The Dog Walker

Being a pug-lover, you will understand why I adore this cover of The New Yorker. In fact, it is now framed and hangs upon the crumb's bedroom wall.

Wouldn't it be divine if dog walking was really this civilized and chic?

Green Goodness

One of my must-haves in life is greens ~ leafy, flower, herb, sprouts ~ all types of edible green goodness! Every week, my basket is always brimming with a variety of my favorites from the Farmer's Market. And now that Spring is here, almost every meal consists of at least one generous serving of these fresh vitamin and mineral packed superfoods.

It's hard for me to narrow down a favorite or two, but if I had to choose one leafy green that I couldn't live without, it would be wild arugula (with kale, watercress and mesclun mix as the runners-up).

Now tell me....what are your favorite greens?

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Culinary Confetti

Eating is a vital part of our lives, and it is very important to realize, 'we are what we eat'. I never put myself into a certain category when it comes to food consumption; meaning, I'm neither vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, etc. I eat for my health, my well-being, my livelihood.

I'll admit, there are certain foods that make me feel better than others, but mostly, I focus on organic, free-range, local goodness provided by Mother Nature. So when I discovered the 21-day kickstart program in favor of veganism (which I could never fully commit to since I love cheese and eggs SO much), I took a peak because I knew there would be some really good recipes I could add to our overall culinary repertoire. The Couscous Confetti Salad didn't disappoint! It is full of flavor and an array of beautiful colors ~ a true party for your palate.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Plastiki

"What we have to do is eliminate dumb uses of plastic.

Thirty-eight billion plastic bottles went into landfill last year."

~David de Rothschild

Hence the premise behind Plastiki, to dramatize the message that plastic is evil and that sailing a 60-foot catamaran across the Pacific [with 68 percent of the boat’s buoyancy derived from a matrix of 12,500 recycled plastic bottles] will capture the attention of people around the world.

An engineering feat from conception, the stunt for an environmental cause has evolved into a new way to build. Design 'roadblocks' forced 'think-outside-the-box' solutions resulting in a boat constructed using self-reinforced plastics (no resins). The parts are heat-welded together, or in some cases they’re joined with a glue made from sugar cane and cashews. The boat’s solar panels are good for 600 watts, and a recumbent exercycle is rigged to produce 7 amps. A hanging hydroponic garden will grow chard, kale, spinach and other leafy greens. The boat's cabin [egg-shaped as a form of biomimicry] has been described as "the ultimate off-grid house". Plastiki is another 'role model' for our future proving once again that it is possible to use recycled goods and build with non-toxic chemicals.

On Saturday, we attended the traditional Polynesian christening ceremony which means the boat is blessed and ready to make its journey. David de Rothschild will, with a six-man crew, sail across the Pacific Ocean starting in San Francisco and ending his journey in Sydney. Along the way, there are planned visits of several sites of ecological importance such as the man-made disaster called the Eastern Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating landfill located between California and Hawaii that’s twice the size of Texas. This is definitely a noble mission, and one I personally look forward to following.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

~ FISH ~

Being a conscious consumer matters. It matters a WHOLE lot! We are fortunate enough to live in an area that takes sustainable, local, eco-conscious living to an important level of awareness, and my hope is that this awareness continues to spread like wildfire across the continents.

Food is an essential element in all of our lives, yet we must make a valiant effort of mindful consumption. Our existence, as well as millions of other species, on Earth relies upon it.

One of our favorite local restaurants is FISH. Not only is the food off-the-charts incredible (best tuna melt sandwich ever, warm the cockles of your heart chowders, and the most amazing fish and chips to touch a plate), but their commitment to the ocean and its inhabitants speaks volumes. It matters to them where the fish comes from and how and when they are caught.

The words written upon the chalkboard in this restaurant should become the adopted slogan for each and every one of us. Conscious sustainable living taken to a whole new level!

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Dream Dress

Ever since the divinely talented fashionista Dustjacket Attic posted this image on her fabulous blog, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it!

I'm in LOVE! Seriously, I would wear this dress (and shoes) every. single. day! Even to the market because that's how much I adore it.

[image Dustjacket Attic via Vogue Nippon '05]

Chocolate Ricotta Mousse

This year, we celebrated Valentine's Day by having dinner with our lovely friends. Each of us played a part in cupid's meal - mine was dessert! Of course, I had to come up with something decadent but healthy, so I decided upon Chocolate Ricotta Mousse. Let's just say, it didn't disappoint (and shhhh, it is SO easy)!

Chocolate Ricotta Mousse

4-6 individual servings

3 ounces of raw organic dark chocolate
1 pound organic ricotta cheese

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 Tablespoon of organic honey

Melt the chocolate in a double broiler. Stir the chocolate until it is fully melted.

Combine the melted chocolate, ricotta, vanilla, and honey in the food processor (or mix with mixer).

Process or mix until it is smooth.

If you prefer smoother consistency, add a few tablespoons of heavy whipping cream

and continue to process until desired smoothness.

***Also, I added ricotta cold from refrigerator,

this caused some of the melted chocolate to harden into tiny chunks,

I let it stay this way for an added 'nib' effect.***

Topping:

1 cup organic heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla OR 1 teaspoon of maple syrup

Organic Strawberries (or any seasonal fruit) cut into pieces

Beat the heavy cream with the vanilla or maple syrup until soft peaks form.

Add fruit to mousse and top with whipped cream (mint garnish optional).

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Les Voyageuses

Whimsical, dreamy, fairy-tale worthy ... these are just a few words that come to mind when I look at the extraordinary illustrations by Maia of Verlicht Studio. She brings the magical essence of a child's imagination to life with her artistic flair!

A few months ago, I was the lucky giveaway winner of the Pirate's Daughter (on the left). You can only imagine my sheer delight to be a proud recipient of this incredible piece of art! I couldn't wait to get it framed and hung in the crumb's room. And then, I discovered Candace and the Clocks ... both of these smile-inducing, carry-me-away-to-another-world prints have become cherished works of art upon our walls. Shhhh....it's a secret, but I'm saving up for a custom heirloom portrait of the crumb because I just know Maia will capture her sweet, joyful, beautiful spirit in all its glory.

Maia's artistic soul shines through in everything she does. Her blogs, Les Voyageuses and Une Envie de Sel are filled with eloquent words, current works, and the delightful happenings of her adorable little Q! Bring a little bit of whimsical magic to your walls here.

One Sweet Little Crumb, Two Spectacular Years

To dance, to play, to enjoy every day....

This is how our beloved crumb adds

magic and sparkles in every way.

With her deep love for tutus, water,

animals, balloons and beads,
She always leaves behind a trail of smiles and joyful seeds.

She is the most spectacular fairy in all the land,

and together we will enjoy life's journey hand-n-hand.

~ Happy 2nd Birthday Gaia Miette ~

[photographs by Reverie-Daydream]

Café Bliss

 
Cafés are very dear to my heart. Despite the fact that there are millions all over the world, including the 5 within walking distance from our home, we all have one or two cafés we like to 'call our own'. Each one is different in their own special way, but when you find the one that speaks to you and makes you feel at home, you find a delightful comfort in knowing the search is over. For me, this discovery is one of life's sweet little treasures.

We found 'our café' at Cibo. It is an extension of my own kitchen, our dining table, and our living room. It is where we gather with close friends every Sunday morning at the same time without question. It is where the friendly and happy owners and baristas greet us with warm smiles and know us by name. A place we admire for using local, sustainable and organic ingredients in every thing they offer (even the incredible made-with-love pop-tarts!). And they serve Blue Bottle coffee - hands down the best coffee ever!

So tell me....where do you go for café bliss?

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

The Perfect 10

Dearest Sean,

The day you were born, a Perfect 10 was entered upon the scorecard of life!

Happy Birthday to my beloved, my dream-come-true!

I look forward to celebrating many more reverie filled years with you.

All my heart and love,

Simply Yours

[Reverie-Daydream photographs]

heart. racing. | guest post by karey m

{heart. racing.}

i woke up this morning in a panic. the t.ruffles shoppe is re-opening with fresh sweets. i've found myself smack in the middle of a few overseas projects with serious deadlines and giggle-inducing pay. and? i'm speaking at altitude design summit on a panel with the incredibly cool women behind design milk, making it lovely, and petit elefant.

add all of the above to the wails of the girlies three....you promised us a puppy when we moved back to the states!

good morning.

now this. a guest post on this sight. stunning perfection, all the time. airy and calming, more often than that.

{heart. racing.}

then woke esmé. the youngest of my girlies three by day and my hot water bottle by night. she nuzzled her head on my chest and softly declared, oh goodie. your heart is on. and that was that. my panic - poof! - disappeared, and in its place sat a lovely little shot of gratitude. my heart is on, as it should be. better yet? my heart is racing, which only means exciting things ahead. maybe a wee bit of danger, too. brilliant.

because as i always say - since bright and early this exceptionally good morning - danger is a girl's best friend.

now. in the spirit of racing hearts, i'd love it if you love this video. airy and calming, it is not. stunning perfection, it is.

{heart. racing.}

thank you for reading my words. i mean that from the bottom of my racing heart. i've collected more of my words at mackin ink and the sweeterie (ok! we're re-opening today, which means my guest post is serendipitous!), which is also the home of mary swenson's flat-out fab photos. visit any time you'd like. we're always happy to see you. and mel? this was a treat. thank you....and xoxo. karey m. oh! beauty demo found originally on the beauty file and also on lily and the muse.

Walking in the shadow of giants | guest post by SPM

Authors use language as a tool to create art. While I'm more of a visual artist, I am truly in awe of my wife Melissa's gift of the written language. I am also continually impressed with her cherished community of fellow bloggers who produce works of art molded by words.

Last year, Mel, Gaia and I traveled to Spain for a painting workshop and our annual trip to Europe. One of the highlights for me as a new father was to watch, my then 16-month old, daughter walk in the shadows of literary giants. This image is of Gaia walking along Calle de Huertas in Madrid. Las Huertas district is known as the "barrio de las letras" (the neighborhood of letters). The barrio's namesake, Miguel de Cervantes, author of one of the most important books in international literature, Don Quixote, lived and wrote here for part of this difficult life. His creation, Don Quixote, remains a larger-than-life figure not only in Spain but around the world.

Cervantes also gave rise to words such as "quixotic" describing something chivalrous and idealistic. My hope is that my beloved wife and daughter (and each of you) will be quixotic by continually sharing the command of language as a tool to create art.

[photograph by Reverie-Daydream]

GREENS!

When it comes to my closet, you will not find anything green amongst my black, grey and white wardrobe, but in regards to food - green might just be one of my favorite colors!

Greens juice is definitely something I crave. In fact, my entire little family craves it! Nothing like hearing "Greens please!" to bring a big smile to my face. So every few days, the juicer comes out of hiding, and the stacks of greens (kale, parsley, cucumber, and celery) along with fresh flavor enhancers such as apple, ginger, lemon, and lime gather upon the kitchen counter waiting their juicing fate.

Depending on the season and local availability, the ingredients may vary, but the one constant is the color because GREEN = vitamins, minerals and healthy living galore! MMM good!

[Reverie Daydream Images]

A wish for you....

~May peace and comfort surround you this holiday season~

Dream Home

I'll be daydreaming over here today ....

Please come and join me.

[images via ochs design]

Plum Pretty

Ladies (and gentlemen), we all know the importance of finding the ultimate hair stylist/colorist; you know, the one person who can turn those locks into fabulousness! I've been quite lucky for many years to have come across talented colorists, but my luck hit the jackpot of gold when I discovered Danica, the genius and hip goddess behind The Plum Organic Beauty, a fully holistic beauty environment. She works with organic hair color, free of toxins and ammonia, along with organic shampoos, styling products and even organic and bamboo towels in an effort to respect the health of each individual.

Truly, Danica is above and beyond any one else I have ever met in this industry - she fills her very chic space [which includes vintage furniture, reclaimed barn-wood beams as room dividers, and low-VOC paints] with her contagious joy for life and passion for offering healthy, earth-friendly beauty to her clients. Her philosophy sums the Plum up perfectly: a holistic living salon where your truest beauty is encouraged from within and treated organically from without.

