A few weeks ago when I wrote about 70’s fragrances. A gentleman commented that they were annoyed by any fragrance with lavender. I think many men dislike the scent of lavender for some reason. I read recently that lavender oil (and tea tree oil)suppresses male hormones and increases female hormones, but I also read soy products do the same thing. Maybe that's why many men dislike lavender.
I know I fell into that category of disliking lavender for most of my life, until a few years ago when a friend gave me a bar of fancy lavender soap. It was as though I smelled lavender for the very first time.
The fragrance is suppose to relieve stress—maybe I had reached a certain stress level in my life (it seemed like it) to appreciate it’s relaxing fragrance. Who knows? But it started a full-on lavender binge—bathing soap with lavender, shampoo with lavender, dish washing soap with lavender, lavender honey, lavender ice cream, and cooking with lavender. Mr. Peacock even tortured a house guest with horrible “lavender” martinis (sorry Seema), and Jason asked me, "...not lavender chicken again!?" Since then, I’ve mellowed out on the lavender and limited my use of this distinct scent to only dishwashing liquid, and an occasional lavender cookie (yes, lavender cookies—see photo at top).
A cookbook I acquired in 2004, called Aroma-The Magic of Essential Oils in Food & Fragrance, has a wonderful recipe for lavender shortbread cookies. It’s a classic shortbread recipe, but with just a touch of lavender oil added into the dough. It makes a delicate and fragrant cookie—I love them! (photo above on one of my vintage Vera tablecloths).
Lavender Shortbread Cookies Makes about 40 to 50 cookies Adapted from the cookbook Aroma
½ cup white sugar 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil (preferably organic) 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 sticks of unsalted butter (8 oz.) 1 large egg 2 ½ cups flour 1 large egg white 2 tablespoons course demerara sugar (for sprinkling the tops) 1 ½ tablespoons dried lavender flowers (my friend Seema gave me some organic lavender grown at Esalen down in beautiful Big Sur, California)
1) In a food precessor, blend the sugar and essential oil for 15 seconds, until well combined. Add salt and then the butter and pulse until well incorporated. Add the egg and pulse. Add the flour and carefully pulse until the dough forms—don’t overwork the dough.
2) Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface and flip the contents from the food processor onto the plastic wrap. Gather the dough together and split into 2 pieces. Roll each piece into a log about 2 inches in diameter and maybe 8 inches long. Sometimes I shape them into long cubes, like sticks of butter. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for about an hour (or up to 2 months well wrapped).
3) Preheat oven 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silipat. Take the cookie log from freezer and slice into ¼ inch thick discs. If the dough is too hard to slice, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Carefully arrange the discs a few inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet.
4) Whisk the egg white with a fork in a small bowl until frothy. Brush the top of each cookie with a bit of egg white and sprinkle with demarera sugar and few lavender flowers (optional).
5) Bake until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Your entire kitchen will be in a cloud of lavender and cookie aromas. Let these shortbread cookies cool on a rack. The flavor and texture will improve when they are completely cooled. Enjoy.
The book Aroma, by the way, is an essential book for any cookbook enthusiasts collection. The tagline on the cover says, “Experience the power of fragrance, more than 100 startling original recipes.”Aroma is coauthored by Daniel Patterson, chef and owner of San Francisco restaurant Coi, and Mandy Aftel, custom perfumer extraordinaire and owner of Aftelier Perfumes. This wonderful and beautiful book has some very unique recipes using fragrance—both edible and non-edible (bath salts, colognes, etc…).
You can order organic chef's essential oils(above) and other fragrant organic roducts directly from Mandy Aftel's Berkeley, California store—Aftelier Perfumes.
As I said, I don't think many men like the scent of lavender—do you? Whether you like lavender or not—I hope you have a relaxing weekend and make some lavender shortbread cookies. Let me know if you like them.
Mr. Peacock was very saddened and disappointed, at the beginning of the week, seeing parents on television news not allowing their children to watch President Obama’s address to students in the United States this past Wednesday. President Obama gave the speech at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia.
These boycotting parents were afraid the President was going to indoctrinate their children into beliefs against their own (Socialism or health care for all Americans?) within a 20 minute speech, and decided it was better to censor the speech from their children. Their kids, unfortunately, were some of the children that really needed to hear some encouraging and inspirational words from an authority figure like our President. And shame on the schools that refused to show the speech!
I feel fortunate knowing my parents, when I was a child, would have required me to watch any American President’s address to students whether the president was a Republican or a Democrat—and would have talked about it with us in our home that evening. I’m also thankful my parents taught me that you can have different opinions, beliefs, and values than your President (or neighbors, coworkers, whomever) without being disrespectful. And my mother taught me by example, that you can actively voice (and fight) those disagreement of values and beliefs in a constructive and productive manner (most of the time).
