There seems to be an inherited Bleier family trait for finding something we love and then obsessing over it ad nauseam, whether it’s a TV show, a song, or some other thing we have to continually consume—at least until the next shiny object catches our attention.

I think the Short Stack cookbooks might be the foodie version of this feeling. Each edition is passionately dedicated to a specific food; they celebrate the simplicity and complexity of one specific ingredient and every recipe within incorporates that item.

The diminutive size and retro graphic covers give the hand-bound (with baker's twine!) volumes a special feel, and I love the idea of having an arsenal of recipes, from drinks to desserts, featuring a favorite ingredient. The recipes come from established chefs and food experts and the collection is published by Nick Fauchald who raised money for this project through Kickstarter.

Some of the delicious-sounding recipes included are: Egg Drop Soup with Edamame, Red Chile, and Scallions, Portuguese Egg Tarts with Burnt Marshmallow Frosting, Curried Tomato-Lamb Stew, Tomato Tart Tatin with Caramel, Roasted Strawberry Frozen Yogurt, and Strawberry Sangria. 

The cookbooks are sold individually or in sets. Eggs, Tomatoes, and Strawberries are already available, and Buttermilk, Grits, and Sweet Potatoes will be out any day but can be ordered in advance. 

Over the last three weeks I've had conversations with a handful of artists and curators and it's been fascinating to talk to them about art and see the similarities and differences in the way they approach it. Art is an important layer in a home and it's also very highly personal. 

Whether you're buying for yourself or for someone else, or merely browsing, it's a good time to visit UGallery's pre-holiday sale, which is on now and ends Tuesday, November 19th. A variety of media and price points are available. Not everything on the site is discounted, but over 400 select pieces of original art are 30-60% off. 

It's also foolproof because UGallery has a designated team of experts who can help you select a piece. They also offer a week-long test run, so if you get something home (or gift it) and it's not right, you can exchange or return it easily. Another cool feature of the site: You can interact with the artists directly on the works' pages. 

Above, Glam Legs, 2013 by Casey Rodgers is sadly not part of the sale, but I love it too much to not share it. I also really like these four works below, which are actually included in the sale. 

I'm drawn to these pieces for various reasons, but it also occurred to me that each one is looking at the subject from a different perspective—from behind, above, below—but never head on. I wonder what that says about me right now? What would you bring home?

As soon as I saw this set of watercolor paints (above), I knew I had to feature it. The powdered paints, in gorgeous saturated colors, are derived entirely from natural flowers. The powders have a slightly sandy texture and seem to shimmer in the sunlight. Each set of 20 paints is unique and comes packaged in a handmade thin recycled-metal case, which is small enough to travel with. Put a bit of powdered paint and water in the lid of the desired canister, mix, and create!  

A similarly intriguing set is made of crushed natural stone and sand (below). Gypsya, the retail site of artist Rose James, specializes in handmade products crafted from organic and recycled materials. 

I love the idea of giving someone a gift they can create something beautiful with--especially if they share their work, it sort of perpetuates the gift giving.
  
Please note, these items are not recommended for children; the listings at gypsya's Etsy page has a bit more information on usage. The supply of flower paints is currently limited, but Rose is working on making more. 

Flower or Stone watercolor paints, $42 each for set of 20, gypsya.com

Putting together gift guides at magazines are generally laborious undertakings. Hundreds (literally) of products are called in, scrutinized, rejected, asked for in an exclusive color, tested, and carefully considered so that when you look through the pages, you feel like everyone that you might have to shop for is represented in the product mix. I always liked working on gift guides, so as I mentioned before, I will be sharing gift ideas* over the next few weeks—though I will admit my process will not be quite as rigorous.

When reviewing a product, aside from other factors we considered, one of the most important questions we always asked was, "Is this special enough?" We want the wow! factor of finding the gift, and frankly, that's the point, right? Finding just the right thing for each person, so they feel like you really know and understand them and the things that make them happy. 

That's my favorite part about gift-buying, when they open the gift and you can tell immediately it's just right. So, I will share as many ideas as I can to help you find just the right thing for the people you love to (or have to) give gifts to.

*Most days I'll be suggesting individual gifts, but I hope to also provide at least a couple round-ups organized by a theme. Either way, by selecting the gift category from the menu on the right side of this page, you'll be able to see each item I've suggested all in one place.

When piles of projects come home from school, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out what to do with them. Save? Toss? Display? Aerin Lauder, of Estée Lauder and Aerin, has a beautiful and simple solution to display the art and really enjoy it every day. This shot from an old Elle Decor story shows how Lauder wonderfully incorporated her children and their creative masterpieces in this cozy kitchen nook at her East Hampton house. I'm kind of dying to jump into this picture to have juice and a parfait at that banquette.

I like that the art and her children's super adorable portraits, offset by pale blue walls above the shelf, are mixed with a Jeff Koons vase. Even though the vase is high end, its shaggy puppy shape is fun and feels right in this room. Don't be afraid to have adult and kid things in the same space. As someone currently living in a house where four generations of my family have now lived, I'm a fan of how Lauder carried on (but updated) the house's blue-and-white palette—honoring her grandmother Estée, whose house and favorite color combo these were.

