Parisian Pictures

As promised, here are a few of my favorite photos from the trip!

Four for Friday

Hey chickens!  Are you glad it's Friday?  I am.  Boy oh boy, I am.  Yesterday I was such a pouty, sleepy, grump!  Life, when you're not in France is not so fun.  Especially- if you're not in France and you're also back at work.  Hump.  This morning I had an appointment with the eye doc.  My peepers got dilated, so I'm just able to read again.  The eye strain gave me a headache.  Ugh, what a complainer right?  Okay, I'll shush up and continue with Friday's four snippets...  (Oh, and have a great weekend!!!)

- I'm smitten with Girls Raised Buy Wolves.  This autumn mood scape is blowing my mind- I wanna live inside this website people!  The blog is jam-packed with crafty-ness, fashionable bits, art, culture and miscellaneous inspiration.  My kind of place : )

- Olive Mana, a pop-up shop featured on100 Layer Cake's marketplace, is filled with goodies!  I want these garlands soooo bad.  And these wooden gift tags.  And one of these pastel enamel pails!

- Hansel from Basil is the cutie-cute-cutest shop ever!  It's all socks and stockings.  The most playfull pull-ons you ever did see!  They've even got a sock of the month club.  A-dor-able.  (They've got a snazzy blog too!)

- I've been trying really hard lately to acknowledge my gluten intolerance and keep away from wheat.  Sad.  I did pretty well in France.  But like I said, it was sad.  I was sad.  Spots like The Wicked Good Vegan get me excited though.  So many good GF eats!  (Def making this pumpkin pie!)

Holiday Fare

Boy oh boy, I had a blast in France!  I'll share some photos from the trip as soon as possible.  Now that I'm back home NYC has transformed.  The trees have begun to litter sidewalks and gutters with golden, rust and burnished red leaves.  Storefronts are getting festive and I'm entering holiday mode!  My mind is whirling... lists galore; recipes to make, gifts to buy, festive events to catch, parties to attend, vacations to plan!!!

Today I'm going to start out by dipping my toe into that first category: recipes to make.  Four custard pies.  Alike in theme but quite different in matter.  The first from Lottie & Doof, an Apple Cider Cream Pie.  This thing sounds incredible!  Sour cream, apple cider and cinnamon are the front running ingredients of this treat.  Second up, Seven Spoons serves up a Maple Walnut Custard Pie.  Like it says, maple syrup and walnuts plus old fashioned oats, vanilla and lots of brown sugar!  Third on my radar is a Pear Custard Pie from Jesse's Kitchen.  This baby is simple.  Just the basic, bare necessities for a custard pie- plus pears.  Looks and sounds darn good though!   Last but not least is another apple-y delight; this one from A Wooden Nest.  It's loaded with buttery soft apples, crunchy nuts, tart yogurt custard and sweetened up with lots of honey.

Paper them Pretty

Hygge & West has the fabest of fab wall paper.  Hands down.  End of story.  Owners Christiana and Aimee collaborate with artist and designers on special capsule collections.  They're all quite whimsical.  Which is why I'm so taken with them, I suppose.  (But I've gotta say, Emily Isabella's bunnies and bows are my choice picks!)

Guest Post/ Instant Joy: The Impossible Project

This past Summer, my wonderful girlfriend (who writes this blog) bought me a Polaroid Spirit 600 CL for my birthday. At first, I didn't know what to think of it. It was quite unexpected. I already have a beautiful Leica, the camera to end all cameras. Why would I want this one? Do they still make film for these? Where do I put this thing? The 600 box type cameras are easily 4 times as large as typical point and shoot.

Probably noticing the bewildered half smile on my face as I unopened it, she assured me that it could be returned if I wasn't into it and pointed out the included receipt. I tend to make up my mind about whether I like something or not rather quickly, but after holding this camera for a few minutes, examining it, opening it up, inserting the fresh film pack (from a company I've never heard of), and then finally taking my first picture, I decided that I absolutely LOVED it. It was beautifully designed, fun to use and had this nostalgic quality about it. No charging batteries, no cables, no memory card, no iPhoto. Pure analog! Instant Joy. The film is still experimental so each shot has it's own unique imperfections and color shifts that your Hipstamatic iPhone app will never be able to replicate.

