What to Eat for Thanksgiving Lunch: Winter Squash Soup with Apples + Crème Fraîche

For many years, I found myself spending hours in the kitchen on Thanksgiving morning (no complaints!), preparing a dinner that would take place around 4 or 5 pm, with no thought as to how I would nourish myself and my family for lunch. But, clearly we all need sustenance before 5 pm, even on Thanksgiving :) One year I got smart and created this recipe..it turns out it makes for the perfect Thanksgiving Day lunch. Here's why:

- you can make it ahead of time (make it tonight!). Soup is often better the next day anyway.

- it's light enough to allow room in your stomach for an indulgent Thanksgiving meal, but substantial enough to energize you to keep plugging away on those pies. 

- this is the best squash soup recipe I've ever had, so it will only add to the festive foodie spirit on Thanksgiving. 

- it's a crowd pleaser for kids and adults alike

- the soup calls for a combination of my two favorite winter squashes--butternut and red kuri squash (a combination so naturally good that even in the French markets, you'll find these two squashes side-by-side...ha! :)

- your vegetarian guests will thank you when you save them a bowl to enjoy during Thanksgiving dinner; this way, they too can enjoy an elevated meal. 

Thoughts on Grief

Dear Friends...I've missed you. How are you? Have your lives changed as much as mine has since we last spoke a handful of years ago? I'm not sure if you're still around (outside those who have been kind enough to email me over the last few years...thank you!), but if you are, I've got a few more things to share. I am a pretty private person in many ways, but I've felt compelled to write again and be a part of this community of good people who share with and learn from each other. How blessed I've been by the relationships made here.

Around 5 or 6 years ago, I stopped blogging regularly after feeling inspired to increase my focus on family matters. I'd been mulling over taking a break for some time, but certain events prompted me to bite the bullet and press pause. I am grateful I made that decision for a few reasons; starting with the fact that I loved my family and I also wholeheartedly believed (and still do) in following inspiration. Interestingly enough, I've recently felt that same inspiration to return to blogging. Again, it's been on my mind for a little while, but this time my circumstances are much different.

I've written this post on grief over and over in my head for many months. While I shower. While I run. While I drive. All of my thinking places. I have so much to say...yet don't know how to say it...and I also know many of you have so much to add. And, I hope that you do! Grief is an acute form of suffering, and the more that is shared, the more helpful these words will be to others. I know, from personal experience, that support is one of the ways we rise above sadness and grief. It is my hope that some of the things said here provide that for you too.

{Click "READ MORE" below for full post}

Justin Hackworth's Fine Art Prints

For years, Justin Hackworth has been the one to capture all the big moments in our family's life (here and here to name a few). I consider these images treasures and am so grateful to have taken the time to make our photo sessions together a priority.  Now that I don't live nearby, I love that I still have access to Justin's work online. I am a particular fan of the large size, as it makes the image even more compelling.  His style would be ideal on a wall like the ones shown below.

You can discover these fine art prints here and view more of Justin's wedding + portrait photography here.  I think any of Justin's prints would look fantastic on a gallery wall styled like the ones seen in this home tour (more images of this Australian home here).  Swoon!

images via Justin Hackworth and The Design Files

Mini Fruit Rouges Crisps with Pistachios

For me, summertime is the season for camping, small trips to see family/cousins and for picking berries.  The activity is both practical and enjoyable for kids (who doesn't want homemade jam in their lunches next schoolyear I remind them) and adults alike.  We all get to munch while we pick, chat about this and that, and catch a few rays of sunshine (not to be taken for granted up here in the Pacific Northwest).  Also, since we live in the city, it involves a trip to either the suburbs or the country, which is always refreshing as long as you don't get stuck in traffic :).

This recipe is a personal favorite, as it encompasses so many things I love--mini desserts, fresh berries, slightly nutty flavor and a mix of warmth and coolness (if you serve with ice cream, which is a must in my book!).  If you don't have access to tayberries, like we do up here in Washington, feel free to substitute cherries, a more classic "fruit rouges".  Enjoy!

What Do You Like Best to Do?

I subscribe to Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Project newsletter, which is essentially a daily reminder to find and create happiness in our own lives (versus allowing it to just fall upon you).  I want to share with you a quote from one particular email.  It reminded me how important it is to take a personal inventory every now and again; and remember, amidst the chaos, disappointments, pain, etc. that we need to discover the things within ourselves that can bring us small bursts of joy (at least this was my interpretation).  It sounds so simple to do, but the application can actually be quite challenging.

"It is all a question of weeding out what you yourself like best to do, so that you can live most agreeably in a world full of an increasing number of disagreeable surprises."

--M.F.K. Fisher

I used this image here because I love to photograph landscapes, particularly in France.  The mix of chartreuse grass and gray limestone struck me as stunning in a natural, unpretentious way.  That evening, I hopped over some train tracks and slipped through a barbwire fence to snap this shot alongside my oldest daughter.  This is a moment I like to remember and represents a moment of joy for me!

p.s. another fantastic newsletter to subscribe to is Brené Brown's Courage Works.  About once a week, she sends out a pretty image and a poignant quote.  It's just the right amount :).

New Work by Jenny Vorwaller | In the Shop

It always feels a bit like Christmas when one of my favorite artists restocks her online shop.  I literally feel my breath taken away when viewing so much beauty in one little space.  If I didn't already own four of Jenny Vorwaller's works, I certainly would not be able to restrain myself this time. Hopefully, that means you don't!

With the kids almost back in school, treat yourself to a piece of original art and revamp your space to celebrate the tranquility that September inevitably brings :)

New works here  |  Pretty iPhone cases here  |  Peek into Jenny's new Seattle studio here

Guava Pineapple Refresher

There are only three ingredients, but they are good ones!  One hundred percent guava juice is difficult to find, but not impossible!  I use the Ceres brand from South Africa, which oddly turns up at the most random of places (my local drug store?).  It's definitely worth seeking out.  Sometimes, you can even find it on sale for around $3.  When you do...stock up!

{click "Read More" to view the recipe}

A Morning at Volunteer Park Cafe

With school starting back up in three weeks, I am starting to dream again of the occasional morning get away with friends.  Don't get me wrong...I am not wishing away a moment of summer; however, it is always fun to ponder a change of scenery.  

I often am asked what my favorite breakfast spots are here in Seattle, so it was a real pleasure to be asked to taste the new-ish menu at Volunteer Park Cafe.  My short list includes about five restaurants, all very different from each other, but tasty in their own way.  I was thrilled to confidently add this fantastic, local joint to my list of must-eats! If stepping away with a friend to enjoy a delicious breakfast in a setting that feels like one of Seattle's best kept secrets, take yourself to Volunteer Park Cafe.  Not only is this popular neighborhood joint a choice destination, but the allure of the beautiful park down the street cannot be ignored.  So indulge in a few extra pastries and then promptly walk them off at Volunteer Park afterwards.  Be sure to stop at the arboretum as well!  

This welcoming cafe is casual, cozy, communal and gourmet.  If skipping the hussle and bustle of downtown sounds appealing to you (and why wouldn't it?), this Capitol Hill joint is a must-stop.  

While I prefer eating here for breakfast or brunch, please note they do offer dinner services Tuesday through Saturday.  

Volunteer Park Cafe

1501 17th Avenue E

Seattle, WA 98112

t: 206.328.3155

Nautical-themed Pie Slice Boxes

Late Summer is the perfect time to throw a nautical-themed gathering (shower, bbq, party, dinner, birthday, etc.) with the warm weather during the day and the cooler breezes at night settling in. However, let it be known that in our home, any day is appropriate for a get together involving anchors. My three-year-old is surprisingly obsessed with them and this new offering is to celebrate his love. Note that this set includes a color block spoon, because the color is amazing and because sometimes it's fun to eat with a spoon instead of a fork :)

This is a limited edition DELUXE set and will be offered until supplies run out.  View it here. 

image by Lindsay Salazar Photography

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Gray Sea Salt (Low Altitude)

When our family moved to Seattle three and a half years ago, I attempted my usual chocolate cookie standby only to find that it turned out completely different in my new location.  Unrecognizable even. The cookie's identify crisis was likely due to the change in elevation and air moisture--which made sense--but was nonetheless disappointing.  To where would I turn on a bad day without a go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe on hand?  As a remedy to this unfortunate predicament, I then spent the new few years trying to revamp the recipe to my liking (this part my family and friends enjoyed a lot). I am not exaggerating when I say I've modified this recipe probably 20 times (and may continue to do so...who knows?!), as I tried to create what I felt was the perfect cookie.

I am aware of the strong opinions out there regarding chocolate chip cookies.  Some people like them soft, others crispy.  Some like them puffy, and others like them more flat.  Some like them with milk chocolate, and others enjoy them with dark chocolate. And last, some like them only dipped in milk and others prefer the cookie dough in it's glorious, raw state.  It's all a matter of personal preference, of course, which keeps us all on constant lookout for the perfect cookie.



My version uses a good, semisweet chocolate; Guittard and Ghirardelli create fantastic chips and usually one of these brands is available at every standard grocery store. This recipe calls for eleven ounces of chips, which leaves a few left in the bag to munch on or to pawn off on your toddler (an ideal scenario if your child is like mine and begs for chocolate chips constantly).  The easiest way to measure eleven ounces is to use a digital kitchen scale.  They are an incredibly useful addition to every kitchen and cost around ten dollars.  Last, these cookies are not overly sweet and have a kick of French gray sea salt there at the end.  Good stuff, my friends.  I hope you love them like we do!

{recipe below}

How to Make the Most Beautiful Paper Flowers

Now that we are all spotting pops of color here and there and sunshine is showing its face more often, it's time to relish in this beautiful season.  To celebrate, I wanted to share with you this online flower making course by Brittany Jepsen of the beautiful and highly creative blog, The House that Lars Built. Formerly an ex-pat living in Denmark, she now resides in the US and presents the most inspiring blend of creative projects both on her blog and at workshops.

You also must know that her paper flower creations are the prettiest I've ever seen. And, if you want in on that, you can sign up for her online flower making course; one that you can take at your own pace (love this part!).  She's also kindly offered my readers a 15% discount with the code "MODO". Wahoo!

p.s. if you live in Seattle, hit up Packaging Specialties for supplies.  They have the prettiest hues of crepe paper.

images via The House that Lars Built

Spiced Buttermilk Banana Bread with Hazelnuts

This recipe is one of the most beloved in our home--we pretty much all go crazy for it!  The combination of bananas, vanilla, buttermilk, good sea salt, hazelnuts and aromatic cardamom make it my go-to recipe when the bananas are past their prime.  In fact, I buy a lot of bananas, just so I have an excuse to make this recipe.  I can easily down one of these perfectly moist, mini loaves in one sitting; so be warned that it's dangerously delicious!

If you want to save yourself some time (and I highly recommend you do so), buy pre-chopped hazelnuts.  You can find them in the baking aisle at your local Super Target, QFC and sometimes at Fred Meyer and Harmons.  Be sure to use good vanilla too--I like the Nielsen Massey (also at Target, Williams Sonoma, etc.) or the pure bourbon vanilla extract at Trader Joes.

One last note on my Spiced Buttermilk Banana Bread with Hazelnuts recipe...when I decide to make banana bread, I don't want to just make one loaf.  If I am going to the effort to make something from scratch, I want to make a lot!  More to consume and more to share.  This recipe will make either 3 large loaves (in standard loaf pans), 8 mini loaves or a combination of the two--4 mini loaves and 2 large loaves.  It's really up to you!

Top Wardrobe Essentials for Spring 2014

Now that it's actually starting to feel like Spring in the Pacific Northwest (i.e. you can actually walk out of the house without your wool socks and a jacket some days), I asked one of my favorite friends, stylist Beverly Jacobs, to share her top wardrobe essentials for Spring, 2014.  I hope you enjoy this edited collection!  Beverly really does have an eye for style--always has, always will--but, it's her energy and zest for life that I truly adore. If you live in the LA area, look her up!  

