In the Kitchen :: Five Recipes for Fall

Brie + Cheddar Apple Beer Soup by Half Baked Harvest

Well hello there!  Sorry for my unexpected absence yesterday, a weekend back at my alma mater plus coming home to a swelteringly hot house on Sunday night {requiring us to sleep in the living room} left me a total zombie yesterday.  Thankfully we opened the windows and were much more comfortable last night...it's amazing what a good night of sleep will do for your energy levels!  Anyways, I'm back today sharing with you five fall recipes that I'm absolutely drooling over.  Looking for more food inspiration?  Check out my Pinterest board :)

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday!  I couldn't be any more in love with this fall weather.  It has me dreaming of bonfires, baking apple pies, camping, our annual pumpkin patch visit, and simply soaking in the gorgeous and oh so fleeting fall colors.  This weekend we're heading to my alma mater of Ohio State to tailgate and watch the game.  But more importantly I'm going to visit my favorite Columbus spots including Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams {the BEST} and the Northstar Café...because let's face it, I'll always pick food over football :) Have a great weekend loves!

Images via Amanda Brooks Instagram // Trinette Reed // Kinfolk // Dara Musecat // La Maison Boheme // 
Indulgy // Elements of Style 

Interiors :: A Cozy Sag Harbor Cottage

Tuesday was officially the first day of fall {hooray!} so I thought fitting to share the absolutely perfect Sag Harbor cottage of interior designer Michelle Smith.  I love how the home {built in 1790!} seems invite you to come in and curl up under a blanket, yet still feels incredibly chic thanks to Michelle's impeccable style and many gorgeous vintage finds.  Can you imagine a more lovely place to spend your autumn weekends?  Read more about the home and follow Michelle around Manhattan for a day here.

Travel Guide :: Val D'Orcia, Tuscany

There aren't many places that have captivated me more than the Val D'Orcia region of Tuscany.  Perhaps it's the fact that the rolling hillsides dotted with dancing cypress trees, grape vines, and clear blue skies make you feel like you've just stepped into an Impressionist painting.  Maybe it's the fact that some of the best wine in the world is just steps away from nearly everywhere you are.  It could be the pasta.  Or the incredibly kind people.  But whatever it is, I absolutely fell in love with this region and dream about the day I will return.

Announcement + Giveaway :: Dreams in HD Photography!

Serenity in a Crowd

I'm beyond excited to announce the opening of my Etsy shop - Dreams in HD Photography!  I wanted to thank you, dear readers, in giving me the courage and inspiration to pursue this long-time dream of mine.  Your beyond sweet comments complimenting my photography and pushing me to sell my photographs helped make me believe that perhaps people {other than my parents - thanks guys!} actually like my work.  So thank you for motivating me to make my dream a reality!

Friday Inspiration

A little inspiration to take you into the weekend...as we should always be brave enough to dream!  Happy Friday and lots of love.

Image via

Interiors :: A Parisian Dream

Oh my gosh.  Prepare yourself for this view.  And this apartment.  Filled with gilded mirrors, crown molding, luxurious fabrics, and a gorgeous neutral color palette, this Parisian home would be magnificent no matter the location.  But add a devastatingly beautiful view of the The Grande Dame herself, and well, you get the point :) SWOON!

Travel Guide :: The Cinque Terre

I have a confession to make.  I'm going through a serious case of FOMO.  My mom and stepdad just left for a three week trip to Italy, one of my best friends is currently jet-setting in the Greek Isles, and two of my other friends are hopping through Europe.  As much as I love social media sometimes it does make you feel like everyone is off on fabulous adventures but you.  

Fashion :: Sweater Weather

Alice + Olivia Bow Embellished Sweater // Tory Burch Peplum Sweater // Tory Burch Metallic Sweater // Duffy Two-Tone Cashmere Sweater // Gap Cable Sweater // Saint James Stripe Sweater // Tibi Leopard Color-Block Sweater // JCrew Asymmetrical Zip Color-Block Sweater // Duffy Cashmere Sweater // JCrew Wool Pocket Tunic // Topshop Lace Hem Cropped Sweater // JCrew Shirttail Sweater // Equipment Cashmere Sweater // Zara Sweater with Faux Leather Sleeves

Is it possible to have too many sweaters?  Personally I can never have enough as I essentially live in them from October through March.  They are a staple that can easily be dressed up or down.  Plus, I feel like the majority are classic pieces that never go out of style - some of my favorite sweaters are five + years old.  There are a lot of sweaters that have caught my eye this season, but I have rounded up fourteen of my favorites including this adorable bow sweater, this Tibi leopard print sweater {SUCH A STEAL!}, and this cable knit sweater which has me dreaming about cozying up by the fire with a book.  I don't know about you, but I'm ready for sweater weather!

Art :: Floral Solitude

It's Monday, and I don't know about you but I could definitely use a few moments of peace and quiet.  And how perfect are Australian-based photographer Jessica Tremp's images of women doing just that - savoring a perfect moment of solitude.  The project is "catching someone in a reverie, their thoughts clashing, colliding, blossoming, and bursting into consciousness," explains Tremp.  Cheers to a peaceful Monday!

