Fall is in the air!

I just opened the windows to hear the rain, poured a cup of chai tea, cozied up to a good magazine, and popped in Pride & Prejudice. Is it time for a cozy pre-Fall posting or what?

I was introduced to the Tomato Orange Soup at Elephants Delicatessen quite a few years ago. I became addicted, and have since stumbled upon the recipe...yes, THE recipe (here you are). I've been known to make it many times, keep a stash frozen in the freezer, even take it to work many days in a row, and pass it along to friends and family (who then also joined in the addiction). Pair this with a grilled cheese sandwich for dipping, and you'll be in comfort food heaven!

You can serve it dressed up for a holiday starter by garnishing it with grilled-cheese-croutons (cut a grilled cheese sandwich into cubes, and sprinkle 2 or 3 on top of the soup just prior to serving), or pour some into your most faithful storage container for some yummy leftovers. Eat up!
(image from marthastewart.com)

Come Away With Me...

Nights like this inspire me. It's late, and we've spent the last couple days soaking up memories with out of town friends. The guys are still in the living room (yes, playing super-hero video games), Jenny is asleep in the love seat, and the dogs are all conked out from 2 days of non-stop play. I've secretly retreated to my little home-office, shut the doors, and turned on Norah Jones "Come Away with Me." I'm not sure what it is about that album...maybe it's because I started listening to it with my sweet roomates at Oregon State during such a fun and incredible season of my life. Maybe because I'd find it on my playlist during late nights trying to get design projects wrapped up before the next morning's deadline. Maybe because it was the last song we danced to at our wedding. It's amazing how a song can bring back a rush of old memories...as if they were all happening once again during this very moment. I just need this minute to soak it all up once again. Come away with me...

You wanna carrot?

Yes, this is my sweet sweet dog, Ruthie. She came to us as a "middle-aged" retired guide dog, which means she's already trained and we can't take even an ounce of credit for how wonderful she is. Gushing aside, this girl loooooves carrots! Just the word "carrot" will get her all excited. Since she is a bit on the older side, her vet told us that if she loves carrots so much, to replace them with treats. They won't cause her to gain weight, so she can have as many as she wants. So, we spoil her rotten, and she eats so many carrots that they almost literally come back out the other end (apologies if thats too much info).

So, if your dog needs to go on a diet, or like us, you just want to do all you can to spoil your furry one, then try carrots!

Rub-a-dub-dub

I was talking to a co-worker yesterday about how cute little ones are with those hooded bath towels. Especially the ones that are animals and characters. In light of that conversation (which I assure you had something important to do with work...okay, you got me, probably had nothing to do with work), I had to go investigate and see who really had cute hooded bath towels for kiddos. Spiffy Baby has an adorable assortment of different animals, Dwell Baby has some great graphic prints, and Pottery Barn Kids has really sweet animal hoodies (yes, they have a puppy AND a froggy), and organics for the admirable.

I'm headed off on a tangent here, so if you want to stick around, be my guest. Here it goes: quite honestly, I have the hardest time getting baby gifts for people. First of all, I haven't experienced the joy of motherhood yet, so I have no idea what people actually need and want (yea yea, I know most do registries these days, but I like gifts to be a surprise, so I try to avoid registries altogether). Second of all, I avoid buying clothes if at all possible (sometimes they're just too cute to resist) because I swear American babies are the best clothed people on the planet (or maybe I'm ignorant), and I'm not always so sure my taste will be the same as baby's parents. But even harder than the baby gift is the first birthday gift! So now days, I've made it easy on myself, and defaulted to getting a sweet hooded towel and bubble bath (apologies to the first birthday parties coming up) because they are so stinkin' adorable! Note to parents: please take pictures...I know bath time is probably the hardest time to grab the not-so-water-resistant camera...especially with a naked toddler running around the house, but you've just got to capture the moment. If anything, you can use it for blackmail when they're teenagers!

Compliments to the host!

While browsing Paper Crave, I stumbled upon a great discovery they have made! Australia's Wedding Style Guide has provided free downloadable and printable goodies for each of their issues (which can also be back ordered online). These little treasures aren't just for brides, but anyone who loves to entertain (or who might want to fake it). Enjoy!

Dreamers into Doers

Many of you already know that I love just about anything Martha Stewart. I also love anything entrepreneurial. About a year ago, I discovered Ladies Who Launch, an incredible network of women entrepreneurs. It's a support community that helps women launch and grow their own businesses...it's amazing what one can accomplish when we all join together. I got involved, joining an incubator, and attending the Live event in Portland last fall. Amazing women, amazing experience!