I wish these disgruntled parents would have voiced their disappointment that President George W. Bush never made an address to students nationwide (no child left behind) during his 2 terms in the White House, as did his father, President George H.W. Bush Sr. and President Ronald Reagan. Thank you President Obama for taking the time to address and encourage American students.
(click image above to enlarge) Mr. Peacock always look forward to autumn and winter clothes—like sweaters, woolen tweeds, boots, and of course plaids in flannel and wool. Maybe because I grew up with cold winters in Colorado, and had to walk to school with blowing snow and temperatures below zero. The weather is still very warm right now in San Francisco, but all of the storefronts are proudly displaying their autumn/winter goodies—including lots of plaid. You probably already know that Mr. Peacock is quite fond of plaid. Here are some of my favorite red plaids for the upcoming season:
2) Whether you have to walk to school in the snow, or just run from the subway to your office—this plaid trapper hat, with faux fur, will keep your ears toasty warm.
3) Don’t wait until the holidays to wear plaid. This red Stewart plaid cashmere buttoned vest would be perfect layering item this autumn as the weather cools down.
5) Mr. Peacock loves these rugged Buffalo plaid boots, and almost wishes there was snow where I live (almost, not quite)...just so I could justify wearing these amazing wool topped duck style boots.
7) Mr. Peacock had so many cozy “shirt-jackets” growing up! This red & navy shirt -jacket is classic and yet modern too (it’s cut a bit shorter than the ones I had as a kid). It would be a great addition to your wardrobe this year.
8) Leave it to Tom Ford to make this classic winter party ensemble look modern—black velvet jacket, white shirt with studs and cuffs, patent black pumps, and red plaid trousers! I’m on the fence with the sheer nylon socks.
9) I also love Woolrich Woolen Mills. They take classic silhouettes and gives them a modern twist. I like this red wool jacket with the shawl collar, and the chunky red wool bow tie.
10) These red wool plaid pants are on sale right now (shhh, they’re from last year).
Plaid never really fades from fashion. This year it's a plaid as hell season—it’s everywhere, and Mr. Peacock is in plaid heaven! Invest in plaid pieces you really love, and incorporate them into your own style.
What plaids are you going to be wearing this autumn?
Summer is theoretically over, and it’s “back-to-school” time. I remember as a kid, when I got home from school I always had to put on my play clothes. That usually meant a t-shirt and some old jeans—and it still does. Here’s some of Mr. Peacock’s current favorite t’s:
After school play frequently involved 2 wheels. This Victorian cat and his bicycle t-shirt remind me of the Tweed Run. Who doesn't need a little glory—the namesake Glory t-shirt from the Hollywood motorcycle shop. Mr. Peacocklikes clocks and this grid of clocks t-shirt is no exception. This is a lovesong...a nostalgic nod to the 80’s (and PiL)—stacks of cassette tapes t-shirt.
Mr. Peacock loves typography…and dancing...this t-shirt sums it up. Orbital rings make this t-shirt clean and graphic.
This orange t-shirt is my favorite because it looks like it could be a billboard in India or Mexico (without the type). I like the color and bold lines on the bold tsunami t-shirt.
David “Swaim” Hutson (above), from the wonderful but defunct fashion label, Obedient Sons & Daughters, is now the creative director at Generra.
Mr. Peacock remembers Generra being the “cool” brand as a teenager. It will be interesting to see Swaim Hutson’s creative touch at a mainstream contemporary label like Generra.
It reminds me of this amazing embroidered tea towel and tablecloth from the 1940's—at Paula Rubenstein, Ltd.
Mr. Hutson began Obedient Sons as a t-shirt company in San Francisco, eventually expanding it to the cool New York menswear label (and women swear too)—Obedient Sons & Daughters. Swaim and his wife Christina (above with their cute daughter, from a few years ago) abruptly shut down Obedient Sons & Daughters last year, due to funding issues.
Shortly after they put together a new label, Hutson, but are not showing at New York Fashion Week.
Generra, however, are supposed to be presenting its Spring 2010 collection in New York on September 11(although I don't see them on the schedule)—designed by Mr. Hutson. Can’t wait to see it! Congratulations to Mr. Hutson, and Generra.
These Totem Cups aren't stacked as high, but are a lovely homage to the First Nation's custom of totem pole carving.
I like dishes that stack, because they effectively use what little space I have left in my kitchen cupboards. These Totem Cups would fit nicely into my cupboards!
Speaking of stacked, Mr. Southcott also designed this stacked "dresser" piece from reclaimed lumber. The different drawers and woods are a metaphor for the growing diversity in our contemporary society. You can see more of his work here.
