Seasonal Changes

As most of the country begins their slow decent into the autumn season, Minnesota tends to jump in full force the moment we have one day less than 70 degrees. The leaves are turning beautiful colors of orange, yellow and red, and the chilly weather is making it tough to leave my house in the morning without a jacket and scarf. I welcome the change of seasons and have already made updates to my wardrobe and living spaces. Here are some quick tips on how you can make some easy changes to embrace the autumn season.

1. Stock up on baking items. Do an inventory of your spices, baking ingredients, and tools to see what you need. I just picked up some new cookie sheets from Kitchen Window as my old ones needed to be donated. Baking is much more fun when I know that I already have everything I need, and then I can make my pumpkin bread during the week.

2. Switch your bedding. This is something that a friend of mine showed me, and I am determined to do it this year. Currently I have an all white duvet cover and it's perfect for spring/summer months. However, this bedding would add such a seasonal element without changing the entire look of the bedroom.

3. Add some cozy to your living room. Slipcovers for pillows are the best invention ever. It allows me to change the look of the couch without finding a space to store the old ones. I love this pillow as I am change to darker colors and textured fabrics for the cooler months. I have also pulled out my favorite throw and think I may have to buy this rug one to throw over a chair once the snow begins to fall. Stock up on votive candles to scatter throughout your space to add a warm ambiance, especially if you don't have a fireplace.

4. Wardrobe transitions. Pack away all of your shorts, mini skirts, and other summer items you won't be needing for a few months. Even though feng shui says not to keep stuff under your bed, these storage bins allow me to keep all my summer items clean and packed away until next year (or until a winter getaway). This is also a great time to donate all of those summer items you didn't use, and take inventory of what you will need this season (for me, I need some new black booties).

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Gifts for the Host

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is that there are a million reasons right now to throw a holiday party. Here are some examples: cookie exchange party, holiday movie night party, ugly Christmas sweater party, or maybe a let's-drive-around-the-neighborhood-and-look-at-lights-party (if you drink the spiked egg nog before driving around, consider this a walking party). Whatever the reason, holiday parties are a wonderful time to get together with friends. Hosting is not an easy job, but it makes it more enjoyable when guests show up with a nice gift. Here are some great hosting gifts under $50 to give this holiday season. A new way to keep white wine chilled A great game for the long winter nights in by the fire These throws are super soft and cozy Homemade popcorn is the best. Try this recipe with it! This reminds me of a martini shaker I would see in a James Bond film.

No Cook Antipasti

This past weekend we hosted a few friends over for some wine and antipasti. This was a perfect menu for me because cooking in my kitchen during the summertime is very dangerous. I think if I turn the oven on for more than 20 minutes, my kitchen shelves will begin to melt. We live in a traditional older Uptown duplex, and with only one window air conditioner, cooking in my kitchen becomes an activity similar to sitting in a sauna. I tend to make the most of fresh food, and take advantage of our specialty foods in the nearby grocery stores. Hosting an antipasti party allowed me to assemble, rather than cook, and the results were delicious. This weekend allowed me to participate in the best parts of the summer; eating fresh, natural, and simple food. Caprese on a stick Sun dried tomato and parmesan cheese Antipasti platter

Happy 4th of July!

Fireworks over the ocean at Key Biscayne Let's take a mini break from talking about my trip to discuss the current holiday that is upon us, the 4th of July! Just like most Americans, I love the birthday of America and am excited to celebrate with everyone! We are heading up to the cabin tonight for a patriotic boat parade and some fireworks over the lake. I have been lucky to experience this holiday in a variety of places and there are always family, friends, food, and perhaps a cocktail with Uncle Sam (just to clarify I mean the father of America, I don't have an actual Uncle Sam). Here are a couple of links for your 4th of July viewing pleasure! Hope you all have a fun holiday planned! If not, take Katy Perry's Firework advice, "you just got to ignite the light, and let it shine!" Happy Birthday America! I'm hoping to try this recipe tomorrow while we grill our steaks Love this Saved by the Bell episode of the 4th of July One year...

Lady Nine

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