So, I just got an email this morning from my Ladies Who Launch incubator leader informing me that Martha Stewart and Ladies Who Launch have joined together to create "Dreamers into Doers"(jaw drop). Yes, this is yet another network of bringing women dreamers together, with Martha as our mentor!

If you already have an account at marthastewart.com, you can just follow this link, and become a Dreamers into Doers member. If you don't have a marthastewart.com account, 1) you're missing out, and 2) you can sign up for one right here, and then 3)sign up to become a Dreamers into Doers member here.


Not to create a novel out of this post, but I'm on a roll. So, speaking of Martha and entrepreneurship, I must share a wonderful resource with all of you. Martha has written a book, The Martha Rules, that shares her story and wisdom on building a business and how keep it running and growing. I not only bought the book, but I also have the book on CD that I loaded onto my iPod, and will listen to for inspiration.

I hope those of you out there with ideas are able to use some of these resources as a launch pad to soaring. One common thread on all the wisdom and advice...find your passion and follow it.

The BEST Strawberry Ice Cream!

You know, today was just one of those Mondays! I somehow put in a 12+ hour day, and managed to throw together a pretty delicious dinner (yep, pat on the back for that one). I no sooner sat down a few moments ago to tune into the Olympics, and the craving for ice cream overwhelmed me. And not just any ice cream, I want a whole pint of Haagen Dazs Strawberry ice cream (arguably the best strawberry ice cream out there!). But seeing that it is nearly 11:00pm, the stores will be closed and time for me to get some sleep before tomorrow begins (is it Friday yet?).

Going for the GOLD!

...but the silver and bronze are quite nice also. These metals were beautifully designed with a different color jade inlay for each metal. The gold metal flanks white jade, the silver metal matched with the green jade, and the bronze metal with the dark green jade. I love it when design does more than just look good, but that also transcends a bigger story...one that is visually communicated in a way that everyone will instantly understand. These metals are a priceless token of momentous event...can I please have one of each?

Did you tune in?

The Opening Ceremonies were last night in Beijing for the Summer 2008 Olympics, and they were incredible! I actually didn't catch the whole thing, and I think I missed some of the best parts. So, I've been trying to track down a way to watch it online, and will share it with all of you once I find it. NBC has posted the firework show , which was mind-blowing as you can imagine. As each of the countries walked through the stadium with their flags and onto the Olympic Stage, they crossed over these stamp pads, and then onto a white pad, which left this incredible rainbow of everyone's footprint. Truly, I'm having trouble coming up with the right words...as we watched Yao Ming holding young hero Lin Hao (an inspiring story in itself) as they gathered with all the countries of the world, I told my husband, "This must be what world peace feels like."

Pretty lil' things

Aren't these the most beautiful pencils you have ever seen? I assure you, no one will miss the little eraser on the end. Truthfully, I'd probably never use them and opt keep them wrapped nicely in their little boxes, and take them out on special occasion to look at them (only to carefully tuck them away once again) as if a fine piece of jewelry. I guess for the price tag, you could consider these little beauties jewelry...or at least a fine accessory. Russel + Hazel offers the whole collection (12 colors, people!) for you to buy here.

It's a date!

I love calendars! Probably because I love planning just about anything and everything. I know, I'm a huge nerd. Back when Blueprint Magazine was running, they created a 2008 printable calendar for their December 2007 issue. I especially love that they used Fling as the type, and that these can fit nicely into a CD jewel case. Genius! They have graciously posted it to Martha's website here for us all to enjoy. I know, I know, we're more than half way through 2008, but if I would have been blogging last December, I assure you, you would have had it then!

Berries & Cream

Just looking at these treats makes me want to lick my monitor! You can get this Berries & Cream Cones recipe from none other than Rachel Ray. I love the way they display the cones in liquor glasses. You can find similar ones here at Target (of course!). Enjoy the goodness!

Lobster Bake (fun for West Coasters too)!

I have always wanted to go to a lobster bake! I grew up on the West Coast, but s'mores seem to be about the only thing we cook on the beach. So, the thought of getting a bunch of friends and family together for some good seafood and lots-o-butter on the beach sounds pretty wonderful.

Michael Chiarello from the Food Network has given us a great recipe for cooking the clams and lobsters. A great seafood bisque can be found here from Ida Garten. For the ultimate seafood free for all, serve by covering tables with decorative fishnets, and piling the lobster and clams on top with lemon halves and corn on the cob strewn about. Be sure to provide bowls (or how about cute galvanized buckets) for guests to discard the shells.

