Black*Eiffel

Perfect Summery Pasta

2012-05-30T14:32:00.002-06:00

Do you ever watch the food network while doing cardio? Probably not the best combo for obvious reasons, but this time I was glad to tune in briefly because Giada was making this delicious pasta dish.

We do this silly thing in our home called meal grades especially for new recipes. After we go around the table discussing our highs and lows of the day, I ask for a rank of the meal between 1 and 10. I don't know if I shot myself in the foot by doing this, but it is helpful to see what my family really likes to eat and their individual preferences. For example, V gave me a 5 on first taste of last night's dinner (Pueblo Rice) but it slowly changed upwards to a 8 on her last bite. As for this dish, our kids gobbled it up and really enjoyed it (although V set aside the zucchini and tomatoes). It was ranked 10 by all, and a great recipe especially for the kids. Do you do meal grades at your house?

*Notes : As for this recipe I've made it twice and I think the key is the great mascarpone, I also add a bit more orange juice. Also note to cook your sausage (or protein you want to add) before you assemble the dish.

(photo : Rachel Jones)

Graduation Cards

2012-05-29T14:00:00.000-06:00

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

Here are a few different fun graduation cards I've seen out there. I wish I personally knew someone graduating this year so I could give them one.

They have some great ideas for parties here from Martha where the photo above is from.

1. Owl Congrats - Rifle Card Co.
2. Adventure Awaits - Sycamore Street Press
3. Change the World - Greer - I love what this one says inside. (quoted above)

Music Monday : Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

2012-05-29T10:58:00.000-06:00

The folk-rock band "Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros" definitely has a free loving hippie vibe and I am just crazy about their sound (as you can see from my previous post here). It is soothing music that hails back to another era with a slightly modern twist. This morning I've been listening to their beautiful new album Here that dropped today, and it is stunning. Here's to Music Monday on a Tuesday. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

// photo from their Facebook page.

7 things

2012-05-25T13:08:00.001-06:00

Week number 21 : Seven things to share...

1. This Noah & the Whale album has been on heavy rotation this week.
2. Yesterday we went to the park, twirled and ran free in the fresh cut grass. I highly recommend that, it really does something to you.

3. I'm going to make these Garbanzo Bean Burgers this weekend, wish me luck.

4. The flowers are blooming like mad in our yard, love the sweet smells.

5. This weekend I am humbled to think about the ones who have sacrificed so much.
6. Going through my sketchbooks I came across this clip, it's a good one to see again.

7. Each man is a hero and an oracle to somebody. -Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Have a great extended Memorial Day weekend. Hope you get to do some cartwheels.

Kid Made Modern at Target

2012-05-24T14:59:00.001-06:00

I ran into Target quickly for an errand and was surprised to find Kid Made Modern art supplies on one of the end aisle displays. I believe they came into stores a few days ago, and I must have been under a rock because I hadn't heard of this collaboration yet! Already being a office/art supply lover and fan of the book, I was happy to see such minimalistic Muji like supplies with a cheery twist. You can also find some stuff online if it hasn't already sold out, also check out your local Target. I didn't pick any up yet because I was in a hurry, but I am headed back to stock up. Todd Oldham is a genius, eh?

A| B | C | D | E | F

The Most Astounding Fact

2012-05-24T02:10:00.001-06:00

As I have reacquainted myself with yoga and better meditation lately my introspective moments have soared. After seeing this incredible video clip which resonated with me, another zinger occurred. My highly 'private person' nature resists typing this out, but I find connecting and sharing my personal life rather challenging. I am going to work on this. The universe is in us, and I want to be more alive.

“…there’s a level of connectivity, that’s really what you want in life. You want to feel connected, you want to feel relevant, you want to feel like you’re a participant in the goings on of activities and events around you. And that’s precisely what we are, just by being alive.”

– Astrophysicist Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson

(Clip edited by Max Schlickenmeyer // via Aubrey Road - thank you. )

Bubblegum Installation

2012-05-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

This floating bubble installation called Bubblegum by Merijn Hos & Renée Reijnders in the Netherlands is absolutely stunning... gasp.

