Nora Ephron

I was terribly saddened to hear of Nora Ephron's passing this week (especially considering I had no idea at all that she was ill). She was such a talent, full of infinite spark and wit and humor, all of which were evident in her hit films like When Harry Met Sally (my vote for *the* best romantic comedy ever made, period) and Sleepless in Seattle, as well as in her numerous writings and essays (such mini essays would often creep into her films, too, as can be seen in this Starbuck scene in You've Got Mail). I remember listening to her director's commentary to You've Got Mail awhile back and feeling like I was listening to a super cool, smart, wise-cracking friend waxing lyrical on anything from good books to the eternal charm that is Tom Hanks. I could hear her talk all day long, she was that interesting a person (I can't imagine how fabulous it would have been to have actually known her). In a somewhat weird but not-at-all stalkerish way, I feel like I've lost a good friend this week. She leaves a gaping hole on the film and literary landscape.


{Image via here}

"You are not special"

Finally, the voice of reason (who knew it came with a sprinkle of dry humor?). For anybody who finds graduation ceremonies as mind-numbingly tedious as I do, you would do well to watch the above video. You won't regret it.


{Video via Youtube}

Hello, Summer

"I know I am but summer to your heart 

And not the full four seasons of the year"

-Edna St. Vincent Millay

Summer has shown herself in subtle ways in these parts over the last few weeks, but it's only *officially* summer as of today. I intend to celebrate the longest day of the year with some lengthy rosé-sipping time outside on my patio. I only wish I had some fireflies to keep me company (they look so magical, don't they?). 


Happy Summer Solstice!


{Image via Pinterest}

Good Eats

Whenever I go abroad (which is, admittedly, not often enough), one of my favorite things to do is nosh on the local cuisine. I've had some of the freshest, most incredible homemade pasta in Rome; the best gelato of my life in - of all places - Prague; and a seemingly simple goat cheese salad in Paris that looked fairly ordinary, but after taking a bite, absolutely blew my mind. Interestingly enough, the sentiment that is often conjured whenever I find myself lucky enough to travel around the world and *eat* (it might be my favorite thing to do ever, after reading) is that of appreciation. Because I can't help but feel that I eat pretty darn well in my regular life, right here in Santa Monica. With the ubiquity of great restaurants and world class farmers' markets, it's no wonder I'm living the good life when it comes to food, and for that I am eternally grateful. Here's a sampling of the delectable eats I've been enjoying of late. First up, the first bite of nectarine of the season.

And it was just as succulent and delicious as this image suggests.

Bolognese spaghetti with parmesan, served al dente, courtesy of Rustic Canyon, a fabulous local restaurant. The couple who run Rustic also have a great little brunch place that offers the most amazing, savory baked goods (the co-owner hails from Tartine, so she certainly knows what she's doing), as well as a pizza place and an always-crowded ice cream parlor. I swear they're taking over Santa Monica....not that I'm complaining!

Rustic's prime New York steak with caramelized turnips and hedgehog mushrooms. Mouthwateringly delicious.

Lastly, I couldn't possibly skip dessert (if I did, you can safely assume aliens are at work here on this blog). Cupcakes from SusieCakes, the best cupcakes on the planet. Bold statement? Definitely. But it's oh-so-true!  Above is a chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting; below, a white chocolate strawberry cupcake - seasonal and scrumptious!

Is anyone else hungry? Or is it just me?