I left the Plum feeling incredible! My hair is happy with its vibrant hues of golden bliss, and I am so thankful to Danica for raising the bar even higher when it comes to pure organic living. She definitely rocked my world with her plum pretty style!

****And in keeping with the organic theme, don't forget to enter the Ilha Organics giveaway here.****

Bzzzy Bees

Wishing everyone a very BEE-utiful Halloween!

[photograph of our sweet bees by Reverie-Daydream]

Braising Greens

A very good friend of mine is on vacation this week, so I have had the good fortune of being a 'garden caretaker'. To put it mildly, I am over-the-moon with this so-called task! My darling McDreamy is worried that his city girls have gone country, yet after he enjoyed the soup I made for dinner, which consisted of all the lovely braising greens, turnips, onions, and bell peppers the crumb and I picked and gathered, I believe we might have won him over to our side!

Barley & Braising Greens Soup

6-10 turnips chopped

2 bell peppers chopped

1 onion chopped

1 garlic clove minced

3-4 cups of braising greens (kale, chard, turnip greens) washed, stems removed, cut into strips

1 1/2 cups of Barley

32 oz. of low-sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)

6 oz. of water

2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar

3-4 tablespoons of olive oil

salt

In a large saucepan (soup pot), heat olive oil over medium heat and add onion, peppers and turnips. Cook until tender, then add minced garlic, cook for 30 seconds. Add braising greens and continue to cook until wilted. Add broth, water and barley. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, add red wine vinegar and salt (to taste) cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until Barley is tender.

[photograph by Reverie-Daydream]

Inspiration

“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.”

~Rumi

[Photograph of Pino's Studio by Reverie-Daydream]

A Beach Escape

We are off to the Sunshine State - the land of pink plastic flamingos and palm trees!
A family gathering (or rather a clan of 20+) converging in one spot to enjoy a bit of fun and sun.
I'll be back in a week, but I'm leaving you in some very beautiful hands while I am away.
Bisous!

Summer's Last Bit of Sweetness

As summer yields its last glorious days,

And warmth still gives way to bare feet,

She will dance underneath the sun's setting rays,

And provide us with cherished moments both happy and sweet.

[photographs by Reverie-Daydream]

E is for Education

Education is something I am very passionate about and believe everyone deserves the chance to learn. Empowerment comes from feeding your mind with knowledge, and this is something that no one can ever take from you. In this great big world, there are children who are not given the opportunity to learn, and if they are, the conditions of their school is less than worthy.

Recently, I discovered the Traveling Mama blog. It is authored by Tina, who lives in Morocco with her beautiful family. She is very creative, and along with her talented photographer husband, Jack, they have opened up an Etsy shop. This may sound like many other great stories you have heard before in regards to artists, etsy, and travel, but this one is different. You see, Tina and Jack (and their Traveling Tribe), are donating 100% of their Etsy profits to go towards purchasing paint, books, art supplies and more for a school in Morocco. You can read more about this amazing 'tale of a school' here and here. They are using their artistic talents to make a difference in this world and to give others a chance to learn. I am humbled by their goodness and gracious hearts.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

~Nelson Mandela

[Photographs by Jack Fussell]

Fountain of Youth

"There is a fountain of youth: It is your mind, your talents,

the creativity you bring in your life and the lives of people you love."

~Sophia Loren

[Photograph of Auntie Ursula's Gorgeous Garden in Southern California by reverie-daydream]

Hidden Treasures

During our last stay in Paris, we visited the Marché aux Puces, Paris's most famous flea market located in the 18th arrondissement. There are 2,500 to 3,000 open stalls and shops selling everything from antiques to junk. It is a complex labyrinth between the stalls which ultimately leads you to a new discovery at each twist and turn. We spent hours just enjoying every single object that caught our eye, but nothing prepared us for the hidden treasure we came across among a grouping of framed drawings in an art dealer's stall. A sanguine chalk drawing study by Jules-Élie Delaunay not only caught our eyes, but it captured our hearts as well.

