thanksgiving wishes

From the cranberry relish to the pumpkin pie and everything in between, I hope you have a joyful and delightful day.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

(Pinecone Turkey from Martha Stewart Living.)

what I'm thankful for

A small list - in no particular order - of things I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving season:

cuddles with lulu * afternoon naps * the endless love and support of family and friends * starbucks vanilla steamers * tuesday night yoga * that our country is capable of greatness * weekend breakfasts * sweet mandy b's buttercream frosting * sunny mornings * going home for the holidays * the best nail salon that's right across the street * my health & the health of my loved ones * free samples at trader joe's * swiffer sheets (without which our house would be overtaken by dog hair!) * my mom's chocolate chip cookies * that no matter what happens, I still have hope

do you know the muffin man?

My friend, Jen, and I were busy bakers in my kitchen last night... whipping up two delicious batches of muffins for my office's Thanksgiving potluck today. As you can see... I couldn't pick just one recipe. Just like I predicted!

(Whole Wheat Apple Muffins & Pumpkin Muffins)

*Please disregard all of the background messiness (how embarassing!) on the countertop. My pleas for a cleaned-up picture redo were politely declined. But the good thing is - see that Crate & Barrel box back there? - well, in it was the most beautiful silver cake stand - you can see it on the edge of the table (to the right of the muffins) - from my darling Juju and "Uncle" Jason. What a wonderful birthday present indeed! THANK YOU!*

thanksgiving table setting

It's only three days away, and I can't get Thanksgiving dinner out of my mind! Turkey and stuffing and cranberries... and pumpkin pie! Isn't this a lovely way to decorate the table for your holiday dinner?

Photo by the amazing Miki Duisterhof. Be sure to check out the rest of her portfolio. Inspiration guaranteed!

photo inspiration

Just looking at this makes me happy. Makes me want to go out this weekend to find a perfect green wreath.



(via Simply Photo)

in my recipe box: pumpkin & whole wheat apple muffins

We're having a potluck breakfast at work next week. I know I want to bring a batch of muffins, and I also know that I want them to be with seasonal ingredients, but what I can't decide is which recipe to make. I've narrowed it down to two: Pumpkin or Whole Wheat Apple. They both look so delicious... so how's a girl to choose?

Pumpkin Muffins from Gourmet via Muffin Top.
Whole Wheat Apple Muffins adapted from King Arthur Flour via Smitten Kitchen.

I think the answer might be to make both!

spotlight: whitney smith

Oh it feels so good to play on Etsy!

I can't take my eyes off of the adorable handmade ceramics from Whitney Smith. I'd buy every last piece if I could. Of course, the cupcake stands hold a very special place in my heart.

(via Design is Mine - a favorite!)

mini holiday cards

From the Inkspot Workshop Holiday '08 Collection...

I {heart} these handmade mini cards and their frosty white envelopes.

From top:
Pinwheel Snowman Cards * Mod Ornament Cards * Tree Bird Cards * Pinwheel Tree Christmas Cards

let's dress up

LOVE this. Perfect for a holiday fete.

(Evening's Promise Dress from Anthropologie - $158)

design inspiration: swedish interiors

Georgeous interiors shot by photographer Mari Eriksson. The vintage furnishings, minimal design style and walls awash in white are so very Swedish.

(via Cookie Nesting Blog)

recipe to try: crispy chocolate marshmallow treats

From the September issue of Everyday Food. So easy and tasty.

Crispy Chocolate Marshmallow Treats

Makes 16

6 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for pan

1 bag (10.5 oz) mini marshmallows

1/4 c. unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa

6 c. crisp rice cereal

2 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted

Butter an 8-inch square baking pan. Line bottom and two sides with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both sides. Butter paper and set pan aside.

In a large saucepan, combine butter, marshmallows and cocoa. Cook over medium, stirring frequently, until melted, about 6 minutes. Stir in rice cereal. Press rice mixture into prepared pan; drizzle with melted chocolate. Let cool to room temp; cut into 16 bars.

