Friday's Feature: dede etsy shop

Dear Reader,

Accent pillows are such a fabulous way to brighten up a room and to give a fresh appearance to a space.  (Oh how my husband appreciates the times when I redecorate a room with new pillows rather than a paint job!)  I particularly enjoy tucking pillows in spaces where there are lots of hard surfaces - by the bench at the front door or on a side chair in the corner of our dining room.  What an easy means of softening and giving personality! 

The shop that I am featuring this week specializes in making beautiful pillows, rich with lovely textures and charming color palettes and themes.  Below I have highlighted three examples of the great finds you will discover in the dede etsy shop.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

French Rose Pillow in Oatmeal and Robin Egg Blue Linen

Burlap Linen Nest Pillow

Green Hydrangea Bloom Pillow on Dusty Blue Linen

Apple Picking

Dear Reader,

My son and I have gone apple picking twice this year with my mother-in-law.  It's becoming an annual tradition (maybe it already is?), and I think it's one of my favorite signals of fall.  I am usually a Golden Delicious girl, loving the versatility of this variety.  This year, though, I really started liking the Empire apple.  I think we've picked about 40 lbs. of apples this year, and the amazing news is that there are probably only 8 apples remaining!  More next year.

Sincerely,
Abi

On the Menu: Pumpkin Bread

Dear Reader,

This is another tried and true recipe from a close family friend (and my first babysitter as a child!)  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

P.S. I've never tried substituting applesauce for some of the oil in this recipe, but I think that would work out fine.  (This is a once a year treat recipe for us!)

Inspiring Words...

"There are three things I've learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and The Great Pumpkin."

- Linus on It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

[OK, not really inspiring, but a fun quote in celebration of Autumn and Halloween.  Trick or treat.  Sincerely,  Abi]

Friday's Feature: Maric Fine Goods

Dear Reader,

It is fair to say that I'm more than slightly obsessed with handbags.  I love that handbags can combine function and style so effortlessly.  With a good handbag, I am able to carry the necessities of everyday life in something that creates a fashionable accessory to my attire.  All in one.  Amazing. 

When my eye caught the Wool Tote in Yellow Plaid, I couldn't wait to feature Maric Fine Goods.  Mary has designed some exquisite handbags, totes, and clutches with very fresh, modern style.  And yet, if you read the detailed description of each item, these handbags are quite practical for everyday use as well.

I have highlighted three of my favorites below, but, really, I could have highlighted any item from this shop and thought it is such a find!  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

The Milano Handbag - Red Wool

Wool Tote Yellow Plaid - Milano Tote

Wool Clutch Grey Box Plaid Wool - Sapporo Clutch

A Sneak Peek...

On the Menu: Orange Julius

Dear Reader,

It is indeed the month where the color orange reigns.  I cannot remember a time in my life when I did not know about an Orange Julius.  This has always been a favorite addition to brunch or just a special treat for Saturday morning breakfast at my parents' home growing up.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"If you obey all the rules, you will miss all the fun."

- Katharine Hepburn

Friday's Feature: Chella's Collection

Dear Reader,

Believe it or not, I'm starting to think towards December and the gift giving that comes with that time of year.  My goal with any gift is twofold: first, to find something that is useful, and, second, to seek out items that demonstrate awareness of the person's experiences and likes.

Chella's Collection is a lovely shop, producing some beautifully crafted map pendants (and staying very true to a product line, something I admire and appreciate.)  When I first looked at these pendants, I thought to myself this one would be perfect for... and this one for...  I could easily draw connections to family and friends who would appreciate the momento that one of these pendants would provide.  For example, one of my friends just returned from a fall getaway to Cape Cod with her husband.  What a great way to remember the trip!  Or a family friend of ours spent six months studying in Sydney, and she talks about her time there with such fondness.  I'm sure she'd love the pendant that takes her back to that location.  And, having grown up in Chicagoland, I have many friends and family who appreciate the Cubs and some who have even lived in Wrigleyville.  These are great!  

