The Classics:

 

Sun Specs- Ray Ban, Scarf- Alexander McQueen, Leather Jacket-
 Levis, Tank- Gap, Watch- Michael Kors, Bag- Michael Kors, Denim-
Rock & Republic, Flats- Kate Spade

      When I can't decide what to wear I always fall back on my best basics. Investing in well fitting classics is always a good idea, you will find yourself turning back to them over and over like an old friend. 

Yours,

Nico

A Trip Around The Sun:

      Each year, May tends to be the month filled with birthdays and my favorite time to practice my cake decorating. Because this cake was for an 11 year old girl, I wanted to use utterly feminine detailing. Pink was the obvious choice for color but since Spring is such a fresh time of the year I added bright strawberries and edible foliage from my garden. Yellow pansies added a touch of color and their mint leaves make the entire cake smell like buttercream and spearmint! 

Do you celebrate a lot of birthdays this month? Or are you a Taurus yourself?

Yours,

Nico

PS: If you're looking to bake a pretty cake, be sure to check out these posts as well...

Butter Cake

Beach'n Cupcakes

Orange Zest Cake

Chocolate Chai Cake

Earl Grey Tea Cake

Find me on pinterest by clicking here:

http://pinterest.com/satinandsalt/

Small Morsels:

Fruit inspired coin purses perfect for summer.

Coffee made with love from the Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Co.

New paint for old furniture.

Enjoying cocktails and appetizers in my backyard with friends.

A store display that showcases all the colors I plan on wearing this summer.

Sweet peas that I picked while on a stroll that now brighten my kitchen.

Making different versions of this warm weather dessert recipe.

Preview of an upcoming style post.

          Summer is an exciting time here in Santa Cruz. Suddenly the city is inundated with tourists, the beach becomes the only place worth enjoying a pony necked beer, and everything just feels a bit more alive and fresh. It wasn't until after compiling these photos that I realized that I've already gotten to partake in some of my favorite summer traditions: collecting flowers while out on brisk walks, having meals outdoors, and revamping favorite recipes with seasonal produce. Do you have any summer plans this year?


Yours,
Nico

Keepin' It Short!

Keepin' It Short! by nsaich featuring cotton shorts

      A few weeks ago I posted this on the subject of crazy and vibrant party pants, now I give you the spring and summer equivalent, shorts! I've already managed to find a pair of black and white shorts (in a tribal print no less!) and I cannot wait to add more options to my collection. Do you think you will be wearing crazy shorts this sunny season?

Yours,

Nico

PS: As always, you can click the blue link below the photo for full descriptions on each item featured!

Everlasting Bouquet:

     Fresh flowers, even when purchased at the Farmer's Market, can get pretty expensive. This week I opted to construct a bouquet out of tissue paper flowers instead. I found an assortment of tissue paper  and green pipe cleaners at my local craft store for just 99 cents each and followed this tutorial for a truly everlasting centerpiece. I even spritzed the tissue flowers with my favorite perfume for an extra special  touch.