heather & olive

My long weekend in Maine was just what the doctor ordered--there's something to be said for 4-day work weeks (and I'm very glad I have another long one right around the corner). I went for lots of long walks with Olive, had some quality time with my mom and dad, and did a little shopping and cocktailing.

J.Crew Factory Things: Tank // Sandals // Espadrilles // Shorts (I can't seem to find the navy tunic tee online...it was on super clearance)

I had the BEST grapefruit gimlet at When Pigs Fly. They used Deep Eddy Ruby Red vodka, and it was so delicious. It will definitely be my drink of choice this summer!

I know it's only Thursday, but I'm off to Maine for three glorious days. Looking forward to some cocktails, oysters, and general relaxation. Happy weekend!

When it comes to the dining room, would you stay traditional and go with with the slipcovered chair, or would you get crazy with copper?

This is seriously the best slaw of all time. It's from the Plenty cookbook, and it's actually called "Winter Slaw" which is kind of weird because it has ingredients that scream summer to me, like mangoes, papayas and macadamia nuts...regardless of when you eat it, it's delish.



What you need:

• Dressing:
• 6 1/2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 stalk lemongrass (chopped small)
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp chile flakes
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• Candied macadamia nuts
• 1 1/4 cups macadamia nuts
• 2 tsp butter
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chile flakes
• Slaw
• 7 inner leaves of savoy cabbage*
• 1/2 red cabbage
• 1 mango
• 1 papaya**
• 1 fresh red chile (seeded and finely sliced)***
• 1/4 cup mint
• 1 1/2 cups cilantro

What you do:

• Dressing
• Combine all dressing ingredients except for the olive oil and sesame oil in a saucepan and cook until thick and syrupy, about 5-10 minutes. Strain and add oils and set aside.
• Nuts
• Over medium heat in a frying pan, dry roast macadamia nuts for a few minutes, until they’re lightly toasted. Add butter, and once it melts, add everything else and stir until coated and carmelized. Let the nuts cool, then chop.
• Slaw
•  Shred the veggies, and then chop fruit, and slice the chile into strips. Combine everything and serve.

* I omitted the savoy cabbage and just used red.
** I used half a papaya.
*** I omitted the red chile because my dad hates the spice. 

This weekend was the best--the temps have finally cooperated in the Northeast (70s and high 80s???) and I'm loving having the windows open and wearing short sleeves.

Snail placeholders available here.