Just in time for the holidays, not to mention the live broadcast of The Sound of Music (yikes)- sorry Carrie, I love ya but this one sounds a little scary, I’m all for a live spectacular but this rings a bit blasphemous, I hope you surprise me- but I digress, this my dear readers, is your go-to fizzy-lifting drink of the season.
Tis’ that said season and for a mere $15, Weingut Huber makes a totally acceptable and rather juicy, refined and delicious sparkling rosé boasting a finessed bite of zingy acidity that begs to be imbibed with food. Huber’s Hugo pink bubbles makes a Fräulein proud.
A blend of Pinot Noir and Zweigelt from Austria’s Traisental region, these grapes are picked from small single vineyards, hence the wine’s delicacy and finesse. It’s like cheap grower champagne.
Serve this blushing beauty up in some white wine glasses (boot the flute and do as the Somms do- sparkling is better served in plain old white wine glasses). Hand them to your lovely guests as they arrive, and they’ll love you forever. Who doesn’t love a drink when they walk through a door? Anyone? Bueller? And this one’s pink, it’s bubbly, it’s deliciously floral and feminine and it’s festive- seriously, it’s kind of perfect and goes with everything. Take your Pinterest pick of the current overflow of holiday canapés and hors d’oeurves to whip up with this one kids, it’s not finicky.
Cable knit floppy hat? Check. Newly purchased with a trusty gift card I dusted off from the recesses of my wallet. Sometimes it pays to be unorganized.
Happy Weekend dear readers. Did you all celebrate Halloween? It was the bebes’ second Halloween and we ventured out with friends to a local event. Lee Street in Old Town Alexandria legendarily hosts a beautiful trick-or-treat extravaganza. I was completely blown away by it. Imagine Colonial-era row homes all decked out in their spookiest best, sporting haunting houses, interior tableaus of the dearly departed and pumpkins galore. It is a beautiful combination of Colonial meets Southern tradition and haunting voyeurism not for the faint of heart. Peer into a window and you may see a skeletal family residing on that parlor sofa. It’s sort of like a scary Parade of Homes, I loved it.
Each Halloween, Lee Street’s residents welcome thousand of trick-or-treaters. Literally thousands, as demonstrated above. Those folks ran out of candy around 8pm. Grown ups, babies, and yes- the dogs put on the dog, everyone is decked out. This little festivity is one to put on your list. If you find yourself in my neck of the woods on Hallow’s Eve, do not miss Lee St.- a darling Colonial street all tricked out for the treaters.
Now for this weekend, I’m so pooped from all of our Halloween festivities, we have zero plans. The weekend is supposed to be about rest after all right? What about you?
My Weekend Wine:
Etienne Dupont Cidre Bouché Brut de Normal, Organic ’11. Ok, this one’s not wine per se, it’s that elixir of fall- apple cider. A French hard apple cider to be precise. I busted out this bottle on Halloween for a small little gathering and our guests were delighted. Funky and unfiltered, it’s so fall-like and festive, affordable too at anywhere from $10-$15. This cider is a great compliment to food that’s a touch sweet as it’s naturally fruit-forward and extremely aromatic. I found it at Whole Foods and will be drinking it over the weekend. A classic French cider with a bit of the funk. Love it. Tasting note to come.
A Few Things:
1. Oh Grace and Audrey- where would you be without Edith? Probably not in icon territory, is my guess. My mom sent me this post highlighting some of the divine Ms. Head’s most iconic designs. Growing up, my mom and her best friend both wanted to be Edith Head. I love that they wanted to be her and not one of her muses.
3. This home reno by Sarah Sherman Samuel is so fun to follow. I love those floors and that giant flamingo print by Sharon Montrose. Here’s the one I want.
Ok I know Halloween isn’t even here yet and I don’t like to jump the holiday gun (although my husband would beg to differ as he thinks I start the Christmas music a wee too early… he’s right), but I can’t help thinking about my Thanksgiving table. We’ll be hosting dinner this year with my in-laws at their Harlem brownstone. I’m bring the table stylings and cook the crunchy squash & sage, Texas-style cornbread stuffing, roasted sprouts and pecan pie. We’ll all have a hand in the turkey I imagine but for now, I’m dreaming of the table. A gorgeous Mexican vintage farm table that bears an old door as its tabletop, the table itself is a little work of art so we don’t need much in the way of styling.
