Summer Flatbread...

It's the last day of the 4th of July weekend.  I'm willing to bet that everyone has had their fill of burgers and dogs...or those of you lucky enough to be back east, bellies full of lobster rolls (insert jealous glare). 

This flatbread pizza, smothered in summer treats+cheesy-garlicky goodness, is simple to make and will surely please your taste buds before going back to reality tomorrow!

  

Ingredients :

1 large clove of glarlic, minced

1 tsp of butter

1 pizza dough (from the grocer's deli – I love the whole grain but white is fine as well)

Handful of flour (for stretching the dough)

1 cup halved grape tomatoes

1 cup artichoke hearts (drained, squeezed and quartered)

2 large handfuls of arugula 

Juice of 1/2 a lemon

S+P, tbsp good olive oil
1.5 cups mozzarella (grated)

1 cup goat cheese (crumbled)

2 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated)

Preheat oven to 450.  Stretch your dough very thin.

Tip: when stretching pizza dough remember to poke it and roll it (to remove their air bubbles) before you throw it! If you happen to make a hole, no worries, just pinch it closed!

Place the stretched dough on a greased cookie sheet or prepped pizza stone. 

Tip: To keep the crust thin, snip off any excess at the edges and save for rolls later on!

Brush with melted butter, sprinkle garlic and half of your mozzarella and goat cheese on dough along with S+P and Parmesan. Pop in the oven for 7 minutes (or until cheeses are bubbling and dough is golden).

While dough bakes, toss arugula, lemon, olive oil and s+p in a bowl.

After 7 min, take dough out of the oven and top with tomatoes, artichoke hearts and remaining cheeses.  Pop back into the oven for 12-15 min (you want dough crisp and bubbly without burning).  

Once out of the oven, transfer flatbread onto a cutting board and slice as desired, top with arugula when you're ready to serve. 

(I prefer a vegetarian pizza, but if you do like a meatier-meal, grilled chicken strips, a poached egg or sweet italian sausage would go well with this recipe)

Happy Eating!!

Bee

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful....Summer Beauty Favorites

I'm a self-proclaimed  "messy hair and barefoot" girl. I am low maintenance and like to keep my routine natural, especially in the summer. But, for those occasions when I must get gussied-up, I like to rely on these super products to keep me fresh and pretty:

Sephora: Josie Maran Argan Color Stick in 'Rosey'
I've never been a blush user until now!  A touch of this on my cheeks makes me look like I ran around the block and it stays on!

Sephora: Tarte Gifted Mascara
I love the look of long lashes, but I don't like the typical lumpy tar look of most mascaras. This one gives long, neat, defined lashes and NEVER does it clump!

*Tip: Add 2-3 drops of contact solution to mascara when it begins to dry out...it will extend the life of your favorite tube!

Benefit Cosmetic Store: 
The Big Easy+ Fake Up+Foundation Brush
I crave clear bare skin...but let's be honest, we can't always get what we want. The Benefit people get this- The Big Easy is a liquid-to-powder SPF miracle.  Apply with their foundation brush using small strokes for even gorgeous complexion, and it feels likeyour bare face! 
I use Fake-up for more prominent blemishes. Unlike other concealers, it stays put and the color stick is wrapped in a vitamin E tube that keeps it from flaking later in the day!

Bloomingdale's: Bobbi Brown, Beach Eu de Parfum
You know that smell, the one your skin has when you get home from the beach? A subtle mix of salt, sunscreen and warm sand...THIS PERFUME LITERALLY SMELLS LIKE THAT.

Sephora: Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser
It looks weird, like black ink.  When it makes contact with your skin, it gives off a warming sensation. Don't be alarmed though.  It's just the all natural, charcoal-based cleanser, pulling dirt from deep down in your pores! 

Whole Foods: Juice Brightening Shampoo & Conditioner
Normally, I use Frederik Fekkai Glossing Shampoo & Conditioner, but in the summer, I crave this light, organic citrus based duo to keep my hair light and bright!

Stay beautiful!

-Bee

Banana Creme Trifles for the 4th!!