Speaking of this house and kids, our double-header birthday parties for the girls are tomorrow so we're off to pick up supplies, treats, clean the house, and decorate. It should be a lot of fun and we're looking forward to it.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Not too long ago, I would have eschewed ceiling medallions, but now I think they're quite a nice accent in the right environment. I don't think there are too many innovations in this area, save a few stencils or DIY takes, but I've never seen another ceiling medallion like this. 

Lindsey Adelman, of her eponymous studio known best for its light fixtures, designed the Marina Ceiling Medallion. Available in three sizes, the large (above, seen from a worm's eye view) is certainly the most striking and if you want it, well, it's what I like to call a major investment piece. But it is over four feet in diameter (52 in) of solid brass.  While it appears most retailers are only offering the brass versions, Adelman's own site mentions that less expensive options in polymer with custom color-matched finishes are available. 

Each size is the foundation for the next size up, with the solid small beginning to show a hint of the branches creeping out organically. I think these look best with an attractive bare bulb, but they can be outfitted with a shade as Adelman displayed at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. And, as you'll see in my picture below (which I didn't realize I had until after I started this post) the pieces can be wall-mounted and look just as dramatic as on the ceiling. 

As a result of my work, I find myself noticing interiors in atypical places such as my daughters' books. Every time I read Goodnight Moon, I wonder if the color scheme of that bedroom would translate well in reality. I think this bathroom, from the original Amelia Bedelia book, still looks fresh, though I would skip the green tile and sink in favor of white versions. 

The mixed patterns of stripe and floral are a classic combination and the room could go traditional or modern depending on the patterns, fixtures, and accessories chosen. I couldn't help but take a look for ways to bring this room to life (after the jump). I can't decide if I would keep the sink and shower fixtures gold/brass; what do you think?

Today is my older daughter's fourth birthday and I don't think it has fully sunk in yet. I still have a bunch to do before her party this weekend. Actually, two parties: My baby turned one exactly a week ago and we're ambitiously trying to have both birthday parties in the same day—one right after the other—since there is so much guest overlap. 

We've shortened the parties to two hours instead of our usual three and will have a half-hour "intermission" in between where we'll switch the decor from sunshine and rainbows (for our one year old, because she's our Sunshine) to pink princess (four year old). Cupcake is fully enamored with all things princess, though thankfully, she still likes trains, building towers, coloring, and is getting into the idea of sports. 


But design-wise it's queens, rather than princesses, who seem to have the better style reputation. Case in point: these gorgeous illustrated cards from Rifle Paper Co. 

Four iconic queens get the royal treatment, each with her own coordinating floral background drawn in Anna Bond's signature whimsical style. I love the saturated colors, the details on all of the dresses, and how regal each woman looks, even though Bond's drawing style is so sweet. I think I would choose Nefertiti for myself, how about you?

A change of month and a change in the wind have all but assured me that—though Friday was actually quite beautiful and warm—I will probably not see too many more above-50˚F days. This past weekend's frigid temps and this morning's frost remind me of a bit of a verse from "April Come She Will," by Simon & Garfunkel: "The autumn winds blow chilly and cold." 

Perhaps these winds have led me to the Aura Chimes at Ladies & Gentlemen Studio. The wind chimes feature a mix of materials: brass bells, wooden shapes, leather, and metal tubes all fabricated by Ladies & Gentlemen and paired with unique ceramic pieces crafted by Nicholas Nyland, a Seattle-based artist. Each wind chime is handmade so no two will be exactly alike.

The chimes are for use indoors or outdoors under cover and there are three versions, but the single ring style comes in two sizes. They are striking little works of art, even when they're not tinkling with faint metallic vibrations.

This weekend You & Yours Fine Vintage store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn celebrates its grand opening. Owner Allegra Muzzillo grew up around antiques, learning to scout and training her eye at the side of her dealer/collector mother. She's most drawn to mid-century pieces, which you'll notice by her inventory featuring furniture, decorative accessories, and tabletop predominantly from the 1950s-1970s. Allegra started out selling at the Brooklyn Flea in 2011, which she continues to maintain (booth B30), but will now expand with her brick-and-mortar shop.

Her favorite personal scores have been vintage Nambê bowls and platters and a pair of decrepit (now happily rehabbed) Saarinen Armless Executive chairs she found on the street in front of an old grammar school. 

"I see mid-century pieces as truly timeless and I think they can mix with absolutely anything. The furniture is so simple and clean looking, but built to last, and for tabletop, it's the pieces' cheekiness, sense of fun, and use of color that I love." Allegra says. 

So it's no surprise that at her shop you'll find a Pucci-esque tray, a sculptural geometric candelabra, or 1920s/30s mini planter shaped like an elephant, mixed in among mirrors, lighting, and mid-century furniture.

As a freelance journalist who built her career writing and editing at shelter magazines (we worked together at Real Simple), Allegra has made You & Yours editor-friendly. The shop also caters to designers and stylists who will enjoy a 15% industry discount. But her completely affordable pieces will make everyone—especially small-space dwellers—happy.  

Art and furniture are available for in-store pickup only at this time and the website features a small selection, so be sure to stop in and see what other treasures Allegra has uncovered:

You & Yours Fine Vintage 
240 Kent Avenue, unit #9
Brooklyn, NY 11249
917-482-4071
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 1p-7p and by appointment