Mystery Plants: Peonies?

These plants started popping up in our back garden a couple of weeks ago. They started out as deep red stalks, and the tops looked like asparagus spears. We had no idea what they were. We asked friends and neighbors, and they didn’t either (we’re all gardening novices). The plants were not here last year—so either someone planted them (we didn’t) or they are wild. I finally sent a photo of them to my Mom (who has a lot of gardening experience), and she says they are peonies! How amazing would that be? I hope she’s right. In the meantime, I’m going to do some research.

Maiden & Moonflower Wallpaper by Kiki Smith

"Maiden & Moonflower" by artist Kiki Smith is one of the coolest wallpapers I've ever seen. I can picture this whimsical, woodblock-like print in a powder room, art/craft studio or little girl's room. At Studio Printworks.

Holiday Décor: “Eco Stockings” from TheBeeHivery

We bought three of these stockings from the TheBeeHivery on Etsy last year, and we are still loving them. They’re made from free-trade coffee sacks and have a great rustic feel -- so on-trend (though I hope sustainable décor isn’t just a passing fad).
We have them hanging from our mantel and they go perfectly with our woodland Christmas theme. They’re on the small side, but that works for us (12.5” long, $18 each). If you want even smaller ones, she offers mini stockings, too ($15 each, 8.5” long). BONUS: she’s offering free shipping right now.

Gift Pick: Miix Spoon Set at MoMA

The Miix Spoon Set by Chi-Wing Lee would be a sweet hostess gift. And at $24, these bone china spoons would be a great holiday gift for any girl on your list who's into vintage/design/unusual things. At the MoMA Store.

Vintage Find in Falls Church: Funky Crewel Sofa

I noticed this sofa when we drove by the Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Falls Church yesterday. It caught my eye because of its cheery, orange crewel-style fabric. The sofa’s not in very good shape, but at $20, you could just salvage some of the fabric and make a few fun pillows.

Even Better 'Best Cocoa Brownies'

This chilly weather has put my cravings for comfort food into overdrive. After not baking for months, I’ve baked twice in the last week. On Sunday, I made Alice Medrich's Best Cocoa Brownies. But this time, in addition to toasted pecans, I added a little bit more kosher salt than the ¼ teaspoon the recipe calls for and stirred in a handful of chocolate chips right before I put the pan in the oven.

O-M-G, they tasted so good I thought I might cry. Each bite was a little piece of sweet + salty-chocolaty heaven. The other night, I let our 2-year-old try a little piece. He usually eats like a bird, even when it comes to sweets. But he downed that brownie so fast and asked for more (“choc-o-lit? choc-o-lit?”) before I could even cut myself a piece.

They’re long gone now, but I'm still craving them. I might have to make another batch this weekend.

Falls Church Target – ‘Fresh Grocery’ Oct. 14

I’ve become a big fan of Target during the last couple of years. Partly because of their partnerships with the likes of Dwell, Orla Kiely, and John Derian (who has a new line launching with Target September 5 -- can’t wait!). And partly because you can pretty much get everything you need while you’re there (is it possible to walk out of there without spending more than $100?)

And soon, Falls Churchians and Arlingtonians will be able to get even more at our local Target when “Fresh Grocery” becomes available October 14 -- a full line of groceries, including meat, produce, bakery and dairy. I don’t think we’ll start doing our regular grocery shopping at Target, but I can’t deny it will be convenient and, most likely, affordable. I’m looking forward to checking it out.