Here’s what I’m thinking:
I like to keep it simple because let’s be honest, the food’s the thing. A few little simple and thoughtful touches make for a gracious table. I was perusing through Paper Source the other day with the bebes and I picked up a few things.
Menu/Tasting Card:
I’m thinking about using this harvest corn rubber stamp with a pretty silvery metallic ink on the menu/tasting cards. I’ll do a wine pairing with dinner (but of course!) so I like to do a tasting card, listing out the wine with each course and leaving room for notes. I find it engages conversation about the vino and that always makes for happy talk.
A Touch of Thankfulness:
I picked up these sweet placecards that say “I am thankful for” and thought that we could each write down something that we are particularly grateful for on that day. Since childhood, we have had a tradition of going around the table before the feast commences, voicing what we are each grateful for that day. I love it. The little placecards will crystalize that moment in writing.
Placecards & Napkins:
I’ll use the back of the card as a proper placecard and handwrite the guests’ names. I love pinning placecards to fruit and vegetables, so I think I’ll use tiny pumpkins on each plate flanked by these polka-dotted Pehr napkins. Cute right?
Flatware:
I’ll bust out the gold flatware I bought on sale at One Kings Lane- score!- (here’s a similar set at West Elm) and throw some spray mums from Trader Joe’s in a few different vases (mason jars and these zinc buckets that I use for everything) and… done.
How will you style your Thanksgiving table? Tell me about some of your Thanksgiving traditions.
What to do with those juicy fall figs? Get ‘em while they’re hot because they’re about to say sayonara for the season.
This is the most ridiculously easy and delicious dish. Get your hands on some figs, fresh ricotta, local honey and Ta-to-the-Da… the most amazing little appetizer or side dish. Your guests will be psyched, as will you.
What You Need:
1. A Handful of Figs
2. Fresh Ricotta Cheese
3. Honey
4. Freshly Ground Black Pepper
What You Do:
1. Preheat your broiler.
2. Half your figs.
3. Arrange on a piece of parchment paper on a cooking tray.
4. Dollop a teaspoon of fresh ricotta on top of each fig.
5. Drizzle a bit of honey over each fig.
6. Broil in the middle of your oven for 2 minutes or until lightly goldened.
7. Crack some black pepper over those puppies.
8. Serve!
Inspired by this recipe, I found that a bit less honey and a bit of black pepper makes for a more savory dish. Fresh figs are plenty sweet and just a touch of honey highlights the fruit.
What I’m Drinking With This Dish:
Jack Hammer Pinot Noir. An inexpensive Central Coast Pinot. Juicy enough to match the sweetness of this dish and spicy enough to add complexity to your palate.
Happy Weekend dear readers! What adventures are afoot for you all this autumn weekend? I wish I could say we’re hosting one of our infamous backyard movie nights but we don’t have a backyard. The minute I get my hands on one, this is going down every Friday night that weather permits. Come on over, I’ll let you know when we’re outdoor cinema ready.
No-backyard aside, we have an action packed agenda (just the way I like ‘em). C and I are off to see Gravity tonight and then bar hop a bit through Old Town for an upcoming post I’m working on- gotta love when work involves sipping around town. Tomorrow my brother Matt and my sister-in-law Wendy are hosting their very first Hobbit Hole party. You read that right folks. They have built- strike that- constructed an entire facade that looks just like Bilbo’s Shire abode, right in the comfort of their own backyard. They enjoy their afternoon tea on the front porch of what they call their Bag ‘End. I love it, it is wacky and so them. I have yet to see the finished product, so we are looking forward to it indeed. Next up, an outing to the Kennedy Center to catch Hubbard Street while they’re in town. This is the one company in America that makes me wish I had pursued concert dance. I’m thrilled with my career and Broadway was the dream but Hubbard Street makes me swoon. Have you seen them?
