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Twice Enchanted:
Fall 2015 Collection

Richly green and dotted with exotic castles, southern Portugal provides the perfect backdrop to BHLDN’s Fall 2015 Collection. Brand-new dresses featuring meticulous beadwork, graphic lace and soft metallic touches echo the ornate Moorish architecture of Monserrate Palace, while hairpieces and jewelry seem to take a cue from the jasmine vine and chamomile spilling from its terraces.

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Reads & Refreshments:
Summer’s Salt

R&R has always been summer’s specialty. As the pace… >

Reads & Refreshments:
Summer’s Salt

R&R has always been summer’s specialty. As the pace of life slows in direct proportion to rising temps, we discover oases of time to pursue life’s little pleasures. This month, we’re indulging in pure escapism, with the transportive powers of good books and cheery cocktails. Poolside or porch-poised,we’ll find a bit of shade and thumb through far-flung locales that pair perfectly with this salty seaside sipper.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Sea salt
Zest from one lime
Lime wedge
3 ounces gin
3 ounces watermelon juice
½ ounce cucumber juice
Seltzer

HOW TO MAKE IT…
Add plenty of sea salt and lime zest to a small plate. Wet the rim of a cocktail glass with lime wedge and dip into the salt-zest mixture. Add ice to glass. In a shaker filled with more ice, add gin and juices, and shake well. Strain into glass and top with seltzer. Serve with lime wedge.


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Weekend Win:
Girls Game Night

We never, ever turn down an invitation to game night…

Weekend Win:
Girls Game Night

We never, ever turn down an invitation to game night. Perfect for kicking back and catching up, these time-honored gatherings seem to only get better as the years go on. The best part? They’re an absolute cinch to host, as we discovered while shooting our August Lookbook. The next time you gather the girls (and the kids!), break out the boards, count the cards and follow these three tips for a can’t-lose night of friendly competition.


Game night is, by definition, a casual affair with an anything-goes dress code. That said, make sure your ensemble is up for evening’s festivities. Our pick? The ever-versatile jumpsuit, which we’re pleased to report can withstand the most vigorous of high-fives.


When it comes to the games, think outside the box — literally! With a little spray paint, you’d be surprised how playful your lawn can be.


Everyone’s a winner at game night, which is why everyone should leave with a prize. When the clock runs out, send your guests home with a small token of a night well spent.



More entertaining tips, right this way.

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Outdoor by Day & Night

We have a confession to make: we are outdoors obsessed… >

Outdoor by Day & Night


We have a confession to make: we are outdoors obsessed. The second the weather warms up, we grab our nearest and dearest, park ourselves on our lawns, decks and porches, and make merry. Oh, that glorious fresh air! That sweet summer breeze! We simply cannot get enough.

You feel exactly the same way, you say? Perfect. Gather ‘round, grab an adult beverage, and peruse our tips for making the most of your outdoor space from sunup ‘til sundown.

Daytime

01: In the quiet cool of the morning, take a few moments to string up your twinkle lights and strategically place votives—once the sun’s rays kick into high gear you might prefer to stay supine.

02: Be sure to give your plants plenty of refreshment during high noon so that they look lush and vibrant when your guests arrive.

03:Get your chopping, prepping and mixer-making done ahead of time—when the clock officially strikes party time, all you’ll need to do is pour and sip.


Evening

01: Bring all your libations, glasses and finger foods outdoors to prevent any unnecessary trips inside (i.e., away from the festivities).

02: Cozy is the name of the game once the sun starts to sink—place groupings of pillows around your space to encourage comfortable conversation.

03: There’s nothing sweeter than the evening breeze that comes after a long, hot day. Curl up under a lightweight throw with a beau or best pal and share stories long into the night.

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Let’s Get Cracking:
A Summer Clambake

The summer dinner party might just be our favorite dinner party… >

Let’s Get Cracking:
A Summer Clambake


The summer dinner party might just be our favorite dinner party. Gone are the fussy place settings and precious presentations. Ushered in are fresh flavors and dig-in dishes that encourage everyone to sit back, relax and stay awhile. The perfect way to bring together good friends and good food? That would be the time-honored clambake. While this all-in-one seafood pot doesn’t necessarily need any supporting players, we asked Lisa Lemke, author of The Summer Table, to round out the menu with summery sides that can stand up to such a look-here main dish. Roll up your sleeves and get cracking – at long last, it’s clambake season.


