August 10, 2015

IT'S ICE CREAM SEASON: SWEET LUCIE'S

August 10, 2015/ MARLAN

We continue our ice cream series today with media darling Sweet Lucie's. I've long admired this family business on Instagram and dreamt of the day when I would have their beyond cute vintage ice cream cart at a Mila & Brixton party. So when I heard they opened up a shop, I had to check it out.

You know when you build something up so much that it's hard for it to actually be as good as you wanted it to be? Well, it was everything I wanted it to be!

We MAY have a had a few samples to lead us to our ultimate decision.

Here's our flight with chocolate, salted caramel, mint chip and strawberry.

Their organic small batch ice creams (dairy and vegan options made with coconut milk) and sorbets are natural, made with simple, earth-friendly ingredients.

Such a sweet family. The story goes: when Geri Czako was pregnant with her first child in 2008, she had a craving for something sweet. To satiate her ice cream craving, but also to ensure that the ingredients were delicious, superior, and organic, Geri decided to make her own. After years of experimentation, along with attending the world-famous Penn State Ice Cream course, Geri developed the ideal combination of organic ingredients and sweet perfection. Oh, and, Geri had her baby girl. Her name is Lucie.

Until next time!

Sweet Lucie's is located at:

12222 Venice Blvd.
Mar Vista, CA 90066

July 23, 2015

WATERMELON POPSICLES

July 23, 2015/ MARLAN

We found our favorite summer treat! It's organic, inexpensive, easy to make and deliciously refreshing. And the recipe has only ONE ingredient -- watermelon.

You'll just need 1/4 of a large organic watermelon.

Place the fruit in your Vitamix (note: don't add water). The key is the tamper -- the tamper is going to keep the watermelon blending.

Now pour the watermelon juice you just made into your popsicle mold. We used the Zoku Classic Pop Mold.

Makes 6 full-size popsicles.

And then you can enjoy some beautiful outdoor time while your popsicles are freezing.

Icy goodness!

Mila's dress is by Old Navy.

June 19, 2015

SANTA BARBARA PUBLIC MARKET

June 19, 2015/ MARLAN

Need a place to take Dad for Father's Day? How about the Santa Barbara Public Market?! It's a great place for lunch. I recommend the Bangkok Street Noodle soup from Empty Bowl or a burger and Spicy Fried Broccolini from Belcampo Meat Co.

And for dessert, the BEST ice cream in Santa Barbara from Rori's Artisanal Creamery. Dad's favorite is a double scoop of Serious Dark Chocolate and John Martin (coconut ice cream with coconut shreds and chocolate) -- yum!

Here are a few more of my favorite purveyors from the market.

No better gift for Dad than some French salami, right? These guys are from Culture Counter .

Or a nice bottle of wine from Wine + Beer.

And then I always like to get a little grocery shopping done at Foragers Pantry before I leave.

June 18, 2015

SANTA MONICA FARMERS' MARKET

June 18, 2015/ MARLAN

We have a very special correspondent today... our mom! And what does Mom love? Organic fruit and veggies! So she's taking us to the Santa Monica Farmers' Market. It's the largest grower-only Certified Farmers Market in Southern California and a favorite for local chefs.