To store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 5 days.

design inspiration: white out

I feel like I've just closed the lid on the Halloween decorations bin, and already I've got Christmas on the brain. But you know? I totally don’t even mind. I love Christmas and say, the sooner the better! Listening to carols, baking sweet treats, decorating with twinkle lights. Love all of it. And so I have no problem whatsoever with getting in the Christmas spirit even if it is only the middle of November. Here are some lovely ideas for decorating when you’ve got a white palette. And you know how I feel about white…

Gold and Green pop in this neutral living room ; a simple white dining table is bedecked with vintage accessories; a snowy white bathroom is simply elegant with a single green wreath; and ok, so this bedroom doesn’t exactly scream Christmas, but I love it anyway and would give anything to have a little corner exactly like it.

By the way, I got these photos from BHG.com which is celebrating the holidays by doing "100 Days of Holidays" with a daily email full of ideas for the holiday season. They run the gamut from seasonal recipes and craft projects to decorating tips and gift list ideas. Each morning I flip through slide shows full of spectacular photos and walk away with more ideas than I can count. Looking for Thanksgiving ideas? Be sure to check it out!

happy day

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since that little idea to start a blog blossomed in my head. Thank you all so much for your visits. I've certainly enjoyed having you.

And now I'd like to wish a wonderful weekend to you and yours.

Hugs,
Kristin

chicago fave: chicago honey co-op

Yep – you read that right. I’m talking about a bee farm on the west side of Chicago with nothing but urban landscape for miles and miles. It's The Chicago Honey Co-op, home to over 100 hives.

The beekeepers, dedicated to practicing sustainable agriculture, started the farm a few years ago and have been churning out chemical-free honey ever since. Not only do they have an awareness of their impact on the environment in the big picture, they’ve also focused on their impact much closer to home and are providing job opportunities to the under-employed in the area. I read a big article about the Co-op earlier this year in the Chicago Tribune and was so blown over by how they’ve embraced the community by bringing jobs to those who in many others’ eyes would be seen as undesirable.

In addition to honey, which tastes amazingly good, by the way, they also make pure beeswax candles and soaps, scrubs and balms. During the summer, they sell their wares at Chicago farmer’s markets, but for those not in the area – and all of us locals who are getting ready to face another winter – their products are available online too.

hide and seek

I double heart these tiny cloth boxes (just 3 x 1.5 inches) that close up using origami folds and open again to reveal the treasures you’ve tucked inside. Perfect for jewelry, extra buttons, paper clips or cotton swabs, this cute box can be used for all sorts of things.

The Slate Pebble pattern is my favorite.

Hide Box available from Virtu in Chicago and online.

table dressing

A bunch of catalogs arrived in the mail last night. As I flipped through, the table settings kept catching my eye, and so I was inspired to come up with a setting of my own. It's nice to mix and match styles for a personalized look, so here's how I'm setting my table:

It starts with the dinnerware. I love this understated white with pebble-textured rim collection from Pier-1. At $4-5 per piece, the price is right! To add a bit of pizazz to the table, I'm bringing in a beautiful line of stemware from Anthropologie with an etched floral pattern that is delicate and ethereal. The handmade pewter serving set from Uncommon Goods has a branch handle and maple leaf scoop... perfect for an autumn gathering! The simplicity of this flatware from Pottery Barn is striking. It's very sculptural. And finally, there's the placemat (also from PB). Layers of silkscreened "leaves" dress up any table.

Now all we need is the food!

Sandy Lane Dinnerware from Pier-1 ($4-5).
Horta Stemware from Anthropologie ($12).
Maple Leaf Serving Set from Uncommon Goods ($80).
Collins Flatware from Pottery Barn ($45 for a 5-piece setting).
Flocked Leaf Placemat from Pottery Barn ($69 set/6).

spotlight: up in the air somewhere

I love love love the line of ceramic pieces by Chicago-based designer Susan Dwyer of Up in the Air Somewhere. Using Chicago’s industrial architecture as her muse with its linear and minimal qualities, Susan designs simple yet elegant vases, votives, pitches and planters. Her pieces have an organic essence and that they are hand-made ensures a one-of-a-kind uniqueness.

I think any of these would be a perfect Christmas gift for a few lovelies on my list, and I'm sure you'll find a few too. But do know this: the deadline for orders is November 12th for delivery in time for Christmas. So get shopping!

