A Few Things

Recently marked these (how cute is that storefront?)...

1. Vintage paper garland from ethanollie. 2. Little Nuffield's storefront (via). 3. Book photoshoot by Jose Villa. 4. Painting of a photo by Anna Ura (via).

The Weekend...

We fit a lot into this one. We're about halfway done with the fireplace project (I'll post more of it this week), and I helped throw a baby boy shower for my sister in-law (I shared some of the planning details over on The Sweetest Occasion today - thanks for having me, Cyd!). We also went to the movies, did a bunch of yard work, and cleaned out the garage...a fulfilling end to the month. Happy first of October!

(photos from my phone/instagram feed)

My Favorite Chili

Sunday afternoon felt like the perfect time to make chili, so I did. I've been using pretty much the same recipe since last winter and thought I'd share...it is so easy to prepare (and make substitutions), and the flavor is sweet and tangy. Just be careful not to get carried away with adding the chipotle in adobo (I had to give an entire batch to my brother last Christmas because my mouth was on. fire!).

My Favorite Basic Chili
adapted from Vegetarian Chili - My Father's Daughter

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4in dice
1/2 yellow onion, peeled and finely diced 
1 red bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, cut into 1/4in dice
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp chipotle in adobo (or barbecue sauce + red pepper flakes)
1 28oz can whole peeled tomatoes with their juice
2 14oz cans white cannellini beans
1 14oz can red kidney beans
3 Tbsp tomato paste
Pinch of coarse salt
Optional ground beef or turkey as add-in
Optional grated cheese and plain greek yogurt served on top

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium pot, adding in the carrot, onion, red pepper, garlic and spices. Cook, stirring, for 15 minutes or until softened. Add in the chipotle and stir to combine.

Turn the heat up to high, add the tomatoes with their juices, crushing with a wooden spoon (I also use a masher to make things even smoother); bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes. Add the beans, filling one 14oz can with water and adding to the pot along with the salt. Bring to boil, and simmer again for 40 minutes on low.

Add in the tomato paste (and optional meat), cooking for 20 minutes or until flavors are combined. Add optional toppings and serve.

A Look Back at Summer

Before summer is too far gone, here's a look back at ours. We felt blessed to have done so many things with my family, being that is was the first summer of my dad's retirement, and the last that my brother will be nearby. Though it had its highs and lows, some of the highlights included our annual trip to Black Lake, a few date nights, visiting our oldest brother's family in Florida, reading good books, and trying to eat healthier. And now, fall is most welcome.

(photos from my phone and instagram feed)

Updating the Fireplace

After thinking about it for some time, we're planning to update our corner fireplace to include a built-in area for bookshelves and our tv. The layout of our living room is awkward, with several doorways and focal points, making it tricky to arrange and include everything. We both said before that we'd never put the tv up above the fireplace, but the idea started sounding better the more we thought about...and we're both kind of giddy about the potential it has (Q might just be in it for a bigger tv).

Our plan/sketch is still a little rough, but here's our general idea: removing the current tile and mantle, putting in square white tile (#4) on the hearth and some white painted brick (#2) extending up to the mantle. Above the fireplace will be the built-in area, with a large opening for a tv (the green tape in the photos above are marked at our current tv size, but the opening will be much larger). I'm not sure yet if we'll have mini shelves running up each side of the tv opening (#1), but I would like to have a wide shelf run across the very top (#3).

So that's it. I have a feeling it will change as we go, but I can't wait to get started. If it all works out, we'll free up just enough wall space (where the tv used to be) for our Christmas tree this year. : ) 

(images: 1. Design Files 2. Serena & Lily 3. Emily Gilbert 4. home depot)

A Few Things

A few things I've marked recently, Lord Ampersand being my favorite in the group...

1. Photos of England taken by Roost. 2. Little faux succulents (via MadeByGirl). 3. Wool blankets from Toast. 4. The handsome Lord Ampersand by Quill & Fox.

Women's Retreat

A glimpse of my weekend spent at the Camp Arcadia Women's Retreat (every year Q's mom and sisters take a trip somewhere together). The camp is on the shore of Lake Michigan, has an inn and cottages, trading post (as any camp should), outdoor chapel on the beach, and the most wonderful food. That sunset was waiting for us the night we arrived...

Evening at Box Bar

We ended up downtown on Monday night and had a dinner date at Box Bar. It's one of the main restaurants surrounding the park, yet we've never eaten there before (we treated ourselves to a Reuben sandwich and black bean burger - neither of which made it on camera). It was that pretty time of evening when all of the lights come on and glow with what's left of the sun.

Room and Board

I've always been inspired by the colorful, sophisticated look of this small apartment space. One element I'd love to include in the idea board are the subtle nods to nature found in this room (the fern pillow and twig mirror are some of my favorite details!).

Room: Lauren McGrath's home / Board: Sofette / Accent Table / Swiss Dot Pillow / Flowers / Lamp