saint james tea room

About an hour from Denver, nestled into the mountains, lies the quaint, historical mining town of Georgetown. When two of my best friends visited over the holidays, I was quick to suggest that we make for the mountains, despite the cold and falling snow.

When I first agreed to move to Denver for {lovah}'s job, I thought Denver was IN the mountains. Imagine my surprise when we landed at the Denver International Airport, which is in the middle of a barren, depressing flatscape. I thought we'd accidentally landed in Kansas. I was very disappointed to find that Denver is about as flat as my home neighborhood of Silver Lake is hilly. So the obvious response? Head to the mountains as frequently as possible!!!

As {lovah} and I are fascinated by history and nostalgia, we find Georgetown to be particularly endearing. The facade of main street is almost untouched by modernity, apart from the ability to string colorful holiday lights across the street, which is, of course, utterly charming.

We visited just a week before Christmas, and with the snow falling softly, the little town really did appear to be a magic winter wonderland.

My favorite destination in Georgetown is the tea room. On a little side street, it is also home to a store full of miniatures-- the type of miniatures you'd use for making dollhouses! The tea room is kitschy but delightful, with beautiful mis-matched china, funky lace linens, and, thankfully, individual space heaters for each table!

With a very wide selection of teas to choose from, each of the four people in our party decided on something different. Four pots of wonderful tea led to hours of sipping and conversation...

We also enjoyed delicious tea sandwiches, in traditional English style, along with scones and clotted cream, and other wonderful delicacies.

The potato soup was the most flavorful I'd ever had! I am now determined to replicate this soup because it really was extraordinarily good.

My favorite tea ended up being the White Avalanche, which has the unusual added element of coconut, a flavor I'd never had in tea before. Erin was the one who chose this particular blend, and I'm ever so glad she did. She also purchased a tin of the loose tea for me, and I've been enjoying it for months now.

By the time we finished our tea time, it was dark out and we set out to begin the rather treacherous and nerve-wracking drive home, as the snow had picked up a bit and I'm not a fan of driving in the snow... but we made it home safe and sound, and I'm already pining for another little excursion to Georgetown and the Saint James Tea Room!

Saint James Tea Room 614 Rose Street Georgetown, CO 80444 303-569-3100

Images by Lauryl Lane.

banana muffins

My Mother raised me and my younger siblings on health food. Our home was all-organic way before organic was cool. So it's thanks to her that I actually like foods made with whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners. Like these Banana Muffins. My family has had this muffin recipe forever, and I can say with all seriousness, they don't taste healthy!

2 ripe bananas, mashed with a fork 1 egg, slightly beaten 1/3 cup oil 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1-1/2 tablespoons water 1-1/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix mashed bananas with beaten egg, oil, honey, vanilla and water. In another bowl combine dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir just until moistened- batter should be lumpy. Fill well-greased or paper-lined muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees.

* Best if enjoyed with pretty flowers and a cup of tea!

Images | Floral Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

treat time

Warm Apple Crisp & Hot Tea, perfectly soothing on a chilly afternoon.

To make an apple crisp: peel and slice apples, and layer them down in a 9 x 9" baking dish. Sprinkle cinnamon & allspice, then another layer of apples. Mix a cup of oats, a cup of flour, half a cup of brown sugar, a teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice, and a cup of melted butter. Spread the mixture on top of the apples and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until done.

Image | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

morning tea

Is the air getting a little nippy where you are? I love-love-love the crispness and that autumny smell... Fall is always, always, ALWAYS my favorite season of the year.

Although I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I drink hot tea year-round, I definitely come into my "tea element" when the weather gets chilly. My morning routine starts with a run, then I come home and put the tea kettle on while I shower and dress for the day. By the time I'm ready for breakfast, the kettle has been whistling merrily for awhile, and I brew my tea and then sit quietly with a magazine or a book, taking a few moments to prepare myself for the work day ahead. Teatime is such a comfort, don't you think?

