we had dinner at Ad Hoc- a Thomas Keller restaurant that serves a four course seasonal meal, changing each day. I highly recommend a stop at both Frog's Leap and Ad Hoc if you're ever in Napa. 

TWO THINGS

one. my dear friend Teissia of Firefly Events is looking for two amazing interns in NYC. If you've been wanting to break in to the wedding planning business and learn from the best, this would be an incredible opportunity. Check out Firefly's blog, First Fête for more info on how to apply.

two. here in LA, a few of my friends have put together a series of craft nights called Midsummer Nights Crafts hosted by Shelter Half. It looks like so much fun, I'm dying to attend. There is limited space, so make sure to RSVP. Check out the blog for more information.

{photo by jana williams, poster by lauren spencer king}

SWEET STYLE. NAPA

wearing:
loeffler randall jacket {similar style}
madewell jeans
vintage loafers {similar style}
forever 21 hat

On our drive to the campsite in Napa, one of our friend's cars over heated. Since we had a little time to kill waiting for AAA, James and I explored this unmarked road lined with oak trees. In Los Angeles, roads overgrown with lush greenery are a rarity, so It was somewhat of a welcomed change of scenery. 

ON SALE & IN LOVE



1. Rebecca Taylor Pointelle Sweater $295 $118
2. Rachel Comey Corbey Dress $564 $349
3. Corsetiere Maillot $375 $169.95
4. Lady Grey Triangle Cuff $242 $169.40
5. Amira Dress $258 $149
6. Striped Straw Tote $68 $29.95
7. Kaysa Lace-Up Clog $345 $242
8. Annette Jacket $385 $249
9. Mini Carrybag $42 $29.99
10. Rachel Comey Inni Wedge $426 $299

I love this time of year- when lots of the beautiful spring/summer items start dropping in price. Here are a few I've had my eye on. 

SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.

Sweet. Linus Dutchi 3 $650
Sweeter. Gary Fisher Simple City 8 $799.99
Sweetest. Public C7 9th Ave. $850


Happy Monday! While most of my 4th of July was wonderful, one very sad thing happened- my beloved bicycle Pepper was stolen. Pepper was the subject of many an instagram photo and even these sweet style photos. She will be missed. Since I am now bike-less, I've been searching for one perfect enough to take her place. These are slightly out of my price range, but a girl can dream right? 


LATELY

The last few weeks have been all over the place with emotions. On the first day of our trip up north I got some very upsetting news about a family member's health. Because my thoughts were elsewhere, it made it difficult for me to fully enjoy our time away. Sometimes I think photographing my life and travels takes me out of the moment, because I'm so consumed with capturing it. But on this trip, it's what helped me feel at peace. Photographing the lush scenery and even the simplest details helped me remember how blessed I am and how much beauty there is in my life. 
On a lighter note...I hope you all have a perfectly summery weekend filled with delicious food, laughter and friends. Here is a little look at my life of late and some of the sweet things making me smile...


SWEET STYLE. RUE + GAP

Last month I was asked by Rue Magazine to participate in their Gap Styld.by campaign. I know, such a dream come true! I got to pick a few items from Gap's summer collection to mix with some of my own. I chose a classic v-neck and bright wedges which helped me get that "sweet with an edge" look, I'm always trying to implement in my own style. You can see my shoot along with three other amazing bloggers in the latest issue of Rue {starting on page 30}.
Here's a little behind the scenes video of our photo shoot by Modshift...


I want to give an enormous thank you to Rue Magazine and Gap for including me in this campaign! I can't tell you how much fun I had. To see more styles make sure to check out styld.by
see more styles
styling by Jen Pinkston
makeup & hair by 10.11.Makeup 

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HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Happy 4th of July! Even though we're not in Martha's Vineyard for the 4th this year, I'm still dreaming about my favorite island. These photos scream summer to me. They were taken on this very day, two years ago at Lucy Vincent beach. I can practically smell the sea air, can't you? We are headed there in only two weeks, so I can't really complain. 
What are you doing to celebrate today? I'm gearing up for tonight's Dodgers game with friends and believe it or not it's my first baseball game. I'm excited!

SNAPSHOTS FROM LAKE BERRYESSA


 
The first stop on our trip up north was camping at Lake Berryessa. It was cold and rainy the first day, but it made our campfire all the more cozy. We had an entire peninsula to ourselves {the best campsite in my opinion} which was absolute heaven. It was almost as if we had the lake to ourselves. The next day we woke up to sunny skies and spent most of the day lounging and floating in the lake. I got in once, but I'm a total wimp when it comes to cold water and happily read my book on the shore. I don't think I'll become an avid camper anytime soon, but I really enjoyed being surrounded by such beauty and sweet friends.

SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.

