...Designing My Own Path...

This past Sunday, I went for a hike at 9 am, and came across this incredible view.  Now, all I can think of is how amazing it would be to build a cottage right in this space so I could see this everyday. Inspiration Source As much as I dislike snow, I think I could put up with waking to a view like this in the winter. Source Source Source Source Love this shower! Source

I think it's pretty clear I'm obsessed with cooking and food... and today I took my obsession to the next level.  This morning, motivated & awake at 7:15 am, I decided I would try making homemade pasta, specifically ravioli, with a butternut squash filling (yes, I'm also obsessed with this fall vegetable and its greatness in pasta.)  I referenced my old school Better Homes cookbook for the basic pasta recipe and this blog  for the butternut idea, combining the two to just wing it and see what happened.  It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, and sadly the only main complaint is that my ravioli do not look perfect like the store bought ones. Yet, there were no complaints in regards to the taste.  I made a few shortly after assembling, pairing the pasta with melted butter, sage, walnuts and fresh thyme.  I was able to freeze the rest (19 more) and used the helpful tip from a coworker - freeze on wax paper on a cookie sheet so they freeze individually and then

So there were a few things that inspired the design this week.... As much as I don't want to admit this, the first inspiration came from the Breaking Dawn Part 2 movie...I love the exterior of the cottage!  Not to mention the lanterns leading up to the house. Source And the dining area!  So cozy and perfect for lots of dinner guests! Source Source Other inspirations... Source I love the openness of this kitchen- perfect for entertaining... Source Great wood wall head board! Source Source I love the built in shelf in this shower! Source

Eataly NYC A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending the day with my dearest and oldest friend in NYC. As any amazing friend would, she understands my love and passion for good food. Growing up in Northern New Jersey, we've been thoroughly exposed to American Italian food, and with each of us spending time in Italy (sadly not together,) we know the real deal too.  Chen recommended this amazing market and restaurant, Eataly ! After a little stroll through Madison Square Park, we crossed over 5th Avenue to this amazing place. Source They even provide a floor-plan!  (which clearly makes me love the place even more!) Source We entered from 5th Ave - passing the coffee bar, the gelato, the nutella bar, and all the other scrumptious treats that make me think that I've died and gone to heaven.  I got a brief tour of the layout from my favorite New Yorker, taking pictures along the way. (yes, that says "Live Sea Urchin"

Week 15!  15 is one of my favorite #s, so its only fitting that I love this design, and I'm conveniently posting this on October 15th!  The stone around the stove really catches my eye, especially with the wood beam above.  To limit the look of modern amenities, I would use under the counter refrigerators . I would also stick with rustic wood pieces on the island facade.   Source Loving the color of the wood. Source Would love a cowhide rug in the entry way.  Maybe a coat hook on the wall. Source Light colors in the bedroom and simple furniture and accessories. Source Neutral colors in the living space.... Source Or... Subtle pops of color like a pale blue or tamed orange.  Source Love this earthy table. Source Simple white tile in the bathroom with an open shower. Source And outside, would love a garden like this: Source Source

Week 14!  I'm slacking this week as life caught up to me, so this floor plan hasn't been a work in progress or something in my mind, but rather designed in the last hour.  I recently took a trip to NYC to visit my oldest friend, and her cute little apartment in Long Island City was perfect.  Made me think how much I would enjoy having a little studio space, but would still love a garden.   Love these as planters... Source Source Source Source Source Source

Salmon! Ingredients: Salmon Lemon Olive Oil Dijon Mustard Panko Breadcrumbs Jasmin Rice Scallions Dressing: Dijon Mustard, Honey, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Pepper Put Olive oil on the bottom of the cookie sheet.  Then the salmon, a little more olive oil on top.  Squeeze a lemon over it, then add a thin layer of Dijon Mustard and Panko break crumbs.   Bake until done to your preference (I do 30 mins @ 400 degrees because I like mine well done.) In the meantime, make Jasmin Rice, using the instructions on the package.   Make a dressing of equal parts Dijon mustard &  Honey.  A little lemon juices and then Olive Oil to thin it (about 2x as much of the mustard/honey combo) and then a little pepper.  Works well on a side salad to carry the flavor throughout the meal. Pour  the dressing over both the Salmon and Rice and then topped with chopped Scallions.

The last few weeks I've been reminiscing about my time in Tuscany.  I loved the place I stayed in, and have since been thinking of ways to incorporate it into my designs.  The villa was on a hill, with the entrance on the higher end.  The bedrooms were on the lower level, with 1 of 2 bathrooms. All rooms had great views.  It was small, and quaint, and almost perfect in my eyes.  But....if it were up to me, I would open the walls between the upper and lower levels, like I did in my design below.   I would also have the great room in the lower level to connect the two floors and make it more inviting.  I'm hoping to venture back overseas soon, hopefully to Ireland and Scotland (ideally before my passport expires in 2016.)  Maybe the little cottages there will inspire me as much as Italy! I'm kind of loving this modern sectional for the great room... Source And the idea of concrete walls... Source Source Source Source Concr