Jules-Élie Delaunay (1828-1891) was a French painter who studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Some of his commissioned works include the three panels of Apollo, Orpheus, and Amphion at the Paris Opera House. He was a very accomplished and talented artist which is evident in this exquisite study we happened upon on that very cold Saturday morning in November 2007. Although she has left her beloved Paris origin behind, she is now part of our family, and we lovingly gaze upon her ethereal beauty morning, noon and night.

The Summer Dance

"Get up and dance, get up and smile, get up and drink

to the days that are gone in the shortest while."

~Simon Fowler

[Rosina-Capri by John Singer Sargent]

Culinary Getaway - Napa Valley

As you can imagine, my weekend was off-the-charts fantastic! I'm still in a state of culinary bliss! Sherry Page truly has to be one of the most generous, fun-loving, talented and enthusiastic chefs I've ever had the pleasure of knowing (and now, I can say, learning from).

The Napa Valley Culinary Getaway began Friday evening with a welcome dinner at Sherry's adorable cottage in Yountville. Every detail of the evening was divine - meeting the other happy attendees (there were only 7 of us because Sherry prefers intimate groups), the tour of Sherry's terraced garden of herbs, rhubarb, tomatoes, chard, peppers, figs, pomegranates, pears, and more, and dining al fresco underneath the rugged beauty of her walnut tree on a warm summer night. It's difficult for me to choose one favorite item from Sherry's 5-course dinner menu, so I'll share a few of my favorites: the Salad of Fresh White Corn, Sungold Tomatoes and Basil, the Roasted Chicken with Roasted Meyer Lemons, and the Lemon Verbena Ice Cream. Not to mention, she pairs each course with an exceptional wine. Are you drooling yet?

Saturday morning, we met at Silverado Vineyards for our hands-on cooking class. Of course, it wouldn't be right if a private winery tour wasn't part of the day, so this is how the sun-kissed morning began along with a glass of Sangiovese in our hands. After the very informative tour, Sherry gave us a class on sea salts which was so interesting and useful. She then passed out our personalized embroidered aprons (she doesn't miss a detail!), and we headed to the kitchen to begin preparing our multi-course lunch of Carmelized Dates with Roasted Almonds and Fleur de Sel, Figs stuffed with Fresh Chevre and Chopped Hazelnuts, Farmers Market Vegetable Paella, Filet of Beef Tenderlion Roast with Tattooed Yukon Gold Potatoes and Dressed Greens, and Balsamic Strawberries with Cracked Pepper and Creme Fraiche. Yes, this was our lunch! We prepared every course with our own hands along with the guidance of our gracious and very patient 'food mentor', Sherry; so when the time came for us to enjoy the 'fruits of our labor', we did so with much glee while dining on the outdoor terrace overlooking the vineyards. Two words: Culinary Heaven!

As a grand finale, on Sunday, we learned to make the glorious galettes I mentioned here, and we made blueberry, nectarine, and apple. (Oh my, look out friends and family, I see lots of these tasty tarts in your future!) After this cooking lesson, we all sat down to Sherry's delicious breakfast of grits with piave vecchio cheese, chicken and mango sausage, fresh seasonal fruit, Bouchon bread with strawberry rhubarb or blackberry preserves, and our fresh from the oven galettes. A very hearty and satisfying Sunday morning indulgence!

Hopefully, my words did this experience justice, for I highly recommend attending one of Sherry's Culinary Getaways. If you love good food, have the desire to learn to cook delicious dishes, and enjoy being taught by a very knowledgeable and fun person, then one of these getaways would be ideal for you. I'm already looking ahead to 2010 in hopes of attending one of the European Culinary Getaways in either Provence or Tuscany. And as a food lover's good fortune would have it, Sherry is also going to start offering one day classes in the Bay Area too! I urge you to sign up for her newletters here; I guarantee you will be just as excited as I am when they arrive in the inbox, for they are always filled with great recipes, reviews, culinary getaway updates, and seasonal tips. This weekend was the perfect combination of incredible food and wine, breathtaking vistas, great people, and extraordinary lessons to expand my culinary knowledge - all wonderful elements that helped to create a blissful memory I will cherish for a very long time.

