Oh No!

I FINALLY just subscribed to "Domino" and was enjoying my first issue, and heard the news that they're closing down. Just the most recent shelter magazine to go. Damn this economy!

Black mantels

A friend was asking about painting her mantel black the other day. She had started on it but felt it was too stark. I recommended a softer shade: my favorite is Bronzetone by Benjamin Moore. It has a bit of brown in it for a more muted look.

Second Chance for Steinmart?

I gave up on Steinmart a while ago, finding that most of their stuff was poorly fitting and more directed at the holiday sweater crowd.

So I stopped short yesterday when I ran in to look for a sale on boots and saw Free People and Lucky Jeans on display. It seems to be a small inventory, but they had a few cute pieces, like this:

I might have to put them back on my discount-store rotation!

Chic pillows

I love these pillows that Top Design contestant Eddie Ross made out of old silk scarves. I think I'm going to borrow my mom's sewing machine and try this as my first DIY project of the year. The last time I tried sewing was Home Ec class in 7th grade, and my teacher pretty much finished my skirt for me. Wish me luck!

CB2

Here are some favorites from CB2, Crate and Barrel's new store. I love the lacquer boxes, and they're on sale! The wineglasses would work with any decor -- so pretty, and I love the less formal way of serving wine. Also wondering if I can get away with these modern barstools in my traditional kitchen. Would have to talk the spouse into it, for sure!

Waiting on the New Year

Sometimes I find myself fighting post-Christmas letdown. All the build-up, the decorations we JUST put up, presents unwrapped...how can it be over so fast?!

So, in case you're in need of a little pick-me-up, too, here's a gorgeous image from J.Crew Collections. Drink in the prettiness!

Maybe if it gets to 70% off, I can buy the skirt for next year!

Merry Christmas!

May your holidays bring peace, like in this earlier and simpler time.

More family houses

My brother-and-sister-in-law's beautiful house in Atlanta, where we spent Thanksgiving this year.

Blackberry Farm

I had the extreme good fortune to spend last weekend at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee. Beautiful scenery, amazing food and top-notch service.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rum-Raisin Carrot Cake

I made this yesterday for my friend Angie's birthday, and it came out great, if I do say so! I mixed and matched a couple of recipes and made some of my own additions...hopefully I can remember everything I did!

Cake
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups canola oil
4 large eggs

1/2 cup applesauce
3 cups grated peeled carrots (4-5 large carrots)
1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped, toasted walnuts

3/4 cup raisins, soaked in 1 cup dark rum for at least 30 minutes (reserve rum)

Cream Cheese Frosting
Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
One stick of softened butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box confectioners' sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

For cake:Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter two 9-inch-diameter cake pans. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper. Butter and flour paper; tap out excess flour. Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger in medium bowl to blend. Whisk sugar and oil in large bowl until well blended. Whisk in eggs 1 at a time. Mix in applesauce until blended. Add flour mixture and stir until blended. Stir in carrots, walnuts and ginger. Gently mix in drained raisins. Divide batter between prepared pans.
Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Cool cakes in pans 15 minutes. Turn out onto racks. Peel off waxed paper; poke holes in cakes with a toothpick, drizzle reserved rum equally over each cake. Cool completely before frosting.

For frosting: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, confectioners' sugar and brown sugar. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat on medium speed until well combined and fluffy, about 10 minutes or until smooth. Spread the frosting between cake layers and all over cake. Decorate with walnut halves if desired.

Christmas List, Part 1

I'm starting my Christmas list....here are a few of my wants and needs:



A personalized
necklace by Lisa Leonard (want)

This bunny-soft pullover from Northface, in cream. (want?)

And a gift card from Williams-Sonoma so I can replace all my awful-looking baking sheets and muffin pans. (need)

Michelle Obama

No matter your politics, we can all agree that Michelle Obama is bringing great style to the Whitehouse! Here are some stellar looks:


She's not afraid of color: orange is gorgeous and current.

This is my favorite! I love the chic black tee with feminine skirt.

Another winner with bright color

A dressier look: belted and beautiful!

wallpaper love

Love this chic chandelier design.....

and what a great way to add interest to a stairway wall!

Alexa's Bedroom

Some fun ideas for my young friend Alexa's new bedroom. She wants some pink, which I've given her with that gorgeous pillow. I would also paint at least one wall that same shocking shade. The metallic silver and mirrored finishes look great with that bright color. I'd add a zebra rug and a vintage dresser.

(Email me for sources)

Tres chic table lamp

I'm lamp shopping for the console table in my den, and found this on Target.com. Great looking! Not cheap, but you can get free shipping. Nice mix of modern and traditional and would work in any decor. Probably too expensive for me since I need two!

Heart of the Bride

Check out this beautiful jewelry from Heart of the Bride. All pieces are handmade from magazines by women in Uganda. All proceeds go to orphaned children in Africa. Prices are beyond reasonable! What a Christmas gift idea!
Thanks to Skirt.com for the reference.

Tory Burch on ebay

Check out this cute Tory Burch trench on ebay. Could be a great deal for somebody!

potato pancakes

Lots of times when I'm asked what my favorite food is, I can't think of the ultimate. I like so MUCH food it's hard to narrow it down. But the other day I had an epiphany: potato pancakes! My inspiration stems from the fact that I have twice made mashed potatoes recently for the explicit purpose of having leftovers to turn into these delicious gems, and my kids have eaten up every last bit! And neither of them likes potato pancakes! Coincidence? I think not! It's a conspiracy to keep me from my favorite comfort food. So, very soon, I will be making a whole pot of potatoes for the sole purpose of glorious 'cakes!

My recipe is haphazard; no measuring involved. Just take the cold leftover mash, add an egg, a small handful of flour, maybe onion powder and salt and pepper. Mix with a fork -- the dough shouldn't be too dry, but dry enough to clump together a bit. Drop into hot oil in a skillet (I use olive oil to try and be healthy, but I guess we are talking about fried mashed potatoes, so who cares!). Brown on both sides and sprinkle with a little more salt. Bliss!

Grocery Bags

Here's my public service message for the week: Please use recyclable bags when you shop! I'm trying hard to do this. I carry about 4 of them in my car and most of the time forget to bring them in, but yesterday I remembered at Kroger. The bagboys still look at you kind of strangely, but if we all do this it will become the norm.

When we were in Australia back in 2005, you had to bring your own bags -- none available at all -- and bag your own groceries. We could cut out the bagboy salaries and get that money back to the consumer, no?

Okay, I'm off my high-horse now!

L.A. Haven

My sister's gorgeous little house in the Hollywood Hills. Lucky girl!