These Boots Are Made For Walkin'

If you've been following along with me on Instagram, you might have noticed that The Mister and I snuck away over the last couple of weeks for a little European Adventure. Our travels took us through some of the most beautiful cities in Italy - Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi, Positano, Siena and Florence and eventually lead to a weekend in Paris. We talked about this trip for more than a decade and it was a dream so personal, so hard fought for, that it were not for the sweet perfection of it in the end, I might be mourning a return back to some of the everyday work routines here back home.  Getting on the plane back home was tough- I'll admit... but by the time we landed, I felt so full of gratitude for what we had experienced, for what we took back home with us, that I can not feel anything else as I get dressed for the office this morning. 

We ate, we drank and we walked... we've guessed over 50+ miles of twisting, turning, uphill, downhill cobbled pathways over the last two weeks, fueled by the sweetest adrenaline. Posting may be a little spotty this week while I re-acclimate. But look for some of our adventures to unfold here on the blog. I can't wait to share what we've seen and learned with you.

All Hallows' Eve

Deck those halls y'all. It's Halloween!

Hope you make it a frightfully good day!

*staircase in the home of artist Laura Zindel as featured in Country Living

Fresh Ideas // Open Plan Bath

This bathroom styled and shot by Daniella Witte for Comfortable Home caught my eye as much for what it included as for what you don't see here. Uncluttered, open plan baths that eschew the conventional shower stall and doors really appeal to me right now. I like this idea of a bathing room, an almost spa-like sanctuary right within the home. The easily accessible, built in towel storage really plays up that feeling too- especially with it's smartly composed tower of whites. The palette is clean and white, but kept warm and inviting by unfinished wood elements in the stool, accessories and shelving. Perfection. 

Around Here // Fall Patio

Our screened in patio tends to evolve with the seasons. In the Summertime we leave it pretty open and uncluttered to accommodate pool guests and impromptu dance parties. In the Spring, it often becomes a landing pad for a cold beer and clothes shed while working around the yard. It gets a soft glow from lights and candles in the Winter, but I really think it's in its glory when blanketed with the Fall light that pours in through the screens each afternoon from the West. 

We had our first bought of Santa Ana winds blow through last week, telling me it was time to pack away some of the patio furniture around the pool's perimeter. I wanted to make good use of the table and chairs we recently renovated and so I pulled them into the covered patio and created a Fall centerpiece using the pumpkins I recently decorated using my favorite wallpaper pattern for inspiration. 

The classic stripes are holding up well on the banquet. I'm glad we went with this all-season pattern. It feels fresh and light during warmer months, but just cozy enough to weather this time of year as well.