I first met Farra Miron at a recent Madewell event here in San Diego. She was so lovely and incredibly friendly, but I was equally impressed by the desserts she had made and all the seriously exquisite vintage glassware she presented it in. As the aptly titled Hostess Haven, Farra provides rental tabletop pieces as well as baked foods and styling services. (Just take a look at this gallery of her food creations!)
When I asked her if she’d be willing to take part in my series, Farra admitted that she’s “a routine girl.” Judging by what she’s shared below, I’d say she’s my kind of girl. Today she talks about lemon pistachio donuts, Ayurvedic food and what entertaining means to her.
Name: Farra Miron
Age: 32
Hometown: Orrville, OH
Current City: San Diego, CA
Professional Title: Hostess Haven
coffee or tea** morning time with my husband and dog, phoenix.
every morning it’s pretty much like clockwork around here. alarm. grab phone. check email/instagram. turn on the water for coffee/tea. meditate. open doors for fresh air. start coffee/tea and decide on breakfast depending on how much time is left in the morning before phone calls, emails and meetings. sometimes almond pancakes, or poached eggs on sauteed spinach and toast or sometimes just simple fresh bread with delicious fresh butter or a green smoothie. but the time just lounging and enjoying the morning with my husband and pup is what i go to bed for at night.
**i can never decide on coffee or tea. i’m lucky that i have no side effects of caffeine so i frequently switch back and forth.
kitchen time.
in the summer it’s crisps, cobblers and ice cream. in the spring it’s anything fresh i can get my hands on, usually something along the pea/fava lines since they have such a bright and specific time when they are the most delicious. in the fall it’s puff pastry, mexican mole and pies; and in the winter it’s breads, more pies and tamales. in between i love experimenting with new recipes that are labor-intensive and require good care like brioche or other handmade breads or one of my favorites, lemon pistachio donuts. when i’m looking for healthy/vegan or gluten-free i turn to heidi of 101 cookbooks or gwyneth. my go-to staples are banana bread, brownies or chocolate chip cookies. i can make them quick and from memory for a hostess gift, special treat or birthday. otherwise, magazines are my inspiration for the other fun recipes, but hands down, i read tartine or chez panisse if i want a true kitchen challenge.
seasonal cleanses.
i recently started researching ayurveda and fell in love. it’s so perfect for my body and i’m completely hooked. i try to do a cleanse every season, but my favorite cleanse is always in the spring. 21 days and it’s the perfect reset your body needs from the winter hibernating and holiday overload :) my favorite local guru to follow is laura plumb and my favorite recipe that i have adopted into my non-cleansing weeknight meal rotation is kichari, a rice and split mung beans dish that is so comforting and easy to prepare.
working out.
to say i’m a routine girl is an understatement. i dream about being that old lady and her husband that visits the same restaurant every thursday at the same time, orders the same thing and sits in the same seat. so i like to keep a predictable routine on my weekdays, just the same. i definitely prefer working out being the first thing i do with my morning and i’ll wake up extra early just to make sure that happens. i am currently loving pilates and spin, but a good run or a nice long strength or stretching yoga class adds the perfect balance.
entertaining.
it’s a ritual i can’t live without. for me, entertaining creates a sense of warmth and lightness and is an opportunity for the hostess and guest to be completely present, enjoying what is theirs for that moment. whether we have an impromptu visit from friends or family or a well-planned affair, my husband and i give and share a piece of our hearts and our home and i think that’s contagious in spreading the culture of entertaining. every culture hosts differently with traditions and rituals; i love being a part of creating our own with our friends and family.
Thanks, Farra! You can also find her on Instagram and Twitter.
First and third photos by Studio Castillero; second photo by Farra