pretty crafty thing

Wow, it is hot

It is 90 degrees here and San Francisco and yep, that is really strange for this little Bay city. We do occasionally get the really warm day but it looks like we may have a full week of heat. I personally love it although doing anything other than drinking refreshing beverages with friends or lounging on the beach with a good book is not so fun. Because for all that don't live here, San Francisco is not built of air conditioning escapes. So working in a restaurant will be a real bear today. I am currently looking in my closet for the most comfortable, work appropriate summer dress or skirt to wear today. Found some really great skirts at this Sweeteaco Etsy shop today - still searching my closet.

Yummy Yummy Yum

Sorry friends but today I cannot get my mind around anything other than yummy spring berry desserts. I spent the day lounging in the sun and looking through lazy day magazines, Living Etc, Domino...and the only thing that could hold my attention was a beautiful description of a raspberry cream tart. I found this luscious recipe in an old Bon Appetit. Yeah, they have it on-line as well. Holy Wow! Happy baking!

Crust
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/3 cup raspberry preserves

Filling
1 8-ounce container mascarpone cheese,* chilled
1/2 cup chilled whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

3 cups fresh raspberries

Preparation

For crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt in bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter, sugar, orange peel, and vanilla in large bowl to blend. Add flour mixture and beat until large clumps form. Gather dough into ball; press over bottom and up sides of prepared tart pan. Freeze crust 15 minutes.

Bake crust 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Using back of spoon, press sides to raise until even with top edge of pan. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes longer. Spread preserves over bottom of crust. Bake 5 minutes. Cool on rack.

Meanwhile, prepare filling:
Using electric mixer, beat mascarpone, cream, powdered sugar, orange peel, and both extracts in large bowl until peaks form, about 2 minutes. Spread filling evenly in cooled crust. Chill until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.

Arrange raspberries in concentric circles atop filling and serve.

* Italian cream cheese available at Italian markets and many supermarkets

A little piece of Spring

This adorable belt would be a great addition to a great Spring outfit. Made by Meghan Burch of Kaybu, the "springy" sweet white linen belt is silk-screened with a mosaic botanical print and backed with white and green striped ribbon. I found this at Poppytalk Handmade shop- its filled with so many unique things!

Ways to Spend a Weekend

It is supposed to be a nice weekend here in the Bay Area. One great way to spend a nice Spring weekend -visit your local resale shops, flea markets and shh..gasp, your local dumpster. Inspire a fun Saturday fix-it-up project by picking up a forgotten gem. Below are some incredible pieces reconstructed from salvaged throw aways (Living Etc). Have a happy weekend!

Enchanted Female

Charming Wall might be the most adorable website I have come across in quite a while. Thanks for the discovery! The site is full of many fabulous artists, especially this little lady from Brooklyn - Bailey Saliwanchik. Wispy, dreamy lines and beautifully striking colors - this is definitely her calling. She has been drawing since 18 months. Now that's dedication.

Indian Summer

This blog remains one of my favorite go to site when I just want and need a little "worldly" inspiration. The colors, the designs - every image makes me ooh and ahhh. Takes you to a place far far away. Thank you An Indian Summer.

Who Doesn't Love Deconstructed?

I have been checking out Blue Butter Fly Art on Etsy for a while now and always find some great bohemian designs. This skirt in particular is adorable - part Vanderbilt 80s jeans, part vintage lace doilies and a little cotton gauze. It might be just a tad small for me but it would be so great to see some fun-loving, adorable little lady dancing in the park in this great piece.

Don't Mind If I Do

To me, this photograph is a gentle reminder to just slow down for a while. Take a break, relax and enjoy the day. I think I will.

Aya Brackett : "Saigon Cafe" Chromogenic print
15 x 15"
edition of 20

Summer Days

Nothing says "summer" more than a beautiful beaded necklace. This one, made in Guatemala, will hang beautifully on the neck. Small clustered glass beads dangle just so. Awesome with a simple cotton dress or tee. And its available at Candy Store SF.

No not me

You would never see me with post it notes all over her room inked with quirky, optimistic little messages. You know those little notes reminding you that patience is the key to life - don't yell at the cat, try not to get upset when pushed aside on the MUNI, etc etc.  Oh no not me, not unless I could get someone like Linzie Hunter to design them with her fabulous illustrations, fun, bright colors and witty choice of words. I want this one painted on the front door of my house - BEWARE ALL WHO ENTER.