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

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I.  Nothing makes me happier than a roaring fire on a cold day, which means that if you have a fireplace, I am incredibly jealous…  For those of us less fortunate, I am constantly on the look-out for interesting candles.  I enjoy the aesthetic appeal of filling an unused fireplace with birch logs, so when I found this birch votive holder, I was instantly smitten.  I’ll be ordering several to display around my apartment this season.

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II.  Lauded for her baggy cable-knits and boho spirit, Isabel Marant describes her design philosophy: “I always want to do something comfortable and cozy.”  Yet, for her Fall collection, Marant seems to be stepping away from her go-to grunge.  I’m in love with these brass and black buffalo horn earrings, which will go with everything in my closet from formal frocks to skinny jeans.

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III.  Speaking of brass and black - I recently used the combination for the interior design of a three-bedroom home in the highly coveted San Francisco neighborhood Potrero Hill.  The formal living room features a built-in bookshelf adjacent to the fireplace.  After nixing the idea to knock it out, I decided to fill it with objets d'art.  The collage above features the pieces that I used (the finished product can be found in the Design section of my professional site).  From top left to bottom right: Glass Bubbles, Wire Cubes, Gilded Skull, Spiked Brass Sculpture, Knotted Ball, Ceramic Vase, Black Urn, Brass Spiked Sphere, Dahlia Candle Holder

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IV.  If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, look no farther - I found it!  Some friends recently posted a photograph of their lobster clambake, and I immediately became obsessed with the idea.  Evidently, a company appropriately titled Lobster Gram will overnight a variety of lobster meals to you and your loved ones, including the clambake - featuring two live Maine lobsters, fresh littleneck clams, clam chowder, potatoes, corn, lemon, clarified butter, shell-crackers, seafood forks, lobster bibs, moist towels, and a cooking pot.  Sidenote - I didn’t realize where the saying “You’re My Lobster” came from until today, if you’re out of cultural touch comme moi, check this clip out!

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V.  With the equinox ushering in wintry weather, I’ve been craving stew.  My favorite is Chicken Pot au Feu - an entire chicken roasted in broth, white wine, carrots, onion, celery, Dutch yellow potatoes, and basil, then whisked together with a classic roux.  The result is insanely delicious, especially when served with fresh buttery biscuits.  

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt