Feeling Fuzzy

Today dawned, and continues to be, grey, damp, and bone chillingly cold {yet again}. It just makes me want to crawl back under the covers, particularly if they're warm and fuzzy.



I'd also happily bury my feet into some snuggly shag.




all images via atelier turner 1,2, 3, 4 

That's it, the hunt for a full set of comfy, cozy home accessories has begun! Do they make a shag rug that can fit under a desk?!

Smitten Kitchen

Is a ladder in your kitchen practical?


via that kind of woman

Unlikely. Do I desperately want one anyway? Absolutely.

Le sigh.

Hey Good Lookin'

Look what you've got cookkin': Sandwiches!

Not what you expected? I think sandwiches, though probably still one of the most common lunch foods, tend to get short shrift.


images by scanwiches via you are my favorite

But apparently there is a plethora of, at least what look like, great sandwiches. But don't take my word for it - just check out Scanwiches - a blog chronicling the deli delights all around New York City.

I think I'm going on a sandwich hunt for lunch today!

Healthy Competition

While I tend to stand more confidently on my fashion chops, a few weeks back I entered a little design challenge being hosted by South of Market and by some miracle my "Dramatic Dining Room for Eight" made the top 5 finalists!



I have the chance to not only boost my interior styling self-confidence, but also a SOM giftcard. And trust me, my home needs all the help it can get.

So this is where I need your help luvies! The design challenge winner will be selected by audience voting. Can I get a little love?

Please place a vote for my dramatic dining room by commenting at South of Market here, on Facebook here or on Twitter. Just be sure to include @somtweets.

I would so appreciate your support!

Cheers,
*Mrs.E

Cooking Up Creativity

With Fashion Week in full effect I realized I, and the blog, have become a little single-minded. As much as I love good clothes, I'm craving some tasty interious! Well, do I have a juicy treat for you. It's very drool worthy.


images via house & home

These delicious spaces are actually all apart of Creative Flats, rentable flats and lofts in Montreal. Intended for short term rental for creative types, I could see myself cooking up a bevvy of mouth-watering ideas in spaces with this much eye candy.

They definitely leave me hungry for more. Field trip to Montreal anyone!?

Supersize Me

I'm totally loving the look of the oversized accessories in both fashion and home decor these days.


asos portfolio clutch and room via mixer.se

A large piece creates a focal point and makes a stunning statement, either walking down the street or in your living room yet still doesn't seem totally in your face.

I'd love to turn this clutch into a work bag (practical no - but fabulous, yes!). And since I actually have high ceilings. that "desk lamp" would add the perfect quirk to the space!

Go big or go home people!

Tasty Tuesday {Island Hopping}

While I started Tasty Tuesdays to compile mouth-watering recipes, I've also used it as an excuse to stock my file of drool-worthy kitchens {for our pending home remodel!}, preferably one with my own private island.

I think I've found three contenders!




via i want that kitchen

I wouldn't mind being stranded in any one of these. It'd like having my own culinary oasis!

How Do You Hibernate {stephmodo}

Well, today it is officially back to reality and I am completely in denial. Luckily, on this first Tasty Tuesday of 2011, I have a few taste treats to share with you.

First off, below you will find the darling and talented of Stephanie of stepmodo's mouth watering answer to the question How Do You Hibernate?

And then, if you're still hungry for more, you can head over to the Rue Blog, where I feel incredibly privileged to join the dazzling group making up the Rue blogging team. You can check out my debut post here!

Finally, if you haven't entered our Happy New Year giveaway, there's still time (but the clock is ticking!).


How Do You Hibernate? {stephmodo}

Right now hibernating sounds like a lot of fun...and with the holiday season now behind us, I'll be participating more actively in this alluring activity :)

I think most people like to curl up to a great book and I admit, I love that too. Or a great magazine...like the latest Donna Hay or Sunset. However, I find that I'm more prone to baking and cooking when it's cold, windy and gray outside. Making great food and yummy treats puts a smile on everyone's face, despite the gloomy weather, and this encourages me to put forth the effort and stay active in the kitchen. Below is a recipe for one of my winter favorites - Cranberry Orange Bread.





all images by stephanie

I also enjoy decorating and finishing up home projects during the winter.



The dismal weather presents an excellent opportunity to stay inside and analyze what you love surrounding yourself with. I'm a proponent of surrounding yourself with pieces you love, while considering budgetary limitations. Cozying up to Craigslist on a winter day is my idea of a good time too :) You can check out a recent tour of our home here.

Stephmodo's Cranberry Orange Bread
makes 1 large loaf or 4 mini-loaves

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon good salt
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (about 3 oranges)
zest of 3 large oranges (about 1 Tablespoon, packed)
1 egg
1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
1/3 cup chopped walnuts


Preheat oven to 350°. Sift all dry ingredients together. Cut in butter until the mixtures resembles coarse meal. Over a plate or parchment paper, zest the oranges using a microplane zester. Set aside. Cut the oranges in half and juice. In another small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, zest, and egg with a whisk. Add the orange juice mixture to the dry ingredients all at once. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts. Spoon the mixture into one greased loaf pan or into four greased mini-loaf pans. If you make one large loaf, cook the bread for 1 hour. If you are making the mini-loaves, set your timer to about 30 minutes (you’ll want to start watching it at 25 minutes as ovens are all different). Once out of the oven, cook the loaf pans on a wire rack for ten minutes. When the bread is slightly cooled you can tap the loaf/loaves out of the pans carefully and place them on the wire rack for additional cooling. Enjoy!

A huge thank you to Stephanie for joining the How Do You Hibernate series! My stomach is now growling.

Ok, maybe getting back on this horse isn't so bad :)

Cheers luvies!
*Mrs. E

White Out

Every time I think I'm done, I'm completely bought into the dark floor craze, bright whitew suddenly start looking so appealing again!




images via cherry blossom and door sixteen


It might have something to do with the fact that we've dipped under 8-hours of daylight, but there's also something just so inviting about the blank slate that a whitewash provides. When anchored by stunning hardwoods and the right plush accents, the white still feels amazingly warm and most importantly, nice and bright.

I guess the debate rages on!

Long Weekend Lusting

There is so much goodness to be found when you're suddenly flush with free time and the joys of blog world to troll. I just couldn't resist sharing a few of my favoriate finds.

I'm loving a look that gives a nod to harvest season,



I'm dreaming of an Italian retreat,



I'm coveting noir for the holidays,


Perhpas with a little spot of color to brighten the mood.



But what I'm really loving is the fact that there are still two more days of the weekend to go! Now there's something to be thankful for.

I hope you're having a wonderful holiday luvies!
*Mrs. E

Rockin' Rochas

Ahhhh, to live the life of a supermodel. Well, really, just to live in the home of one. I'm loving Coco Rochas' NYC apartment.

The views. The vintage vibe. And the fabulous glamour. Did you catch the YSL "yove saved la rent" piggy bank?!

And we don't even get to see her closet. I can only imagine! Le sigh.

Note to Self

via pretty stuff

Always listen to Coco. Her advice is always in style and will ensure you are too.

Happy almost Friday luvies (can you tell I'm counting down!)

A Great Space

Now that things are getting back to normal after the wedding, I had to find another project to keep my creative juices flowing so next up...home renovation! At this point, I have no idea what I'm getting myself into, but I'm loving step 1: bank inspiration.

Like this rad Brooklyn apartment's kitchen and dinning room.


via from me to you

I abosultely adore the mismatched Ikea chairs - brilliant way to add interest and play off of the (stunning) hard wood floors, and in totally economical fashion. And I spy lots of handy Ikea shelves in the kitchen too. Brilliant and on budget? Love it.

Definitely filing these ideas away for later! Be sure you check out the rest of the apartment here.

Pretty It Up With Pattern

Maybe it's the sudden infusion of vitamin d from the Portland sun, but I'm totally drawn to energetic patterns right now. Ask my husband - not my norm! It's certainly an easy way to make a bold statement without saying a thing.

pillows via bestill, dresses catherine malandrino resort 2011, chair via elite leather company

I've long been a fan of using pillows to reengerize any tired room. The tiny investment can result in big change to the space. And a dress with a fabulous print is an instant outfit. No mixing and matching required. Throw on, go out and be the life of the party. While a statement piece of furniture may be a bit harder to pull off, it's such a great way to break the matched set habit. 

Because sometimes you just get tired of being quite, right?

Going Dutch

After our honeymoon wanderings through the Netherlands, I'm finding myself drawn to the classic Dutch blue and white. Especially when I spotted the gorgeous work of Sara Gilbane Interiors.

via simply seductive

It's so bright and cheerful, wouldn't you agree?!