Interiors :: A Stately New York Townhouse

Last month Domaine featured the Chelsea townhouse of interior designer Betsy Morgan, and let me tell you, it's a STUNNER.  The home is a unique fusion of two different styles and time periods.  The second and third floor feature original architecture from when the townhouse was originally built in 1855.  The ground floor is completely modern.  I'm obviously partial to the former, but I do find it fascinating how Morgan effortlessly brings the two periods together.  The statuesque home has been used as a backdrop for Sarah Jessica Parker's August 2011 Vogue editorial and has housed countless celebrities for various commercials, editorials, and campaigns.  Truly iconic!

Recipe :: Heirloom Tomato Tart

I don't know if it's just me, but I get a literal high every time I am at the farmers market.  Perhaps it's the combination of gorgeous and fresh produce, the fact that everyone there is always smiling, and knowing that I'm supporting local businesses...but it seems like no matter how much money I bring there I never fail to spend it all.

Late summer is really when Indiana produce shines, so this past Saturday I picked up an inordinate amount of produce {you'd think I was feeding a family of five!}  It's hard to pick a favorite, but the beautiful heirloom tomatoes might just win the prize for my favorite September vegetable.  Using a few of the tomatoes I decided to throw together a quick heirloom tomato tart.  Served with arugula dressed in olive oil, cracked pepper, and Maldon sea salt flakes, it makes for a delicious and somewhat indulgent lunch.  Enjoy!

Fashion :: What I'm Loving Right Now

Piperlime Leopard Jacket // Kate Spade Watch // Stella McCartney Mirrored Sunglasses // Current Elliot Distressed Jean // JCrew Collection Ruffled Blouse // Felt Hat // Madewell Cityguide Scarf // JCrew Asymmetrical Zip Sweater // Tory Burch Mini Bag // Donald J Pliner Ankle Boot // Madewell Hair Clip //  JCrew Quilted Puffer Jacket

This past weekend we were blessed with some absolutely gorgeous weather - sunny, cool, and crisp - which has completely put me into the fall mindset.  Sweaters, jeans, and boots can't come soon enough!  Until then, I have rounded up some of my current faves including a classic quilted jacket and the coolest Stella McCartney mirrored sunglasses {first seen on Sarah of A House in the Hills here}.  Cheers to a great Wednesday!

Travel :: On Being a Solo Female Traveler

As a perpetually timid person, many of my close friends and family were shocked when I decided to follow my dreams and travel through Europe solo in Fall 2012.  To be honest, there were quite a few times when I didn't think that I could do it {I planned my entire trip in less than a month!}.  However, the experience ended up being one of the most amazing of my life.  

Art :: Where I See Fashion

Well hello there!  I hope you all had a lovely weekend.  Since it looks like this past weekend is going to be my last quiet and relaxing one for quite some time I took full advantage of it by enjoying lazy mornings reading in bed, hitting the farmers market, walking Yoda outside, and visiting some local shops {I'm on the hunt for a new bicycle}.  All in all it was just what I needed.

One of my favorite online sources for inspiration is the Tumblr account Where I See Fashion.  Fashion student Bianca Luini perfectly matches fashion to photography, art, and architecture that share complimentary color palettes, concepts, and structures.  I have rounded up some of my favorite WISF pairings below, enjoy!

My Life :: Instagram Snaps

{Reflections of our gorgeous St. Maarten villa in my sunglasses}

Happy Friday!  What are you up to this weekend?  I'm thrilled to actually be in town for once and plan on spending some time relaxing outside, blogging, and hanging out with my family who are visiting on Saturday.  If you follow me on Instagram you will know this has been a very, very busy {but fun!} summer.  If not, here are some snaps of what I have been up to lately.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Fashion :: My Favorite Bag

As an anniversary gift, Ryan gave me the Tory Burch Robinson Mini Double Zip Tote, and suffice it to say I am absolutely head over heels {with the bag...and of course Ryan}.  I have been carrying it non-stop and it's by far my favorite bag that I own.  It's large enough to fit my laptop for work meetings yet small enough that it doesn't overwhelm me {and become stuffed with a miscellaneous accoutrement of books, sweaters, makeup, etc.}  It's dressy enough to wear out at night yet casual enough to wear with jeans and flats.  I love the little details like the removable cross-body strap, luggage tag, and the understated Tory Burch logo.  The structured shape and gorgeous saffiano leather have the feel of the Prada Saffiano Lux Double-Zip Tote, but for about 1/5 the price it's much more budget friendly.  Highly recommended!

Interiors :: A Coastal Chic Hamptons Home

In these last few warm weeks of summer I'd love nothing more than to cozy up in Blythe Harris' coastal-chic Hamptons home.  The crisp white palette, exposed beams, nautical accents, and rustic touches all work together to create a perfectly livable space for Blythe, Co-Creator of Stella & Dot, and her family.  Can't you almost smell the ocean breeze?  

Travel :: Charleston, SC

My best friend and I have decided to take a little girls getaway in October.  We will be spending four days in Charleston, SC and other than having our hotel picked out, we have absolutely nothing planned.  So tell me, have you been to Charleston?  If so, do you have any recommendations for places to eat, shop, and see?  We will have a car so I'd love to get away for a few hours and see some beautiful old plantations, moss-draped oak trees, and of course eat tons of fresh seafood.  It's my first time visiting and I'm so excited to visit the city that I have heard nothing but good things about!

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!  Whatever you're doing today, I hope you're enjoying the last sliver of summer with the ones you love most.  Cheers!

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