// photos from Merijn Hos & Renée Reijnders

(via Plenty of Colour - a rad blog devoted to colour)

Aubin & Wills

2012-05-23T10:54:00.001-06:00

Enjoying the fresh preppy pop from the British line Aubin & Wills. Feels like a perfect Memorial Day collection, right? They are such a great lifestyle brand that I am constantly inspired by, their design branding is spot on.

Rolling Bridge in London

2012-05-22T14:47:00.002-06:00

When design is smart and replicates elements of nature, I'm always fascinated. This unique rolling/curling bridge in London designed by Thomas Heatherwick of Heatherwick Studio has to be one of the coolest bridges I've ever seen. I believe every Friday at 12:00 it goes into action in Paddington. Anyone seen it in person? You can see it curl up here.

// photo by Steve Speller

Music Monday : One Little Plane

2012-05-21T13:04:00.000-06:00

Did you had a nice weekend? I came across this song by One Little Plane aka Kathryn Bint called, "She Was Out In the Water" and fell for the charming folk tune and the beachy kite flying video. I hope you enjoy it and are having a lovely Monday.

Have a great weekend.

2012-05-18T10:07:00.000-06:00

I am currently dreaming of a warm beach vacation. This week has been a bit tricky as the sick bug hit our house again! (Yikes, what the what.) I look forward to recouping and relaxing this weekend and celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary. Hope you will have a wonderful weekend. See you on Monday!

//photo from Toast Catalogue.

Travel log : Seattle Pike Place Market

2012-05-16T03:54:00.001-06:00

Every time we go back to Seattle we try to pop by Pike Place Market for a visit and it is always a treat. This time it was just me and the girls and V was intent on following the little pig print path and sitting on the pig. We didn't have any planned stops and just meandered and took it all in. It was better that way. We watched the fishmongers, smelled the pretty flowers, listened to street music, and tasted a few things. Amidst our wandering there were a few dramatic meltdowns, stroller malfunctions and other things that come with traveling with little ones solo, but I will take it -- it is worth sharing with the girls a place full of some of my childhood memories.

They call the Pike Place Market the 'soul of Seattle', it has been around for over 100 years, and has this edgy Northwest charm that I have yet to see replicated anywhere else. It doesn't seem like a trip back home unless we hit the market, and of course take a ferry ride.

Music Monday : Beach House

2012-05-14T09:37:00.001-06:00

Beach House is turning out another album tomorrow called Bloom. As a fan of their album Teen Dream, I am thrilled about this release. Enjoy this song... or this one too. Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Week no. 19 : 7 things

2012-05-11T15:02:00.002-06:00

This week I'm experimenting and sharing more insight of things that happened in my life offline...

1. I'm getting back into the habit of Yoga, I've gone 3 times so far this week.

2. We ate lots of yummy fresh berries.

3. I brought home a Fiddle Fig Leaf Tree, now I'm on the hunt for a great pot.

4. Bought the book on my wish list 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada - it's perfect.

5. Jet Pens kindly sent me a few pens to try out and I am such a fan.

6. Say Media did a little interview on me over here. (I guess this one is online.)
7. Vienna got to visit a pony named Kirby on a farm, she was in heaven.

I hope you will all have a fantastic Mother's Day weekend! Happy Mother's Day Mom.

// photos by me (except #1 - which is a clip from a Lululemon ad.)

Allo Allo

2012-05-08T21:57:00.000-06:00

Want to take a quick mock trip to Paris? Check out this really rad video clip by Land of Nod Inc. (no, not the children's furniture store). After seeing this I want to hop on the next plane to France, well I pretty much always want to do that, but what a good reminder. Also, check out this beautiful Love Letter to Coney Island. What these guys are doing with film is remarkable, it feels as if you are really along enjoying the experience, down to the tiny details. For the moment, it is feeding my wanderlust.