Up in the Air Somewhere * Available in Chicago at Post 27.

glamorous

I decided a few weeks ago that I could really use some help in the jewelry department. I have a tendency to stick with the same old tried and true pieces - a diamond pendant necklace from Wade's grandma, my silver Tiffany "Bead" earrings from Wade, and my black-faced watch that I never leave home without. And it's not that there's anything wrong with any of these pieces. Quite the opposite, actually... I LOVE them. But because I love them so, they never get tucked back into my jewelry box at night. Instead, they sit right there on the bathroom counter for me to slip back on in the morning, and I don't even bother to give a thought to something else. It's mostly out of laziness, I guess. But then all those other worthy beads and baubles in my jewelry box hardly ever get to see the light of day.

And so it's high time I do something about this. I'm pretty certain it would be impossible to ignore any of these gorgeous pieces if they were in my jewelry box:

Foliage Sparkle Ring (from Banana Republic); Sun Chip Ring (from Anthropologie)

Novelty Owl Necklace; Peacock Brooch Necklace (both from Banana Republic)

Nebula Earrings; Sea Circle Earrings; On-the-Rise Earrings (all from Anthropologie)

Cabochon Studded Bracelet (from Banana Republic); Concentric Cuff (from Anthropologie)

happy halloween!

We had a Halloween Potluck lunch today and my contribution was an old favorite - Dirt Cake! Decorated to look like a graveyard, of course, with little headstones bearing each of our names. The cake was a hit, and I had a ton of fun making it with Kate. As you can see from the photo above, we don't have a lot of leftovers!

Here's the recipe for anyone who wants to make this super easy, super tasty treat:

Dirt Cake

Ingredients:

1-1/2 lb. bag of Oreo cookies

3/4 stick butter, softened

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 c. powdered sguar

4 c. milk

2 sm. packages instant French Vanilla pudding

12 oz. Cool Whip topping, thawed

Directions:

Crush cookies (cream and all) in a food processor, set aside.

In a large bowl mix milk and pudding until thick, set aside.

In another large bowl blend butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy.

Slowly add pudding to cream cheese mixture and stir until well mixed.

Fold in whipped topping.

Using a 13x9" pan, starting with cookie crumbs, layer cookies and pudding, ending with cookie crumbs.

Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

(As you can see this is a truly decadent dessert, but if you wanted to cut a little fat and calories, you can use skim milk, reduced fat oreos, reduced fat cream cheese, sugar free/fat free pudding and fat free Cool Whip. It tastes exactly the same - and no one will ever know it's a "healthier" version!)

lavender's blue, dilly dilly

Lavender's green
When I am king, dilly, dilly, you shall be queen.

Who told you so, dilly, dilly, who told you so?

'Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly, that told me so.

Do you remember that nursery rhyme? I played it for a piano recital once in Elementary school, and now that I've brought home a bottle of lovely Caldrea Lavender Lotion, every time I put it on (or even see the bottle, for that matter), that little ditty pops into my head.

Did I tell you that I'm obsessed with lavender now? It's my new favorite scent. Ever since we went to Mexico (which I am now realizing I have not talked about AT ALL... oops!) I started to love it. We were lucky enough to have a room with a balcony that overlooked a huge garden of lavender. Rows and rows of it. We were still a few weeks away from seeing the flowers bloom, but the garden was so pretty nonetheless. The owner of the villa grows lavender for soaps and lotions, and so there were bunches of the dried flowers hanging all around leaving the most amazing aroma in the air. And even though it’s been months since our trip, every time I smell it, my mind goes right back to our time in Mexico. (Hence the Caldrea Lotion – who wouldn’t want to be reminded of a perfect trip?)

Now I'm on a mission: to find inexpensive bulk dried lavender so I can try to copy the idea in the photo above. (If anyone has any suggestions for finding it, I'd really appreciate it!)

{Photo above was taken by me at the office of the villa.
They had bunches and bunches of dried lavender strung from wall to wall.}

all that glitters

What girl doesn't daydream about getting a shiny new piece of jewelry now and then? You'd have to call me a liar if I said I didn't keep an eye out for new and sparkly somethings to add to my jewelry box. And if it's the right time of year you can bet that I'll be putting it on my birthday or Christmas wishlist and hoping that a certain someone is paying attention. {Very lucky for me – he usually is!}

Well, guess what's right around the corner? That would be my birthday AND Christmas, and like any good list-maker would, I’ve decided to put these lovelies by Emily Amey at the top of my list:
Clockwise from top left: Seafan Stack Ring with Two Diamonds, Urchin Ring, Bubble Stack Ring, Custom Made Ring.

lulu's big day

halloween decorating - on the cheap!

