Some beautiful things right now...

I'll be back to my writing soon...I've had a lot going on (new baby, new home, new mindset...) so I'll be back to tell all about it! I have pictures of the home additions that are a treat too! But it's all a work in progress. I have a long way to go before I can sit back and relax. Furnishing a home is a major task and like any creative process - it takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say. Here are some pretty/attractive/eye candy that I seek out at the end of the day to clear my mind and remember who I am besides a doting fabulous mother and homemaker. The heart of me is a designer, style enthusiast and a person who likes to think they're living in their finest environment. Enjoy some beauty - whether you find it here or elsewhere. xo

Ryan Lochte. Enough said.

Olympic Sailing

Cabins at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Mississippi

Pharrell Williams

Images above: Love's Labours Lost-Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

Top 5 images from various tumblrs or blogs.

My current arm candy

Baby Girl's New Room (Visual abstract)

I know I have been MIA for a long time... I recently gave birth to a lovely baby girl two weeks ago and have several things on my mind!! For starters, MMH's new bedroom. Right now, she is humbly sleeping in the hallway of our rather spacious condo. Spacious in terms of floor space and ceiling height/volume , but being only a two bedroom abode, our little angel is sleeping in her bassinet in a makeshift room with pottery barn drapery serving as two walls for privacy. I am not complaining mind you. I know this is only temporary and bigger things on the horizon keep my spirits high (more of that later, I promise). So here is a peak into the dream room I've created for my new daughter ~ all of which I have or is on order with the exception of the heavenly wallpaper, lamps and bookcase. I can't wait for the final look to come together! I anticipate it'll be in a few months after we move...but here's just a taste. XO

Be still my beating heart....

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY DEAR ONES.... 

XOXO

October Best

My harvest table with gourds, flowers, and pumpkin from the grocery store, of course. Nothing fancy.

I truly love October and the essence of autumn. For those that live in the north or have traveled to the north during this time of year know how beautiful the leaves look when they change colors. How the smell in the air is reminiscent of leaves burning on a crisp, cool night. Bundling up as a kid on Halloween to go "trick or treating" and sometimes braving the rain and dampness just to get some candy.  The eagerly awaited day that marked the beginning of "Sweater weather" and strutting around in your cozy finery! Flinging on a tweed blazer, jeans, and riding boots to run some errands and catch a drink with friends. It's amazing how the climate and time of year can conjure up images and transport you to a moment or semester in life that everyone has in common on some level. I'm getting misty...I digress...

Anyways.. I love October and this is my "October Best"- an homage to Oktoberfest without all the beer and brats. Enjoy!

These spectacular pumpkins have me rethinking my tablescape however...

 More chic pumpkins...

 This would've been so apropos at my wedding! 

 Always lovin' me some victorian silhouettes! 

(All pumpkin images from Pinterest)

And here's an oldie but goodie from one of my past holiday tables... gold spray painted mini pumpkins!

What's fall without indulging in some old faves like cider & donuts, apple pie, pumpkin bread, hearty soups? Here's what has been wetting my whistle as of late:

Big Apple Pancake- makes for a simple and glorious breakfast treat!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 stick unsalted butter

1 large sweet apple (gala, golden delicious or honey crisp which is what I used), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4"w wedges

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

4 large eggs

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

Confectioners sugar for dusting

Seasoned 10-11" heavy cast iron skillet or other ovenproof skillet

Preheat oven to 450 degrees w/rack in middle of oven. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat, then transfer two tablespoons to a mixing bowl or blender. I used a mixing bowl (of a kitchenaid stand mixer but any bowl or blender will do). Add apple wedges to skillet and cook, turning over once, until they soften, about 3-5 minutes. (I added a sprinkling of sugar and cinnamon to the apples while cooking but this is optional. I just wanted a sweeter outcome). 

While apple is cooking, add milk, flour, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon (optional), and salt to butter in bowl (or blender) and mix/blend until smooth. 

Pour batter over apples and transfer skillet to oven. Bake until pancake is puffed and golden, about 15 minutes. Dust with confectioners sugar and serve immediately. You will think about syrup but it's not necessary. Trust me. This pancake ends up tasting more like a crepe and has a light delicacy that the maple syrup would completely mask and be too heavy. 

Look out delicious but predictable pumpkin pie: Pumpkin Cream Pie will give the old standby a good run for it's money... and waistline! Well, in my case - my waist isn't the only thing growing! I have thighcaps...Yes, thighs that have lost the graduating line onto the knee and have melded as one limb: the thighcap! It's the new cankle! This is still going on my Thanksgiving Menu, however! 

Recipe here.

What's Octoberfest Best without some pretzels... These look infinitely better than my frozen Super Pretzels! I think I have to start baking my own...

Oh lord, if I could imbibe right now, this would be the drink I'd be concocting this month in the spirit of ghosts and glamblins (my girly goblins)! Drinks courtesy of the new book by Daniel Boulud, Cocktails & Amuse-Bouches.

(enlarge image for recipe)

Side note: *Champagne foam: In a mixing bowl, pour 4oz of warm simple syrup, add 1-1/2 sheets of gelatin, and stir. Add 12oz of Champagne. Pour into a Thermo Whip with 2 gas cartridges. Keep refrigerated. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Now I need a "thermo whip" for my cocktails! 

And for him...

(enlarge image for recipe)

Side note: *Spice syrup: Bring to a boil 2 cups of water with 2 rounded cups of white sugar, 8 cinnamon sticks, 8 cloves, and half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Let steep in refrigerator for a day, then strain mixture into a clean, sealed container. Can be kept refrigerated for up to 3weeks. 

Olfactory therapy...my fall scents! Heavier, spicier, sexier for the season! 

Fall fashion never fails... however in Florida it's sort of a let down. Let me live vicariously for a moment...

(Inhale)

(Exhale)

Something for the fellas - if we saw this specimen walking around South Florida..it'd be like seeing water in a desert. No one dresses this well or looks this good...(except you, honey, if you're reading) where I live. All things considered.

Just a crazy ol' orange bag.... kidding, of course. Holy grail. Rose gold watch ain't too shabby, either. 

HAPPY AUTUMN!! xxoo

Fall Book List!

Not that I have much time to kick back and enjoy a book,  but I will make every attempt to thumb through the pages of these wait-listed books this fall. I just pre-ordered and I look forward to my tomes arriving sporadically between next week and November. I don't know if I can wait!

Great minds....

The stylists at Piperlime put this look together with the Parker skirt I featured in my previous post. I knew I was on to something... 

My Fall Lineup

Summer has officially ended but somehow here in Florida, Summer persists to beat down on us until well after Halloween! That being said... I can try to get into the Autumn mindset in little ways without dressing myself in the much desired head-to-toe fall fashion :( 

For starters... it's always a good idea to pump some iron (or at least schlep a heavy purse (sidebar:Jimmy Choo bags have heavy hardware)- note: not good if you have a bad back) and keep up on your fitness. Muscle burns more calories than anything else. Believe me. I don't do cardio nearly as much as ya'll think... it's a combo of genetics (had biceps since 5th grade) and working with 10 pounders a couple times a week. But....... score some Chanel handweights  and I am sure your triceps, biceps and shoulders will thank you after your wallet has not. These are for the girl who has everything... More on who "that" girl(s) is down below... 

But totally chic, eh? 

Leopard is everywhere again.....on feet, heads, necks, backs, legs, purses, eyelashes, nails...So it seems like eyes are kinda an afterthought, right? Well this Dior leopard eyeshadow is stunning and will make it's debut into my makeup bag this fall. Meow.

I love this new color by Essie. I forgot the name and the source but it's a great blue-gray. 

