homemade arnold palmers

When life gives you lemons,

make Arnold Palmers!

Winter in Southern California means fresh citrus.

Our lemon tree is going crazy,

and since our weather is pretty mild today,

we’re making Arnold Palmers,

one of my family's favorite drinks!

It's the perfect mix of lemonade and tea.

This recipe is so much more delicious

and economical than buying

the pre-bottled variety at the store.

Enjoy!  

Fresh Arnold Palmers

Ingredients
1-2 Yorkshire tea bags or other strong black tea
1 tea kettle filled with boiling water
1 cup Simple Syrup, recipe follows
1 cup lemon juice 

2 cups cold water & ice

Simple Syrup:  1 cup sugar & 1 cup water

Directions
Tea: Place the tea bags in a large glass pitcher. Pour the hot water into the pitcher. Set aside to steep for 5 minutes.

Simple syrup: Add the sugar and water to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool completely.

Lemonade:  Mix the Simple Syrup, lemon juice, 2 cups water and mix. Add ice cubes and lemonade to a large glass and top with the tea.

ciao! fabiana

the clothes & jewels of Downton Abbey

Here's an up close and personal look at

the exquisite details that are

featured in the costumes  of Downton Abbey.

Costume designer Caroline McCall really stays true

to the era portrayed on the series.

The characters have gone from

the styles of 1912 to the now current episodes

 in the fabulous jazz age of the 1920's.

Glamour magazine interviewed McCall,

and you can enjoy Downton Abbey 

behind-the-scene photos here.  

ciao! fabiana

new orleans, charleston and parisian style

There is a common thread between New Orleans, Charleston and Parisian style decor. Each city brings a sense of history and drama. Interiors that use pieces that are passed down through generations, pieces that are acquired from flea markets, or misfits that are somehow integrated into the scheme of things. 

And with all these pieces there are stories to tell. Some of my favorite rooms have visibly worn pieces that bring character to a room and are paired with more modern furnishings and accessories.

ciao! fabiana