Lovely Day for a Canoe Ride

I felt like I was living in a J. Crew photoshoot during my little canoe ride earlier this week. So rustic and wholesome.
Looking forward to a very productive weekend. I can't wait to put up my Christmas tree and finish a few DIY  projects. That's right! Christmas decorating already! Please don't judge me, Thanksgiving is only 6 days away, I'm not that early!

Apple Crisp

A simple Apple Crisp is such a delicious and easy dessert, provided you have the right tools. An apple peeler/corer turns the dreaded chore of prepping apples into an effortless and almost fun step in the baking process. It is a must have gadget for anyone who enjoys making pies, crips, fruit tarts, and other sweet treats. Plus, this easy to use tool not only works on apples, but other fruits and vegetables like pears or potatoes. Find one at Bed Bath and Beyond or Williams-Sonoma just in time for that Thanksgiving pie! With the help of my peeler/corer I was able to whip up this Apple Crisp in about 10 minutes!

6 Medium tart apples, sliced, cored and peeled. ¼ cup water 1 cup packed brown sugar ½ cup All Purpose Flour ½ cup quick or old-fashioned oats ½ cup butter or margarine, softened 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease bottom of a baking dish (9 x 13 works well). Spread sliced apples in a pan and add water to pan. In a mixing bowl, stir remaining ingredients together until well mixed. Sprinkle over apples. Bake 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Serve warm and top with cream or vanilla ice cream (if desired, but I think it’s a must)

Amicalola Falls

Took a TON of pictures this weekend up in the mountains. The leaves were absolutely perfect. If you live in or near Georgia, I would highly recommend a visit to Amicalola falls, especially this time of year.

Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup

A perfect soup to have simmering all afternoon on a fall Saturday.

1 lb lentils

1 lb sweet potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes), peeled and cubed

1 Cup onion

4 Garlic cloves

2 Stalks celery

1 Cup carrots

1 Cup mushrooms

32 oz Vegetable Chicken broth

2 Bouillon cubes

1 tsp Each of cumin, cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté onions, mushrooms, garlic, celery and carrots in 1 tbsp olive oil until soft. Combine with other ingredients in large pot or slow cooker. The flavor comes out after a couple of hours, so let it simmer for awhile before serving. Pairs well with a cornbread, or nice crusty white bread, and a seasonal ale. Enjoy!

Prep time: 10 min

Cook time: 1 hour +

Happy Friday!

Looking forward to a lovely autumn weekend in the North Georgia Mountains before the weather turns. My plans include biking, photographing the beautiful fall foliage, watching some football and (hopefully) squeezing in a bit of antiquing!
Have a great weekend everyone!

A cool abandoned chimney I found last year around this time

The Selby Is In Your Place Book Online Until Tomorrow!

Ever wonder where creatives like Christian Louboutin, Erin Wasson, or Karl Lagerfield rest their head at night after a long day of being amazing? Well photographer Todd Selby shows us just that in his latest project, a photography book titled The Selby Is  In Your Place? The Selby, which began as a website two years ago, gives readers a look into the personal living spaces of some very interesting and creative individuals. The colorful homes featured in the website and corresponding book offer detailing and decorating unlike anything you would expect to see in a typical home decor website or book. Selby's knack for capturing the unexpected and his attention to detail only add to the eclectic rooms captured in this inspiring collection.

The 258 page book can be seen here in its entirety until tomorrow at 9 am ET, so hurry up and check it out!

The book can also be purchased on Amazon.com for only $23.10 and would make a lovely holiday gift.

All That Glitters

Until recently, I didn't spend a lot of time, effort, or money for that matter, on adding jewelry to my wardrobe. I'm not sure what changed in me, but it seems I've grown a new appreciation for how jewelery adds a little sparkle to my look and my day.

Below are a few of the places I often find some of my favorite bling. You'll notice some of the expected places like J.Crew and Anthropologie, but I've also recently discovered that American Eagle has really cute, really affordable jewelry in their stores and online. Seriously! That place you used to buy sweatshirts and plaid shirts in middle school has unbelievable deals on jewelry as well! Who knew?!

I am also a huge fan of the Stella & Dot line which is sold exclusively online or at trunk shows and the website Old Hollywood has really unique one-of-a-kind pieces from up and coming designers.

1. J.Crew Crystal Bracelet $98
2. J. Crew Ring $50
3. Anthropologie Brooch Necklace $48
4. Anthropologie Druzy Quartz Ring $128
5. Anthropologie Globe Necklace $42
6. Anthropologie Chainmail Earrings $38
7. Anthropologie Audrey Earrings $28
8. Stella & Dot Stackable Rings $49
9. Stella & Dot Brooch $49
10. Stella & Dot Gold/Silver Necklace $39
11. Old Hollywood Rosebud Ring $48
12. AE Hematite Studs $12.50
13. AE Crystal Necklace $15.50
14. AE Rhinestone Bracelet $15.50
15. AE Mesh Bracelet $15.50
16. AE Amethyst Ring $15.50