{ Lifestyle Bohemia }

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

OUR BLOG HAS MOVED!

Hi Friends!

We're excited to announce that we've re-designed our blog. You can now find the BrooklynThread blog at http://blog.brooklynthread.com

Thank you everyone for your continued support! We're excited to see what's coming in the future!

xoxo
Joanna

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini

Summer is in full swing which means strawberries are plentiful. I bring home a basket of strawberries daily and incorporate them into virtually every type of meal. Strawberry crostini with goat cheese, balsamic and basil is the perfect sweet Summer appetizer for barbecue guests. (full recipe below)

STRAWBERRY GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI (yields about 10 - 12 appetizer sized servings)

Ingredients:

2 whole wheat baguette loaves
2 large cartons of strawberries
8 ounces goat cheese spread
1 cup sweet balsamic vinegar
Handful of basil leaves
Pinch of salt & pepper

Instructions:

Slice whole wheat baguette loaf into 3/4" thick slices. Lightly toast. Once toasted & cooled, spread goat cheese on each slice.

Wash strawberries & dry well. Dice berries. Finely chop basil. Mix berries, basil, balsamic, salt and pepper. Place mixture on prepared bread slices. Drizzle any remaining balsamic on top.

SHOP -----> paisley dish | bowl | dish towel | plate | balsamic vinegar

Monday, June 30, 2014

Brooklyn Eats

I attended Brooklyn Eats in Williamsburg last week where I met the makers behind some of the best local food & beverage companies. I sampled a wide variety of items - sweet desserts, interesting cocktails, savory condiments and even locally grown vegetables. The food was amazing and I especially enjoyed meeting so many entrepreneurs, seeing their creative product displays & branding, and seeing how passionate they are about what they make.

The Owl's Brew was one of my Brooklyn Eats favorites! This delicious fresh-brewed tea made from fruit, herbs & spices can be combined with a variety of liquors for a new twist on cocktails.

Green Mustache - organic fruit & veggie juice smoothies made especially for kids.

Grady's Cold Brew - New Orleans-style coffee concentrate. I chatted with Dave from Grady's about an upcoming camping trip I have and he was kind enough to give me a new product to try - "bean bags," one of which makes a serving for 10. This will be so convenient to make in a thermos for our group.

We Rub You - what a clever name! This Korean BBQ marinade is awesome. Original, spicy or hot - there's a taste for every palette. I basically dipped a cracker and couldn't get enough. Suggested recipes include a variety of meats and kimchi "friend" rice. Highly recommend for BBQ lovers.

Michael's of Brooklyn - one of Brooklyn's top Italian restaurants now bottles their signature sauces so you can (try to) replicate some of their amazing dishes.

Bruce Cost Ginger Ale - I've enjoyed this beverage on numerous occasions as it's easily found here in Brooklyn shops. It was nice to try some new flavors. Pomegranate with hibiscus is my winner!

Lucky's Tomatoes | Gotham Greens

Kombrewcha - part kombucha, part liquor.

Fatty Sundays - the cutest gourmet pretzels. The fun part is that these are completely customizable - from the sprinkle colors to the packing. This particular "Brooklyn" package was custom made for an event.

Cocktail Crate makes fun mixers that are perfect for Summer gatherings. My favorites were Lavender Bloom and Srirachia, both of which would work perfectly in a margerita.

Salty Road - salt water taffy offered in many flavors. Now you don't have to drive down to Atlantic City for handmade taffy.

People's Pops - fresh, local fruit ice pops & shave ice. If you've been to Smorgasburg, you know how long the line typically is for one of these delicious pops.

Brooklyn Sesame - "Spread the Love" with this delicious all-natural halva spread. The cocoa & sea salt variety came home with me. Perfect for a sweet & salty snack.

Some of the items I brought home to use in future recipes. I've already tried the Booklyn Delhi Tomato Achaar with a breakfast omelet and it's incredible.

SHOP MY LOOK -----> top | shorts | sandals | bag

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Sweet Tea Mojitos

Sweet tea brewed in the hot sun, combined with lemon and fresh mint of a classic mojito, results in the perfect front porch cocktail for warm Summer nights. With or without alcohol, this refreshing drink is easy to make and can be altered using different flavors of tea. (full recipe below)

I found sweet tea vodka which worked perfectly. It's not carried in many stores, so some substitution suggestions: light rum, citrus vodka or plain vodka.

SWEET TEA MOJITOS (yields 1 pitcher / 4 large servings)

Ingredients:

3 cups brewed black tea, chilled

1 cup sweet tea vodka

4 Tbsp sugar (stevia, honey or agave can also be used)

2 lemons, cut into wedges

2 lemons, juiced

handful of mint leaves

ice

Instructions:

While tea is still hot, stir in desired sweetener (sugar, stevia, honey or agave). Once tea has chilled, pour into a large pitcher and add the sweet tea vodka and lemon juice. Stir well. Add the mint leaves and lemon wedges. Gently stir again. Top with ice & enjoy! (sweet tea vodka can be omitted for a refreshing non-alcoholic option)

SHOP -----> smith teamaker | ceramic basket | glasses | straws | firefly vodka

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Abalone Shell

Abalone shell has been the inspiration behind many of our recent pieces of jewelry, home accessories and tech accessories. The pastel colors and illusion of depth on a smooth surface is intriguing and adds an instant touch of glam. And with Summer finally here, what better way to accessorize than with a natural element from the ocean.