Peek a Boo Babe

It's HOT here in NYC and that means the more minimal the clothing, the more you might actually survive this heat without melting into a puddle of sandals and frizzy hair.  Although the more minimal the dress, the more confusing the undergarments become.  Do I show my bra, do I not? Do I suffer immense heat in a strapless that will no doubt slide down to my waist every 10 minutes? What about subway breezes and stairs, do I wear my beat up bike shorts I been wearing and rewearing for 5 years?

The answer to our under garment prayers has arrived, and the name is harMonica Design by Monica Ditzler.  Specializing in Visible Intimates with a cool edge, Monica has developed a fashion forward spin on comfort and straight up necessity. I've know Monica for 10 years now, both of us starting out as young, bright-eyed designers with a passion for fashion.  While little has changed (beside we are not so naive in a cut throat industry) Monica's maintained her passion and drive. Monica has always had a beautiful and light attitude, bouncing through life with such a genuine air of kindness.  Don't get me wrong though, this light hearted bohemian is business savvy to the core.  I sat down with Monica to get a better look at harMonica and what makes her covetable visible intimates so... her.

S.o.H. : Tell me a little how harMonica came to fruition. What drove you to start making intimates and why?

Monica: As a side project in 2007 during some down time between job (that's better to say than unemployed, right?), I started making fun panties for my friends to create a little extra cash.  It was so popular, I kept it up and eventually went full force in Late 2014. 

S.o.H. : So how did the Bralettes come into the picture?

Monica: It was a natural progression really.  What's next after a panty, a matching bra of course. But mainly it came from my own personal experience. As a DD it was impossible (IMPOSSIBLE!!) to find one that would fit my fuller chest. Fed up, I decided to make my own catering to the well endowed ladies.  Of course my Bralettes fit all sizes, but the option is there for the bustier customers as well. 

S.o.H. : Would you say the bike shorts where also a natural evolution?

Monica: Definitely.  Living in NYC, you are faced with so many different situations where you might need to be in a dress, but still be active. Even walking over a breezy subway grate calls for a little under the skirt flash protection. Plus it's fun to have a matching set, am I right?

S.o.H. : What makes your intimates different besides the fit?

Monica: My intimates are made with care and love.  We are completely made in the USA, with hand dyed lace and bamboo lining. Natural, but still edgy and on the top trends of fashion. 

S.o.H. : What's the feeling you want harMonica to have on it's wearer's?

Monica: My intimates create a love affair on this inside. You are constantly in your under garments, they are part of your life every day, so you should love them.  They should be able to create this amazing, sexy, confident woman underneath that shines through to the surface. harMonica is a celebration of all bodies and all beauties. 

harMonica $40-$76 available on her website

Cold Creamy Cucumber Soup with Shrimp

Well it only took me about 2 weeks to post this recipe.... and 4 years to start this blog. Better late than never? Since I am freelancing and have a decent amount of time to myself, and usually at home, I've decided to blog about all the fun things I've been diving into. From recipes, to crafts, to making my own salt scrubs and almond milk, to a weekday travel adventure, I have a lot to share! So here is my official first blog post about the wonderful cold cucumber soup I made a few weeks ago. It's perfect for this hot summer weather, and cucumbers are full of vitamins (K, B1, C, Potassium) and are also have anti inflammatory properties. No more puffy feet, Hooray!

I became obsessed with the idea of having a blender... for about a year now.  Since my over all DREAM blender would be a Vitamix, and it's an investment, I have been looking for a comparable version, a little easier on the wallet. Reading one of my cookbooks, I came across the recommendation of a Waring Blender. I started researching immediately.  I absolutely love the retro look mixed with power. I purchased the copper base to match the copper accents in my kitchen. It's perfect for the level I need and I love it!

So on to the recipe! I loved the Barefoot Contessa's Recipe, but adapted it to make it a little more healthy. I subbed a whole avocado for cream to maintain the creaminess without the added dairy.  For the Shrimp, I seasoned them with salt and pepper and sautéed them in a pan with coconut oil until opaque, then chill.

CREAMY COLD CUCUMBER SOUP

2 cups GREEK YOGURT
1 AVOCADO
2-3 CUCUMBERS (depending on size) chopped, skin on
3/4 cup chopped RED ONION
8 GREEN ONIONS, green and white chopped
2 tbsp SEA SALT
1 tbsp BLACK PEPPER
1/4 cup fresh chopped DILL
1/2 cup fresh squeezed LEMON JUICE (about 4-5 lemons)
3/4 lb SHRIMP, cooked and chilled
1 small TOMATO chopped/cubed

GARNISH
SHRIMP
RED PEPPER FLAKES
DILL
TOMATO

In a large bowl mix the yogurt, avocado, cucumbers, red onion, salt and pepper, and lemon juice.  Transfer to a blender in batches, maybe 2-3 as needed depending on the size of your blender. Continue to do so until the entire batch is blended. Mix together and fold in the dill. Cover and chill for at least 30 mins. When serving, garnish with 1-2 shrimps, a few tomatoes, a sprig of fresh dill, and a dash of red pepper flakes. ENJOY!