October wrap up.

I love every season here in New England, but I think one of my most favorite seasons of the year are the weeks between November 1st and January 1st.  It's one of the few times that my extended family all gets together, and there is so much yummy food and fun holiday decorations.

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October has been a BUSY month, and I can't wait to see what the end of this year brings...  hopefully all As on my report card!



Since I've had no free time to devote to my weekly wrap ups, I decided to do one monthly wrap up with all of my favorite web gems over these few weeks.  I hope you enjoyed reading my posts this month.

You know how I feel about chandeliers.  Here's my latest chandelier eye candy.

A new emag all about entertaining that you will love.

 I can't wait to bake these cinnamon apple doughnuts.  If you beat me to it please send me pics:)  And maybe a doughnut, too:)

A little spooky, but a lot neat.  The heat sensitive thermochromic finish on the Linger a Little Longer Table leaves an imprint of objects and people.

This is a fun gift idea for guys.

I love the idea for turning your own art into a canvas print.  Easy Canvas makes it so, well, easy.

I'm floored by how spacious this little narrow home is on the inside.

And congratulations to my Uncle Joe and new Aunt Val on their beautiful marriage this past weekend in Palmetto Bluff.

Designer portfolio: Tracery Interiors.

If there was one interior design firm I wish had a Boston location, it would be Tracery Interiors.  They are a small group of super talented designers based out of two design studios in Florida and Alabama with an amazing hospitality and residential portfolio.  Be sure to check out the full scope of their work at their website.

Paige, if you're out there reading, please expand a Tracery Studio location up to New England:)

There work is so gorgeous, I may need to think about moving to Alabama...

all via traceryinteriors

Recipe: cinnamon fudge.

 

For all you chocolate lovers out there, be sure to flag this one!  This is the easiest and most delicious fudge you will ever pop in your mouth.

In a double broiler, melt 16 ounces of dark chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

 

Line a small baking dish with tin foil and spread the melted chocolate mixture on top.  Sprinkle to top with kosher salt and refrigerate for 3 hours.
 

Cut into bite size squares and try not to eat too much.  It's sooooooo good!

Take me away Tuesday: Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay, China.

A South China Sea Gem, the Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay Hotel is Hainan Island's most luxurious resort.  This is a place for complete seclusion and relaxation.


Villas like this one below allow guests to indulge in private pools and large patios areas.  I think the lighting is done very nicely.  It beckons you outside even after sunset.  

The bathrooms are clad in cream marble with a soaking tub and chandelier (!) overhead.
I can't think of a more relaxing location for a massage treatment.
This dining area is so different with the tables lined up perfectly in what could be called a long wide corridor.  Tables in the wine room are more intimate.
all via conradhotels

Currently coveting: Hallings Secretary.

I don't know about you, but I still consider the set decorators for SATC design geniuses.  We all remember Carrie's delicious walk in closet in her and Big's Park Ave apartment, but do you remember the secretary desk in their bedroom?


Thomas O'Brien's Hallings Secretary for Hickory Chair Furniture is a desk I would love to do work at.  The slant front helps this piece avoid looking like a box on legs, and the wood tone contrast between the inside and out is particularly beautiful.  Is it too early to start my Christmas list?

dcbydesign
margotaustin
aerostudios

Recipe: rosemary tomato soup.


Ok friends, here is another easy soup recipe! I'll leave it to you to make the grilled cheese sandwich to dip:)

In a soup pot, soften 2 diced carrot and 1 diced onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.  This should take about 5 minutes.  Add the following ingredients:
28 ounce can  crushed tomatoes
16 ounce can  canellini beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups chicken stock
1 bayleaf
2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary


Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for 30 minutes.  Remove the bayleaf, and using a hand blender, puree the soup.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve with lemon rosemary creme fraiche (recipe below).





Lemon rosemary creme fraiche:
Mix 1/2 cup creme fraiche with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary and the zest of one lemon.  That's it!!!


 Recipe modified from Giada de Laurentiis.

Visit me elsewhere!

Hi Everyone!

Come visit me over at Cornflake Dreams today.  Jillian asked me to write a guest post for her interior design series!

See you there:)


Source:Angela on Pinterest

So long, farewell.

 

This is sadly my last post...  of all my California vacation inspiration!  You didn't think I was really leaving the blogging world already did you?!

I'm sharing one of my sister in law's favorite restaurants in the beautiful coastal town of Capitola.  Shadowbrook Restaurant is located along a sleepy creek, first built as a summer home in the 1920s.  Following a major renovation to recapture the character of the original architecture, Shadowbrook Restaurant opened its doors in 1942, and has become a popular romantic dining destination ever since.



There are many reasons why this place struck me, and it begins before you reach the main door.  To descend down the steep hill to the creek and restaurant, you need to hop on an original cable car and ride it down the face of the hill.  Once you pass through the main entry, you are greeted with a cozy porte-cochere-like foyer, which leads you through the doors to the dining room.  

Inside, a charming conservatory ceiling below an uplit lush hillside makes you feel like you are eating in a forest.  I felt like I was half in a jungle and half in a rustic lodge.  And the food was sooo good!  I've never been a fan of artichokes, but their fried artichoke hearts are out of this world AMAZE!  

A view of the conservatory ceiling.


If you eat too much, you can take the winding garden path back to the top of the hill:)






 

 

 
Cheers!

 
Hiking the garden path after apps and drinks.

 

 


Collection obsession.



I have a confession: I love to collect dishes.  Am I weird?  Blue and white patterns to be more specific.  It's just so beautiful!



Could this be my new favorite dress?  Maybe it would be taking things a little too far.




Blue and white patterns aside, I just discovered Richard Ginori 1735 Folkware.  It's so charming.  No matter what colors you are drawn to, there is a mix of patterns and styles to chose from.  Here are a few of my favorite:

richardginori
richardginori
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richardginori


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