con•trast

[käntrast] noun: the state of being strikingly different from something else

Shortening days & lengthening shadows...

clusters of flowers taking root in concrete...

a children's necklace with a jeweled skull...

a fence & a (crumbling) facade...

Photos © Brian Sorg

Let's be honest, I could probably go on for days, but I won't. Except for this...an unkempt alley & a polished person (couldn't resist).

skirt x dvf, tee x vince, boots x rag & bone

pure romance

It wasn't until the past year that I was made of aware of the wonderful lake front towns in michigan. Each one is sweeter than the next, and they're home to bed & breakfasts, breweries, and quaint downtowns. We had a wedding in St Joseph which is also known as the most romantic town in Pure Michigan, so as you can imagine, expectations were high. 

I decided to be a responsible spender and booked us at a budget friendly hotel...because nothing says romance like a sketchy hotel. Responsible spending & my wallet don't really go hand in hand, so two days before the wedding while scrolling through some interesting reviews, I got cold feet so to speak and switched to a very reasonable bed & breakfast on the lake.

The South Cliff Inn charmed me from the moment we pulled up to the lot; it's everything that makes b & b's such fun places to stay. The innkeepers are welcoming & friendly, the place is cozy & quiet, the views are insanely beautiful and the home-made breakfast was fabulous. My only regret is we couldn't partake in their wine & cheese happy hour...next time!

Photos © Brian Sorg

skirt x dvf via shopbop, sunglasses x karen walker, boots x vera wang lavender 

no soup for you...(not)

You know you're a lentil soup junkie when the taste of lebanon's owner jokes that he'll have to give you the recipe & your boyfriend remarks that you should be a lentil for halloween. I just can't help myself; soup season is here & I'd eat theirs everyday if I could. 

While I wouldn't dream of trying to recreate it, tomato soup seemed like fair game. I prefer thick & hearty over pureed & cream-based so worked w/Ina Garten's pappa al pomodoro, adding & eliminating per my taste (for example, I don't see the appeal of mushy bread chunks, so those were history).

I do love a good dipper however...the taste of lebanon provides a super thin pita, so I followed suit & featured some of life's (my) simple pleasures, bread & cheese. 

Cozy is a wooly hat & a mug of soup. Lentil or tomato, washed or unwashed locks...it's all good. 

Spicy Tomato 'Soup'

2 yellow onions, diced

3 carrots, diced (skin on is fine)

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 - 28oz cans San Marzano tomatos (diced if available)

4 cups stock (publican quality meats sells homemade stock, much to my delight)

3 tbsp olive oil

1/2 c red wine

1/4 tsp cayenne (or more, although I predictably got carried away...I'd start here)

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (opt)

1 tbsp salt + more to taste

1 tbsp pepper

Parmesan Dippers

Fresh loaf of french/sourdough/ciabatta sliced 1/4 - 1/2" thick

1/2 c freshly grated parmesan-reggiano

Olive oil

1. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in pot over med-high. Add onions, garlic, carrots and sauté for 10 minutes.

2. Add tomatoes, stock, wine, cayenne, red pepper, salt, pepper & simmer for 45 minutes, partially covered. Season to taste. Seriously, it's that easy.

While this is happening...

3. Preheat oven to 250, lay bread slices on pan in single layer, drizzle w/olive oil, generously sprinkle w/parmesan and cook 10 min, or until cheese is melted (as melted as parm gets).

Serve with a glass of wine, sans spoon & get dippin'!

Photo © Brian Sorg

tank x young, fabulous & broke, hat x eugenia kim via shopbop

weekend wisdom

"If I had the chance I'd ask the world to dance and I'll be dancing with myself" - billy idol

Photo © Brian Sorg

swaying solo to a set by aloe blacc in the best city in the world. because being yourself is always in style. 

skirt x dvf, boots x jimmy choo, tank x twenty8twelve

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