Downtown Chic

I recently previewed the inspiring book, Downtown Chic, and I can't tell you how thrilling it was to pour through its pages. When we returned from renovating La Maisonnette, I felt emotionally and physically spent; but, after reading about how a family in NY (with six kids! or is it seven now?) renovated a home abroad, as well as a handful in New York City, I feel instantly energized. Who knows...maybe in several years we'll do it again! I also appreciate that Downtown Chic is not only a pretty book, but informative as well. Home Depot should totally pick this up...its book racks could use a little sprucing up :)

Added bonus...it's on sale.

Deer Mom

Just when I was feeling like a sub-par mother my son presented me with this piece of paper. Talk about motivation to do better and be better. It's so nice to be reminded of what's really important in such a sweet way.

Today will be the day I bake gingerbread men with my kids...

Etsy Pick of the Week: Faire Houre

In case you missed the blitz on the blogosphere a few weeks ago, here's a little intro to Faire Houre. I'm not sure what I like more about Faire Houre...the amazing styling/photography or the gorgeous handmade clocks or the cute French name. Her Etsy shop is currently well-stocked and her blog is full of beautiful images showcasing her clocks in real spaces. After only a few minutes I felt instantly inspired. Take a peek!

Inside Look: Paris' Merci

I recently stumbled upon some iPhone images I took inside Merci this past September. What an interesting experience that was...I rented a car (scored a hybrid!) and drove up to Paris with my 2 and 4-year-old children on La Maisonnette business. Looking back, I can't believe I thought I could actually get anything done with the little munchkins--just driving and parking in Paris can be headache enough, but add in two little ones and that's C-R-A-Z-Y. Luckily, my sweet friend, Natasha, who lives just outside Paris, offered to tend my kids for a day so I could double park my way around Paris and do what I drove up to do. What a gem! I thank her for even having a spare moment to snap a few pictures.

Anyway, after discovering an article about Merci in one of my French magazines, I knew another post on the store was in order--the magazine featured a massive spread on the shop and included lots of fun images for your viewing pleasure. I hope these images satiate your curiosity and give you a better idea of what Merci is all about. When I discovered that 100% of the proceeds are donated to a charity in Madasgascar, I was even more endeared. How refreshing that anyone does that anymore, right?

all images with print are from Marie Claire Maison; the rest I took with my phone

Christmas Favorites

Sometimes I see fantastic ideas on the internet and then forget to bookmark the source...oops! As a result, I am always grateful when bloggers publish "recaps" featuring some of those forgotten favorites. In case you feel the same as I, here are a couple of my favorites from last year.






















Favorite Christmas craft to make with your children

Stocking toppers (even if you just tucked in some greenery those stockings would look all the more fabulous!)

Peeling a Pomegranate...mess-free




















Favorite gift toppers - this will be the third year in a row I've made these; can't get enough!

Santa's Address (it's not too late!); and also letters from Santa here.

Christmas Traditions: Readers' Favorites; glean some fantastic ideas from these comments.

Herman Miller Picnic Posters

These new-to-me Herman Miller Summer Picnic Posters make me want to redecorate. They are fabulous with a capital "F".

You can find a nice selection of new posters here, or a few select framed versions here. Also, if you are interested in a vintage (and subsequently more expensive) version, go here.

Menu of the Week

A little preface about the "menu of the week" posts for those of you just tuning in...I write these posts not because I think it's important to share what we are eating; rather, I think (and hope!) that many people appreciate the new ideas and recipes presented. Sometimes we find ourselves in a rut, only making the same handful of recipes we've made for months, or even years. When we see what other families are eating for dinner, it makes cooking wholesome meals seem doable and often sparks a general interest in trying something different.

Discovering new, delicious recipes is one of my favorite things to do, yet old-favorites certainly have their place. Typically when I meal plan, I write out 5 meals (I figure one night we'll eat "Brupper" and the other "leftovers"); three or four are meals I've tried before and the other 1 or 2 are recipes that are new. Sometimes I make them again, and sometimes I don't, but teaching kids (and husbands!) to appreciate variety is a good thing :)

This week's menu:

Perfect Roast Chicken, Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus with Lemon + Pine Nuts

White Cheddar Corn Chowder, Mixed Greens with Dijon Vinaigrette and Cloverleaf Rolls

Homemade Cheese Pizza with Veggie Sticks + Fruit Wedges

Slowcooker Beef Stew with Rosemary Corn Muffins

Couscous + Parsley-Encrusted Fish, Salad, Herb Roasted Potatoes

Dessert: Bittersweet Molten Lava Cakes with Haagen-Daas Vanilla Swiss Almond ice cream

Sunset Magazine's Holiday Cookbook GIVEAWAY

For me, spending ten dollars on a magazine is quite a splurge and typically reserved for Donna Hay and the like. But, I haven't regretted picking up Sunset Magazine's Holiday Cookbook for a moment because that is exactly what it is...a cookbook! True, it's masked as a magazine, but what you'll find inside is an extensive, well-edited collection of test-kitchen favorites. Some of them I've posted about in the past and are available online; but, I noticed that many of the recipes I hope to try are not available online making this holiday cookbook even more coveted in my kitchen. If you are hosting a Christmas or New Year's party, you'd be wise to give this publication a consult :)

For this giveaway, Sunset Magazine would like to offer 3 readers one copy of the Holiday Cookbook. Since time is of the essence, this giveaway will only last for one day. Good luck!

