A Spring in Your Step...

Here in LA, it feels like the Spring is already upon us, with our fierce sunshine and our occasional light drizzles. And whether you’re planning a staycay or a vacay for this Spring there are plenty of ways to celebrate the flower season.

A Spring in Your Step

How great is that moment when you finally get to put away your boots and strap on some shiny heels? The designers have outdone themselves this season and some of my favorites are these brown strapped heels by Gucci, I’d love them with a flirty skirt, or some casual capri’s. Next up are the serpent-like platform heels by Marc Jacobs, and how amazing are these amazing golden gladiator-style YSL’s with an unusual heel a-point?

What’s in a name?

Ranunculus sure is a clunky name for such a romantic flower, but for this Valentines day (and beyond!) why not give this buttercup a try instead of the trite rose. It may not smell as sweet, but that’s what my candles are for!

A Rose Palate Pleaser

The perfect way to segue your palate from Winter to Spring is to treat yourself to a splash of Domaine Ott  Rose.  Kinda fruity and kinda spicy, this fresh wine has hints of anise and citrus to get your senses prepared for the Spring.

Befriend the Spring Color Trends

I’m a sucker for color and this spring I’m in love with the sea greens, the fire-tones and, of course the golds that trend hunters have deemed the colors of the Spring. Time to brighten up the home, and the wardrobe with hints subtle brights.

Seasonal Recipe
Those who know me well know I love to cook, and I have a thing for seafood and Cajon spices. Special for Springtime, I’d like to share one of my favorite recipes with you--A Shrimp salad that screams Spring, in all it fresh, dynamic and lively flavors.

Image Source

Shrimp Salad

1 lb Raw, Medium Shrimp deveined & deshelled

2 tbsp EVOO

1 tbsp Cajon blackened seasoning mix
1 lemon
1 tsp crushed garlic
Salt/pepper to taste

Wooden skewers

Mix ingredients in bowl.  Chill  in marinate in for one hour in refrigerator.    

Soak wooden skewers in water and one tsp of olive oil.  

Remove shrimp from refrigerator

Place 3-4 onto the skewer and place on the the grill 7 mins on each side

***The larger the shrimp the longer on the grill.  Nothing worse than raw shrimp.  
Salad
Butter lettuce
1/4 cup of cilantro
1 red onion – sliced
1 chopped tomato – small pieces
1 chopped avocado
Mix these ingredients in a bowl.  

Dressing
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lime

2 tbsp of EVOO

Salt/pepper to taste
1 tbsp of red wine vinegar
Mix ingredients in salad bowl with salad

Remove Shrimp, place on top

Garnish with sprigs of cilantro

A sense of Luxury...

Welcome to my new blog! This is a whole new platform for me. Face-to-face communication is usually more up my ally, but I've always been one to embrace the new while also coveting the old!

With this digital diary, I plan to share the things I love, my favorite recipes, the 'best of's..' from the places I travel, the people who move me and anything that screams "Baroness!" As a designer, a philanthropist, lifestyle expert and mom, I know that I'll find plenty to talk about.

I so look forward to meeting all of you, hearing about your adventures, answering any questions that you may have and inviting you to peek into my home, my company, and my life. Cheers!

For the inaugural post, I will be sharing with you five things that I love, one for each of the five senses. Each of these items make my life just a bit more luxurious.

Touch: In design, I love textured items that create warmth and a cozy vibe! A good Sheepskin rug is the perfect addition to any home. I love to lay on mine in front of the fireplace.  
Image via House to Home

Hear: The velvety voice of Tracy Thorn (lead singer of Everything But The Girl) creates the ideal backdrop for relaxing, cooking, and doing just about anything! Her newest album is available here (and be sure to listen to the free download track!)

Taste: I spend a lot of time in Italy and one of my favorite locations, Modena, is famous for Aceto Balsamico, or Balsamic Vineger.  Add the magical liquid to all things salty (salad dressing) or sweet (strawberries!) and see how this Balsamico enhances the flavors.  One of my favorite brands is Modenaceti. Trust me, it's worth the few extra bucks!

See: Art can add meaning to a room, a mood, a heart, a home. The work of Peter Beard does all of that for me. From his photographs of endangered African Elephants, to those of David Bowie and Iman - Beard's work, raw and vulnerable speaks to me at a visceral level. 

Smell: The smell of a home is very important to me, as demonstrated by my new collection of candles.  Scents are closely linked to memories, and my collection brings back the best of them -- Holiday memories,  travels to exotic places -- I've captured the scents and boxed them up to share with all of you. You can view the candles here, but really you have to smell them!

See you soon!

Love,


Baroness Monica

The Baroness' Blog is Coming Soon.

Welcome to the new web log of Baroness Monica Von Neumann. Please check back soon for Monica's take on the best fluffy robes, top restaurant's signature dishes, favorite hotels, and at-home pampering tips.

Bel Air Image via Herald Du Paris
Robe Image via skirmishofwit.typepad.com