Day 864's idea for indoor plants

I haven't quite figured out the whole indoor plant thing. I think I should have them. I think. I've killed a couple, and have yet to make one look quite right. The idea of massing them together is intriguing, thought not entirely practical in a room that gets a lot of use.


Deborah Needleman's take (featured in Lonny, at the top) is kind of wily, with plenty of plants in all shapes and textures. Martha's version is -- no surprise -- more orderly, featuring only different varieties of cactus. In both cases, the plants are united with terra cotta pots. So maybe not a great idea if you need a place to set down a cup of coffee, but pretty to look at? Definitely, yes.

Day 860's pretty

Can you believe we've got the first week of November under our belts already? Me neither. Back next week to tell you what fun things we've been up to this week!

Happy Weekend!

Photo: Cheryl Tague.

Day 859's obsession of the week

Can you guess my favorite thing in this photo? The farmhouse? Or the giant flower corsage, maybe?


Actually, I've got my eyes on those boots. Hunter, to be exact. How often do I really need a serious pair of rubber boots?


Actually, not all that often, if I'm being honest. But they make me want to kick up my heels in a field of wildflowers, and they look killer with a floral dress.


And if they're good enough for Jimmy Choo ...

Photos: EmersonMade, Jeffery Cross for Sunset magazine, Peachy Hollow, Jimmy Choo.

Day 857's home

I'm intrigued by the 18th century Massachusetts home of John Derian, published this summer in Martha Stewart Living.


The kitchen -- left untouched by John's thoughtful renovations -- is my favorite. Just look at the gorgeous faucet!


Of course, the rest of the home is also filled with one-of-a-kind items found on John's world travels.

Day 856's favorite tree

One of my favorite trees is the Sugar Maple. In my opinion, they have some of the most spectacular fall foliage. Their chartreuse leaves turn bright yellow, then orange and more than any other leaves, they really seem to glow.


Sometimes parts of the tree will turn weeks behind the rest, giving the tree a sort of ombre effect. So beautiful!


There was a big one in the front yard of the Tennessee house I grew up in, and I can't help but feel nostalgic every time I see one. These Maples (bottom two photos) are outside Joan's beautiful farmhouse in New Hampshire. (Top photo from Veranda magazine.)

Day 853's pretty

I never quite got around to decorating for Halloween (not that I usually do). I did clip some leaves from a maple tree to bring indoors, and bought a couple of pumpkins. Sometimes simple is better, yes? Hope you have a safe and lovely weekend!

Happy Halloween!

Day 852: alternative office

For now, one of our three bedrooms is a dedicated office. But when that's no longer possible, I don't mind a bit pulling a chair up to a pretty little desk.


Or a lovely secretary.


But tell me, where is all of the "stuff?"

Photos: Decor Pad, Sara Gilbane, Rayman Boozer.

Day 851: framed doilies

My mom used to have crocheted "doilies" around her house. In high school, I remember thinking they were atrocious -- not to mention a pain to dust around. But framed in front of black (like these, in Kristen Cunningham's bedroom), they are pretty cool, and would be a great way to use a small family heirloom that might otherwise sit in a closet.


Look closely, and here they are again, this time framed between pieces of glass. Another way to appreciate their lace-like quality without bringing out their granny-like qualities (though myself, I love a little "granny" now and then).

Eddie Ross -- of course! -- has another great way to use them: dye them a color that you already have in your home.

Day 850's fall arrangements

This is my favorite image from the October issue of Martha Stewart Living. Nothing more than an urn filled with dead and near-dead flowers and orange rose hips, it's definitely a "good thing."


Eddie Ross was inspired to make one of his own, using Queen Anne's lace and thistle in a Gothic urn he picked up at an estate sale.


If your yard is like mine, still pretty green, a single pumpkin also makes a fitting companion for a favorite urn (photo by Kindra Clineff for Country Living).

Day 849's recipe

So how was your weekend? I feel like I spent all of Saturday in the kitchen -- it was delightful! Pancakes for breakfast, then a loaf of pumpkin bread, and honey corn bread muffins to have with chicken corn chowder for supper.


I'm not sure how many slices of pumpkin bread I've had since Saturday. Let's just call it several. It is my mom's recipe and I think it is the best. It's fluffy, but also nice and heavy, without any nuts or strange things to get in the way.

Mom's Pumpkin Bread
2 eggs
1/2 can pumpkin
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup oil
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt (I use about 1/2 teaspoon)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

Mix until just blended, and pour into a floured loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 and half hours.