Pug Love

Allow me to introduce my sweet little pug, Ashton. She entered my life on Valentine's Day 1997, and at 5 weeks old, she was small enough to carry in my coat pocket! Her gentle and cheerful disposition has been the highlight of my days. We take her everywhere with us (including Europe). In fact, she fell in love with Paris (did I mention she was extremely brilliant!?!) because she knew fresh croissants or pastries were around every corner - a pug's dream!

Her cute little face melts my heart daily, and I can't imagine not having her by my side morning, noon and night. She has never met a stranger and is adored by so many. Ashton is one-of-a-kind, and she truly is our beloved best friend.

Cheese, please!

Dear Cowgirl Creamery,

How do you do it?

Every round of cheese is total perfection.

You must know the happiest grass grazing cows on the planet.

Mt. Tam, your signature cheese, makes me drop to my knees with its elegant and smooth triple cream goodness!

Not to mention, you use organic milk, you are environmentally responsible, and you support sustainable land stewards.

Cowgirl Creamery, your artisan cheesemaking is one of the delectable highlights of my life, and I am so grateful to have you nearby.

Please promise me this....you will continue to offer your creamy pleasures now and forever.

With great devotion,

An Artisan Cheese Lover

Favorites

One of my favorite things is to have fresh flowers by my bedside. It just makes waking up even more delightful when you open your eyes to see a beautiful gift of nature sharing its vibrant happiness with you. My flower of choice is the Tuberose. I can't get enough of their exquisite fragrance and all-white splendor!

What's your favorite flower?

To see more of my favorite things, visit the fabulous Joslyn's Simple Lovely and take a peek!

Calm

"When we are able to make ourselves as still within as an untouched mountain lake,

we have an exquisite reflection of all that is in and around us."

~Laura van Dernoot Lipsky

[Fallen Leaf Lake photo by Reveriedaydream]

Pastis Hotel St. Tropez

A few years ago, we had the pleasure of staying at the Pastis Hotel in St. Tropez. For the last several days, I have been dreaming of returning to this glorious spot in the South of France.

We happened to visit in October during the off-season, so it was quiet and all to ourselves - a very different feel from the 'see and be seen' summers of this popular French beach destination. However, this didn't stop the 'red carpet' treatment we received from the beyond gracious owners, John and Pauline Larkin, and their amazing staff. They truly made us feel like personal guests in their 'home'. The delicious breakfasts, the evenings enjoyed sitting under the stars listening to John's personal cd favorites while sipping on aperitifs, and the delightful conversations we had with everyone there along with the incredible attention to detail made this an unforgettable stay. Our room was so beautifully decorated with soft linens, plush towels, unique objets d'art, a copper soaking tub, and a large sunny terrace for our own private use.

Pauline and John have a passion for Provence. They relocated from the UK to follow their dreams of owning a boutique hotel in the South of France. Now, they provide a dreamy experience for all of those lucky enough to be their guests! The hotel is filled with 20th-century art, paintings and photography as well as furnished with a perfect mix of period and 'modern-classic' pieces. It is one of our favorite hotels in the world. In fact, we could easily just move in and never leave...it's that perfect!

After enlightenment, the laundry.

~Zen Proverb

Here's to nurturing every moment the weekend offers.....

[Venice Canal by Reverie-Daydream]

Mi Guapa

We love to travel! And now that our little Guapa (the endearing Spanish word loosely translated as beautiful) has entered our happy world, we haven't stopped! In fact, our gypsy lifestyle might have increased a bit due to the fact we LOVE to introduce her to new places, people and things.

This recent trip to Spain was her first adventure on European soil, and let me tell you, she hasn't been the same since! Not only does she dance the Flamenco to every Spanish guitar song, but she also proclaims "OLE" at the end of each piece of music she hears including Tchaikovsky. Her taste buds have been primed with delicious ice creams, she discovered the Fountain of Youth, and she has a special affinity for Vespas.

So instead of trying to answer the question we hear most often: "Are you really traveling with a baby/toddler?" We have a rebuttal...."Why NOT travel with them?" My goodness it was great, and we can't wait for our next trip because this little girl has a lot to learn and see. We're thinking Paris should be next.....