Since that moment, I began doing my research on the Impossible Project and old Polaroid cameras. About a month later and I now own 6 Polaroid cameras, 5 bags, 4 light shielding accessories and have purchased over 15 packs of film (and they aren't cheap!). I also just recently took a workshop at their NYC Space in Soho on SX-70 cameras, and one of my photos made into their "101Ways" project. I know what you're thinking — "Obsessed much?" I just appreciate beautiful things. You should see my Danish Modern Desk, but that's a blog post for another time.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Impossible Project, you should check out their story.

Une Petit Surprise?

Oui!   I didn't tell my BF... today he is going to have a little surprise .  I bought a pretty little lock and I'm going to (nonchalantly) lead him along the Sine.  Eventually, we'll stop over the Pont des Arts bridge and out of my pocket I'll draw our cadenas d'amour!  It's a little cliche but I couldn't resist.

Photo by Garence Dore

Four for Friday

Have a fabulous weekend!  FfF is ready to go...

- Carine Brancowitz has completely stolen my heart.  I particularly adore her use of pattern, color and the incredibly dynamic compositions!

- One of my favorite people, Bernadette Pascua (of Decade) teamed up with Design Sponge for an apartment sneak peak. This is one sexy Brooklyn apartment!

- I have got to get my paws on Rabbit Food Cookbook!  I spotted it over on Manifest Vegan (one of my most fave of all my fave cooking blogs).  Allison sings praises, so I know Rabbit Food has got to be special!  The illustrations alone make this cookbook worth the purchase.

- A Lovely Being is just too much (fashionable) fun.  Tres chic!

A Plus Tarde, Mes Amis!

Bye guys!  It's vacation time for me.  I've got posts saved and scheduled* for you, so be sure to check back daily.  Au revoir!  Bisous!!!

Going away card available on Etsy, from Ticket Booth No 92

* I have serious issues using the "save & schedule" function on blogger.  I know it sounds pretty darn easy but I always seem to screw it up.  So, if posts don't pop up I'm very very sorry!

2 Of A Kind

Wear a dual hued sweater while munching artisan black and white cookies.  Color blocking coco hues feels so right for fall : )

Clothes from Atlantic Pacific and cookies from Crepes of Wrath

Pssst- I'll say b-bye before I jet off, so check back later today!

Snapshots & Palpitations

Tomorrow!  I leave tomorrow!  I can't wait!!!  All photos by Jamie Beck, of From Me To You.

Beyond Bridal/ Beholden

Check out all Beholden's beautiful sale items.  I'm sure you'll fall in love with something.  I'm particularly smitten with a wooden heart necklace and this English rose bralette.

Sssss

Snow?!  And Sun!  Here in NY, we had equal parts last weekend.  Weird.  Saturday brought a 2.9 inches of fluffy white.  It's an October record, peeps.  The book say we've never reached a full inch of snow during October (1952 brought .5 and 1925 ushered .8).  Global warming, you freaky!

Of course after the storm passed it was nuthin' but sunshine.  Sunday was soooo purdy.  I felt like the weather was in complete denial over the past day's craziness.  It was like, "Huh, snow?  I don't know what you're talking about.  Look at this sky!  It's perfection.  You love me, I'm the awesome weather.  I'm your best-est buddy!  Go for a bike ride, have brunch at a side walk eatery, window shop for hours."

Weather, you so sly.  We don't know what is up with your moods.  We know it's our fault though.  For poisoning the earth, and all : (

Prints available on Etsy, from Kindygarden

Four for Friday

Here in NY, the cold snap is snappin' and the ice-rain is approaching!  Since my apple picking trip has been taken off the table (thank you weather) I can't help by fixate on all things apple.... 

- Hungry Ghost.  Most awesome blog name ever.  The photos won me over instantly (and of course, the recipes rock too).  Rustic elegance at it's best; check it out people!

- Martha Stewart has some pretty cool last minute, easy to make Halloween crafts!  There are so many great details if you're entertaining; I love this pumpkin cooler, these potato-stamp treat bags and this spooky floral arrangement!  (and caramel apples; choco, poison, & classic)

- Yummy Supper.  It's way more than supper.  There is a lot of meaty-ness going on : (  But, there are some totally incredible lookin' veg recipes too.  Yay!

- I'm quickly becoming obsess-i-fied with Parker Etc.  It's a dose of design with a dollop of craftiness.

Guess Who?

It's me!  (It's my Halloween alter ego, actually!)  I'm so excited; rock star for a weekend!  The BF is going as "my" Crystal Castles band mate Ethan Kath.  What are you going to be?!!!

P.s. One of my favorite things about Halloween are pets in costumes.  If I had a little pup I would totally dress it up!  What about you, yey or ney?

Alice Glass print available at KGB Clothing

Nearly Hallows Time

Are you packing in lots of festive spook-filled activities in the coming days?!!!  I'm trying to get the last components of my costume together (parties are going down Friday and Saturday).  Then, this weekend it's apple and pumpkin picking.  Yeep!!!  This will (of course) be followed by carving and baking projects.  Fun!!!

Pssst, wouldn't this cool candle (from Old Hollywood in Greenpoint!) be an awesome centerpiece for an uber chic Halloween cocktail party? (BTW, I'm really wishing I had planned a shin-dig like that.)  I'm imagine this candle reigning above a nest of past their prime blooms and fall foliage in moody hues!

All images from Saipua, by Sarah Ryhanen

Interior Lust/

Lonny has the most exquisite montage of bathrooms.  Heavenly!  I wish any one of these was mine; where I got to relax in the tub and play with make-up!  This is my fave though... love me some subway tiles.  Which is your dream bath?

Happy weekend dolls!  See you Monday!  FfF time...

- Instant fan of Blushing Ambition.  I mean, today she's wearing one of my signature outfits.

- I'm getting a flower fix over at Honey of a Thousand Flowers.  Sigh.  

- There are num-yummy autumnal dishes over at Sprouted Kitchen.  Crusted butternut squash!  Baked sweet potatos and chilli!  Plum tarts!!!!

- Go see heartwarming sketches of my city over at the darling blog All The Buildings In New York.

What English Sounds Like

For the last 3 weeks I've immersed myself in the French language.  Well.  At least I've tried.  As much as I can.  I've found a great podcast which teaches French in 15-20 minute lessons.  (Pssst- they do other languages too!)  Almost every minute of time spent alone, has been time spent with the podcast programs.  I'm actually having quite a bit of fun!  I must say, learning French hasn't been easy so far.  The accent is difficult.  Soooo difficult.  And, I find myself mixing in Italian words pretty often.  Darn Italian, scoot outta my brain for a while! 

I happened to find this post about how English sounds to non-English speakers on A Cup Of Joe.  (Kinda funny, because I was thinking about this the other day.)  Anyway, watch the video.  It's really good fake English!

Prints available from Etsy (here and here)

Mapped Out

I want some of these!!!  I'm in agony over what to spell though... any suggestions?  What would you write on a wall?  I'm leaning toward the random arrangement route in lieu of spelling out a word.

Map covered lettering by Urban Outfitters

Modern, Danish Modern

My BF bought a new (old) desk last week.  It en route from San Fran right now.  He spent the last few months searching (the country) for it.  It's a lovely teak, mid century piece.  I'm a lil jealous.  Not that I could fit a desk in my apt...   

I'm a sucker for Danish Modern.  It reminds me of my grandparent's home in California.  They had a great house, filled with stunning furniture.  Wonderful maps.  Beautiful lighting.  Incredible crockery, vessels and art.  Warm, yet minimal.  Heaven.

I found these photos on A Cup Of Joe.  Joanna's buddies Matt and Megan live in this urban oasis.  The apartment itself is in Long Island City, Queens.  Read more about it here; they mention why they left Brooklyn, where they shop for home-ware and more!

Photos by Oh, Darling! photography

Four for Friday

Grrrrreeatings laaads aaand laaasses.  For the past week there's been a lot of Scottish English and random French phrases floating through my mind.  I'm getting in lots of French lessons on the train.  But- they're taught by two Scotties, which is super cute but a little distracting.  Aaaanywhooh, happy weekend.  I'll be practicing lots more French and overall just trying to de-stress-ify myself.  Seeh yehooooh aaaaall Mooondeh!

- I discovered Little Bunny last weekend at the Brooklyn Flea.  Soooooo cute! 

- I'm obsessed with these photos of Abigail Ahern's London home, shot by Todd Selby.

- The cutest how to draw book!  Written and illustrated by artist Marion Deuchars!

- U Try It!  Lots of easy peasy snacks and treats.  I'm into these lemon sandwitch cookies and this apple/pom salad.

This is the Good Stuff

Mmmm, transitional treats!  Summer and early Autumn mash up in a glory of fruit produce.  Thinking... I need to dive deep into some baking therapy.  ASAP.