And, while we all know that what you wear isn't the most important thing in life, it is nice to know where to allocate your budget or what gaps to fill.  I'm all about bang for buck, so a tidy list like this is quite helpful to a gal like me, who truly has no idea what's trending right now (my uniform tends to be skinny jeans, boots and a striped shirt. like every day. help!).  What I found helpful for me, was to move down through the list, link by link, to get an overview.  Then, I thought about what I already had and how I could wear it differently (or just actually wear it); and, hopefully pick up something fun along the way.

the oversized white button down   /   a boxy striped top   /   another boxy striped top   /   brogues

the perfect casual pant with the perfect amount of slouch   /  rounded sunglasses   

perfect little jacket   /   lizzie fortunato scale bracelet   /   high rise skinny jeans

floral top   /   tropical floral print bag one   /   tropical floral print bag two   /   slip on vans 

cable knit sweater one   /   cable knit sweater two   /   crew neck muscle tee

Joyfolie Handcrafted Shoes + a Spring Sale Today Only

Have you ever spotted the beautiful, handcrafted shoes over at Joyfolie?  They are all so pretty and look so special to me.  If you've ever shopped for children's shoes, then you know how difficult it is to find mini versions of the stylish shoes in your own closet.

Hello Kitty Birthday Party

Over a year has passed since I planned this little birthday party for my daughter, Sophie.  I hoped to share these images with you much sooner, but you know how life goes sometimes.  Things just manage to get in the way, now don't they?  I have to admit, I relish in that fact that at least one of my children still enjoys a homespun party (I'll be riding that train as long as possible!).  

Just before she turned six last year, we discussed the type of party she wanted.  She was emphatic about having a Hello Kitty Birthday Party, which initially I had no idea how to pull off without being tacky. Thankfully, she's the cutest licensed character of them all.  Also, thank goodness she is often accompanied by polka dots.   

While guests arrived, I led the girls to a little craft table in the family room, where they each made their own Hello Kitty mask.  This type of distraction gave the littles a chance to channel all their energy towards creating something of their own.  The craft wasn't fancy or complicated, just something short and sweet to amuse them for the first fifteen minutes.  The alternative is your home turning into a bounce house... :)  

I used some pretty spoons I already owned for mini serving ware.  Napkins were simple, white and from the local grocery store.  I simply stamped them and used a bit of baker's twine as an accent. Super easy! 

Since I try to keep all of my children's parties within a $100 budget, you'll notice I reuse many of the same things for each party.  I included online links below, but keep in mind these are things you might be able to find locally too (bottles-grocery store; dishes-Target; tablecloth-Craigslist).  

1. white tablecloth

2. white cake stand

3. white porcelain dishes

4. glass "milk" bottles

These basics create a clean, flexible base for each party.  Add in fun paper, ribbon, flowers, balloons, garlands, straws, etc. and you have a "new" party each time.  Another money saver is to make the cake or cupcakes from scratch, versus buying them elsewhere.  The star of the dessert table can be a real money suck and since cupcakes are so simple to make, go ahead and give 'em a shot.  If you can make easy muffins, you can make a basic cupcake recipe. Promise!  

I typically snag a cupcake recipe from Martha Stewart and then use the Sprinkles recipe for the frosting.  

In order to fill up the table with treats and make it feel special, I supplemented the homemade cupcakes with some store bought treats as well.  When you have a Trader Joe's nearby, it's pretty easy to stay on budget and fill up your cart :)  It's the best.  Anyway, I found some pretty vanilla meringues (the girls loved these!) and yogurt covered pretzels from TJ's, as well as a bunch of Pocky sticks from Daiso (where everything is $!). 

A few other notes...

For party favors, I slipped a Hello Kitty pen and a few matching erasers in a clear, cello bag. Also, per tradition, we sent each guest off with a balloon as well.    

Pin-the-blank-on-the-blank is the classic, go-to party game for every child 7 and under in our home.  I just can't stop myself.  It's so fun every time!  

Also, I typically double up on straws because inevitably one doesn't function properly (especially if the straws are paper) and because it's more fun to have more color!  

To peek at other parties, head here.  Enjoy!

