Archive   |   October, 2011

perfect for pop-ins: the bubble sofa and ottoman

Posted by in decorating, entertaining, holidays

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As the holidays grow ever closer, I know many of us may be preparing for the influx of extra bodies in our homes. Visiting family, open houses, and parties galore can tax existing furniture levels and have us busting out the uncomfortable folding chairs to accommodate everyone. While recently browsing with glee and delight at the new Seattle boutique Charley + May, I stumbled across what just may be the perfect solution to those temporary seating needs: The bubble sofa and ottoman. Made from sturdy PVC plastic and available in a broad range of candy-brights, the bubbles blow right up to provide some fun color without breaking the bank. If you’re in Seattle, pick up the sofa and ottoman in person, $72, and $20, respectively. And for those of you not near the Emerald City, Charley + May will be happy to ship, for a $25 charge. — Megan B.

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blogwatch: where we’ve been clicking this week

Posted by in decorating

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Morgan of the Brick House has us coveting a coven of kilim pillow covers like the ones she scored on ebay, pictured above.

Even more pillow talkin’ — Megan over at Not Martha restyled her bedroom, and we are loving the customized double monogram pillow she threw together and the easy clean jewelry storage.

A new source of design lust: Bodie and Fou, found at Decor8.

Chocolate chipotle bacon popcorn, at Serious Eats. Those are four words we love together — and did we mention it’s gluten free?!

Curbly’s got the Halloween crafts on lockdown, like these awesome mad scientist DIY glowstick jars.

CasaSugar shares some black painted interiors whose style works well beyond Halloween.

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real life test kitchen: roasted pumpkin curry soup

Posted by in cooking, entertaining

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This soup is my homage to the incredibly flavorful dish, Khao Soi from northern Thailand. Though my version varies in many ways from the original noodly stew of magnificence that is Khao Soi, I really tried (and I think succeeded) to recreate the essence of its flavor. I opted to make a warming pureed soup that takes its base from roasted pumpkin and butternut squash, assertively spiced with both Thai curry paste and Indian curry powder. And of course I couldn’t forget plenty of coconut milk added for silky richness. I may have made it a touch spicy (that curry paste does NOT mess around), but it wasn’t anything a little yogurt couldn’t cool down. It’s just about the perfect soup to warm up a cool Autumn night — and great for crowds, since it makes a ton! — Megan B.
Get the recipe, after the jump! (more…)

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top of the muffin to you: the muffin seat

Posted by in decorating, shopping

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Let the “muffin top” jokes commence… NOW! Of course, the first one that came to my head was Elaine Benes’ Muffin Top bakery scheme, but all jokes aside, I’m really digging the Muffin Seat by designer Matteo Bianchi. As shown in the photos, it literally pops its top to reveal concealed storage in the stump. Yum. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I find this piece really manages to be whimsical and chic at the same time. What do you think? Sound off in the comments! — Megan B.

Via Juxtapoz Magazine.

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strangely appealing: etsy sewer cover pillows

Posted by in decorating, etsy finds

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Manhole covers have long been a popular subject for modern art photography and books. Usually made from cast iron, their symmetrical designs vary greatly from city to city around the globe, and often give travelers a reason to keep their eyes on the ground and not towards the sky. Though few design-junkies could dispute their graphic appeal, they don’t exactly look like something you’d want to touch — let alone snuggle. Still, these sewer cover printed pillows, from In the Seam on Etsy have their charms. We love these soft metropolitan tributes. Chose from Detroit, London, Boston, Seattle, New York and even, Catskill! $42/each.

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