MARESCA AND ASSOCIATES, ARCHITECTS, INC.

Today, we've decided to showcase the South Carolina firm of Maresca and Associates, Architects Inc.  They came to our attention when we learned they designed the guest cottages for the Kiawah Island Club at Cassique.  We've posted a few photos below; however, you really should visit their website at www.markmaresca.com to view their impressive portfolio.

 

    

Salad on Sunday: Avocado Prawn Salad

I was so excited to actually pick leaves of ‘cut and come again lettuce’ from the garden yesterday. A bag of organic salad leaves can be quite expensive, not to mention its short lifespan. It was nice to select the exact quantity and color combination for our meal. I am looking forward to seeing all of the herbs and vegetables take hold and grow throughout the summer.

For the record, the lettuce came for our shared back garden, and it is our amazing neighbors that have the green thumb (and do the gardening). We are just the lucky recipients of their kindness.


3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 lb large prawns in shells (20 to 22), peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 firm-ripe avocados (preferably Hass)
1 lb of any type of salad leaves (rocket, curly endive or arugula)
Preparation

Bring 2 quarts water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a 3-quart saucepan, then poach prawns at a bare simmer, uncovered, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. Let prawns chill in water 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

Whisk together tarragon, mustard, pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a serving bowl. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.

Quarter avocados lengthwise, then pit, peel, and cut into bite-size pieces. Add prawns and avocados to dressing and toss. Dived of salad leaves between 4 plates and top with prawn and avocado mixture.

Serves 4 as a light main-course

Fun + Flirty for Spring

Photo via Garance Doré

I was pondering Hollister Hovey's post on nail polish when I fortuitously came across the above photo while searching my files. It got me to thinking about spring and the fact that it may be time to abandon my dark nail polish for awhile. I have also switched my perfume in anticipation of warmer weather. Here are a few of my favorite finds for the season. What must haves are on your list? Either real or imagined...we can always dream.

Bold tones rule for Spring 2009. Just as brighter colors turned up the runways for Spring 2009 Fashion Week, nail polish colors have followed suite. For a quick update try Essie One of a Kind Poppy Red Kiss or Deborah Lippmann Purple Rain, a shimmering lilac frost created by Zac Posen.

For spring think pink! I love the color pink, but can't force myself to wear pink clothes. Now I can added it to my wardrobe in a very fashionable way. The ever-popular Plasteramic Watch goes Neon.

The asymmetrical silhouette is huge for spring. Shoshanna's version, with a banded waist and ruched skirt, makes for the perfect little black dress.

The one-piece wonder is back! I for one love the jumpsuit. Of course, my sisters tell me that's because I am 5'9. I think this Alice + Olivia flutter sleeve jumpsuit is super stunning. Very Studio 54.

I recently received a bottle of Lea Extreme by Lea St. Barth from the gracious Christine Elia. I am in love with this scent! A powdery almond scent, mixed with hints of vanilla and musk, it's perfect for warmer months.

A pop of color is a must for the men too. This Michael Kors Tie-Dye Shirt is very cool. For a fun look at fashion, visit www.whatisjameswearing.com.

The biggest must have on my spring list is a bee friendly flower garden. My son has been studying the alarming trend of bee decline and is determined to make a difference. Together we are encouraging everyone to plant chives this spring.

Any flowering plant is helpful but bees love chives, which are very easy to grow. Rosemary, comfrey and lavender are also good options. If you don’t have a garden, plant a few in pots or window boxes. Every little bit helps.

Photo credit: model Mélanie Bernier/photo via Garance Doré

Bayou Bend

More often than not, it seems as though most of us become oblivious to our surroundings and that which is familiar. Certainly, I know that I am guilty of this habit. Distance is usually a good catalyst, and when I return home to Houston I see things with a fresh eye. I am once again inspired by the gardens at Bayou Bend. A peaceful fourteen-acre oasis in the midst of a modern metropolis.

Bayou Bend was designed as a private residence for the legendary Texas collector and philanthropist, with the most unfortunate name, Miss Ima Hogg.

Designed by prominent architect John F. Staub, the house is a combination of eighteenth-century Georgian architecture with elements that are distinctly Southern and Spanish Creole. Bayou Bend is one of the many elegant, but unpretentious, Houston homes built between the 1920s and the early 1960s.

A garden enthusiast, Miss Hogg studied architecture, landscape architecture and garden design. Reminiscent of large public gardens and parks, she adapted her personal gardens to a domestic scale and the Houston Gulf Coast climate.

The heavily wooded grounds along Buffalo Bayou include eight formal gardens.
The gardens are noted for rare Duchess De Caze Pink Camellias that are no longer available in nurseries, along with many varieties of Azalea, Gardenias and Antique Roses.


In 1957 Miss Hogg donated her home and her collection to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Bayou Bend opened to the public in 1966, while Miss Hogg continued to collect for her beloved Bayou Bend until her death in 1975 at the age of 93.

The collection at Bayou Bend consists of 4,700 objects that reflect historic and stylistic periods from 1620 to 1870. Miss Hogg's impressive collection is installed in 28 period rooms showcasing American decorative arts from 1620 through 1870.