Fondness For Fall Series: Bijou + Boheme

Hi Inspired Design lovers...it's Christine here from Bijou and Boheme and I'm so happy to be taking part in Debby's fabulous Fondness for Fall series.

I'm all about autumn...totally my season.

And the reasons why...well...

1. I love fall because......

It's a time of transition....and coffee;)

The landscape changes daily and the hint of coolness in the air is invigorating...I have more energy in the fall and feel constantly refreshed.

I also far prefer fall ensembles.

I'm one of those pasty white people and being able to layer scarves, trenches, sweaters and boots...well I'm just way cuter than in the summer.

I love bundling up on a cool night.

I love seeing my kids jump in the leaves.

And gasp, I even love the darker days...fall just feels cozy and cozy is good.

2. Favorite autumn recipe...

Pumpkin soup and warm crusty bread...with lots of butter...and wine.

One of my best girlfriends from university used to make us all pumpkin soup every couple of weeks and it still seems like the most delicious of comfort foods to me....especially when it's sprinkled with coarse salt and tons of pepper...oh and a dollop of sour cream of course- yum, yum and yum.

Here is one the recipe for one my favourite versions...Maple Pumpkin...delish!

900 mL carton chicken broth

2- 1-kg bag baby carrots

30 mL maple syrup

15 mL Dijon mustart, preferable grainy

10 mL dried thyme leaves

250 mL sour cream

{Place broth, carrots, maple syrup, Dijon and thyme in a large pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium. Cover and gently boil, stirring occasionally, until very tender, about 30 min.Ladle half into a food processor, fitted with a metal blade. Purée until as smooth as you like. Pour into a large bowl. Then purée remaining soup. Return both batches to pot. Soup is quite thick and you may need to add up to 1 cup (250 mL) water or chicken broth. Reheat until hot. When hot, stir in half the sour cream. Taste and add salt, if needed. Ladle soup into bowls, then dollop each with about 1 tbsp (15 mL) of remaining sour cream.}

3. Favorite fall outfit...

My favourite fall ensemble includes a great trench, printed scarf and fabulous leather boots...in shades of cream, camel and navy blue...oh and a little fur for good measure.

{via}

My own fall look would look a little something like this....

{Ted Baker beret Noemi Klein earrings Alexander McQueen scarf Stylesnob bracelet,  Sabrina Deboff bracelet Surface 2 boot True Religion Becky Ham jean Salvatore Ferragamo knitted satchel Marc by Marc Jacobs trench Phillip Lim sweater}

Thanks so much to Debby for having me.

Loved taking part in a series devoted to my absolute favourite season!

xo

Fondness For Fall Series: Providence Ltd. Design

I am so pleased to have the beautiful Mona of Providence Ltd. Design is here today sharing what she has been delighting in this autumn. Not only is Mona a beautiful lady inside and out... she also has a beautiful shop packed with gorgeous treasures and her design services help others beautify their homes through her skilled eye and love of interiors. Welcome, Mona!

I Love Fall Because...

I love fall.... turning leaves... cozy fires... things slow down in the garden, mums, pansies and pumpkins are a welcome change.

Favorite Fall Recipe

I love the heartier fare at meal times... soups, casseroles and pumpkin anything! My favorite fall recipe is this wholesome beef stew by Martha Stewart.

Favorite Fall Outfit

I'm pretty much a jeans kind of girl most every day... but just love adding layers, fabulous sweaters and boots.

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Thanks for guest posting, Mona! I told you she was lovely! Below is some of my favorite items from her shop which is filled with one of kind mirrors, antique furnishings, architectural elements and even jewelry!

Providence Ltd. Shop

Thanks so much for visiting us, Mona! It's been a pleasure! xoxo

I'm now offering custom blog designs for anyone who is looking for some sprucing up!

Current Giveaway: Enter to win a pearl bracelet and matching earrings from Jess David Jewelry, winner's choice of color!

Fondness For Fall: Brunch At Saks

I am so excited to have the gorgeous Annemarie of Brunch at Saks visiting today. Anne Marie is a style maven and her blog is a wonderful resource full of delicious gluten free recipes. Welcome Annemarie! 

I love fall because...

1. I love fall because......of the change in colors and scenery; crisp, cool air; grey, peaceful mornings; and warm, love-filled meals shared with family and friends.

Favorite Fall Recipe

2. Favorite autumn recipe Gluten-free Banana Bread.

Favorite Fall Outfit

3. Favorite fall outfit A cardigan, dark jeans or riding pants, knee-length leather riding boots, topped with a cozy scarf. Available at J Crew.

Thanks so much for participating Annemarie! xoxo

Fondness For Fall Series: Aspiring Kennedy

I am so excited to have Lauren of Aspiring Kennedy here today! Lauren is a spunky witty girl who is a natural beauty. I love her blog because her personality shines through and you can just tell she is a girl that would be a blast to spend time with. I never leave her blog without a smile on my face. Welcome, Lauren!!

I Love Autumn Because...

1. I love fall because... here in England, it's already chilly, so why not enjoy the clothing that corresponds? Even though our Starbucks don't have Pumpkin Spice Lattes, I still love walking through town during the day with a warm drink in my hand. The best thing about living in Europe during the fall? No college football! After loosing my husband to OU season tickets for too many years, he finally has his attention diverted!

Favorite Fall Recipe

2. My favorite autumn recipe... is brussell sprouts. It amazes me how many people have never tried brussell sprouts- they are amazing! My mom's recipe is easy, cheap, and hard to mess up. (All three elements make it a staple in our house!)

- halve and quarter the sprouts at random
- lay them onto a cooking sheet that has aluminum foil underneath
- drizzle olive oil on top
- top them with a few cloves fresh crushed garlic, s&p, and a pinch of two of sugar (it sounds crazy, but it helps them caramelize!)
- fold up the foil along the top, to make it a pouch
- put in a hot oven (400) for 20 minutes (with the pouch closed- to help the steam soften the sprouts)
- after 20 minutes, open the (hot!) pouch and fold back the aluminum foil.
- put the tray back in the oven, and let your brussell sprouts get crispy.
- serve hot.

if you need my mom's address for a thank-you note after tasting, it can be provided. :)

Favorite Fall Outfit

3. Favorit Fall Outfit.... here in England, we layer, layer, layer. The weather is crazy, and will change constantly throughout the day. All you can do is be prepared for everything. I always wear tall boots, tight pants, long shirts, a scarf, and jacket. It works for looking cute throughout long days of walking. It also easily adapts with new additions that I find throughout the season without changing the overall look.


I told you she was adorable! Thanks so much for participating, Lauren! xoxo

Fondness For Fall Series: Allison Askew

Today I have a very lovely lady here guest posting. Many of you will recognize Allison because she is an avid blog reader and leaves the most lovely comments. I have gotten to know Allison quite a bit via emails and I have to say that she has a heart as big as gold. I am waiting for her to start a blog of her very own someday and you can bet that I will be her #1 follower! Welcome, Allison!! xoxo

I Love Fall Because....

It is my absolute favorite season!
- It's a season of wonderful family gatherings.
- Crisp mornings for bundling up in cozy sweaters, jackets, scarves and boots and taking our dog for a long walk.
- Chilly nights to cozy up in front of a roaring fireplace with hot mulled cider in hand, garnished with a cinnamon stick.
- Pumpkin Spiced Lattes and Iced Pumpkin Spice Cookies.
- Big pots of homemade soups simmering on the stove.
- Jewel toned colors adorning the table, the mantle and a harvest wreath hanging on the front door.
- A trip to the pumpkin patch in search of that perfect pumpkin.
- Watching the leaves on the trees change color.
- The aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house with all of my harvest baking.

