Gryphon Tea Room

While down south, I had a lovely lunch at the Gryphon Tea Room. The space is a converted turn-of-the-century pharmacy alongside one of Savannah's historic squares owned and operated by the Savannah College of Art and Design. It's filled with old books and lamps and is a perfect spot to grab lunch downtown. We had a gorgeous salad filled with the three great P's, peaches, prosciutto and pecans, and a bacon topped pimento cheese sandwich with a cucumber salad. The meal was adorably capped off with a trio of mini desserts.

In Tents

When I was a kid, my brother and I each had those tents you can attach to your bed. If I recall correctly, I had Rainbow Brite and he had He-Man, with matching sheets of course. I've realized my hatred of camping can be traced back to my love for these tents. Why would you sleep on the ground outside when an awesome 80s cartoon tent can be attached to your own cozy bed? Anyway, the indoor tents above are pretty awesome too and perhaps a little more sophisticated than Rainbow Brite.

[spotted on: pinterest; photo courtesy of: lissy elle]

Sign of Fall

Just before cravings of pumpkin and apple cider strike, a desire to wear plaid starts to take root. It's a sure sign of fall and Anthropologie knows it. While I would probably be very happy in a plaid dress and plaid coat sitting on a plaid sofa with a plaid throw, moderation is key. Just like with pumpkin pie.

For a little more plaid and some fall inspiration, please take a gander at my autumn picnic slideshow over at kirsty.

Weekend in Photos: Savannah Edition

Jonah and I headed south for a long weekend mostly because my dad was co-chairing Taste of Savannah. It was a great event and there was lots of indulging in delicious food, but my favorite part of being home seems to involve all the little things. Walks around downtown, lattes and oatmeal made by mom, dad's gourmet dinners at home, and quality time spent in a real life backyard. It's good for the soul.

Savannah Bound

 

I'm headed home to Savannah tonight for a three-day weekend. I need a dose of sun, sand and southern. See you next week!

[photos by: Alicia Bock Photography]

Strawberries + Cream

Last weekend, I had the sneaking suspicion that summer was winding down, so I put the ice cream maker to use. I opted for a tried and true favor, but with a twist, strawberry sour cream. It was airy and sweet with this lovely tang just below the surface. And it was the prettiest shade of pink. I just can't bear to put the ice cream maker away yet, so I've been contemplating fall flavors, involving things like maple and walnut and pumpkin. We'll just have to wait and see.

Strawberry Sour Cream Ice Cream
Recipe courtesy of The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz

1 pound fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vodka or kirsch (I used vodka)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

In a medium bowl, toss the strawberries, sugar and vodka. Let sit  for 1 hour at room temperature, stirring periodically. Add the strawberries and their juices, along with the sour cream, heavy cream and lemon juice to a blender, pulse until combined, but still slightly chunky. Chill mixture in the fridge, 1 hour, and then freeze according to your ice cream maker’s instructions. Store in freezer. Makes about 1 1/4 quarts.

You know what's even better than a bowl of strawberry ice cream? A strawberry milkshake. Do it!

Quilt Crush

It rained all day yesterday and it's supposed to rain all day today. I wish I could stay home and spend the day on the couch bundled up in a quilt. Specifically, one of these. The pattern is called cathedral window. It seems insanely complicated to make, but oh so lovely to look at.

[images found on pinterest; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]