End-of-summer tablescape

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I can hardly believe that August is already over, and September is looming just around the corner. Ever since I took up on my old job again, I can't see the time pass. Fortunately, the summer weather doesn't seem to want to disappear that quickly, and I plan to soak up on as much sunshine as I can. That includes enjoying a bunch of BBQs and alfresco dinners while watching the sun set over the horizon. This beautiful tablescape has all the beautiful summer colors (like vibrant pink, orange and yellow), while incorporated a bunch of autumn shades (burnt sienna and gold are definitely among my seasonal favorites). I would use this color palette for an end-of -summer birthday party or even an unconventional wedding reception with a rustic twist.
Do you like mixing shades typical for different seasons? And what are your end-of-summer plans?
Have a wonderful weekend!

1. Fieldcrest Salad Plate Autumn Paisley, $19.99

2. Summer Samba flowers

3. Target white lila flower 5 bud vase, $24

4. Fieldcrest Dinner Plate Autumn Paisley, $24.99

5. San Miguel Inca Vase, $36.99

6. Schott Zwiesel Pure water glass, $14

7. Fieldcrest Bowl Autumn Paisley, $25.99

8. White and yellow flowers

9. Pink roses

10. Anthropologie faceted wood candlestick, $58

11. Anthropologie textured cullet vase, $24

12. West Elm gold flatware, set of 5, $29

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Home office inspiration

I'm off to my second photography class today, so I' leaving you with a great dose of home office eye candy. I'm in desperate need of revamping my own home office space, and once again Pinterest proved itself to be an incredible source of inspiration.

All these pictures are unique and inspiring, with their combination of modern and traditional, of classic and classy. I love them all and narrowing them down to just one winner would be impossible. Do you have your own favorite home office style? 

Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. 9 

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Tortilla night

My dad is the biggest world's champion of traditional Slovak food and cuisine, and of course, I'm his biggest oponent. I have always found it too heavy, with too much meat and too little inventivity. Plus, when I left for France a few years back, I couldn't cook a single meal, so I had to start from scratch. I never went back to Slovak basics, and that's why I'll probably never cook a meal in my life that my dad will be happy about. Fortunately there is still my mom who is always happy to sample my culinary experiments (I think the thing she loves the most is when it's someone else who cooks!). Last night I decided to introduce her to a few Mexican staples: homemade guacamole and tortillas. It was such a fun way to end a long day of work, and all we missed were two glasses of perfectly chilled margarita. Next time!

Guacamole

You'll need:

* 2 avocados

* 1 lime, juiced

* 1/2 tsp salt

* 1/2 tsp ground cumin

* 1 chilli pepper

* 1 small red onion, diced

* 1 minced garlic clove

* 5-6 cherry tomatoes

1. Peel avocados and cut them in cubes. 

2. Toss them with the lime juice, so that the cubes are all coated. 

3. Mash the avocados, add salt, cumin and minced chilli pepper.

4. Fold in diced onions and garlic, then add tomatoes. 

5. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour, then serve with tortilla chips or tortillas. 

Homemade tortilla chips

You'll need (16 chips):

* tortillas (I used tomato ones, that' why they are so brown in the end)

* olive oil

* salt

1. Cut the tortillas in triangles (8 triangles from each tortilla). 

2. Coat their both sides with olive oil, place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and sprinkle with salt.

3. Bake in the oven preheated to 180°C for 7-8 minutes.

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Summer getaway: Provence

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The summer is slowly but surely drawing to a close and so is my summer getaway series (you can find all the inspirational posts here). And since I started this series in Paris, it only feels appropriate to finish in another amazing and beautiful part of France: Provence. Although I lived in France for 4 years, I've never been to Provence, and it's one of my biggest regrets. When thinking about this southern part of France, I always imagine vast lavender fields, fragrant herbs, glasses of summery rosé wine, and the most delicious food in the world. When it comes to outfits inspired by this wonderful place, I imagine lots of flowy skirts and pretty tops, cute ballet flats, and of course, all the shades of lavender.

And when in Provence, don't forget to stock up on amazing Provencal cosmetics (L'Occitane and Savon de Marseille have been on top of my list for years!). There's nothing that transports me back to France more effectively than a bar of lavender soap and shea butter hand cream!
Now you tell me, what would your perfect last minute summer getaway look like? Where would you go and what would you pack?

