Pumpkin Pot

In the spirit of Halloween and autumn, I thought I would post this pumpkin dutch oven from Williams Sonoma. This piece makes me grin! I understand that it is rather tacky, but it is so fun! How cute would it be to serve pumpkin soup from this to your friends or family? You could only use this for a few months out of the year, but it would be worth it!

Another delightful choice is the pumpkin dinnerware set. This set is the color of an unripe gord and is composed of dessert plates, bowls, a tureen, and salt and pepper shakers. My favorite is the set of bowls, which are covered and look like little miniature pumpkins!

For more information go to www.williams-sonoma.com

Other pumpkin-themed items to check out:
-Pumpkin dinnerware
-Pumpkin patch pan (for cupcakes, etc.)
-Spiced pumpkin quick bread and bundt cake mix. Yum!

Pumpkin Seeds

Happy Halloween! I thought a great way to celebrate the holiday would be to post my roasted pumpkin seeds recipe. I warn you, I like my pumpkin seeds very salty, so be prepared!


Katie's Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Ingredients:
-2 pumpkins (this is assuming that you will be carving pumpkins with at least one friend.)
-extra-virgin olive oil (evoo for those Rachael Ray fans)
-lots of salt

Directions:
Carve your pumpkins with a friend or two. When scooping out the pumpkin guts, make sure to separate the seeds into a bowl. Put seeds in a colander and rinse. Place seeds on paper towels and let dry.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Toss seeds with enough extra-virgin olive oil to coat the seeds. Sprinkle with salt. Spread seeds on baking sheet. Sprinkle with more salt. Bake 20-35 minutes or until golden-brown and crispy!

Enjoy!

French Bull

I am most definitely in love with these spoons from French Bulldog! Just looking at these make me grin! Not only are they a colorful twist on the plain brown wooden variety, they add color to your kitchen! You can get them in many different patterns including stripes, if you want less of a “free-love” look.

Also, be sure to check out their plates and stationary. The 1970's inspired designs are playful without being tacky.

Others to check out:
-Vine Plates
-Grace Plates
-Diamond-patterned coasters

For more info go to www.frenchbull.com

Flavour Design

How much do I love this pots and pans holder from Flavour Design? The Japanese character that is incorporated into the design means "Luck" as does the red color (says my Singaporean friend!).

Alas, it is $420 for the piece in black or red and $750 for stainless steel. Out of my price range! However, it is still nice to dream!

For more information go to www.flavourdesign.com.

Other pieces to check out:
-Buddah Bowl (a favorite of Oprah's)- This bowl is buddah-like-- it is squat and round! It is made to fit in the palm of your hand and has a thumb hole for easy holding. It is supercute!

-In the Hot Seat- A stool made out of a 10qt pot! What more could you ask for in a kitchen stool?

Rosanna Inc.

After searching for plates that didn't bore me for hours one day, I came across Rosanna Inc., a dinnerware company out of Seattle.

Rosanna designs are sometimes fun and playful, other times elegant and refined. These plates are just pretty! I love how you can mix and match these dessert/salad plates with your own plain white china to match your mood!

One of my favorites is to the left, called "Parisian Wallpaper." Use these for a romantic meal or substitute the "pink tea" set for a girlie afternoon tea. For more information go to www.rosannainc.com.

Other favorites:
-Sausalito
-White Dinner
-Red Velvet

Pretty Excited

Hello, and welcome to my very first blog posting. I figure I should probably start by explaining why I would like to start a blog in the first place. (This seems like a reasonable first entry!)

First of all, I have been living in Northern Virginia now for about a year, and would like to be more in tune with the happenings in this area. I am hoping this will force me to get out of my comfort zone and find some fun things so I can post my adventures here.

Secondly, I am about to move into a new apartment and live alone (yikes!) for the first time in my life. I am a bit nervous, but I am excited to finally be able to decorate everything the way I want it! I love independent artists and would rather fill my space with unique pieces than the typical Bed Bath and Beyond fare. Most of my research has come from blogs, so I thought I'd set up my own to help others who might be in a similar situation.

So there you have it! I hope this may be useful to you as I am sure this will be helpful to me!

-Katie