Cat's outta the bag... Not quite sporting a bump yet, but when I am protruding come December (genes, don't fail me now!) then this ADORABLE denim dress from the MAMA collection by H &M will be hunted and gathered faster than any primitive animal, er, or, pregnant woman?

On my MUST HAVE list, darlings... This stunning oversized Alexa bag by Mulberry. A beautiful classic for Fall/Winter 11/12.

Deep breath....

Okay, I'm back. Had to get some air. I just bought a pair of black suede platform booties but with a wooden heel. These are from Asos.com - very cute stuff at reasonable prices!

These Alexander McQueen pumps have me salivating all day long. Add a splash of color and whimsy to your LBD or color block with red and yellow and go all primary on yo'self. Whichever you decide...blue shoes can find their way into many an ensemble. 

Again with the macabre McQueen. This leather wrap bracelet is a perfect accoutrement to all your arm candy that you've been collecting and piling on to look cool, effortless and street chic. 

Lace crept back in to the fall-front again and is hot hot hot. 

RZ worried that her collection wouldn't be well-received. This plaid coat is pure heaven and her collection follows suit. Shopbop and Piperlime have some pieces of Rachel Zoe's collection.

Another great Fall find - this LBD by Rachel Zoe. Great tailoring.

J. Crew jewels....what's not to love? Black bracelet by Lulu Frost for J. Crew. Pile them all on!

What kind of woman would I be if I didn't include a dose of fur? It's back - seen in vests, collars, jackets, hats and the like. This fur is darling because I like how it is belted. Defining the waist almost eliminates the Chewbaca effect!

I really adore this midi-length skirt by Tucker. Great pattern and shape which would look smashing with a ladylike blouse with bow and a little fur tossed over.  Mixing patterns is so current right now so make sure the drapes DON'T match the carpet! Unfortunately, I can't wear this due to the lack of baby bump forgiveness :(

LET'S TALK FOOD......

Fall also has me yearning for braised short ribs, hearty stews, and a humble yet fabulous meat loaf! Trust me, this isn't the meatloaf that conjures up images of bland, dry dense beef. This is superb! I swear by this recipe! I have been making this for years with much success and applause!

WHAT I'M DREAMING ABOUT....

A new Home Sweet Home for my growing family. This is definitely a dream house.

WHO WE'RE ABOUT TO SEE MORE OF...

Tamara and Petra Ecclestone. These billionaire-esse Britons have taken L.A. by storm! Not only gorgeous, but insanely wealthy. Blondey (Petra) just purchased the Spelling manse in Holmby Hills which graciously accommodates her five pooches and Birkin collection plus had a lavish $5mill wedding this summer. Look out Kardashians...I think we're gonna start keeping up with some other spoiled rich girls who do nothing but spend, spend, spend...

WHAT I'D LIKE TO BE DRINKING....

Armand de Brignac champagne. It was debuted in 2006, has real pewter labels that are hand applied and the bottle comes in a black velvet bag. This champagne was developed by Cattier for the André Courréges fashion house. 

WHAT I'LL REALLY BE DRINKING...

Mocktails - and more of them. I made this basil-lemonade earlier this summer and it was delicious. 

A N D

Baby Bellinis - peach nectar w/sparkling cider

Pelligrino and cranberry w/lime

Sundowner - White grape juice, sparkling water, fresh mint

ugh....only 6 more months till I get the good stuff......!!!!

WHAT I'LL BE WATCHING AND DVR'ING...

In no particular order

Parenthood

Up All Night

Modern Family 

Real Housewives of.... any city

Mad Fashion

It's a Brad Brad World

Read to Wear

Rachel Zoe Project 

Pan Am show

Ellen at 4pm

WHAT I'LL BE READING....

June, July, August, and September's Elle Decor, Vogue, House Beautiful, Veranda, Interior Design, Arch Digest, Bazaar....I have a lot of catching up to do!

WHAT I'D LIKE TO DO UNTIL MARCH...

Hibernate!

HAVE A GREAT FASHION'S NIGHT OUT!!!!