Homeward Bound!

Be back next week.  Merry Christmas, everyone!

Happy Friday

Blog Envy

Ummmm... who are The Bottom of the Ironing Basket and Wildflowers, and why can't we be friends?  Check out these two insanely gorgeous and witty blogs!

Visit The Bottom of the Ironing Basket

Visit Wildflowers

What I Want Wednesday: A House Like This

So I've been feeling a little more of the Christmas spirit down here in sunny SoFlo, despite the palm trees and sand decorating the landscape.  No matter how many white Christmas lights get strung around a palm tree trunk or how brightly they shine, it still doesn't even come close to the dewy glow of oak trees dusted with white snow.

My intention this week before Christmas has been to give back to everyone in whatever way I can, to relish and savor the relationships I have with the people in my life, and to just work hard and finish the crazy work week as strong as I can.  I don't feel bad for daydreaming about what it would be like to live in this house, or what kind of cookies I'd be making in its kitchen, or even what kind of cocktails I'd be pouring for my holiday guests.  Nope, not one bit of guilt for wanting something as simple and as serene as this:

School's out this Friday, and I can't wait to go home. Merry week before Christmas...

An Arugala Scented Candle?

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of arugula, I just never thought to add it to my list of "must have" candle scents.  I assure you, however, that you'd be missing out if you didn't bury your nose in this candle once you passed by it at the store.

Introducing the Arugula candle by Archipelago: a soft and spicy bouquet from the arugula with a sweet hint of basil.

I love the packaging and logo of the Archipelago line.  The scent combinations are creative, and I'd love to see some boxes on the shelves of my store. 

And here's one of the best pizza recipes featuring arugula straight from my Italian sorella, Giada:

Arugula, Ricotta and Smoked Mozzarella Pizza

    Cornmeal, for dusting

    1/2 cup ricotta cheese

    2 cloves garlic, crushed

    1 teaspoon kosher salt

    1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    2 cups (8 ounces) shredded smoked mozzarella cheese

    1 packed cup (1-ounce) arugula

    Flour, for dusting

    1 (13 to 16-ounce) ball pizza dough

    Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

    2 Roma tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices

Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Sprinkle a heavy baking sheet (without sides) with cornmeal. Set aside.

In a food processor, blend the ricotta, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the smoked mozzarella and arugula. Pulse until just combined but still chunky. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough into a 14-inch diameter circle, about 1/4 to 1/16-inch thick. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Spread the ricotta mixture on top leaving a 1-inch border. Arrange the tomato slices on top. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until the crust is golden, about 15 to 16 minutes. Remove from the oven, cut into wedges and serve.

 Trust me, you'll have to fight yourself not to devour the entire pie.  It's just that good.

{images via Archipelago and Foodnetwork}

Monday, Monday

Lots of fun and exciting things happening here at the SLP, but just not today...

Florida's been going through a bit of a cold patch lately, and by "cold patch" I mean that the temps have dared to steep down into the 40's.  I know it's a far cry from the cold my friends and family all feel up north, but it still made my bed feel extra warm this morning.  All I seem to want to do is bundle myself up in my sweater, throw my hair on top of my head, and curl up with my iPad.

Although this really is my favorite time of the year, I'm just trying to push through the work week and all the calorie-stuffed fun holiday parties to make it back to where my heart is right now... home.  Sometimes it's hard to feel the Christmas spirit when your family is so far away.

If you successfully made it out of your bed this morning, I hope the start of the week is a good one for you!

{image via Laken @ farmhouse}

The End an Amazing Week

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Ms. Trish Does the SLP Proud!

Lovely lady, lovely label, lovely spice-infused lights!

 

The simplicity gets me every time...

What I Want Wednesday: iPad Update

I have reached iPad nirvana.

Thanks to a very generous, lovely, incredible, and completely unbelievable student, I have an iPad underneath my Christmas tree!  In case you didn't know, my moonlighting nights as a blogger are actually preceded by long glorious days teaching America's future leaders.  I love it.  I love seeing them so curious to learn, I love introducing them to new things, and I love their sweet sweet innocence.

I don't need any gifts to feel so blessed when I come home after work-- truly, seeing their faces everyday is enough-- but this gift just makes "my cup runneth over"...

Tom Ford is Delicious

So delicious...

Fashion icon and scent sensation?  I envy the multi-talented.  Tobacco and Vanilla is just one of many of Mr. Ford's perfume creations.  I love it  not just for the obvious spice notes, but also because it's easy to wear, unisex (for the secure man in your life), and comes in a classy bottle that would add a bit of grace to any vanity.  I'm crazy about the dark glass bottle with the gold label!

Classic Packaging by L'Artisan Parfumeur

My penchant for all things French has grown into an almost obsession within the last year, so when I saw L'Artisan Parfumeur's candle and perfume products online the other day, I truly contemplated buying a one-way ticket straight to sweet Paris.  Of course, reality kicked in, and I settled for my five minute day dream about strolling down the Champs-Elysees... a girl can dream, right?

All dreaming aside, L'Artisan Parfumeur's logo and designs are simple, classic, and timeless.  I'm drawn to everything about these beautiful product labels!

Swooning for Glasshouse Candles!

This packaging makes me heart patter... I love the font and design of this label.  No logo necessary, it holds it own!  Even the names of the candle fragrances have me head over heels:  Sistine Chapel Gold Frankincense & Myrrh and Tahaa Vanilla Caramel?  I'm not the biggest fan of Rachel Zoe but in her own words, I die.

Packaging Inspiration: Aquiesse Candles

Screaming old world luxury while still keeping it simple!

What I Want Wednesday: To Be Back in Boston

Drinking a coffee in my new store, talking with friends, watching the people pass by as the snow falls...