entertaining by Kristina Gill 0

in the kitchen with: gaby dalkin’s spicy roasted broccolini quinoa salad

After last week’s brownies, I thought I’d give everyone a break from the high-sugar, high-fat splurge with a very healthy recipe. Chef Gaby Dalkin has whipped up the perfect dish to restore balance to your diet, a Spicy Roasted Broccolini Quinoa Salad. I’m not one to talk about how wonderful salads sound, but even I’ll admit that there are salads, and there are salads. And this salad sounds so good (and easy to prepare and clean up after) that I can’t wait to try it out! — Kristina

About Gaby: Gaby Dalkin works as a private chef and food stylist in and around the Los Angeles area. Gaby is also the publisher behind What’s Gaby Cooking?, which specializes in simple, sassy and eclectic recipes. While she was professionally trained in French technique, she enjoys cooking all kinds of cuisine. Cooking has always been Gaby’s way of showing her friends that she cares, and throwing casual dinner parties is one of her favorite pastimes. In 2009, a year after founding her blog, Gaby founded the National Food Bloggers Bake Sale, an annual event where food bloggers from across the country come together to hold bake sales in their states. Funds raised through the National Food Bloggers Bake Sale support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger in America.

The full recipe continues after the jump . . .

flowers by amym 1

outside in: muscari makeover

The only natural joy left in mid-winter (aside from citrus fruit) are forced bulbs. Now is the time when muscari start to show up in every grocery store and corner bodgeda for less than a latte. Sometimes called grape hyacinth, they are better know as simply the only fool-proof cure for seasonal affective disorder. Winter. It ends! When you see one pot, buy two. When you see two, buy three. They each cost $5, a pittance for such pleasure.

Students, today’s lecture will talk about turning the the little blue wonders of the plant world into seasonal displays for your home, either through repotting or combined with other flowers. Pencils sharp? Hands folded? Okay, let’s get dirty. -Amy Merrick

The full post continues after the jump…

products by Grace Bonney 6

pom pom parade

Everyone’s got an inner child, but mine seems to be demanding more attention these days. From my uncontrollable desire to eat brownies for breakfast to my refusal to put away my clothes like I should, my inner child is holding court in a major way. In addition to the excess sweets and household laziness, I find myself drawn to pom poms in an almost obsessive way. This tiny, cheerful decorative detail has always been a favorite of mine, but I swore them off for a few years because I knew they did little to help me convince people that I was 30 and not 20. I’ve always had a soft spot for somewhat child-like design, but there’s something about those dangly little pom poms that make me weak in the knees. So it goes without saying that I’m pretty tempted by these pom pom curtains at Anthropologie. And what’s that? They come in red and navy blue? My inner child and outer adult are equally delighted. I can see someone integrating these in a more minimal interior so that the “whimsical” part of the pom poms are neutralized a bit, but the kid inside me longs to pair them with the sheet set below. It would be an explosion of happy dangling fabric. xo, grace

products by Grace Bonney 5

whorled felt rug

One trend I’m not quite ready to let go of is anything agate or geode inspired. Whether it’s the stones themselves or something reminiscent of their swirly interiors, that specific style always intrigues me. This gorgeous whorled felt rug at Anthropologie is a perfect example — dreamy, handstitched and inspired by one of the most beautiful stones, a Brazilian fire agate. Amy and I are on the hunt for two rugs for the D*S office, and while this isn’t quite right for us, I’m hoping someone out there will scoop it up so we can live vicariously through their purchase. If that lucky someone is you, click here to check out the rug in more detail and order online ($698.00–$1,098.00). xo, grace

products by Grace Bonney 3

new: esque 2012 glassware

Esque was one of the first Portland-based design studios that I found myself falling head over heels for. Andi and Justin do incredible glass work, and their collections continue to blur the line between fine art and functional tabletop design beautifully. Their latest pieces are updated versions of their classic water drop jugs and pitcher/cup combination. While they’re not of the “under $100″ variety, they’re truly striking pieces that are worth the investment. Every year at the trade shows, I walk past their work and have to stop to touch it and hold it up to the light; they have such a way with color. Click here to check out their latest pieces and shop online at Branch Home. xo, grace

accessories by Grace Bonney 9

tgif: time for party bags

After a particularly long week, I like to reward myself with a small something. My go-tos are often a chunk of dark chocolate at my favorite neighborhood shop or a new notebook for next week’s notes and agenda-making. But when I saw these sweet watercolor and confetti party bags from Poppies for Grace (the name alone is convincing me to buy them), I had an idea. Maybe I should just treat myself to a few of these bags and use them to “gift” myself something a little less splurgy. That way I get the fun of a treat without having to buy something new or gorge on chocolate (not that that’s a bad thing). I have a feeling that beautiful watercolor bag would cheer up even the lowliest of afternoon snacks. Perhaps my brown-spot bananas can be elevated to Friday treats rather than mushed up in Saturday’s oatmeal. Click here to check out the full party bag collection online. I imagine these would make for one heck of a festive school lunch, too. xo, grace