"Marcel the Shell with Shoes On"

This video is the brainchild of Dean Fleischer-Camp and Jenny Slate (of recent SNL fame). It has that unique blend of humor and melancholy all wrapped up in a weird, yet sweet package.
Just a little something different for your Thursday....

Video courtesy of youtube.com

aubergine

Image courtesy of google

The color aubergine is perhaps my favorite, at least for autumn and winter. It reads like a classy purple to me and I would take any one of the following, thank you (although the bridal bouquet is a bit less practical ...:) )

Image courtesy of L.A.Botanicals

Image courtesy of stylehive
Image courtesy of google


Image courtesy of peggyandminnie.co.uk

Image courtesy of headingupveils

Image courtesy of mywardrobe.com

Bookends for Baby

Image courtesy of rompstore.com

I am always looking for unique baby shower or welcome baby gifts. Sometimes you want to break from the registry or the predictable and search for something new.

I have always been a fan of giving books because it is never too early to start a children's library and there are just so many great choices out there. Recently I saw some adorable children's bookends and thought that would the perfect gift- a pair of bookends and a beautiful picture book!

The animal bookends happen to be my favorite, but there is a wide and impressive selection of everything from tugboats to ladybugs out there and surely there is the perfect set for the next baby you help welcome into the world.

Image courtesy of mollaspace.com

Image courtesy of zuny.info



Image courtesy of sandyvohr.com

Image courtesy of treehousekids.com.au

Image courtesy of rjbstone.com
Image courtesy of heirloomwoodentoys.com

passion flower plate

This striking plate from Crate and Barrel is inspiring me to become the sort of person who sets a table for dinner with seasonal touches and ever changing centerpieces and linens.

It is funny because the colors are not usually what I would gravitate toward (well, it is also funny because almost every evening we eat in our kitchen, not the dining room, and certainly not at a charmingly set table), but every time I see these on display in the store I can't help but admire the spread. They are like little dessert plate shaped pieces of art. I wish I could find larger images, but the next time you are at your local Crate and Barrel- pop in for a peek.

favorite fall treat

Image courtesy of google

The bakeries around here have that sign out that I love to see- "Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are back!". If your local bakeries aren't as excited about these delicious desserts as mine are, then I suggest you make them yourself and see what all the fuss is about.

The following recipe is from Everyday with Rachel Ray and is a great guide. Whoopie Pies are the best , but Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are seriously even better!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, 1 stick melted, 1/2 stick softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon plus 2 pinches salt
1-2/3 cups flour
4 ounces cream cheese, chilled
1 cup confectioners' sugar
Get ahead
Freeze the whoopie pies for up to three days.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the baking powder, the baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour.

Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop 12 generous mounds of batter, spaced evenly, onto each baking sheet. Bake until springy to the touch, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the cream cheese. Add the confectioners' sugar and the remaining 2 pinches salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; mix on low speed until blended, then beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Spread the flat side of 12 cakes with the cream cheese frosting. Top each with another cake.

Calm and clean

Image courtesy of washingtonpost.com

If I lived in a world with no crayons, juice boxes, runny noses, or (frankly) husbands....then I would live in a world filled with designer Barbara Barry's beautiful light and white rooms. They are all so serene and crisp, but still cozy looking.

Maybe a compromise would be getting something from her linen collection and dressing up the bed now and again?

Image courtesy of elledecor

Image courtesy of semiglosschic.com
Image courtesy of blog.styleestate.com
Image courtesy of colourmehappyblog.blogspot
Image courtesy of The Designer Insider

Cady Briar

I came upon Cady Briar Custom Handbags when I was searching for an artist to make a bridal purse for my sister. The clutch selection on the etsy site was so stunning AND they could be monogrammed AND made to your specifications. I was sold.

Now, three weeks later, my sister is the happy and touched owner of a silver silk clutch with a sapphire lining that has her initials and those of her fiancee, along with their wedding date, embroidered inside. It is not only her something new and something blue, it is a beautiful keepsake from the day.

Here are just some gorgeous examples of the collection.....

All images courtesy of cadybriar via etsy

Familiar face, familiar place

image via The Finishing Touch
image via apartmenttherapy

Decoupage artist and designer John Derian put out a collection for Target this fall. Since I have never visited his (what look like seriously awesome) stores, I wanted to check out what he had going on for Target.

I saw this weekend and the pieces do not disappoint. I was particularly fond of the feather melamine serving tray, but so much of the tableware was eye catching and definitely had wall art potential. The dinnerware and serving pieces are not it either- there are stationery and storage pieces that would breathe new life into any office space. I just need to decide what I want before it is all gone from the stores!

image via enjdesigns.blogspot.com
image via anadesigns.blogspot.com
image via shelterrific

September Hiatus for Viv.

via Coraline

So with our wedding in November and a dissertation that I'm meant to finish before that very important date - something has to give. And I've decided that I'm going to have to back down on the blogging. That might not be much of a surprise to any regular reader since it seems that these days Lorelei is already carrying Hiving Out all by her lonesome, but I thought I'd just confess to my absence all the same. So here it is: I am stressed. Overwhelmed. Gosh darn tired. So in order to make myself sane and useful - I've got to prioritize all that pesky writing I've yet to be and plan on writing my heart out for the rest of the month. With that said - I do look forward to returning to HO refreshed and ready to roll on October 1st, but until then - pop back in when you can 'cause Lorelei is a blogging machine and she's still going to be posting... :) 

Happy fall everyone!

Vivi's Tea

As we all know, Miss. Vivi is getting hitched- this very autumn in fact- so all of the stress and all the festivity that goes along with that has commenced. I thought I would share a bit of the hoopla part (not the stress part...too many curse words) right here.

This August Vivi's sister and I threw her a little outdoor tea party. It had the pretty china, tasty finger sandwiches, and even some bubbly. The day was, thankfully, so beautiful- blue skies and drama-free. I love when the mix of family and friends from all parts of a person's life come together. It was an afternoon to celebrate Vivi and how important she is to all of us.

The thing about a wedding is, the planning stress can sometimes trample on the excitement. It is important to remember that no matter the craziness that surrounds putting together a ceremony and reception, the end result is two very happy people.