Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Monday mornings with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I.  As we transition into chilly autumn weather, I find myself spending more time in the kitchen cooking for friends and family.  With Halloween right around the corner, I’ll be making these outrageously delicious Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Filling.  To make things easy, I start with a box cake mix and add pumpkin puree.  The entire process takes less than thirty minutes from start to finish, which makes these ideal for a post-work treat.

II.  Hillary Thomas has devised the perfect way to update your table lamps with her new line of finials.  The San Francisco-based interior designer makes lamp-toppers in every shade you can imagine, so you’re sure to find one to match your color scheme.  If you’re in the area, stop by her adorable store on Sacramento Street.

III.  I’ve been obsessed with the Mongolian lamb stools in this photo for the last year, but I haven’t been able to find a reasonably priced version.  I’d almost given up on them when I stumbled upon a blog featuring instructions to do it yourself.  The genius blogger used an IKEA stool and pillow cover to replicate the chic design.  I can’t wait to make one for my apartment!

IV. I hope that you will consider joining me for the Rooms That Rock 4 Chemo Inaugural Ball on November 1st. The non-profit transforms chemotherapy rooms into beautiful tranquil spaces for patient treatment and healing. The goal of the gala is to raise a million dollars for the amazing cause in one evening. Taking place at Hotel Nikko, the gala features a Vasily Vein couture fashion show (a favorite of Sonya Molodetskaya who will be modeling), seated dinner, and dancing.

V.  If you’re a night owl (like me) find a place to watch the Orionid Meteor Shower this evening. Orionid is caused by pieces of debris left by Halley’s Comet.  When the debris hits the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere, it burns up creating the flashes of light that we see.  The crescent moon will set the perfect backdrop for the shower.  Give yourself an hour to spend stargazing because the meteors come in bursts starting around midnight.  

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt