Hello, hello and a big thank you!

Hello readers! How are you? It has been an amazing and also crazy six week for our family along with the birth of our baby girl there have been some other life changes that I will touch on later. I am so happy to be back to blogging -- I missed you all.



First off, I want to give a great big shout out and thanks to all of the lovely guest bloggers -- it is hard to describe how thankful I am for them, I am grateful to the moon. Weren't they all so incredible? I left completely inspired each week with their stories and ideas. Thank you so much ladies! If you haven't got a chance to visit their posts check out this link and for more of their creativity visit their amazing blogs.

( Lisa from That's Happy | Melanie from You Are My Fave | Jane from Simple + Pretty | Kathleen from Twig & Thistle | Hila from le projet d'amour | Meredith from Lily Jane)

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Hello, hello and a big thank you!

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RECIPE: HOMEMADE BROWNIES

For years I subscribed to the theory that you simply cannot make brownies from scratch that are as good as those from the box. It's true and I’m absolutely ashamed to admit it. Then, thankfully, one day I woke up. Realizing that everything is better from scratch than from a box (really, who was I kidding?), I started to search for the perfect brownie recipe, one that would blow that box out of the water. This one has been my go-to for a few years now.





It’s rich and decadent with that perfect delicately crisp top layer. I’ve made it both with walnuts and without and it’s divine either way (personally, I like nuts so we add them whenever they’re on hand; the toasted flavor pushes it over the edge into nirvana).

Be sure to have cold milk on hand. You’re going to need it.

Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

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RECIPE: HOMEMADE BROWNIES

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FREEBIE: JAM LABELS

All summer long I’ve been looking forward to making my own jam. I’ve done small batches a few times before, but this time I meant to do it en masse, setting aside enough for my family and for gifts for the neighbors come holiday time. I did so a few weeks ago and as I was bottling my jam I thought to myself, “I really ought to make some cute labels for these.” So I did. And now I’m happy to be sharing them with you.




Whether you like peach, blackberry or strawberry jam there’s a label here for you. You’ll find blueberry and raspberry, too. Download and then print on card stock and trim for a hanging tag; or print on adhesive-backed paper and make a label that sticks straight on to the jar. Enjoy!


Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

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FREEBIE: JAM LABELS

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Reading Nooks

Is there anything more heavenly than curling up in a sunny little spot with a good book? When fall starts to come back around I always find myself gravitating toward the bright, sun-drenched side of my couch, inevitably grabbing a novel along the way. I’ve often thought how lovely it would be to have a dedicated spot just for reading.



My requirements for the ideal reading nook include lots of natural light, somewhere cozy to sit (oversized chair, pile of pillows, etc.), a place to rest my books and snacks, and a blanket to wrap up in. Even better, that it be unplugged – no laptops, iPods, or TVs nearby. There’s something about being away from all the electronics (as much as I love them) that makes the experience ethereal for me.





What about you? Where do you find yourself returning to in your home when the air starts to chill?

{images via apartment therapy, suziebeezie, stephmodo, cherry coloured, decorology, apartment therapy}

Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

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Reading Nooks

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VINTAGE SHOP: COTTAGE FARM

There are few things I like more than finding a well curated vintage shop. So, naturally, I was elated when I found Cottage Farm. It’s full to the brim with amazing finds.




I'll take everything on the first page. And I'll be back later for the rest.
{images via Cottage Farm}


Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

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VINTAGE SHOP: COTTAGE FARM

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Fall Books

Now that we’ve dreamed about the best places to spend our time with a book this fall, there’s only one question left: what book to read? Here are a few of my favorites; four tried and true, one a new release that caught my attention.



OLDIES BUT GOODIES:

Walden by Henry David Thoreau: A classic volume by the famed poet that relates his experiences living apart from society for a year.

Poems by Emily Dickinson: Dickinson’s poetry, especially those about nature, paint gorgeous mental pictures that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: A fictional story, written through letters, of a group of friends living in post-WWII England. And, of course, a little love is thrown in, too.

The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food
by Judith Jones: The renowned editor’s autobiography of a life spent in the industry of writing about (and indulging in) food.

NEW THIS FALL:

Grant Wood: A Life by R. Tripp Evans: A biography about the famous painter who created American Gothic and so much more.

Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

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Fall Books

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Guest Blogger : Meredith Church

Hello, everyone. I’m Meredith and I’m so excited to be posting here on Black*Eiffel this week. What a treat! Best of luck to Rachel and her sweet new baby. Aren’t they an adorable family?

To tell you a little bit about myself: I’m a mother of two and a stationery designer. My family and I live in a turn-of-the-century home in Salt Lake City, where we are slowly but surely bringing its long neglected looks back to their full potential. Lily Jane Stationery is home to my paper creations, many of which feature hand-drawn illustrations. It started as both a creative outlet and a tribute to my little girl. I hope you’ll enjoy her story tomorrow.

I share my design loves on the Lily Jane blog, along with sneak peeks of projects I’m working on, things that are baking in my oven and artists I admire. I hope you'll stop by for a visit.

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Guest Blogger : Meredith Church

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Lettepress Baby Announcement

A simply amazing baby announcement, that I thought Rachel might especially enjoy: designed by Tracy Brockhouse and printed by Brad O'Sullivan of Smokeproof Press, it assembles into a 2x2x2 cube. But what really gets me is the excellent printing: Brad noted that the deboss was quite a challenge, but you'd never know it looking at the final product. Well done, Brad, and congratulations, Holden! (You're one lucky boy.)


(photos courtesy of Brad O'Sullivan)

Post by guest blogger: Jane Potrykus from Simple + Pretty

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Lettepress Baby Announcement

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Paste SF

I'm completely charmed by the clever collage work of Denise Fiedler at Paste SF . The three collages shown here would make a lovely summery triptych. (The tee is especially great: love its stripey feel.) If you're a dog lover, don't miss the wide variety of Paste SF dog collages. Custom projects are also available if you have a certain someone (or "some dog") in mind. I'm so glad to have discovered Denise's art through House Beautiful magazine. Definitely brings a smile to my face.

(images courtesy of Denise Fiedler)

Post by guest blogger: Jane Potrykus from Simple + Pretty

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Paste SF

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Bakery Books

Because breakfast is my favorite meal of the day (Coffee and a sweet? What's not to like?) I have go-to bakeries in every city I visit. In San Francisco, it's Tartine for a morning bun. When I go to Boston, there's no doubt I'm stopping at Flour to peruse my options. So it's no surprise that I'm eagerly awaiting these new fall cookbooks. Even though I'll probably never cook from either (let's face facts) I'll still devour the pictures and narratives and dream of when I can return.

For more peeks at the new Tartine Bread book, visit tartinebread.com.

(photos from amazon.com)

Post by guest blogger: Jane Potrykus from Simple + Pretty

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Bakery Books

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Paper Monkey Press

I'm a big fan of simple, clean design. And Rori at Paper Monkey Press is genius at making it work. Her wedding announcement is particularly striking, with so much white space. I love it. Here's peek at a few of her recent designs:



wedding announcement



love the colors on this dinner party invitation



the green border is fab



polka dots!

(photos courtesy of paper monkey press)

Post by guest blogger: Jane Potrykus from Simple + Pretty

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Paper Monkey Press

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Ami Sioux/Paris

Photographer Ami Sioux's book, Paris 48°49N, 2°29E, is most intriguing. She asked 50 people to draw a map of a part of Paris that was signficant or important to him or her. Then, Ami visited each spot to photograph it. The book, comprised of these juxtaposed sets, is both personal and informative. It would make a lovely souvenir, or could inspire someone to visit for the very first time ....

Ami's first book in the series was Reykjavik. Books for New York and Tokyo are planned.

images courtesy of Ami Sioux

Post by guest blogger: Jane Potrykus from Simple + Pretty

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Ami Sioux/Paris

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Guest Blogger : Jane Potrykus from Simple + Pretty

Hello, Black*Eiffel readers! I'm so happy to be guest blogging for Rachel while she spends a bit of time with her new baby girl. My name is Jane, and I write and edit the daily lifestyle blog simple + pretty. My blog covers living, design, fashion, photography and paper, with an emphasis on my obsession with letterpress stationery. I live in suburban Chicago with my husband and 7th grade son, and when I'm not driving to some sort of sports practice, spend my time catching up with the Daily Show, and reading the stacks of magazines I accumulate. (Okay, there might be a bit of internet time, too.)

I'm looking forward to sharing some letterpress finds this week, as well as a few books I have my eye on for fall.

