Mike's Library Design Board & Inspiration

We are finally furnishing the last empty room in our house.  With so many house decisions to be made, we decided to wait a while to do Mike's Library/Office.  For the last couple of months the wood paneled room has been completely empty, collecting dust (and random toys, junk, etc.).  Mid-October is here and I'm swimming in swatches of tartan plaids and wool; the timing couldn't be more perfect to outfit this warm and cozy room.  It would've been hard to furnish a handsome library properly in the middle of May : )

Above : The photo above is not Mike's Library.  It is Ralph Lauren's... so, not even close to Mike's.  Each time we've been into a Ralph Lauren flagship store (New York, Aspen, Chicago & East Hampton), we both love the design and feeling of warm spaces.  He always walks away saying, that is exactly what I want someday.  

This is his dream : a warm wood-paneled room full of collected books, sports mementoes (golf flags), Mizzou paraphernalia and tufted leather chairs.  However, his room will not feature an over-sized oil painting, but a flatscreen TV instead ; )  

With Mike's vision taking the lead, here is what I've come up with : 

On the design board :  Ralph Lauren's Study, Restoration Hardware Churchill Chairs (we ordered them in Antique Whiskey), Red Tartan Plaid Throw, Camel & Grey Throws from my store, Antique Rug (we purchased last weekend!), Green & Navy Tartan Plaid Pillow, Brass Picture Lamps, Herringbone and Nailhead Ottoman (debating...).

This colorful and rich world is all new to me - and fun.  I've always been a very neutral appreciating person, but have also loved Mike's vision and feeling of those masculine spaces.   

We have most of the pieces in place, except :

Ottoman : While Ralph layers lots of different patterns, my neutral loving instincts would like to ground the room with this camel and brown herringbone ottoman to help it fit in with the rest of the house.  Thoughts?  Another option is this Kilim Ottoman from local shop, Nell Hills.  It would create more of a gathered and eclectic feel.  Hard to tell in the photo, but has browns, ivory and red.

Window Treatments : I've ordered some linen Roman Shades that will mimic grasscloth.  I would like to also do drapes, but again not sure how neutral I should go.

I'll set you up for how the room fits in our house : 

In this photo, the front door is on the left - this is the front foyer.  Behind me is our natural linen filled living room.

The chairs arrived yesterday - I'm so relieved that they fit nicely.  I was terrified that they would be scrunched in here.  As always, stained wood is hard to photograph; it appears yellowish here, but doesn't read that way in person.

The rug is about 5'x7'.  We found it at Art & Antiques in Rocheport, Mo. over the weekend.

We were drawn to this rug because it has navy and a rusty red with caramel and browns - hard to find.

My spode woodland dishes have found a home here.  I've updated the bookcases from this photo to add some actual books, too.

This is where the TV will go.

This desk was a find of all finds.  It is called a Shipmen's desk.  It has a leather top and was a Bargain and a half, thank goodness.  It is one of my favorite pieces in our entire house.

I'm also planning to reupholster the desk chair - a vintage walnut and leather desk chair from the 70's... another decision to be made.   I'm happy to have it sort of disappear for the moment with a throw draped over until I can decide.

Now, I'm off to file through this Pinterest Board I created on my ipad to hunt for more inspiration while I have lunch on the back porch.  I love October.  And I love furnishing warm and cozy rooms with lots of colors.  Who knew?! 

This Week | Menu & Projects

I'm pretending today is Monday... I have no idea what happened to yesterday, but it was a quick one.  I wish October days crawled by as slowly as August ones.  They are going too quickly - I can hardly believe it is already (almost) half over.  Time, please slow down.

Last week's checklist got partially completed - very partially.  I did accomplish Emma's 1-2 year-old book, so I'll call it a win!

Another big "win" was the after school Caramel Popcorn (recipe here).

