ALMONDY PEACHY TARTY

tart recipe adapted from Bon Appetit and Smitten Kitchen

Lina helped me make this Peach-Almond Tart yesterday (I substituted peaches for plums) and I'm proud to say that it's already gone! Believe me, it tastes as good as it looks and is mad easy to make if you have a food processor for the crust.  Peaches- so summery, gotta love those stone fruits.


VvV Amanda

Pixie Market

images/ Pixie Market

AHHHH it's been so hot out.  Anyone have any good ideas for keeping cool? 

I just came across this website called Pixie Market where they have some pretty cool looks.  The prices aren't so bad, I think they're comparable to Urban or Anthropologie and definitely cheaper than Madewell so it's worth checking out their site if you have the time.  I picked out some of my favorite looks so let me know what you think of em.  Also I just got a haircut like the girl with the sunglasses above but I'm getting used to it still.  I don't think I can ever go back to not having bangs.  Weird?  

My friend Marcy and I have forayed into the world of making french macarons (3rd attempt this past friday: chocolate with raspberry and hazelnut filling) so I'll be blogging more about that in the future I hope.  First time I tried was a total flop (Chuck's Day Off recipe and they were hard and flat), second time was good (less flat and chewable), third time might have been the charm except I think we over beat the eggs a little but they were still tasty.  BUT we did get some of the desirable FEET (that little lift) so desired on the base of the macarons.  Maybe next time will be even better...

Okay! That's all for now.  I hope you all don't melt in the sun.

VvVAmanda

PS- anyone that wants a Pinterest invite should leave their email below. 

The Works.

Listening to Laura Veirs- July Flame (been obsessed with the daytrotter version of this song too)

A FEW THINGS:

1. Obligatory 4th of July fireworks photos. Highlight of the night: fireworks that spelled out the letters U S A

READ ON FOR MORE...

Jazz Age Lawn Party- June

Hi all!

Hope I haven't kept you waiting too long for my Jazz Age Lawn Party pictures.  Last Sunday was my second time going with friends to the Governor's Island bash and it was just as fun as the first time.  Since the island is already pretty old school (took the ferry over) with its historical buildings and lack of cars, the whole effect was amplified with everyone walking around in 1920's garb.  The live music was wonderful and the singers and dancers were amazing to watch- such skill!  Such nostalgia for old times past, days of speakeasies, prohibition, finger waves, flappers, and glorious excess.  

Listening to: Bing Crosby- Let's do it

HOMEMADE PESTO

Had a big bunch of basil that was on the verge of going brown so making pesto was the only way to go. I based it on a Mark Bittman recipe that was super easy and fast.  A definite idea for summer, good in pastas, on meat, on bruschetta, tomato/basil/mozz salad, etc.  And you know pesto is so expensive in stores- this probably only totaled about 3 dollars- another reason to try it out.  Kinda wish I could say I used my own home grown basil but those wilted long ago.  HOWEVER, my other veggie plants are coming on strong (more on that later) and because of that I've gotten ambitious and started to germinate watermelon and eggplant seeds this past weekend.  Viva la veggies. 

Homemade Pesto


At least 2 cups lightly packed basil leaves, stems removed
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tbsp. toasted walnuts or pinenuts
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup grated parmesan or other hard cheese (optional)
Salt to taste


Whizz together basil, half of the oil, nuts, crushed garlic cloves in a food processor or blender.  When it's smooth gradually add the rest of the oil and adjust the salt level to your liking. Stir in parmesan at the end. That's it! Simple and tasty. You can store it on your fridge for about a week or freeze if you want to keep it longer. 


I added an extra garlic clove for an more kick and didn't use as much olive oil but you should adjust it depending on what consistency you prefer. 


VvV Amanda

SUMMER SHOWS

TASTY cupcakes from friday at Sugar Sweet Sunshine.  Yes, I got two for myself, don't judge. 

AHHH.  Summer concerts are upon us!  Here are the NYC shows I'm most looking forward to seeing:

FREE

6/10 Theophilus London @ Brooklyn Museum 7pm w/ rsvp audiophile@thelmagazine.com

6/10 Andrew Bird @ Prospect Park Bandshell 8:15PM

6/17 The Books @ Prospect Park Bandshell 7PM

6/23 We Are Scientists @ Red Hook Park 7pm

7/23 The Feelies @ Prospect Park Bandshell 7PM

8/5 Ra Ra Riot @ Prospect Park Bandshell 7PM

8/7 Friendly Fires @ Central Park SummerStage 3PM

8/11 Deer Tick @ Pier 54 6PM

8/25 Wavves @ East River Amphitheater

PAID

6/14 Decemberists and Best Coast @ Prospect Park Bandshell 7pm

6/17 Beirut @ McCarren Park Northside Festival 6PM

6/24 Florence and the Machine @ Central Park SummerStage 5:30PM

8/1 Lykke Li @ Central Park SummerStage 5:30PM

8/2 Sufjan Stevens @ Prospect Park Bandshell 6PM

8/10 Bon Iver @ Prospect Park Bandshell 6:30PM

8/11 Cut Copy @ Prospect Park Bandshell 5:30PM

Already got tickets for Sufjan and Decemberists but will probably just loiter outside the other paid concerts esp. the ones at SummerStage because it's so nice to sit there.  Almost nicer than actually being inside the venue because you have room to spread out.  Picnic in the park!

VvV Amanda

FLEAS

image/ NY Times

“Flea markets proliferate a volume of goods needing to be sold and people who are hungry — emotionally and aesthetically — to sort out the meaning of life,” said Michael Prokopow

An interesting article about flea marketing in NYC.  I've really been wanting to check out Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg.  It's on my summer to-do list which may or may not include:


+ outdoor summer concerts (list to come)
+ checking out the Maira Kalman show at the Jewish Museum
+ seeing the Alexander McQueen show, AGAIN (once is not enough)
+ making sun tea
+ making homemade ice creams
+ watch all of Parks and Recreation on netflix (2 down, 30+ eps to go)
+ maybe learning how to make French macarons, first attempt was a bust
+ gardening more and (hopefully) harvesting my veggies
+ being more productive art wise
+ getting ready to go back to school (packing, eek)


Whats on your list?
VvV Amanda

Splendid Sandals in the Springtime

So as much as I love heels, my disastrous balance and horrendous klutziness means I'm primarily a good ol' flats girl. Since the spring is officially here (it was 70 degrees a few days ago!), it's time to break out the sandals and get a wonky and unique strap tan ASAP. Here are some great sandal picks for the springtime (and they might even carry over into the summer if you're lucky):

click through for more details!

♥, Azzara