Lynne Millar Studio Sale

If you're looking to expand your original art collection without breaking the bank, you must peek at artist Lynne Millar's studio sale this week.  Lynne, formerly of the acclaimed blog Sugar City Journal, is now allocating her creative energy towards other pursuits, one of which is painting (of which I am so happy!).  Her original paintings are beautiful, affordable and perfect additions to your gallery wall.

Last year, I hung one of her pieces in a bedroom at La Maisonnette and I love the energy and beauty it brings to that space.  This year, I look forward to buying another piece and I hope you do as well! I've never seen her shop so full, so this is a great time to make a purchase.

Studio Sale  |  Main Website  |  Real Life Home Tour 

Five Favorite Dinner Salads

If you're on the hunt for some delicious dinner salads that leave you (and your kids!) satisfied, I'm sharing my five favorites over at Zupas this month (including this incredible Chinese Chicken Salad shown above). 

You can peek at the round up here.

image by me

Vintage French Goods in the Shop

On our last trip to France, I filled an entire suitcase (and it was a big one!) with vintage French goodies I picked up at flea markets and brocantes, as well as a few French office supplies (because simple things like paper clips and notebooks are so much better from a design standpoint).  In my etsy shop, you'll find vintage French children's books, a vintage French schoolhouse poster from the 1950's, vintage torchons (or tea towels), a vintage French bingo game (a treasure!) and many other things.  

As an fyi, shipping is reduced or free if purchased with pie slice boxes; however, it is still reasonably priced (I only charge actual shipping--it's not padded) if purchased solo.  

View all of these items and others in the shop.  Merci~

Modern French Impressionism: L'Atelier de Pierre van Dijk

Since renovating our little maisonette in the Medieval town of Beynac, France, I've wanted to share something very special with you.  It's been a long time coming, this post, and I am quite thrilled to finally let you in on a little secret, or rather, an undiscovered treasure.

This small, picturesque village situated on a steep cliff, has been a destination for artists since the 19th century.  We know for certain that French Impressionist painter, Paul Signac sojourned in Beynac; and we also know that another French Impressionist, Camille Pisarro, spent time in our village back in the 1800's.  I was recently thrilled to discover, via one of our guests, that one of my favorite photographers, Henri Cartier-Bresson, also visited and photographed Beynac back in the 60's.  What I wouldn't give to take a walk with him down the bumpy, cobblestone paths.  

Carrying on the artistic heritage in Beynac today, is an amazingly talented painter named Pierre Van Dijk.  His paintings are the most exquisite contemporary works I've seen.  My husband, Ben, and I see as much beauty in Pierre's paintings as we do when visiting the Museé Marmottan in Paris (definitely a must-see!).  And the beautiful part of this story is that he is not only an exceptional artist, but he is a kind person (and so is his lovely wife).  We are grateful to call them friends and for the incredible beauty and warmth their presence adds to the village.  I share these things because catching a glimpse of a person's heart and soul is important to me when purchasing art--it's part of the whole package, you know?

One afternoon during our most recent visit, I spent two afternoons walking the paths of Beynac, capturing the beauty of the village and of Pierre's work, for the express purpose of sharing it with you today.  Needless to say, it wasn't difficult :)  It is no wonder Pierre settled here to paint.  There is inspiration around every corner.

His "atelier", or workshop, is particularly delightful.  A solid wood easel is settled next to the window where always a lovely painting is perched.  Finished works are displayed on the walls and in the window on pretty days (see above).  Sometimes his wife Ellie adds a cheerful vase of flowers--a sight that always makes me happy upon passing.




If you have the opportunity to visit Beynac, definitely carve out a little time to meet Pierre.  But in the meantime, you can read up more on Pierre, his interesting background, color theory, and available paintings on his website.  Works are available framed or unframed and ship worldwide.  Feel free to contact Pierre over the phone or email as well. He speaks fluent English, Dutch and French!

Atelier Pierre
Pierre van Dijk
Rue de la Balme
24220 Beynac-et-Cazenac
Dordogne-France

e: pierre@artpierre.com

main: +33 (0)6 32 88 49 89
mobile: +33 (0)5 53 59 62 66

all images by stephanie brubaker / stephmodo