Well, now I’m older, not wiser, but less psyched about a tub full of sugar in my drink. So on Sunday I made my first batch of homemade iced tea — 5 bags of earl grey and 5 bags of mint, finished off with a smidge of honey. I let it steep for about 20 minutes before popping it into the fridge to chill. Delish. Now I’m thrilled to try all sorts of other iced tea combinations, particularly with fresh herbs (think: mint) or fruit (how about raspberries?). Anything you’d recommend? I’m all up for ideas.

While the tea was steeping I dove into another new recipe — vegetarian tortilla soup (recipe here) via Gwyneth Paltrow‘s cookbook, My Father’s Daughter. This is definitely a weekend-sort-of-endeavor. It probably took me close to two hours to finish this before serving but it was absolutely delicious. It’s light but rich in flavor and a perfect option for the summer months when you’re done with the usual grilled veggies or corn chowder but want to go sans-meat.

And finally, speaking of my father, we both share the same adoration right now for one particular dessert and that is (drum roll please!) Ciao Bella‘s dark chocolate gelato. You have to pry it out of my hands to get yourself a sampling it is seriously.that.good. Don’t add a damn thing to it — including another gelato flavor or topping. It would ruin the purity of the whole thing. (Do I sound obsessed or what?!)

Happy cooking and taste-testing

(Photo of iced tea via Savory Sweet Life, photo of tortilla soup is author’s own, photo of ciao bella via lindsay says yes)

Looking around at the sheer vast tracts of land that have been preserved I couldn’t help but wonder what would have replaced all of this history and beauty had it not been protected. I could envision yet another cul-de-sac with McMansions and clogged traffic. How unfortunate that would have been.

But the good news is that Middleton Place is around for visitors for years to come so if you have a chance to check it out during a visit to Charleston, I highly recommend it. Just bring your sunscreen and a big hat. It gets hot as hell down there.

(Photo the author’s own)

But alas they are not all that comfortable nor chic for city walks. These, on the other hand, would be. But there’s always a catch when something is as well made and lovely as this — they’re expensive. More than $300 expensive.

So I’ll keep looking for a similar version, just not in the soap aisle like last time.

(via Lamb’s Ear Shoes)

Full recipe here.

(Photo also via Sprouted Kitchen)

Stella at work

(Photo via The New York Times Magazine)

Gwyneth, Oscars 2012

(Photo via PopSugar)

We waited 2.5 hours.

Laid back seating at Little Serow

The good news is that you can put your name down and then they’ll text you 10 minutes out from your seating. And since it’s located below Komi, you’re in a great spot of town so there’s plenty of places to enjoy a drink and a good conversation as you wait.

And I must say it was worth it.

The northern Thai menu changes weekly but the things that remain the same are shared plates spiked with enough spice to make you weep.

Crisp veggies are key (when your mouth is on fire)

There was a mint, lime-infused flash-fried tofu dish that was the best thing I’ve eaten in years. (And I don’t profess a love for tofu)

There was a green shrimp curry adorned with crunchy noodles that I almost drank like it was the nectar of the gods.

And to top it off, a very low key dessert that was absolutely perfect — sticky coconut rice. Delish.

Go. You won’t be disappointed.

(Photos via Washingtonian)

(via I’m Dreaming Out Loud)

(H/t Le Fashion)

Boat shoes by Madewell

(via Madewell)