First things first, this weekend I met Bill Murray (at his house!). Life goal achieved. He was as awesome and hilarious as I always imagined.

Then there was a dinner party complete with decadent lasagna, homemade sweet potato gnocchi, caramel salted brownies and homemade oreos. Possibly, the best dinner party of all time. I love my friends, I love food, and I love that my friends love food.

Other things of note: summer weather, open windows, blooming flowers, a Southern Flourish photo shoot, a spontaneous Saturday night, and an impromptu cinnamon apple crisp/Oscars party.

1. Impromptu Italian (pasta) feast at home.
2. Sailboat riding into the stunning sunset.
3. Favorite biscuits yet. Cheesy and decadent.
4. Homemade oreos, wrapped for a birthday.
5. My cute friends.
6. The Rosemary Plate. Named for my grandmother.
7. Melissa's cookie/chocolate/toffee creations.
8. The neon pink sunset in full force.

New classic cake stands (as opposed to the minis) in the shop!

I have never eaten an oreo and thought, "Wow, that was the perfect amount of icing!" Instead, oreos consistently leave me feeling unsatisfied and covered in chocolate crumb-dust.




The remedy? Homemade oreos, with as much icing as my heart desires.




I used Deb's recipe, which is simple and perfect as is (my cookies look different because I used dark cocoa powder). I took her advice to cut out a half cup of sugar in the cookies to make them more wafer-like instead of overwhelmingly sweet. Sprinkling sea salt on the icing is key (as always, in my book).  They keep well in the fridge and I actually like them better chilled.

Store-bought oreos will never be the same. Don't say I didn't warn you.

The clear blue skies and seventy-five degree weather in Charleston on Saturday made the decision to go to Cypress Gardens an obvious one.  Rowing around the quiet swamp surrounded by century-old trees and endless lily pads was so calming, almost dream-like. We walked and sat and drifted and lingered for hours, in awe of such natural beauty.






After eventually mastering the art of in-sync paddling, we had a moment of sheer terror as an alligator swam right by us (after we were repeatedly reassured that the alligators were dormant and would not be in the water). I didn't feel quite as calm then.

 But ominous gators aside, it was perfect. I needed this day. I left feeling restored and hopeful -- and what is more important than maintaining hope?

P.S. As a few people noted yesterday, this is where they filmed that hopelessly romantic boat scene from The Notebook. Also, a post about Cypress Gardens from two years ago.

Sunburnt cheeks, long walks in jorts, Taco Boy for lunch and brunch (a true sign of a good weekend), otherwise living solely on goat cheese biscuits, and invaluable time spent with dear friends, including a much needed trip to Cypress Gardens.

1. My beloved neighborhood, where we have...
2. ...indoor picnics with the terrace doors open.
3. Afternoon adventures with Melissa.
4. Cauliflower gratin, eaten by me in one sitting.
5. New chocolate cake pops from Cupcake.
6. Dainty Valentine branchy flowers.
7. Potatoes, ready to roast with garlic and rosemary.
8. Iced coffee, peaceful courtyard, devastatingly beautiful weather.

I am very happy to introduce you to the lovely little cake stand's adorable little sister - the limited edition lovely mini cake stand.

Perfect for displaying a single birthday cupcake, rings or bracelets, tea light candles, olives and cheese or mini desserts... the possibilities are endless. Pint size and pretty and only $15.

One could say I'm a little bit granola.

Wildflowers are my favorite, I don't eat meat, I love my station wagon, I'm addicted to Kombucha, messy hair is my thing (and usually my only option, but still).





I also love eating granola. Greek yogurt topped with berries and granola has been my breakfast of choice for as long as I can remember.

Most store-bought granola has so much sugar that you might as well be eating ice cream for breakfast. I have nothing against ice cream, but I do have a problem with unhealthy foods posing as healthy foods. If you want ice cream for breakfast, you should definitely eat ice cream for breakfast.  But if you want a healthy granola breakfast, make your own granola. It is totally worth the little bit of extra effort.

Recipe adapted from Mark Bittman and inspired by Kate Miss

6 cups old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup maple syrup (plus more for drizzling)
1/3 cup walnut oil
1 (heaping) tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon maple extract
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
1 cup whole almonds
1 cup pecans

Mix everything together and bake on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan at 325 degrees for about thirty minutes, stirring and drizzling extra maple syrup every ten minutes or as needed. I didn't use dried fruits, but I do keep dried cherries and pomegranate seeds on hand and toss them in occasionally.