I have been putting together this semi-homemade trifle-esque dessert for the 4th of July since I was in college. It is not organic. It is not particularly healthy.  It is a hybrid of my Aunt Joanne's infamous ambrosia recipe and my Aunt Jackie's banana creme pie.  It is amazingly delicious.

Originally, I made this in a rectangular pyrex dish (flag shaped).  But last year, with my mason jar obsession in full-swing, I decided to put them in there!

Banana Creme Stars & Stripes Recipe:
2 boxes of instant banana pudding (prepare per instructions on the box)
2 cool-whip containers
3 large just ripe bananas
1 pint of strawberries (for pyrex shape, get 2)
1 pint of blueberries
angel food cake, pound cake or lady fingers
(I usually buy them made...because I want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time in the sun!)

Assembly:
Make and allow pudding to set and let the cool-whip defrost. Line the bottom of the mason jars (or the pyrex) with cake (cut to fit). Next add a thin layer of banana pudding topped with a layer of banana slices.  On top of banana slice layer add a layer of cool whip. Repeat making sure cool whip is your top layer.  Now to decorate!

In mason jars:
Wash berries.  Hull and cut strawberries into thin little lines and place as stripes across the top of the whipped topping. Blueberries in the top left quadrant

In pyrex:
Because it is a larger surface, I slice the strawberries normally (so they look almost like little hearts). Lay the blueberries in the top left corner (one by one is best, so they look orderly and don't mess up your whipped top). Then lay strawberry slices across the dish in stripes.

This is an awesome treat to make with the kids too!

Put it back in the fridge and remove 5 minutes before serving!

Happy Birthday America!
-Bee

What to wear: 4th of July

It's no secret that I love summer, especially in New England. So, it's probably no surprise that I am a HUGE fan of July 4th celebrations and dressing for the occasion. The 4th is a day to wear classic all-American styles in patriotic colors.

Here are a few of my favorite (if not silly) looks from years past:

Boston Street Corner with Uncle Sam - 2013
Dress: Anthropologie (old), Sandals: Havaianas 

 

 

Chatham, Cape Cod, MA - 2011
Vintage Maxi Dress: Brimfield Antique Fair

Charles River Esplanade, Boston, MA - 2012
Shorts: J Crew, Tunic: Made In Guarda (Brazil), Flag: USA

These classic looks keep you summery and playful, while staying polished and camera ready...
whatever your plans maybe!

Roof-top Party & Fireworks: City Evening Look
top: J Crew, skirt: Gap, Necklaces: Kacey K (monogram)
& old clover (similar fro,m  C Wonder), Shoes: Cole-Haan, Clutch: Francesca's

4th of July Parade: Small Town Day Look
Shorts: Vineyard Vines, Shirt: J Crew Factory, Shoes: Converse, Bracelet: KJP
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Hat: Official Red Sox merchandise

Seaside Cocktail Party: Happy Hour Look
Skirt: Madewell, Shirt: Gilly Hicks, Shoes: Tory Burch,
Bracelets: C. Wonder (gold helm & enamel) & KJP (knotted rope),
Clutch: Orange Caramel

Dockside Clambake: Evening Look ...Heels optional
Jeans: Pilcro, Top: Tibi, Shoes: Schutz, Earrings: M. Flynn
Bracelets: Vintage Pearls (heirloom), Enamel bangles (J Crew)

Fun in the Sun: Beach Day Look
Bikini: Pisces Brazil, Cover-up: Rugby Ralph Lauren,
Sunglasses: Kate Spade, Sandals: American Eagle,
Monogram Tote: Vera Bradley

Coastal Exploration: Day Look
Shorts: Seven for All Mankind, Tunic: J Crew, Straw Tote: Michael Kors,
Sandals: American Eagle, Bracelets: KJP (knot), Lemon&Line (natural),
Kate Spade (green rope), Turkish Towel: Homegoods,
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, iPhone Case: Sonix for Paper Source

This year, since I'll be in South-eastern Alaska for the 4th, where temps are likely to be in the low 60's and rainy, my get-up will be more cozy but no less patriotic...