Mr. Peacock has some Rosenthal/Thomas porcelain stacking tea cups and milk glasses (without the round handles on the left side). I ordered these years ago and can't remember the pattern name. I love how they are designed to neatly stack—just like the Totem Cups (and the Bird in the Bush cups).
The teapot, cup & saucer, creamer and sugar bowl—all neatly stacked in a tower.
Mr. Peacock likes the mint color the best.
These Italian 5 in 1 stacked drinking glasses aren't really the same concept as the other stacked items, but I still like them. They were originally designed by designer Joe Columbo in 1970.
The concept is fun that they all fit neatly inside each other, but I don't think I would store them stacked within each other.
How do you store your tea/coffee cups and mugs—stacked, hanging, or single file in your cupboard?
A suit is an essential wardrobe investment piece for any gentleman. A pocket square is a great way to add some flair to your ensemble and keep your suit looking fresh. This small piece of fabric (silk, wool, cotton) will give you a touch of color and decoration—which can really make your suit come alive and “dance”.
Above left to right: Cator has a magical touch with his pocket squares; Aaron fancies gingham squares; Barima likes to mix it up; and Todd's pocket kerchief is always tidy and elegant.
Many peacocks express their personality with their pocket square. Some gentlemen meticulously fold their kerchief, while other gents casually drape it into their pocket.There isn't a right or wrong method to "folding" a pocket square. You just have to figure out what works for your personality and taste. Purples & pinks can add a romantic touch to a dark suit (charcoal gray suit above),but still be masculine.
These beautiful Bird of Paradise pocket squares use greens & browns, which would look handsome with almost any suit...and perfect for fall. They're a blend of wool and silk.
Grays & blacks are always an elegant choice for coordinating with your suit.
These Italian ties and pocket squares are sold in coordinating sets. You can see how easy it is to mix and coordinate a tie color and pattern with a pocket square.
A pocket square doesn’t have to be a color to give your suit ensemble a finishing touch—it can be white. And it doesn’t even have to be square—these pocket squares are round.
Mr. Peacock likes to wear feathers as a pocket square. Don’t be afraid to experiment with pocket squares. Find something that works with your personality and taste.
A few weeks ago when I wrote about 70’s fragrances. A gentleman commented that they were annoyed by any fragrance with lavender. I think many men dislike the scent of lavender for some reason. I read recently that lavender oil (and tea tree oil) suppresses male hormones and increases female hormones, but I also read soy products do the same thing. Maybe that's why many men dislike lavender.
I know I fell into that category of disliking lavender for most of my life, until a few years ago when a friend gave me a bar of fancy lavender soap. It was as though I smelled lavender for the very first time.
Mr. Peacock even tortured a house guest with horrible “lavender” martinis (sorry Seema), and Jason asked me, "...not lavender chicken again!?" Since then, I’ve mellowed out on the lavender and limited my use of this distinct scent to only dishwashing liquid, and an occasional lavender cookie (yes, lavender cookies—see photo at top).
A cookbook I acquired in 2004, called Aroma-The Magic of Essential Oils in Food & Fragrance, has a wonderful recipe for lavender shortbread cookies. It’s a classic shortbread recipe, but with just a touch of lavender oil added into the dough. It makes a delicate and fragrant cookie—I love them! (photo above on one of my vintage Vera tablecloths). 
Lavender Shortbread Cookies
1) In a food precessor, blend the sugar and essential oil for 15 seconds, until well combined. Add salt and then the butter and pulse until well incorporated. Add the egg and pulse. Add the flour and carefully pulse until the dough forms—don’t overwork the dough.
2) Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface and flip the contents from the food processor onto the plastic wrap. Gather the dough together and split into 2 pieces. Roll each piece into a log about 2 inches in diameter and maybe 8 inches long. Sometimes I shape them into long cubes, like sticks of butter. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for about an hour (or up to 2 months well wrapped).
3) Preheat oven 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silipat. Take the cookie log from freezer and slice into ¼ inch thick discs. If the dough is too hard to slice, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Carefully arrange the discs a few inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet.
4) Whisk the egg white with a fork in a small bowl until frothy. Brush the top of each cookie with a bit of egg white and sprinkle with demarera sugar and few lavender flowers (optional).
5) Bake until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Your entire kitchen will be in a cloud of lavender and cookie aromas. Let these shortbread cookies cool on a rack. The flavor and texture will improve when they are completely cooled. Enjoy.
You can order organic chef's essential oils (above) and other fragrant organic roducts directly from Mandy Aftel's Berkeley, California store—Aftelier Perfumes.
