currently coveting . . .

This is my uniform - neutrals from head to toe. I've tried to incorporate color into my wardrobe, but I just can't make it happen . . . unless you count navy or an occasional bright scarf? When I came across these street style shots I instantly became inspired. There is something incredibly chic about black, white and gray ensembles. What do you think?

Photos: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

on the menu: beet tart

Since Eric and I have been making homemade pizzas, I thought - why not try a savory tart? This recipe I stumbled across looks scrumptious - I'm a huge beet and goat cheese fan. I can't wait to give this a whirl. Wish me luck, I don't do well with pastry dough . . .

Bon appétit! 

Beet Tart (makes one 9x9 tart)

6 large beets, peeled
olive oil
8 - 10 sprigs of fresh thyme
salt
pepper
1 sheet of puff pastry (enough to make a 10x10-inch square)
30 - 40 gr goat cheese
10 gr blue cheese
frisee
freshly squeezed lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare two baking sheets: line one with foil and the other with parchment paper.

2. Slice the peeled beets into thick slices, about 1/2-inch thick. Lightly coat the sliced beets with olive oil, and toss with fresh thyme leaves and a bit of salt and pepper.

3. Lay the beet slices out on the foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

4. Meanwhile, roll out the puff pastry into a 10 x 10-inch square, or a comparably sized rectangle. Transfer to the baking sheet lined with parchment.

5. Arrange the beet slices on the puff pastry, leaving about an inch or two along each side. Roll the puff pastry edges up to create a free-form crust, pinching the corners.

6. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees F and continue to bake for 25-30 more minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the beets are fork tender. Remove from oven and let cool briefly.

7. Mix the goat cheese and blue cheese together with a fork, and crumble over the beet tart.

8. Toss the frisee with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to coat, and serve over the tart.

Recipe from Desserts for Breakfast

a brand new week . . .

Good morning! It's another beautiful day here, which makes for a perfect way to start the week. We've been graced with spectacular weather here in San Francisco and I'm savoring every minute. Some special moments this weekend that made me smile were - catching up with a girlfriend, going to the movies, and spending Sunday with Eric.

A few things I'm loving - new work essentials from poppin (who doesn't love a pair of white scissors?), stunning anemones, my Astier plate where I put jewelry and my go-to favorite necklace.

Hope all of you have a fabulous week. I can't wait for Paris Fashion Week to begin and I'll be posting new photos of our apartment!

Photo Caitlin Flemming

it's friday + link love!

Since it was a short four day week it came and went with a blink of an eye. A few things making me smile this week:

* It was a quite week around San Francisco because of ski week, and I relish the sweet moments where we could get into restaurants without a reservation and walk the streets with no disturbance.

* Spent quality mother/daughter time on Monday.

* New blooms in the apartment always bring me so much joy.

* Prepping the apartment for a shoot always makes me love my home even more than I already do.

* And lastly, this spring like weather has me skipping with joy.

What's made you smile this week?

This weekend we will be hosting a huge dinner party with friends, enjoying a birthday celebration on the beach with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoying some downtime with Eric before he's off to Spring training. 

Here are some favorites links from this week:

* It's all about grey in this post . . .

* I want all of these items in my closet . . .

* This mouth watering recipe is going to be tested on Sunday . . .

* Everyone should be downloading this fabulous Photoshop ABC tutorial . . . (thanks sfgirlbybay for introducing me to Pugly Pixel!)

* Be sure to stop by the West Elm and sfgirlbybay event tomorrow. It's going to be one you won't want to miss.

Have a happy weekend, friends!

Images from here and here 

I'm Loving . . .

The perfect ensemble to run around town.

Stunning blooms are popping up at flowers shops and the flower market. These in particular are drop-dead gorgeous!

If only everyone could have a set of all white Le Creuset like the above. I think that's what kitchen heaven would look like.

I'm all about cuffed jeans.

In my quest to try different black teas - this one is being added to my wish list.

What are you loving this week?

Photos: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

on the menu: tomato basil soup

There is something so comforting about a home cooked bowl of tomato soup - paired with a grilled cheese makes it even better. This recipe in particular is gracing our dinner table this week and I can't wait to give it a whirl. 

Do you have a go-to tomato soup recipe you swear by?

Bon appétit everyone!

Ingredients:

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 - 14 oz. cans of crushed tomatoes

1 - 14 oz. can of whole tomatoes

2 cups of stock (chicken or vegetable)

1 tsp of sea salt

1 tsp of sugar

1/2 tsp of fresh ground black pepper

1/4 cup of heavy cream

3 tablespoons of fresh basil, julienned

parmesan cheese

Directions:

In a saucepan, saute garlic in olive oil on medium heat for 1 minute - being careful not to burn the garlic.  Add the crushed tomatoes.  Add the whole tomatoes one at a time, squeezing them into the pan to break them up.  Add the juice from the whole tomatoes, as well.  Add chicken stock, salt, pepper and sugar.  Cook the soup on medium at a simmer for 10 minutes.  

To finish, reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream and basil.  Serve topped with a little parmesan cheese and a grilled cheese sandwich.  You can get the recipe for the Grilled Cheese Sandwich here.