Giveaway Guidelines:

- You have 1 day to enter this giveaway (closes Tuesday, December 15th at midnight).
- Make a comment on this post to enter.
- One entry per person please.
- Anonymous comments will be ignored so make sure we know who you are!
- The winners will be chosen via random.org and announced on Wednesday, December 16th in this post.
- Winners, please respond by the end of the week to secure prize. Thank you~

Freshly Grated Nutmeg

If you haven't discovered the world of fresh-grated nutmeg, consider peeking at this week's post over at Zupas. I promise after one taste of the real deal, you'll never go back to McCormick's again :)

A Baby Shower for Marin

I recently threw a shower for my friend, Marin, and just in the nick of time too...she gave birth two and a half weeks early! The inspiration for the color theme was a pretty Japonese chiyogami paper I bought in San Francisco's Japantown two years ago. I've been saving for the right occasion, and this was it!

The shower was an evening shower so I served a mix of sweet and savory plates (mostly sweet!):

* Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
* Baguette slices with store-bought dip--Alouette Artichoke + Garlic
* Gingerbread Pumpkin Mousse Trifle (deserves it's own post...soon)
* Crudités with Herb Buttermilk Dip
* Fresh raspberries
* Milk shots with Chocolate Chip Cookies

Decorations for Marin's shower were simple...white tulips...a garland across the fireplace...and mini-pom-poms hanging over the table. Less is usually more, right? When it comes to games I am always torn. I like the idea of a little mixer, but it can be challenging to find a game that isn't silly. I loved Brooke's idea of a little questionaire, so I went with it and loved it. I'll definitely add that to my list of shower "musts". One last note on details...with all of us holding identical water bottles, I wanted to make sure there was a way to keep track of our drinks. I decided to make each guest a little nametag to wrap around the neck of her water bottle. It worked...no mix ups!

Great Gifts under $20

A few things I think both practical and pretty at the always-popular price point of twenty dollars. Enjoy!

Egg Timer

Stackable Measuring Cups

Cable Yo Yo (you can buy 4 for $20!)

Canvas Tote (forgive me...I'm 95 cents over on this one!)

Recycled Milk Bottle + 4 glasses

White Porcelain Pitcher

French Office Niche: Before + After

I'm enamored with this petite office space from French magazine, Marie Claire Maison. While the "before" shot (see left-"avant") looks pretty nice in my book, that "after" shot (see right-"apres") is simple perfection.

Divided Lunch Plates

Picking up these simple, kid-size divided plates/trays (per my friend Lisa's recommendation), was such a great idea. I can't tell you how easy they've made our lunchtime routine. Since I bought them all in the same color, there is no insisting on a certain color and no drama if a particular colored plate is still dirty :) The divisions also remind me to add fruit + vegetable servings to their meal, which makes for a more balanced, healthier meal and of course adds variety as well. And last, my kids appreciate how their food stays divided (especially helpful when hummus or salad dressing is on the menu). Best 98 cents I've spent...hands down.

I found mine at Walmart, but you can also find them at Target (not online...just in stores). If you are looking for an online source, these would work; Ebay has a few nice options too.

Welcome Sponsor: Simply Basic Designs

I'm swooning over Karen's baby pods...I've never seen anything like them and I pretty much think it's the best idea ever. What baby wouldn't want to be wrapped in a little knit pod? Plus, the pods make for a pretty baby picture :)

Simply Basic Designs is definitely an Etsy shop worthy of being added to your "favorites". The bang-for-your-buck ratio is spot on and you'll appreciate the nice balance of detail and simplicity. Check out the shop here.

Free Holiday Music on iTunes

In case you haven't heard, for one week only iTunes is offering a Holiday music sampler (value $20.31) for "free"! And, it's not a lame-o mix either--you'll find everyone from Sarah Maclachlan to Aretha Franklin to Weezer. My eclectic taste in music was definitely satisfied. Enjoy!

Click here to download the free music via iTunes.

If you don't have iTunes on your computer yet, you can download it here.

heads up via lifehacker; image via the young and talented, firepretty

French Wooden Toys

In the town of Beynac, home to La Maisonnette, is a tiny toy store that sells wooden toys (mostly by Vilac) and hand-crafted wooden games (chess, checkers, etc.). They were all well-priced and simply adorable so guess where this Mom went when she needed a little something for her kids? I loved spending 6 Euros on something that would cost me $30 here...oh the satisfaction in that.

I've tried to source as many of the toys pictured above as possible on American websites (it's nice to avoid those international shipping charges). I think that little fire station is my favorite...it's the best balance of "cuteness" and price.

Fire Station

Hippo Pull Toy

Petit Ours Brun Car

Ladybug Pull Toy

Dollhouse

Holiday Cookies

Tonight I am attending a cookie exchange and I've been scheming all week as to what to make. To be honest, I still haven't completely decided, but I do have it narrowed down to two recipes. Time to get crackin'! What are some of your favorite holiday cookies to make? I love this recipe a lot. Word on the street is they are the favorite cookie over at Martha Stewart's test kitchen.

image via Sunset

Yves Saint Laurent

A stunning ensemble by timeless French designer, Yves Saint Laurent. I love the combination of the billowy white blouse with the black pencil skirt...it's truly a look that will never tire. I'm going to have to keep my eyes peeled for lower-priced versions from here on out.