I have highlighted three of the pendants below.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

CAPE COD Map Pendant in Silver

SYDNEY Australia Map Pendant

WRIGLEY FIELD (CUBS) Map Pendant

Boots

Dear Reader,

Today is an October rainy day, complete with thunderstorms.  I don't mind one bit.  We've had an unprecedented number of warm, sunny October days.  Even more, at the end of the summer I made the trendy leap in purchasing a pair of black and brown checked boots.  Somehow these boots brighten an otherwise dreary day.  Stay dry.

Sincerely,
Abi

On the Menu: White Chicken Chili

Dear Reader,

For one of my bridal showers, my mom kindly gathered recipes from all of the shower guests (which included my husband's and my family and close friends.)  What a wonderful way to have great menu options to begin married life - tried and true recipes and ones that you've enjoyed for years.  My mother-in-law included this recipe for White Chicken Chili, and it is my standby for preparing this soup.  My husband absolutely loves it (especially when we use tortilla strips and extra shredded cheese as garnish.)  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspring Words...

"To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything be more fun?"

- Katharine Graham

What's the scoop?

Dear Reader,

I suspect that a few of you may be wondering what is going on with my Etsy shop.  I intentionally removed some items (which will find their way into some upcoming gift giving), and now the blocks remain.

I've been thinking quite a bit about the purpose of the shop for me and for my wonderful visitors.   I read a rather compelling article written by Catherine from CatherineMarissa about finding one's niche in the Etsy marketplace, and I have been thinking quite a bit about trying to develop a deeper commitment to one of my crafts (very contrary to my chronic crafting ways.)  I've also been really considering the purpose of my shop.  

I have a plan.  I'm working through the details.  And I'm patiently waiting for my busy husband who contributes this endeavor to have a free moment.  The supplies are ready, and I can't wait to get started.

But until then, I am savoring the lovely fall weather, the changing colors of the leaves, and the beautifully golden cast this time of year affords.  Stay tuned.

Sincerely,
Abi

Friday's Feature: Loop Loft

Dear Reader,

I am at an age where many friends of mine have small children, and the announcement of a new arrival in my circle of friends seems to happen often these days.  I am always on the lookout for new ideas, wonderful presents to welcome the darling new babies.  Or the perfect gift for a child's birthday party.  Or a great Christmas package for our nephew or niece. 

Loop Loft fulfills so many of the qualities that make a good gift - well-coordinated items that are intentionally paired, practical and useful items for the recipient, eco friendly, and, may I add, adorable?  This shop has a variety of great gift items, not only for children, but I will highlight three items below which I think would make amazing gifts for the kids in your lives.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

BLANKIE AND SOFTIE gift set in a travel case

eco friendly REPURPOSED bird named FRED

BLANKIE and SOFTIE gift set in a travel case

On the Menu: Frosted Meatloaf

Dear Reader,

I love comfort food.   During the summer months I am less inclined to make meals that warm you up inside.  I'd rather go for fresh salads, grilled meat, and bowls filled with fresh fruit.  But now, as we step into the month of October, I think that a meal of meatloaf and potatoes sounds delicious.  I have included my absolute favorite recipe for it.   Growing up, I lived four doors down from a house with three girls who were all close in age to me.  This is their grandmother's recipe.  I think the nutmeg in the sauce really makes the "frosted" aspect of this dish delicious.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"The dedicated life is worth living.  You must give with your whole heart."

- Annie Dillard

Friday's Feature: Janny's Girl

Dear Reader,

Wow.  Fall has arrived!  I absolutely delight in the crisp, cooler weather.  And I love the layering that starts with this season.  One of my favorite accessories is a good scarf.  I came across Janny's Girl not too long ago, and I thought this would be the perfect time to highlight this shop and the scarves and hats that would be an ideal additional to one's autumn attire.  A few of my favorites are pictured below!

Sincerely,
Abi

Blackberry....Ruffled Scarf

Black Double Ruffle Fleece Hat with Felted Yarn Flower Brooch

Classic Houndtooth Woven Knit Scarf New Colors of Autumn, Fall