Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Coconut & Peacan Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

I saw the Mint post for Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal last week and was super curious.  I lurrrrrve oatmeal.  This morning I had some time and whipped up a version with ingredients on hand.  It was incredibly delicious and only took 30 minuted from start to devour!

Vanilla & Coconut Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

Ingredients
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon melted vegan butter
1 egg substitute (I always use Ener-G)
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 
1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1/4 cup pecan pieces

- Cream butter and sugar together, add the pumpkin puree, almond milk and faux egg.
- Add in rolled oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, shredded coconut and pecans.
- Grease ramekins or mini spring-form pans, fill with batter.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Let cool (just a little) and eat while still warm and steamy!

Happy Halloween!

It's day three being stuck at home.  None of the subways are back in action.  Lower Manhattan is still power and water-less.  Some bridges have been reopened but most of the tunnels remain flooded.

My neighborhood is semi-bustling though.  I took a walk last night; the grocery stores, restaurants and bars were busy.  My sis and I are planning to head out tonight for drinks as a nod to the holiday.  I'm still undecided as to whether a costume will be involved.  In the meantime I'll do some cleaning, check work email, take a walk, blog, cook, read.  Repeat...

Hope you are enjoying your Wednesday and happy Halloween!

Image by Sarah from A House in the Hills.  See all Bean's past costumes here!  Sarah says, "Bean decided to go understated this year....as a bored bookworm".  So cute!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Reading & Waiting

My sister and I are holed up in our apartment for the second and a half day.  But we are safe, flood free, and with electricity in our corner of Brooklyn.  We are thinking of all the people in the North East that are not as lucky and wishing them the best.

I've been getting a lot of reading in.   I started making a list of thing I was interested in, but wanted to learn more about.  It's a little random and includes among other subjects; the weather, European political history and the English language.


I just finished the Psychopath Test last weekend and started Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue.  Also waiting in the wings are The Guns of August, The Master of Disguise, and The Mask of Sanity.  What your favorite books?  Fiction?  Non-fiction?  I love comments and need more suggestions.  Collecting books is pretty much my favorite thing to do : )

I shared this post this a while ago; it included my most favorite books. Here are a few more...

The Story of English in 100 Words is an easy and entertaining read about our unique and ever-changing language.  You'll learn a ton of fun facts and it isn't laborious or overly scholastic.

The Chronicles of Narnia is a series I will never, ever outgrow.  And not just The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.  All 7 books- you must read all of them!

Great Expectations is my favorite Dickens novel; complete with dark mystery, tragedy, romance and redemption.  It's lengthy but engrossing!

All Creatures Great and Small is a must-read for any animal enthusiast.  It was the first Herriot novel I read and it's a sure hook!   I've read almost all his work now.  Warning: Herriot novels make me cry (a lot), be forewarned.  Carry a tissue.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is actually on my re-read list.  I read it shortly after moving to New York.  But, since I've actually been living in Francie's neighborhood of South Williamsburg for the past 5 years I'm excited to read it with setting familiarity now.

Photo by Kaitie Bryant, found on Brooklyn Bride

Monday, October 29, 2012

Sour Cream Apple Pie

This pie is something I used to make for almost every holiday with my family.  Forunatly the vegan recipe is just as good; the difference in taste is undectable in fact!  So go ahead and indulge with this cholesterol-free version.  I opted to half the recipe and make four 4" tarts instead of one pie.  I actually recommend the pie versus tarts.  Don't misunderstand- the tarts were delicious.  But, I really love the thick, apple and custard-y filling to crust ratio on a pie... just my preference.

Vegan Sour Cream Apple Pie

Crust (from Vegan Baking)
2 1/2 cups flour *I used whole wheat
 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup vegan butter cubed and cold
1/2 cup vegan shortening cubed and cold
1/4 cup very cold water
3 tablespoons vodka

Filling (adapted from All Recipes)
1 cup vegan sour cream
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg equivallent
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoon flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 apples * I only used one large apple for 4 tarts

Topping
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup room temperature butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

- I suggest you use whatever pie crust recipe and method you like most.  I use this one from Vegan Baking and have only had amazing results.  Even if you buy a crust or omit the crust completely, this will be a delicious pie.  So if making a crust freaks you out don't worry your pretty head!
- While your crust pre-bakes, combine the wet filling ingredients in a bowl.  Stir in the dry ingredients too.  Make sure it's well mixed and clump free.
- Fill you pre-baked crust with sliced apples.  I used a mandolin to get mine super thin, so they cook faster.  I especially recommend this if you decide to make tarts.  Pour the filling over the apples and let it fill all the nooks and crannies.
- Bake the pie for 25 minutes at 400 degrees.
- While pie is baking, mix all topping ingredients into a crumble.
- Add topping to semi-baked pie and bake for another 20 minutes
- VoilĂ , bon appetit!