Did you know you can find deals on Yves Saint Laurent via Ebay too? In addition, if you speak a little French, you can navigate France's Ebay site too. There are YSL deals to be had there as well. Has anyone ever purchased something on an Ebay site in a foreign country? Do you have to have a PayPal account in that country to make it work?

image via Elle Decor

The Christmas Spirit

Of all the months, December feels the best. Hearts are softened, wallets are opened, and hands are extended. During these 4 weeks, it seems goodwill is everywhere and oh how it feels good!

Writer, Isabel Currier once said, "It is the personal thoughtfulness, the warm human awareness, the reaching out of the self to one's fellow man that makes giving worthy of the Christmas spirit."

I've been thinking about what I can do to share the Christmas Spirit and the first thing that came to my mind (besides sharing treats!) was trying to donate useful items I already have, that are in good condition. Perhaps we could all take a few hours and clean out our closets, cupboards, bathroom drawers, and toy bins.; then, we can donate the items to a local homeless shelter*, a domestic violence shelter, or an often-overlooked smaller charity. I think it's a good idea to involve everyone in our households, if possible.

What are some meaningful activities you are participating in this Christmas?RFABW2K7GVZR

P.S. Adorable scalloped felt tree skirt tutorial here.

* I've noticed that men's clothing seems to be in particular demand at the homeless shelters.

Reflections: December in Paris

One year ago this month, we closed on La Maisonnette and gutted 2 of the 3 floors. It obviously wasn't preferable to have to take care of business during the holiday season, but the French didn't appear concerned with timeliness (it took 15 weeks to close), so the situation simply was what it was. With two weeks' notice, Ben planned out all the work he wanted to do while there, namely alot of demolition :)

His buddy Chris generously offered to come help for 10 days, so they spent several nights poring over lists of tools they'd need, and then packing those tools carefully in suitcases weighing exactly 50 pounds :) Tools are quite expensive over there so it was necessary to bring over as much as possible. This was the first of 3 occasions when my husband was required to head over to France to work on the house for almost a month each time (the workers wouldn't work unless we were there unfortunately). Pfew! I'm glad those days are done :) I can hardly believe what's happened over the last year. Talk about unpredictable.

The day before they left Paris, these two friends captured Christmastime in Paris on video, namely the Champs Elysses. It looked chaotic, but incredibly fun at the same time. As a viewer it was easy to feel the energy of the city and I instantly thought about how fun it would be to head over there in December. Just check out the lights! Aahhh...Paris.

P.S. Has anyone else almost killed themselves driving around the Arc de Triumph besides me? That was undoubtedly the craziest driving experience of my life :)

image via my jewel thief on flickr

Wine Alternatives

If you are interested in learning how to prepare recipes calling for wine...without the wine...then you many be interested in today's food-related post over at Zupas. I've found all sorts of fun alternatives for you :)

image 1, 2

White Tolix Chairs

According to Google, I talk way too much about these chairs; but I simply can't help myself. I love them so much! And when I see good deals on these French imports, I feel even more compelled to talk about them. So here it goes: the Sundance Catalog Outlet, here in Salt Lake, has nice little bounty of white Tolix chairs right now. They have a small stack in their "As-Is" section for $100, as well as a stack of metal stools for $80 (these are the ones I have in my kitchen--love them). At first glance, both stacks looked great, condition-wise. Then out on the main floor they have several white Tolix chairs that are "new", but still discounted...these run $150. So you see, I just couldn't keep the good news to myself...:)

Bonne chance!

P.S. I announced the winner of the Koo de Ker Giveaway here. Take a peek!

a Donna Hay Christmas

Some simple, darling holiday ideas from our favorite talent Down Under. I'd say all of these fall into the "simple-enough-I-may-actually-be-able-to-replicate-this" category. Felt napkin rings requiring zero sewing and a few cinnamon sticks? Yes, please. Laser-cut lacy placemats? Buy them here. Little white pouches for chair backs that could be used over and over again for different occasions? A great investment of time and oh the possibilities for this one given different fabric/ribbon choices. Love that Donna Hay...

Mocktail Recipes

If you want to serve a fun, holiday drink sans alcohol, here are a few recipes worth trying. They look delicious, don't they? I'm loving the star anise, lavender, pineapple spear and mint garnishes. Yum! Now, if only I could find a great "mocktail" recipe incorporating passion fruit puree, I'd have a nice little collection of inventive drink recipes. If you want to discover mocktail recipes beyond this edited list, you can look here and here.

Hibiscus Mocktini

Pear Tree

Blushing Pink Crush (see below for recipe)

Apple Cider, Cranberry and Ginger Punch

Sparkling Spice

Lady Lavendar

Blushing Pink Crush

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup sugar
lime wedges
3/4 cup cranberry juice
3/4 cup ruby red grapefruit juice
1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
extra mint + lime wedges for garnish (optional)

To sugar the glasses:

Process mint leaves and sugar in a small foot processor until combined. Place the mixture on a flat plate. Rub lime wedges around the rims of 4 glasses and dip into the mint sugar.

To make the drink:

Place cranberry juice, grapefruit juice and orange juice in a pitcher and stir to combine. Fill the sugared glasses with crushed ice and then add the juice mixture. Garnish with extra mint leaves.

Germany's Christmas Markets

One of these days I'm going to add some sweet, hand-carved, wooden ornaments from a German Christmas market to my collection of Kmart glass balls (to their credit they are from the cute Martha Stewart line). Right now nothing sounds better than donning a warm, winter coat and enjoying a bustling, holiday night market! In the meantime, I'll start planning my trip using this recent article in Bon Appetit as a reference point.