Make it a spontaneous event, or add a formal flair. It'd make for an memorable feast after an small (or large) beach wedding. I can already envision the great lobster theme letter pressed invites and the bride and groom posing for pictures with lobster bibs on!

Smile, baby!

It seems like families are growing everywhere these days! This post is for all of you out there with impending additions, and the memories you'll want to savor forever of your new little bundles.

Good Stock Press & Bindery does the most beautiful heirloom book albums. I could post their whole site, but will direct you there yourself so they can tell their own story. My favorite album they have done (that you might also consider for your little one) is the "Picture a day/First birthday." Designer mom, and photographer dad took pictures each day for the first year of baby Seneca's life. Then, they inserted their wishes for her throughout the pages. You can also find a lovely posting about this album on Design Mom's Blog. Precious!









On Martha's show today, she also had a few great photo ideas for baby (you can watch this piece of the show at this link on her site). My personal favorite is each year on their birthday, having your child hold a picture of the age they are turning. Martha recommends, if possible, to take the picture in the same place each year. How fun to watch them grow up!

The Last Lecture

It's one thing when something inspires you, but it's a whole different thing when someone inspires you. Randy Pausch, famous for his YouTube appearance in his talk, "The Last Lecture," has become an inspiration to millions and millions of you out there by inspiring us to live our lives with a whole new perspective...in a whole new way.

But the twist that makes his story all the more inspirational was his diagnosis and battle with pancreatic cancer. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he used his illness to fuel his life...even right up until the end. He died July 25th, but I don't get the impression he's "lost" the battle, but rather, taken the next step in his journey.

There is just no way to adequately describe Randy's character and magnetic ability to inspire. So turn off "Judge Judy" or "Entertainment Tonight," and trade you time for something that will fill you to overflowing. Watch Randy's "The Last Lecture" here, buy the book here, and view his personal webpage here.

Our hearts and gratitude go out to his wife, Jai, and 3 young kids, Logan, Dylan, and Chloe. I think they'd all agree that despite today's grief, there is still more to come. Yes, Jai, his magic remains.

Grapefruit...some like it hot!

Martha and her crew have come up with this delicious Grapefruit Tea. I thought a sweet warm cup of this was the perfect way to start off the week! Please enjoy the recipe here.

What to do with that blank wall

We all have one. A blank wall we don't quite know what to do with. Of course the geniuses at decor8 have found us some help! Design Aglow has provided us lovely templates to show us how and where to hang pictures in those awckward places and blank walls of our homes! Thank you!

Pencil me in

I love a good pencil skirt! I have looked all summer for a good denim one, and there are none to be found. So what do I do when I can't find something I want? I find a way to somehow make it! I found some instructions on how to turn an old pair of jeans into a skirt here. Now if only I would have been a better student when my mom tried to teach me to sew as a kid...

Some cream with that, Sugar?

I often opt for tea over coffee for my morning caffeine fixes, but this Kona Manual Drip Coffee Maker by Bodum may start a whole new ritual. Not only does it look great, but it also doesn't require being plugged in, is easy to clean, and doesn't hog counter space. Yep, I thought you'd like that!

Get Set

Have you ever watched a movie, or seen a TV show and wanted to bring that same look and feel into your own home? Ever wonder who comes up with these beautiful decores from many different eras and parts of the world? There is a whole group, "Set Decroators Society of America," who does this for a living! They also come out with a beautiful magazine, Set Decore you can subscribe to, or you can download past issues for free on their website here.

Raspberry Smores...YUM!

I love a good chocolate and raspberry combination, but this just looks out of control! It'd be fun and unexpected to serve these at a dinner party (can't you just imagine serving them to guests on fancy dessert china?), or even bring a pint of raspberries along to the campfire. The official recipe can be found on Real Simple's website here.

Free design for all!

It speaks for itself! A whole blog dedicated to the great FREE design out there. Need I say anymore? Design bliss starts here...

What a lovely Pouf you have!

My parents and sis recently returned from a long and lavish Euro Adventure through Greece, Italy, and Turkey. I'll be honest, while they were away I was eagerly awaiting what treasure they had gathered to bring home to ME! Yes, so presumptuous, I know. Anyway, they didn't let me down! My mom picked up this Leather Pouf from a leather shop in Turkey. They make these cushion stools out of the left-over scraps cut from the leather jackets. How resourceful is that? In addition, they are sold un-stuffed, which is not only wonderful for folding up and packing home, but they suggested stuffing the poufs with plastic grocery bags, bubble wrap, and the like once returning home. Way to recycle/reduce/reuse! I'm highly considering tracking some of these down before Christmas to stuff all of the left-over gift wrap and packaging in!