My Weekend Wine:
I’m hooked on Lompoc these days, so I’m sticking with the Central Coast. I tend to do that- drink a certain region until I’m ready to dive into another. It makes me feel more connected to the region and gives me a greater appreciation for the wines.
I’m trying a Cab Franc from the Santa Ynez Valley, Lieu Dit. I’m a little dubious as the Loire and the Central Coast aren’t really anywhere near the same climate and we all know that the world’s most gush-worthy Cab Franc hails from that heavenly French valley, right? Please pipe up if you disagree.
The Loire is quite a bit cooler giving those delicious Cab Francs those classic lead pencil and green pepper notes. I’m thinking the Lompoc Cab Franc has got to be rounder, riper and less lean, not qualities I love in a Cab Franc. But I’m curious. This one has great pedigree, a joint venture between Somm Eric Railsback (of RN74 and Les Marchands) and Justin Willett of Tyler Winery, which turns out some great juice. These guys know what they’re doing so I’m excited to try it out. I’m pairing it with The Kinfolk Table‘s “Perfect Roast Chicken” from their beautiful new cookbook.
3. Speaking of moms, Kid & Coe is a genius new company devoted to family vacation rentals. LOVE IT.
4. This print is entitled Can I Get A Witness? I would buy it just for that title (well not really, but maybe). That and that bright pink splotch. 30% off now at Furbish studio with the code FALLWALL.
6. I can’t wait to dig in to this month’s Vanity Fair. I have to agree with the editors of VF, Jay-Z kind of is our the modern Frank Sinatra, the chairman if you will. I’m a fan. What do you think of Mr. Carter?
And Another Thing(s):
This essay by Amy Poehler in The New Yorker. A snapshot in the life of her teenage self , she reveals how a summer job scooping ice cream and playing the kazoo her career choice- thank you Chadwick’s Ice Cream Shop for giving us Amy Poehler.
Two Words: Gold Flatware. I’ve been wanting to spring for the West Elm set but found this today at One Kings Lane for half the price. A little less bold than the West Elm design, I like its classic and modern detail. A simple and elegant setting with a little bit of luxe thrown in to bump up your dinner party. I went for it. A deal at $14 a place-setting.
Happy Weekend dear readers. How great is this Minimalist Spook dining room. My good friend Kristen decorated this year at her 5 year-old son’s request. She lives in a beautiful Scandinavian-like home in Connecticut and did this just right, I think. I love her style.
What are you all up to this weekend? We’re going to the Circus! I cannot wait. This will be the bebes’ first time under the big top and we have ringside seats. I’m so curious as to what they will think of it all. They’re still pretty young so there’s no telling how long they’ll be game, if they’ll like it, be scared, I don’t know- all bets are off with two 16 month-old little people. Chances are one will love it and the other- not so much, that seems to be the way things go around here. Cin Cin and Happy Weekend!
What I’m Drinking This Weekend:
Cold Heaven Makepeace Pinot Noir: from the Santa Rita Hills in the Central Coast of Cali. Morgan Clendenden is in charge here. Yes, of those Clendendens. She’s married to wild man Jim, the legendary producer of Santa Barbara’s Au Bon Climat, one of the first wines made in the French style to really put the Central Coast on the international wine map. We served Au Bon Climat’s Chard at our wedding. Big fan.
I can’t get enough of the St. Rita hills ever really, but particularly at this time of year. Their pinots are earthly and mellow but yet bright with ripe fruit and spice. They don’t tend to carry that heavy barnyard note that Willamette Pinots do (though I love that too), these Pinots are of a different breed. They go terrifically with fall fare. I’m thinking about making a roast chicken with some roasted carrots and maybe some red roasted potatoes with fresh rosemary- a real roast fest to pair with this beauty. If you have any good roast chicken tips, please send them my way!
I’ve been visiting this wine region since I was an wee Angeleno back in the late 90s, just out of school. Dare I say, it is my most favorite wine region anywhere. A pre-Sideways devotee, I’m always true to these parts. With wacky Dutch-influenced Solvang a few miles down the road, the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, an ostrich farm and Pea Soup Anderson’s in nearby Buellton, this region is right up my alley. I’m a happy camper when the Santa Rita hills are in my house.