Morning light + English Breakfast = Perfection.

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

teatime

Being in the wedding industry is strange. There will be times, particularly during the winter, when I won't work for two or three weeks at a time. I'll make myself a little bit mad by organizing and re-organizing my home and office and studio... blogging an insane amount, baking up a storm, and then feeling weird because I'm not working. During those times, I have to create work for myself just so I don't feel useless. Not that house-wifely things are ever useless, but I'm a career woman. I need to be working, at least to some extent, or I can get into a serious funk.

There are other times in the wedding industry, namely now, when I feel crazy for the opposite reason. I am so busy that my head is spinning and I've been confusing my events and mis-filing my papers. I always catch my mistakes, but I have to remind myself to slow down and take a little bit of time to relax so I don't lose my mind completely. In the past three weeks I've flown to three different states and driven through eight more. I've been in hot, humid 100 degree temps, comfortable 70 degree temps and chilling 50 degree temps! In the midst of it all, I took an hour out of a recent afternoon to bake some shortbread, brew some tea, and read a chapter of a novel. It was SO worth it. And when I'd drained the last sip of tea from my cup, I was refreshed and ready to attack my work with renewed vigor. For I was also reminded how grateful I am to be busy. Life is good!

I've shared this recipe before, but newer readers may still appreciate it... for me, it never gets old. And the simplicity makes it all the more appealing!

Cranberry-Orange Shortbread

In a large bowl, combine:

  • 1 cup softened butter (2 sticks)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, sifted
  • 2 & 1/4 cups flour, sifted
  • pinch of salt

When the ingredients are well combined and crumbly, add 1 teaspoon of orange flavoring and 1 cup of dried cranberries (I prefer Trader Joe's orange-flavored dried cranberries). Pat the mixture into an ungreased jelly roll pan. Bake at 275 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges.

Isn't this tea-cozy adorable? It was custom-made for me by my mother's good friend, Sandra Dalrymple. She's an incredible mixed-media artist in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I only wish she had a website...

If you're in crazy-busy mode, like me, please take some time to recharge your batteries! Even fifteen minutes away from the phone and the computer on your patio to breath in the fresh air and listen to the sounds of your neighborhood will give you a whole new outlook on life...  I promise you, you won't regret it!

Images | Plant Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

bottega louie

Goorin Bros Hat, striped hat, Bottega Louie, brunch My little sister Maggie had an extended stay/internship with me recently, and although we worked very hard and didn't have much time to play, I still endeavored to introduce her to all of my favorite Los Angeles haunts. One particular Saturday morning we had to awaken quite early to do the delivery and installation of an event for one of my celebrity clients, and afterwards we were famished. So we found ourselves at one of my all-time favorite brunch spots, Bottega Louie.

Goorin Bros Hat, striped hat, Bottega Louie, brunch

Maggie had purchased her hat at Goorin Bros. the night before (I'll leave hats for another post- but I'm obsessed!), and she looked darling and so cheerful despite the amount of work she had to do. I can, however, venture to say that it is highly unlikely she will be going into a career in floral design or the wedding industry. ;-)

Bottega Louie, bar, brunch, downtown Los Angeles

Bottega Louie is a favorite of mine because it really does feel like stepping into a parisian restaurant. It's the closest experience I've had (stateside) to Laduree, -- and while it would be blasphemy to actually compare it to Laduree, it's still a charming spot with a very parisian vibe.

Bottega Louie, menu, brunch, downtown Los Angeles

Bottega Louie, coffee, brunch, downtown Los Angeles

Bottega Louie, pancakes, brunch, downtown Los Angeles

The coffee is always perfection, and the lemon ricotta pancakes or salmon benedict are just a few of the delicious menu choices for brunch.