Have any of you experienced one of these Christmas night markets in Germany? Are they as wonderful as they appear to be?

Welcome Sponsor: Patina Market

Yesterday I had the opportunity to experience the lovely Patina Market in downtown Pleasant Grove. It is a darling little shop full of all of your Etsy favorites. I can't tell you how nice it is to see so many lovelies in the same place. The artists featured change each week so the selection is always fresh. In addition, the owner, Nichole, is informative, friendly, and awfully talented herself. You must check out her kimono belts...they are gorgeous!

Patina Market is open Wednesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7. Catch the market on your lunch break or just after work.

Stereomood

Loving Stereomood this week...I enter the way I am feeling and it comes up with a massive list of songs that supposedly fit my mood. I can listen to the entire song and if I don't love it, I move on down the list. If I like it, Stereomood gives me the option to purchase the song on iTunes and Amazon. Trés cool in my book.

Round up some new music for a holiday party or your next stint in the kitchen here.

American Crafts Warehouse Sale

Kitchen Drawer Revamp

When my sister tended my children for a week earlier this year, I not only came home to happy children, but to organized kitchen drawers. She took it upon herself to tidy up two of my messiest drawers and turn them into one of the most organized areas in my kitchen (or my home for that matter). What a gal she is!

After emptying the drawers she first lined the bottoms with a cork "shelf" liner. Then, she added a few interlocking dividers to reign in things like teaspoons, wooden spoons, spatulas, etc. The end result made me so happy. Call me crazy, but there is something to be said for opening up a drawer, cupboard, closet, etc. and experiencing total order. If only I could make it last...:)

Brooches

Anyone else inspired by all the brooches donning blouse lapels, dresses and coats lately? Boy, I'm ready to hit the nearest thrift or vintage store (or Etsy) in hopes of finding my own little gem...these images are definite inspiration for a glamorous, feminine, retro look.

images via NYMag

Magpie Lovely GIVEAWAY Winner

Oh, this is a fun one to win...there is a lot to love over at Magpie Lovely. "Daisy", who said, "everything looks so lovely! Love your blog, happy holidays." is the lucky winner of this giveaway, according to random.org. Daisy, please contact me once you've read the good news.

In the meantime, don't forget to enter the Koo de Ker GIVEAWAY going on now. Also, sponsor Persimmon & Pink is hosting a 3-4-2 sale through Saturday. Enjoy!

Koo de Ker Winter GIVEAWAY

Update! The winner of this giveaway is "grant + brittany" who said, "pick me! pick me!" Well guys, random.org did pick you. Congratulations! Please contact me via email once you read the good news :)

























Since this is the month of giving generously, how about another giveaway? This time local boutique Koo de Ker is sponsoring the fun with a $75 gift certificate to spend any way you like :) Owner Kyong has an incredible eye for style (everytime I see her she looks incredible) and is very helpful with coordinating outfits, accessories, etc. Stop by and treat yourself to a truly local experience in the hip 9th and 9th district of Salt Lake City. For you out-of-towners, make sure you enter this giveaway so when you vacation here for the holidays or attend the Altitude Design Summit next month, you have a fun local stop to hit while you're in town.

Check out some of Kyong's favorite Fall/Winter items here and keep tabs on new arrivals and sale information here. Also, everyone is invited to Koo de Ker's Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 5th. All customers will enjoy 15% off their purchase!

Giveaway Guidelines:

- You have 4 days to enter this giveaway (closes Saturday, December 5th at midnight).
- Make a comment on this post to enter.
- One entry per person please.
- Anonymous comments will be ignored so make sure we know who you are!
- The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on Monday, December 7th.
- Winners, please respond by the end of the week to secure prize. Thank you~

Outdoor Spaces

Some gorgeous images of outdoor spaces...

This is actually a great time of year to start scheming plans for your own outdoor space, as much of what you'd like to add is probably on sale. Speaking from experience, it takes a long time to find both well-priced, well-designed pieces for an outdoor space. We wasted an entire summer (and a portion of early Fall too) searching for things that met this criterion. I wish we'd thought of it months earlier (around Christmas) so we could've enjoyed the summer season a little more.

Some sales worth checking out:

DWR * Home Depot * Restoration Hardware * Room & Board * Target

images from Sunset

Rigatoni with Sausage + Zucchini

I posted my recipe for this simple pasta over here today. It's perfect for those who love pasta, but want to take a little break from heavy cream-based sauces. If you do choose to make it, buy the best available sausage*. It really enhances the dish!

* In Utah, try Harmons' sweet or spicy Italian sausage links; in Seattle, stop by PCC.

The Art of Simple Food

While visiting my sister this week, I picked up her copy of Alice Waters', The Art of Simple Food and started reading. My oh my...every page was like a revelation! This is the perfect book for any person wanting to be a better cook or even a cook at all. Her style isn't patronizing in the least bit and she outlines the basics in such a way that you feel instantly confident you could recreate the dish without a problem. I've never seen such a practical, informative cookbook by a world-renown chef...it's not pretentious in the slightest.

Even though I just barely started reading The Art of Simple Food, I feel compelled to add this book to my collection. I knew it was a must-have when she said: "If I could have only one pan, it would be a cast-iron skillet." All of a sudden it didn't matter the book lacked pretty photographs...the fact that Alice uses her cast-iron skillet more than any other pan instantly endears her to me as I use mine just about every day. For those of you who have this cookbook, what are your favorites? Where do I start?

