zesty lemon bars

Lemon bars are the perfect light dessert for these balmy days of summer. It's lemon season on the west coast, so this recipe will be perfect for my friends who have trees that are producing lemons at an epic pace. Fluffy and delicious, these lemon bars are best served with a cold glass of sparkling water or a black iced tea.

First layer: 2 cups flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 stick butter, melted

Mix together, and pat into 9x13" pan. Bake for 20 minutes at 350.

Second layer: 4 eggs, beaten 2 cups sugar 4 tblsp. flour 6 tblsp. lemon juice zest from the rind of 1 lemon 1 tsp. baking powder

Beat all ingredients together and pour over the first baked layer. Bake an additional 25 minutes at 350. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cut into squares while warm.

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

refreshing lavender soda

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When I lived in Los Feliz Village in East Los Angeles, my girlfriends and I had a favorite afternoon haunt just around the corner from my apartment. It was called Mes Amis, and it was a charming French restaurant right in the middle of all the action on Vermont. They had a brilliant happy hour menu, and as we were all struggling artists at the time, $5 drinks and small plates were heaven to us. It was at Mes Amis that I first tried a lavender martini, and I fell head over heels in love! Unfortunately, one day Mes Amis was there, and the next day, it wasn't. I was devastated when it closed, with no warning, and even more devastated to realize that I had no idea how to make a lavender martini. I spent several years researching, trying to find lavender liqueurs, searching the internet, asking every bartender I came across if they knew how to make this drink... and all to no avail. In the meantime, I fortified my love-affair with lavender any way I could. I learned how to make lavender scones, I bought lavender soda in bulk from Galco's in Eagle Rock, I burnt lavender-scented candles.

Finally, last year, I was doing a wedding installation at Highland Springs Resort in Cherry Creek, and what should I see on the chalkboard at the lodge but the offering of a lavender martini! I approached the chef, and he informed me that the lavender martini was concocted using simple syrup made from the fresh lavender growing on the property. I was stunned, I'd never even considered a lavender simple syrup, and this revelation changed my life! I found quickly how incredibly easy it was to make lavender simple syrup (or any infused simple syrup, for that matter!), and my weekends were again filled with lavender martinis! Since moving to Denver, however, I've been suffering withdrawal from the Dry Lavender Soda that I could access so easily in Los Angeles. The other day, it hit me, I learned to make lavender martinis, why not lavender soda? So I employed the good old lavender simple syrup, and voila! I simply cannot get enough of this refreshing and ridiculously simple drink, and I hope you'll enjoy it, too!

Lavender Simple Syrup

Combine in a saucepan over low heat 1 cup water 1 cup sugar

Bring to a boil so that the sugar dissolves, then add 1/2 cup organic lavender buds (cultivated for culinary use!)

Let the lavender buds simmer in the syrup for 20 minutes, then turn off the heat and let sit until cool. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and leave in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Drain the syrup through a sieve to remove all the lavender buds, and use within a week.

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

afternoon tea at the house of commons

Devoid of the usual kitschy quality you find in most state-side tearooms, the House of Commons is a fresh, clean space in the Lower Highlands neighborhood near Downtown Denver. I ordered the Afternoon Tea, and enjoyed a smooth spiced orange black tea while nibbling on dainty tea sandwiches such as cucumber, smoked salmon, and curried chicken. My husband opted for the refreshing Chatsworth iced tea and a hearty ham sandwich dubbed the Westminster. The mini scones were fluffy bits of perfection, and since finding anything even resembling Devonshire cream has been pretty non-existant for me here in Colorado, I was definitely in Devonshire-cream-heaven. I flashed back to my college days and sitting for hours at a little tea room in Stratford-Upon-Avon with my girlfriends, discussing Shakespeare and gorging ourselves on tea and scones. Although the House of Commons has a very updated, modern look, it still seems quintessentially British, and that feature, paired with the lovely tea and yummy tidbits, will definitely draw me back again in the very near future.

House of Commons 2401 15th Street Denver, CO 80202 (303) 455-4832

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

relaxing at demitasse

Sometimes you enjoy lunch with a friend, but your need to converse lasts much longer than your need to occupy a table at a busy restaurant. On just such a recent occasion, Jane suggested that we try a new coffee shop in nearby Little Tokyo so that we could spend some time relaxing and getting caught up. Cafe Demitasse was the perfect place for such a plan. It was a warm and sunny day, so after procuring our own individual carafes of iced tea, we settled in on the patio to chat and people-watch. The patio was full of slatted wood furniture and surrounded by succulent sculptures, many of which were mounted on the walls of the building. It was a serene little spot in the midst of the busy city. The barista guided us to the best tea blends and his recommendations were spot-on!