[photographs by Reverie-Daydream]

Sweet Tooth

I'll admit it...I LOVE really good gelato! It doesn't matter if it's summer or the middle of winter, I gleefully enjoy a petite scoop of this creamy perfection any time of the year. So you can imagine my sheer delight when the most incredible gelateria opened near our house - Cici (pronounced the Italian way, "chee chee").

This gelato is artisanal...meaning Michael and Liana (the owners) make every flavor from scratch in the kitchen above the shop! They use organic ingredients including Straus milk and cream (which is my ULTIMATE favorite dairy farm), organic eggs, and local fruit. The flavors change with the seasons according to what is available fresh from local farms. Some of the flavors yesterday included: Toasted California Pistachio, Organic Blackberry (yes, it's the stunning purple one in the photo! AND they just happened to hand-pick the blackberries on their way to work that morning!), Organic Coffee & Honey, Organic Fresh Spearmint & Chocolate Chip, Organic Strawberries & Cream, Fior di Latte (the Straus dairy sweet cream which is always offered and one of my very favorites), Organic Lemon Sorbetto, and at least 6 other flavors that will make your taste buds swoon!

I'm not sure if having this delectable gelateria near me is a good thing or not because every where we go, I compare the gelato to Cici...and I've yet to find anything that supersedes any of their creamy scoops. Michael and Liana are not only my gelato heroes, but they also operate Cici as a green business (less packaging, compost food waste, eliminate paper waste, and recycle - not to mention they deliver gelato locally via a very cool bike!) because they honor and respect our one Earth.

As you can imagine, supporting this local independently-owned business is a delicious pleasure!

[photo by Reverie-Daydream]

Sunday Solitude

Do you ever daydream of being on a deserted island?

Imagine the solitude.

This is where my mind is leading me today.

My list of a few essential things I would take with me is being featured on

Her name was Lola's Stranded! Sundays series.

[photo of Punta Sayulita by Reverie-Daydream]

Love & Release

Today, we visited the newly-renovated Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. If you already didn't know, I am a huge animal lover (land, sea or sky), so everyday I thank my lucky stars for granting me the fortune of living in such an amazing place that is filled with a plethora of nature's magnificent wonders.

The Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit organization that rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured, sick and orphaned marine mammals (seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, whales and sea otters) along a 600 mile stretch of California coastline. There were 110 'patients' there today. My heart breaks to see the reasons why most are there - negligence and ignorance of the human race - from fish hooks, plastic bags, fishing nets, water bottles, etc. Environmental and other causes such as abandoned pups were also high on the list. Luckily, these sweet little loves are given the greatest care, by an amazing staff of veterinarians, scientists and volunteers, with the highest hopes of being released back into nature once they are 100% healed and recovered.

This is an incredible facility, not only for the TLC that is given to each mammal that arrives, but also for its environmental-friendly design (recycled and sustainable building materials, solar panels, use of reclaimed water, efficient fixtures and lighting and more). With over 800 volunteers, one can easily see that people are very passionate about making a difference. We are all connected on this great planet and being considerate of every living species is a vital commitment we all need to make.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress

can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

~Mahatma Ghandi

[photograph by Simply Mel]

Terribly Happy

A few months ago, I came across the delightful blog, Rockstar Diaries, and this 'madly-in-love' daily journal of Naomi and Josh has me hooked! In fact, Naomi started this fun feature "10 things that make you terribly happy" as a wonderful reminder to celebrate happiness and the little things in life. Of course, she got me thinking, (and I love lists), so I thought it would be fun to share! Hopefully, you will do the same....what makes you terribly happy?

10 things that make me terribly happy:

1. fresh strawberries on top of heart-shaped waffles

2. kissing the man of my dreams along the banks of the Seine (or kissing him anytime for that matter!)

3. the sound of champagne being opened

4. the belly-laugh giggles from my adorable baby girl

5. fresh cut grass underneath my bare feet

6. sound of rain drops on a tin roof

7. receiving a hand-written letter from a friend

8. my pug's sweet little gurgling/snoring sounds through the night

9. cafes in European squares

10. crickets and fireflies on a hot summer night

[photo of "two terribly happy people" in Paris taken by us]

Fresh Start

Every morning is a beautiful new beginning.....

Here's to a wonderful week of fresh starts!