Jar of Cake - Löffle Mich

2012-05-07T12:44:00.000-06:00

Bright, bold and well packaged, wouldn't this Löffle Mich jar of cake be a perfect gift for someone, or a delicious surprise at a picnic? I love the fun nature of it, well I love anything mini in a jar for that matter. If you are near Austria from what I can tell from my loose rusty German 'Löffle Mich' means something along the lines of 'Spoon me', right? You can find them here.

// via Blog Milk + Dieline

Music Monday : Porcelain Raft

2012-05-07T11:19:00.001-06:00

I came across Porcelain Raft this morning and am currently listening to their album Strange Weekend, so far so good. Mauro Remiddi is the composer/writer/musician behind the sound who is from Rome but is currently living in New York City. I heard an interview where he mentioned this album is about layers of humming noises and power station sounds that he heard outside his window while growing up in Rome. That conceptual reference offers great insight into the brilliant sound. Here is a video of the song called "Unless You Speak From Your Heart" and the track Drifting in and Out is also nice. I hope you had a nice weekend and are enjoying your Monday.

Eating our way through Seattle...

2012-05-04T00:37:00.001-06:00

Looking back over my trip photos from Seattle a common delicious food thread was interlaced throughout. Many thanks to my good food loving friend Stephanie who took me around and showed me her favorite places. Crazy to me is that growing up near Seattle, I had never been to any of these, my foodie side has obviously emerged since back in the day. We were able to see some of the best of Seattle in just a few short days -- I feel as if we delightfully ate our way through this rainy town!

Here is the top ten (not in any particular order):

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1. Delancey 1415 Northwest 70th Street // The pizza here is delicious, my favorite kind, the wood-fired thin crust type. You may have heard about this place if you are a food blog reader because it is is the lovechild of Molly Wizenberg and her husband of Orangette. What particularly stood out to me (and I wish I could eat right this minute) was their Meyer Lemon Budino with candied pistachios and anise carmel sauce (pictured above). I am still dreaming about it. Their menu is seasonal so that dessert won't be there all the time, but I'm sure they will have other equally delicious options. The ambience is hip, understated, and on the small side. There may be a wait if you aren't on your toes about timing.

2. Bakery Nouveau - 4737 California Ave SW // This delectable European inspired bakery is in West Seattle. Normally a good bakery will be known for their bread or sweets, but this bakery does both extremely well. I thought the delicious croissants rivaled France, the pizza was insanely good, (yes Pizza again, the kids love it) and oh my... the carrot cake Vienna ordered and I tasted has got to be the best I have ever had. EVER. They also have a wonderful sampling of handmade chocolates that were exquisite. This is a great place to grab a treat or lunch. The numerous awards it has received are well deserved.

3. Molly Moons // There is a smattering of locations for this tasty Homemade Ice Cream shop all around Seattle. Their flavors have a twist like, 'Scout Mint' made with Girlscout cookies, salted carmel, or balsamic strawberry. I am also told that the sundaes are the cat's meow. A great ice cream stop.

4. Chiso 3520 Fremont Avenue North // I love some good sushi and this place doesn't disappoint. The miso soup rocked and the deliciously fresh rolls were top notch. The ambience was clean lined and the art on the walls was unexpected and definitely uniquely fitting to the whole artsy Fremont neighborhood vibe. I would go here again.

5. The Walrus and the Carpenter 4743 Ballard Ave NW // Right when I saw the logo (deign nerd alert) I knew I would love this place. But I will admit, I was hesitant to go to an Oyster Bar because of my previous not so great oyster experience, although this place turned my opinion around with their freshness. Wow, what an experience. This joint is tricky to get into because it is a happening place and I don't think they take reservations. Although, Ballard has great places to check out while you wait. (Stephanie and I went here for some tea.) The place marries the perfect blend of Northwest style with hip modern music, industrial decor and ambiance and insanely delicious unique parings that surprised me in a really good way.

6. Oddfellows N 1525 10th Ave. // We had lunch here. My kids were cranky so I was happy to be in a place were the noise level wasn't a problem, (thank you high ceilings). The ambience and people around us were edgy and quirky, and the food was delicious. I got a falafel salad. This place reminds me of the hip yet slightly grungy urban part of Seattle that I remembered seeing more of growing up, a place were I would imagine cool bands hanging out all the time, maybe they do? It open early and closes late.

