fabulous wallpaper

From an interior design perspective, wallpaper has been "out" for a long time, but these gorgeous designs from the French company Elitis bring it into the 21st century.  I just love their modern bohemian aesthetic.  Check out their website and Facebook page for more inspiration.

Short-Rib Beef Stew with Ale

It's an autumn weekend, and I'm in the mood for a hearty stew.  Just came across this recipe on Simply Recipes, and it looks ah-ma-zing!  I'll make it this weekend and let you know how it turns out.  Need a dessert?  Pop over to Dancing Branflakes for an Apple Pie Crescent Roll recipe!

Things I'm loving right now...

1.  This floppy hat from Ruche

2.  Indigo by Clarks Town Club in Cognac.  Could easily be my fall go-to shoes.

3.  This burgundy leather trenchcoat by Burberry (WAY out of my price range..sigh) 

4.  These great leather cuffs:

xx

Barbara

Van Morrison ~ Moon Dance

Well it's a marvelous night for a moon dance...

new jewelry

Hope you all had a relaxing, long weekend...?  I had fun creating some new pieces (the green stone earrings sold quickly!).  Click on the images if you'd like more info.

miniature "mouse house"

I came across this incredible miniature tree house on Pinterest and had to share it with you.  Click here for more images and a how-to tutorial, if you're talented enough to try to make your own!

baked apple french toast casserole

Well, it's getting to be that time of year when comfort-food cravings kick in...just had to share this yummy recipe from One Perfect Bite!

 Baked Apple French Toast Casserole...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of allrecipes.com

Ingredients:
French Toast
1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, torn into bite-size cubes
6 eggs
1-1/2 cups skim milk
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons white sugar, divided use
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 medium Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and cut in 1/2-inch dice
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Syrup:

1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup skim milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:
1) Spray or grease bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
2) To make French toast: Scatter bread cubes in bottom of prepared pan. Place eggs, milk, 1/3 cup sugar and vanilla in a large bowl and beat to combine. Pour mixture over bread cubes. Mix cinnamon, nutmeg and 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl. Add apple cubes and toss to coat. Spread apples over bread cubes. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Thirty minutes before baking, remove casserole from refrigerator and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake casserole for 60 to 75 minutes, or until custard is set and golden brown. Serve casserole hot with warm syrup. Yield: 8 servings.
3) To make syrup: Combine white sugar, flour, and melted butter in a small saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, skim milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Cook, stirring, until thick.