A side not about making actual (non-microwave) popcorn : I haven't had real stove-top popped popcorn since we got a microwave in 1985.  It was such a treat.  Emma and I were both amazed that just a small scoop of kernels filled the pot!  We enjoy our fair share of treats (Emma's slightly obsessed with Starbucks cake pops...), but I do love being able to show her how food is made - and that it doesn't have come out of a package to be a treat.  I really do try to avoid things that coming in fancy packages (kid yogurts, snacks, etc.) because I like her food to look like food instead of a fun toy/treat.  So, "homemade" popcorn is going to be a new favorite... especially topped with caramel.

The entire recipe was very simple and easy.  I added a lot of extra sea salt and we both gobbled it up.  I plan to make this often - and might throw in some cashews next time, too.  Yum!



I've been getting requests for more unedited photos and snippets of our home.  I love the idea of that - and it is actually much easier than staging anyway.  I took my camera around this morning a captured a couple of favorite moments happening in our home this October.

I love this pumpkin!  From one side he looks green and from the other he looks orange.  Very pretty in our hearth room.  Clearly, Mr. Darcy couldn't care less.

These little gourds were supposed to be made into vases for the mantle to house bittersweet, but they've moved right into their spot on the counter and I don't think they are going anywhere.

Emma and I've been collecting leaves for a new project.  Last year when we didn't have a house (ok, that's a little dramatic - we were living with Mike's parents while our house was being built), I would dream about all of the projects and crafts we would do to decorate each season.   I love seeing our real life strewn about the house.  It might be a pile of leaves, Emma's "notes" she's been writing or a stack of thank you notes received.  I feel like all of these signs of life make a home feel so good.  Did you spot that playdoh creation in the background with the copper cookie cutter?  A playdoh cupcake topped with a My Little Pony - a house specialty.

This is our leaf project.  I bought a foam wreath form and wrapped it with Gold Ribbon (2" grosgrain from my store).  We'll collect favorite leaves throughout the fall and pin them on the wreath as we go.  I'm always up for activities that will help engage her in nature and changing of the seasons.  Whatever I can do to avoid requests for shows/ipad... the never ending battle.



By Thanksgiving I hope to have a wreath full of leaves to hang on our door.  Emma loved using the pins - now she wants to start sewing... eeeek!

Our dining/kitchen table has evolved from apples a couple of weeks ago to mini pie pumpkins.  I've also been lighting these bayberry candles I had left over from last year.  They will be back in the store in a couple of weeks.  The scent is so earthy and everything I love.  Usually I don't burn scented candles at the table - and these aren't really "scented."  They are naturally fragrant because of the bayberry wax used.

Shoes, two by two, on the stairs.  I buy Emma the same pair of shoes every year in the same color - Navy and Pale Pink.  I'm so glad she still loves them and picks them out to wear.  I dread the year she no longer wants to wear her leather Mary Janes.

*my flats are from j.crew.
*emma's are L'Amour found here.



We made our first "real" rug purchase over the weekend - an antique persian for Mike's Office.  I love the colors.  Normally, I lean toward warm neutrals, so this is a big departure.  I'm hoping to add a rug like these to each room of our house - especially to use during the colder months.    It will take some time to collect (and be able to afford...) them and I look forward to the hunt.  The next on my list is a runner for the kitchen.  I'm hoping to find one that is well worn and a steal, since it will take a beating between my stove and the sink.

Now that we have the rug, I'll be sharing the design board for his Office/Library tomorrow - the chairs are arriving today.

I'm so glad that we left some of the original hardware in the house when we re-built.  Many times my builder and Mike tried to talk me into a new door and new hardware for the front entry.

 But then, I would've missed moments like this that show some age and life.  Stick to your guns.

Some pumpkin piles from last weekend and leaves beginning to pile up, too.  Mr. is using all of his restraint not to dart out of the front door.  I still need to fill my basket.  I'm hoping to find some branches of leaves this week that will fit the bill.

I'm obsessed with these little "copper" salt and peppers I found at target last week.  Just this tiny bit of copper color gives the kitchen a warmer feel.  And they were a steal.  I don't know if they are "heirloom quality" (maybe plastic/copper?), but they do the job.

