Trending Thursday: Faux Antlers

Hunting's not my thing but I do love the look of faux antlers in interiors. I grew up around the real stuff and that just freaked me out ... as a child I thought the deer heads could come alive at night. In any case the recent issue of California Home had me rethink my scary thoughts and I actually dig faux antlers ... here are some of my favorite picks.

Travel Tuesday: Gale South Beach

Located on one of the poshest corners of Collins Avenue opposite the Delano and SLS, Gale South Beach is a sexy and trendy boutique hotel with chic style and modern design elements. A historic 40s deco facade yields to a stylish renovated lobby with Regency-inspired decor mixed with vintage-inspired, rich leather seating, dark wood floors, and walnut paneling. Rooms exude 1940s glam with silver silk curtains, white marble bathrooms, black and white photography and Italian luxury linens... take a peek! Images via

House Tour: Nancy Gonzalez's Apartment

Nancy Gonzalez is known for her exotic, colorful and luxurious handbags but when it comes to her home she prefers to "to live simply, with less visual noise". For her apartment in Colombia, the designer stays away from loud decorative accents and prefers the excitement to come from family gatherings. She opts for a layout that flows from one space to another, a loft style approach while defining each area. The idea for this home was to make no room off limits and allow maximum interaction and that feeling definitely comes through ... take a look. Images via

A Plum Surprise!

So back at the farmer's market this week,  we discovered beautifully delicious "Sweet August Sensation" Red Plums! Wonderfully sweet, with deep red and crimson color, it made us think...this should be in a cocktail! This week, we're using Plums, Tanqueray Gin, a touch of Rose & St. Germain, and a hint of Basil. It's a beautiful accent to these beautiful summer days...It's a Plum Surprise, isn't it...?

A Plum Surprise, a Fresh+Twist Original Cocktail

A Plum Surprise

2 oz Tanqueray Gin

3/4 oz Rosé Wine

1/2 oz St. Germain

1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 oz Simple Syrup

1 Red Plum

2-3 Sweet Basil Sprigs

In a mixing glass, Muddle 1/2 of the Red Plum with Basil Leaves from 2 sprigs. Add Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Gin, Rose & St. Germain. Add Ice & Shake. Pour the mix, into a Collins glass. Garnish with a Basil Leaves & a piece of Plum. Surprise, it's delicious..Enjoy!

Trending Thursday: Autumn Inspired

Fall is approaching and I must say I'm a little excited ... I cannot wait to bring out the fuzzy blankets, scented candles, hot chocolate and comfort food. To me there is nothing better than sitting outside on a cool night and enjoying a nice warm fire pit ...

 

Ricotta with Thyme ...

This is an appetizer I order whenever I find it on a restaurant menu ... I think it's a great choice alongside other dips like humus, guacamole etc, paired with thick slices of toasted country bread, this recipe has my mouth watering already. It's easy, simple and delicious ...  Recipe and Images via

About 8 slices (about 3/4-inch thick) crusty bread such as ciabatta or levain, chewy and substantial but not very sour.

Extra-virgin olive oil to taste
Kosher or table salt, to taste
2 cups fresh ricotta, at cool room temperature
1 cup whole milk (optional, see note above)
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 

 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or other herbs
1 teaspoon dried oregano

 2 large garlic cloves, halved (not peel).

1. Heat a grill or broiler to very hot. If bread slices are very large, cut in half or thirds. Brush bread slices on both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with table or kosher salt.

2. In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or in a bowl, whisk ricotta and milk (if using) together until light and fluffy. Season with salt to taste and mix well. Transfer to a shallow serving bowl and sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, thyme and oregano. Drizzle more olive oil on top, about a tablespoon or so.

3. Grill or broil the bread until toasted all over and lightly charred in places. Lightly rub each slice on one side with the cut side of a garlic clove. Serve hot, with ricotta mixture on the side.

Travel Tuesday: Titilaka Lodge Peru

The Titilaka Lodge is located on a private peninsula on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Peru. This lake is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world and the lodge sits on its shore providing travelers a luxurious refuge to explore the treasured natural, cultural and historical resources of this region. The hotel design is inspired by the Incan cultural heritage of the region, with brightly colored Peruvian woven textiles, local art and ceramics, and comfortable colonial style furniture.Take a look ... Images via

House Tour: Casa Tiba

Casa Tiba is located in Trancoso Brazil, a place I've had on my wishlist for a while. This hidden gem is a chic bohemian house that mixes local material and furniture, made by artists and craftsmen. It belongs to former JP Morgan executive Thierry Moriceau who bought the house in 2007 and restored it.