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

I.  My mother constantly reminds me to incorporate greenery when decorating - “bringing the outdoors in.”  My favorite method is the topiary. Lacking a green thumb, this seems to be the only plant that lasts in my apartment.  I am smitten with the one in this photograph - particularly with the placement next to the television to draw away from the electronic feel.  Here’s a similar one online, or if you are in San Francisco - Fantastico has several options.

II.  Sunset Magazine recently published a list of the 45 best hiking trails in the west.  Naturally, several of the trails that the publication identified are in the Bay Area!  My favorites are the Marin Headlands and Land’s End, both of which provide sweeping views of the Golden Gate.

III.  The infamous summer chill blanketed our city over the weekend.  I love making these scrumptious brown sugar bourbon baked apples - and the dreary weather is the perfect excuse! The cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter will leave your home smelling delicious for days.

IV.  For those of you who live in far-off lands where the summer season invokes images of warm sunny days spent lazing by the pool, try these refreshing white peach maple sodas.  Incredibly easy to make, and super chic when served with a sprig of fresh lavender.  Add a generous splash of gin for adults!

V.  Miniature booze-filled pinatas.  Genius!  I wish that I came across this fun idea before the last bachelorette that I planned.  This is a festive activity to partake in before hitting the town with your favorite friends.  Caution: break over grass, or skip the bat portion all together to avoid breaking all of your precious glass treats…

Have a wonderful week!!  xx tt