Bottega Louie, eggs benedict, brunch, downtown Los Angeles

Bottega Louie, brunch, downtown Los Angeles

Bottega Louie, bakery, macroons, brunch, downtown Los Angeles

Bottega Louie, bakery, macroons, french macrons, brunch, downtown Los Angeles

Bottega Louie, bakery, french macarons, macaroons, brunch, downtown Los Angeles

But of course, the crowning glory, the element you cannot leave with out.... French Macarons, of course! They melt in your month. They are utterly delicious. They are.... heaven.

Bottega Louie, bakery, macaroons, french macarons, brunch, downtown Los Angeles

Bottega Louie, bakery, macaroons, french macarons, gardenia, brunch, downtown Los Angeles

And bringing a pretty box of macarons to share with friends? Well, between Maggie & myself and our friends John & Paul, we managed to consume a dozen macarons with amazing speed, while still relishing every wonderful, unusual flavor.

Bottega Louie 700 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.802.1470 Hours: 10:30a-11p M-F, 9a-11p S-Su

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

paradis ice cream

A new ice-cream shop has opened in my favorite neighborhood, Los Feliz Village. When I lived one block away from this little strip, I spent time every single day on Vermont- eating, watching movies, browsing the bookstore, and picking up my mail. I still maintain a post office box at the Los Feliz station, but now I only visit it every week or two. It was on a recent trip to the post office that I noticed the Paradis Ice Cream shop (where a Pinkberry used to be- hmmm?), and when my {lovah} and I had an ice cream craving shortly thereafter, we decided to drop by Paradis to give it a try!

While I'm usually partial to gelato, this ice cream was smooth and creamy and utterly delicious. There was a nice array of flavors, and I tried several of them before settling on Hazelnut. Mmmmmmm. Two thumbs up!

Paradis Fresh Ice Cream Made Daily 1726 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027 818-248-1004 Hours: 12-10 M-Th, 12-11 F-Sa, 12-10 Su

Images by Lauryl Lane.

broome st general

Just a couple weeks ago, a sweet new coffee shop popped up on my street, just three blocks away! My friend Bonnie alerted me to the opening of Broome St General, she never fails to know what's new and happening in L.A.! I've now been to Broome St at least half a dozen times, but here are a few photos from a recent birthday luncheon I shared there with my girls Bonnie, Summer and Megan...

Summer always looks so breezy and cool. She has the most impeccable style. And her styling obviously extends to gift wrapping, as well.

Broome St General Store is first and foremost a coffee shop. But they also have delicious sandwiches and salads and other yummy munchies, brought in from Heirloom L.A. and other local vendors. The first time I was there, I saw a Lavender Hot Chocolate made for a customer. So the next time I went in for a morning coffee, I asked if they could make me a Lavender Coffee (I am a lavender fiend!!!). Voila! Lavender Mocha. TO DIE FOR. They also have a darling collection of well-curated items for the home and kitchen.

Megan looks so posh in her bright pink lipstick. Hot stuff! And Bonnie is always so serene and lovely. I seriously love these ladies so much. They are incredible friends and tremendous "office-mates." We keep each other sane as small, creative business owners.

Broome St. General Store 2912 Rowena Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90039 323-570-0405 Hours: 8-8 M-Sa, 9-6 Su

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

resting

Today my {lovah} is home sick. He's been sleeping for the past five hours, and he never ever ever falls asleep in the middle of the day, so I am definitely convinced that he's under the weather. I've been feeding him tea and cookies. And soup. Chicken and Rice Soup. He made that himself. He's pretty good with the soup-making, even when he's not feeling well. I know chocolate chip cookies probably aren't the best remedy for a sick spouse, but they make him happy. So there's that. The Original Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, all the way.

While {lovah} rests, I'm trying to take it easy, too. It's been a ridiculously busy wedding season thus far, and I'm still on antibiotics and trying to recover from my illness last week. We make a sorry pair, don't we?

Hope you are having a nice week and being good to your body. xoxo

Images | Florals |Styling by Lauryl Lane.