Sweet. Mini Mailbag $138
Sweeter. A.P.C. Striped Open-Knit Top $99
Sweetest. Starlighting Scarf $149.95


Since the 4th of July is only a few days away I had to do an American inspired Sweet Sweeter Sweetest. Usually I spend the 4th with my family in Martha's Vineyard, but this year James and I decided to go later in the month when things slow down slightly. This year we're going to be very American, and see a baseball game with friends to celebrate. I hear they put on quite a fun fireworks show that I am seriously looking forward to, along with cold beers and spending time with some of my favorite people. What are your plans? Do you have a yearly Independence Day tradition, or do you mix it up each year? 

GUEST POST // WANTED. SOFT GEOMETRY

Today's guest post is from my friend Lauren Spencer King- an insanely talented artist and blogger at The Sphinx & The Milkyway.  I asked her to share some of her most "wanted" items. Thanks for stopping by Lauren! 

1. ACNE Printed Silk-Chiffon Shirt $175
2. Samma Shapley Necklace $254
3. Equilateral Nails $72
4. Dosa Wallet $64
5. Beach House Bloom Vinyl & MP3 $24.99
6. Pierre Hardy Cube Mask Sandal $589
7. Marble Trivet $80
8. Printed Scarf by Milleneufcentquatrevingtquatre
9. Tauba Auerbach Pop-Up Book


Hi lovely Sweet Thing readers! I am very happy to share with you some things I have been eyeing and enjoying lately. I call this list "Soft Geometry". As I was grouping together this collection I was trying to get to the bottom of why I am attracted to things that are both soft and geometric. I couldn't put my finger on it until I started looking around my studio and it became so clear. I love the play between things that are both hard and soft, and it is so evident in my work, it only makes sense that I am attracted to these same things outside the studio as well. It all started with one of my favorite artists, Tauba Aurebach, and her pop-up book: delicate paper is brought to life and given structure when the book is opened. I also adore the work of milleneufcentquatrevingtquatre, and this scarf in particular is so beautiful, it's called the Calder: dusty shaded shapes and graphic lines dance together on silk. This love of opposing forces even translates into music. I have been listening nonstop to the new Beach House album, Bloom: in my favorite song their melodic voices sing about the magic of the mineral lapis lazuli. 
Thank you Jessie for inviting me to guest post!

SWEET SOUND // VOLUME 10

1. Mr. Little Jeans // Rescue Remix
2. Vacationer // Good as New
3. Piero Umiliani // Crepuscolo Sul Mare
4. Son Lux // Betray
5. Delta Spirit // California
6. Jack White // Hypocritical Kiss
7. The Echo-Friendly // Same Mistakes
8. The Tallest Man On Earth // Criminals

{listen on 8tracks or Spotify}

It's time for a new mix! James is sharing some more sweet sounds with us today and let me tell you, it has been the perfect road trip companion. I hope you'll give it a listen. 

photo via james' instagram

GUEST POST // 5 TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

While I'm spending the week in Marin, my dear friend Teissia of Firefly Events has sweetly agreed to share a guest post. Teissia is an amazing wedding planner and since she travels for work constantly I asked her to share her 5 travel essentials. Thanks for stopping by Teiss! 
1. Wedding Magazines (Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Weddings, Brides, New York Weddings). The airplane is the best place to stay up to date on the latest wedding trends.
2.  Essie Mojito MadnessThis color is perfect for summer and I always have it with me in case I need a touch up. I can't tell you how many chips I get in my nails in transit or when I'm working a wedding. 
3.  Steamline LuggageSince I plan a lot of destination weddings I am often traveling with my clients and it's super important that my suitcase be as stylish as the weddings I plan. 
4. Viscid WatchI can't travel without a watch (telling time on my phone just doesn't cut it for me) and this watch is great because it's stylish AND light! Something that's super important to me when I'm on the road and working.
5. Corium Zipper Pouch. This pouch is perfect for cosmetics or jewelry and I love the geometric pattern.


-Teissia 

SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.

Sweet. Striped Hotpants $64

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Our camping trip was so much fun. Lake Berryessa is such a beautiful place and I have lots of photos to share with you. We got back yesterday afternoon and the first thing I did was shower and take a nap. I needed a little time to decompress after all the weekends festivities and I am finally starting to come back to life. Today we are going to check out some Napa wineries and then slowly make our way to James' family's ranch in Marin. I've never explored Napa Valley, so If you have any winery recommendations I'd love to hear them. 

LATELY

Since I'm heading up north today, I decided to take tomorrow off and post "Lately" a day early. Even though we are spending all of next week in Marin, I will still be blogging and I have a couple really great guest posts lined up. You can also follow me on twitter and instagramfor updates on our trip. 
Here is a little look into my life of late and a few of the sweet things making me smile... 

Happy Weekend! 

GIMME SHELTER

Tomorrow we are headed to Lake Berryessa to camp for the weekend with friends. I promise to take lots of photos as always, but I assure you our camping trip won't be nearly as chic as the photos above. Have you heard of Shelter Co.? They come to your campsite and set up a luxury lodging experience, complete with real beds, down comforters and Pendleton blankets. You can even have them add on an outdoor movie theater, catering or showers. Sounds pretty amazing right? I guess I'll have to except our borrowed tent and blow-up mattress. 

{photos via shelter co.}