Happy Halloween!

Here is a sweet Halloween treat! 

 Candy Corn Cocktail

1 part vodka

2 parts cranberry juice

1 part lemonade

a handful of candy corn

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween! 

A Celebration of Bubbly!

Today is National Champagne day! I had no idea such a day existed but I began receiving some tweets about it and did a bit of research. It is only the second official year of this holiday but I think a day to celebrate Champagne is brilliant!

My favorite champagne is Vueve Clicquot. I love their bubbly, but I have been falling head over heels for their fun collectibles for the past few years. Here are a few of the ones I have been able to get my hands on. 

While in London I found these insanely adorable mini fridges! The combination of the vintage refrigerator design and my favorite beverage made these a must have. 

This trademark yellow bottle jacket was something that I had had my eye on for quite some time but I was having a very hard time finding. This summer while in Italy we encountered a wonderful couple who enjoyed a few bottles of Vueve daily and he always carried them in this. He gave me a couple of ideas as to where to look for one and on our way out of the country I happened to find one in the duty free shop. 

A few months ago while shopping at Costco, a great place to stock up on Vueve, they had the Rosé version with the special edition Sakura jacket. This jacket has the Sakura, Japanese cheery blossom trees, on it and was designed by Ateliers LZC of Paris. 

This caryall is my next Vueve conquest. Its design reminds me of my Louis Vuitton Speedy bags. If only Louis and Vueve Cliquot would partner talk about a match made in heaven!

Pumpkin & Spice

Fall is in the air and it has gotten me in the mood for some seasonal treats! When I do cook or bake which isn't too often I like to keep things simple and healthy. I found this recipe for Pumpkin Bread online and gave it a go. It turned out really well and I have made it several times in the past few days. 

The recipe was pretty healthy to begin with and uses egg whites and yogurt, however it called for oil which I substituted with apple sauce. I think this recipe is a keeper for sure, it's easy to make, turns out nice and moist and has a great flavor of pumpkin and spice. 

I made a second loaf and added chocolate chips as a sweet treat! 

The Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 large egg whites

1 cup pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

1/4 canola oil *substitute with apple sauce

1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt * I used non-fat vanilla yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

* 3/4 cup chocolate chips = sweet treat!

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Spray metal loaf pan with nonstick spray

Mix brown sugar, egg whites, pumpkin, apple sauce, yogurt and vanilla

Add flour, wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda

Stir until combined

Pour batter into pan and bake 45-50 minutes

Let cool 10 minutes

from Good Housekeeping somewhere online :) 

A Little Bit of Lovely

Fresh cut flowers brighten any space and always put a smile on my face. These beautiful sunflowers were recently given to me and they've added a little bit of lovely to our kitchen. 

Vases are a great way to accessorize beautiful flowers. This cross-cut crystal vase is one of my favorites. Its simple pattern is delicate and takes on a new dimension when filled with water.  Here are a three distinct styles of vases that I really like. 

Jonathan Adler - Carnaby Yellow Vase

Fun with a vintage flair and a pop of color.

Vintage Milk Glass

Romantic and stunning with a classical elegance

 Mercury Glass Vases

Character and charm and a magnificent brilliance when paired with candlelight

Snuggling with Fall

I find Autumn to be a peaceful time of the year. I'm not exactly sure why but there is something about the leaves changing colors and the crisp of the air that make this season especially appealing to me. I also feel like September and October tend to be the calm before the craziness of the holidays. Here are a few of my favorite things that make Fall especially cozy. 

  

I found these pillows last year at Pottery Barn and they are by far the softest pillows I have ever encountered. They are so plush and cuddly that I purchased one for the pillow I sleep on. Their basic color and simple texture lend themselves to being accented with a variety of colors and patterns.

Another Pottery Barn find and favorite are these woven chenille throws. I had a very hard time finding throws that I liked but when I found these I was pleasantly surprised. They are incredible soft and I liked the texture of their herringbone weave. I purchased them in two colors, smoke blue and the deep green. I use the smoke blue in Spring and Summer and the deep green for Fall and Winter. They make cuddling nearly irresistible. 

There is simple nothing like curling up with a cup of tea and a good book. While I find myself doing this throughout the year there is something that I love about this ritual during this time of the year. A while back I discovered Tea forté and it is simply my favorite tea, Oprah Winfrey is also a big fan. I love their Earl Grey blend and all of their teas comes in the most adorable triangle shaped infusers. 

The Colors of Fall

I love playing with color, especially when it comes to my nails. Recently I have grown tired of my usual colors and felt that it was time to transition from Summer to Fall. Essie's Fall Collection is currently satisfying my need for something new while also fitting in with the palette of colors I'm loving this moment. 

 Mochacino

 Power Clutch

Case Study

This season I'm particularly fond of nudes and earth tones. They're versatile and transition effortlessly from day to night. I originally wanted to try the color Case Study but I couldn't find it and so I improvised. Mochacino was a bit dark for my taste and so I layered it with a pearly white color to create the color below. I'm fairly satisfied with the results but I was able to find Case Study and I'm excited to give it a try!

The combination...