Recipe by Everyday Occasions

a brand new week . . .

This weekend felt heavenly - it was quite luxurious to have three days off to do whatever my heart desired. The days were filled with shopping excursions with my mom, dinners out with friends, and relishing not having to get out of bed at an early hour. Ahhhh, it makes the rest of the short work week feel oh so sweet.

A few things inspiring me - the March issue of Elle Decoration (one home in particular I can't stop dreaming about), my current wrist wear, a new black and ivory cardigan that I've been wearing a bit too much, and this vase that I borrowing from my moms condo. What's been inspiring you the past week?

Hope all of you have a lovely short work week!

Photo by Caitlin Flemming

happy long weekend + winner!

I'm jumping for joy that I've got a long weekend waiting for me - it's going to be pure bliss. Some serious downtime is in order along with cleaning and organizing our apartment, styling it up for an upcoming shoot and breakfast in bed is definitely a must!

I can't wait to set my out of office response and enjoy this spring like weather we're having.

But before that, I'd like to announce the winner on this Herringbone clutch giveaway . . .

CONGRATS Taylor from Daily Dose of Sunshine!

Hope all of you have a lovely fun filled weekend ahead. See you back here on Tuesday!

xx, Caitlin

Photo by christopher baker via martha stewart

I'm Loving . . .

These floor to ceiling built-in glass cabinets are stunning. Any designer would love to style these up with personal treasures.

Talk about beautiful labels - I think anyone would buy this jam just for that reason. I would!

This Rodin hand cream has been getting me through these cool dry days. It comes with me everywhere.

I'm all about black, gray and more gray - this look is effortlessly chic. Something I try to achieve every day.

I'm always on the lookout for fabulous tabletop items to decorate with for my next dinner party. This candlestick is incredible - love the way it's twisted together.

Photos: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

black & white

I have redecorating on the brain - don't know why, but after a certain length of time having our place look the same, I get a redecorating itch. It's something every interior designer gets. I sit in our apartment and dream of how I could change it since we probably won't be moving for a little bit. When I came across this simple, clean and fresh black and white room I knew it was love at first sight. The crisp white sheets with pops of black make it sophisticated but with a touch of masculine edge that I think Eric would appreciate. This is being printed and put at the top of my inspiration binder.

What color combinations are you coveting right now?

Photo by House and Home

on the menu: parmesan-rosemary crackers

A few months ago I had delicious rosemary crackers at a restaurant. Let's just say I've been dreaming of cooking them ever since. When I came across this recipe it was love at first sight - just look at these images! Let me tell you, they're even better as you take a bite into them.

Bon appétit everyone!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon coarse salt
Pinch of white pepper (didn’t have, so didn’t use)
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary, plus extra sprigs for garnish
3 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup finely grated (2 1/2 ounces) Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
5 tablespoons sour cream
1 large egg white, lightly beaten (optional — this is if you want to do the pretty rosemary garnish)

Directions:

1. Combine flour, salt, pepper, and rosemary in the bowl of a food processor; pulse to combine. Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add cheese; pulse until combined. Add 1 tablespoon of the sour cream at a time, pulsing each time to combine. (Note: I added the sour cream in 2 batches…not patient enough to do 1 T. at a time.) Process until dough comes together and is well combined.

2. Transfer dough to a work surface. Shape dough into a 2-inch-wide log. Wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. (Note: I chilled mine for about 18 hours. If you are pinched for time, try chilling the dough in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours.)

3. Heat oven to 325 degrees. Slice chilled log into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Transfer slices to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dip a sprig of rosemary into egg white, and place in center of a cracker slice; repeat with remaining rosemary and crackers. (Note: The rosemary garnish is optional – it’s purely for decorative purposes.) Bake immediately, rotating sheet once, until crackers are golden brown and firm in the center, 25 to 35 minutes. (My crackers took 25 minutes.) Transfer to a rack to cool.

Recipe from Alexandra's Kitchen

a brand new week . . .

Bonjour! After spending the entire weekend fighting a cold I'm ready for a week filled with health, happiness and of course a little l-o-v-e. Although I was sick, it sure was lovely spending quality time with Eric at home - he's a saint for taking care of me.

A few things that inspired me as I laid in bed - the new issue of Kinfolk has me quite smittened, I've been incorporating this necklace into a lot of my ensembles, this "LOVE" figurine is perfection for this week and these blooms had me wishing I could smell instead of having a stuffed nose.

Don't forget to enter the Herringbone handbag giveaway! It ends tonight - so pop on over and leave a comment.

Hope all of you have a wonderful and love-filled week!

Photo by Caitlin Flemming

I'm Loving . . .

Sky-high ceiling and lofty white walled spaces.

A twist on a classic diamond stud.

A stunning bookcase that has me inspired to redecorate my own.

Keeping it casual by making comfy t-shirts look chic with jewelry and a high-waisted skirt.

Hanging a Moroccan wedding blanket is the new art for a wall. I love the way it looks above the bed.

