Thanksgiving Centerpieces

We're smack-dab in the middle of November, and that means that the entertaining season is ramping up. A huge part of entertaining is decorating, of course. For Thanksgiving, a table centerpiece creates a focal point in the room, emphasizing the importance of the dining area. I favor rustic, simple and practical centerpieces over those that are elaborate. Well, the domestic geniuses at Martha Stewart must've read my mind and dreamt up these gorgeous harvest arrangements.

My favorite centerpiece: The similar tones in the fruits and vegetables here lend simplicity and elegance to this cornucopia.

Again, I like the singular use of pears here, instead of varying shapes and colors.

This arrangement can be done using one kind of flower from your local grocer.

Place a few cheap, small gourds in a soup tureen, and--voila!

all images via Martha Stewart

Etsy Goody: Lou and Lee

I've been asked many times where I get Sophie's hair clips, and I always tell people the same thing: Etsy. There are a couple of different go-to sources, but I've yet to find one that surpasses Lou and Lee in originality and quality. Lou and Lee are twins that make beautiful hair accessories for babies, kids and adults, alike. Any headband on their site can be made into a hair clip and vice versa. More unique styles here.

all images via Lou and Lee

MacLaren Stroller Recall

Do you, like millions of other parents, own a MacLaren umbrella stroller? We have the Techno XLR, which has faithfully served us since Sophie was born. Well, now MacLaren has announced a mass recall of every single stroller sold since 1999, due to the possibility of finger amputation by the opening/closing hinge mechanism. The company urges stroller owners to stop using their strollers immediately and call them toll-free at (877) 688-2326. MacLaren won't replace your strollers, but they will send you a repair kit. From what I can see, the hinge is no different from any other hinge on any other umbrella stroller, so even if you have a non-MacLaren stroller, be wary of this danger.

Etsy Goody: Native Vermont

If I was decorating for a boy's room, I would bypass the car/truck/construction/sports/superhero themes and go straight to the storefront of Etsy seller Native Vermont. One can practically smell the fresh, salty ocean air in his images. They come in a variety of formats: glicee prints, framed prints, and canvas. More of his fantastic art here.

all images via Native Vermont

Sea Pearl

Ever since I've become "domesticated", I don't often venture far from home to have dinner. Lack of motivation, energy, cool clothes, and other reasons have prevented me from trying a lot of hip restaurants outside my home comfort zone. Tonight, we threw all those excuses to the wind and dined at Sea Pearl. The chef/owner at Sea Pearl was formerly the head chef at Sequoia, where Darren and I had our wedding reception. I really liked all the appetizers and entrees we tried, and will visit again soon. The food was just as good as I remembered it on my wedding night!

Spicy tuna tartare

We feel so fortunate to have a toddler that we can bring with us to nice restaurants. She was so happy and good.

Front Facing Bookcase

As seen over on OhDeeDoh, another solution to the front-facing book display dilemma. Take a Billy bookcase, and affix some strips of moulding (available at your local hardware store).

Simple Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients are 100% organic, yet 0% good for you

I made this simple meal for dinner tonight. The highlight of the meal for my husband was the mashed potatoes, which he claims are his favorite. I know mashed potatoes are the easiest thing ever to make, but I'm recording this recipe here for my own notes.

SIMPLE MASHED Potatoes

Ingredients:

yukon gold potatoes whole milk unsweetened butter

kosher salt freshly ground black pepper Chopped scallions (optional)

Directions:

1.	Quarter about 5 yukon gold potatoes, and throw in boiling water. Boil for approximately 10 minutes, until fork-tender.
2.	Remove potatoes from heat and drain, keeping them in the pot. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork, adding a quarter cup of whole milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
3.	Add about half a stick of butter (or 4 tablespoons), to taste. Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

4.	If you like the flavor of onions, chop scallions and mix them in with the potatoes. Serves 4.