Jonathan Adler

What can I say, I absolutely swoon for all things Adler! 

Jonathan Adler is truly a style icon whose designs perpetually enrich any environment. His unique flair and wicked sense of humor guide and define his creative aura and are what make him truly an original. 

Jonathan Adler's Letter Pillows

The Letter Pillows are one of my all time favorite accessories. 

A vintage edge, bold use of color and irreverence are the essence of master Jonathan Adler.

Beautiful pottery for all of your vices 

His signature style is versatile, pieces are always fun and he delights in the naughty, but when he plays nice it's simply stunning. The juxtaposition and variety of his musings equate to magnificently diverse collections of intriguing objects and exquisite designs.  

Simply beautiful

The Master in his own words...

*All images are from JonathanAdler.com

Loss & Love

Our Loss

This past week the world lost the incredible Steve Jobs. When we loose someone special their legacy and love remain. Since his passing I have thought about Mr. Jobs each time I reach for my iPhone, iPad or computer. These devices are just a small part of a remarkable legacy, and yet they have changed the way we live and communicate. This revolutionary man has left an indelible mark on this world, one that can be found in pockets and purses and on desks across the globe. The world has lost a true visionary and he will truly be missed.

The Love He Leaves Behind

Pan Am

I began this post in London and it somehow slipped through the cracks...better late than never :)

I have eagerly been awaiting the arrival of the new show Pan Am. My love for 1960's and 70's fashion, style & culture has had me on pins & needles in anticipation of it's premier.

I was out of the country when it debuted, however thanks to technology my husband and I curled up in London & watched the first episode together.

We both are hooked! The show is fantastic & the characters are wonderful. The costuming, hair & makeup are fabulous & I cannot wait to see what the season has in store. Pan Am is our new Sunday night ritual!

The Collection

I like many beautiful things that span several decades, periods of style & a variety of designs. Here are a few of my favorites in our home.

from Simple & Pretty

from Simple & Pretty II

from Simple & Pretty III

from Simple & Pretty III

from Simple & Pretty III

Pretty & Simple III

Family Ties

Sometimes it can be challenging to incorporate pieces of significance that may not be your style. This hand painted bowl is a family heirloom from China. My husband's grandfather worked overseas for many years & his grandparents gave this to us in celebration of our wedding. 

Drawing on the colors of the outdoors & a painting in our kitchen, when set atop our bright white table this bowl fits nicely into our home. I really enjoy its beautiful details & colors, but its family ties make are what make this piece special.

Signature Treats

A saying that reminds my husband and I of one another, a gift from my mom, sits alongside a vintage Ball jar of M&M's; the signature treat of our family. 

A Comfy Place

 "Laughter: the experience of amusement or joy" = Family 

My "place of comfort" surrounded by pictures, beautiful light & wonderful memories.  

Pure Love

The quilt my mom made of my Grampsie's shirts

Pretty & Simple II

Little Pieces of Me

Everything in our home has a special significance to my husband and I or is something that we love.

 Since our coffee table is also a large ottoman this mirrored tray is a beautiful way to display some books that I adore. 

The Reading List

I've always liked the saying "Keep Calm and Carry On" & while in London I discovered "Sod Calm and Get Angry." Upon discovering these these gems I simply could not pass them by. I just love the combination of naughty & nice with cheeky British humor. 

A little book with all things Louis Vuitton adds a bit of an academic approach & provenance to my Louis collection. 

My obsession with 1960's & 1970's fashion & style collide with aviation in "Stewardess Come Fly with Me!" 


A Vintage Glow

These mercury glass votives have a vintage feel & I just love how they look on the mirrored tray, especially at night when lit.

Pretty & Simple

Light & Dark

I love the juxtaposition of dark & light colors, especially black & white. In our living room we have a soft white leather couch & overstuffed chairs. I paired them with a large ottoman coffee table in a rich dark java leather. On either side of our couch are these dark tables accented by these lamps. 

One of my husband's favorite pictures of me in a simple white washed frame.

I love the texture & design of these lamps as well as the imperfections in the glazing. These simple white shades with ribbon detailing at the top & bottom compliment the details of the lamps. 

My husband loves tractors & we found this one while traveling in Italy.

Home for the Holidays

It's hard to believe but the holidays are fast approaching. Halloween is just around the corner and then before you know it Thanksgiving , Christmas & Hanukkah will be here too! Growing up there was not a holiday that our home was not decorated. This tradition of my mom's truly made our house a home & created many wonderful memories. Now that I have a home of my own I'm really looking forward to decorating for the holidays! 

My overall style is simple & clean & the same is true of my design aesthetic. When decorating for special occasions, I prefer a few simple but fun pieces.

I purchased two of these pumpkins & I love their texture & color. They have an iridescent glow about them & change colors depending on the light.

I found these pumpkins and loved their texture and sparkle. Not to mention I though their faces were awfully cute as well!

I fell in love with these giant candy corns & placed them with a sparkly pumpkin as the centerpiece on our dining room table.

A cute leaf shaped bowl, candy corns, & ghost candles greet you & add a little holiday cheer when you enter our home :)