The Likes of Lucy: 2013

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thanks, Pumpkins!

A friend posted this status on Facebook:

Really looking forward to Thanksgiving week on Facebook. It'll be so refreshing to read all of your grateful statuses along with pictures of food.

Because we never get to see that normally.

He has a very (sarcastic) point. To me, the #grateful and #blessed status always seems to be some sort of backdoor brag and it can be a little wearing. That's when I log off for a bit. The food shots I love. Keep documenting your food!

I'm not always a curmudgeon. That's just my online persona. The real life LuRuSo believes in full-on appreciation for what you have everyday, minus the hashtags. I am thankful for my caring and hilarious family, my close knit circle of friends, health, and the growth, adventure, and lessons that I have been gifted in this past year. Thanksgiving has always been a favorite holiday for me, and not just because I am a mashed potato fiend (although that plays a big part). I cherish the time dedicated to being with those you love and who love you.

But there is something else I'm very thankful for.

Pumpkin.

Lucy and her Pumpkin

I can do pumpkin year round, but from September thru November, my mind can only focus on that firm orange orb of goodness. Here are some items my pumpkin brain has been liking:

How do you make a pumpkin pie even more delicious? Brulee it! How did we never think of this? I love any excuse to dust off my mini blow torch. It brings me back to my Madeline's dessert counter days. Try it - I promise that torching sugar will make you feel like a badass.

Bruleed Classic Pumpkin Pie - A Cozy Kitchen

The Baker Chick shares my view of all pumpkin, all the time, and I turn to her blog during the season as it is chocked full of pumpkin recipes. My old standard for pumpkin bread was quickly replaced by her Easy One-bowl Pumpkin Bread. So spicy and so, so, so EASY. I actually decided to bake it up in muffin tins with the addition of cinnamon chips that were hanging out in my fridge.

There is something so glorious about adding chips to batter. And strangely calming?

This will be repeated again and again. So good!

Of course, I could have stuck to the loaf form, in which case I'd choose to bake it in this adorable pan:

Botanical Pumpkin Loaf Pan - Williams Sonoma

In fact, I'm all about pumpkin-themed cooking vessels. How cute is this cocotte?

Staub 3.5 Quart Pumpkin Cocotte, Orange

As all of your pumpkin goodies are baking away, you should be enjoying a crisp pumpkin ale. But which one?

The Best Pumpkin Ales - PASTE Magazine

Pumpkin is also one of the few food items that is good for pups by helping with the digestive system. Reading the list of human quality ingredients in these treats, you understand why your furry friend gobbles them up.

Grandma Lucy Organic Baked Dog Treats - Drugstore.com

Pumpkin is not just satisfying to your appetite. It's packed with enzymes that help brighten and enliven dull skin. This line has gotten good reviews although most claim that the spot on scent will tempt you to lick your face!

Pumpkin Mask - Michael Todd True Organics

Linnea's Lights continues to be one of my favorite soy candle companies. Their scents never disappoint, aren't too overpowering, and burn beautifully.

Linnea's Lights Pumpkin Candle - Terrain

Post carving season, you can still use pumpkins (and other gourds) for festive holiday decor. This blog showcases various decorating techniques using office supplies. Genius crafting!

Office Supply Pumpkins - A Subtle Revelry

Starbucks had this as their App of the Week not long ago. One of my favorite TV specials, on the go!

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown App - Apple itunes

For the grand finale, if you really want to combine some of my favorite "likes" of pumpkin, beer, artisanal products, eco-friendly and beauty...well, this soap fits the bill.

Pumpkin Spice Beer Soap - Damn Handsome Grooming Co.

Hoping your Thanksgiving Holiday is filled with all that warms you, makes you smile and yes, be thankful.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Erica Has A Sister

I wanted to share a friend's post because I can't stop thinking about it.

No pre-explanation needed. Just read. And try and give out and take in a lot more love in our little world.

I Have A Sister

xoxoxo

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Halloween Parade Down the Yellow Brick Road

We couldn't make it to the Dog Halloween Parade this year, so we had our own little parade at home. As you can see in the below line-up, Bryndal was THRILLED. Practically the Grand Marshall.

Bryndalsaurus Rex:

Sharknado:

Stinky McB:

Pumpkin Head:

And this year's wild, wild, west Halloween edition...

There's a new sheriff in town:

Please note: the boy got a LOT of treats after this "torture".

For more dogtastic costumes, check out D is for Doggy's Howl-o-Ween Costume Contests from the last two years. It's giving me ideas for 2014 - loving the chia pet!

