Portland was very nice even if I was there for work. I stayed in a great old hotel, The Benson, and was able to get out and shop a little one night. Anybody heard of Powell's Bookstore? It's ginormous! I spent some time roaming the isles and purchased several books and magazines for myself and Evy. I also did a bit of clothes shopping which is always a good time. I got home on Wednesday and am leaving again tomorrow for another work trip - this time for St. Louis. Today Evy and I had an outing at the mall where we bought sparkly shoes (for Evy, but sadly not for me), and some fun clothes for the two of us. I don't shop for clothes very much so it's fun when I do. My favorite store is J.Crew (very often I realize that literally everything I am wearing (save for underthings) is from J.Crew. - this includes my coat and scarf). I do love that store. Anyhoo, I recently received a wonderful, and completely indulgent cookbook as a belated birthday present from my friend Boni, and at about the same time I purchased another cookbook - nearly as equally indulgent - just because it looked so good - "Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey" and "Cupcakes!" respectively. Both have great covers, pictures, and recipes.
"Sticky, et al" is by Jill O'Connor, photographs by Keigh Beisch. "Cupcakes!" is by Elinor Klivans, photographs by France Ruffenach. I wouldn't normally add who did the photographs, but they both do such a fantastic job that I had to mention them.
This is a picture from "Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey" as is the below picture.
A bit blurred, but you get the idea. Those colors, the arrangement of the food...it's all so great.
This delightful photograph is from "Cupcakes!"
I recently updated the display atop the little chest of drawers in our entry. I love old baseballs and like how they look in a silver champagne bucket. If my friend Susan reads this she may recognize it as a wedding gift from her in-laws, which has yet to be used for chilling any sort of beverage in the 10 years we've had it. It's been used for practically everything else though. Also pictured is the new (old) clarinet that I recently got from an antiques store called Hunt and Gather in Minneapolis.
I think it's the combination of a classy, respectable looking champagne chiller filled with very old, beat up baseballs that appeals to me. I don't like things to be too much of anything - it's the mixing and matching of old and new, glitziness and restrained elegance that gets me excited.
And since it's almost Valentine's Day I am including a picture of the little hand-stitched heart that I made last February. It's hanging in the Living Room right now, but normally resides in Evy's room. Some of you who have been reading for awhile may remember when I made this humble little heart last year.
Thanks to everyone who drops by even when I'm not so quick to update my blog. I really do appreciate your comments and emails. Thank you for always being so supportive, kind, and funny. Talk to you when I return from St. Louis.
Both books look great! I gave the Cupcakes book to my daughter as a birthday gift last year! I'd love the gooey, sticky book myself! YUM! Glad you liked Oregon, it's my state! Though I hardly ever go to Portland, I'm down on the southern coast!
*Heidi*
Posted by: *Heidi* | February 09, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Aaah, the grand Benson Hotel with it's eXquisite staircase (dreamy sigh). It's been years... ThanX for the pleasant reminder. Lovely blog. Glad I stumbled in!
Posted by: diXymiss | February 09, 2008 at 09:10 PM
i love bookstores. could get lost in them all day. your books look great and oh so yummy. have a good trip to st. louis.
Posted by: traci | February 09, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Portland is lovely! Although I grew up in the outskirts, most of my shopping was done at the Clackmas Town Center. Downtown Portland was just too much of a good thing, I guess. I love your hand-made heart. How precious.
Posted by: Nancy | February 09, 2008 at 09:22 PM
You have been busy with work. I have been too, I know us both having toddlers it is hard. So times at home with the wee ones are great. Have a safe trip~
Bristol
Posted by: Bristol | February 09, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Safe travels....and I enjoyed all of your wonderful photos.
Rose
Posted by: Rose @ Classic Charm | February 10, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Glad you're back...aww, and there you go again! Get back here! I always look forward to your posts! :o)
I LOVE J Crew myself. Probably my top shop...for clothing, that is. I just got the new catalog and am really wanting that obnoxious bubble necklace. (Yes, the one for a hundred and fifty...) (No, I won't be getting it...)
I am going to have to look for "Cupcakes!" I make cupcakes all the time, and I'm always looking for new pretty ways to decorate them.
The baseballs in the champagne bucket, I love. I put some of Mike's old baseballs from growing up in Amelia's room on a shelf with some of our old toys. The colors and look of them are perfect, esp. in unexpected places, like, oh, a champagne bucket! Looks really good!
Finally, I remember the little heart you made! That was last year?!? Have I been reading that long? Wow, we go way back, old friend! Haha! Keep up the great work!!
Love, Katie
Posted by: Katie | February 10, 2008 at 01:09 PM
The sticky book is on my amazon wish list... think the cupcakes one could go on there shortly!!
Victoria
Posted by: Victoria | February 10, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Oh those books!!!! I have officially added them fairly high up to my "must get" list. They are just my sort of cooking book. My most used and beloved cook books are two by Nigella Lawson, "How to be a Domestic Goddess", and "How to Eat", and one by Anna Olsen, based on her wonderful TV show called "Sugar". All desserts - yum my favourite.
Posted by: Jocelyn | February 11, 2008 at 04:52 AM
I love the little vignette with the champagne bucket, too cute. I have had the cupcakes book for a while, but I just picked up the ooey gooey, and it looks SO good!
I love Hunt and Gather and it is very close to home for me which I love. Have you been to The Cottage Shop on Chicago and 43rd? It is an occasional shop, was just open this past weekend, always wonderful finds!
Posted by: Jilly | February 11, 2008 at 01:05 PM
I am a lover of J. Crew as well! I also love banana republic, both places pricey, but who cares there stuff is great!!!
Posted by: katie | February 11, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Sounds like you had fun in Portland! My husband and I were in Portland last summer and made three trips to Powells in the 4 days that we were there :) I love bookstores and that one was incredible! Have fun in St. Louis!
Posted by: Kirsten | February 11, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Hi this is my first visit to your blog, and I am so excited that I have found such a gorgeous blog, thank you! I live in the UK in the country in Devon. The photo of the Nancy Drew book made me smile, I adored those books. Kathy
Posted by: kathy | February 11, 2008 at 02:20 PM
I remember that heart and I still love it! Perfect use for the champagne bucket and this way - it is seen all the time instead of just on special occassions. Oh how I've wanted both of those cookbooks. They are on my list!
Karla
Posted by: Karla | February 11, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Sounds like a great bookstore Allison.
That coconut cupcake looks so good!
Hope you have another good trip.
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | February 11, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Hi Allison!
I live in the Portland metropolitan area and was so excited to see you were here for a visit! Powell's is wonderful isn't it? I have only lived here since 2003, so I haven't visited the Benson yet, but this is one cool town! We even have a cupcake shop!
mmmmm
Posted by: Ava | February 12, 2008 at 02:24 AM
So glad your trip went well Allie. I almost bought "Cupcakes" two weeks ago at Michael's. I always prefer to make cupcakes than an actual cake. I can give them away easier than a slice of cake. But both books look yummy. I love the vingette you created. You are so good at it. This one is interesting. Kim.
Posted by: BabyTease | February 12, 2008 at 06:45 PM
I love your entry display. What a great collection.
Sandra
Posted by: Sandra | February 13, 2008 at 07:55 AM
Hello
After seeing the riding hats I was excited when I saw one in an antique shop yesterday. I could not resist. I bought it. I think they add a different eliminate to the decor, thanks for the inspiration.
Glenda
Posted by: Glenda | February 13, 2008 at 01:48 PM
I'm glad you liked Oregon... I'm going on a trip there this summer and cant wait! Never been, but hear it's gorgeous. The cookbooks look so inspiring, perfect for Valetine's day. Oh wait, that was yesterday. I really need this weekend! :)
Posted by: Liz | February 15, 2008 at 10:43 AM
I really want that sticky cookbook but I think I will wait until I lose another 10 pounds. Then I'm all over it!
Posted by: Jen | February 15, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Lovin' the pictures....I LOVE the one with the baseballs in the silver bucket!!! Stay warm!!
Posted by: Karin (creativechaos) | February 16, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Always love your posts!! Have a great day!!
Posted by: Meredith | February 17, 2008 at 06:30 PM
Yep, big J.Crew fan here, too. I could spend a fortune in that store.
I love the old baseballs in the silver ice bucket. You have great design style.
Kimberly :)
Posted by: Niesz Vintage Home | February 17, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Oh my goodness...I LOVE that ice bucket with the baseballs in it...sooo cool and beautiful!! I must say, you are certainly a master of the vignette! You need to work as a stylist I think...you would be perfect for it!!!
Have a great week!
Linda
Posted by: Linda | February 18, 2008 at 06:05 PM