Olive & Cocoa

Source for unique gifts.

OMG. I have no idea how Olive & Cocoa got my information and then decided to send me a catalogue, but it was love at first sight.

I haven't dog-eared so many pages in a single catalogue in a LONG time. Make sure to check out their site and start making your wish list.

Here are just a handful of my favorites...in case anyone is curious.


Cupcake Stands packaged in a wooden crate



Red and White Wine Decanters



Numbered Wine Glasses



Old-fashioned lollipops packaged in their signature crate.




Tapas Caddy



And because it's the year of Hibiscus...subtly pink martini glasses.

A Clear Winner?

Baby Stuff.

I have to say that a lot of the newer furniture and product design in the baby world give me hope that I won't totally have to throw my modernist style out the window when we finally decide to add a tot to our clan. But the Hollis crib below had me saying "what the what?"



Named after a pioneer in acrylic furniture, George Hollis, the Hollis Crib is made from non-toxic and recyclable lucite and can be adjusted to 3 different mattress heights. As for stability, I have no fear of acrylic furntiture being flimsy as I proudly own and use several Louis Ghost chairs...and I'm fairly certain I weigh more than a baby.

But what do you all think of having your baby "floating" in this $3000 clear crib?

Valentine's Day Treat

Recipe.

I ran across this idea over at Delicious Delicious Delicious and thought what a cute, inexpensive way for your child to give a little something special on Valentine’s Day. It will not only be fun for them to hand out at school but also making them will be a fun project that you can do together. Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year leaving the weekend wide open for chocolate spoon making fun! Check out the tutorial here.

Here Piggy, Piggy...

Food.

Last weekend I was informed by our good friends, Chris and Priya, that Chicago is home to a sandwich so intense and delicious that Anthony Bourdain called it "The Best Sandwhich in America." Well holy hell...I had to try it.

So my hubby and I took the short 15 minute walk from our place to The Silver Palm, a 1947 Budd Dining Car that was converted into a restaurant. We barely looked at the menu because we knew what we were ordering....

Behold. The Silver Palm's Three Piggy Sandwich.




The three pigs are thick smoked ham, breaded pork tenderloin,and crispy bacon. They are topped with a tempura battered onion ring, gruyere cheese, and a fried egg. We split one sandwich, and I could only eat half of that. Amazingly gluttonous.

If you are in Chicago, definitely make the trip to The Silver Palm for a cool experience and the amazing original. But if you aren't, wouldn't this Three Piggy Sandwich be a great thing to serve while watching the pigskin on Superbowl Sunday?

The components are easy enough, but I bet you never thought of putting them all together. It might be work a try...and to make things even easier, here's my favorite breaded tenderloin recipe from Chef Kim's Kitchen to get you started.

Root Beer Barrel Jello Shots

Recipe Link.
The SuperBowl is coming up quick and I thought these Root Beer Barrel Jello Shots might be a welcome treat. They are filled with a bunch of my favorite things; root beer, root beer flavored vodka and Sambuca. Not to mention they are super cute. If this sounds like you, check out the recipe here.

Link Love.

Tuesday Inspiration.

Design Sponge
Panetone Chip Cookies…genius, stylish, and adorable.



Oh Joy
Elegant and simple place settings.



Twig & Thistle
Father and son design collaboration that makes a super stylish wall print.



Eat Drink Chic
Gorgeous retro-inspired bath products that I’d be proud to display.

Tiramisu Pancakes

Brunch Recipe.

Every once in awhile I get in the mood to have breakfast foods for dinner and when I saw this recipe from Steamy Kitchen, it was one of those times. These pancakes look amazing and if you have a special occasion or brunch in your future what a way to “wow” guests. It is suppose to be an especially cold night and these on the menu with a nice foamy latte will really hit the spot.

Punch Revival

Drink Recipe.

I was recently at the Clover Club in Brooklyn eating brunch when something caught my eye, an entire section for adult punch on the menu. They offer two different types which are both brought to the table in a punch bowl meant to be shared between 4 to 6 people. It seems punch dates back to the early 1600s, long before the cocktail and literally translates to “five” for the original key ingredients: sugar, tea, lemon juice, spirits and spices.



I was intrigued but with the $50 price tag per bowl…I decided to be intrigued at home. Frankly, when I think of punch it doesn’t really conjure up cool scenarios, instead it makes me think of 70’s weddings, frat parties and church basements. However, I am all for the punch revival and making it hip. The fact that it can be made ahead of time and guests can serve themselves only makes it more attractive. Now I am in search of the perfect punch bowl and I will be taste testing recipes. I think I’ll start with this one.

Champagne Peach Punch

Ingredients
3 (11.5 ounce) cans peach nectar
1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup peach brandy
1/4 cup grenadine syrup
1 (32 fluid ounce) bottle carbonated water
3 (750 milliliter) bottles champagne

Directions
Chill all ingredients. In a large punch bowl combine peach nectar, concentrated orange juice, lemon juice, brandy and grenadine. Mix well and pour in the carbonated water and champagne.

Painted Bottles

DIY Centerpiece.

I've discussed my love of simple centerpieces using assorted bottles before, but this little twist on that idea has me absolutely giddy.



The Once Wed blog featured this Milk + Honey themed tablescape. It is SO chic and only requires some empty bottles, a little gold paint, assorted white flowers, and artful arrangement. Don't you just love it?

Kumquats

Winter Citrus.

Kumquats made their arrival onto the scene in December and stay through April. In China they are symbols of great prosperity and a staple for the Chinese Lunar New Year. I’m not sure that they will make you rich, but they will definitely enhance your menu or table. I’m going to attempt a new recipe as well as a fabulous kumquat laden tablescape in the upcoming month. Check out this eye candy which is sure to inspire.

Cannelle et Vanille



Sunday Suppers



Steamy Kitchen



Country Living



Style Notes