VINTAGE POSTERS+FACES

The decor of my family home can be summed up into the statement "more is always more." Every single square inch of my house in Allenhurst, New Jersey is covered in upholstery, furniture, antiques, or all three. My parents treasures from early-morning flea markets have become their most prized and precious possessions. And to them, more is always more! 

When my parents first began decorating our home, they knew that no wall would be left bare. The pictures below is of one of the little corners in the kitchen is covered entirely in vintage posters and the facing wall, antique faces. Although never photographed in Elle Decor a few years back, this little corner is my favorite spot of the house. 

The entire wall covered in vintage posters.
Since its in the kitchen, all the posters are of food and kitchen products! 

Just a small peek at the wall filled with antiques and faces.
In total there are 22 faces, and counting!

This BEYOND amazing Dweck necklace, has every single color, stone and charm that mixes together perfectly! This necklace reminds me of the wall above because of the way the colors and textures blend into each other, resulting in a gorgeous necklace.

The ultimate collector's necklace. The best of everything Dweck!!

My matching pastels.
Shirt: J Crew. Shorts: American Apparel. Belt: Uniqlo. All Jewelry: Stephen Dweck

FATHERS DAY BRUNCH

This past Sunday was Father's Day, and every year I wake up early to make a brunch. Since this is my first year being a vegan, my typical menu changed a bit, but it was still delicious. I used vegetables from the farmers market and strawberries from our garden. The best part was when everyone sat down, ate and literally showered me with compliments!!

I hope you had a great day and to all the fathers, happy fathers day!

Our father's day brunch, which I made at way too early in the morning

 On the menu: clockwise starting from fresh berries, vegan cranberry-orange scones with homemade berry jam, spicy tempeh and tomato, wilted greens (spinach, artichokes and peas) and toasted pine nuts, roasted potatoes with stinging nettle pesto (a farmers market tangy green)

The menu revamped vegan

The homemade vegan scones and jam served on some
of the milk glass my parents collect at flea markets

Vegan scones, spread with earth balance and jam
I made from berries reduced in water and agave

The stools I got my father for fathers day. We have similar ones from Mexico,
but these Serena and Lily ones were too cute to pass up.

CFDA TRAVEL BOOK

The CFDA, the ultra chic and exclusive council of American fashion designers, came out with their latest book. In 2009, the CFDA published the American Fashion Cookbook, showcasing designers personal recipes and illustrations. My father included our family's beloved Arroz Con Pollo, a Cuban staple and an all around favorite. My grandma, my fathers mother, is from Cuba, and although she cooks unbelievable Cuban dishes, this dish is our favorite! Below is the recipe and gorgeous illustration found in the book.
 

Ingredients:
1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (remove skin, if desired)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
6 cloves of garlic, diced
1 large green pepper, chopped
4 plum tomatoes (canned whole tomatoes), chopped
1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed, chopped finely
2 bay leaves
1 packet of Goya Sazon seasoning
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1 can of beer
4 tbsp. cider vinegar
Roasted red peppers
Frozen peas, thawed
Capers
2 saffron threads

Instructions:
1. Place onions, tomatoes, green peppers, jalapeño pepper and garlic in a wide, shallow pot.
2. Add capers, green olives, bay leaves, oregano and olive oil. Sauté for 15 minutes until stew-like.
3. Add chicken, water, and vinegar. Cover and simmer until chicken is tender. Don't overcook. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Add rice to vegetable mixture and simmer uncovered until water is absorbed. Then add one can of beer and saffron. Cover and simmer until rice is soft.
5. To serve, place rice on a large platter or serving dish. Place chicken over rice and garnish with roasted red peppers and green peas.

NOW..Back to the point of this post, the CFDA just introduced their latest book, American Fashion Travel, highlighting designers' personal photos and travel tips. My father is featured again and makes a cameo in one of the photos! A few months ago, my mom and I, helped my father put together a collage of my father's room keys. The final photo looks great and the page is so inspiring!

The book. SO chic on the bench in the hallway.


Below, my fathers page. My mom, Sarise, also makes a semi-cameo!

The photos in clockwise order: the collage of room keys, my father in the Ramon Crater in Israel (trust me I was there, in the dead of summer it felt like over 100 degrees!), and a mosaic in Barcelona

NOTE: Both books are inspiring, beautiful and glamorous. Check them out.
Also, we are all avid cooks, chefs and bakers. We also happen to enjoy eating the food! I hope you enjoy the recipe and personal comments. We love to share!


-Caroline