Alaskan Adventure
Jeans: Pilcro, Tee: Old Navy (last year), Shirt: Old Navy (current),
Sunglasses: RayBan, Vest: J. Crew, Boots: Hunter (not shown) 

I hope these inspire your fab Independence day look for Friday!

Cheers to looking great!
Bee

Watermelon Summer Sipper

A few days ago, the mid-western humidity had me craving a refreshment of the adult variety, a common affliction for me this time of year. It was a specific craving. Something cold.

Something fruity, but not artificial. Something colorful.

Then, it hit me. 

My watermelon-strawberry refresher* was precisely what I craved...err, just with a splash of Tequila. So to the kitchen I went, channeling my inner mixologist all the way.
* refresher featured in last week's "Five Days of Breakfast" post

The result tasted like summer in a glass...I hope y'all find the results as irresistible as I did!

5 cups fresh seedless watermelon - cubed

2.5 cups fresh local strawberries - hulled

2 tsp agave syrup

4 oz Espolon Blanco Tequila

Fresh spearmint leaves

(make sure all ingredients are well chilled before blending)

Muddle 2 larger mint leaves in 3 chilled glasses and set in freezer

In blender, liquefy the watermelon+strawberries+agave. 

Once blended, add tequila, give it one more quick buzz in the blender

and pour into the prepared glassware.

(serves 3-4 depending on glass size)

Happy drinking!

Cheers,

Bee

Bumbling about Buntings...

My dear friend and Gold+Bee partner, Sonal, introduced me to the beauty of buntings.  To be honest, I had no idea what the word even meant before her.  She is the "master buntress", and has made a delightful variety of these happy little flags for all sorts of occasions and home decor.

Cake Bunting for Charlotte's 4th Birthday - I mean COME ON...it's a teeny-tiny bunting!

Neon+Grey bunting for the party favor table - Mad Scientist 5th Birthday Party

Amiya's 7th Birthday party - Have you ever seen anything so whimsical?

In the past year, when friends have gotten married or had babies I have tried my hand at crafting these little flags, making buntings to ring in the occasion:

Chris+Dylan's Nauti Wedding - Vineyard Haven Yacht Club, Martha's Vineyard, MA

 Grayson's 1st Birthday- My latest project mailed off to his mom in MN last week!

Sarah+Colin's Maine Event - Waterman's Beach Wedding, S. Thomaston, ME

Sweet Noelle's Baptism - Darien, CT

It makes me SO happy to be a part of these lovely celebrations and I am thrilled by the requests for more!

If you have a special occasion coming up, and would like your very own BeeBunting, you can place your orders in the comment section below!!!

Happy Decorating!

Cheers,

Bee

Bounty Bars - Clean & Green Eating

Last week I stumbled upon a new app called, Clean & Green Eating, which is a fresh healthy recipe datatbase.  The app gives you complete ingredient lists, good instruction, nutritional info and even features an "add to shopping list" button so you can easily access your ingredient list while grocery shopping!

I have tried a handful of these recipes so far and they have been delightful.  Our household favorite so far, has been the "Bounty Bars" made from different forms of coconut and strong dark chocolate. Halfway through making the recipe I was convinced it wouldn't work...but the results were AMAZING and quite beautiful.  They are great frozen (which is where we were forced to keep them, because of all this heat and humidity!)

For the recipe, download the app here and be sure to follow them on Instagram at CleanandGreenEating.

Happy snacking!
Cheers,
Bee

Five Days of Breakfast

They say it's the most important meal of the day.  
It's your first chance to make a healthy choice. 
It's your first chance to make your mouth happy.
I'm giving you five delectable excuses to rise+shine instead of hitting snooze.

Go ahead, eat your breakfast!

Day 1 - Overnight Oat Bowl:

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1.5 cups unsweetened almond milk

2 tbsp dark maple syrup

Dash of cinnamon

1/4 cup raw sliced almonds

2 tbsp chia seeds
Handful of fresh pitted cherries

In a bowl stir all indredients (except chia+cherries), cover, and refrigerate overnight.  When you wake up, top with fresh pitted cherries +chia and enjoy! Recipe makes 3 servings. You can either share or eat leftovers within a few days!