Summer Clambake

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
2 cups water
4 cups dry white wine
5 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
2 teaspoon salt
6 cloves garlic, crushed
2 red onions, chopped
2 pounds potatoes, quartered
4-6 ears corn, halved
3 lobsters
2 dozen Littleneck clams
1 pound mussels
3 lemons, halved (plus extra for serving)
3 limes, halved
One bunch tarragon, chopped
Melted butter, for serving

HOW TO MAKE IT…
In a very large stockpot over medium-high heat, combine water, wine, Old Bay, salt and garlic and bring to a boil. Add onions and potatoes, cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes. Add the lobsters to the top of the pot, cover and cook for another 3 minutes. Add clams, mussels, corn and cook, covered, for 10 minutes, or until shells have opened. Remove pot from heat and transfer to a large platter. Gently squeeze the lemons and limes over the seafood, sprinkle with a generous amount of tarragon and serve alongside butter and extra lemons.

Romesco Baguettes
Recipe by Lisa Lemke

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
For the romesco sauce:
1 red bell pepper
2 red chilis
2 large tomatoes, halved
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and cracked pepper, to taste
1 cup blanched almonds
4 anchovy fillets
¼ cup sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

For the baguettes:
1 large sourdough baguette
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
⅔ cup prepared romesco sauce

HOW TO MAKE IT…
First, prepare the romesco sauce. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and combine bell pepper, chilis and tomatoes in a bowl with two tablespoons of the olive oil; toss and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a roasting tray, then add almonds to the same tray, but keep separate. Roast, turning bell peppers and chilis occasionally. Remove almonds after 15-20 minutes, then remove the rest after 25 minutes. Cool slightly, then peel bell peppers and chilis, discarding seeds. Combine the bell peppers, chilis, tomatoes, remaining olive oil, almonds, anchovy fillets, vinegar, paprika and garlic in a blender; process until smooth.

Next, prepare the baguettes. Turn the oven up to 350 degrees. Whisk together the butter and ⅔ cup of the prepared romesco sauce; season with salt and pepper. Cut the baguette down its length like a hot dog bun (make sure not to cut all the way through!) and place on a baking sheet. Crack it open, spread with the romesco butter and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the butter has melted and the bread has some nice color. Slice and serve warm.

Frisée Salad with Bacon
Recipe by Lisa Lemke

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and cracked pepper, to taste
1 head of frisée, coarsely torn
½ cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
½ tart apple, thinly sliced
4 slices of fatty bacon, fried and crumbled

HOW TO MAKE IT…
Whisk lemon juice, olive oil and mustard together; season with salt and pepper. Toss the dressing with frisée, walnuts and apple, then top with the crumbled bacon.

Rhubarb and Ginger “Lemonade”
Recipe from The Summer Table by Lisa Lemke

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
2 stalks rhubarb
2-inch piece fresh ginger
½ cup granulated sugar
6 cups water

HOW TO MAKE IT…
Peel and thinly slice the rhubarb and ginger. Place all ingredients in a nonreactive (not aluminum) saucepan and bring to a boil; cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, then strain. Serve over ice.

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Frosty Fridays:
Dairy-Free Orange & Hazelnut Affogato

We don’t want to play foodie favorites here, but… >

Frosty Fridays:
Dairy-Free Orange & Hazelnut Affogato

We don’t want to play foodie favorites here, but when it comes to dessert, our friends in Italy are doing things right. We’ve never met a cannoli we didn’t like, or biscotti that didn’t require at least one bite. And tiramisu? We’ll take two! Enter the affogato, where piping hot espresso and frosty ice cream meet in a blend of bittersweet perfection. Better still, our take on this confection of contradictions is made with hazelnuts and coconut milk, resulting in a treat that’s completely dairy-free. Now…what were we saying about tiramisu?

