A Few Beautiful Things

Happy Friday everyone!  Today we are headed up to Boston to celebrate the first birthday of my nephew, which should be adorable.  But before I leave you I wanted to share some beautiful links that I found around the web this week and of course, this floral editorial featuring Caroline Winberg wearing one of my favorite dresses from the Dolce & Gabbana spring runway (one of their best shows yet, that I would just die to get my hands on).  I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

For me presentation is everything, so I am head-over-heals for this cookie and paper flower gift idea I discovered at Oh Joy!

These photographs from Ann Street Studio nearly melted my heart - who knew a monkey could be so cuddly?

Our honeymoon itinerary is all-set for Italy, but I would like to extend our adventure to Livonro after seeing these photographs shot by Nicole Franzen

I simply adore still life photography - this Easter celebration on Hortus Cuisine is taking the cake right now (such stunning light)

Paris...I will see you soon...

And speaking of France, what a dream it would be to purchase a chateau and convert part into your very own bistro - Mimi's life is a dream

Image via FGR

A Line to Love: Lover

I love discovering new brands from other blogs.  One fashion brand that I am currently smitten with is Lover, which I discovered through Tuula Vintage.  This line is the epitome of feminine combining luxurious lace details with dreamy floral prints.  Here are some of my favorite pieces from this Australian line that is definitely making its name here Stateside - currently this brand can be purchased at Net-a-Porter. 

A Clean Plate:: Micro Green Arugula Salad with Fresh Mozzarella

Despite the amount of desserts that I bake and feature here, the majority of the time I am eating a very healthy diet consisting of a lot of leafy vegetables, fruits and healthy fats.  In fact, right now I am on a healthy cleanse (I am inspired by Bon Appétit's Food Lovers Cleanse) trying to get my body back on track. The steroid medication that my doctor subscribed must leave my body (this medicine can linger for over a month in your system), so I am trying to assist by eating very clean for at least one week, which means no added sugar, dairy or gluten, let's see how I do.  Yikes! (The recipe below includes dairy, in the form of mouth-watering homemade mozzarella, this was PC - pre-cleanse. )

In order to reflect that I am excited to start a new column here titled, Clean Plate, where I will dedicate posts to not only eating healthy, but simple meals that do not take a long time to prepare.  Oftentimes when it comes to eating healthy, time is of the essence, so each recipe that I share here will take this precious element into consideration.  I am starting off today with a Micro Green Arugula Salad with Fresh Mozzarella that not your typical greens, yet are a powerhouse of nutrients.  This salad is topped with my go to dressing for every salad - a lemony vinaigrette that features buttery olive oil, lemon juice and Dijon mustard and paired with fresh mozzarella, handmade at Caputo's here in Brooklyn.