2011

2012

And in all fairness, I didn't make him don what I really wanted him to wear:

Speaking of the Wizard of Oz, did you guys know that at one point there existed a theme park based on the movie? Once a year in its abandoned state, past employees and special guests are allowed to roam the grounds. True story HERE. How do I get put on this list??? I must know.

OK, I'm off to see the Wizard...

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Molly's Cupcakes

I want us to play a little game.

Imagine each of the following:

Greenwich Village

Cupcakes

Swings

Creme Brûlée
Do-Gooders

Do you have a clear picture of each in your mind? Good, because I'm about to blow it.

These things exist in one place. A real place.

Molly's Cupcakes

I'd heard about Molly's for over a year, but hadn't found an excuse to stop by. My dad and I were in the neighborhood one night for dinner, so I thought that could be the perfect opportunity.

Unfortunately (and fortunately), we had just spent 2+ hours consuming cheese, so the thought of eating one crumb more was hard to...swallow...but I convinced him. After all, it was only a block and a half down the street. Oh boy, did we choose right.

It was like we had a separate stomach just for these cupcakes.

We chose two of the center-filled cupcakes - a happy meld between your favorite dessert, but in cupcake form.

As you can see, I'm very content with our decision, heading on over to a swing seat.

The Creme Brûlée cupcake was unbelievable. Of course, the sign of a good creme brûlée - that caramelized top that cracks when the spoon hits it (or in this case, your teeth) - was incorporated and perfect. We also split the Boston Cream which was decadent and rich, but not overly sweet.

The Cake Batter and Cookies n Cream were listed as two very popular choices, but there seemed to be a flavor for everyone, some fruit based, some seasonal, and some classic. You can also create your own combination.
The owner (or Chief Egg Cracker, as he refers to himself), Johnny, was manning the counter. Molly's is inspired by his 3rd grade teacher who brought the most scrumptious cupcakes to class for each student's birthday. In her honor, a portion of the sales is donated to schools in the community.

And then did I mention the swings?

If you find yourself meandering the streets of the Village, you must pop in and try a Molly's cupcake. Save me a swing!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Anybody Home?

Considering changing out THIS

for this:

Neighbors Doormat - RWD

I mean, how much sheet music, dog toys, and various sizes of cupcake baking pans would a burglar be interested in anyway?

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Mixed Media

A lil' bit of leather goes a long way. I love the slight edge these pieces get from the addition of a well placed piece of leather, especially when mixed with something unexpected.

The geometrics on this skirt fascinate me. It's also cool, but still work appropriate.

Crosstown Colorblock Skirt - Ann Taylor

Rose gold is everywhere-one of those summer trends that I hope keeps on going. This watch functions as a bracelet and you almost can't tell where the metal ends and the leather band begins.

La Mer Odyssey Case Leather Wrap Watch - Shopbop

When I spotted this easy-to-wear and super affordable dress, I knew it had to be mine. Now I just let the compliments add up. :)

Mossimo Short Sleeve Faux Leather Skater Dress - Target

I wish for colder weather, just to wear these cozy boots.

Carly Cable Knit Engineer Boot - Delia's

I followed a gal for 5 blocks the other week admiring her leather adorned cardigan. This was it:

Leather Yoke Cardigan - Anthropologie

The nubby wool in contrast to the sturdy leather is a winner.

Wool Handbags - R.Riveter

Again with the contrasts, the slinky and girly bow are mellowed out with the leather shoulders.

Tinley Road Leather Patch Top - Piperlime

To add some texture to your life, try layering on some leather. I promise it won't turn you into a dominatrix.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Easy Being Green

Oh, I do disagree with that frog - it is soooo easy being green. Especially this season, when the retail world has provided me with all of the forest, pea, emerald, mint, moss, olive, hunter, jade, chartreuse, and lime a girl could ever ask for.

Just a few examples...

For your cup a joe. Wouldn't this brighten up an early morning?

Keurig K10 Mini Plus Coffee Machine - Emerald Green

Malachite that doesn't kid around.

Pavlov Ring - Kelly Wearstler

A simple, functional dress. Make it green and it is something special.

ASOS Midi Dress with Short Sleeves

Usually, I prefer green polish on my toes only, but this shade could work without screaming "Elphaba".

Zoya Nail Polish - Hunter

Two greens in one:

Cap-toe Pointy Flats - The Gap

All summer I was obsessed with Equinox's Lean and Green Smoothie. Spinach, tofu, asian pear, and turmeric. I never figured out how to replicate it at home, so I will continue to spend green on green.

Almost too pretty to work at: