SOL Food ~

Okay my lovely peeps, it's confession time ~ the Reverie trio is completely addicted to Sol Food!  I can't get enough of their lemon-garlic dressing and café helados, the crumb is all about the oregano and garlic marinated free range chicken, and McDreamy is head-over-heels for the atmosphere and its I-don't-feel-like-I'm-in-Northern California-vibe!  

Sol Hernandez began serving her delicious dishes at the local farmer's market, and she was an instant hit. After a few years, she opened up a cool little restaurant in San Rafael.  Sol has a very dedicated clientele thanks to her incredibly delectable cuisine (which also is sustainable, local, and organic), so it wasn't long before location numero dos opened its doors.  Both restaurants look and feel like Puerto Rico:  colorful shutters and chairs, green plantains holding down stacks of napkins, and lively Latin music adding a hint of happy energy in most everyone who enters through the doors.

If only I could box it up and send each of you a taste of this Puerto Rican perfection ~ it's that good!  

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

~ Simple Things ~

The Simple Things in life are the true beauty, hope, and love of our existence ~ the list can and will change daily, but what is important is the ability to appreciate and indulge in these moments.  The incredibly wonderful and beautiful Christina, of the magical and poetic Soul Aperture, is celebrating her birthday today, and in honor of all the glorious things which make her heart sing, I'm celebrating her with a few of the delightful moments which make my days brighter and my soul joyful ~ 

* laughs from the deepest depths of your belly

* sunshine warming your shoulders

* memorable moments made with friends

* a warm cup of smooth coffee

* the way your body absent-mindedly dances to the beat of your favorite song

* the gentle caress of your beloved's hand

* blue polish on my sweet crumb's toes

* the way a perfectly ripened peach drips down your chin

* the fresh scent of rain on a summer afternoon

* a breathtaking sunset while dining outdoors

*  closing your eyes and making a wish

*  warm sand between your toes

 [Gaia and Isa ~ Reverie-Daydream Images]

Blackberry Picking

"At first, just one, a glossy purple clot

among others, red, green, hard as a knot.

You ate that first one and its flesh was sweet

like thickened wine: summer's blood was in it

leaving stains upon the tongue and lust for picking."

~ Excerpt from "Blackberry Picking" by Seamus Heaney

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

A PUBLIC Wish ~

All it takes is a vision, a group of like-minded people who put their thoughts, ideas, and plans of change into action.  A movement has started in the U.S. ~ one that not only benefits the environment but also improves health and socialization.  Europeans have proven this brilliant concept equates to a more civilized society, and now we are finally taking note.  

PUBLIC bikes is Rob Forbes' (founder of Design Within Reach) newest venture, and this design based business is on "a mission to help us reduce our dependency on cars and think more intelligently and artfully about the way we get around and connect with our cities and communities". 

I don't know about you, but this is one bandwagon I'm going to jump on ~ and yes, I've already picked out my PUBLIC M8 beauty (in Cream, please) and have added it to the top of my wish list.  

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Laissez Faire

It's captured, the moment in time when she had her mama's gaze through her papa's eyes.

A moment when it doesn't matter what size bikini you are wearing, but just the fact that you are wearing one.

She rocks our world.

Our Summer will be fabulous.

Here's to a lovely holiday weekend filled with blissful laissez faire!

[Image by Reverie-Daydream]

Lavender Farm

Last week, we enjoyed outdoor adventures in Northern California with Sean's parents.  They have been traveling across country in their beautiful new RV (an eco-friendly, green machine by EverGreen), so we couldn't wait to rendezvous in the foothills of Mt. Shasta. 

One of the many highlights of our camping adventure was the Mt. Shasta Lavender Farm.  It opened to the public on June 12th, and although the lavender blooms were not at their peak of prime loveliness, the beauty of this seasonal destination was magnificent.  Truly, a gorgeous thumbprint of Mother Nature's glory!

[Images by Reverie-Daydream]

A Magical Wedding ~

There are weddings, and then there ARE weddings ~ Beth and Bill's special day of love uniting seriously takes the prize for the most magical and memorable wedding I have ever had the pleasure of attending (and being a part of!). 

Truly filled with organic bliss from the moment the invitation arrived until the bride and groom pedaled off into happily-ever-after.  Nature provided the backdrop to this perfect wedding ~ the ceremony took place within the organic vegetable garden which is grown with love by the Bride's mother and father [one of my favorite people in the entire world], a cellist playing the most beautiful music amidst the green bounty, turkeys and chickens adding their cheerful songs in the distant background, organic | local | seasonal food served underneath a 300-year-old Oak tree, and a stunning bride and groom so perfectly made for one another that one begins to believe that fairy-tales do exist. 

I was honored to bake the wedding cakes [3 vanilla cakes layered with lemon curd, 1 coconut cake, 1 chocolate cake with mocha frosting, and carrot cake cupcakes with cream-cheese frosting], and to see them beautifully displayed upon the Jadeite cake stands was a total delight!  Among the many details that made this love affair so special was the fact that everything was so natural, so real, so made-with-love | decorated with love | organized with love by the blissful couple and those who love them [and you must take a peek at the behind-the-scenes here]. 

[Images by Reverie-Daydream]

Through My Papa's Eyes ~

Dearest Papa,

I was given the blessed gift of your eyes,

To see this world around me,

My hope is that I will learn through you

The appreciation of all there is to see.

Will you teach me to see all the colors

In the world from an artist’s point of view?

And when I travel the world with you,

Will we share the joy of everything so beautiful and new?

Will you help me to understand and

Appreciate the differences among human kind?

Most importantly, will you please

Teach me to have a very open-mind?

As I take my journey along life’s path,

I hope you are beside me each step of the way,

To show me how to love, listen,

Dance, paint, laugh, and appreciate every day.

I look forward to the many times you will

Take me by the hand,

And show me all there is to see

Of foreign cities, seas, and land.

Because looking at the world

Through my Papa's eyes,

Must be this little girl's

Greatest prize.

Je t'aime,

Gaia Miette

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

Nature's Peace

"Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer.

Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows,

in craggy garden nooks full of nature's darlings.

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings,

Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.

The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy,

while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.

As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed,

but nature's sources never fail."

~John Muir

[Mount Tallac, 1880 - Thomas Hill]

Tomato Tart

Summertime means delicious tomatoes in great abundance!  After a morning of being outdoors, I've always been a fan of a simple tomato sandwich for lunch.  Sprinkling sea salt upon the fresh slices of juicy redness, adding a bit of basil, and settling this fantastic grouping upon a chunky slab of olive oil drizzled wholegrain bread = the best! 

And now that the crumb has adopted her mama's love for tomatoes (especially the heirlooms), there is always a bowl of this hearty fruit on our kitchen counter.  The other evening, I prepared a delicious tart, and it was absolutely perfect paired with a side salad.  Easy, healthy, yummy and a big hit ~ my defining elements for a great recipe. 

Tomato Tart

One Organic Pie Shell

1 - 1 1/2 pounds of cherry tomatoes

6-8 oz. goat cheese (softened)

2 tbsp. olive oil

1-2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

2 tbsp. fresh basil (roll like a cigar and cut into strips)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Toss the tomatoes in a bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Spread goat cheese inside pie shell.

Arrange tomatoes atop the goat cheese.

Bake for an hour until tomatoes are soft.

Remove and let cool for 10 mins.

Sprinkle basil over tart and indulge while still warm.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

An Exhibition

With great enthusiasm (and a heart full of loving pride), I am extremely excited to share the news of our first official photography exhibit! 

A collection of his favorite Italian images are now on display at our favorite local cafe, CIBO. 

Limited Edition prints from the Daydreaming in Italy exhibit can be purchased here.

Balance

~ What I dream of is an art of balance. ~

-Henri Matisse

[Palladio's Villa | Italy | Reverie-Daydream Image]

10 Things ~

Have you ever stopped to think about what you can't live without?

The lovely Paloma of La Dolce Vita asked me to share 

10 Things I Can't Live Without {here}.

[Paris | 27 Weeks Pregnant with the crumb]

The Academy

The California Academy of Sciences is one of our favorite places to visit, and it makes me beam with pride knowing it is the largest public Platinum-rated building in the world, and also the world’s greenest museum.  The Academy's sustainability extends to all facets of the facility - from the bike racks and rechargeable vehicle stations outside the building to the radiant sub-floor heating inside the building to the energy-generating solar panels on top of the building!  Not only is this a place to learn about science, natural history and species from all over the world, but we can also absorb a few lessons about living more efficiently and eco-friendly.

We spend hours within these 'green' walls ~ moving from the planetarium to the aquarium, through the 4-story rainforest, pausing for penguin feedings, and getting lost in time as we stroll through the natural history exhibits.  Our minds race, our hearts pound, and our yearning for learning increases more and more.  The Academy is addictive, and their mission ~ to explore, explain and protect the natural world is one I believe we should all adopt.

[Image by Reverie-Daydream]

Enlightened Path

Dearest Gaia Miette,

The role of Mother was never part of my overall life plan,

but you, my sweet crumb, had a different blueprint in mind.

You entered my world and turned it upside down,

proving that life is full of unexpected and beautiful surprises.

I graduated from a top university, read thousands of books, practiced yoga with great teachers,

but you, and your wee self, have taught me more about life than any of the above.

You have shown me the importance of patience, the wonderment of simple things,

the liberation from selfishness, and the significance of living in the moment.

Oddly, I cannot imagine life without you,

And trust me, there was definitely a past filled with lots of extraordinary living.

However, your entrance into my world has only caused me to look forward,

ahead to all the great things you will do, be and give.

The moments we will share together for the rest of our lives,

the numerous times I hope we walk hand-in-hand through it all, the good, the bad, and the spectacular.

