Fall Essentials

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I cannot begin to express how thrilled I am that Summer has come to an end, and can now move forward into Fall. This seasonal change means we can turn our attention to warmer clothes with luxurious textures and colors; participate in outings that do not include bugs or insects, and enjoying the cool crispness in the air, especially before work each morning. At the start of Fall I find myself scouring the farmers markets more intently than when the weather was warmer, and have begun focusing on the shift in fruits and vegetables displayed in each stall. Then begin imagining the variations of desserts I can create using Fall produce.

Dreamily I have drafted a list of a few sumptuous favorites to reacquaint myself with this opulent change in seasons.

  1. My leopard throw.
  2. Taking herbal tea in a thermos for lunch to work.
  3. Calvin Klein’s “Driftwood Candle” from TJ Maxx.
  4. Making a huge pot Split Pea soup with ham bone.
  5. Creating recipe variations on fruit cobblers or tarts using seasonal produce.
  6. Continued evening walks out under the stars.
  7. A leather tote to carry iPhone, iPad, notebooks and any other daily essentials.
  8. A myriad of scarves.
  9. Trying Yves Saint Laurent’s Vernis A Levres- glossy lip stains in nude for fall and nail color in Smoked Chrome from Estée Lauder.
  10. Updated Brazilian Jazz Playlist for Fall.

Stay Chic!!

K

Stylish Favorites (7)

IMG_1822{Raisin-Cinnamon chip challah with peaches and jam}

Great Harvest Bread Co. The Great Harvest Bread Co. located in the historic township of Herndon is a quaint shop surrounded by early 20th century shops, a now defunct railroad and the W & OD Trail.  I purchased two loaves of the most delicious tasting “Raisin Cinnamon Chip” challah to serve with coffee for Saturday morning.  I like to slice the loaf thinly and toast the pieces under the broiler then serve with a bit of jam and butter. These breads are 100% whole grain, stone ground and baked fresh, all within the bakery. U Street Flea Market The District Flea opened last weekend on the U Street Corridor, the collaboration between local vendors and those who started the Brooklyn Flea, New York’s massive outdoor market, which features antiques, repurposed furniture, and my favorite…vintage clothing, plus delicious fresh food! They will open at this location until the end of October and based on how well received it is at this location, will hopefully reopen next year. Le Diplomate 1601 14th Street NW, Washington DC 20009 Before scouring the flea market, we had brunch at Le Diplomate a typical French Bistro with a menu that features a variety of classics such as Escargots, Steak Frites, Bouillabaisse and Onion Soup Gratinee. I tried the “Eggs Boudin Noir”, which was eggs cooked en cocotte, served with boudin noir (blood sausage), asparagus and grilled levain (a sourdough bread made by a long fermentation process). At the table we shared a fabulous variety of breads that were served in a basket, and the one we all devoured was the cranberry-walnut loaf, it was truly the best!!

IMG_0794{First picked tomatoes from Heath}

Fresh Picked Tomatoes The tomatoes have finally turned red and those vines that survived deer, chipmunks and rain are now being harvested. And as anyone will state, you must wait all summer for great tasting tomatoes such as beefsteak, heirlooms and cherry tomatoes. I refuse to purchase them in store after the start of summer and scour the farmers markets for these delicious varieties.

Tomato and Basil Salad Slice tomatoes, red onions and tear what is left of the summer basil into bowl. Splash in the white balsamic vinegar, kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Shaved pieces of Parmesan make this dish absolutely delicious and so easy. 

IMG_1183{A night photo of our family pet Malcolm}

Malcolm the Cat My cat Malcolm waiting for me near the front door the other night after an evening walk. He is always a great and welcoming site after a long sojourn throughout the neighborhood!!

Stay Stylish!

K