packing

I'm packing for a long weekend away to Palm Springs to celebrate our anniversary. There will be hiking, yoga, massage and lots of good food involved. I'm wondering if I can get 3 days worth of clothing into this bag. It's always worked before, I think it will work again. I'm a very light packer. People are amazed at what I can fit into this bag. The weather is supposed to be a mix of rain and gorgeousness so a bathing suit and raincoat will be required. While I'm packing I am slathering myself in L'Oreal instant tan stuff. My natural skintone is somewhere between transparent and Benjamin Moore's Ultra White. I purchased a couple of items for this trip. A new vegan purse (that's fancy talk for polyvinyl) that has an origami look to it. Also, a sort of retro looking dress that has a very Palm Springs vibe to it. We are staying here, which Kelly Wearstler designed. It's all black and white with yellow accents. I will take try and take lots of photos.

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flowering quince

I would have to say that one of the best things about living in an old house and garden that had been neglected, is watching its reemergence back into a thriving state. This morning I opened my bedroom curtains and looked into the far corner of the rose garden and saw a burst of red flowers. Lo and behold if we don't have a flowering quince! It is in quite a scraggly state and needs much pruning but the flowering branches are beautiful. Nature is magnificent.

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EASY creamy tomato basil pasta*

I discovered this recipe over at Vegan Yum Yum. Every time I make it I think, "wow, I really should post this recipe!" So here it is, in all it's simplicity and goodness.

1 large tomato

1/2 cup cashews

1 T tomato paste

1/4 cup water

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Transfer to a saute pan warming with olive oil and a clove of garlic. Heat through. May add wine or water to thin. Add cooked pasta and top with black pepper and chiffonade of basil.

Notes: Substitutions I have used include 1 cup canned chopped tomatoes in place of a fresh tomato. I have also left out the tomato paste because I either forgot it or didn't have it. And I have also substituted dried basil in place of fresh. On occasion I have added a finely chopped clove of garlic to the blender and then just drained the pasta and added the mixture straight into the pasta without first heating it. Any way I've prepared it, it has always come out scrumptious.

No animals were harmed making this dish.

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white flowers

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behold

I have been looking for the perfect pair of brogues for about a year and a half now. Last week Melissa (junking extraordinaire) and I were scrounging around the Salvation Army when she found these. I was heartbroken that I didn't find them first. She paid for them and off we went. Two days later she called and said they hurt her feet and that she was giving them to me! What a friend. They fit me perfectly. They were made in Spain by Pedro Garcia a 3rd generation shoemaker. Judging by similar oxfords on his website, they probably retailed for at least $450. They are barely used and she paid $3. I adore these shoes and have only taken them off to sleep (a slight overstatement.)

The Sartorialist

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