Four for Friday +3

First off, NYC is shut down.   I'm blogging from the comfort of home (read: bed).  Sassy Sandy is up to no good outside.  On the up side I stayed up extra late last night.  My sister and I drank in semi-excess, watched a bunch of 30 Rock on Netflix, texted friends and family about the approaching storm and baked wonderful seasonal treats.  Now we are holed up, reading and blogging (me), painting (her), eating up last nights bake-a-thon, and waiting.  Waiting for subways to resume.  Waiting for businesses to reopen.

But back to the subject at hand, Four for Friday +3.  I had this partially drafted on Friday and then things got outta hand.  Meetings galore (On a Friday too, how unfair!!!).  Quarterly brand briefing,  style hand-offs, staff meeting, outerwear vendor appointment.  And then WOWZERS- it was 6pm.  Since FfF is three days late I added a few more links.  Visit again later today for a very tasty post!!!


- The Roaming Kitchen roped me with this banana cake photo.  And I don't even like bananas.
- Pour Porter is shopping heaven.  Houseware and jewelry are tempting me.
- Letterpress loveliness can be found at Satsuma Press.  Want this because... ooooh pretty.
- Crushing on this mobile.  So many great finds over at AMradio.  
- The 5 Inch and Up sneak peek has me soooo excited for Margiela at H&M.
- Head over to This is Colossal for Broken Flowers by Jon Shireman.  Liquid Nitrogen frozen, then smashed.  Crazy cool!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Spring 2013/ Dries Van Noten

The spring fashion shows raced by in a blur.  I was diligent about rifling through all the images from New York.  London got a little spotty but I managed to cover almost all of it.  Then things got messy... I honestly haven't seen much of Milan or Paris.  Fashion outrage!!!  I know.  I did manage to hit my very most favorites; among them Dries.  So lovely, go check it out here.  It's kooky, Dries always is.  But these berry hued plaids, moody grey florals, edgy metallics and leopard clutches- j'adore!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Jetting Off (For a Day)

I love Thursdays.  Often they are my favorite day of the week.  Don't get me wrong, Fridays are amaze-pants.  I mean, it's pretty hard to compete with the end-of-the-week-day.  But sometimes Fridays get stressful; mostly I get caught working long hours, trying to get everything done before I escape for the weekend.  So sometimes Thursday is better.  I spend the day really looking forward to Friday.  And having something to look forward to is pretty awesome.  Ever feel that way?  Maybe the weeks leading up to a vacation, birthday, etc?

But... traveling on a Thursday is sort of a bummer.  At least it's just a day away from my lovely city.  I'll be back tomorrow (and I'm really looking forward to that)!  There will be another w&w post up later today; so head back this afternoon.

Paper plane download by Christophe Boudias available here.

Papered Pretty

How gorgeous is this wallpaper?!!!  Found over on  A Cup of Jo.  Head over there, Joanna has 9 other favorite patterns too!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Catskills Camping

I told you last week about a camping trip and then semi-forgot to post photos.  Ooops-a-daisy : )  The image above was taken on the way into the park, at North South Lake.

Below is our cute little tent nestled into the woody landscape.  Great outdoors serenity, right?  The pines that predominated in our area had the sweetest baby pine cones.  I really wanted to pick them... but resisted.  I figured I'd be robbing a squirrel of his winter's savings.  There were some oaks peppered through too, turning the most beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red.

Before beginning the trek back to NYC, we drove around the lake and checked out the entire campground.  I was hoping to spot a black bear.  No luck.  But we did find the perfect spot.  Next time we head up to North-South this woodsy clearing with a lake view is ours!


Monday, October 22, 2012

Pumpkin Fun

Since the BF left for his cross-country road trip on Saturday, we decided to carve pumpkins super early.  Usually we wait until Halloween or the day before.  But we wouldn't hear of skipping out on this annual tradition.  Aren't these crazy-face orange guys cute?!!!  Check out 2009, 2010 and 2011!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Four for Friday

Hey guys, happy Friday.  I'm in overdrive; trying to get more than a ton done (so I don't have to work tomorrow).  Besides that... I'm mulling over Halloween costume ideas, planning on really doing some work around the house this weekend, and getting ready to send-off the BF.  He is leaving tomorrow on a cross-country road trip!  Sounds so fun and exciting, wish I could go!

- Crushing on every single stationary item over at Baum-Kuchen.
- Dying over this adorable Gingiber foxy table-top calender.  Seriously too cute!
- French style will never cease to tempt and taunt my pocketbook.  Love the sweaters from Swildens.
- Wow-now.  This heart-stopping fig & chocolate bunt from Call Me Cupcake looks in-cred-ible.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

British-isms

Check out this list over on the BBC.  It's 30 British-isms you may likely hear in the US.  Quite fun and funny!  Nearly half the people I work with are Brits... so I hear this slang all the live-long day.  But there are a lot on the list that I use all the time- and more than a couple that I've never heard of.  Go take a gander!

Beautiful quilt from Tula Pink

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Re-new-ness

Yesterday I received the sweetest note from a painter Yael Berger.  The message spurred my curiosity and I took a long look at her Esty page.  Sometimes I like to delve through my archives, unearth things I was super excited about in months and years past.  It's fun to see a company's new products, the growth of a graphic designer, the current interests of a veteran cook.  The process of rediscovery has been one of the greatest thing about having w&w.  It's a great diary of inspiration!

Loving these fall-inspired watercolors.  Check them out (and more) at Yael's Etsy The Joy Of Color

P.S.  Also having-fits-dying-in-love with this one!!!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The Days Fall Away

Sorry guys! I know, no post yesterday! Half my office is out with a nasty stomach bug. Needless to say, I was swamped. (Fingers crossed that I don’t get infected!!!)  I was actually, so completely overwhelmed that I forgot about blogging until 6:59pm.  I know.  Bad!

In recent news, the BF and my camping weekend was fabulous. It rained a little and was chilly. But the campground was picturesque and afforded us a great opportunity to escape and find some tranquility. Pictures to come shortly, promise!

Photo by Beatrice Lechtanski

Friday, October 12, 2012

Four for Friday

We were planning to camp last weekend.  And then the weather went to heck, plus I had to work.  So this weekend, camping trip is on.  I'm super duper excited (as always).  Reservations booked. Checklist out.  I'm pulling supplies from closets and rounding up my outdoorsy clothes.  We're making an early break for the Catskills tomorrow morning.  It's going to be a brief jaunt into the wilderness.  But a much needed escape and vay-cay for the sweet BF and I.

Hope you're weekend whisks you away as well.  Even if it only for a momentary adventure.  Have fun, see you back this neck of the woods on Monday!

Gorgeous place cards for your autumnal fĂȘte!

Major love for Vince right now.  Want this and this and this.

The highs and lows of fashion weeks as told by Garance.  Too funny! (image from this post)

Mmm, garden grown cocktails. (Kitchn cocktail pictured)

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Proud Mary Patterned Pouches

My makeup pouch is nearing it's end.  I keep loosing bobby pins and eye pencils out of holes in the corners.  For a while now I've envisioned it's replacement as something colorful and quirky.  These little clutches in fun stripes and patterns with rainbow tassels would fit the bill.  Utilitarian and cute to boot!


Cosmetics bags from Proud Mary.  Check out their other goodies too (love this)!

Discovered via Design Sponge

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Here, There, Everywhere

I'm so sorry for my unannounced hiatus.  It wasn't planned!  And (obviously) I was unprepared.  My j-o-b went loony all of a sudden; I worked the weekend and have pulled a few 14 hour days.  I haven't escaped the madness quite yet; it will probably be another couple weeks until I can chill out.  If I go missing again, appologies!  I'll be back again as soon as possible!

Some things that are not so lame-o... Fall is mucho cool.  In the amazingly awesome way and temperature wise too.  Leather and wine are hot.  Be an animal lover and buy faux.  Be a chic/lush; wear and drink without abashment.  : )

Blair deputes two w-ersions here.  Both casual and dressy looks utilize all the same wardrobe pieces.  Check out Atlantic Pacific to find where to pick up all her great pieces.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Origio

I am completely obsessed with Origio dinner ware, designed by Alfredo Haberli.  Buy a piece, or two, or set for four, or twelve over at Hive or All Modern.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Monday Run Around

Hope y'all had a super fab weekend.  I did, I did!  Road trip to Philly was  a blast.  Saw Looper.  Way cool.  Made friends with a 2 month old yorkie.  Heart melted.  Completely.  Then the BF and I rescued a little kitten from traffic.  I did loads (and loads) of laundry.  Yay for productiveness!  And I also did a food truck run for dinner last night.  My favey, Cinna Snail was parked in my hood!

But now it's Monday.

I've got a busy day of vendor meetings; going to be hopping around NYC from dawn to dusk.  Exhaust-ify-ing.  Gotta run.  See you dearies t'marra!

Print by Julia Rothman