I find it interesting that in our day and age of being green and environmentally friendly (which as a native Oregonian, I am a large supporter of), we're often seeking new products that are created in green ways (which again, I support), but often neglect to recognize that it is at the very heart of being green to recycle and reuse that in which we already have. Many don't realize that even the process to break down recyclable materials can be hard on the environment. So what am I saying? Lets use up what we have, lets get creative and find new ways to use what we often throw away or toss into recycle bins, lets minimize our consumption overall (phew, tangent complete).

So how can we get our hands on these lovely poufs? I've found some here. Or, next time your travels take you to Turkey or Morocco, you can likely pick them up for much less (my mom paid 10 Euros). So next time you host a friend's shower, or as the holidays approach, pick one of these up as fun way to avoid putting loads of gift wrap in the landfill. It'll be a fun way to add a sentimental reminder of the celebration, and a lovely accessory to your home.

Ommm

When it comes to working out, I have had a long dry spell. I've made a million excuses: working long hours, not having a gym membership, and yes, I've even pulled the whole, "I don't have cute gym clothes," excuse. Enough is enough! Last week I made a promise to start taking action towards a healthier lifestyle. As soon as I did that, I discovered a way to take free daily yoga classes home! YogaToday.com offers free yoga classes daily, and I'm thrilled to tell you they're wonderful! I started taking classes yesterday, and loved the ability to yoga-pose-away without an audience (well, other than my dog), or distractions. Best part, I got to wear my PJ's!

"It's more important to make yourself happy than to be like your neighbor." - Michael Graves

I'm devouring the latest "O at Home" issue (Summer 2008), and ran across this quote in a "10 Things I Know for Sure" article featuring architect Michael Graves. The name may not sound familiar to some of you, but I know all you Target-lovers out there will be familiar with his designs when you see them.

Here are some of my favorite designs you can pick up at Target:

As a design-obsessed-Target-lover myself, Michael Graves philosophy has been an inspiration to me in how I fill my home. Specifically, investing in those things I touch and feel everyday. Does ice cream really taste better in a bowl you love holding? I would argue, "yes!" Is is worth going without something until you find the very piece you love? Again, I would argue, "yes," (as I still have yet to purchase adequate matching towels...I just haven't found ones I love enough yet). I know what you're thinking, "Jen, it can get seriously expensive to buy only those things you love." My response, "True, but how much more do you save by buying only what you love in the first place, than constantly replacing what you sorta like over and over." Thankfully for us, Michael Graves has made the "well designed/to cheap ratio" tolerable for even our husbands to bless a splurge.

Glass half full

If any of you have had the pleasure of gushing through the pages of Blueprint Magazine, you'll understand how devastated I was when it was cancelled after only 8 precious issues.  They've since created a blog, Bluelines, and it's great, but just not the same as curling up on the couch with the magazine itself.  Okay, before I digress too far...  In their July/August 2007 issue, they showed the best idea for adding a glow to your tables, and with something many of us already have--wine glasses!  These paper shades fit nicely over wine glasses, and combined with a tea light candle, it lets off a nice glow.  You can buy these lovely shades here.

Or, you can make them!  Download the template from Mirkwood Designs here.  Simply trace, cut and glue (ensure they fit the wine glasses you're using).  

Brides:  your venue or rental company will likely be able to provide extra wine glasses AND tea light candles for little or no money.  If you're making your own, you can customize the shades by tracing onto different colors of vellum, using stamps, or for those of you who have customized invites, ask your designer to bring in elements from your invites (such as monograms) onto the shades. The best part?  You can use them again post-wedding!

A sweet cure to Spring allergies

If you’re like many of us, you get that little tickle in your nose this time of year, and then the aaachhhew…followed by a mad dash for a tissue, and a bright red nose (lovely). Yep, that’s me! And you know, I don’t have allergies severely enough to take medication everyday, which I’m thankful for. However, this leaves me vulnerable to a sudden and random onset of “episodes.” So, my brother told me that a friend of his told him you can cure pollen-related allergies by incorporating local honey into your diet! I’m sure there is some genius scientific explanation about the local bees pollinating and churning out magical honey. Regardless, my brother tried it, and said it works! I’m not a doctor or pharmacist, but I do love a good natural solution that tastes sweet and supports or local economy.

Some good ways to incorporate honey into your diet: eat it straight up, drizzle on bananas (ooh, and add a dash of cinnamon and spoonful of peanut butter…yum!), pour into tea…

We found local honey at Whole Foods, and I’m sure a number of other natural food stores and farmers markets will also have a fresh and local stash. Enjoy!