Holiday Special: French Market Bags

Since this is the time of year I start really thinking about edible gifts, it's also the time of year I really start thinking about how to package those edible gifts :) I have a hunch that many of you feel the same way, so I thought it would be fun to offer a little special this month on the French market bags I schlepped home from Europe. I love the idea of placing homemade jam, baked goods, homemade spice mixes, candles, etc. inside and then tying the whole thing up with red satin ribbon. It's so Christmas.

Starting today, French market bags (including the red satin ribbon) are only $5 for a set of 20. If you order 2+ sets, I'll throw in something else yummy from France, like this baking powder, or perhaps vanilla sugar, or this amazing grey sea salt from Guerande. If you'd like to try something specific, mention it in the notes section, okay? Merci.

Magpie Lovely GIVEAWAY

Good morning friends! I have a lovely giveaway to share with you today from sponsor, Magpie Lovely. Three cheers for kicking off the holiday shopping season with a $75 gift certificate to the always-fabulous, Magpie Lovely! They offer stylish art, accessories, clothing, and jewelry at surprisingly reasonable prices for all things handmade. It is a splendid collection indeed. Given how eco-chic Magpie Lovely is, how about we call it "Green Friday" instead of "Black Friday"? :)

P.S. All orders placed in the next 3 days will receive 10% off the entire purchase price. Simply enter the coupon code, CMP10 at checkout and then click "apply". Not only will you receive a special offer this weekend, but placing your order by Sunday, November 29th also guarantees a pre-Christmas Day arrival.

Good luck with the $75 giveaway and have a great weekend!

Giveaway Guidelines:

- You have 5 days to enter this giveaway (closes Tuesday, December 2nd at midnight).
- Make a comment on this post to enter.
- One entry per person please.
- Anonymous comments will be ignored so make sure we know who you are!
- The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on Wednesday, December 3rd.
- Winners, please respond by the end of the week to secure prize. Thank you~

Many Thanks

For the past three years we've enjoyed Thanksgiving with my sister and her family. We keep doing it because we have so much fun and we've found a great formula that works really well for us and our families. Simplicity + quality = a delicious meal that doesn't require a bajillion hours of preparation. We make concerted efforts to not allow any stress to creep up into this special holiday so we start preparing two days in advance. Together, my sister and I bake, chop, shop, and brine. It's fun, it makes her house smell wonderful, and it makes it possible to actually enjoy the holiday, which is truly what it's all about.

I am very grateful today as I know you are too. Many thanks to all of you for your constant support...I'm sending a whole bunch of warm fuzzies your way...Happy Thanksgiving!

xo

P.S. If you care to know our tried + true menu, here it is:

Free-range Organic Turkey in Herbed Brine (my sister is converting me to organic meat--it's juicier and tastes better all around)
Mashed potatoes
Artisan Bread Stuffing with Sausage + Sage (my husband makes this each year)
Sauteed Haricots Verts with Crispy Shallots
Carrot Souffle
Rolls from a local bakery (owned by my sister's friend)
Mixed Greens with Dijon Vinaigrette
Pecan Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Pecan Pie & Apple Crumb Pie

By the way, what are you making?

image via Gourmet (don't go!!)

DIY: Glam J.Crew-esque Heels

Almost five years ago, Real Simple shared a fun idea about updating simple pumps with clip-on earrings. I felt very inspired and immediately visited a few vintage & secondhand stores around time hoping to find the perfect pair of vintage clip-on earrings for the project; unfortunately, I never found a pair I loved in my price range. Recently, when I spotted these glammed up heels at J.Crew, I immediately thought back to that Real Simple article and decided it was high time to give it another go. I have a good feeling I'll be lucky this time around and if I am, I'll report back :)


images via 1, 2, 3

New York: Playing Mantis

The Husband and I stumbled upon this adorable shop last month while visiting New York. The stunning exterior draws you in, and then the simple, beautiful toys keep you there for awhile. I loved their display of play kitchenware in particular. I know my youngest girl would love to have pots and pans like this in her play kitchen. Does anyone know of an online {and reasonably-priced} source for similar toys? Playing Mantis does have a website, but they don't carry everything I saw in the store. I will say one thing though...their collection of mobiles is stunning.

Killer Mashed Potatoes

Just in time for Thanksgiving...

While living in France this year, a local chef in the village shared a few tips with me regarding the preparation of puree de pommes de terres (mashed potatoes). If you're interested in reading his simple, but sage advice, check out my latest post on the Zupas food blog.

image via saison

Planning a Successful Family Portrait

Over the years I've observed many-a-mother (including myself!) stress out over family portraits; having the right outfits, the right hair, the right bow, the right shoes, the right location, etc. When it's all said and done everyone is stressed out and the wonderful memory-making hoped for just isn't happening. This year I made a concerted effort to not fall into this trap and to keep it fun and relaxed so we are able to look back on the experience with fondness. That's really what it's all about anyway...having fun with one another!

Here are a few tips that worked for our family. Feel free to share what works for yours:

1. Bring snacks that won't stain clothing like raisins, goldfish, cheerios, dried fruit, etc.

2. It certainly doesn't hurt to bring along audiovisual aids, i.e. an iPhone. You never know when a quick Casper the Ghost fix will come in handy while you and the hubby have some sweet shots taken of you two. Just make sure it's charged :)

3. Bring your powder, lip gloss and a comb. Chances are someone in your group will require a little last-minute sprucing up.