This week's menu :

Braised Beef & Vegetable Stew

I am sure that I sound like a broken record when it comes to recommending this stew, but it is my absolute favorite.  It is also my go-to for delivering to friends with new babies... as we did yesterday for a friend with new twin girls.  It is just so, so good.

Roasted Chicken with Vegetables & Mashed Potatoes

I had to reach way back into the archives for this one.  I have been in the mood for really yummy gravy and mashed potatoes.  Maybe I've been looking at too many Thanksgiving inspiration photos.

Penne & Shrimp in a Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce

Because I can't avoid pasta for more than a couple of days in a row : )  This was also from many years ago, and I always forget about it.  It is a great dish for fall because the roasted red pepper cream sauce makes it very hearty and comforting.

Ginger Spice Cookies

I'm looking to experiment with these this week - maybe a cross between this recipe and a snicker-doodle.  If I fail, at least the kitchen will smell amazing : )

Happy Week,
Jenny

Weekly Menu | Pork Roast, Caramel Corn, Moroccan Chicken Stew & Martha Videos

This week's menu looks a little different than most weeks.  Actually, this week is going to look a little different in general.  I'm giving myself some free time this week to check off some to-do's before holiday business begins.  The biggest thing on my list is to complete a couple of years worth of photo albums!  Remember this post about Emma's 0-1 book?  Well, shamefully, that was the last one I completed : )  So, this is the week.  I'm spending the week in photos - creating a gallery wall in our stairwell and completing all of the books I've missed... including a wedding album for Mike and Me.  Since our 5 year anniversary is this year, I thought it was high time.  Whoops.

As I was saying, this menu looks a little different because this week I've challenged myself to find some new recipes and fresh inspiration this week.  I love fall cooking and have already made many of our favorites, so I'm ready to reach out and look to others for inspiration.  I have a new favorite (pork roast with onions and apples, served with a dollop of apple butter, cheddar grits and salad with cranberry and pumpkin seeds) pictured above that I'll share tomorrow.  I thought it would be fun to share some spots where I find inspiration along the way.

Updated : Pork Roast with Apples & Onions Recipe

Another way this week is going to look different is because I'm going to write more.  When I added the store two years ago, it takes up most of my allotted "work" time, which leaves me less time to write and share other aspects of our life and home.  I miss writing - it is actually one of my favorite ways to unwind and reflect.  I love looking back on a week or a moment and taking time to relish in it.  So this week, I'm allowing myself some time to write more on the blog and reflect on some of the "thin moments" of time that bless us.  Now that the Halloween products are available in my store, and I have a little breathing room until Thanksgiving and Holiday collections come along - I'm going to take it.

I hope everyone has an opportunity (or makes an opportunity) to enjoy this week.  Taking time to slow down and just enjoy is such a treat that we all deserve.  Make an effort to do that for yourself, or better yet - to help someone else do the same.

. . .

Monday :  The first thing on my list is this Caramel Corn from Tessa.  I'm planning this for an after school snack and for dessert tonight.  Tessa treats you to two recipes in the same post, this caramel corn and a Moroccan Chicken Stew that I've been itching to try.  I love the way Tessa blogs - it is well worth your time to look at her years past posts of Fall months- one of my favorite things to do..  Lots of great fall traditions to put on your list.

Caramel Corn

Chicken Moroccan Stew

I'm looking for a really great Lasagna recipe.  I've never made one with a béchamel before and have been day dreaming about it for a while.  I always start with a google image search for new recipes.  If you have any favorites, please share!

It is no secret that I find much inspiration from Martha Stewart.  Truthfully, while I like the current magazine, I really love the old videos in her archives.  I can vividly remember hurrying home from school to catch the daily show.  My mom would come home from work to find me making some sort of seasonal craft or recipe inspired by the show.  What a nutty kid, right?  I don't know what it is about these old videos that are still chalk full of inspiration for me - maybe the traditional elements, or the settings of classic new england farm kitchens/yards?  Whatever it is, I still love them.

