The B Bee

I couldn't help it.

Bee still my heart!

(No doxies were harmed - except in honor - in the making of this Halloween) 

Bryndal's former nightmares HERE.

Foodie Twists

Classics are classics for a reason, but sometimes you want to tinker a little and see if you find something even better, or at least - different. These three small twists help switch up your regularly scheduled eating programming and are mighty tasty.

The Arnold Palmer was introduced to me by my dad, who would order them at work lunches. Upon first sip, I deemed this the fanciest non-alcoholic drink since the Shirley Temple and was immediately obsessed. Being the indecisive type, I'm already a big fan of getting two drinks in one. It doesn't hurt that I adore both lemonade and iced tea.
When I saw Siriously Delicious mention a green tea version at True Food Kitchen, I knew I had to attempt this at home.

Green Tea Arnie Palmer - half lemonade/half green tea

Switching the tea to green gave it a light, herbal flavor. This makes me want to experiment with all sorts of tea switcharoos - hibiscus, blueberry, lavender... What would you pair with the lemonade? You could always spike it, as well.

How can you improve butter? I was inspired by this next twist after eating the most delectable special at Pizzeria Lola that drizzled a honey olive oil on a farmer's market margherita pie. 

The tinge of sweet brought out all of the other flavors without crossing the line to dessert. I wanted to adapt this idea, using butter instead of oil.

Let a stick of butter soften to room temperature. Then add (all to taste) garlic, chives, honey, and salt - if butter is unsalted. Mix until combined and then re-refrigerate.

Try serving it with corn-on-the-cob, steak, or my favorite - grilled slices of baguette.

Sriracha. Love it. Just add it to everything. Here are a few recipes that are elevated by the spicy condiment.

This BBQ Chicken is ridiculously good. The grilling process really mellows out the heat of the spice, so don't be afraid to squeeze a little extra in!

Marinade (enough for approximately 2lbs of chicken):
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
3 Tablespoons Sriracha sauce
2 Tablespoons honey
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tablespoon ginger, grated
1/4 cup chopped spring onions
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
Juice from 1 lime
Combine all ingredients and cover chicken with marinade. Let sit for 2+ hours in refrigerator.
Grill chicken over medium heat while occasionally basting with BBQ sauce (BBQ sauce + Sriracha, honey, grated fresh ginger to taste). Serve with extra sauce.

Spice up your breakfast...

Sriracha-Maple Bacon - Food52

And the happiest couple of them all - Sriracha + salmon. They really do have an enviable relationship. Pour the below combo onto salmon filets and then move on to your cooking method of choice (pan to oven, bake, broil, grill...)

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• ⅓ cup soy sauce

• 2 Tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 1 Tablespoon ginger, grated

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 Tablespoon lime juice

• Sriracha, to taste

If you want to get really Sriracha serious, play off any of these ideas:
Sriracha Recipes - Brit + Co

So go get all twisty and have fun with food!

When Fall Gives You Lemons

I was all set to post about things that "fall" under the category of cozy. My cupboards are stocked with pumpkin puree, the knee high boots are polished, and I've switch from iced coffees to steaming lattes.

But then it hit 70 degrees. Three days in a row.

This humidity and sweatiness does not mix well with my apple cider and leggings. Is this how you flip flop wearing Los Angelenos feel every seasonal change? I'm so confused!

Anyway, I put the autumnal inspiration on hold for something completely inappropriate for this time of year - LEMONS!

Yep, it's mid October and I've got lemons on my mind.

Is there a fruit more cheery, bright, and zingy? I think not. It adds instant zest to whatever you use it in or on. Lemons are the refresh button of life.

Wear something with a lemon on it. I have a lemon dress and I actually had a construction worker bellow across Madison Avenue that I was "looking quite citrusy today". Is that not the best compliment ever (especially from a construction worker)? All of the collections that were ripe for the picking in May are now sold out, but you can find cute prints from Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and Dolce & Gabbana on Ebay.

Banana Republic - Ebay

How sweet (or sour) are these clutches?

