Local Gems: The London Plane

How was everyone’s weekend?  The highlight of mine was a visit to The London Plane, which has been on my brunch bucket list for ages now. I met my friend Asa there on Saturday for a leisurely meal/catch up sesh, and the place did not disappoint! It’s a restaurant, bakery and flower shop all in one – gorgeous blooms greet you on a cheery cart outside the entrance, and there’s an even more extensive selection to pick from inside.

The interior is bright, airy, and just begs to be Instagrammed. (Seattle friends, if you’ve been there, I’m sure you can attest to this!) The bakery selection looked incredibly tempting, but I’d heard rave reviews about the curried avocado toast, so my mission was clear.

It was just as delicious as anticipated. Now I need to plan a return visit to try some of those yummy baked goods! Pistachio cardamom cake, I’m coming for you…

Have you been to The London Plane? What are some of your favorite brunch spots?

♥ Mil

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, you guys! It’s been a very long week and I’m excited to do some serious relaxing this weekend, and perhaps enjoy an out-of-control ice cream sundae (see #1 below). I’m even more excited to go wedding dress shopping with my friend Sarah, who’s getting married next summer. Yay! What are you up to this weekend? Before you take off on any adventures, here are a few fun links for you to enjoy.

1. Local restaurant Vivo 53 is adding some insane sundaes to their menu. Topped with everything from ice cream sandwiches to macarons, they are truly a sugar coma waiting to happen. Who’s going to help me eat one? (425 Magazine)

2. I really loved this post about breaking out of routines that may be holding you back. As a creature of habit, I can totally relate. (Gal Meets Glam)

3. Oribe is expanding their horizons with a makeup collection and skincare line! I’m definitely going to need every single product. (Allure)

4. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child premiered last week, and with that, J.K. Rowling claims Harry’s story is now officially over. Hmm…we’ll see. (Vanity Fair)

5. This list of things everyone but you is doing this summer will make you laugh. (Medium)

Have a great weekend!

♥ Mil

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The Ultimate Summer Salad

I’m a big fan of the classics, but every once in awhile I encounter a version of something that’s just as good – or dare I say it, even better – than the original. This twist on the traditional Caprese salad is one of those things. Swap out heirloom tomatoes for nectarines, add a little lime zest, and you’ve got one of the most mouth-wateringly delicious summer recipes to ever grace your taste buds.

Here’s what you’ll need for one serving:

• 1 yellow nectarine
• About 2 ounces mozzarella
• Several large, fresh basil leaves
• Lime (for zesting)
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Cut up your nectarine and mozzarella into manageable bite-size pieces and arrange artfully with torn-up basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle on some salt and freshly ground pepper, and top it all off with a bit of lime zest (the citrus is the key to that extra jolt of summery goodness). The resulting flavors will haunt your dreams for days to come!

This salad takes about two minutes to throw together and tastes like the essence of summer. Seriously, I’ve made this at least four times in the past week – it’s earned itself a permanent spot in my summer repertoire! I think it would also be pretty good with peaches, but I’m a nectarine lover through and through.

Do you have a favorite summer recipe?

♥ Mil

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends! I’m super excited for the long weekend, even though my 4th of July is shaping up to be pretty low-key. What about you? Are you heading to a family BBQ, or taking in a spectacular fireworks show? Or perhaps whipping up a batch of patriotic cocktails? Whatever you’re up to, I hope it’s memorable and fun! Before you jet off on your weekend adventures, please enjoy a few of my favorite links from this week.

1. It’s been way too long since I went on a big trip, and I’m getting a little wanderlusty. I want to make travel more of a priority, and not just because it makes you a better person. (Hand Luggage Only)

2. Apparently 90% of the signs of aging are due to sun exposure. Yikes! Unless you’d rather spend the rest of your days in an underground bunker, here are a few simple ways to protect your skin this summer. (Glitter Guide)

3. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list but are short on time, knock out some of these deeply satisfying organizational tasks that can be completed in five minutes or less. (Camille Styles)

4. The next time you have a truly terrible week, why not lean into it and throw yourself a pity party? As Lorelai Gilmore taught us, sometimes you just need to wallow! (Oh Happy Day)

5. Saving money is hard, guys. But with a little self-discipline, these tricks will make it easier. (Career Girl Daily)

In other news, I want to let you guys know that I may not be posting as frequently for a bit. Writing three posts a week is always a challenge, but it’s especially tough at this time of year, and what I really need is to get out and enjoy the sunshine instead of sitting in front of my computer all weekend. Can anyone relate? Anyway, I’ll still be here – just not posting quite as religiously as usual!

Have a fabulous weekend, and Happy 4th of July to our American readers!

♥ Mil