November Photo Project: Date Night

It was so fun seeing your date night photos this month. Jonah and I love going to the movies, so here we are at Cinerama, our favorite theater in Seattle, with some tasty chocolate popcorn. Here's what you shared:

Kayla of Exquisite Banana shared this photo. She and her husband were about to split a beer in champagne flutes while lounging around watching Sunday football. I love the combination.

Allison of Reasons to Smile shared a pic from a game of fetch with her new dog Odin. She says it's her favorite kind of date because it's a reminder that "dates can be simple and cheap as long as you value quality time with your partner."

Erin of Reading My Tea Leaves took this photo during an anniversary sailing date with her husband.

And Natalie of Natty Michelle shared a photo from a date with her hubby at Laurel Street Bakery in New Orleans.

If you want to share one of your date night photos, just leave a link below! And the winner of the HowAboutWe 6-month membership is Kayla!

Giving Thanks

We're enjoying our time with family in Seattle. I hope you have a warm and cozy Thanksgiving with your favorite kind of potatoes.

Pumpkin Parfait

I'm a big fan of pumpkin pie, but if you're looking for a twist on the traditional or another use for the squash, these pumpkin mousse parfaits are a worthy contender. You still get that creamy pumpkin and tasty bits of gingersnap cookies give you a crust fix, but these parfaits bring a bit of added specialness to the Thanksgiving table.

And here's another take on pumpkin pie.

Weekend in Photos

Just a few pics from our weekend in Portland -- we did some shopping, had some tasty meals, enjoyed ice cream at Salt & Straw despite the cold temps, visited with family and spent some quality nerd time at an arcade filled with vintage games and pinball machines. We're headed to Seattle today, but Portland has treated us well.

Thoughts of the Week

My favorite Thanksgiving side in cake form.

I want all the things.

Gold wishbones! I'd never put them away.

I made this simple chicken and rice, and it has quickly achieved go-to weeknight meal status.

A delicious color combo.

The art of layering.

Like an Almond Joy but more pie-y.

This song is getting mucho play around here.

And please oh please, send me your date night photos before next Friday! There's a prize involved this month, but really I just like seeing your pictures.

Jonah and I are headed to the Northwest tonight, a brief stay in Portland followed by lots of time and turkey with his family in Seattle. Feel free to follow along on instagram if that's your thing.

Blue Nile Bracelet Giveaway

Update: Kerr is the winner!

I've got a giveaway for you courtesy of online jewelry retailer Blue Nile. They were kind enough to send me two of these sweet, little bracelets: one to keep and the other is for one of you wonderful people! It's a delicate sterling silver bracelet with an infinity symbol charm in the middle valued at $45, and it would make a great gift to yourself or be perfect to pass along to someone special just in time for the holidays.

Just leave a comment below before 11:59pm ET on Monday, December 2, for a chance to win. One winner will be chosen at random. Good luck! And if you're doing some holiday shopping at Blue Nile, get 10% off with the discount code: BNHH10

Pretty Packing

Any upcoming travel plans? We're heading to the Northwest this weekend for a prolonged Thanksgiving trip. I only wish I was using one of these cosmetic bags from Madewell instead of the Ziploc bag I cram all my travel-size products into for airport security.

Frocktails: Along Cider

On certain fall days, I crave a mug full of hot apple cider even more than hot chocolate, and that's saying a lot. Something about the sweetness and tanginess of that natural flavor is so appealing. This spiked version is dressed up and served warm with a bit of dark rum mixed in for a little added comfort.

This print dress by Sanctuary is a mix of colors perfectly suited for fall. I love the bold navy trim alongside those floral patterns. It's short and lightweight, but with a little layering, you've got yourself a wearable November dress.

Spiked Hot Apple Cider

4 cups apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Half an apple, thinly sliced
1 cup dark rum

Combine cider, cinnamon sticks, lemon juice, syrup and apple slices in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and then turn the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cup of rum and pour into mugs. Garnish with apple slices. Serves 4.

Dress found here. Similar belt found here. Frocktails is a monthly feature for fashion and libation inspiration. See past pairings.

Weekend in Photos

There was some baking, some frocktail-making, Saturday night pizza, some online shopping, dim sum on a foggy Sunday and the all-important lounging on the couch. All of it added up to a pretty great weekend.

Autumn in New York

I paid a visit to Central Park the other day to see the fall leaves before they all hit the ground. A cup of hot chocolate, a saxophone playing in the distance and those leaves can play tricks on a girl and make her forget all about crowded subways, exorbitant rent payments and two-hour waits when all I wanna do is eat dinner. Oh New York, you cruel and beautiful mistress.

Cold Cure

I'm planning to make knit things with pockets my new uniform because oh my goodness, it is cold outside. Anthropologie is tempting me with their cozy-looking sweaters. Maybe one will serve me well through these chilly months.

[found here: shawl collar cardi; slubby boucle cardigan; cabled sweater coat; cabled cowl pullover]

Pretend Party: Thanksgiving Dinner

I'm not hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, but if I were (and if I could justify purchasing a gravy boat), it would hopefully look a little something like this. Mini marshmallow-covered sweet potatoes not pictured.

[spotted here: garland; English apple presse; salad plate; napkins; gravy boat; salt and pepper shakers; copper flatware; pie pan; candles]

Fall Food: Brown Butter and Sage Sauce

You could enjoy this brown butter and sage sauce any time of year, but the earthy, herby nuttiness is so perfect for right now. I paired it with sweet potato gnocchi, but I think pretty much any pasta will be made better by it.

Brown Butter and Sage Sauce
Recipe adapted from Mario Batali

2 tablespoons butter
4 sage leaves, cut into thin, short strips
1/4 cup parmesan, grated or in large curls

While your pasta cooks, melt butter in a large saute pan and continue cooking until golden brown color appears. Add sage leaves and remove from heat. Drain the pasta but save some cooking water. Add pasta to the saute pan with about a 1/4 cup of pasta water and toss to coat pasta. Plate and top with parmesan cheese. Makes 2 servings.

Weekend in Photos

Not much weekend excitement from me today since I had to work on Saturday and Sunday, but there was still Friday night Indian food, time to scope out the neighborhood foliage, and Jonah was kind enough to run out for bagels and coffee while I was stuck in front of my laptop. I'll take what I can get.

A House in the Woods

I'm liking this 700-square-foot cabin in Ontario, Canada. The exterior is wrapped in mirrored panels to help the home blend in with the nature around it, and the inside manages to be minimal but cozy at the same time. I wouldn't mind spending a few cold days in there.

[spotted on: inhabitat; photos: UUfie]