Cafe Demitasse 135 S. San Pedro Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 613-9300

Images by Lauryl Lane.

the most important meal of the day

Breakfast continues to be my favorite meal of the day. I eat after my morning run, and I love the ritual of making my breakfast and sitting down to eat before I turn on the computer and let the momentum of the day envelope me. My go-to breakfast of late is Trader Joe's Hot Cereal (farina), with sliced fruit, a generous dollop of greek yogurt, some dried cranberries, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. I always start my week-day mornings with a cup of earl gray tea, too. Don't you just love the Bunnykins dishes? This set was my "baby china," and my mother recently gave it to me to keep (!!!). Although the mug is rather small, I love drinking from it- I have such clear memories of drinking from it as a child! Don't tell my husband, but I think I might start collecting Bunnykins china...

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

san francisco's ferry building

The Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco is one of my favorite places to visit. The last time I was in the Bay Area, {lovah} and I scooted into the city early one morning to browse the Ferry Building and indulge in lattes at Blue Bottle and sugary treats from Miette Patisserie. Later, we met my sister Erica here for lunch since she works right across the street. With yummy sandwiches from Cow Girl Creamery in hand, we claimed a bench overlooking the bay, and watched the ferry boats coming and going. The Ferry Building is full of incredible artisan shops, delicious eats, and sweet gifts from local purveyors. Every time I visit, I discover something new. It's a true marketplace.

Ferry Building Marketplace One Ferry Building San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 983-8030

Images by Lauryl Lane.

the boulder dushanbe teahouse

By a happy stroke of luck, my friend Erin and I recently found ourselves at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse in Boulder, CO. We settled in for a light lunch (the greek salad was delicious!) and a repast of tea and scones. We were surprised and delighted by the beautiful architecture and design of the teahouse, which was apparently constructed in Tajikistan as a gift to the city of Boulder. We loved being tucked away into a corner where we could survey our gorgeous surroundings while catching up over our little pots of soothing tea. I even took my {lovah} back a few weeks later to indulge in tea and scones all over again!

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse 1770 13th Street Boulder, CO 80302 (303) 442-4993

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane. Shot with the iPhone 4, square images processed with Instagram.

Perfectly Poached Eggs

To poach an egg perfectly: Crack an egg into a small bowl or cup and let sit. Fill a saucepan with about 3 inches of water and a generous splash of white wine vinegar. Bring to a low boil, then turn the heat down so that the water is very gently simmering. Using a slotted spoon, stir the water rapidly in a counter-clockwise motion, and while stirring, use your other hand to tip the egg into the funnel created in the middle of the water. Remove the spoon just as you slip the egg into the water. The spinning motion will cause the egg to fold into itself as it solidfies. Allow the egg to cook for 2-3 minutes or to the desired "doneness." Remove the egg with a slotted spoon and place it on a piece of paper towel or on a sieve to dry for a few seconds before serving.

Image | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

the proof is in the baking

Although there are many excellent choices for a morning coffee in East Los Angeles, I find myself drawn to Proof Bakery over and over again. It's a short walk from my old home in Silver Lake, in an inauspicious shopping strip in Atwater Village. Proof is rather tiny, with seating for little more than a dozen people, but it's utterly charming with it's dark walls, light floors, and marble-topped tables. I love to grab a latte (delicious!) and split a delectable chocolate croissant and a slice of quiche (the flavors are constantly changing) with my husband, whilst sitting in the window, people-watching - and occasionally waving to neighbors also out for a morning stroll. Proof Bakery is one of the many reasons I love L.A.-living, it's yummy, cozy, and totally community-driven.

Proof Bakery 3156 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039 (323) 664-8633

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

bica coffeehouse | east bay

On a recent rainy day in Oakland, {lovah} and I landed at the Bica Coffeehouse to enjoy an espresso {lovah} and a green tea {me}. It was one of those perfect days in the East Bay, chilly and wet outside, but warm and cozy inside. We sat by the window and worked on our computers (Bica has speedy, free wifi) while watching the rain pound the pavement outside. If you're in the Rockridge neighborhood and in need of a good cuppa, check out Bica.

Bica Coffeehouse 5701 College Avenue Oakland, CA 94618 (510) 350-7875

Images by Lauryl Lane.

morning paper

Somehow I feel much better-informed if I read the paper versus picking random news stories to read online... After my morning run, the paper and a cup of coffee is imperative.

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

porridge

Breakfast. The most important meal of the day. Harney and Son's Hot Cinnamon Spice tea is a perfect way to the start the day...

Paired with porridge (Trader Joe's Hot Cereal), fresh banana, orange-flavored dried cranberries, a large spoonful of greek yogurt (adds creaminess + flavor), and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. A well-rounded breakfast.

Don't forget the pretty Bunnykins dishes!

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.