Day

1. Dorothy Perkins blush necklace mock collar top, $39

2. ModCloth Modern Madeline top, $37.99

3. Diorskin Healthy Glow enhancing powder bronzer, $55

4. ModCloth Sway and Simple skirt, $37.99

5. Laura Mercier Cinema Noir long lash mascara in Burgundy, $24

6. ModCloth Cat Eye Cutie sunglasses, $11.99

7. ModCloth Prim the name of love flat, $26.99

8. Essie in Miss Fancy Pants, $8

9. Dorothy Perkins Colourblock quilt smart bag, $49

Night

1. ModCloth The time is nigh necklace, $11.99

2. Dorothy Perkins black spot metal bow clutch, $28

3. ModCloth Time of my life dress in lilac, $164.99

4. Dior Purple revolution eyeshadow palette, $48

5. Lancôme Rouge in Love Tonight is my night lipstick in Midnight Rose, $25

6. Essie in Head Mistress, $8

8. Dorothy Perkins cream / black tweed trim courts, $59

Something extra

1. Savon liquide de Marseille in Fleur d'Oranger

2. Lancôme Vernis in love matte top coat, $15

3. ModCloth Bow to stern scarf in navy stripes, $7.99

4. Peter Mayle: Provence from A - Z, $10.91

5. L'Occitane shea butter hand cream, $28

6. MAC mini pro eye makeup remover, $10

7. L'Occitane Bonne Mere gentle body wash in honey, $34

8. MAC Style seeker fluidline in Blacktrack, $15

9. ModCloth Côte d'Azur sunglasses, $11.99

10. L'Occitane Bonne Mere soap in lavender, $7

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Food for eyes

I am what you can call the ultimate inspiration junkie. I can spend hours and hours on the internet, scouring blogs, Pinterest and internet magazines for amazing and inspiring photos, articles and ways to make my life even better and more beautiful. Seeking beauty and inspiration everywhere, even in the tiniest aspects of everyday life, is one of my biggest passions. But internet is not the only source of beauty out there. Very often I find myself going back to printed magazines and books that I collect by hundreds (my frequent "trips" to Amazon are my credit card's biggest fear). Recently I've been splurging on fabulous cookbooks (like Béatrice Peltre's La Tartine gourmande) and food photography books (especially Hélene Dujardin's Plate to Pixel) which I am now studying religiously in order to improve my own food photography and writing.
And Amy Atlas' Sweet Designs? That's the inspiration on a whole different level. I find myself staring at those stunningly beautiful photos and beyond delicious recipes over and over again and I hope that one day I can achieve such a visual perfection myself. And what about you? Are you a book hoarder like me or have you turned solely to internet (especially Pinterest) when in need of instant inspiration boost? Do you splurge on wonderful books from time to time?  

Amy Atlas: Sweet Designs

Béatrice Peltre: La Tartine gourmande

Hélene Dujardin: Plate to Pixel, Nicole S. Young: Food Photography, From Snapshots to great shots 

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Clafoutis aux pêches / Peach clafouti

My weekly trips to farmers market have got me thinking about shifting seasons. I confess, I could hardly imagine living in a place where the sun is always shining and the snow never falls from the sky. Shifting seasons are part of my DNA, and, perhaps even more so, of my kitchen. Seasonal fruit is the best example: every year I'm waiting impatiently for the first strawberries who epitomize the true beginning of summer to me. When strawberries begin to disappear, I gorge myself on apricots (my all time favorite kind of fruit, alongside with raspberries) and peaches (the stars of my today's dessert). And I already know that next week, peaches will be gone and first apples and pears appear on the farmers market stalls. Fresh fruit guides me through the summer and it's that much more precious when I know that it's only here for a while. I always try to make the best out of every kind, and I'm more than happy to share another delicious recipe with you! What is your favorite kind of fruit? Do you have a signature summer recipe? You'll need:

* 4 peaches

* 4 eggs

* 125g all-purpose flour

* 25g butter

* 300ml milk

* 100g sugar

* a pinch of salt

1. Butter the pie mold. Cut peaches into cubes and dispose them in the mold.

2. Blend eggs, sugar and a pinch of salt together. Add flour, then milk and blend all well together. 

3. Pour the dough over the peaches.

4. Bake in the oven preheated to 180°C for 40 minutes.

5. Serve warm.

Bon appétit!

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Summer escape: Los Angeles

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I've already been dreaming about the perfect summer getaway for weeks (you can find all my previous summer escape posts here), and since I still have 2 weeks to go before my Roman holiday, I'm here today with another dream destination of mine. California in general, and Los Angeles in particular, have been on my travel list for ages. I'm intrigued by the differences between the beaches, the mountains and the glamorous cities that are characteristic for this state (and have I mentioned that it's home to a bunch of my favorite bloggers, like Emily and Anna, and to my all-time favorite fashion maven, Rachel Zoe?).
When it comes to Los Angeles style, I would opt for easy Californian chic for day, and dramatic glamour for night. I'm still not entirely comfortable with the idea of wearing denim cut-offs, but it's the piece that epitomitzes that relaxed vibe. When paired with a chic top, killer gladiator heels and a few colorful accessories, it looks absolutely fantastic.
In the evening, I would opt for a fabulous hi-lo chiffon dress paired with sparkly heels, minimal jewelry and colorful mani/pedi. 

What would your perfect LA wardrobe look like?