I love this cheap and easy Halloween decorating idea. The eye-catching results are a treat and not at all tricky to recreate.

To paint pumpkins - use painter's tape & self-adhesive paper to mark off stripes, circles {or whatever designs your heart desires}, and then spray with glossy black and white paint. Let dry and remove the tape/paper. It's as easy as that!

If I were to try this, I think I'd definitely do the polka dots - since I am really in to those lately - and I'd also see about getting different letter/number stencils to create words or maybe even our monogram. Or ooh!... I could put four pumpkins side-by-side and paint one number from our address on each and put them outside our door. Hmm... now there's an idea. I also really like the mix of painted and plain pumpkins like in the photo above and do currently have an empty fireplace...

Painted Pumpkins come from Good Housekeeping, an excellent resource for holiday crafts and decorating. Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for some ideas.

(tas)tea

My friend, Betsy, and I met for dinner last Saturday night, and as we were leaving the restaurant with full tummies - but not so full that there wasn't room for a little more - we decided to stop by Argo Tea that was right up the street. Neither of us really knew what we wanted, but when we got to the counter we saw samples of the newest flavor creation - the Pumpkin Chai Tea - and after just one sip we both said, "I'll take one!"

This is my new favorite drink, and I haven't stopped thinking - or talking - about it all week, and so I was very happy to be reminded this morning that there is an Argo Tea right there on the first floor at the Merchandise Mart and I could get myself another of those yummy drinks. Now I am happily sipping my tea as I type.

I'd never had chai tea before... and I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I actually thought it was a coffee drink. (Even though I am aware that it says nothing of coffee in the name, I still thought it was coffee. Probably because of all that other coffee lingo that non-coffee drinkers never learn - lattes, macchiatos, frappuccinos - I just figured this was another one.) So, anyway, now I'm happily hooked on (non-coffee!) chai.

But let me get back to the pumpkin-y goodness that is the Pumpkin Chai. Warm and spicy and with a nice pumpkin flavor - it's almost like eating a slice of pumpkin pie but without the calories. (Actually, I don't know that, because lord knows I've seen the calorie counts on a few of those other drinks posing as harmless. To tell the truth, I don't even want to know what's in this... I'd rather enjoy it blissfully ignorant of what's inside. Although I do order skim milk just to be on the safe side.)

So, I don't know if Argo's are everywhere or if they're just a Chicago thing, but if you get a chance to stop by, be sure to try the Pumpkin Chai Tea. It's the perfect fall drink.

(Can I just say how annoying it is to type chai again and again? Especially when I repeatedly mistype it as chair. Thank goodness for spellcheck!)

so we meet again

"Hello, Internet? It's me, Kristin. I know we've met, but it's been a while since I've been here so I just wanted to re-introduce myself. I do hope I can start visiting regularly again because oh how I've missed you."


Sorry that I've been m.i.a these last couple weeks, dear Readers. I've been quite swamped at work and haven't had the energy to turn on the computer when I get home. I've got several ideas in mind to tell you about and hope to get into back into the swing of things real soon.

chicago fave: the examiner

Chicago Dessert Examiner is one of my new favorite stops when I'm surfing the web. It's always full of the latest and greatest on the dessert scene here in the Windy City, and I'm usually left with a mouthwatering list of treats to try after I stop by.

There are nearly 50 cities covered by the Examiner. You should check to see if yours is listed too.

west germany studio pottery

Fat-Lava is a veritable treasure-trove of beautiful pottery! {I wish I could take credit for finding the site, but it was actually my boss who read about it in a magazine.} Anyone looking to start a pottery collection – at prices that those new to collecting can actually afford – should take the time to check it out.

After doing a little reading on the subject, I discovered that the production of West German Studio Pottery was at its height during the 1950’s to 1970’s when the innovation of bright colors, unusual patterns and distinct shapes pushed the boundaries of traditional pottery. The pieces vary so much that I'm sure all of us could find at least one that we love.

Fat-Lava features a large collection of vases – big and small – as well as other decorative objects. The site is divided by factory, but you can also do a specific search. For those of us stateside, the only problem is that prices are quoted in Euros, but I have heard that there are tons of pieces on eBay.

Look for more West German Studio Pottery at Outernational, where prices are quoted in US dollars.

design inspiration: black & white bliss

Aha! I found another one!


