a.addison

Entertaining Extraordinaire

alliaddison — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:10:31 +0000

For the bash giving, party loving, wildly entertaining types – gifts from around the Central Coast (and beyond) that will surely delight. Cheers!

Clockwise from top: Paper Sky, Picking Daisies, Niner Wine Estates, Amazon, Confetti System, Jonathan Adler, Vivant Fine Cheese, Pithy Little Wine Co, Veris Candles

Tickled Pink: Skip n’ Go Naked

alliaddison — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:39:25 +0000

Oh the joy of sharing recipes…we all do it – concoct or stumble upon something that is just too fabulous to not try, whip it up, fall in love and then spread the joy to others. So when I came across a request put forth by Mrs. Lilien (FYI – I have been cyber-stalking the adorable Mrs. Lilien for almost a year now and cannot carry on without a daily glimpse of her lovely postings) for classic summer cocktail recipes I couldn’t resist submitting the Skip n’ Go Naked. I was told of the Skip n’ Go Naked by several friends and then came across the exact recipe thanks to Susan Branch. How to concoct:

2/3 cup iced cold beer
2/3 cup frozen pink lemonade
1/4 cup vodka

Fill blender 1/2 way with ice, pour in all the fixings, blend well, serve in your favorite cocktail glass and sip from a pink and white striped straw. Voila! Skip and Go Naked!

Although the Skip n’ Go Naked did not take home the gold it was still given an honorable mention and I was tickled pink! Thank you Mrs. Lilien and happy weekending to all!

Cheers!

A San Francisco Treat

alliaddison — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:49:07 +0000

On a recent trip to San Francisco I found myself spending the majority of my free time wandering up and down Union Street. Sampling the treats, exploring the cute hidden shops, perusing the incredible antique stores… It was the perfect lazy Saturday afternoon. A few things that caught my eye and I cannot wait to see again:

We stepped into this darling little bakery owned by two brothers to grab a bottle of water and ended up chowing down on the best cream puff I’ve had since my mom made her first and last attempt at creating home-made cream puffs over 15 years ago (more recent versions have sadly ended up being the Costco-bought frozen variety). Pacific Puffs located on Union Street is owned and operated by two brothers who noticed an abundance of cupcake joints popping up and decided to utilize Grannie’s tried-but-true Cream Puff recipes resulting in a cute little joint with simply 6 different types of puffs. Suggestion: the “Classic Puff” consisting of a freshly baked choux pastry puff filled with a light and sweet mixture of vanilla custard and whipped cream, then topped with a thick chocolate glaze. Mmmm.

Market flower shops literally adorn every single corner along Union Street, and the selections are always lovely.

By far some of the yummiest fish tacos I have ever had from Nettie’s Crab Shack in San Francisco – it was the two different types of salsa that made these oh-so-delish. Although my all-time favorite still remains: the grilled fish tacos from Pier 46 Seafood in Templeton, CA.

Scrumptious little “Christopher Elbow” Lemon Marmalade chocolate topped with a White Chocolate Lemon Ganache by artisan chocolate company Cocoa Bella. There was so many to choose from it was hard to pick just one.

Fell in love with this lone green bench overlooking the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Until next time San Francisco.

Collaborations Worth The Pain

alliaddison — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:44:01 +0000

Certain consumer product/fashion house collaborations never meet the mark, but every once in a while someone comes along and creates a fabulous fusion worth celebrating. Enter in Cynthia Rowley who teamed up with Band-Aid and created an assortment of bandages that are far from the blah or embarrassing ones we have come to know. We all love the grown-up versions of childhood classics! $10 will get you 20 assorted bandages (personal favorites include the white bandage covered in a rainbow of sequins and the smaller precious stone bandages) and 10% of the proceeds from each sale goes to Design Ignites Change.

Time to dress up that boo boo.

Much to do…

alliaddison — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:05:01 +0000

Hello Labor Day Weekend, Good Bye Summer…but wait. The fun never ends here on the Central Coast. Our local retailers and purveyors are always cooking up new, fun and ah-mazing to-dos to fill up our weekly calendar. Kick the holiday weekend off right with a visit to La Rouge Boutique de Lingerie in downtown San Luis Obispo where owner Farani will be showcasing the latest collection from jewelry company Virgins, Saints and Angels. Plus receive 15% off your purchase.

On Friday, bid farewell to summer with a refreshing and complimentary taste of Pithy Wine Co’s latest addition to the Soda Works family: Cream Soda. The team will be celebrating with delish Cream Soda Floats and sampling some other local goodies, like these.

And end the evening with a visit to downtown San Luis Obispo’s newest fine jeweler Ian Saude. Wine, snacks by the Neon Carrot and yummy desserts. Yes, please! Also be sure to check out the latest and divine collection from Alexis Bittar.

Happy. Happy.

What a Peach

alliaddison — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:47:35 +0000

Off for some more wine-related work and a little bit of fun in lovely Atlanta, Georgia! What is on my to-do list for this voyage?

Eating At: Locavore hotspot Farm255. The Central Coast may be a mecca for straight-from-the-farm grub, but it is always fun to delight in faire from other locales. Plus, who could resist eating from the adorable “Farm Cart” out front?

Wishing I could meet: Ashley Meaders – this darling little lady is about as crafty as they come!

Checking Out: The Foodies and Fashionistas Event at Market in Buckhead.

I Heart SF

alliaddison — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:11:15 +0000

The hubby and I have packed our rental and are headed to the city for a little fun and a lot of wine-related work. We have a short window to explore San Fran but as always, I have prepared an intense itinerary filled with fun, fabulous things. My must-do list is as follows:

AM Grub:

Main Meals:

Cocktails:

Spending $$$:

Taking In:

California Academy of Sciences

And if there are any other SF suggestions, please do pass them along! XO.

I’m All Yours

alliaddison — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:02:32 +0000

Sweet hubby of mine, you are my dream come true. Cheers to five lovely years and many more to come. XO.

Inspiration Board No. 1

alliaddison — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:05:46 +0000

Because inspiration gives no warnings. Call them what you may – inspiration boards, story boards, creative briefs. An inspiration board is a creative collection that inspires, motivates & eventually results in the final product. And while inspiration boards are a crucial part to my own creative process in styling, branding & designing, I am a true believer every person should have an inspiration board of their own – a reflection of you. XO.

Take Three, Honey

alliaddison — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:53:17 +0000

Last year someone was kind enough to give my office a sampling of these treats from the Brown Butter Cookie Company and since I have become a total fan! Hand-rolled, brown butter cookies each lovingly topped with a pinch of sea salt? Yes, please! How could it become more delightful? Well the company is locally based in Cayucos, ran by two sisters and has a sweet following of retailers in the area. If you can’t make it to Cayucos, be sure to stop by 7 Sisters Trading Company in Santa Margarita and pick up a batch. How sweet it is.