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Guest Blogger : Jane Potrykus from Simple + Pretty

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Fashion Inspiration to Collection

Susan tipped me off to this great slide show of fashion designer’s inspiration for their spring collections. Since fashion week has come and gone, I thought it would be fun to see how the inspiration was translated. I’m so surprised I loved Christian Siriano’s collection although his inspiration photo didn’t catch my eye. It probably helps that he’s buddies with my bf, Tim Gunn. That’s best friend not boyfriend.


United Bamboo “Modesty”


ADAM “Romance”


Alexander Berardi “Breathless”


Charlotte Ronson “Adorn”


Christian Siriano “INDOCHINA”


Lela Rose “Efflorescent”

Guest Post by Melanie Blodgett from You Are My Fave.

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Fashion Inspiration to Collection

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Favors Table

One of my favorite parts of planning a party is coming up with a favor that will be a little present to your guests and not something they’ll just trash. For a backyard harvest party that I recently threw, I sewed up some tote bags created from dish towels (I told guests not to look too closely at the stitching) and then filled the table with some fresh takeaways: monster cookies, baguettes, strawberries and flowers. Overall a simple concept but appreciated and not ignored. At least that’s what my guests made me believe.

Calligraphy done by Cathie


Guest Post by Melanie Blodgett from You Are My Fave.

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Favors Table

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White Stone Croft

This white stone croft (I had to Wikipedia that, basically just a fenced plot of land) in Scotland is 50 yards from the sea and is available for rent as a holiday cottage. Wouldn’t you love to spend your vacation curled up on the weathered couch while listening to the sea? It’s like the perfect setup for a romantic comedy complete with the only young, cute townsfolk that would so happen to be the sheepherder.

Guest Post by Melanie Blodgett from You Are My Fave.

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White Stone Croft

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Emma Robertson

Graphic designer, Emma Robertson, recently introduced herself and it didn’t take me long before I was sending her fan mail. I love everything about her personal identity design, especially the color choice and the handwritten text.



Emma also just opened up a shop of knitted goods that are as adorable as the model, another one of her many titles. Emma, congrats on earning the right to call yourself cool.

Guest Post by Melanie Blodgett from You Are My Fave.

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Emma Robertson

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Triangles

I’m not sure why I’ve fallen so hard for the new triangle trend, it’s not like it’s a new concept. Maybe it’s because it reminds me that I was actually good at one type of math, geometry. Or another theory that’s probably more accurate, it reminds me of my love of pennant flags. Yeah, that’s probably it. Parties over math.

Product credits:

bracelets, hand printed birthday card, lavender scented pillow, triangle tea towel, pink bird pillow, pendant quilt card, brass art deco fan necklace, Studio Fludd notebooks

Guest Post by Melanie Blodgett from You Are My Fave.

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Triangles

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Guest Blogger : Melanie Blodgett

Hello, I’m Melanie Blodgett. I’m the author of You Are My Fave and a party planner to the stars. And by stars I mean my family members. I’m pretty sure my mom is my biggest fan. I absolutely hate it when in job interviews they ask you to describe yourself. Am I a go-getter who works well in groups? Not really. Sometimes I want to make up things about myself like that I was Miss Montana (kind of believable, they’re never that attractive) or that I toured with Lord of the Dance (not believable, don’t look Irish or have muscular enough calves). But the facts are this: I’m married to Ryan who’s just finishing law school, we live in Denver in a small apartment with gross carpet, I’m the youngest of seven girls and I strive to quote 30 Rock at least a few times a day. I love my birthday, babies, magazines, high waisted skirts, board game victory dances, Chex muddy buddies and cake stands. My official party business is launching at the end of the month and in the mean time I visit Target for a living. Thank you Rachel for taking a chance on me.

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Guest Blogger : Melanie Blodgett

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Well Branded: Glacé

A favorite feature on my site is a series called Well Branded where I showcase beautiful identity packages.


One such example is Glacé in Kansas City. Creative partners Nathaniel Cooper and Brent Anderson thought of everything, the space is modern yet inviting and the print material is impeccable. I'm especially fond of the stickers to seal up takeout bags, they're just darling! (Via: Jordan Gray)


Guest Post by Kathleen from Twig & Thistle

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Well Branded: Glacé

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