DIY: Festive Banner

      When I first received my invitation for a dear friend's bridal shower, I knew I wanted to create something special to mark the occasion. After brainstorming for a few moments I decided to make a banner for the party complete with ribbons and bows. I think Shayla will be happy with the combination of petal pink, sweet polka dots, and crisp stripes. If you are interested in putting together a banner of your own for your next soiree, here's how!

Supplies:

- Colored paper

- Assortment of Ribbon

- Scissors

- Markers

Getting Started:

1: Cut the colored paper into triangles and label each with an individual letter to spell out a catch phrase. 

2: Using a hole punch, puncture holes into the corners of each triangle. 

3: Take a long strand of ribbon and weave it back and forth thru the triangles as photographed below.

4: Using an array of ribbon tie bows in between each triangle.

5: Hang garland on a wall or shelf using tacks or tape. 

It's pretty endearing right?!

Slightly vintage photo, I look like a pin cushion.

      Yesterday was Shayla's bridal shower and the event was a true celebration of her life taking the next next big (and exciting!) turn. Us girls celebrated in true Shayla style in fancy dresses, nibbling on petite tea sandwiches, and sipping strawberry mimosas. Of course everything had to be pink, much like all of the appliances in our old kitchen (Remember that apartment that we shared as mere teenagers Shay?). I've been so blessed to have Shayla in my life as a long time friend and I couldn't be more excited to congratulate her and Brian on their upcoming nuptials!

Yours,

Nico

Dark Chocolate Covered Apricots:

    

      On wednesday I made my weekly jaunt over to the Santa Cruz farmer's market. I am never able to leave empty handed and this time I walked home with an armful of fresh cut flowers, a pound of raw almonds, and a couple bars of artisan dark chocolate. I knew that the moment I got home I would be dipping these moist and tangy apricots into the melted dark chocolate for a simple recipe that brings together two complex flavors. As a bonus chocolate dipped apricots can be prepared as fast as they can be eaten. Here's how:

Ingredients:

-Dark Chocolate

-Dried Apricots

(It's really important to use the best ingredients for this recipe!)

Getting started:

1: Melt chocolate in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl

2: Dip apricots into the chocolate half way and place on a sheet of parchment paper. 

3: Let set in the fridge until the chocolate is hardened, then serve!

       Apricots (much like bananas and oranges) are high in both vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as potassium. They are also the ideal fruit to consume if you are anaemic as apricots contains lots of iron. Plus a half a dozen apricots will only cost you about 100 calories! Consuming dark chocolate may also help lower your blood pressure as well. What I'm trying to say is... not only is this snack savory and delicious but also incredibly health conscience! 


Yours,
Nico

My Favorite Cake:

Cake perfumed with darjeeling tea

      More delicious with every mouthful.

Yours,

Nico


PS: Just a scene from my happy kitchen.

(I love floating trimmed flowers in a candy dish filled with water)

      

Bella Vita Boutique:

      While picking up supplies for an upcoming bridal shower I passed by Bella Vita Boutique in downtown Santa Cruz. I couldn't resist the glimmering accessories taunting me from the store window and sure enough I found myself inside. The interior of the location is painted a stark white and dotted with some of the most exceptional accessories you can find. My personal favorite pieces are the ones made up of type writer keys (see what I mean about remarkable?). Vintage art and photographs are also displayed on every wall and Sue (the location's owner) is such a charming delight! Take a peek at what she has to offer at Bella Vita Boutique:

     Bella Vita Boutique is located at 109 Cooper Street in Downtown Santa Cruz 95060. You can contact the store by dialing (831)458-2800.

Yours,

Nico

Desperately Seeking Inspiration:

Stems from the farmer's market bring the smell of Spring to my beside table. 

      To put matters bluntly, I have been feeling very uninspired as of late. Typically a simple trip to the grocery store or farmer's market ignites a creative culinary thought. Organizing my closet usually leads to finding old items that feel like new once they have been rediscovered. However, none of my usual tactics for finding inspiration have worked. Perhaps it's my new school work load or the recent loss in my family but I have not felt up to the idea of creating much of anything interesting to share with you all. Instead of forcing the issue further, I have instead collected a few images that I hope will remind me of how vivacious life can be.

Painting vintage brooches for added color and style. 

A delicious way to eat your vegetables. Pea and carrot candy.

Watching my boyfriend sketch is always captivating.

Sugar cookies that not only taste good but smile back at you!

A burning Santa Cruz sunset, complete with
colors that would make any artist swoon.

      To all of my inspiring readers, how do you keep yourself creative and motivated?

Yours,

Nico