Dizzy Swallows

These Days

June 16th, 2014

Press play:

Gold Day by Sparklehorse on Grooveshark

Taking a breather from our Honeymoon adventures, I thought I’d give you a glimpse into our more recent days. They slip by towards summer with a welcome pull. I can feel the heat shimmering just over the horizon. In the meantime, I cherish these days of blooming flowers, good food, and dear friends.

We bought an immaculate and extensive set of Spode Rosalie china at the most recent Queen Anne Blocksale. Planning to sell shortly. Any takers?

Recent sun allowed me to process last year’s lavender, which been patiently drying. The pillowcase and rolling pin method answered admirably.

Our first BBQ of the season was one for the books, with three dozen Totem oysters. Mmmm.

I have watched with bated breath as my brugmansia sent out its first blooms. Amazingly, they opened white before transforming to pink overnight.

A new favorite: … Continue reading

How to Win at Camping

September 11th, 2013

Hello my darlings! Today I am thrilled to share a guest photographer, my dear friend Hannah Wahl. Labor Day weekend we enjoyed a foursome camping trip with Hannah and her fiance, Will, at gorgeous Baker Lake. It was the perfect final getaway of the summer, complete with breathtaking mountain views, a milky blue alpine lake, massive, mossy trees, copious amounts of good food and good company, even an impromptu raft adventure. Our two friends brought an entire chicken to spit roast over the fire, which inspired me to feature Hannah’s gorgeous photography along with Will’s recipe for the chicken. To that end, please enjoy our interview style conversation below (with my notes in italics). May it be an inspiration to future camping expeditions!

Q. Tell me a little bit about your philosophy as a camper.

A. Always remember the #1 rule of camping: “We’re roughin’ it.” My dad always said … Continue reading

Little Bits for a Monday

August 19th, 2013

“In the summer, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”
― Margaret Atwood

Hello lovelies. Of late I’ve been trying to squeeze these beautiful summer days for all they’re worth, picking blackberries (and making jam!), taming shrubberies, sunbathing, eating al fresco. There has been a suspect chill breeze blowing in from the north, but I’m not ready to even start thinking about Fall.

For today’s Little Bits, I thought I’d share a great cover by Haim (incidentally, check out their humorous video for “The Wire” on their website). This video is from triple j’s Like a Version series, and features the LA sisters covering Sheryl Crow’s song “Strong Enough.”

We just got our first haul of tomatoes from our bountiful CSA and I’m thinking there’s a few batches of delicious salsa in our future. Here is a scrumptious looking recipe from Joy the Baker.

Source

While … Continue reading

Cantaloupe in Rose & Cardamom Coconut Cream

June 5th, 2013

As summer’s heat begins to warm our bodies, it is nice to have a cooling dessert to turn to in the evening. This simple recipe is easy to make in advance for a get together, or just whip together in a moment’s inspiration.

Choose your melon carefully, as a ripe, fragrant specimen is what really gives this dessert depth. Similarly, fresh ground cardamom is far superior to pre-ground.

Cantaloupe in Rose & Cardamom Coconut Cream

Ingredients:
  • 1 ripe cantaloupe
  • 1 cup coconut cream
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp fresh ground cardamom powder
  • 1 tsp rose water (Should just be rose oil and water. Avoid alcohol-based varieties.)
  • 2 Tbsp agave nectar or honey
  • A handful of pistachios, crushed
  • Small bundle of fresh mint leaves, chiffonade or chopped
Method:

Using a melon baller, scoop out the flesh from cantaloupe into a container with a lid. Refrigerate for a bit to cool.

Using a

… Continue reading

And So…

March 29th, 2013

Today (in total, day 9) is the official end of our cleanse. Be it in part due to the vastly improved weather or other signs of spring – sunshine for days straight, flowers blooming, slackline up – I am feeling positively wonderful. Having consumed only whole foods and juices for the last week, we have successfully weaned ourselves off the sugar, salt, and fat rampant in processed foods. Though I will admit that my mind keeps wandering back to a certain bag of potato chips lurking in my pantry…

As I mentioned previously, this detox period has made me poignantly aware of what I am feeding my body. Don’t misunderstand me, I would describe myself as something of a hedonist (remember this Anthony Bourdain quote?), and firm believer that one of the greatest joys in life is good food. Sometimes our bodies just need a reminder of what that actually … Continue reading