4. Make it fun by making a conscious effort to stay relaxed.

5. Wear neutrals, but not necessarily matchy-matchy outfits; don't feel like you have to buy all new outfits for the shoot. This last time I chose outfits we already had, but adhered to a navy/gray color scheme, which I ended up liking a lot. Keep the outfits simple, sweet, and comfortable. Avoid trendy clothing for a classic look.

6. Most photographers are not stylists, so if there is something you'd like to have in the portrait, communicate that to him/her. We brought along our own chairs this last time and I was grateful we did. Somehow it felt more personalized.

7. Bribe 'em with something fun like a family dinner at the local Mexican restaurant after the photo session. Yet another opportunity to share some good times together.

May your holiday portrait session be incident-free and full of success! :)

images via sponsor, Christine Olson Photography

Tolix Auction

All right ex-pats...this post is for you. The rest of us are simply envious of your French location today (and many other days for that matter!). Tolix is hosting a public auction Monday, November 23rd, on all sorts of Tolix chairs, stools, tables and other fun pieces. The auction begins at 9 o'clock in the morning at the Hotel des Ventes in AUTUN.

What I wouldn't give to be there...

Les Luminaires à la Maisonnette du Côteau

Oh my goodness I am excited! Finally there is a US source for the lighting we chose for the kitchen at La Maisonnette (we found ours at Merci in Paris). I love these pendants so much...they are truly one of my favorite elements of La Maisonnette and the fact that it's now possible to find them here in the US is thrilling! Thank you DWR for this recent addition to your already-lovely online mecca.

Thanksgiving Favorites

A few of my favorite things about Thanksgiving...and the holidays in general for that matter! Last year I posted about these recipes and ideas a little too late, so this year I've vowed to share this information in a more timely manner :) Beginning top left and moving clockwise:

1. Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake - a more scrumptious autumnal cheesecake could not exist; a wonderful addition to any Thankgiving table.

2. Make your own Pumpkin Puree - forget Libbys and go for the real thing; it's super easy and something that's fun to do at least once!

3. Store-Bought Egg Nog Taste Test - we love Egg Nog around here, but it's difficult to find it done right...and done well...and at the grocery store. Hands down this is our favorite!

4. Favorite Thanksgiving Recipe - bye bye yams, hello carrot souffle! This is now a Thanksgiving staple on both sides of the family and if you've ever tried it, you'll know why. It's delish.

5. Packing Leftovers (not pictured) - this is such a simple, sweet and easy way to package leftovers for guests. Locally you can find these containers at Xpedx or online here.

Eva's Studio

A few weeks ago, I drove up through the mountains and visited the beautiful letterpress studio of Sycamore Street Press. Owners Eva and Kirk Jorgensen played perfect {and patient I might add} hosts to my two children and I. Kirk amused my kids with crayons and a soccer ball, while I tried to grab a take a handful of images of their beautiful space. After exchanging several emails with Eva this summer (it turns out she also lived in France too!), I was excited to see where she creates all of her gorgeous paperie and how her unique background plays into her art. From outside in, Sycamore Street Press is simply beautiful.

p.s. Eva asked me to participate in an itsy-bitsy interview on her blog today...take a peek if you feel so inclined :)

Shade Clothing: Free Shipping + $10 off

One of my sponsors, Shade Clothing, is offering quite deal for the next week. Enjoy!

French White Bakers

A little while back I posted about these small, individual gratin dishes my MIL sent me from France. Luckily there was only one casualty and the rest I enjoy using for all sorts of fun things like cobblers, gratins, etc. Since I love them so, I am constantly on the lookout for something similar in the US so I can pass along the info to you. So far I haven't found anything exactly like them, but I am close...so close. What do you think about these classic, porcelain bakers also from France?

{Best Ever} Pumpkin Cupcakes + Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

You must know this is my favorite cupcake to date. It's not too sweet and it's full of flavor. I wish I could say it's my recipe but it isn't...these delicious cupcakes are the creation of the talented Romina Rasmussen, owner of Salt Lake's Les Madeleines Bakery. LM is one of my favorite eateries in town and with one bite into these cupcakes, you'll know why.

After making 3 batches in the past few days, I can honestly say the star ingredient is the cardamom. It works well on it's own, but it's especially good here mixed with fresh ground nutmeg (you can find whole nutmeg at Cost Plus World Market). A killer combo to be sure. My last words of advice? Give them away as soon as possible...they are incredibly addicting and before you know it, you'll have consumed 4 without even skipping a beat. Trust me.

Romina's Pumpkin Cupcakes

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup raisins (optional)
1 can (15 oz.) solid-packed pumpkin (about 1 3/4 cups if you're making your own puree)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 cup canola oil
4 eggs

Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick of butter, cubed and cold
8 oz. cream cheese*
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon spice mix (see below)

Spice Mix**

1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg

**you'll only need to use 1/4 teaspoon of this mix for the frosting so keep the remaining mix as a reserve for something else yummy or for the next time you make this recipe.

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 350ºF. Line three 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake wrappers.

To make the cupcakes, in a bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and salt.

In another, larger bowl whisk together the pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar and oil. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Add the flour mixture in three additions, stirring with a large wooden spoon until just combined.

Fill the muffin tins about 2/3 full. Bake until the cupcakes for 20 minutes. Transfer the tins to a wire rack and let cool for ten minutes; then remove the cupcakes from the tins and let cool completely.

