Halloween Favorites

Have a great weekend!

Wanna Buy It Wednesday: 4311 38th Street, NW, Arlington, VA

4311 38th Street is a perfect home for a large, growing family. With six large bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a walk-out basement and sizeable backyard, this builder didn't skip on anything essential to modern day living. And although the home is perfect for a family, the finishes are still high grade with maple flooring, marble bathrooms and granite in the kitchen. I love the open floor plan and the beautiful master bathroom is my favorite! Built in 2008, it's on the market for 1.6 million.

Good Friends

Isn't this quote great? Since moving back to D.C., I've been having so much fun with the people I've met. Friends truly are like family, especially when you live so far from home.

This week I decided to do something special for my friend CEW. She has been a great friend for so many years. My gift included David Lebovitz' Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. I loved making these treats for her to enjoy, but the best part was watching her enjoy them!


Recipe:

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 3/4 cup (245 g) flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 3/4 cup (175 g) old –fashioned rolled oats (not instant or quick-cooking)
1 1/2 cups (240 g) raisins

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon, making sure there are no lumps of baking soda. Stir in the oats and raisins.

3. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until thoroughly combined. On low speed, or by hand, gradually add the flour and oat mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until completely incorporated.

4. Chill the batter a few hours or overnight, covered. (This step is optional, although recommended by the author.)

5. To bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

6. Drop the dough in 1/4 cup (50 g) balls evenly spaced on the baking sheet and flatten the tops slightly with your hand.

(I got about 8 cookies per baking sheet.)

7. Midway during baking, rotate the baking sheet and tap the tops of the cookies down somewhat firmly with a spatula to flatten the domes.

8. Bake the cookies for 20 to 22 minutes, until they just start to turn brown across the top, but do not overbake.

Remove from oven and cool completely.

DVF Fabric

Diane Von Furstenberg is working on a new project that I'm very excited about: her own line of fabric. Soon she will be bringing the vibrant patterns from her clothing to textiles for the home. Many of us have seen the interior Von Furstenburg decorated for the Claridge's Hotel (photo below). I can't wait to see more of the colors, textures and patterns she develops.

Friday Favorites: Photos of the Week

via Starfish and Sundresses


via In Trad We Trust

via Bippity Boppity Boo

via Design Dump

One of the reasons I love blogging so much is because of all the beautiful photography I'm exposed to.... I'm in this for the pictures.

Good First Impressions

The color and style of your front door has a great deal of impact on what style you want to convey about your home. I'm quite partial to red, but that bright blue is eye-catching as well.

Wanna Buy It Wednesday: 10 Hidden Holly Lane, Charlottesville, VA

A few weeks ago, I traveled with a few friends to Charlottesville, VA to attend the UVA-FSU game. What a great time! And the drive was simply magnificent. Virginia's rolling hills and colorful foliage made me want to kiss the city life goodbye. Wouldn't it be fun to have a farmhouse and 55 acres like 10 Hidden Holly Lane? With 7 fireplaces, 6 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms, it has plenty of room for all your guests. Also, the gourmet kitchen and outdoor fireplace make it perfect for entertaining. It was built in 2007 so no need to worry about any updates beyond cosmetic. It's on the market for 2.25 million.