A Few Things:
1. A nice reminder of what the weekend is for via Kinfolk Magazine. It would be great to live the weekend this way at least once in a while.
2. I need to get myself an espresso maker on the double so that I mix up these bad boys- Easy Espresso Martinis- a fun idea for a late Sunday brunch party.
3. These Halloween looks are killing me. Little Miss Wintour. Toddlers as fashion icons- come on- these are great. Oh Happy Day rocks out the homemade Halloween goodness with killer creativity and style- three cheers for Jordan Ferney. (Her artist hubby, Paul Ferney, is creating a canvas of our bebes for Christmas via his Commission Project- I can’t wait to see it, what a talented couple). Check out these great homemade Halloween looks via her blog as well- I love that robot, so old school.
4. The ultimate IKEA hack, this kids’ bike was purchased as a stool. Yes, you read that right. I would like to meet the mind of the person that thought this up. Talk about thinking outside the box- how do you look at a stool and think- bike!? I love it.
5. These shoes. Not in the budget I’m afraid, but a girl can dream.
6. This clutch. From one of my favorite etsy shops, somebody better buy this before me.
7. Holy fall feast- I made this salivatingly good mushroom herb lasagna this week via this month’s issue of Sunset Magazine. Made with béchamel sauce and lots of fresh herbs, it’s is completely awesome. For those of you who read this blog, you know I love my Sunset Magazine. It’s a hold-over I think from all the dreamy western trips I took as a kid. That and my mother-in-law used to save her issues and give them to me each month. After she passed away, I subscribed myself and look forward to it every month. For me, their recipes have never failed to make our mouths very happy. I love their travel, wine, interior and outdoor features as well. Big fan, all around.
8. This is hilarious. Real men posing like male underwear models. Bravo guys!
Russian billionaire Dmitry Itskov has vowed to cure death within the next three decades with his “2045 Initiative”. Say what? It’s all very Avatar involving cyborgs and the “quantum nature of consciousness” and the like. Trippy.
Paintbrush-free indigo mountains by artist Lynn Pollard. These are so dreamy and zen-ful. Lynn paints the mountains near her Atlanta home using a special dipping technique the involves a vat of dye and paper- no paintbrushes here. Check out her work at u-gallery.
For all of us that fancy ourselves little Liebowitzes, here’s an easy guide to shooting interiors that I find works well with other still life too. I love that stick figure drawing. I’ve caught myself in that position on the floor many times never to any success.
Diesel has launched a home collection. Look at this crazy couch!
A Francophilian playlist via Anthropologie. I’m always in the mood for some Frenchie tunes. I’ve been listening to the bebes French music lately. They take a little French class every Wednesday morning which is hilarious. They bop around and listen to tunes, play with a giant marionette and tiny papillons. It’s super cute although I’m not sure they’re really learning anything, they do love it. I love it too though mostly I sit there in a full-out sweat hoping that my little man doesn’t throw a fit when he has to put back his rubber serpent or vache. Mon Dieu!
{Images: Halloween Dining Room: Kristen Schaefer, Matches: Kinfolk, Espresso Martini: Emma Chapman, Lasagna: Annabella Breakey, Mini Anna: Sarah Hebenstreit, Ikea Bike Hack: Coroflot}
My friend Lora’s daughter Lola is turning one this month and she is throwing her a super cute Pumpkin Patch Birthday Party. I love the idea, I only wished I lived closer so that I could see it in person. She asked me to put together some ideas for Lola’s big day, so here are a few things that caught my eye. There are some fun ideas here for an adult autumn-themed party as well.
DECORATE
Stack them, group them, write on them, fashion them into flowerpots, and make a pretty wreath out of the minis- there are so many fun ways to utilize your main party prop.
A pumpkin as a flowerpot- sweet. Grab some sunflowers or wild flowers from your local farmer’s market and trim the stems so that they just peep out.
I never think to write on a pumpkin, but I love the way this looks. You could welcome your party guests this way, paint your little one’s name, Happy Birthday, or their age on a pretty pumpkin. I love cursive on a pumpkin.
Stock up on lost of pretty pumpkins (I am partial to these Cinderella pumpkins they always have at Trader Joe’s). Grouped together and stacked on top of each other, they make for instant decor- very bibbidi-bobbidi-boo.
Get yourself some hay bales, arrange them in a semi-circle, throw in some pumpkins and call it a pumpkin patch complete with comfy straw seating.
Bust out the paint and bump up the glam.
Chalk Painted Pumpkins: For a matte and sophisticated look, these pumpkins are gourd-geous. (sorry, couldn’t resist.)
Metallic Painted Pumpkins: I like the neutral tone of these metallic beauties, they would look great on a mantle.
Graphic Painted Pumpkins: chevrons are fun but I love plain old stripes, thin stripes, bold stripes any stripe is fun.
Lighting really is everything, isn’t it.
Martha Stewart shows us how to DIY an ordinary paper lantern into a pumpkin lanterns or you could just buy these pre-made Pumpkin Paper Lanterns and save yourself the effort. Affordable and cute, these lanterns would be so pretty strung indoors or outdoors.
Fairy lights: a must if you’re outdoors and your party goes through the early evening. These are available everywhere, I love their round, globe shape. You can get them at ebay, Pottery Barn, Amazon- anywhere.
Autumn Luminarias: I love a luminaria (I have a thing for Santa Fe so of course I do). What a great idea for fall.
Celestial Pumpkins: Just a few dots and zigzags will really give your pumpkins a sophisticated luminescence.
Squash Jack-O-Lanterns: these oblong gourds are just asking to be carved into these cute ghostly jack-o-lanterns. I love the way they look.
Ok, I know it’s a children’s birthday party, but this is my blog afterall. I know many parents who choose not to cater to the adults at their children’s parties and really want it to be about the kids. I think that’s awesome and wish I were that noble. In the meantime, pour me a drink.
A few ideas for a quick bar/food table: it’s all about tin, reclaimed wood and hay. One or all of those elements is pretty great.
Tin is a great look for a rustic pumpkin patch party. I love the tin garbage can table. Using the trash cans for the base is genius. A festive tablecloth could mask an unsightly piece of plywood that would do the job just fine. Cute. And that tin trough with the reclaimed wood piece on top is beautiful if you could find a cool piece of wood or an old door. The hay bales and wood top are great and easy too.
The thermoses adorned with nifty tags are a great reminder that this IS a kid’s party and that is what matters most.
You could go a little overboard with all the hay, but if you’re not using it elsewhere and want a seated table, this is pretty cute. The simple white tablecloth kind of makes it. If there kiddos are tiny, I probably wouldn’t do a table but for older kids, I like this idea.
S’mores Pops: let’s face it, s’mores are awesome and cake pops are awesome, this combination is pretty fun.
Candy Corn Coconut Orange Jello Bites: you can also add some alcohol to these and put a few on the bar but that may be asking for trouble. The recipe here calls for alcohol, you can easily omit it.
Salted Caramel Apples: because come on- what’s a pumpkin patch party without some candy apples?
We’re keeping it simple because this is a kid’s party not a 5 course meal. Easy to eat soup, stew, cheese and crackers, crudite and cheese sandwiches sound like a winning combo to me.
A Shot of Carrot Soup: I like the cinnamon stick and flag detail.
Jack-o-lantern Cheese Sandwiches: I want one. Use some nice thickly sliced cheddar to make your life a little easier.
Turkey Chili Bar: everyone loves a chili bar.
Arrange your crudite in the shape of a pumpkin, it will get messed up pretty quickly but it was cute while it lasted.
Look at that cheeseball. I dig it. Stick a stalk of celery on top and call it a pumpkin.
Sugar Free Carrot Cake: Call me what you will (no fun, a killjoy) but I just couldn’t stomach feeding my bebes a super sugary cake on their first birthday. Sure they’ve tried a spoonful of ice cream here and there, but they’re still not on the sugar train- I’m hoping to keep them off of it for as long as I can. I baked the bebes this carrot cake (with finely chopped raisins) with this cream cheese frosting. All sugar free, no Stevia- only honey which is a great substitute provided they are not allergic.
Apple Cider Donut Cake: For the adults, not that you don’t have enough sweets on the table, but again what good is a pumpkin patch party without an apple cider donut? I would stack your donuts in a tower-shaped cake so that guests can pick their donut of choice. It’s cakey, it’s fall-like, it’s kind of the perfect cake.
Pumpkin Pie in a Jar- this is genius. If this is your child’s 1st birthday party, let’s face it, his or her friends don’t need a favor, but their parents do. I love the detail of the wooden spoon as well.
DRINK:
In addition to the juice, milk and water for the kids, serve a little mulled apple cider, beer and wine.
The Beer:
Pumpkin Ale, of course. If you read this blog, you know I am on a pumpkin ale kick. Offer some of the usual suspects too. I would definitely serve up the Cinnamon Pumpkinhead that I featured yesterday. Simple, easy and festive. This is a no-bartender-required drink. Just rim the glasses with sugar, fill a few with pumpkin ale and leave the rest in your ice bucket. The guests will know what to do and you won’t have to fret making drinks.
The Vino:
Keep it simple. There are probably lots of sweet treats on the table so you don’t want anything too tannic or super dry. Your best choice is a sparkling- I always say, the bubbly is your best friend, it will go with everything. I would serve up a good and inexpensive Cava or Cremant. Have a few bottles of white and red on hand too, just in case your guest don’t like bubbles (who in the world that might be, I’m not sure but you never know). I would go with a For vino, I would stock my bar with a pretty floral white like a Southern French blend, a Vinho Verde from Portugal would be perfect too. For reds, I would keep it light and not too dry. A Beaujolais Cru or Red Burgundy would be nice. Head to your favorite wine shop and ask for good representations of the following wines:
Spanish Cava
Vinho Verde
Languedoc White Blend
Beaujolais Cru
PLAY:
Paint Your Pumpkins: more fun and less hazardous than carving, let the kiddos get creative (and messy), I love the fluorescent paint.
Candy Corn Toss: so cute and fun. Just pick up a piece of plywood, paint and cutout. Small beanbags for the toss can be found here.
Red Wagon Hay Rides: this is a must. If you don’t have a radio flyer wagon, pick one up for “hay rides” around your backyard (if you have one, if not you could try pulling the little ones through your living room- I’m sure it’s been done). Throw a couple of small pumpkins and some hay in there and call it a day. Instant entertainment.
Bobbing for Apples: it just never gets old, does it and it’s always funny.
Pin the Patch on the Scarecrow: this one comes straight from my brain. Stuff a scarecrow and hitch him to your fence (again, if you have a yard- if not, your fireplace? your bolted-into-the-wall bookshelf?). Fashion a little fabric patch for his pocket and play.
And that’s all she wrote (and found). Let me know what you think? I’d love to hear of any other ideas you might have for this party. Happy Birthday Lola!
{Images and Credits: Pumpkin Butter Quick Bread Bars: Garnish with Lemon, Pumpkin Cake Pops: The Squeaky Grocery Cart, Pumpkin Pull Apart Cake: Kate Sears, Peanut Butter Pumpkins: Paper Jewels, Candy Corn toss and Pumpkin Place Setting: Frog Prince Paperie, Bar Setup: bjdhausdesign, Pumpkin and Roses Party: hostess with the mostess blog, DIY lanterns, Pumpkin Party Cooler, Glitter Pumpkins, Celestial Pumpkins, Autumn Luminarias, Squash Jack-O-Lanterns: MarthaStewart.com, Wagon: SouthernHospitality blog, tin bar and bucket: Better Homes and Gardens, Pumpkin Ice Bucket: Southern Living, Tin trash can table: Better Homes and Gardens, Thermoses- Better Homes and Gardens, Pumpkin Cheese Sandwich: Better Homes and Gardens, Pumpkin Cheeseball and Flowerpot Pumpkin: Kara’s Party Ideas & Michelle Levesque, Pumpkin Pie in a Jar and Shot Glass Soup: Melody Appel at Innove Events, Haystack Table: Frost Me Blog, S’Mores Pops: Ali Ebright, Chalk Painted Pumpkins: perfectly imperfect blog, Pumpkin Veggie: homemadecrap, Haystack Seating: babybalice, Apple Cider Float: Rachel Ray magazine, Metallic Pumpkins: The Handmade Home, Candy Corn Jello Shots: That’s So Michelle, Apple Cider Donuts: Smitten Kitchen}
