macro monday | Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder

Peony | Neely Wang

Three years ago, I planted peony bulbs in my garden, excitedly waiting in anticipation for the pink fluffy blossoms characteristic of peonies to appear. But for the past two years, only leaves have popped up. No blooms. No blossoms. Just leaves. After reading something about peonies, I realized that I had planted the bulbs too deeply, which causes them not to bud. This spring, I dug them up and replanted them, and with much delight, buds began to form in April! I was so excited, but as they opened up, the heat and sun were so strong that same week that they soon became burnt, and the leaves fell almost as quickly as they formed. I was heartbroken! But as I kept looking at these withered blossoms, there was something so graceful, refined and strong about them even in their demise. Some of you may not agree that they are beautiful, but I’m a firm believer of beauty even in brokenness.

I’ve recently begun to try and better define my style and to capture the essence of what truly inspires me. I think it has something to do with finding beauty in everything, even when the world may find it ugly, broken or not worth a second glance. And not just beauty in nature, but also beauty in people, objects, places, and ideas. Just some thoughts… would love to hear what you all think and how you would describe my style. Much thanks!

out & about | Farmhouse Local

Farmhouse Local Cafe and General Store

I recently had a delicious lunch with my friend at Farmhouse Local, a new cafe and general store located in Larkspur, California. Farmhouse Local is a neighborhood gathering spot that showcases local artisanal ingredients and purveyors both in their food and products. The restaurant and shop are run by Jeanine Samuel and chef David Monson. Love the idea that it is both a shop and a restaurant — wonderful concept celebrating all things local!

Farmhouse Local Cafe and General Store

My friend and I tend to share things whenever we try new places, so this time was no exception. We shared the Organic Cauliflower Soup with Smoked Trout and Green Onions. The soup was my favorite! I loved the creaminess and the touch of saltiness from the smoked trout — delish!

Farmhouse Local

Cauliflower Soup

The soup was followed by a Chinese Chicken Salad with cara cara oranges, almonds, snap peas, crispy rice noodles and a miso vinaigrette. The salad was very refreshing and light, with a great balance of sweet, salty and sour. My friend is a huge fan of the Chinese Chicken Salad from Comforts Cafe in San Anselmo, and she said it was just as good!

Chinese Chicken Salad

Farmhouse Local

We finished with the Diestal turkey, salami, and san andreas sheep cheese panini with baby arugula leaves. Although I don’t normally like arugula on its own, placing the arugula leaves inside the panini added just the right green peppery bite to the deliciously cheesy rich sandwich.

Farmhouse Local

Turkey and Salami Panini

Farmhouse Local is currently open for breakfast, lunch and takeaway dinner, and their little store, full of local products, is such a fun peruse!

Farmhouse Local General Store

Farmhouse Local General Store

They also offer private events, inhouse catering and a private patio to sit in — true California style!

Farmhouse Local

Farmhouse Local

Farmhouse Local is a charming and delicious addition to Marin. The staff are also super friendly and really take pride in their offerings. Visit at 25 Ward Street in Larkspur, California the next time you’re in the area!

macro monday | It’s the Most Miserable Time of the Year

I so love this time of the year! I love the flowers blooming, the bees buzzing, the weather warming. All of it. I just can’t get enough. The rest of my family can’t wait to see it disappear. They hate it… with a passion. They are miserable as the pollen blows gracefully through the air and straight into their lungs. My husband has tried just about every allergy remedy possible from medication to eating local honey to using some sort of sinus rejuvenation oil (which makes him smell like a walking eucalyptus tree). His new relief of choice is to close all of our windows and doors as if we’re in a lockdown. No air in. No air out. As a spring and nature lover (and strongly despised by my husband for not being allergic to anything), the thought of this confinement is awful. I have pleaded with my dear husband for many years to buy outdoor furniture, so that we could sit outside and enjoy the sunny California weather and beautiful flowers, but I have yet to convince him. I guess what’s the point of spending hundreds of dollars on outdoor furniture that no one else will dare sit in, but myself.

So for all of you who share the same allergic sentiments against spring as my family, please do enjoy spring behind closed doors and windows in the comfort of your homes and behind a computer screen. I’ll brave the elements and share with you as much as I can of all that is growing (and blowing) outside.

P.S. If any of you have any great allergy remedies, please do share. I’m sure my husband will thank you!