A mid-summer night's fling

Since there are so many small treasures that I'm crushing on this summer, I thought that it would be best to consolidate everything in to one list.  From cocktails and bites to hair accessories and beach bags, these are a few of my favorite things:

Headbands, bandannas, and scarves: I love how a simple headband or bandanna - or Pucci scarf - can completely transform an outfit.  A bold pop of color will breathe life in to any all-black business suit.  And in my case, these hair accessories aid in lengthening my rather-large, heart-shaped face.  Wouldn't you agree?

Sour-cherry bellini at ABC Kitchen:

I ordered this brunch cocktail while I was waiting for two of my girlfriends to arrive.  Sour-cherry puree, brandy-macerated sour-cherry juice, and champagne was delicately blended together, creating an orgasmic trinity of effervescent flavor. 

Since ABC's market table and ingredients frequently change with the seasons, I would advise going ASAP, as this cocktail masterpiece makes ABC Kitchen destination-worthy.  *As embarrassing as it is to snap photos at restaurants, I'm kicking myself for not capturing this beverage.  Sorry, folks!

Shopstyle.com:

What doesn't this website carry?  From Christian Louboutin heels to the swankiest interior decor for your home, you can't help but spend hours skimming through this amazing website.

My Other Bag is Hermes:

Can't afford a Birkin?  Well, neither can I; so instead of maxing out my AMEX, I chose to save $6,430 by picking up the next-best-thing at Colette.  Hell, for $70, let everyone think that "my other bag really is Hermes!" 

City Limits Magazine:

A bi-monthly investigative journalism publication on (New York) city-wide civic issues

Esperanto's spiced oil:

Served alongside freshly-sliced bread at Esperanto, I fell in love with this bold and fragrant spice-infused oil...so much so, that I purchased a bottle to take home.  I use it so often that once the bottle becomes half-full, I refill it with my own olive oil.  My favorite things to make using Esperanto's oil include: sauteed scallops, fried eggs, Brussels sprouts, and drizzled over sliced avocado.  Click *here* to purchase your own bottle of this liquid gold!   

Sour Patch Kids Fruit Salad:

Now if there's one candy that I never tire of, it's these sweet n' sour morsels.  The original SPK's are tasty, but trust me when I say that the "Fruit Salad" version reigns supreme.  Unfortunately, if you're located outside of NYC, they're pretty hard to find, at least in my experience.  Luckily, Amazon.com sells 5-lb. bags!  

Ben & Jerry's Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream:

If you've been following my website for a while, you may recall how devastated I was when Haagen Dazs decided to discontinue their "Reserve" line of ice creams.  The departure of my beloved "Fleur de Sel Caramel" was a blow on par with breaking up with someone.  I wasn't quite sure if it would ever become replaceable.

While strolling past my grocer's freezer with baited breath, I decided to "man up" and give another ice cream flavor a try.  And there it was, Ben & Jerry's Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream.  I was surprised by my choice because a) I rarely purchase anything from Ben & Jerry's because they use so many preservatives and additives, and b) I typically shy away from fruity ice cream. 

Imagine rich and creamy, strawberry-laden, not-overly-sweet ice cream swirled with salty/sweet ribbons of graham cracker.  Even texturally, this dessert bomb will do numbers on your tastebuds.  And I promise you this: you will finish the pint in one sitting.

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Until we eat again,

Lindsay, The Lunch Belle