it's been a heavy week...

...and I find myself grappling for the inspiration that this space is usually devoted to.

maybe tomorrow.

aujourd'hui j'aime...

The Norwegian film, "Reprise" directed by Joachim Trier.
The story of two young writers and the emotional aftermath of each man's first publication. Witty. Abrupt. Superb.

www.epicurious.com : "For people who love to eat."

recipes. quick ones, fancy ones, international ones. my favorite are the weekly dinner planners (am I a 30-something stuck in 21 year-old body?) Not that this type of planning/shopping/cooking is really viable on my college student budget, but someday, someday it will be. And that day will be a glorious day.

I want to make this: Salmon with Soy Honey and Wasabi Sauces



Dan and Shannan's beautiful home in Upstate New York:


view the rest of their peaceful spot in the country here.

aujourd'hui j'aime...

ingenious appeals to a target demographic.
mika chante en français quand il est en france.
et il ressemble un peu de louis garrel, n'est-ce pas?


nutella croissants. heaven?

spotted at a cup of JO.
via t spoon of sunshine

passive agressive wifi hotspots.

spotted at a cup of JO.
via swiss miss.

this darling dane.

via copenhagen street style.

The Livable Streets Initiative

The Livable Strees Initiative is a brilliant pool of information for those of us interested in urban livability, specifically promoting the redesign of urban spaces with the cyclist in mind. This website is just begging to be the next object of my pure and unadulterated obsession. They have bloggers chiming in from all over the world on how these sustainability projects are progressing, "streetflims" which highlight cities that are making a difference, and a platform for people to organize projects in their own communities.

Their most recent streetfilm provides a glimpse into the busiest bicycle street in the Western world: Nørrebrogade in Copenhagen (be still my heart).

Because really, who does it better than the Danes? I have yet to encounter another culture so whole-heartedly committed to living their lives on bicycles. When living in Denmark, I noticed that the Danes don't have the same emotional, spacial attachment to their beds that Americans do. Their bedding is basic and most sleep on futons so that blankets and pillows are retired to the closet during the day, and the space is put to better use. This was odd, because when I live in the States, my bed is my SPOT. Only later did I realize that Danes have a spot too...on their bikes. They have transferred this attachment to the spot between two wheels.





photos via the spectacular blog: copenhagen cycle chic

aujourd'hui j'aime...

a big stretch.

a couple of sturdy wheels.

a frolic.

and a little audacity.

photos via ffffound

I'm baaaaaack.

My new years resolution is to find peace more often. With little things and big things and me things. And to smile at random people on the bus. Every day. I started last night:)

What's yours?

photo via the selby

pandoro french toast with lemon rosemary butter and blood orange butter

What's a girl to do with all her spare time once she has mastered the art of international law and has come rolling out of her semester-long tussle with international economics looking like a homeless person, but none the worse for wear? She cooks elaborate things, that what she does.



Blood Orange Butter
1 cup butter
juice of 1 1/2 blood oranges
zest of 1 1/2 blood oranges
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Lemon Rosemary Butter
1 cup butter
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup sugar
2 sprigs rosemary

French Toast
1 Pandoro loaf
5 eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream

Put 1 cup of butter in an electric mixer. Whip until fluffy. Add 2 T. sugar and 1/2teaspoon cinnamon, and the juice and zest of the blood oranges. Whip until ingredients are all combined and butter is pink. Form into a ball, wrap in wax paper and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then add the rosemary sprigs. Simmer for 2 minutes, then turn the heat off. Let cool completely (about an hour). In an electric mixer, whip 1 cup of butter until fluffy. Add 4 Tablespoons of the lemon rosemary syrup and whip until combined. Form into a ball, wrap in wax paper and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use. (Leftover syrup can be used as the base for some delicious drinks!)

Cut the Pandoro bread in thick slices. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, millk, and cream. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a teaspoon of butter to prevent sticking. When the skillet is hot, dip the Pandoro slices in the egg mixture and place in skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a golden brown.

photo via frolic.
recipe via Elizabeth Fuss