7. Marie & Freres 2122 Westlake Ave. // The accolades of this place including 'show-stopper', 'best of Seattle', and 'possibly the best chocolate in the world' are right on point. Going inside this place was an educational culinary experience. Owner Marie-Francoise Barnhart gave me a lesson about the origin of chocolate that I will never forget, and along with that I got to taste their pure chocolate in all different percentages. It was eye-opening. The passionfruit sorbet pop was out of this world and next time I go, I will be picking up a chocolate macaroon.

8. Melrose Market - 1531 Melrose Avenue // Steph was kind enough to manage the kids in the car while I went in and walked around through Melrose Market. I almost had to pick my jaw up off the floor from the beauty of the various shops and restaurant inside. We actually didn't eat here but I'm putting Sitka & Spruce on the docket for next visit. Industrial timbered loft like rafters that echoed the same feel as The Walrus and the Carpenter. Urban. Chic. Cool. Northwest.

9. Chocolopolis - 1527 Queen Anne Ave. N // I snuck in here for a few brief minutes while I was in Queen Anne. It is a well-curated chocolate shop that is beautiful, I picked up a few pieces of chocolate that were scrumptious.

10. D'Ambrosio Gelateria - 5339 Ballard Ave NW // Seriously stellar authentic Italian gelato that compares to one of my long time favorites. Yum.

Again a big thanks to Steph for taking me around to all of these wonderful places. Have you been to any of them? Shout out your Seattle favorites, I would love to hear about them.

Photos // by Rachel Jones

Rainbow Panorama

2012-05-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

The Rainbow Panorama by Olafur Eliasson on the rooftop of the Aros museum in Aarhus, Denmark looks absolutely mind blowing. I want to be there during a sunrise or sunset to walk around and see how the light and colors come alive (yes, I will probably be adding this to my bucket list to visit after I finish typing this). The collection of work that Olafur Eliasson and his team has done is extraordinary. I spent some time going through the projects and wow, brilliant stuff my friends. Brilliant.

Photos // 1- Aros 2-4 from Olafur Eliasson

Books

2012-05-02T00:51:00.000-06:00

A few books on my mind.

1. Currently listening to The Power of Habit I'm not that far in but it is very interesting so far. Listening to audiobooks has been a great way for me to fit them in timewise. I listen in the car, running errands, or doing household chores.

2. I am a recovering perfectionist so this book The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown hit home for me in many ways. I would highly recommend this title to anyone, but it is especially great for those who rarely feel 'good enough' on whatever level. It is engaging and very well written. To see Brene's wit and fun personality check out this Ted Talks which (along with the conference I heard her speak at) turned me towards the title. (Crazy thing, this is the first book I have read in entirety on my phone!)

3. Black Beauty - a classic, Mac or I have been reading a chapter to the girls every night.

4. East of Eden - I am taking on this long one. It has been on my list for ages.

Your turn! What are you reading/listening to these days?

Ps. Oh and for the kitchen, I also bought this cookbook and pre-ordered this one. Can't wait to get them in the mail.

Kinfolk comes to San Francisco

2012-05-01T09:00:00.002-06:00

Kinfolk Magazine is a breath of fresh air in every way. Their overall philosophy for their website and publication celebrates the joy of living in a special way -- through intimate small gatherings. It is beautiful, serene and reminds me of how I want to improve on my daily living; in a more meaningful, simplified and conscious way. Really taking time to connect with what matters most, people.

Over the weekend I attended the Kinfolk Dinner Series -- which happened to be a brunch at Heirloom Cafe in San Francisco and I was delighted to be in a room full of such creative and genuine people. The whole event focus was to sit down to share a delicious meal with people that you have never met before and I did just that (the 2nd photo above is actually a polaroid shot of our table by Heidi from 101 Cookbooks). Between a recent move, my line of work, and being a mother of young children, I often find myself having more virtual conversations than the face to face kind. This event reminded me of the radiant energy you can draw from strangers who after a beautiful meal and nice conversation become more familiar. Everything from the food, to the gorgeous florals and delightful farmer's market like experience were top notch. All of the event partners knocked my socks of and it was meaningful to see such support for experiences like this. I look forward to seeing more from Kinfolk and their dinners across the country.

(photos // by me except - the 2nd polaorid by Heidi )

Music Monday: The Lumineers

2012-04-30T01:26:00.001-06:00

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, one of the highlights of mine was attending the lovely Kinfolk Dinner/Brunch in San Francisco that I hope to share more of later today. To kick of Monday with a little music I wanted to share a band I recently came across called the Lumineers, with their song called Ho Hey which is a sweet little ditty about being someone's sweetheart. I am enjoying their overall sound, it's pretty nice. Enjoy.

Week no. 17

2012-04-28T00:43:00.002-06:00

1. Goodness gracious, the continual stream of beautiful photographs from Peggy Wong constantly blows my mind, these are of the Met.

2. Yummy recipe to try from Martha.

3. I bought a lemon tree to keep inside, but now need to learn good care tips.
4. Came across the work of Natasha Mead - a gorgeous DIY Fashion App called Milk will be coming to the iPad soon. (via Design Milk)

Have a fantastic last week of April weekend. See you Monday.

12 great children's movies

2012-04-27T04:15:00.000-06:00

Both our girls were under the weather this week and when that happens, it just breaks my heart. They are on the mends now and I'm so grateful. Between the runny nose sniffles, coughing, and cuddling, we slowly looked at books, and thumbed through magazines (India especially digs the mini size of Everyday Food) and watched a few of our favorite kid movies.

Here are 12 of our favorite children's movies which some may admittedly be slanted a little to the girly side, maybe not ... you tell me. We have also experimented in our family and work on keeping things 'G' rated around here so there isn't an increase in monster nightmares or sassy talk.

The Black Stallion - The cinematography is breathtaking. This part is my favorite.
Mary Poppins - Classic. You've seen this remix, right??
Willy Wonka & Chocolate Factory I'm partial to the first version, I still get giddy when they open the doors to the colorful candy factory.
The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking I hope to get my hands on these next, the original versions look even better. This mashup is fun.
A Little Princess - Endearing and so well done, I may shed a tear or two with this one ... maybe.
Ratatouille - Paris, great food, a rat. oui.
Pollyanna - Playing the 'glad game' is a great lesson to pick up from this one.
Alice In Wonderland - Imagination practice.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Toot sweets and a magical flying, floating car, yes.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks - V's favorite part is the battle - she laughs her head off.
Spirit: Stallion of Cimarron - V (our horse lover) has watched this repeatedly more than any other.
Charlotte's Web - Touching tale about sacrifice and friendship. We also adore this version.

Okay, now it is your turn! What are your favorite children's movies? Shout them out.

Speaking Digitally: Paper by FiftyThree

2012-04-26T02:44:00.001-06:00

If you have an iPad, you've got to check out the Paper by Fifty Three App. Basically you can use your finger or stylus to jot notes in your own handwriting, draw, paint and more. My husband ordered a stylus pen that came in the mail the other day and we have been having a lot of fun playing around with it. It is super intuitive and I am impressed with what you can do with it, and it feels more natural than any other drawing app we've tried. It is a perfect app for a quick sketch or to convey an idea to someone. It is crazy to envision the future like say in ten years as the gap between real paper vs. digital paper shrinks. Around ten years ago I think that was about when I got my first digital camera -- yikes how far we have come and so fast. The app itself is free and then you pay for the tools you want to use, pretty smart.

Don't get me wrong, I will always be a paper book lover and a pen and real paper type of girl, and I believe there will always be a place for it, but this technology is incredible and just wanted to share it with you. See their video for an idea of how it works. Have you tried it out? What apps are blowing your mind lately?

Also three cheers for Instagram being on Android.