Clockwise from top, far left:

- Dutch Baby with Blueberries from Always with Butter
- Apple Chips from A Cozy Kitchen
- Raspberry bars from Big Girls Small Kitchen
- Pumpkin Pie Snickerdoodles from Crepes of Wrath

Happy Days

Today is not a happy day.  My work is sucking most of the fun-ness out of this week.  Bye-bye blogging.  Bye bye ballet class.  Bye-bye relaxing evenings and peaceful sleep.  Hello 12+ hour days,  five minute lunch breaks, working from home and stress-induced nightmares.  Ugh.  My vacation will not happen soon enough.  In the meantime, I truly am trying to be positive.  I just needed to vent to you guys a little : )

Temp tattoo image available at Tattley, designed by Marc Johns

Etsy Love/ Slippin' Southern

Greg Morris, of Slippin' Southern left Chicago and the advertising world to peruse the hand crafted arts in a 100+ year old farm house in Snow Hill, North Carolina.  Since his southward move he's, "been reminded of simple words and phrases reminiscent of his youth in Pensacola, Florida; stuff only fine Southern belles and good ole Southern boys are privy to."  He works 1/2" thick Southern pine plywood into these regional phrases or images of local animals.  I'm into this pink pony.  Which is your fave?

Discovered via Blue Moss

Four for Friday

Hey angels, I'm making this short.  You still get the full four below but I'm keeping the mumbo jumbo here to a minimum.  Lots of work.  Friday.  Must wrap this junk up.  Must escape the office.  Have a fab weekend loves, see you Monday!

 - 15 Ombre DYI Projects are over at Babble.  I'm totes toying with the ombre lantern shade idea.  Mine needs a make-over!

- Loving this funky-funfilled jewelry from Not Tuesday.  I want this one!

- More sweet and fanciful little watercolors are up on Luci Everett's Flickr.  I was head-over-heels with this one last February.  But now I'm feeling for her abstracted pieces like this.

- New spot to obsess over flowers: Ariel Dearie. Preeeeetteeeeeey!!!

Pretty (neat-o) Picture/ Greg Sand

Check out these cool collage-ish portraits by Greg Sand.  Each is made of 3 photographs, taken at different times in the subject's life, and woven together.  I want to do make some for my family and the BF!  Sweet little crafty keepsake, right?!

Found via Butter & Brass

Get Well Soon Cakes

I'm so tempted to make this recipe.  Yes, right now.  Right this second.  Tea, lemon and honey bunts, yum!  Of course, I can barely taste anything.  And I seriously doubt a cake is going to contribute to good health.  It would be nice though.  Like magic.  Magic Get Well Bunt Cakes!  Sigh...

Still home.  Drinking tea.  Sucking on menthol drops.  Sleeping two hours for every one that I'm awake.  Feeling pitiful but hopeful, like maybe all the sleep and medicine will make me strong tomorrow.  Maybe?  Please?!!!  Health, why have you deserted me?  Not cool.  As my BF and I often exclaim, "this is sucks!"

Get Well Soon Cakes from Desserts for Breakfast

Still Sick

I was sent home from work. I've taken my Theraflu tablets, popped copius amounts of Halls drops and sipped down about half a dozen cups of tea. My headache is on it's way out (I think) and I feel okay enough to venture back to the computer for a few minutes. I'm being such a total baby but I'm not used to being so sick for so many days.

While I go rest up, check out...

- Gorgeous flower photos from Amy Merrick (she rescued the wedding by playing photographer)
- A stunning Spring/Summer 2012 collection from Chloe (bravo Clare Waight Keller!)
- Delectable vegan Apple Cheesecake (Autumn desserts ROCK)

Now, dutifully back to the couch with fluffy pillows and a warm blanket...

Heureuse Lundi!

So, the bummer news is that I'm still icky-sicky and super-stressed-busy at work.  But on a brighter note, I'll be enjoying Paris in a month!  I'm so excited.  So excited!!!  I've already bought chic Muji travel toiletries and the BF bought a gorgeous collapsible Polaroid camera!  While being completely unfit for travel in a practical way, I'm totally ready to go right now in spirit!

I'm loving everything and anything French.  This adorable poster is no exception!  Don't you love his beret, mustache and the petite sac lunch (complete with wine!) sitting in his bicycle basket?  Too sweet!

Found via Design Love Fest