Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Mondays with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I.  If Instagram is a barometer of trends du jour, spring has most definitely sprung. My feed is filled with snaps of beautiful blooms, darling picnic feasts, and bright hues for decor. My palette preference this season is a combo of hot pink, pale turquoise, and light gold - which means that when I came across this picture today I was suddenly in interior design bliss. Fortunately, thanks to some ridiculously great deals, I won’t have to break my gilded piggy bank to achieve the look. Target is currently featuring stunning facsimiles of everything from Adler to Wearstler in their home department. Also adore the tufted stool, bamboo nesting tables, and cage lamp. And IKEA has to-die-for velvet curtains that match the photo perfectly. Grab this Cost Plus mirrored tray and Etsy kelly green throw pillows to complete the aesthetic.

II.  Friends often ask me for easy single-serving recipes. As tempting as it is to order from Postmates every night, I encourage everyone to play in the kitchen at least once a week. And that doesn’t mean you have to whip up a three course meal, or make a massive batch of something that ends up in the back of your fridge for a month. My current favorite is Garlic Habanero Shrimp Toast with Fresh Herbs and Capers. Keep it simple by grabbing precooked shrimp from the seafood counter. Ingredients: ¼ pd shrimp cut into halves, ½ habanero diced (or a less spicy chili if you can’t handle the heat), ½ clove diced garlic, a few sprigs of cilantro and chives chopped, 2 tsps capers, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, salt & pepper, sliced bread. Instructions: toast bread, combine all other ingredients in a bowl, place over toast and serve with a lemon wedge.

III. While we’re keeping it simple, if you’re anything like me, you’re becoming bored with the standard nightly glass (or bottle - let’s be honest) of vino with dinner. An easy way to shake things up without opening The Bar Book, is an uncomplicated mix of your go-to bourbon, honey, and lemon. Sweet, but not saccharine, this cocktail is the best way to transition from work-mode into your relaxing evening chez toi. It’s also perfect to serve guests as a signature drink for cocktail parties when featured in a chilled champagne coupe with fresh lemon peel.

IV.  The Blue Angels have always been my favorite part of living in the Marina. Every October, we are treated to the week-long practice and have prime rooftop seating for the weekend shows. This year will be even better (if that’s possible) because the first female pilot, Katie Higgins, ever to perform with the Angels will be flying Fat Albert. Besides being an equally brilliant and gorgeous tactical jet pilot, Marine Corps Captain Higgins is also modest: “I definitely didn’t come on the team to break any barriers or anything like that, that definitely wasn’t my agenda. It just so happened that I was the first female to perform in a demo here, and if that is inspiring to people, if that’s inspiring to little girls around the country, then I’m doing my job.” Kudos to Katie for taking us girls into the danger zone!

V.  The Exploratorium is opening up its doors after hours this week to host its Catalyze Your Curiosity Spring Gala. Descend upon the science museum’s breathtaking new home at Pier 15 Thursday for an unforgettable evening of dancing, imbibing, and noshing on delicious bites while interacting with exhibits and waiting for a few exciting surprises that the hosts have in store.  

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt