Fall always reminds me of apples and apple picking and home in Washington state. My mom used to make us hot baked whole apples with cinnamon and I still love this treat!  I found this simple roasted apple recipe via the beautiful food blog Not Without Salt {there is so much to drool over here - you have to visit!} These look sooo yummy and perfect for the fall weather . . . 

Roasted Apples

Whatever doesn’t end up on ice cream makes a wonderful addition to oatmeal, yogurt or eaten on their own.

4 large apples (2 lbs), peeled and cut in 1” chunks

1 3” cinnamon stick

½ vanilla bean

1-2 Tbl dark brown sugar

2 Tbl butter

Pre-heat your 450*.

Combine all the ingredients in a roasting pan. Dot the apples with small pieces of the butter. Roast 50-60 minutes, stirring every 15-20 minutes until apples are cooked through and golden around the edges.

Yum!!! I hope you are having a relaxing and beautiful fall weekend!

{images and recipe via}

Mantles: A Fall Edition!

Thanks so much for all your lovely comments on the stylish fireplace mantles I featured yesterday! Today I thought it would be fun to share some chic and tastefully decorated fall mantles.  I love going over the top for the holidays as much as the next girl, but at home, I prefer a bit of restraint . . . so no cotton cobwebs or cauldrons of steaming brew here - just some beautiful autumn decor!

 I think incorporating natural and organic elements is one important tip! I also love styling that has a vintage feel. What do you think? 

Happy Fall!

{ images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6}

Mantles: Style it Up

I love a fireplace mantel! Whether the fireplace is functional or just for decorative effect, a mantle provides a wonderful focal point for the room and is the perfect place for a vignette of art or favorite objects and is a great way show off your personal style.

I have sadly not yet lived in a home with a mantle of my own {and certainly a mantle is a bit unusual here in steamy Singpore} but it is definitely on my wish list! Today, I think I would fill mine with potted orchids, small pieces we've pick up on our travels and maybe some glass vases or bottles. . . oh, and a small oil painting or print - but next week I might style it all over again. 

That's the best part - you can rotate your mantle's decorative touches as often as you want!

I love the mantle framed by olive green walls with the mod lamp and small black and white painting. Which is your favorite? 

How would you style yours at home? 

{images via, last image via}

Book Love . . . Dish: 813 Colorful, Wonderful Dinner Plates

I am so excited for my friend Shax Riegler who just released his fabulous design book, Dish: 813 Colorful, Wonderful Dinner Plates! We both got our masters degrees in the history of decorative arts together, and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of his beautiful new book! It is full of gorgeous images and includes a design timeline of dinnerware from the 15th century up to today. I love the history and sentimental meaning dishes often hold. I love how dishes are passed down in families, sold at vintage shops, and used in everyday life. 

I hope you get yourself a copy too! 

You can read the whole wonderful NY Times magazine review and interview with the author here! 

Congrats to Shax on all his success!! 

Office Tour: Fashion Designer Jason Wu

Fashion designer Jason Wu is well known for his ethereal fabrics, gorgeous details, and modern but feminine pieces. I was especially in love with the white dress Michelle Obama wore for the inauguration! I was so curious and excited when I discovered that Carrier & Co., whose interiors I adore, decorated his offices. . . and the resulting spaces are just divine! They have so much chic style and personality but still really let the clothing shine. Plus, the decor is fresh and modern without being cold. While it is an office, there are tons of great decorative details to take home too! 

I love the way Carrier & Co. contrasts the cool cement floors and modern metal clothes racks with antique inspired pieces like the black tables and red Thonet chairs! I also am crazy for oversized bunches of bare branches - what a lovely organic touch. What is your favorite element?

{All images via, except 2} 

Inspired IKEA: The Maskros Pendant

I love spotting standard retail pieces used in beautiful and innovative ways! Here is a bit of IKEA spotting for the Maskros light pendant. It has a great mod feel and is such a fun statement piece. It is rather large {could not believe how large when I saw it in person!} but since its construction is airy and light it does not feel overwhelming. Here are a few examples of it looking especially interesting and luxe! 

I especially love it it in the eclectic bedroom at the top and when painted gold. 

When well styled, I think it's a fantastic piece! 

{via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5}

A Quick History: Turquoise Ceramics!

I am so excited to be guest blogging today over at the wonderful 

I am sharing a bit of the design history behind turquoise ceramics so please visit me there. . .  but just to get you started, are just a few lovely turquoise ceramic inspirations!

{via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4}

Castle Creek Designs: Chic Pillow Giveaway WINNER!

Congrats to Allison of Two Thirty-Five Designs! You are the winner of the pair of beautiful pillows from Castle Creek. You said you loved them all . . . but now you actually have to pick your favorite pair!

Happy Monday!