To make the frosting, cream the butter until fluffy, but still cold. Add the cream cheese in small chunks. When completely combined (no lumps of either butter or cream cheese), add the powdered sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add the vanilla and then 1/4 teaspoon of the spice mix before blending one last time.

* make sure you use Philadelphia Original; I've found that anything else compromises the texture and flavor.

Welcome: the Jewelry Bar

I've never had a strictly jewelry sponsor before and I'm excited to mix things up a bit with not just any jewelry designer...with Yoon of The Jewelry Bar! This girl is right up my alley...her jewelry is well-crafted and well-designed, but she gets that part of you that craves a great deal too. She offers promotions, a sale section, and in general, reasonably-priced jewelry. What's not to love? I'd say it's a fantastic stop for holiday shopping.

Here are some of my favorites (starting top left and going clockwise):

hint necklace
gold hoop labradorite
gold/silver dew drops
aqua/carnelian earrings
opera length necklace with amethyst
leaf posts

Justin Hackworth Photo Session GIVEAWAY Winner

According to random.org, the winner of the Justin Hackworth portrait session and $150 fine art print is:

The Gray Clan, who said, "It would be amazing if I won! Hope I do, Justin is so talented!

Congratulations! If only everyone could win a prize...oh wait, you can! Keep reading...

Justin Hackworth Photography has generously offered a $100 print credit to every reader who books a session {wedding, engagement, bridal, family, portrait, etc.} in the next week. Three cheers for checking something major off that holiday list! If you'd like to stay "in the know" about all the fun projects and specials Justin Hackworth Photography offers, jump here.

Easy French Bistro Menu

Beginning this week, I'll also be posting weekly on a local food blog managed by Cafe Zupas, a local eatery. I'm excited to share all things foodie-related in a place dedicated to all things delicious.

Today's post details exactly how to recreate an easy French bistro menu here in the US. If you're looking for something guaranteed to impress, but won't be laborious, this is the post for you! It's a family favorite in our home and I made it at least twice a month while we renovated La Maisonnette. Can you have too much of a good thing? :)

All it Takes

Because sometimes all it takes to get going in the morning is a shot of pretty...

I hope you all have a lovely, lovely day~

Kelsey Nixon

I wrote a piece on the lovely Kelsey Nixon for Your Heart Out today. You can read all about this uber-talented gal right here. I'm in total awe of what Kelsey's accomplished by the age of 25. Take my word for it, she is amazing!

Organization...Catch the Wave

It's been awhile since I posted organization tips, but you may be seeing more of those because the "nesting" bug is back. This is not to say I am an organized person (anyone who knew me before the age of 23 can attest to this!)...I simply enjoy the process. Here's why:

1. it's free
2. it's gratifying
3. it's calming
4. results are instantaneous
5. knowing what you have is half the battle

Like many things in life, the process of organization is gradual. I find that one 10-20 minute project per day is the perfect amount of time to allocate towards getting organized. Totally doable, right? Give yourself a week; participate in one small project a day and see how you feel at the end of the week. I'm guessing it's going to be good! Momentum...it's all about gathering momentum.

If you need an idea or two as to where to start, here is what my week is looking like:

Day 1: De-junk Car

Day 2: Organize linen closet

Day 3: Tidy kitchen miscellaneous/junk drawer

Day 4: Tackle the game closet

Day 5: Re-work area under kitchen sink

Day 6: Re-organize my recipe binder

Day 7: Rest :)

images via Organize Magazine

Justin Hackworth Photo Session GIVEAWAY

For the past few years Justin Hackworth has documented our little family and we've loved the results. The best part is the experience itself. Justin puts everyone at ease and somehow manages to accurately document my childrens' personalities amidst the chaos that comes with having little kids. He is very thorough and makes sure every member is amply photographed individually too. Thanks to Justin, my husband now has a photograph of me for his work space. He likes that.

Justin Hackworth Photography would like to offer one reader a session of his/her choice. Getting married? Here's your man. Need some professional images for work? Justin has that down pat. You'd like to include a hip family photo with your holiday card? Check. Just became engaged? Congratulations...have some fun images taken of you and your honey. To sweeten the deal, Justin is also throwing in one (1) 13 x 19 fine art print of the winner's choice. Total value of this package rolls in at $350.

I bet you are interested in seeing more of Justin's images. If so, check out Justin's wedding sessions here....engagements here...bridals here...and family portraits here. Oh, and did I mention Justin is also photographing Stephanie Nielsen's recovery? Feel the love for Nie Nie here too.

You know the drill...comment away!





















Giveaway Guidelines:

- You have 5 days to enter this giveaway (closes Tuesday, November 17th at midnight).
- Make a comment on THIS POST to enter.
- One entry per person please.
- Anonymous comments will be ignored so make sure we know who you are!
- The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on Wednesday, November 18th.
- Winners, please respond by the end of the week to secure prize. Thank you~

Getting a Good Deal on a Quality Handbag

Confession: I love a nice handbag. Why? Well, a nice handbag has the ability to dress up a Target t-shirt or even pajamas at times; although the latter usually represents a more challenging situation :) I also appreciate how it makes me feel a little more polished (this can be a real struggle with little kids as many of you may know). Long ago I gave up my dress slacks and heels, but I'll be darned if I'm going to give up my nice, leather handbag. It doesn't have to be a designer name, and the more understated the better, it just has to be real. I'm interested in quality that will last several years as I tend to keep pieces for a really long time.

