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

I.  Dust off that oversize sunbrim hat from under the bed, stack equestrian Hermes bracelets on one arm, and done your prettiest frock for the 2nd Annual Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday May 3.  Put on by the illustrious Guardsmen at the General’s Residence in Fort Mason from 1-6PM, the event features open bar Mint Juleps, traditional southern bites, lawn games, and the most beautiful people our town has to offer.   

II.  Before hitting derby and/or Cinco de Mayo fetes, indulge in a big breakfast to soak up the spirits.  Over the weekend, some friends and I made beer-braised shredded chicken tacos for dinner.  The next morning, we still had some corn tortillas, chicken, avocado, diced white onion, and cilantro.  To turn the dinner leftovers into breakfast fare, we sauteed a little of the onion with spinach in olive oil, then added beaten eggs, cheddar cheese, and avocado.  After broiling the tortillas for a few minutes (until they popped up and browned on each side) we topped them with the scramble, shredded chicken, cilantro, more diced onion, and hot sauce.  Simply delicious!

III.  While spending time with friends in the kitchen, I was reminded that many millennials don’t have a firm grasp on cooking basics.  (For example: no one among the group could properly identify a hand-mixer).  While pondering the quandary this morning, I stumbled upon this amazing collection of cooking tricks and tips for the less than culinary from Bon Appetit magazine’s staff.  I particularly love the suggestion to use a zester for garlic - so much faster than dicing each clove!

IV.  I’ve mentioned a few times that I’m constantly on the prowl for nontraditional art pieces.  When I found these prints from Mr Pickwick’s Etsy shop, I instantly fell in love.  What could be better than the word “Nerds” spelled out in periodic element symbols?!  I can’t wait to hang the trio in my office.  If you’re less geek and more chic, the shop also carries a plethora of whimsical handmade prints worth checking out.

V.  On the topic of nerdiness, it can be challenging to store books in small San Francisco apartments.  Kudos if you’re blessed with built-ins, but otherwise finding something both petite and stylish is next to impossible.  Luckily, I’ve found the perfect solution in this 5'x5’ round industrial bookshelf from Cost Plus.  The open frame keeps your place uncluttered, while showcasing your brain candy.  Tip: to avoid the $70 shipping fee, find a location in the Bay Area and pick it up yourself.

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt