Fall Foliage

I never quite get used to fall in Florida, so here's what I'm missing right now... Enjoy!

Fall Nails

Thought I would share two of my fav nail colors for fall. No, they aren't part of any of the new fall collections, but they're still right on trend!  

OPI: Linkin Park After Dark & Essie: Sand Tropez

This extra deep purple shade is a nice alternate to black or berry and works great with lighter skin tones. 

I love a nude shade and this one works perfect with my skin. Take your time and test out shades when looking for a nude that works for you. Keep in mind whether warm or cool tones suite you. I love to go to Ulta since you can sample there. (I went in to buy a shade from the Essie fall collection, but it just didn't work with my skin tone). GET WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!

P.S. You all know a fab top coat makes any mani look better and gives it staying power. This one from Essie is the BEST! I've tried many different ones from their line and others, and I swear this one makes my nails last for days! 

Essie: No Chips Ahead top coat

Balancing Act

Not only am I a Libra, but I find that many of my friends and the type of people I'm drawn to are also Libras. We tend to be social, creative, and organized people who love art, luxurious things (and I'm not making that up!), and tending to other people's needs. Our biggest downfall is our indecisiveness (anyone who knows me, will say this is true!) as we desire to be balanced. We must weigh out all sides and view points before making a decision. 

With that said, the "Scale" is truly representative of our sign. Here are some of my favorites... Happy Birthday Libras! 

Balancing Scale: Z-Gallerie

 

Brass & Milk Glass Scale: Vintage

Nickel Scale: Global Views

Metal Scale: Hobby Lobby

Shoe Obsession

Every girl loves shoes, so that's why I decided to share my "Shoe Obsession." Periodic posts dedicated simply to shoes. Doesn't get much more fabulous than that. 

To kick it off, a pair I saw in Elle last night from Vera Wang. Love these for fall! 

Kaleidoscope Walls

Remember looking through a kaleidoscope when you were young? These wallpapers from Wallpaper Collective are a cool way to bring you back to childhood!

Go bold with one of these...

Medallion - Lilac

King's Cross

Crown Jewels

Or more subtle with one of these tone on tone prints...

Kaledio - White

Kaleido - Copper

Reading Chair

I have so many magazines stacked up that I haven't read yet, and this reading chair by Kosha seems like it would be the perfect place to catch up on them! Happy Friday everyone! 

Ikat Love

I know I've shared my love for "Ikat" print with you before, but it has officially been taken to the next level! Check out these new tiles from New Ravenna Mosaics. Can you say AMAZING?!

Show Your Team Colors

Yet another great aspect of fall... Football!  For me, it officially started with last night's Patriots season opener here in Miami. In honor of my team, here are some rooms that perectly display our colors!

9/11 Memorial

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11. I know we all remember where we were, how we felt, and most importantly how the country was able to come together! It is the true spirit of America that we celebrate today in the most amazing country in the world. In honor of all those who suffered that day, a memorial has been built at the site of ground zero. It's an eco-friendly plaza with two massive reflecting pools, waterfalls, and museum. Designed by Michael Arad, it was meant to "convey the spirit of hope and renewal" while creating a "contemplative space" separate from the usual hustle and bustle of NYC. Visit the National September 11 memorial's website for more photos and information on this amazing design

Live feed from webcam 

Rendering of the pools with the 400 trees that will be planted

Rendering of memorial at night

God Bless America!

Stylish Stools

How fabulous are these stools from Nest in Miami Beach?! Can you say instant pizzaz?!

Tangy Tomato Salad

I have long loved the traditional tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad for it's simplicity, but I've been yearning for a twist. I made my own version this weekend and it was delish! Serve it as an appetizer or as a light lunch with crusty bread. Hope you enjoy! 

Tangy Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese and Dill

Thinly sliced tomatoes
Goat Cheese
Fresh Dill
Olive Oil
Lemon
Salt & Pepper

Simply arrange tomato slices on platter and top each one with goat cheese and a few sprigs of fresh dill. Drizzle with some olive oil and squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top. Sprinkle with salt & pepper and refrigerate for about 10 minutes before serving.

Address Yourself

Does anyone else continually get address labels in the mail? You know the one's from various charities etc. With the concept of "snail mail" dwindling these days what's a girl to do with all these extra labels? Why not have a "label swap"?

I came up with this idea yesterday when I was addressing something to to my mom. I'm sure you all have a handful of people you regularly mail stuff to (for me, it's my sister, parents, and friends which are all across the country), so why not make it just a little more efficient to communicate. Next time you send out a thank you card, party invitation, birthday card, etc simply include a sheet of your labels so they can use them to send mail back to you! Invite all your friends and family to do the same and then next time you have to mail something out, it'll be that much easier. And with, dare I say it, Christmas right around the corner, imagine all the time you'll save!

Style Steal

Total design embraces all of your senses, so don't forget about smell! One of my fav ways to capture this sense is with scented candles. I love to change out the smells according to the season. Today's "style steal" is just in time for fall. At half price (reg. $19 now 2 for $20) these Slatkin 3-wick candles from Bath & Body Works are not only a fab way to scent your place for fall, but to pick up as gifts (think hostess, thank you, party favors, etc) so stock up now!

Some of my fav smells

Creamy Pumpkin - my fall staple, love, love, love this one!

Caramel Apple - burn this one in the kitchen after dinner and you'll feel like you ate dessert

Jasmine Vanilla - a rich distinct smell that's perfect for the bedroom or bathroom

Slender Caesar Salad

What's not to like about a classic Caesar salad? It's great for your labor day cookout or any night of the week! Try my lighter version adapted from my Mom's recipe.


Croutons

What You'll Need:

Bread
Olive Oil
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Salt & Pepper

Heat oven to 400. Cut bread into chunks and spread out on a foil lined baking sheet. Spritz or brush them with olive oil. Sprinkle them with the garlic & onion powder, s & p. Toss to combine and bake until golden. 


Note: I recommend older bread that's a bit too dry for sandwiches. I also like to mix it up with white, wheat, heals, rolls, pitas, whatever you have sitting around! 


You will want to make extras because trust me you'll be snacking on them while you're cooking!




Dressing

What You'll Need:


1 container of Greek yogurt
1 tbsp. of lemon juice
Splash of Worcester sauce
1/3 cup reduced fat parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. dijon or brown mustard
1 or 2 garlic gloves minced (depending on preference)
2 tbsp. half and half (more if you prefer thinner dressing)
Salt & Pepper

Put all ingredients into bowl except parmesan and whisk to combine. Once combined add parmesan and stir until mixed. Voila your done!


Note: Feel free to add more or less of certain ingredients depending on your preference. For example I like more lemon. 




Salad

What You'll Need:

Romaine lettuce chopped
Diced tomato
Croutons
Dressing
Parmesan cheese
Fresh ground pepper

In a large salad bowl toss lettuce with dressing. Add tomatoes and sprinkle on some parmesan and toss again. Add croutons and gently toss. Top with fresh ground pepper and garnish with lemon wedges if desired!


Notes: I like to wash and cut the lettuce first and let it sit in fridge wrapped in paper towel before I make dressing and croutons so it's nice and crisp when it's time to use. 


You'll probably have extra dressing so it's great in a chicken caesar wrap the next day!


Serving

How pretty would it look in one of these bowls!

Alessi harmonic basket: Velocity

Natural horn bowl: Jayson Home

Umbra ensalada wood bowl: Velocity