Happy Weekend dear readers. I hope you all are off to a spectacular and fun-filled fall weekend. We are heading out to the Outstanding in the Field dinner at Alexandria’s Arcadia Farms this afternoon. I have been wanting to do this for a few years now and we finally decided to treat ourselves for our fifth anniversary. The guys from DC’s Birch and Barley (yum) are headlining the event with Chef Kyle Bailey and Pastry Chef Tiffany MacIsaac at the helm- we’ll be in good hands. This particular dinner features a craft beer pairing with each course. I cannot wait. We’ve got some serious foodie friends coming into town this weekend as well so we’ll meet them at DC’s Jefferson Hotel for brunch on Sunday with the bebes. I’m just hoping the clientele is cool with a couple of toddlers in the midst of utensil experimentation. Wish us luck. Meanwhile, we’re trying to figure out whether or not we should take the plunge and head out to the ‘burbs. Never having lived in more than 800 square feet as a grown adult since well, ever- it would be nice to have more space but tough to leave city living behind. What say you suburban folks? Good stuff?
My Weekend Wine: What I’ll be sipping this weekend to help me mull over our impending ‘burbiness- Bordeaux baby. It is back, in a big way. Not too long ago, somms and winos alike were turning up their noses at the stodgy blends of yore. 2nd growths and futures on those big Chateau brands became a snore. Not anymore kids. When Richard Betts (probably the smartest wine dude in the business) sets out to make a $20 dollar Bordeaux, you know times they are a-changing. Somms in the know are wild about his blends. I’ll be sipping his ’10 Carte Verte. It’s a game changer folks, and a perfect fall wine. Bordeaux is cool- who would have thought.
A little link love and a few things that caught my eye this week:
This is one of the funniest things I saw this week. We are a #hashtaghappy society. It’s getting a wee tad bit out of control. Thanks QuestLove for setting us straight. #enoughalready #ha
1. Anna Watson Carl’s advice on throwing a fall dinner party and she would know. Chef, food and travel writer and test kitchen cook extraordinaire, Anna is infamous for the dinner parties she throws at her Yellow Table in NYC’s Nolita.
2. Designer Digs. Karl Lagerfeld is one voracious reader. I love all of those books!
3. These booties. I don’t know where I would wear them being that my threshold for heels over 2 inches ceased at 30, but I totally want them.
4. Is this cute or what! I am newly in love with this little shop for its darling little girls’ clothes. Affordable too.
5. I love this print by Britt Bass- again it’s that frustrated abstract artist in me that’s dying to come out. In the meantime, I’ll just admire and patronize the work of those that are actually imbued with painterly talent. (I just bought this one- will look great in our maybe soon-to-be new space.)
6. Giant umbrella-toting cement people floating over a city in the Czech Republic- sign me up. I love this installation by artist Michal Trpak.
7. What a great idea. A plastic floor rug- perfect for the kitchen.
8. If Batman were a dad, it would be pretty awesome- this is hilarious. My favorite part is how annoyed his wife is with the whole thing.
And, I’m intrigued by One Fine Stay- a new vacation rental company that curates your stay in a local’s apartment complete with white fluffy towels and tiny shampoo for the taking. NYC, London, LA and Paris apartment rentals, these digs are pretty fabulous. Check out this minimalist apartment in Le Marais. Then there’s this oneandthis one in the Left Bank- those herringbone floors and those giant windows- I can’t stand it.
{Images: Fall Dinner Party Chalk Board and Cake- Signe Birck, Karl Lagerfeld’s Paris apartment- Elle Decor Japan, Trpak installation- My Modern Met, Kitchen with Throw Rug- Laure Joliet}
Former showgirl, forever travel junkie, sometime sommelier, and mom to twin bebes. This little blog is a mixed bag of tasting notes, travels, tales of motherhood, and current musings. Thank you for stopping by. Cin Cin! (photo by Amy Dickerson for Anthology Magazine)
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