Check out this super sophisticated yet totally liveable foyer. The black casework is so very chic and creates such a lovely background for the furniture and art. Who would have thought that black would be so wonderfully liveable? The cane bench and black and white dresser are total opposites stylistically, but when you put them together in this room they form the perfect union. And it all has to do with the colors. See how you can bring different styles and ideas together so long as there is one unifying element? I also really like how the framed art is casually displayed along the molding.

I told you I was digging black and white lately!

(This image was also lovingly torn from an older issue of Elle Decor. I apologize that I don't know which or who to credit.)

design inspiration: from the files

It seems like it's been forever since I've had a chance to just sit and look at interiors that inspire - be it online or from magazines - but then I remembered that a couple weeks ago, we had an office clean up day - you know the kind, when you go through all your files and drawers and clean out all the junk that doesn't matter any more - well, anyway, I dug up a bunch of magazine tear-outs that I'd been hanging on to for this client or for that. Even though most of the projects have already wrapped up, I still didn't have the heart to throw these out. They still inspire just as much as they did the first day I laid eyes on them.

In no particular order...

Such a feeling of romanticism is evoked when I look at this image. It begins with that amazing oversized, gold frame mirror leaning on a mantle filled with a teepee of birch logs. A pair of classic daybeds in a simple neutral fabric sit side-by-side beneath an intricately carved chandelier. The pair of standing candelabras flanking the fireplace in a polished black finish add such an interesting contrast to the rest of the very pale room. And I think this is a great example of how to style a monochromatic room - with just a single pop of color for contrast and by using a mix of design styles to add interest. I love this room - it's just so pretty and so wonderfully girlie. Too bad it would never ever ever work at our house... for too many reasons to go into.

Ah... here is exactly the kind of dining room I would have in my dream house. The bookcase lined walls - complete with a ladder on a rail - create such a cozy feeling that I'm sure I could sit in there for days and not tire of it. And look at the detail on that ladder! The nailhead trim is so clever. What's so great is that the bookcases don't overwhelm and there is even still a huge spot of wall left for art. It's a library - dining room - gallery in one, and to me, it is perfect. And wow... take a look at those floors.

Maybe this kids room is a little less formal, but it's not one iota less inspiring. It's kid-friendly yet uber-stylish. A high chair rail - so I'm not sure what exactly you call it then since it's not at chair level - separates white painted walls above from a genius corkboard below. What a fabulous way to have an ever changing gallery of art on display. The bold colors of the upholstery are so refreshing and lively. And I adore the combo of stripes, color blocks and bulls-eyes. Toys are cleverly stored in a big cabinet with different red-doored compartments and a pint-sized table in vivid blue is a great place for playing games or making more of that art to display.

(I apologize that I don't have the details for either of the top two photos to note who is behind these fabulous interiors, and all I know about the third is that it is from Elle Decor. Like I said, these were ripped from magazines - some of them years ago - and I never thought at the time that I might be writing about them on a blog some day!)

black & white

Really loving all the black and white at Pottery Barn right now. I spied these favorites in the latest catalog.





(From top: Woven Bamboo Baskets * Modular Chalkboard & Pinboard Tiles * Black Cache Pot * Graham Desk & Hutch)

recipe to try: spook-ie cookies!

(Finger Cookies from The Secret Life of Food via Epicurious.)

I just have to make these cookies for Halloween this year! Aren't they great? The recipe sounds simple enough - if a bit time-consuming - they're just sugar cookies rolled and shaped with slivered almond 'finger nails'.

I was reading through the Reviews on Epicurious and found all sorts of great tips and variations - like adding chopped pistachios to make green witches' fingers or dipping the ends in red food dye so they look severed.

I can't wait to try them! What do you say, Juju - you with me? We'll have to remember to take some pictures to post.

Finger Cookies
Cookie Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tablepoons Icing Glue (see below)

Icing Glue Ingredients*
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon water

Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and beat until completely mixed.
4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
6. With your hands, roll a heaping tablespoon of dough into a finger shape for each cookie. If the dough gets sticky and hard to work with, put it back in the refrigerator for a little while. Place fingers on an ungreased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart.
7. Use a butter knife to make knuckle marks on the finger cookies. Slightly flatten the front of the finger to create a nail.
7a. Chill fingers in refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes before baking.**
8. Bake 20-25 minutes, until fingers are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool. Meanwhile, prepare the Icing Glue. Mix together powdered sugar and water in a small bowl until the consistency is similar to that of a paste.
9. Attach almond slice fingernails to the tips of the fingers with Icing Glue. Let glue dry for about 30 minutes.

