Casserole Season

It has been fairly chilly outside, as of late. In addition to the rapidly plummeting temperatures, setting the clocks back has, as expected, thrown many people for a loop. When it starts getting dark at 4:30 in the afternoon the last thing most of us want to do when we get home from work is prepare an elaborate meal. Hence, it has come to my attention that Casserole Season is upon us—that wonderful time of year when it is perfectly acceptable to throw a bunch of ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, promptly gobble the results, and call it a night. It's also a great way to put some of the Pyrex you've been collecting to good use.


A few minutes of internetting lead me to the following mouth-water recipes:
French Toast Casserole (here)
Mushroom Casserole (here)
Mexican Chicken Casserole (here)

Happy Chic

Holy moly. I am currently lusting over some of Jonathan Adler's newest tabletop offerings. Yes, that is a shoe-shaped butter dish. Now all I need is a set of sock-themed silverware and I'll be set for the holidays!

This peacock lollipop holder is AMAZING.

BTW, Open House over on 13th is currently carrying some of these little pieces of happiness. And Mr. Adler has got some new books coming out.

I Know You Are, But What Am I?

I recently saw the Pee Wee Herman Show on Broadway. It was even more spectacular than I thought it would be! As a whole, the show was a hilarious, charmingly nostalgic production. Oh, and the set was pretty radical as well. When you think about it, some of Pee Wee's decorative preferences put a wacky twist on mid-century modern design, don't you think? His mondo bizarro home is laden with neon-hued elements of Americana, tiki motifs, and space-age eccentricity, drawn right out of the 1960's. I would totally model my own home after Pee Wee's insane digs if I didn't think that it would cause me to go blind.



I should also send a shout out to fellow SRT alum Miss Lexy Fridell a.k.a. Chairry. You were awesome, Lexy!

New Arrivals!

Admittedly, the shop was a little empty for a few weeks (good for us, bad for you.) Well, we've restocked—here are a few of our finds, quickly shot with my iPhone.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Chocolate Malt NOT Included

My most recent perusal of the internet brought forth some intriguing vintage finds. Behold…The Bean Bag Store. For a sum of money, my kitchen could look like a diner?!? Yes, please. (Okay, I know I should go all vintage, but sometimes it's hard to find exactly what I want.)

Aside from the cost, my sole concern is that with all of that chrome and sweet pastel vinyl, I would feel inclined to cook diner food ALL day, EVERY day. That could be slightly problematic.

Birthday Cake, Rosemary and Thyme

Aside from being Guy Fawkes Day in the UK, November 5th just so happens to be the birthday of the legendary singer, songwriter, poet and actor, Art Garfunkel. Many happy returns, Art!

Strangers With Craftsrooms

I think that Amy Sedaris is just the gosh-darned coolest person in the universe. Her Harriet Nelson-meets-Pee Wee Herman persona is infinitely entertaining and inspiring. Just when I thought that I had enough reasons to admire her, I saw a photo of the craftsroom in her Greenwich Village apartment. Wow! Her design sense only makes her more awesome, in my book. Speaking of books, check out her new one, Simple Times: Crafts For Poor People!

Vintage Wallpaper!

People these days seem to be so concerned with the aesthetics of the things that they carry with them, day to day, in accordance with their hectic lifestyles. Default pictures, iPhone cases, and desktop wallpapers often take precedence over the stationary things in life, such as the homes we leave in the morning and collapse in at night.

Consider these ravishing, vintage-inspired patterns as adornments for the walls of your home, rather than what disappears when you close your laptop. You'll see how the addition of charming wallpaper can create an environment that truly dissolves the cares of the day. See more here.

Make Your Mark...with Stripes?

In the process of researching hotels in Manhattan, I stumbled upon these stunning photos of The Mark Hotel on Madison Avenue. The black and white striped flooring is insanely stunning.





Sure, this already looks like it just might be the raddest hotel in the universe, but…Check. Out. This. Bathroom. If my bathroom looked like this, I would stay in there all day.

Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella

Oh dear. The weather prediction for the days ahead does not bode well; there's a slight chance of showers on the horizon. Be that as it may, the bright colors and cheerful patterns on these retro-inspired umbrellas from Modcloth should impart an air of cheer, even when skies are grey.

Calder's Quarters

Alexander Calder, one of the last century's most eminent sculptors, is more commonly revered for his whimsical masterpieces than for his interior decorating prowess. Pedro Guerreo's book, Calder at Home: The Joyous Environment, provides readers with a peek into the artist's remarkable living quarters. His inspirational style incorporates sleek, mid-century modern design with exquisitely rustic, organic elements.






These selections from Anthropologie's Craftsman line and Modern Cabin line are reminiscent of Calder's distinctive approach to decorating. Check out the Zag-Shag rug, the Karakoram rug and the Terai Folding Chair.