Photos: 1. Elle Decor 2. Terrain 3. Lonny 4. Audrey Road 5. Remodelista 

for the love of herringbone + a giveaway!

All a girl really needs to get through her daily routine is a tiny clutch that fits her essentials – well ladies that wait is over. Herringbone is a local Bay Area handbag collection that makes it simple with only three sizes in an array of stunning colors. My current favorite is – black suede with rose gold pipping and zipper. I’m also lusting after the darling makeup bag that hasn’t left my side, it is in all black suede.

The collection is a joint venture from a dynamic duo - Shawn Burke and Camille Mason. Together they designed the necessary sizes that they felt were lacking in the market. Each are perfectly named: mini necessaire (perfect for makeup in your handbag), necessaire (fits all of your essentials) and the clutch (a little over sized and has the perfect bit of slouch to it).

Lucky for us, these lovely ladies are giving away the stunning gold necessaire to a Sacramento Street reader! Seriously readers, this is one of my favorite giveaways yet because I know how much I use my own, so I have a feeling whoever wins it won’t take it out of their hands.

To enter, all you need to do is . . .

• Comment below about where you would take this fabulous clutch out on the town.
• Be sure to follow Sacramento Street.
• And pop over to Herringbone’s facebook page and ‘like’ them.

Good luck to all of you!

Available online at Herringbone Bags - $120 - $205.

Giveaway will be end next Monday, February 13th at midnight PST.

on the menu: simple gourmet granola

Breakfast during the week has never been my favorite until I discovered homemade granola. It's easy, you can get creative, and I can put it in a bowl to bring into work every morning. Everyone likes to make their own combination - mine is coconut, pistachio, shaved almonds, apricots and cranberries with a few figs or berries and greek yogurt on top. What's your favorite granola combination?

Bon appétit!

Simple Gourmet Granola

Ingredients:

4 cups rolled oats 

1 cup raw almonds, chopped

1.5 cups flaked coconut

1/4 tsp. finely ground sea salt (1/2 tsp. coarse, pummeled)

1/3 cup liquid honey (or maple syrup, agave)

4 Tbsp. coconut (or sunflower oil, ghee, or butter)

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 350°F.

2. In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, whisk oil and honey together. 

3. In a large bowl combine oats, almonds, coconut, and sea salt. 

4. Pour oil and honey mixture over dry ingredients and stir very well to coat. Place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes; remove from oven and stir. Place back in oven but remove and stir every 5 minutes or so until the oats are golden brown (approx. 25-30 minutes). 

Optional Additions

Flavours: 

vanilla bean

cinnamon

orange zest

lemon zest

Nuts and Seeds:
pecans
walnuts
hazelnuts
pistachios

Dried Fruit (add after baking):

figs

cranberries

raisins

cherries

apricots 

Recipe from In My Roots

a brand new week . . .

Good morning! It's time to rise and shine for a beautiful week - remember to smile, be positive and follow your dreams.

These are a few things that inspired me over the weekend - Plenty, a fabulous cookbook that I can't wait to eat my way through, anemones I picked up at the flower market, my business cards that finally arrived and delicious cups of tea that kept me going throughout this weekend.

Wishing all of you a wonderful week!

Photo by Caitlin Flemming

it's friday + link love!

Hope you all have a relaxing weekend! I'll be jumping right into a busy few days enjoying dinner with friends, a jaunt up to Napa, flea marketing for clients and of course ending it with the Superbowl. 
Be sure to pop over to these wonderful readers:

* These two looks inside one of my favorite Sacramento Street shops . . . 
* I'm equally as obsessed with toast as this blogger . . . 
* Incredibly proud of this dear friends photography . . .
* Looking for new scarf tricks? Read this . . .
* Then I'd like to welcome two new Sacramento Street sponsors - Serena & Lily and Tiny Prints. Both are fabulous companies that I use all the time. 

Enjoy your weekend friends!

xx, Caitlin

Photos:  Unknown / Scout's Honor Co / Yatzer

I'm Loving . . .

Fur stoles make every ensemble look more chic.

Tea and coffee dates with friends are priceless moments I will always treasure.

Large handcrafted tables have a special place in my heart.

A new banana bread recipe will be tested this weekend.

A classic neutral top that works for every and any occasion. It's been added to my wishlist!

What are you loving this week?

BLOGSHOP is coming to SF!

Ever since Blogshop started last summer, I've been dreaming of attending - it's the ultimate class for any and every blogger out there! When Bri of designlovefest came to me asking if I would host the next San Francisco Blogshop I started jumping up and down as if it was Christmas morning. Readers, there are only a few spots left in this class and I hope that all of you can sign up and take it with me. It's definitely going to take my blog to a whole new level.

Also, we're starting to look for venues, caterers and special goodies for each blogshop attendee, so if you have any ideas please send them my way!

Hope to see some of you in class!

 

currently coveting . . .

White walls. I've been wanting to paint our apartment walls white for quite awhile and I finally think it's going to happen in the near future my friends. The clean and crisp look always makes my heart sing.

Right now we're testing out a few different options, but if you have a favorite white paint please let me know!

Photo via Seventeen Doors