The other day at Target I came across this Country Home magazine (I believe it is a Better Homes and Garden special mag?).  I flipped through it, loving every single photo.  I hardly ever find a magazine that really inspires me or offers something that really speaks to me.  Every home featured was just everything I love.  I didn't buy it because it was $12.99, but I can't stop thinking about it.  So, today I'm headed back and will treat myself to a copy.

I'd love to hear about where you get your inspiration.  I'm on the hunt for recipes and decor ideas this week, so please share.  I hope everyone enjoys this first full week of October : )

Jenny

A Barefoot Contessa Dinner Party | Last Night's Dinner...

I'm still on a high from last night's dinner party - the food was soooo good.  I can say that without seeming full of myself because I didn't cook everything, and I didn't write the recipes.  Even my friends said they were shocked when I asked if they thought it would be fun for everyone to contribute to the dinner - normally I like to make everything so I have complete control over the dinner.  But, it was really fun for everyone to get in on the fun of making their favorite recipe from Foolproof.

If you're new to the Foolproof party, you can read all about my Barefoot Contessa project, here.

After chatting with my friends about the menu, we made a couple of revisions to the original selections I had posted earlier this week based on their recommendations.  Katie's favorite from the book is the Orange-Braised Carrots and Parsnips, so we decided to add that to the menu.  And, we have a pregnant friend so instead of the Chocolate Cassis Cake I opted to make the Barefoot classic, Chocolate Ganache Cake (from Parties, my all-time favorite Barefoot Contessa book, as I was quoted in this article).  I had actually never made the recipe before and I knew it would right up Mike's alley. 



Everything was absolutely amazing - and the menu was a great combination.  I highly recommend it.

Read more details on the table setting, here.

Our Barefoot Contessa Foolproof Menu :

Sidecars (cocktail)
Parmesan Crisps
Caramelized Bacon
Slow-Roasted Beef Tenderloin (I can't get enough...)
Balsamic-Roased Brussels Sprouts
Orange-Braised Carrots and Parsnips
Chocolate Ganache Cake with Whipped Cream

We started the night with a platter of nibbles that packed a punch, but were light enough not to ruin our appetites, and... cocktails.

We are typically such a wine crowd that I was hesitant to serve a cocktail, but it was such a festive addition.  It really started the night off with a more celebratory feel.  I altered Ina's recipe for a classic Sidecar by adding some Blood Orange sparkling European soda.  I loved the bitterness the blood orange added, and it made it a little more special (without cognac, of course) for my pregnant friend. 











The Parmesan Crisps were the easiest thing I've ever made - ever.  You literally grate cheese, add seasoning and bake them for 8 minutes.  They are the perfect thing to serve with drinks - crispy, salty and light.

I feel like I don't even need to write anything about this - Caramelized Bacon says it all!



Katie's Orange-Braised Carrots and Parsnips.  These were out of this world!  They don't taste like typical glazed or roasted carrots - it is almost like they develop a flavor all their own.  I can't wait to make them myself.

Dinner is served - very Ina, serving it all on one platter.  The Slow-Roasted Beef Tenderloin was perfect.  For our 6 guests, I had the butcher cut a 3 pound section from the whole tenderloin.  This is my third time preparing the beef this way - Christmas, New Years Eve and now this party - each time it is perfect.  

Sorry for the blurry pic - my camera was on the wrong setting.  Ugh.

The complete plate - all of the vegetables were so nice with the beef.  It was a decadent dinner without being too heavy. 



Aren't all of the colors so lovely?  

For dessert, I made Ina's Chocolate Ganache Cake from her book, Parties.  In that book she called this a "foolproof" recipe that was a staple at her store, The Barefoot Contessa.  It was amazing.  It might be my new favorite go-to dessert.



 Such a fun night with friends!  Thanks, Ina for a fabulous menu!