My heart is forever changed and filled with an adoration words cannot describe,

and I thank you for diverting my path and adding one of the greatest roles of my life to our story.

Love,

Mama

[Mama & Gaia ~ El Retiro, Madrid, Spain]

A Well-Rounded Treat

I'm always looking for healthy snack foods, and these delicious 'power balls' are filled with nutrient rich ingredients to give anyone a perky little boost anytime of the day!  And they are REALLY easy to make.

Well-Rounded Treats

1 cup chopped pitted dates

1 cup raw walnuts (or almonds)

1 cup sesame seeds

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest

1/2 cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes

Place dates, walnuts, sesame seeds, lemon juice and zest in a food processor.  Pulse and blend until completely mixed.  The mixture will be slightly sticky.  With dampened hands, roll tablespoons of the mixture into balls.  Roll in coconut and chill until ready to serve.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Wishes Come True ~

A very dear friend once told me that if you put your wishes out there, they will eventually come true.  I made a few birthday wishes this year, and they all came true and then some!

Celebrations continue throughout the month, but this weekend was especially wonderful because my Dad and Step-Mom were by my side for every special moment!  There is no denying that I am a total Daddy's Girl, so to laugh, talk, and just spend quality time with him was a birthday highlight. 

McDreamy pulled out the 'birthday carpet of love' with my special day planned perfectly from beginning to end.  Delivery of a huge bouquet of shiny silver balloons, a freshly baked gigantic organic pop-tart from Cibo, an afternoon at the Cartier exhibit, and a delicious outdoor dinner with great friends ~ all underneath the sunshine filled blue skies of a 70 degrees day in San Francisco. 

Remember when I mentioned this dream chair?  Well, it is mine!  One of the greatest people to ever walk upon this Earth and into my life gave it to me ~ I'm still speechless, but it's easy to be at a loss for words when daydreaming underneath this chair's beautiful canopy.  

My little brother surprised me with the gorgeous pair of antique French earrings from here (he obviously knows his sister very well!).  Gifts, cards, emails, calls and messages came pouring in from so many loving friends and family.  Truly, I'm not sure what I did to deserve all this amazing love and goodness that has been showered upon me ~ There are so many creative gifts and stories I want to share with each of you, and I will do so throughout the weeks ahead.

Until then, I'm going to go make some delicious lemon desserts from my birthday basket of Sherry's lemons!  My sweet mom just arrived, and we have a lot of fun things planned which includes some serious baking!

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Deep Within....

~ If you look deep within .... you will find a brilliant light ~

[Hagia Sophia, Istanbul by reverie-daydream]

French Essence

Last week while in Southern California, I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting this beautiful woman [who inspires me with her lovely words, incredible eye for French treasures, and ability to make everyday life feel like a fairy tale] and her equally stunning daughter [who creates exquisite masterpieces with the finest of French materials, adores all things great and small, and has the most endearing heart of gold] ~ it was a glorious gathering of like-minded souls who truly felt as if we had known each other forever! We shared personal stories, dreams, creative thoughts, travel memories and so much more, and we also discussed the power of blogging and its magnificent ability to connect people from all over the world along with the added life bonus of cherished new friendships.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that I adore all things French, so when the kind-hearted and always gracious, Janet and Noel, gave me a copy of French Essence by Vicki Archer, I seriously jumped for joy! I've been a huge fan of Vicki's ever since I picked up a copy of My French Life, and I've been anxiously waiting for French Essence to make its US debut. When I opened my new book friend, I didn't stop reading until I soaked up every single word from cover to cover. Vicki's writing has this special way of making you feel as if you are right there beside her as she describes her joi de vivre in France. She takes your hand and leads you through the beautiful chapters of her life entangling you with her love affair of France, an affair you never wish to end.

HEATH Ceramics

As if the San Francisco Ferry Building couldn't get any better ~ now Heath Ceramics has opened a new location within the beautiful walls of this historic marketplace.

Most likely, Heath Ceramics creations, with their signature style, doesn't need an introduction. Each piece is still made in their original factory in Sausalito, California and crafted in the same manner as it has been for the past 55 years.

This design driven, small-scale, family owned Bay Area company is a perfect fit with the Ferry Building's unique mix of artisanal, local retailers and restaurants ~ the ideal gathering of Northern California's best of the best.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Easter Traditions

When I was a little girl, my grandmother always baked a coconut cake for Easter. She decorated it with the green grass, jelly beans, and peeps. I thought it was the greatest thing in the world! It was a tradition that became synonymous with this Spring holiday.

Both of my grandmothers are incredible bakers, so I believe this is where I inherited the love for sweet creations. This year, I decided to start the Easter cake tradition for the crumb. Hand-painted blown eggs (a definite labor of love) set perfectly atop my double-layered coconut cake along with the crumb's squeal of "Pink Eggs!" would definitely make my grandmother proud!

I would love to know your fondest Easter/Springtime memories.....

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Sweet Friends

~ Life is sweeter when shared with friends ~

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

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]