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

½ cup roasted hazelnuts
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon rum
½ cup + 2 tablespoons hazelnut milk
1 ½ cup dates, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes
2 cans full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon salt
Zest from one orange, plus extra for serving
4 ounces dairy-free, semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 shot espresso per serving

HOW TO MAKE IT…
In a double boiler, melt chocolate and coconut oil, stirring until smooth. Spread mixture onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and place in freezer to harden. Once frozen, break into small pieces and set aside.

Drain soaked dates and add to food processor. Gradually add just a touch of water and process until a paste forms, adding more water as needed. Remove from the food processor and set aside. Next, add hazelnuts, sugar and rum to the food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer mixture to a saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of hazelnut milk. Heat gently until sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add the coconut cream (the thick top layer from your cans of coconut milk), hazelnut mixture, half of the date paste, ½ cup hazelnut milk, orange zest, vanilla and salt. Whip using an electric mixer until light and airy, at least 8 minutes. Gently fold in the chocolate and transfer mixture to a container. Freeze completely overnight. Remove from freezer 20 minutes before serving.

To serve, scoop ice cream into a glass and pour one shot of espresso over the ice cream. Top with an orange twist.

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Staycation Style:
Create Your Own Summer Sanctuary

Where do you go when you need a little summer getaway? Is it…

Staycation Style:
Create Your Own Summer Sanctuary

Where do you go when you need a little summer getaway? Is it the seaside? The mountains, perhaps? A trip to the country? We’d like to throw a new destination into the mix: home. Don’t get us wrong—we never turn down a vacation. But sometimes (ahem, peak travel season) there’s nothing more relaxing than a weekend spent in your own abode. We want you to enjoy your stay, so we asked our Home Office experts for tips on creating a zen-inducing summer sanctuary. So clear your schedule, pour something bubbly and feel free to sleep in—check-out time is up to you.


It’s unanimous—white and neutral is your go-to palette for summer. From linens to couches, from windows to walls, our Home Office team is keeping it simple and serene.

For a toned-down take on the print-mixing trend, try a low-key, neutral combination. “I’m big on two-color prints,” says design director Bernice M. “They’re effortless, yet there’s real depth.”

Want to feel like you woke up at a luxury resort? Look no further than linen. “I love linen bedding in the summer – it’s so airy and breathable,” says home merchandiser Jen O. “I also like a lightweight throw for the end of the bed.”

“Flowers are a must, in all seasons,” says visual director Lance D. “Bring the outdoors in!” For a perennial look, try supplementing your freshly-picked stems with a little year-round flora and fauna.

We like to let the sun be the star of the show during its waking hours. But when it starts to dip in late afternoon, an array of candles adds just enough light for evening to find its way.

Of course, no getaway is complete without the ones you love. “Everyone needs a big, soft, sink-into-it couch that hugs your whole family in one embrace,” says creative director Carolyn K.

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Frosty Fridays:
Honeyed Orange & Pistachio Banana Split

Invented by a Pennsylvania pharmacist in 1904, the banana split is… >

Frosty Fridays:
Honeyed Orange & Pistachio Banana Split

Invented by a Pennsylvania pharmacist in 1904, the banana split is nostalgic in the sweetest of ways, a cure-all for the summer doldrums. Our version of the palate-pleasing prescription features the lively flavors of pistachio and orange, a drizzle of honey caramel topping and candied orange peel for good measure. For best results, take one at sunset with your sweetheart by your side.


WHAT YOU’LL NEED
For the honey caramel topping:
¼ cup sugar
½ teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cream

For the candied orange peel:
3-4 oranges
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

For the split:
½ cup half and half
¼ cup honey
18 teaspoon salt
Zest from one orange
1 ½ cup heavy cream
5 egg yolks
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon orange blossom water
Mini bananas, for serving
Honey caramel topping
Pistachios, coarsely chopped
Candied orange peel
Waffle cone, for serving (optional)


HOW TO MAKE IT…
To make the honey caramel topping, in a small saucepan, gently heat all topping ingredients except cream until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a slow simmer and stir constantly until mixture turns amber in color. Remove from heat and add cream. Stir well and set aside to cool.

To make the candied orange peels, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Peel oranges, being careful to remove as little pith as possible. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water and peels and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until mixture thickens. With a slotted spoon, remove the coated peels and allow to cool completely on the parchment.