*One reviewer suggests using red jelly to attach the almonds instead of royal icing.
**Another reviewer tip - this keeps the fingers from spreading too much. All that butter needs to chill out!

clever clipboards

As if I wasn't wanting a baby enough already, then I had to go and spy these "It's a Girl" and "It's a Boy" clipboards by Courtney of Two Straight Lines. I am LOVING these clipboards decorated with sweet things that welcome baby. Cute-as-can-be knitted caps in pink and blue, black and white footprints, ultrasound photographs and pacifiers strung with ribbon are all joined together on these clever portable scrapbooks.

What a delightful way to announce your little one. I could see hanging this in the nursery, and then adding more clipboards as baby grows and memories are made. You could take the lock of hair from his first haircut, an ornament from her first Christmas, or an invitation to baby’s first birthday party. Pictures with grandmas and grandpas, a label from her favorite baby-food jar, or a little square from his favorite blankie. The list goes on and on – the possibilities are endless. It’s such a clever way to display the special moments you share with your little one.

I'm definitely going to file this idea!

hold on to your hats

The inspiring set of nursery photos below from Two Straight Lines will blow you away!

What’s most inspiring to me are all the little details that make this room so very special. Hand-sewn fabric smocks hang on big white hooks, a ribbon ‘clothesline’ is strung up from wall to wall to display teensy keepsakes, and little newsprint butterflies flutter above the dresser. White furniture pops in front of pale blue walls and red floral-banded curtains made from a bedspread adorn the windows. The attention to detail is simply amazing.

Never have I wanted to decorate a nursery more. Now all we need is a visit from the Stork so I can!

Here are my favorite shots and ideas:

From top: (Bed) (Clothesline Detail) (Curtains) (Smock) (Butterfly Detail)

(Be sure to head over to Two Straight Lines to see the rest!)

chicago fave: café avanti

Who knew that walking along Southport early on a Saturday morning with Wade and Lulu in tow would turn out to be one of my favorite things about the weekend? The weather was perfect, and we were looking forward to the weekend ahead. Already feeling a little hungry from the blocks of walking we already had behind us and knowing how much we still had ahead, we decided to make a pit-stop at the adorable Café Avanti. The place is decked out in a very kitschy 50’s vibe with blue and brown and pink polka dots. I first visited this local spot earlier in the summer and indulged in only a steamed vanilla milk and promised I’d be back soon to taste something on the menu. I’m so happy I finally got to make good on that promise.

Neither of us was really in the mood for a big meal (we had a 7 year-old’s birthday party later in the day and knew there would be a ton of food that we don’t have the willpower to turn down). So we opted for something light to just fill our bellies a little. I stayed outside with Lulu while Wade ordered, and in just a few minutes, he returned with yummy drinks (he a coffee and me another steamed milk) and some very delicious, piping hot scones. Blueberry Lemon and Cranberry White Chocolate. Perfect texture, great flavors and just the right amount of big blueberries and cranberries in every bite. Yum yum yum. We ate up every last crumb. And were perfectly content to start the walk home.

Café Avanti * 3706 N. Southport Ave. * 773.880.5959

(sorry - no photo for this one... I didn't bring the camera!)

tgif

I'm wishing you and yours a lovely autumn weekend.

(Photobrick's Pumpkin on Flickr.)

'Til next week, my friends!

halloween decorating

Halloween is definitely one of my favorite holidays - second only to Christmas, actually - and I'm thrilled that it's almost here again. The aisles at Target are overflowing with costumes, candy and decorations, and just strolling through last weekend, my mind started filling up with ideas for decking our halls in orange and black.

Since we just moved into our house around this time last year, I didn't really get a chance to do any Halloween decorating, what with all the unpacking to do, but this year that will definitely not be the case. The calendar is wide open and we're nicely settled in. And with the help of Martha Stewart, I've got a few ideas up my sleeve...

(Martha Stewart Paper Shadows and Bat Garland)

The tricky part will be waiting until October 1 to start decorating.
Stay tuned for more Halloween posts in the weeks to come!

mama needs a new pair of shoes

... and she really wants these!

Those ruffles are pretty as can be.

(Ruffle Row Peep Toes from Anthropologie.)