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trend: gladiator sandals

"You don't get to run. You're a gladiator. Gladiators don't run. They fight. They slay dragons. They wipe off the blood and they stitch up their wounds and they fight to live another day. You don't get to run."-Olivia Pope, Scandal

Is a melodramatic Olivia Pope quote on gladiators enough to get your attention on this summer footwear trend? Good. Gladiator sandals, like Ms. Pope, are high drama and need your full attention this season. So heed Olivia's advice when you're donning a pair of these stylish sandals. Remember, gladiators (err..gladiator sandal wearers) don't run. (They leisurely stroll through farmers markets' looking effortlessly chic) They fight. (Usually for a table at brunch) So, before I stretch this any further and start discussing slaying dragons, here are nine reasons to give these chic leg-wrappers a try.

9. The style is (NBD) thousands of years old. How can you not love footwear with a history like this?
8. If like me, you bypassed this trend last summer (or years past because it just seemed like a music festival fad), try them now. I regretted not getting a tall pair last summer (opting instead for ankle length Sam Edelman ones) and was thrilled that high sandals were back this season and wear a pair almost every weekend. The style is at the height of popularity which means that there are tons of variations and materials to choose from (at all price points) and there is a style that is flattering for every leg type. I promise. (If your legs are thinner, try something a little chunkier or with buckles. If you're shorter, try the thinner strapped ones which will create the illusion of longer legs.) If last year was all about practical sandals like Birkenstocks, this summer is definitely being ruled by various forms of the gladiator sandal. The tan sandals I am wearing in the picture (inset) are Steve Madden.
7. Two words: warrior princess

6. Gladiator sandals elevate the simplest dress or outfit. They work best with a flowing, simple dress (midi or mini) and for an edgier look, pair them with denim shorts.
5.  The footwear trend ruled Spring 2015 runways but was also spotted on Fall 2015 runways as well, indicating lasting power into autumn
4. Two more words: shin protection
3. Feel as powerful as you would wearing heels (but with the comfort of flats)
2. No matter how tall you are, they will make your legs look about 12 times longer
1. No one will think twice when you introduce yourself like this

A few favorite sandals (shown above):
Top row: Stuart Weitzman / Steve Madden / Schutz / Stuart Weitzman
Bottom row: Valentino /  J. Crew* / Schutz* / Rebecca Minkoff 
(*A few shorties if you're not quite ready to go knee-high)

image source: outfit images (left to right) Pinterest, Atlantic-Pacific (in the very popular Stuart Weitzman pair), Vanessa Hudgens and Kourtney Kardashian (Wire images)

-SD

peach ice cream

"There are a whole lot of things in this world of ours you haven't even started wondering about yet.” -James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

Along with being Father's Day, Sunday also marked this year's summer solstice--the official start of the northern hemisphere's summer season (and fun fact I always forget: the longest day of the year!). It seemed fitting on such an official summer day, to check-in on the progress on my 2015 summer to-do list (you can track my progress on Instagram @pinkrickshaw). At the very top of the list was making this quintessential summer treat: peach ice cream. Peach ice cream is one of those very classic, old-fashioned summer ice creams that you should not be in a rush when making or eating. This recipe results in a subtly flavored, refreshing and very creamy variety of the frozen fruit delight. It is perfect served right after it's been churned with a sprig of mint and a side of reminiscing about past summer memories. (For extra nostalgia points, tell people you hand-cranked this peach ice cream for hours. Just be sure to act like your arm is really sore and of course, hide your ice cream maker.)

This recipe requires peeling your ripe peaches which was honestly the only intimidating part of this recipe. I used this method to peel the peaches by first scoring the skin with a "X" with a sharp knife, immersing them in boiling water for about 40 seconds and them shocking them in an ice bath. (If that just sounds like too much work on a lazy, summer day, this is an alternative recipe that mashes the peaches instead using a potato masher and does not require peeling.)

Peach Ice Cream (makes about 1 quart)
Recipe from The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz

1 1/3 lbs. ripe peaches (I used local, Texas peaches...yee haw!!)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

1. Peel the peaches (see method above), slice them in half and remove the pits. Cut the peaches into chunks and cook them with the water in a medium, nonreactive (i.e. stainless steel or tin lined) saucepan over medium heat, covered, stirring once or twice, until soft and cooked through. It takes about 10 minutes.
2. Remove from the heat, stir in the sugar and then cool to room temperature.
3. Puree the cooked peaches and liquid in a blender with the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and lemon juice until almost smooth but slightly chunky. 
4. Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator, then freeze it in your ice cream maker. 

image source: SD

-SD