Currently No. 9

I love the start of a new month with a fresh budget to divvy up. I've been scouting linen sheets and might just have to add these pillowcases to my collection. I also went down the rabbit hole of beauty treatments and splurged on Caudalie Divine Oil and Davines All-In-One Milk. Lastly, Heath ceramic coffee mugs are perfection and I'm intrigued by the butler's friend wine opener. How long is your current wishlist?

(1) Kerry Cassill Luxury Indian Printed Pillowcases (2) Caudalie Divine Oil
(3) Davines OI / All-In-One Milk (4) Heath Ceramics Large Modern Cup
(5) L'Atelier du Vin Twin Blade Corkscrew

Currently No. 3

Currently loving some serious ice cubes for cocktails, glossy black t-strap Birkenstock sandals, this relaxed cornflower blue clutch from Coach, and playing Hozier's From Eden EP on repeat.

(1) Tovolo King Cube Ice Tray (2) Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor™

(3) Coach Bleeker Shoulder Bag (4) Music: Hozier | From Eden EP

Moscow Mules

I love glassware, so a drink that literally specifies a copper mug is right up my alley. The only decision to make is whether to go classic or a bit more modern. . .

Which would you prefer for your Moscow Mule?

Cocktail Kingdom v. Crate & Barrel

Whisky Peach and Plum Galette

I googled peach and plum galette and this beauty popped up from Crepes of Wrath. The warm whisky brown sugar soaked fruit adds a lovely depth to the galette. I took a few shortcuts using a Trader Joe's pie crust and soy milk for the egg wash. . . It's a great way to use the stone fruit while it's in season.

Whisky Peach and Plum Galette
(adapted from Crepes of Wrath)

Ingredients:

Trader Joe's Pie Crust

Filling

2 Peaches

4 Plums
1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 cup Water

2 tablespoons Brown Sugar

2 tablespoons Maker's Mark Bourbon

1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon

1 tablespoon Butter
Egg wash or Soy Milk for crust

Raw Sugar, for sprinkling 

Vanilla Ice Cream

Directions:

1. I just picked up a package of Trader Joe's Pie Crust, it's very buttery
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Slice the peach and plum uniformly, and toss with the lemon juice. In a small pot, bring the water and brown sugar to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the whisky, vanilla, butter, and cinnamon until melted together, then remove from heat. Pour this mixture over the peaches and plums, then let them soak in the warm sauce for at least 5 minutes.
3. Unroll and lightly shape your defrosted pie crust. Place the fruit mixture in the center of the crust; then fold the sides in. Whisk together an egg wash (or just use soy milk), brush the crust, and sprinkle with sugar. 
4. Place the galette on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sides of the galette are golden and firm. Allow to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before serving with a few generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Punches Make a Comeback

You may have heard of Boozeday Tuesday by now and I thought it might be fun to showcase a few tidbits about the imbibements of which some of us indulge.

According to the Los Angeles Times, punch is making a comeback with it's communal atmosphere and potent combinations. Perfect for parties, punch is a low-maintenance entertaining drink. It is thought that the original punch, imbibed by British sailors in India contained five ingredients (one weak theory of the etymology of punch, is that it derives from panch, or "five" in Hindustani). The five key elements still include citrus, sugar, spirits, water, and spice. However, anything served in a punch bowl is considered punch, so the non-alcoholic variety need not be offended.

One punch gaining popularity is Pisco Punch. Pisco is a Peruvian brandy that traditionally pairs well with the sweetness of pineapple and of course the sourness of citrus. Are you ready to break out the punch bowl?

Peruvian Pisco Punch
via The Kitchen
Serves 10 to 12

1 bottle of Peruvian Pisco, 750 ml
1/2 small pineapple, peeled, cored and chopped into bite size pieces (about 2- 3 cups)
10 ounces (about 1 1/4 cup) simple syrup
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained
1 small lime sliced into wheels, for garnish
1/2 lemon sliced into wheels, for garnish
Ice

In a punch bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Stir to combine, add a large chunk of ice, and serve.


(Image of Stawberry Pisco Punch via Honestly Yum)

On My Radar: Ceramic & Glass

I love white in kitchens, it always looks fresh and inviting and it will never date.

(1) CB2 Twine Server  (2) CB2 Mini Tube Stacking Glass

(3) Design House Stockholm Jug (4) Magnus Lundstrom Mortar & Pestle

Holiday Sweets

Do you make certain sweets for the holiday season?  I'm headed home this weekend for Christmas and I can't wait to make a few treats.

Brown Butter Snickerdoodles, Sticky Buns

Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dessert Cravings

I'm having a definite craving for sweets lately with end of summer tarts, cobblers, and creamy coconut puddings topping the list.

Berry Cobbler, Coconut Chocolate Pudding

Coconut Tapioca Pudding, Peach Tart

Coffee Connoisseur

Do you have a favorite way to prepare your coffee?  In my house we have a basic drip coffee maker, French press, Japanese drip pot, and a stove-top espresso.  I know, we just keep finding new ways to make coffee.  My favorite is the Japanese drip pot which gives the cleanest profile and the smoothest coffee, but I usually use my French press because it's less hassle.

Do you have a favorite method?

(1) Bodum Chambord French Press

(2) Chemex Cofee Maker

(3) Bodum Stove Top Espresso Maker

Interior of the Week

I just love a white kitchen.  It always looks fresh and modern while maintaining warmth and class.

Better Homes & Gardens

Gold Flatware

I just snagged this gold flatware on One Kings Lane.  Very snappy, indeed.  

Wind & Willow Home on Etsy

These wooden mini bowls from Wind & Willow Home are dipped in a soft, rubbery plastic -- perfect for knick knacks of any sort.

Terrain

Terrain, a beautiful home and garden shop based in Pennsylvania, always has a lovely selection.  Aren't those heart measuring spoons adorable?

1, 2, 3, 4

Snapshot to Style No. 7

I watched this video about Tartine and their bread making process a week or so ago and I can't stop thinking about it, the beautiful techniques and the connection to making something so basic.  I would love to get their book and start making my own straight away.  (Although it's fun to go to bakeries, too!)

snapshot

(1) Kate Spade Cat Eye Sunglasses  (2) Michael Kors Striped Dress

(3) Michael Kors Runway Watch  (4) Steve Madden Paggan Sandal

Interior Inspiration: Pot Racks

Pot racks add a lived-in charm to kitchens.  I love that they are practical, but can also add a sense of fun and whimsy to a working kitchen.

1, 2, 3, 4

Gift Guide: Under $100

Here is the last installment of gift guides for the year.  This one is for the big spenders.  (This coming from someone without a job at the moment.)


I hope you all have fun finding presents for your loved ones.  It's one of my favorite things about the season.

Row 1:

Fjällräven Classic Kanken Backpack, $65

Zara Knit Clutch Wallet, $89.90

Terrain Antiqued Bird Mirror, $98

Row 2:

Stone & Honey Isosceles Necklace, $64

Crate & Barrel Astoria Candleholder Set, $54.95

Max & Chloe Belargo Stacking Ring, $64

Row 3:

Le Creuset Stonewear, $72

CB2 Knitted Pouf, $89.95

de Buyer Mandoline, $99.95

Row 4:

Cognac Leather Notebook, $88

UGG 'Dakota' Moccasin Slippers, $100

Banana Republic Leopard Gloves, $79.50

Gift Guide: Under $50

Gifts that are a bit of a splurge.  I tried to find a nice mix of luxury and practicality.

Row 1:

Terrain Candy Cane Pitcher, $38

Zara Basic Handbag, $35.90

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $38

Row 2:

Gorjana Tear Cluster Necklace, $50

Midori Brass Pen, $31.24

Bodum Bistro Juicer, $32.41

Row 3:

Vivo Square Bento Box, $36

Madewell Suede Skinny Belt, $39.50

Row 4:

CLEAN Eau de Parfum Spray, $38

CB2 Linus Throw, $49.95

Williams-Sonoma Cocktail Shaker, $32

Gift Guide: Under $25

I thought it would be fun to sort the gift guides by price this year.

Gifts don't need to be expensive to  be meaningful.  It is really about knowing the recipient and what you think would make them happiest. I love gifts that are useful, but still whimsical.

You can also check out my previous gift guides.

Row 1:

Campo Marzio Mini Ballpoint Pens, $18

365 Calendar from CB2, $19.95

La Cafetiere 8-Cup Rainbow French Press, $21.89

Row 2:

Decorate by Holly Becker from decor8, $23.10 

NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave, $24

Pantone Bone China Mug, $13

Row 3:

Topshop Button Tab Gloves, $20

J.Crew Thin Enameled Bangle, $20

Postalco Notebook, $14-$26

Row 4:

Progressive Lime Squeezer, $8.06

Midnight in Paris DVD, $17.99

Chicken Kitchen Timer, $13.50

Sweet Treats

We had a major blackout today from around 7 am to 7 pm.  I wish I'd had these treats to eat.

Crispy Peanut Butter Cups, Coconut and Chocolate Pie

Happy Friday!

I hope you all had a wonderful week.  My mom and I are off to spend the day with my adorable niece (and my sister.)

P.S.  All the food on Pinterest is insanely tempting.

soft pretzel egg sandwich, spaghetti squash and parmesan

jalapeno-ginger butternut squash soup, dirty pirate popsicles