Day

1. River Island Clock and Key necklace pack, $20.44
2. ModCloth Drinks on the deck hat, $14.99
3. Dorothy Perkins blush bow front swing top, $44
4. Reed Krakoff Atlantique leather tote, $1590
5. Estée Lauder Beyond Black Pure Color nail lacquer, $20
6. MAC Heavenly Creature lipstick, $15
7. Topshop Moto copper stud denim hot pants, $70
8. Giuseppe Zanotti metallic suede gladiator sandals, $850
9. Ann Taylor Harper leather gladiator sandals, $99.88
10. Asos pack of two smooth double cuffs,  $25.55

Night

1. Rare chiffon hi lo dress with chain back, $71.58
2. ModCloth Front Page Photo jacket, $89.99
3. Deborah Lippmann Ray of Light & Sweet Dreams mini duet, $21
4. Dorothy Perkins Leopard halfmoon clutch, $17
5. Stila Sparkle luxe lip gloss, $22
6. Asos Hello heeled sandals, $85.15
7. Asos Adjustable pack of three engraved band rings, $13.62

Something extra

1. Sara Happ The lip slip lip balm, $24
2. Nikon d3100, $499.99
3. Wallpaper City Guide Los Angeles, $9.95
4. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $24
5. Estée Lauder DayWear Anti-oxydant BB creme, $28
6. Moleskine City Notebook Los Angeles, $17.95
7. Leonor Greyl Paris Nourishing Hair serum, $44
8. Clarisonic Mia 2 Mango sonic cleansing system, $149
9. Tela beauty organics boar bristle hairbrush, $72

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Like a sunflower

Top & skirt: Orsay, Shoes: Deichmann, Sunnies: Firmoo c/o, Ring: Six, Nail polish: Chanel

I have finally found some time to check out last summer sales, and I wasn't disappointed. I have snatched this cute yellow top and pretty green skirt for next to nothing, and I couldn't resist wearing them immediately with my new fabulous pair of sunnies that I received from Firmoo. Plus, after a year of experimenting with blonde hair, I have returned to my original brown, and I couldn't be happier. I don't need to be bothered about touch-up appointments anymore!

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La belle femme

The weather has cooled down significantly these past few days and I've decided that was the perfect opportunity to bring you the first glimpse of fabulous fall wardrobe.You know me well, I love myself a great dose of French chic every other day, so when I discovered Dorothy Perkins' new collection, I literally squealed from delight. Its name is "La belle femme" and it's full of glamorous well-fitted dresses, quirky prints (how amazing are those perfume bottle and necklace prints?), metallic accessories and pretty peplum jackets. All in all, I'm pretty much obsessed with every single piece, and I would love to add them all to my fall wardrobe (if my budget permits). These are my absolute favorites. Which are yours?

1. Perfume Peter Pan collar dress, $69

2. Grey bunny print tee, $49

3. Navy peplum ponte jacket, $69

4. Blue dogtooth mini soft prom, $57

5. Blush sequin collar shirt, $59

6. Ivory spotty bow collar top, $44

7. Ivory lace trim collar top, $39

8. Blush necklace mock collar top, $39

9. Metallic chain tassel clutch, $27

10. Pink handbags scarf, $21

11. Giant pearl necklace, $17

12. Cream lace tipped jacket, $89

13. Nude split platform court, $69

14. Silver glitter clutch, $27

15. Black/ink bonded lace dress, $59

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Heavenly tomato soup

As I already told you in my last food post, we've been practically submerged by home-grown tomatoes, thanks to my brother and my parents. I've been eating nothing else but tomato salads for the past few weeks, and I'm pretty sure I'll turn completely red any day now :) In order to avoid a total tomato salad coma, I've been scouring my favorite food webs (especially Bon Appetit) and magazines for new, original recipes. And this tomato soup is literally a gift sent from heaven. It is quick to prepare and it makes for an amazing and delicious summer supper. I could eat it by buckets (I hope it doesn't show yet!) and it has even earned my Mom's stamp of approval (and that's really big deal, because she's hated any tomato soup ever since she was five!) Without further ado, this is the recipe for the most delicious tomato soup ever:

You'll need:

* 2 onions

* 2 garlic cloves

* 10 dried tomatoes

* 3 tbsp olive oil

* a pinch of sugar

* 800g ripe tomatoes

* 300ml vegetable bouillon

* salt, black pepper

* grated parmesan

* small amount of whipping cream

1. Chop onions, garlic and dried tomatoes and put them in a saucepan with a simmering olive oil. Add a pinch of sugar and roast on small heat.

2. In the meantime, cut a cross in tomatoes' skin, boil them 30 seconds and peel them. Cut the pulp in cubes and add them to the onion base. 

3. Add the bouillon, cover the saucepan and cook slowly for 20 minutes.

4. Use the hand mixer to liquidize the soup. Add salt and black pepper. Pour in the bowls.

5. Whip the cream alone, place a dollop of it in the middle of each bowl of soup, add grated parmesan and a few leaves of basil.

6. Serve immediately, alone or with croutons or fresh baguette.

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