sunday recipe: light strawberry shortcake

my new favorite summer dessert is strawberry shortcake - have you tasted strawberries recently? omg. they're delicious and it's only the beginning of berry season so you know they are just going to get better. here is my simple little (surprisingly low calorie) recipe:


step 1:      start with a mini vanilla cake dessert cup.
                 i got mine from whole foods.

step 2:     slice three strawberries into thirds and lay them on top of
                your cake.

step 3:     swirl on a dollop of light whipped topping and enjoy!

the skinny

(1) vanilla dessert cake - 100 cal
(3) strawberries - 45 cal
(2 tbsp) light whipped topping - 10 cal


images via: sincerely, cecelia

modern chic home

you've got to check out modern chic home's awesome pillow sale this weekend! all accent pillows are 25% off through 5/31/10 when you use code "pillowchic" during checkout. here are some of my favorites!

1. mustard scales linen pillow

2. the birdcage linen pillow

3. metamorphosis linen pillow

4. mustard helix linen pillow

madewell

i'm lusting over this adorable outfit from madewell - so perfect for a long leisurely lunch on the patio during a summer afternoon.

1. romantic ruffle dress

2. the canyon messanger

3. the cypress sandal

lo bjurulf for ikea

would you ever have guessed that these images were styled for ikea? wow. how dreamy...

image via: lo bjurulf

vintage whimsy

absolutely loving the idea of a colorful "art wall" composed of carefully selected vintage serveware. how fun is this arrangement from lisa congdon's adorable san francisco apartment?

images via: design*sponge

i've got my eye on...

this cheerful rug - so fresh and absolutely perfect for summer.

images via: mahna mahna factory

emotional light

this light immediately makes me think of the ballet swan lake. the cascading organza petals, the curvy shape and the soft glow make a beautiful combination. i was lucky enough to take ballet starting at age three until i graduated high school, my parents also took me to many ballets in san francisco growing up and this fixture makes me miss the pointe shoes, tutus and beautiful classical music. isn't it incredible when design can evoke such memories?

via shine labs

via san francisco ballet

outdoor living with style

wishing i could be enjoying this long holiday weekend (i'll be at work) in a stylish/comfortable outdoor space just like this one.  pair the incredible design with a yummy margarita, a bbq and some good company and i'd be a happy girl.

want to achieve a similar look for your own backyard? 

1. define your space with an outdoor rug

2. mix in a few indoor pieces of furniture (much more comfortable than typical outdoor furniture) think flea market + thrift store for deals and outdoor slipcovers can help prevent weather damage

3. accessorize with lots of bold pillows with color + texture

4. lanterns and candles work wonders in creating ambiance

5. art + mirrors give the feeling of an indoor living room

image via: chapman interiors blog

i need a vacation...

i am SO ready for some relaxation time...i've been counting down the days until my 12 day oregon trip this july for my lovely cousin's wedding and i've even started planning outfits (seriously...now can you tell i need a vacation???)

if you followed last week i was having trouble deciding on which pretty romper to purchase for my travels and i ended up going with this one from ruche. here is an outfit i've put together that i plan to wear to the bridesmaid luncheon and wedding rehearsal the day before the wedding. what do you think? i haven't purchased the linen blazer or necklace yet...

 

romper | linen blazer | necklace | wedges

 

color collective

loving every aspect of this color board from color collective...wouldn't this fabric make great accent pillows or a fun upholstered headboard?

image via: color collective

current obsession: hair-on-hide

since i began working at lunaria last summer i've developed a fascination with hide accessories - from natural cowhide rugs + outrageously colored patchwork rugs to wall-covering, pillows and hide upholstery...i'm obsessed with it all. i recently found this company who designs incredible cowhide leather rugs, wall-coverings, upholstery, furniture and art...so fab.

images via: kyle bunting

michelle armas

my jaw dropped immediately when i saw these gorgeous abstract paintings by michelle armas blogged about over at frolic.

ohhh, how i'd love to have them all...

 the one below is even called cecilia!
it's spelled differently, but we're name twins :)

all images via: michelle armas

sixx design

i recently heard about sixx design and their new design show on bravo called 9 by design from a customer at my work. although i haven't had time to check out the show yet [i hear nothing but rave reviews about it] i did take time to browse their website and i instantly fell in love with their design portfolio. cool lighting, great fabrics, clean lines...ah! next i plan to pick up their new book and definitely find time to watch 9 by design.

images via: sixx design

on etsy | the home centric

i'm in love with texture and pattern and i believe that a great decorative pillow should have one or the other. the home centric is a fabulous etsy shop offering decorative pillow covers, custom drapery panels and duvet covers at incredible prices. if you're in the market for some great pillows or bedding check it out!

sunday recipe: chocolate delight

the past couple of months i've been trying so hard to be a good eater [i even kept a food log before i got my iphone, now i use the "my fitness pal" app] but the chocolate cravings always seem to get the best of me. i've found a recipe that i can't wait to try...don't these little [healthier] cakes look gorgeous + delicious?! they would be great for an everyday dessert or as treats at a tea party, bridal or baby shower.