[photo of Angel Island Sunrise by Reverie-Daydream]

Simple Bliss

Wishing everyone a wonderful Fourth of July weekend

filled with all the simple things that make life so blissful!

[photograph of our Gaia Miette by Reverie-Daydream]

El Olivo

Olive trees are one of our favorite arboreal treasures, so Sean couldn't resist a plein-air moment capturing one of these 400 year-old beauties in Arcos.

In fact, if he had to live his life on Earth as a tree, he would be an Olive Tree. They thrive in warm, dry Mediterranean climates, and this makes Sean a very happy man!

What type of tree would you be?

Vista Vision

This is the vista vision that greets us from the courtyard of our Arcos Hotel - inspirational indeed.

What landscapes inspire you?

[photograph by Reverie-Daydream]

Papa's Day

“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.”

~Anonymous

My beloved Sean,

Thank you for being the most incredible Papa to our Gaia Miette.

We both believe you hung the moon.

Happy Papa's Day!

[photo taken by Simply Mel of her dreams come true]

A Spanish Garden

This beautiful garden is located in the Museo Sorolla (the former home and atelier of Joaquín Sorolla). Designed by the artist himself and inspired by Andalusia, it was planted between 1915 and 1916. While sitting in this gorgeous spot located in the heart of Madrid, we reveled in a very peaceful reprieve and captured a memorable moment to cherish for a very long time.

[Sorolla's Garden - Museo Sorolla]

Sorolla: Visions of Spain

Today, we attended the Sorolla Exhibition at the Museo Nacional del Prado. Joaquín Sorolla, an early 20th Century Master painter of portraits and landscapes, is receiving well-deserved attention in one of the most important ever organized exhibitions, in Spain and abroad, with regard to the number of works and their quality. The exhibition includes around one hundred paintings by Sorolla, the most internationally known Spanish artist of his day, and provides a comprehensive collection of paintings based on examples of his finest works and the fourteen panels (murals) known as the Vision of Spain painted for The Hispanic Society of America. Being able to behold so many of Sorolla's masterpieces, in the Prado, has been the perfect prelude to our week in Madrid.

[El Baile - one of the fourteen Vision of Spain panels]

The Travail of The Dreamer

The true artist works rather in great gusts of effort, and in smaller gusts

of apparent lassitude. He is not laying about "waiting for some inspiration."

He is in the travail of the dreamer entering into expression.

Now when you see the artist sitting thoughtfully before his blank canvas,

don't call him lazy. Realize what huge gulfs exist between a thing of

dreams and the exact science of mathematics.

Know that the dream is as necessary to the birth of any idea

as mathematics is to the exactness of its consummation.

An artist must neither be too dreamy, nor too mathematical.

He must dream and he must paint.

~John F. Carlson

[We depart for Spain tomorrow morning. Sean is attending an artist workshop, and I'm going to perfect my peripatetic skills with my little crumb in tow! Once we settle into Madrid, we promise to share our Spanish tales with you. Hasta pronto!]

Stone Fruit Pleasures

When I arrived at the Farmer's Market this weekend, I was in total heaven with all the stone fruit choices that were beautifully displayed before me. I couldn't stop tasting all the varietals of nectarines, cherries, peaches, and apricots. With my basket overflowing, I knew there was a fruit crumble in our future! This is a very simple dessert I make throughout the year with any seasonal fruit of choice. When I prepared it this afternoon, I tried to pay attention to the measurements because I usually just mix everything together and hope for the best. Trust me, it is extremely easy and incredibly delicious!

Cherry-Peach Crumble

serves 4

1/2 pound organic cherries

2-3 organic peaches

1 cup organic Muesli

1/4 cup organic brown sugar

6 tbsp. unsalted organic butter [softened]

Cut fruit into small pieces and place into a baking dish [9x9 or something similar].

In a bowl, mix muesli, brown sugar and butter together forming a 'chunky' mixture.

Sprinkle the topping over the fruits.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the fruit is bubbling and topping is golden.

Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!

Field of Daydreams

How beautiful it is to do nothing,

and then rest afterwards.

~Spanish Proverb

[photo by Reverie-Daydream]