In a saucepan, mix half and half, honey and salt and gently warm. Add orange zest. Have your cream ready in a large bowl with an ice bath nearby. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and set aside. Slowly pour the half and half mixture in with the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Then scrape everything back into the saucepan and heat until a thin custard forms, stirring constantly with a spatula. Pour the custard into the cream, using a strainer if necessary. Stir in the orange blossom water and mix well over your ice bath, allowing everything to cool. Refrigerate for one hour. When ready, pour mixture into your ice cream maker according to its instructions.

To assemble banana splits, halve each banana lengthwise and place on a
serving dish. Top with honeyed orange ice cream (also delicious mixed with our roasted strawberry ice cream) and drizzle with honey caramel. Sprinkle with pistachios, add candied orange peel and a wedge of waffle cone, if desired.


More cooling confections, right this way.




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Botanist’s Beauty:
Ingredients from Nature

Summer’s abundance always makes us feel closer to nature: We’re snatching every possible… >

Botanist’s Beauty:
Ingredients from Nature


Summer’s abundance always makes us feel closer to nature: We’re snatching every possible outdoor moment, enjoying fresh fruits and veggies at their peak, even picking a wildflower or two—and that’s just our beauty routine! You see, our latest beauty products, in addition to being seriously effective, are packed with good-for-you, straight-from-the-earth ingredients. From the ubiquitous (coconut oil, darling of beauty and foodie blogs alike) to the rarefied (baobab oil, say what?), we’ve scouted the best extracts, oils and essences Mother Earth has to offer.

The Botanical: Coconut Oil
The Benefit: Multitasks to moisturize, nourish and protect
The Beautifier: RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream, an organic, head-to-toe skin-transformer

The Botanical: Green Tea Extract
The Benefit: Protects skin cells and calms inflammation
The Beautifier: Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen, an easy to apply (and reapply!) sun-defier

The Botanical: Baobab Oil
The Benefit: Rejuvenates and moisturizes
The Beautifier: Free Your Mane Hair Oil, an ultra-light de-tangler and frizz-fighter

The Botanical: Avocado
The Benefit: Energizes with vitamins and antioxidants
The Beautifier: Kalastyle Modern Wash Soap, an organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified sudser

The Botanical: Organic Lavender Water & Extract
The Benefit: Soothes and heals delicate skin
The Beautifier: Sophie La Girafe Starter Kit, a so-gentle, eco-certified, cool-baby sampler

The Botanical: Jojoba Seed Oil
The Benefit: Mimics skin’s natural oils to soften
The Beautifier: Land Over Sea Sunscreen Stick, a replenishing, all-natural balm-slash-blocker


More goodies from Free Your Mane, RMS, Sophie La Girafe and others, right this way.

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Variations on a Theme:
Burgers Three Ways

We love the casual simplicity of summertime dining, when dinner prep… >

Variations on a Theme:
Burgers Three Ways



We love the casual simplicity of summertime dining, when dinner prep requires little more than firing up the grill for juicy burgers—unquestionably summer’s signature meal. But while we appreciate the simplicity of ketchup-lettuce-bun, we occasionally like to step things up. To find our burger bliss, we transformed three classic ingredients—beef, turkey and portobello mushroom—into patties less ordinary with mouth-watering ingredients and deliciously unexpected toppers to be eaten with relish…if you have some on hand.


WHAT YOU’LL NEED
for two burgers
½ cup mayonnaise
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tablespoon capers, chopped
1 cup arugula
2 ounces ricotta salata, grated
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 potato rolls
2 four-ounce beef burgers
1 green tomato, thinly sliced and seasoned with salt

HOW TO MAKE IT…
Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice and capers. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix arugula with ricotta salata, lemon zest and oil. Spread mayo dressing on rolls, grill burgers, top with arugula salad and green tomato.