Vita Riva Wicker Lemon Purse - Kate Spade

New Look Lemon Fruit Clutch - ASOS

A zest or squeeze of lemon elevates any dish. I love to use it in baking because I feel like the dessert is that much healthier. Vitamin C, anyone? I enjoy fooling myself.

Remember THESE? Perfection.

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes - Martha Stewart

This lemon zucchini bread is a great way to sneak some fruit AND veggies into a treat. Warning: it is extremely sweet - the next time I whip up a batch, I may try and cut back on the sugar.

Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread - Lil Luna 

Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive this lemon-themed baking kit (HINT! HINT!)

Citrus Baking Gift Set - Williams-Sonoma

Throw this mug into the loot, as well.

Single Lemon Mug - Sur la Table

Years ago, I spent time traveling Italy. I distinctly remember the smell of lemon blossoms, whether enjoying my espresso in the square or hiking Cinque Terre. Lemon trees were everywhere and heavenly. Wouldn't it be swell to bring a little Italia into your home?

Meyer Lemon Tree - Logee's

I knew lemons were a natural disinfectant and also remember squeezing juice into my hair to make "highlights" as a tween, but did you know they could also brighten your nails?

25 Cool Uses For Lemons - PopSugar

This is one of my favorite lotions, perfect for extra rough spots like knees, elbows, and hands. I stayed at the W Hotel in San Francisco where they stocked these products, and I didn't want to check-out!

Lemon+Sage Body Butter - Bliss

I can't finish this list without mentioning lemonade. 

Little Lucy's Limonada

Not to diss my classic recipe, but THIS one mentioned on Cup of Jo sounds a bit more refined.

And then you could sneak it into this...

Life Gives You Lemons Flask - Cafe Press

Or to deal with the sourness of life sober, just turn to the sourest of them all, Grumpy Cat.

The Grumpy Guide to Life: Observations from Grumpy Cat

See? I bet you feel sunnier already. That's the magic of lemons.

Next April, I promise to muse about nutmeg and mulled wine.

In A Moony Mood

Why do I feel like moon phases and lunar eclipses have only begun existing a year or two ago? I don't remember hearing about super moons growing up, and for most part, I thought things like Harvest and Blue Moons were just lyrics to songs of yore. I don't know why, but the older I get, the more in tune with la lune I am.

Tonight is the Blood Moon. (most awesome name ever)

photo: Joe Klamar

You can read more about it HERE.

Who is waking up in the wee hours of the morning to see it? It's fairly overcast here in NYC, not to mention not always possible to see the sky through the skyscrapers, so I'm not sure if I will have any bloody glimpses. Thus I'll have to satisfy my moon cravings in other forms.

This print:

Moon Phase Poster - Urban Outfitters

This movie/poster:

E.T. Poster

This tote:

Night Moon Screenprinted Tote - Bright Beige - Etsy

This piñata:

Moon Piñata DIY - Oh Happy Day

This necklace and bangle:

Crescent Moon Necklace - Praxis Jewelry - Etsy

Full Moon Bangle Bracelet - Praxis Jewelry - Etsy

This sweet children's pillow:

Mr. Sleepy Full Moon Grey Pillow - Claire on Cloud 9 - Etsy

This recipe:

Homemade Moon Pies - Tidy Mom

And of course, this for your Moon Shine:

Glass Brooklyn Moonshine Flask - Brooklyn Rehab - Scoutmob

Let me know if you are able to spot a Blood Moon in the sky tonight/this morning. I'll love you to the moon and back!

Vogue's 73 Questions

I love this video series by Vogue where Joe Sabia "stops by" a celeb's house, work, or hang out to ask them 73 questions as they go about doing whatever they were doing. 

Even though it is (for the most part) scripted, the vibe is easy going and fascinatingly fresh. The real personality is very apparent and you can easily pick out who you would get along with or not. And for those that interview in their abodes, I'm drooling. Oh, to have an outdoor living room and a pool!

No doubt, my current favorite is Ms. Wintour (if you haven't, watch The September Issue), but I also admired SJP's smooth delivery and responses.

Click HERE to see the first season.

Why 73? Hm, that's a good question.