Quilted Jackets and Capes

I was recently lucky enough to spend two weeks in London and Paris. I had an amazing time, saw some friends and family, made a dent in my Christmas shopping list and did plenty of sight seeing.

Of course, I also spent a lot of time people watching. I can't help it. It's the best way to spot trends. 

In Paris I saw a lot of women wearing capes. I almost bought this one, but I so rarely need a winter coat that I resisted.

I also liked this one, which is currently on sale.

As gorgeous as I think a cape looks I think I'm going to stick to cashmere cardigans and wraps from Lilly Pulitzer since the winters here are so mild. 

In London, a quilted jacked is IN. Young or old, male or female, it didn't matter, everyone is wearing a quilted jacket.

I love this one:

And this one:

Or this one, for the boys.

If you're looking for a new coat or jacket, consider getting a wrap, cape or quilted jacket. They'll keep your warm this winter, and should you find yourself in London or Paris on a cold day, you'll know just what to wear!

      

Tiramisu

I have been making this for a long time and don't really use a recipe but to the best of my ability here is how I make it:

Ingredients

1 pint heavy whipping cream

2- 8oz containers marscapone cheese at room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar

2 bars of good quality milk chocolate

3 cups of cold black coffee

1 pack of ladyfinger cookies 

Baileys (optional)

Make some strong black coffee and set aside to cool

Grate 2 bars of chocolate

Beat cream until stiff peaks form, add powdered sugar and Baileys if you wish, set aside

Beat mascapone cheese and then gently fold in cream mixture. Taste and add more powdered sugar and/or Baileys if desired.

In a trifle dish similar to this one add a dollop of the cream mixture to cover the bottom. Then one at a time soak the ladyfingers in the cold coffee and place on top of the cream to form a layer. Then add a layer of cream, followed by a layer of grated chocolate. Continue to layer cookies, cream and chocolate ending on a chocolate layer. Leave in the refrigerator for 24hrs before serving. 

As you can see I make a drunken tiramisu (!) and also omit the eggs. Traditional recipes call for raw eggs but I stopped using them when I was pregnant and just omitted them from then on. Hope you enjoy it.

      

Instagram Geomap

This is a public service announcement!

I recently started using instagram and I love it. It's so easy to snap a quick picture of what I'm up to and I absolutely love seeing what everyone else is excited about.

However being a newbie I made a very serious mistake, which scared the pants off of me when I discovered it. I checked into a few other accounts and found that I am not alone.

Look at your instagram. Do you see the third icon that looks like a tear drop. Click on that.

This is what you will see on Kate Spade's page.

If you expand the map you can actually see the places at a street level. Not a problem for Kate Spade, but for me, and I'm sure for a few of you, you are unknowingly disclosing where you live to the world.

Don't panic it's a very simple thing to fix. For the locations that are already on geomap you can edit and remove them using the edit option on the top right corner of the screen.

Going forward just slide the "Add to Photo Map" button to no before you share a picture.

#You're Welcome

      

The White Queen

I have been a fan of Phillipa Gregory's novels for a long time and just watched a mini series based on 3 of her books.

The amazon review describes the story as :

Based on Philippa Gregory's series of best-selling novels, "The Cousins War.”

Set against the backdrop of England's Wars of the Roses during the 15th century, the story revolves around women caught up in the ongoing conflict for the throne. They are some of the most ruthless players in history and will stop at nothing to support their own causes and those of the ones they love. “The White Queen” will be told through the stories of three equally driven women -- Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort and Anne Neville -- in their quest for power as they manipulate behind the scenes of history.

I was a bit nervous about watching this but it turns out that it's a BBC production so of course it was wonderful. I hadn't read the books and wasn't that familiar with this period of English history. I knew enough that certain key events were "spoiled" but in no way did it actually spoil things for me. Seeing these three women doing everything in their power to gain control of the English throne is very compelling viewing.

      

Scalloped Details

There is something very feminine about a scallop edge.

Valentino Sunglasses

Anthropologie Skirt

Asos Dress

Still obsessed with this Mulberry bag from a few seasons ago. Should have bought it!

Oscar de la Renta Shoes

Sugar Paper stationary

Happy Shopping!

      

To Do Cards

One of my favorite things about blogging is getting inspired by other peoples ideas. One of the bloggers that I follow had made some business cards with her logo on one side but instead of leaving the back blank she had used the header "To Do" so now she had adorable mini cards for list making.

I loved the idea, but she is a professional blogger and I'm a housewife so I have no need for business cards. I am however constantly needing to write things down so I had some cards made that have "TO DO" on one side and "NOTES" on the other.

I just love them and I think you will too. If you would like to make some yourself, they are from here, and if you use the code ZASF5922NTQZ you can get 15% off your order. I selected the chubby cards in white, and used pale grey for the text.

As part of my craft room makeover I also ordered a monogrammed acrylic pencil cup and the cards fit perfectly. (I must admit that the fact that my monogram isn't centered is driving me nuts!)

      

Monogrammed Luggage

Are you looking for new luggage?

I just love these bags from Mark & Graham.

Between the monogram and the Hermès inspired lock I'm not sure what I love the most about this fabulous luggage.

2014 - Decorating Plans

There is something quite exciting about a New Year.

I don't really make resolutions, I'm old enough that I've got things figured out, but I always start the new year with an urge to refresh my house. I think it probably because after fall decorations, followed by Christmas decorations my house finally looks like itself again. Everything looks so clean and tidy and it makes me fall in love with it all over again. And then I get inspired to change it!

My husband has been working from home since last February so my biggest priority it to change our study/library into more of an office just for him. I selected a new desk chair and recliner which were delivered just before Christmas. Now I need to cut down on some of the clutter, I'm sure that I can probably get rid of at least a third of our books, and move all of my stuff into my craft room, which is going to double as my office from now on. I also want to change the wall color, am thinking about replacing the artwork and maybe installing a flat screen TV.

My son will be going to High School this year so it's time to refresh his room.  I am inspired by this room and this artwork, so check back in 6 weeks or so to see what I end up doing.

Lastly I want to make my craft room into more of an office since I will no longer be using the study. It doesn't actually need much decorating but I have been shopping for some new desk accessories and need to take the time to reorganize since it now has to accommodate all of my paperwork as well as being a place to scrapbook and wrap gifts.

I created this room out of one of 4 attic spaces on the top floor of my GA home. It is basically two sides of a square in shape, with a desk, built in book case and a large storage closet at the end.

This is what it looks like now:

I'll post pictures once it's finished but here is a sneak peak of a new pencil cup and calendar that I already ordered:

Are you starting the New Year with any decorating plans?