Party Planning at the Farmer's Market

The weather in San Diego has been AMAZING!! It makes me want to spend time on my patio hanging out with friends, munching on yummy food, sipping a little wine, relaxing ;-) I love entertaining (duh), I like cooking and trying new recipes, but sometimes I just want to throw together a little impromptu get-together, not spend a bunch of time in the kitchen. 

My favorite place to jumpstart a party is my local Farmer’s Market.  A quick trip to the Market and you have everything you need to entertain like a pro.

Today I felt like something sort of Mediterranean.  The sunny days and warm evenings remind me of  Italy. 

When you think of the Farmer’s Market what do you think of first? Fresh produce? Oh yes. Look at those beautiful artichokes.  Super simple to steam, chill, and serve with melted butter. Quick and impressive appetizer!

 While you are exploring the produce pick up some greens, tomatoes, veggies…

to make up a nice green salad.

Take a look at these amazing flavored olive oil and vinegar  From Bistro Blend!! You can sample all of them until you find just the perfect combination to dress your salad! I chose Heirloom Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil Meyer Lemon. Or maybe pick a few and serve with bread for a little tasting? Or marinate some chicken for the grill? Or cook up a pasta primavera and drizzle with a flavored oil? You won’t find these at your supermarket.

Make a stop at Conchetta's for fresh pizza dough, tomato sauce, and cheese. Did you know you can bake your pizza on your grill?

Now you do! Yummy...

For dessert I couldn’t resist fresh strawberries…they shout Summer on the patio to me.

Now to pick out some fresh flowers to make the table pretty…

Time to head home and open that bottle of wine! Who's going to join me?

Yeah! It's Offiially Summer!

It’s the first day of Summer!  My favorite season of the year.  The season of vacations, days at the beach, long evenings on the patio, graduations, weddings……..

So how are you going to celebrate the start of Summer? What do you look forward to? What are your memories of growing up?

As some of you know, I am of 100% Swedish heritage. The Swedish American Community of Southern California was my family. There were always holidays to be celebrated together much like the “Old Country”.  One of my favorite holidays of the year has always been Midsummer! This is the Swedish celebration of the Summer Solstice, or longest day of the year.  Preparation would begin weeks in advance with the selection of the Midsummer Queen and her Court.  Each club would nominate a girl from their group to be a part of the Court. (Yours truly was honored to be Midsummer Queen a “few” years back).  Then Midsummer Weekend would start with the Coronation Ball. It was a big dinner dance when each of the girls in the Court would be presented by her father. The next day is the Midsummer Picnic at Vasa Park in Calabasas. The community would come together to raise the Maypole covered with greenery and flowers.

Musicians would play the traditional Swedish songs and we would dance around the pole. The Court would be dressed in the costume of where their family had originated.  There would be loads of yummy coffee cake and meatballs served. The children would go tadpole hunting in the stream.  The swimming pool would be open for the first time. This was truly the beginning of Summer.   I could go on and on about the memories, and how the day would go on into the evening with dancing and festivities.

How about making some floral headwreaths to get into the mood (definitely reminded me of Midsummer)!

Go to The Zoe Report for the instructions and get your Summer on!!

I am so ready for Summer…How about you?

Zac Posen: For the Budget conscious Bride!

I know that its on the mind of every bride.  (its on mine, and i dont even have a BF!) haha we all want those beautiful designer gowns! The Vera Wangs, Oscar de la Rentas, Penina Tournais, who wouldn't want those gowns?? But unless youre a celeb or have serious money to drop on a $10,000 dollar gown then you are out of luck. But fear not! Zac Posen to the rescue. He has created a line of bridal dresses that are chic, sophisticated, and definitely in range for that budget conscious bride. Ranging from $850-$1,350 his gowns offer the savvy bride a chance to look like a million bucks for her big day with out paying a million. All thanks to Davids Bridal his new line will be available Feb of 2014! I know ill be on the look-out! :) and who knows i may even find a prince charming to go with the gown! 

heres a link to an interview 

 look at some of those gowns!!

Until further notice...

That about sums it up!! Carry on...

A Wild Grad Party

What do you do when you've worked really hard to earn a Master's in Kinesiology?  And even earned straight "A"s? You throw a party, that's what.  Angela worked hard and it all paid off in the end.  A Masters, a wonderful husband, family and friends and a surprise announcement! 

It was an absolutely GORGE day in Mission Bay. The sun was out and there was  bit of a breeze. Perfect day to spend in the park.

Lots of Yellow and Black (for CSULB!) Yummy food and drinks.

A great time was had by all. A great way to cap off a great accomplishment.

And for that surprise announcement?? It turns out that there is going to be a little "Wild" later this year! Congratulations to both Angela and Scott. We loved planning your "Wild" celebration and are looking forward to planning a baby shower.