From Trunk to Table - our Thanksgiving

On our trip up to central NY a few weeks ago, we loaded up on the very best apples, potatoes, cabbages, squash, maple syrup, and cider in preparation for Thanksgiving.  Our first stop was Pryputniewiczs Farm in Paris Hill NY - the same place my husband's mom would get her potatoes. 

The maple syrup and cider came from The Cider Mill in Clinton.  Many, many years ago my husband went there when he was 4 for a tour of this very same cider press and had cider and a donut for a treat.

Wolfing down our treats, warm donuts and the best half moon cookies!!

This syrup is from Cooks in Waterville, NY, Dan's hometown.  I LOVE NY.

Hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!  xo Michele

Why Did I Pin That?

Once and a while I  revisit my pinterest ideas file and try to remember what the heck I was thinking when I pinned something.  The amazing cake above is created from crepes. My husband makes amazing crepes and I can do the lemon mascarpone filling part so I think I've found Christmas eve desert :)  (pin via honestly yum)

Love the idea of turning a table perpendicular to the wall - am currently trying that out in my family room right now.  (pin via the sixth duke)

This was a reminder to get rid of the shutters in my master bedroom and hang white drapes behind the bed and change the window drapes to white too.  Ordered some a few days ago. (pin via House Beautiful)

Just thought this was amazingly creative - mirrors on the side to extend the feeling of surround windows. pinterest from New York Social Diary

Do you revisit your ideas file every once and a while too?  Have to admit, there are some pins that I just can't figure out why I pinned them in the first place!

Designers I'd Like to See Published More: Gwen Driscoll

I've been a huge fan of designer Gwen Driscoll ever since coming across her blog years ago.  Her work was featured in Elle Decor in Nov 2010 and I, for one, would love to see more national magazines feature this incredibly talented designer.  Happy Monday!

Adjustable Wreath Hangers - smart idea!

Everyone probably already knew about this, except for me - adjustable wreath hangers. Such a smart idea, especially when you're trying to get the height just right and either cover up or avoid the door knocker.

Haute Decor Adjustable Wreath Hanger Oil Rubbed Bronze

DYNO SEASONAL SOLUTIONS 71027-1G Adjustable Wreath Hanger, Gold 

DYNO SEASONAL SOLUTIONS 21416 Adjustable Wreath Hanger

A Holland Park Library

Sometimes you just can't top a British interior for that feeling of coziness and grandeur all at the same time.  This Holland Park home is by Todhunter Earle Interiors.

Small Town Love in CNY

I'm back from a long weekend in Central New York, the first night in the beautiful village of Skaneateles, a few miles from where I grew up.  Clift Park is full of flags, each one dedicated to a veteran by family and friends, sharing their gratitude with everyone around. 

Community shows up in so many ways.  My morning walk was full of Good Mornings, even one from the two women running on the other side street as me.  They shouted it over to me and it felt like getting a little package of friendliness.  I love greeting people in the street and am so happy it's still a part of daily life every place you go in central NY. 

The older I get, the harder and harder I find it to make the drive back to DC, and I don't mean the drive literally.  Someday I won't get back in the car - probably about 6 years from now :)   In the meantime, I need to remember to "love the one you're with" and keep saying hi to people here in the big city.  Maybe I'll even call it out from across the street.

Home Decorating Humor!!

My husband's cousin shared this on Facebook- they called him the Funny HomeGoods guys! If you'd like a good laugh watching Vic Dibitetto poke fun at various home decorating objects and don't mind the occasional "colorful" word click HERE.   Made my morning!   Have a great weekend.

Sophisticated

A  sophisticated room via Nuevo Estilo. The flooring is fabulous, don't you think?

Grand Entrance

What an entrance - I  want those amazing doors! From the home of American born, Australian based designer Thomas Hamel.   I bought his book, Residence back in 2011 and keep hoping he will treat us to a second one.
(photography in the book is by Matt Lowden)

Now It's Fabric too - Sandberg Raphael

Sandberg's amazing Raphael wallpaper pattern, inspired by 18th century tapestries, is now available in fabric.  I think it would be fabulous as drapes.

this adorable nursery via pinterest/ ledansla blog