I decided to try my hand at Ebay and it turns out, this is an excellent place to scour for secondhand leather (even designer) bags. I found a bag that I loved and after a little trip to the cobbler for a conditioning, it looks pretty darn good! If you decide to take the same path, I'd recommend going for a black handbag. Cobblers have a much easier time gussying up these bags given the lack of color-matching they have to do. If you bought a bag in say brown, it might be tricky for a cobbler to cover up the scuffs if they don't have an exact match of polish.

Here are a few "pre-owned" pretties on Ebay right now. You won't want to miss these auctions:

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Miu Miu

Coach

Cole Haan

Marc Jacobs

Vintage Aurielle

Yves Saint-Laurent

Since you never know what is going to pop up on Ebay, I'd recommend checking often, or recording a saved search. Once something pops up on Ebay that meets your criterion, they send you an email. It's pretty slick and if you are looking for something specific, like I was, it's a real time saver.

Kinderdijk

After only one day in the Netherlands, I can see the allure quite clearly. It's no wonder so many ex-pats live there. I cannot wait to go back someday and after all of your wonderful recommendations, it looks like I could easily fill up my itinerary!

Since windmills were at the top of all of our lists, my in-laws drove us out to Kinderdijk (pronounced "kinder-dike"). Wow. I've never seen so many windmills in one setting. It was mind-blowing and the kids had such a great time. Since they are fans of the movie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, they all appreciated being there. The whole experience was very simple, but so lovely. We Americans could use a few lessons from the Dutch :)

French Playhouses

These French playhouses are so darling, oh yes they are. I could have so much fun creating something like this for my kids, couldn't you? It's a lot of fun to dream about and definitely an idea worth storing away.

images via Marie Claire Idees

Altitude Design Summit

Have you heard about this yet? It's the next not-to-be-missed design conference, which conveniently coincides with the Sundance Film Festival. From the official website, Altitude Design Summit will be a "conference where design-minded folks — bloggers, lifestyle sites and the companies that want to connect with them — get together to network, discuss theory and love on all things design."

Registration includes all this good stuff and if you still need extra encouragement, an early bird registration promo runs through November 20th giving you an extra $100 off. That's a considerable discount...huge! In addition, I'll be speaking at the Summit as well and I would love to meet any and all readers. That would just be too much fun :)

Registration for Altitude Design Summit takes place here.

1950's Paint Colors

A paint company based in France produces authentic hues of colors most popular in the 1950's. I have an inkling there are many-a-mid-century-buff who will be interested in this discovery. You can view the colors here. I am a huge fan of a well-edited paint collection...thousands of choices are simply agonizing!

Laurie Smith

...she was always the best designer on TLC's Trading Spaces, hands down.

Yesterday I placed her book--Discovering Home with Laurie Smith--on hold at my local library. It should arrive in a few days and I cannot wait for a little eye candy. I admire many elements about her personal style and from the small glimpses I've seen so far, her home looks simply amazing. It's always fun to dream...

Solving the Halloween Candy Conundrum

So, it's been a little over a week since Halloween, and you may be wondering what in the world you are going to do about the massive candy intake still taking place. Here's a little idea my husband came up with and I must admit, it was the best thing we've done as parents in some time. Our kids loved it so much that we are making it an official tradition!

The goal was to make tossing out candy both fun and the child's own choice. In no way did we want to manipulate them into tossing the candy, we simply wanted to create "incentives". So we gathered the 3 kids and asked them to go retrieve their Halloween candy bags. Once we regrouped, my husband and I presented them with coupons we made to be used in our "store". When making the coupons we tried to come up with experiences, services, treats or excursions that were enjoyable and inexpensive (and in some cases, "free"). I can't tell you how excited they were to turn in 5 pieces of candy for each coupon. No coercion necessary! They were cheering and laughing and pretty much thinking this was the best idea ever. Some examples included:

* hike with Dad up the canyon
* stay up 30 minutes past bedtime
* mom cleans your room
* dad cleans your room :)
* popcorn + a movie with mom
* kids meal at Kneaders
* special drink at the grocery store
* overnight with Dad in the teardrop

Watching the kids redeem their coupons is a hoot. One morning my son presented me with his "mom cleans your room" coupon right before we left for preschool. You should have seen the ear-to-ear grin on that boy's face. Guess who had a change of plans that morning? The next evening his sister took a turn...after I thought all my children were down to sleep, my oldest came downstairs to the kitchen. Before I had time to ask her what she was doing or what was wrong, she quickly presented her "stay up 30 minutes past bedtime" coupon and we both smiled. All in all it's created a fun, positive feeling in our family and we are really thrilled with the discovery.

Welcome: A Yummy Life Photography

Oh to be a child again...I love this image by new sponsor A Yummy Life Photography. It captures the essence of childhood so vividly. You can see more pretty images on her website and blog.

Sunday Dinner

We're plowing through our menu this week...it feels good to be eating well with low stress come 4 o'clock. Menu planning rocks.

Golden Winter Soup - enjoyed the soup a lot, but I confess I still prefer this version...love that sage.
Virginia Light Rolls - the best way to use that bread machine of yours.
Mixed Green Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette (these are excellent too) - simple, tasty, and not too heavy
Dessert: Lemon Pudding Cakes - if you love lemon...

Dijon Vinaigrette:

1 part Dijon
1 part Red Wine or Apple Cider vinegar
3 parts olive or walnut oil

Make as much or as little as you like!