Trend: Python

I received both my October issues  Elle Decor and Elle magazines this week.  In both magazines, python was featured as a trend.  I put together a few python items.  One collection is fashion, especially accessories and the other, home and personal items. 

Python Print Trend by spiralstyle 

I think a little python goes a long way.  

Python items by spiralstyle 

Paris Doors

When I am in Paris, I am intrigued by the  doors. 

I am curious about what is behind the doors.  Would I find a grandiose apartment filled with lavish antiques or a spare, more modern decor?   Is there a courtyard, lush with greenery or just the laundry hanging to dry?  But what I sincerely enjoy is the doors themselves.  They truly "celebrate the entrance" as my architect-friend likes to say.  Here are some images of doors that caught my eye on my last trip to Paris. 

How old must this entrance be?

Entry at a medieval castle.

Dachshund door knocker in the Marais.

One of many doors at the Louvre.

A very nice invitation to shop!

Have a wonderful day!

DIY: Ricotta Cheese

I read an article in a food magazine about making your own ricotta cheese.  I've never attempted to make cheese before but this recipe promised that homemade ricotta was fast, simple and a deliciously pure product, compared to the store-bought item.

With only 3 ingredients, milk, salt and acid (distilled vinegar or lemon juice), homemade ricotta was simple.  Just heat the milk and salt, add the acid, drain and enjoy.  I used 1 quart of whole milk and the result was about 3/4 cup of ricotta which you can see in the photo above.  Click here for an online recipe and more detailed directions.  

Acid causes the milk to form curds.  These are then removed to a cheesecloth lined colander and allowed to drain.

This is the result of curds allowed to drain for about 1 1/2 hours.  Allowing the curds to drain longer would of course produce a dryer cheese.

I like to eat my ricotta spread on toast or crackers with sliced figs or dried fruit and some pistachios.  Homemade ricotta has a mild flavor and a soft, more delicate texture than store-bought ricotta.  

This was a fun, easy project.  Any chance you'd try this or have you tried it for yourself already?

Cole Haan Sullivan Street Ariel Hobo Bag

Last week I talked about "vinous" or wine colored shoes.  I decided I needed a larger handbag and I would look for one in a wine-y color.  I walked into a Cole Haan store and was immediately greeted and told that all items in the store were reduced by 25%.  Say no more, I love Cole Haan products, and I wasn't going to leave without a new bag.

Sullivan Street Handbag in Oxblood 

Voila!  I love my new Sullivan Street bag.  Plenty of room for all my "stuff" and my puppy's gear as well.  

One of the big reasons I purchased this bag is that it works as a shoulder bag.  The other bags I looked at needed a strap for use as a cross body bag.  

Handy pockets inside and a flapped pocket on the outside as well.

This Brooke Flap Tote is awesome in gray.  It was a hard decision but I just didn't want that long strap.  Gorgeous though.   

Do you like a cross body bag or a shoulder bag?

Things That Made Me Smile This Week

This week was spent connecting with friends and accomplishing tasks and errands that needed to be done but certainly weren't exciting or glamorous.  A few unexpected things happened along the way to make me smile.

I found these lovely antique glasses at a new shop.  The price was literally less than glasses at Ikea!  Hard to tell in the photo but they are a lovely amber color with a gold rim.

I spotted this rainbow on Sunday while walking the puppy.  Can you see that it is a double rainbow?

Who knew that the Missoni for Target opening would close on the same day?  I got a sweater, candle, tie and bowl.  They never did have the stacking cups I wanted.  Was there anything left at your Target?

It has gotten so cool here in Michigan and frost is predicted to Friday morning.  I hope my garden is not destroyed.  It does feel good to wear sweaters and scarves again and sleep with the window open and the comforter pulled up to my chin.  

The antique market is in Ann Arbor this weekend.  Hubby and I will try to avoid U of M football traffic and make it to the market.  

I hope you have a lovely weekend filled with things you love to do and shared with those you love.  See you on Monday.

Images and Inspiration from Sweet Paul Online Magazine

The fall edition of Sweet Paul online magazine is now available.  I wanted to share some photos to whet your appetite and motivate you to check it out.  I think the styling of the photos is splendid.  You can click on the links below the photos to be taken to the same page in the online magazine.  Enjoy.

Source: sweetpaulmag-digital.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Source: sweetpaulmag-digital.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Source: sweetpaulmag-digital.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Source: sweetpaulmag-digital.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Source: sweetpaulmag-digital.com via Deborah on Pinterest

I happened to pick up the audio version of I Don't Know How She Does It at the library the other day.  I wasn't thinking about the movie adaptation being released this weekend.  Now that I'm listening to the book, I can't wait to see the movie.  

I Don't Know How She Does It: The Life of Kate Reddy, Working Mother

Any woman could relate to this book.  As women we juggle work, home and family, and that can take many forms depending on age, marital status, work, child responsibilities or parental responsibilities.  This is a story of struggle for balance between work and family.  

  

The movie is a comedy and I don't know how the reviews will be but I'm sure Sarah Jessica Parker will be wearing some amazing clothes.  

Did you see these photos in Vogue?

Real life SJP with hubby Matthew Broderick.

SJP in Chanel and Manolos

Wearing Michael Kors

The girl can certainly wear clothes!