WHAT YOU’LL NEED
for two burgers
½ cup tahini
¼ cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
8 ounces ground turkey
1 tablespoon Aleppo pepper
1 tablespoon Za’atar spice
½ tablespoon salt
1 eggplant, peeled and sliced ¾ inch thick, then grilled
½ red onion, sliced and grilled
1 seedless cucumber, sliced thin
2 tablespoons greek yogurt
2 large collard leaves, center stems removed

HOW TO MAKE IT…
Combine tahini and hazelnuts. Mix turkey, spices and salt together. Divide turkey mixture into two patties and grill. Assemble burgers by layering turkey patty, grilled eggplant, grilled onion, cucumber, hazelnut tahini and yogurt. Wrap with collard leaves.


WHAT YOU’LL NEED
for two burgers
2 ounces celery root, peeled and cut into matchsticks
1 granny smith apple, cut into matchsticks
2 tablespoons chives
½ cup sour cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 medium portobello mushrooms, stems and gills removed
Olive oil, just enough to coat mushrooms
2 bibb lettuce leaves
¼ cup sriracha
2 slices thick bread, halved and grilled
Salt and pepper to taste

HOW TO MAKE IT…
Combine celery root, apple, chives, sour cream and season to taste. Toss mushrooms in oil, salt and pepper, and grill until tender. Spread sriracha on bread and assemble burger, topping with celery root slaw and bibb lettuce.


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Summer Refresh:
Inspired Outdoor Outfitting

It’s been a while since we believed that there was a monster in the closet… >

Summer Refresh:
Inspired Outdoor Outfitting

It’s been a while since we believed that there was a monster in the closet. And yet every year, right around this time, we can’t help but think there’s something amiss among the hangers. Maxis start to blend together, tanks all look the same. That perfect sundress we had to have loses its luster, while those trusty tees are too tempting to resist. But resist you must—it’s too early in the season to surrender to the summer slump! We know it’s not easy, so we called in the stylists to outfit our upcoming adventures. Now take a hike, flip-flops!

Clambakes at the Beach
Listen, beach bums—it doesn’t have to be that way. Swap the shorts for a just-as-easy drawstring skirt and retire the flip-flops for shimmered sandals.

Flea Market Marathons
Nothing says “Hello, summer!” like a crisp poplin dress. Add a sun hat and hands-free purse, and you’re ready for an out-and-about afternoon of treasure hunting.

Afternoons in the Park
When the afternoon calls for casual, a belted cardi and embellished sneaks add instant polish to trusty denim.

Outdoor Concerts
Unbutton that shirtdress, change up the sash, and what do you have? A great new vest. Keep the look polished with white denim, then slip on a scarf for a little flair.

More of summer’s newest arrivals, right this way.

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Frosty Fridays:
Cherry Almond Chip Ice Cream

It’s official: the dog days of summer have arrived… >

Frosty Fridays:
Cherry Almond Chip Ice Cream

It’s official: the dog days of summer have arrived, and boy, are they hot. Short of spending our afternoons poolside or dozing in front of a fan, the quickest way we know to cool down is with a scoop—or two!—of arctic-cold ice cream. Our latest batch is a goody bag of well-loved flavors, from candied cherries to nutty almonds to chunky chocolate chips. Chop, stir, freeze and relish the sweet, sweet satisfaction of a cone well crafted.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup sugar
18 teaspoon salt
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups slivered almonds, toasted
5 egg yolks
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1 cup candied cherries, chopped


HOW TO MAKE IT…
In a double boiler over medium heat, mix the chocolate and coconut oil. Stir occasionally until completely melted. Pour melted chocolate onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer to harden. Once hardened, break or chop into small pieces.

In a saucepan, mix milk, sugar, salt and half of the heavy cream and gently warm. Add half of the almonds and cover. Remove from heat and set aside for one hour. Strain well and discard almonds.

In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and set aside. Have your remaining heavy cream ready in a large bowl, with an ice bath nearby.

Gently reheat the strained milk mixture and, once warm, slowly add the milk to the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Scrape the mixture back into your saucepan and heat until a thin custard forms, stirring the whole time. Pour the custard into the remaining heavy cream, using a strainer if necessary. Stir in the almond extract and mix well over your ice bath as the mixture cools. Refrigerate for one hour.

Remove from fridge and pour mixture into your ice cream maker. Five minutes before the ice cream is done, add the remaining almonds and chopped chocolate. Once finished, remove from the ice cream maker and gently fold in the cherries. Freeze according to manufacturer instructions.