Cozy nooks

Autumn is all about cozy, and what's more cozy than a nook?!


Some reading nooks:

Here's an idea for the nook that is now my closet.

What a fantastic use of a very tiny space!

Kids love nooks!

Perfect for utilising the space under the stairs.

How about this for some jaw-dropping fabulousness!

Or this one! Words fail me!

On to a couple of office nooks:

I wouldn't mind my office being a nook, if it was as fabulous as this!

Love the white, the colour provided by the books and the lovely Danish chair.

A sleeping nook:

How I would love to cuddle up on a cold winter's night, the open fire burning.

And finally, how to make a nook:

If you have a tiny space in your home that you don't know what to do with, such as the end of a hallway or a built in closet (on the remote chance that you wouldn't need it for storage), why not make it a cozy nook? The basics of a nook, for me, would be wall to wall seating (or a desk if you're making an office nook) and some shelving all the way around. This defines the space as a nook, as opposed to just a small space with some furniture in it.

Click on the images for the sources.

Autumn

I love autumn. I love the rain, the wind, the smell in the air. I love the rich, thick, textured clothing in beautiful autumn leaves colours. I love to cozy up with my family, cook big dinners and start looking forward to the holidays. Autumn inspires me.

heart the boots, want the socks

That jumper!

busy busy

for going back to work... after loosing the baby fat... after hair stops falling out...

(click on the images to get to the source)

Preparing for autumn

Oh I love summer! But when the shops fill with burnt autumn colours, luxurious knits, chunky boots and rich fabrics I get all giddy. Definitely my favorite time of the fashion year. Here is what I've got myself so far (oh, and it's the first time I shop for myself in 3 years... no kidding!)

STEFFY tunic from Vila

FOGH socks also from Vila

And these incredibly comfortable wedges from this little shop.

I can't wait to wear them all together :)

Harvesting

I love autumn for so many great things. Autumn/winter collections. Cozy nights in. And harvesting. I've made two variations of rhubarb jam with the rhubarbs from my garden, and I have a kilo (2.2 lbs) of rhubarbs in my freezer I'm going to make rhubarb chutney out of.
I've gone berry picking twice, for some blueberries and crowberries. I think I'll just make plain blueberry jam from the blueberries, or maybe just use them in smoothies. With the crowberries I'll make crowberry jam, crowberry chutney and crowberry schnapps.

Regular rhubarb jam

1k g chopped rhubarbs (2.2 lbs) 

0.8 kg sugar (1.75 lbs)

Simmer until brown (about an hour)

Rhubarb jam deluxe

1 kg chopped rhubarbs (2.2 lbs)

2 apples

0.8 kg sugar (1.75 lbs)

4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground ginger

Simmer until brown (about an hour), put in clean jars, close.

I'm proud to say that me and mum came up with this recipe last year!

Blueberry jam

1 kg blueberries (2.2 lbs)

0.7 kg sugar (1.65 lbs)

Simmer for 15-20 minutes, put in clean jars and close.

Crowberry jam

same as blueberry jam

Crowberry chutney

600 gr crowberries (1.3 lbs)

1 red onion, chopped

1-2 apples, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

2.5 cm ginger, chopped (1 inch)

1 dl raisins (1.4 fl oz)

2.5 dl brown sugar (8.45 fl oz)

1 dl wine vinegar (1.4 fl oz)

.5 tsp salt

1 tsp mustard seeds

Simmer for 30 minutes, blend lightly with a hand blender, put in jars, close

This is heavenly with cheese!

Crowberry schnapps

Rinse the crowberries carefully.
Leave them to dry in the shadow - on paper towel.
If your berries are frozen - defrost them in the vodka.
Use a clean glass jar with tight-fitting lid.
Fill the jar with berries.
Fill up with clear, unflavoured vodka - 40% alcohol content (80 proof).
Steep for 1-3 months or longer - in a dark place at room temperature, 18-20°C (64-68°F).
Shake lightly and taste it from time to time.
Strain and filter your infusion into a clean glass bottle or jar with tight-fitting lid.

This will be perfect for Christmas!

When I was berry picking I found a lot of this wonderful herb, Mother-of-thyme. I grabbed a whole bunch and dried it and have been using it for tea. It's supposed to calm the stomach, cure colds and coughs and even hangovers... again, perfect for the holidays!

Picture credits: Rhubarb, Blueberry, Crowberry, Mother-of-thyme.

A go at classic autumn

Colourful Autumn by NotYourGoddess featuring Dorothy Perkins

I'm not so good at this Polyvore thing, but I was in the mood for some colourful classic autumn. It has worked for me every year since I first saw Love Story 17 years ago. What does it for you, do you have a look you can always fall back on?

Items in this set:
7 For All Mankind Nakita "A" Pocket Flare Jeans - Nakita, $198
Ochre bib front duffle coat, 65 GBP
BKE Mock Neck Top, $12
Ankle boot Women - Shoes Women on Dsquared2 Online Store, $795
70s Leather Saddle Bag, 30 GBP

Autumn is upon us

I'm planning to take a walk with my three year old to gather leaves and twigs to make a mobile like this. He'll love it! Seen on Design*sponge, click here for instructions.