Favorite Autumn Recipe

I have so many Autumn recipes that I love to make but one that has become a special one to me and a favorite.  It brings back treasured memories of my Mother, who passed away a few years ago.  We would sit and chat over a slice of this cake and a hot cup of tea.  Pumpkin Cake with Brown Butter Icing

Favorite Fall Outfit

clothing,  bracelet

My favorite fall outfit is a cozy chunky knit sweater, jeans and boots accessorized with a pumpkin colored pashmina, my Tiffany's Heart Charm Tag Bracelet ( a lovely gift from my husband), some fun earrings, a cognac colored handbag and polished off with a new Fall shade of lipstick. 


Thanks so much for participating, Allison!!

Fondness For Fall Series: Cardigan Junkie

The very fashionable Haley from Cardigan Junkie is visiting today and I think will enjoy her reasons for loving fall! Haley is an adorable Dallas newlywed and her blog is full of fabulous outfit inspiration. Welcome so much, Haley!

. . . . .

Hello! I’m Haley from Cardigan Junkie, and I’m so excited that Debby agreed to host me here today. I love Inspired Design, and I also love Fall, so this series was perfect for me.

Why I Love Fall…
As a native Texan, I love Fall (even if it doesn’t really arrive here until October) because it brings cooler weather, a chance to wear layers, and drink the hot beverages that are just not appealing from March to September. Most of all, I love the September issues of all my favorite magazines, and I await the mailman like a kid on Christmas morning. Yes, I’m such a consumer.

My Favorite Fall Recipe
I love that everyone suddenly appreciates pumpkin desserts when it starts to get cooler outside, and my most acclaimed and delicious dessert is called a pumpkin crunch. It’s a cross between a crumble and a pie, and everyone I’ve made it for has become a convert. You can learn how to make it here (recipe is almost identical to mine, but I only put pecans on half)

My Favorite Fall Outfit
Obviously, judging from my blog’s name, I love a good cardigan. This year I especially love mustard yellow and was excited to score the cardigan below on sale at Anthropologie. I look forward to wearing it with my metallic pencil skirt and trusty leopard pumps for a Fall outfit that’s not too hot for Texas temperatures. That don’t call for jackets until November

Favorite Fall Outfit 2011 by cardiganjunkie featuring a metallic tote

Thanks again to Debby for hosting, and I hope you’ll all come visit me at Cardigan Junkie! So… are the rest of you as excited for Fall as I am?

Fondness For Fall Series: Bourbon & Pearls

Today I'm excited to be introducing a new series to welcome in autumn. The always gorgeous Tabitha from Bourbon and Pearls is here today sharing why she is so fond of this season. Tabitha's blog is full of fashionable fun which is delivered in a very clever and witty prose. The girl is truly a wordsmith!

I Love Fall Because....

Autumn is my favourite season, a time to scrunch through ochre and crimson  coloured leaves, pick the  cheery red apples from my tree,  rustle up a maple syrup laden apple pie and cocoon indoors. I love  marking the change in seasons; on the first of  October every year, I unpack my scarves, gloves and cords and unfurl a wooly safety net against the first nip from Jack Frost.


In the evenings the scent and dappled lights of my favorite Dyptique Patchouli candles steep my home in a heady warmth, there really is nowhere else I would rather be, aside perhaps from New England which is so utterly glorious at this time of year. 

Favorite Fall Recipe

Printable Recipe

When I've used up the apples from my garden, I turn to making Kugelhopf. A thick slice, smeared in butter takes all the cares of the world away - especially so as I soak my raisins in an obscene mount of brandy the night before. It's such a beautiful cake to come home to, an icing sugar dusted mountain of doughy love. Try it you'll see what I mean! 

Favorite Fall Outfit

This is my favourite outfit, the dress is so old and I never used to wear it as it's backless but with a sweater on top, Hermes riding boots and my grandmother's fur coat which I foolishly had shortened to a jacket when I was 18, it makes the old new again.


Thanks for participating Tabitha! Be sure to visit Bourbon and Pearls for more fabulous! 

Current Giveaways:

Win a Kate Spade iphone case, winner's choice

Win a gold sparrow bracelet from Silver Lining Decor