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

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!!!!

The Days of Whine & Rosés

London Calling

So here is the start of what will most likely be a lengthy blog post! We flew to London then traveled to  Paris, Cannes and Monte Carlo. At times, my memory is a little foggy - because as my baby whined...I drank! Hence ...my days of whine and rosés...since I either consumed a daily glass (or 2) of champagne or wine in the blush colored hue. Pardon my recollection of certain points of interest. I figured a splashy cool photo will suffice in the way of words (smile). 

We did all the touristy stuff first...

 
Boat ride along the Thames River

The London Eye

The Tower Bridge

Confections at Harrod's

Floral Elephant at Harrod's

My bounty from Pierre Herme!

The Union Jack 

 Flowers were everywhere...

Large floral centerpiece at the Claridge's Hotel

Lovely white rose arrangement

Inside the restaurant at the Connaught Hotel - cascades of orchids in clear vials

 Not sure of the significance of the bottle but I liked the shot.

Tea at the Ritz...had to try at least once! 

(the atmosphere.....oh so fancy)

Proof...see the glass of rosé champagne...next to the tea? Oh, and Paisley's bow that she notoriously yanks off her pretty head.

 The dessert spread. Tea sammies down below... cucumber, turkey, ham & cheese, smoked salmon. Crust off. Delicious.

Spoken words heard while in London (and it gives me a giggle every time I think about this):

Hotel Clerk: "Whoopsie Daisies" as he was speaking to another employee. Love that saying.

Well-dressed man on sidewalk, mid-50s, just about to get off the phone: "Talk to you soon...tootaloo"

I crack up every time I think about that. 

Tootaloo London....now chunnel to Paris next!

Bonjour, Paris!

 Two hours later via the chunnel from London we arrive in beautiful Paris. This city to me, is the most stunning, captivating and romantic of all cities in the world. Everywhere you look - there is a point of interest, architectural detail, lovely garden, alluring street scene, vivid flowers, something - all waiting to be photographed - or captured somehow. While a lot of images are stored in my mind, here's a taste of what I captured on film. 

French flags hang over a door...seen walking towards my candle store (below)

 Love the blue doors

Walking through Luxembourg Gardens

 At Cire Trudon - the world's oldest candle makers

 Pretty in pink vignette

 Pastry shop window-always with my tongue hanging out for this stuff!

 Taking time to stop and smell.... You can't pry me away from a good flower market!

According to my husband...not everyone does (he thinks they're too sweet)-

 My Ladureé lovies...

 Below: Violet creme to the left, mint and mixed berry to the right

After fueling up and on a saccharine high, it's off to see some fashion!

 Fashions from the 60s and 70s on display in YSL's redone atelier

Pointing to my wine...to the left....out of baby's reach, I mean, spillage capability. I am a very protective mother:).

Isn't this just wrong? Gotta love Paris. Baby is riding freestyle in the cab!

Au revoir!

Cannes (kan)

 Views from our hotel room - our first hotel room before we switched rooms

 Gorgeous sunset casted such amazing lighting

 View from our 2nd hotel room...just a bit higher up!!!

 La plage - doesn't this look like an old Slim Aarons photo? Good job, honey!!

 Another husb pic!

 Sunbathing on the pier

 Street scene in Cannes

 Small street with shops and restaurants (it was Sunday so many places were closed).

 You will be mine...oh yes...you will be mine!

Fill'er up!!!

Win-ning...Monte Carlo

(For some reason, I am thinking about this scene in Dumb & Dumber... Perhaps it's because I equate the wealth and ostentation of Monte Carlo to the abundance Lloyd refers to when speaking about "Aspen")

Lloyd: What the hell are we doing here, Harry? We gotta get out of this town!
Harry: Oh yeah, and go where? Where are we gonna go?
Lloyd: I'll tell you where. Someplace warm. A place where the beer flows like wine. Where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. I'm talking about a little place called Aspen. 

Harry: Oh, I don't know, Lloyd. The French are assholes.

ANYWAYS....... where was I going with that? Round and round my brain goes...where it stops, nobody knows (sometimes). 

We drove from Cannes to Monte Carlo which isn't a terribly long drive. Like I mentioned in my previous post...stop off in Cap Ferrat... and check out that smashing hotel. You won't be sorry, I promise! So here we are ... Monte Carlo. 

Right outside the Hotel De Paris...it was like a car show at all times....

Monte Carlo Casino

Casino to the left, hotel to the right

Evening time...something I rarely saw since I was in my room w/the little one while the sun was still out.

The beach club we had access to for land and sea adventures. I did a triple lindy off the high dive. You believe me, don't you?

 Pretty to look at, too cold to jump in ~ sorry.

 ~Land~

I spy...what is that? Oh, yet ANO-THER glass of blush colored wine hitting my lips. Ahem. 

 One can dream, can't they? Like how men fantasize about women flocking like the salmon of Capistrano?

That's all folks! I'm tired. Phew. 

Stay tuned for my food-gasm blog of all the delectable dishes we ordered along our travels. My husband is channeling Anthony Bourdain-gastronomy and travel-wise so that inspires alot of our food snaps. 

Tootaloo!!! xo