raspberry-chocolate angel food cake
a rich frosting balances these lighter-than-air cakes

makes 6 cakes

ingredients

cake

• vegetable oil cooking spray
• 8 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted

filling

• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry preserves

frosting

• 6 oz semisweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 pint fresh raspberries 

preparation


cake

heat oven to 350°. coat bottom (not sides) of a 9" x 13" baking pan with cooking spray. beat egg whites, 1 tbsp water, cream of tartar and salt in a bowl with an electric mixer on medium-low speed until foamy. continue to beat, adding sugar a little at a time, until batter is fluffy. add vanilla and beat 1 minute more. sprinkle a small amount of the flour over top of batter and fold in; repeat 8 to 10 times or until you've incorporated all the flour. spread batter in pan, coaxing evenly into corners with a rubber spatula, and shake pan once or twice to even out surface. bake until cake is a light golden color and surface springs back gently to the touch, 25 to 30 minutes. run a sharp knife around edges of cake to separate it from pan. cool on a rack 2 hours.

filling

heat berry preserves in a small pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a gentle simmer.

frosting

melt chocolate in a double boiler. take bowl off heat; stir in sour cream.

assembly

place a cutting board over cake pan; invert cake onto board. with a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter, cut 12 rounds from cake. top 6 rounds with 1 heaping tbsp of raspberry filling (you will have some left over), then place 6 remaining cake rounds on top. spread 1/4 cup frosting over top and sides. (You should have some frosting left over.) top with raspberries. serve immediately, or refrigerate and bring to room temperature 1 hour before serving.

the skinny

303 calories per cake, 6.8 g fat (3.9 g saturated), 57.5 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 5.7 g protein

image + recipe via: self magazine

so indecisive...

this july i'm making a trip to oregon for a week long celebration including a bachelorette party, a night of dinner + dancing, a bridesmaid luncheon and the trip will end with my cousin's wedding. i'm so excited!

i'm already trying to plan what i'll pack and i've decided that a romper will be one of my key pieces during this little getaway...but i have yet to purchase one. i feel like i need one with a higher waist (i have a shortish torso) and i've narrowed it down to a few options, but i need your advice - please help me decide???

UPDATE: i decided on the floral from ruche...can't wait for it to arrive!

i think this floral print is adorable...

loving the front zipper detail here and black is always slimming... :)

this one is so feminine, delicate and pretty...

i adore this one, but should i go blue or black?

i love these ruffles and the loose shorts, but again...which color?

birds birds birds

seriously...how fabulous is this light? "birdie" is comprised of multiple low voltage bulbs, natural goose feathers, tin plated metal wire and red cording. truely impressive and inspiring - hats off to you ingo maurer.

note: also available in a chandelier + an adorable table lamp.

via unica lighting

daily features

in an effort to bring a bit of order to sincerely, cecelia - i've decided to try out a daily blog feature. to the right (and below) you'll notice a "daily feature" list including topics for each day of the week. i kind of enjoy blogging when the mood strikes as i've been doing and i'm unsure that i'll be able to accomplish blogging seven days a week...but that's what "schedule post" is for right? we'll see how this more structured style goes :)

stay tuned + as always...thanks for reading! xoxo

i got it at ross

today i made a little stop at the local ross in napa...i don't typically find any winners there but julianna keeps telling me not to give up on ross and i do love a good deal so i haven't given up yet. well, today i hit the jackpot...


love these pretty sets of lead crystal stemware made in france. i'd use the charcoal for iced tea or water and the orange would be fun for mimosas during brunch - just $8 per set of six!

 

 
a bamboo coffee/accent table in black for $35. i'd remove the wicker top, paint it black or go for an entirely different color and refinish the whole piece.

these black "leather" chairs were extremely comfortable. i'm not big on black leather, but for $40 each these could easily be recovered.

my favorite find of the day...the chinese garden stools for $30 a piece. i had such a hard time leaving these beauties behind...

are you a bargain shopper? where do you find stylish key design pieces on the cheap?

hammocks & high tea

i'm loving the name of this great shop - for me it evokes the feeling of a lazy summer afternoon, lounging under the sun with a yummy glass of iced tea (with lemon please).

hammocks & high tea's beautiful island inspired graphic prints (think ikat + chevron...love) adorn organically scented drawer liners + sachets, luxurious placemats + napkins and sweet tea towels. all products are eco-friendly, as hammocks & high tea always uses soy-based inks and recycled paper or cotton. i'm definitely going to snag a couple lemon verbena/lemongrass scented sachets for my closet!

images via: hammocks & high tea

sunday recipe: steel cut oatmeal

this is going to be the most simple sunday recipe post yet, but it's one of my absolute favorites. i am a loyal trader joe's shopper and one thing that is constantly on my list when i make a tj run is the steel cut oatmeal in the frozen section [for $1.99 per box of two frozen cups]. i like to top off my bowl with blueberries, blackberries or strawberries + a little brown sugar and i always pair it with an english muffin and coffee. deeeeeelicious.

image via: flickr

light is a sculpture

loving these incredible handsculpted light fixtures from bodner chandeliers found via mood + space design this morning. the materials, scale and shadows are out of this world...

  

images via: bodner chandeliers

bonne nuit

loving these gorgeous wood veneer pendants handmade by sarah at bonne nuit. perfection.

image from: bonne nuit