Day 2 - Simple Scramble on Lemony Arugula:

One large egg

Handful baby arugula

Handful grape tomatoes

s+p to taste

1 tsp good olive oil

juice of 1/4 lemon

In a bowl, toss a handful of arugula in lemon and olive oil

Top with scrambled egg (use non stick pan to avoid the oil calories). Top with sliced grape tomatoes, s+p. Recipe serves 1. 

Watermelon & Strawberry Refresher:

2 cups cubed seedless watermelon

1 cup fresh local strawberries

Blend until smooth. Serves one. Beware: you won't drink anything this refreshing for the rest of the week!

Day 3 - Vegetarian Huevo Ranchero:

1 large egg (over easy)

1 6in organic corn tortilla

2 tsp shredded cheddar

2 tbsp black beans

3 sprigs fresh cilantro

2 tbsp chopped bell pepper

2 tbsp chopped tomatoes

s+p

(optional non-fat greek yogurt, fresh salsa, sliced avocado)

In a pan, toast tortilla with cheese on top until cheese melted. Remove from pan onto plate and cook your egg.  Toss veggies in s+p and spoon onto tortilla. Top with egg, cilantro sprigs and s+p. 

Add condiments if desired. (serves 1, cook time 10 min)

Day 4- Deconstructed Yogurt Parfait:

2 tbsp non-fat plain Greek yogurt

Honey - drizzle to your taste

Raw nut mix (I used cashews+almonds+walnuts+coconut)

Fresh fruit 

(I used kiwi, watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries, mango)

This is a great option to eat at your desk, and because it's deconstructed you can eat it throughout the morning without it turning into mush)

Day 5 - Mama Suzie Smoothie:

2 ripe bananas

1 cup almond milk

1 tbsp peanut butter

Blend until smooth and pour....I added ice cubes to make colder.

(It's really thick and delicious, a GREAT pre-workout breakfast)
*This creation was inspired by my mom, who's eaten pb+yogurt + banana  for breakfast as long as I can remember

DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR BUZZ ON...A COFFEE BUZZ

Normally I buy my coffee, but I recently stumbled upon this cold-brew concentrated coffee from Trader Joe's that is so good, economical and so easy to make. I am thrilled!

1 part coffee concentrate+2 parts milk or water

(I use 1 part  coffee+ 1 part unsweetened almond milk+1 part water+ice). 

Enjoy!
-Bee

Peachy Keen: Peach Sorbet

Nothing quite says summer like juicy+ripe fruit...and peaches are the cream of the crop!

Peachy-Keen Sorbet:

7-8 ripe large peaches (either white or traditional)

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp real vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Peel and slice peaches and put in the freezer for 1 hour.  

Remove and put in the blender with sugar, lemon, vanilla and salt.  Blend until smooth, pour into a loaf pan and freeze.  Set for 2 hours.  Scoop and serve!

Try it with toppings!

sliced almonds, shredded coconut, fresh mint leaves

I recommend running out immediately to get some peaches to try out this ahhh-mazing SORBET!

Buzzing- The trouble with being busy

I've been buzzing around a lot the past few months.

Moving

Traveling 

Working

Planning

Errands

Trying new recipes

Getting back in shape....woof!

I knooooowww that we leave in 5 days for 2.5 weeks of exploration and adventure in the Great Pacific Northwest. It will be so restful and refreshing. But...today, I just want to put my to-do list on the back burner, slow down and think. 

There's been tons of buzz lately about our culture's obsession with busyness. The Busy Trap - Article in the NY Times and Why You Need to Stop Bragging About How Busy You Are  on FastCompany shed some light on the epidemic. What do you do to slow down and recharge?

Slow day Agenda (I said slow down, not avoid planning):

• Breakfast: that's as tasty and nutritious as it is pretty
• A long walk through a new neighborhood with Mae
• Reading in the park
• Flexing my creative muscles with a little art project
• Mixing up a batch of cocoa-nut bars

xoxo,

Bee