LA in Bloom » Leisure

Scarlett’s First Birthday

Heather — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 19:42:43 +0000

Even though I feel like it was just yesterday that I brought my tiny little baby home from the hospital, my boo Scarlett just turned one. And to celebrate her first trip around the sun we invited friends and family to join us for an afternoon in our backyard. As much as I tried to keep it mellow, I actually felt more excited about this party than I did about my own wedding. I dusted off my old Kitchen Aid and made a two layer Strawberry Cake, which I covered with roses and begonias from my garden. Speaking of flowers, Holly and Becky of Hollyflora were not messing around. A riff on my fave marigold chains, we strung together the fluffiest pink carnations and hung them throughout my backyard. Food was casual and fun – big platters of pupusas and enchiladas with rice and beans, all served buffet style. The kids played in a Kalon Field Tent (decorated with marigolds), while adults enjoyed “Scarlett Margarita,” created by the brilliant cocktail queen Sabi Khalsa (recipe below). Scarlett, who stayed awake just long enough to have her first taste of cake, wore a red velvet dress that I wore for my first birthday (still in awe that my mom saved it for all these years). And inspired by an idea I discovered here, I asked guests to write a piece of advice for Scarlett to read she she’s a big girl. The day was as magical as I dreamt it would be. xoHBT

SCARLETT MARGARITA
by Sabi Khalsa
serves 1

1 1/2 oz. tequila anejo
2 blackberries
3/4 oz. lime
just under 3/4 oz. simple syrup
Just over 3/4 oz. hibiscus cinnamon tea*
Soda water
Small spoonful rose elixir
Salt, cinnamon, rose petal mixture**

Rim glass with salt mixture and fill with ice. Muddle 2 blackberries with ice in shaker, add other ingredients and shake well. Strain mixture into glass and top with soda water, mix. Garnish with rosemary sprig and blackberry.

*fill 4 quart pot with water, add two large handfuls of dried hibiscus flowers and 4 cinnamon sticks, bring to a simmer. Take off heat and let 4 English breakfast tea bags steep in mixture, cover and let sit for up to two hours then strain and refrigerate.

**in a spice grinder, grind small handful of dried rose petals and a cinnamon stick. Add mixture to 1 tablespoon coarse salt

Photos by LA Kids Photography and Heather Taylor

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Summer nights with Simone

Heather — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:57:17 +0000

My lovely friend, the gifting guru Simone LeBlanc, recently invited some ladies to her home for a backyard dinner and an introduction to her newest offering, the Host + Gather Box. As the sun began to set, we sipped chilled rosé, slathered honey and cheese on chunks of baguette and started to chill out after the work day. In the spirit of Simone’s Host + Gather box, the table was decorated with Heather Taylor Home linens, Lostine black walnut and leather cutting boards, brass serving dishes, tillandsia air plant and bottles of Wonder Valley olive oil (fruity and perfect for baguette dipping). The whole evening felt like a much needed dose of vacation in the middle of reality. To recreate: gather some friends, lay out a killer cheese board and order the Host + Gather Box for all the necessary pretties.

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Spring Vibes

Heather — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 04:11:59 +0000

Spring is in the air! Thinking about picnics in the park, backyard dinner parties, ranunculus at the farmers’ market, brunch at Petit Trois and perfect sun hats. xoHBT

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Scarlett Jane de Cordoba

Heather — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 01:57:50 +0000

Three months ago my heart exploded and my universe shifted when we welcomed our daughter Scarlett Jane de Cordoba to the world. She was born 8lbs and 20″ on November 25th at 4:13am, three days shy of her due date. We brought her home on Thanksgiving night and have been enjoying all of her coos and smiles ever since.

I have missed LA in Bloom and am happy to return to this space that has been my virtual home for so many years! I greatly apprecite your patience, support and love over these past few months. Please continue to check back – we have some great new posts in the works! xoHBT

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LA in Bloom 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

Heather — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 20:16:13 +0000

Happy Holidays from LA in Bloom! Here is a list of some of our favorite gift ideas. Enjoy! xoHBT

Simone LeBlanc Cacao Sipping Set, $150

Le Feu de Leu – Vert Fig Leaf , $62

Clare Vivier Gold Suede Silver Spots Margot Flat Clutch, $198

Grace Lee Designs ID Ring , $358

Heather Taylor Home Striped Tea Towels, $22

Earth To Face Jasmine Balm, $78

Jessica Winzelberg Lapis Simple Drop Star Necklace, $135

The New American Herbal by Stephan Orr, $27.50

Huckleberry: Stories, Secrets, and Recipes From Our Kitchen by Zoe Nathan, $35

Lilly Marthe Ebener Emil Sweater from Sugar on Snow, $120

Heather Taylor Home x Paper Cuts Buckslip Notepads, $24

One year subscription to Knit Wit, $40

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Beautiful Paper Goods: Heather Taylor Home x Paper Chase Press

Heather — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 16:42:36 +0000

Despite my love of modern technology, I still collect and use beautiful cards, paper and stationary. So I was thrilled when the family-run boutique printers Paper Chase Press asked me to team up to design a product for Paper Cuts, their engaging series of collaborations with designers. After a few months in the works, we officially launch the Heather Taylor Home Buckslip Notepad today!

With three hand drawn floral patterns in signature HTH colors; turmeric, pale blue, and dusty rose, these buckslips function perfectly as your canvas for notes, lists, or sketches. And best of all, you can personalize with your own monogram and city. This is a limited edition run so order from Paper Chase today!

Photographs by Katrina Dickson for Paper Cuts / dress by Hatch

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