Out of Control October.

Happy Halloween! 

It's been a busy week  at the AO Household.  The Bug's birthday was Friday so we spent the day celebrating with all of his favorite things (trains, mac and cheese, dinosaurs and balloons.)  AND attended his bestie's birthday party that afternoon. 

Breakfast with the Dinos.

Bounce House fun at the Bestie's Birthday.

We hosted his birthday party Saturday afternoon (ahem, 21 children in my home) and today we will Trick or Treat in town and again in our neighborhood. 

Later this week, I'm hosting my second Stella & Dot Trunk Show.  I can't wait to gather with my girlfriends, peruse the jewels and have a glass of wine (or two).  See a few of my faves here.

So, lots of great posts to come, including a recap of his Bookworm themed birthday party and my picks from Stella & Dot's latest collection.

Don't eat too much candy!

Cozy Time.

I am currently craving all things cozy.  Right now I am wearing my go to lounge pants and a super soft tee.  I'd love to add this amazing piece from 360 Cashmere to my lounge wear, but ahhh yes, it's $300+.

I hadn't heard of this line until I came across the above beauty at a local boutique the other day.  The line focuses only on sweaters and mainly on cashmere, but they do use other luxury fibers.  I love the mix of black and beige in this piece as it would go with literally anything.  It's a sophisticated version of cozy, don't you think?

And really, I'd be happy with any of their Fall Collection.

The first sweater can be found at Clique Boutique in the Village Shops or online at 360 Sweater.  

What's your go-to cozy outfit?

Sarah's House.

One of my favorite design shows is Sarah's House on HGTV.  It's hard to catch and doesn't air as frequently as many of their other shows, but when it's on, I am glued.

It follows Canadian designer Sarah Richardson as she purchases a home and fixes it up room by room.  Each episode focuses on the makeover of one specific space.  Most recently she fixed up "Sarah's House 2" also known as a mid-century split back in Toronto.  

Visit her portfolio for more images.

She took a very confusing split level space and created something quite beautiful.  She's mindful about creating spaces that are actually live-able and she does try to stick to a budget (although hers is much more than mine will ever be!)

Have you watched Sarah's House?

Hello Coco.

Thanks Tyra for reminding me that I love a little Coco Rocha.

She's the modely-ist of the models.

And yet she can be so normal too.

Because everyone gets married in Zac Posen.  Am I right?

Arm Party.

Love me an arm party.  More is more.

Dying to get my hands (errr, wrists?) on every single one of those above.  Such a simple way to update your every day look.  Yes, sometimes they get in the way and make a bunch of noise when you move, but I'm all about fashion over function.  And in a pinch, they entertain The Bug. 

Forever 21 has a pretty good assortment of cheap arm fun.

And so does Stella & Dot.  (Did I mention I am hosting another party? ) 

Clearly, I'm having a rocker chic moment with some of the selections above.  I like my wrists to look tough.

Do your arms party?

Hair Tie.

If you're like me, the rubber band for your hair is a constant companion.  Even though my hair is a wee bit short for pulling back, I still usually have a tie wrapped around my wrist.  You never know when a pony might be necessary!

Came across these adorable Goody Double Wear hair ties the other day.

Adorable.  The idea is you wear it on your wrist as a bracelet which keeps it handy should you need to throw your hair back.  Comes in silver and gold.  Go on, get both!

For those with a little more coin, there's this option from Bloom Black Ties.

These babies are $34 for two.  There's an amazing selection on their website, so check it out.  Lots of different shapes, colors and sizes.

Who knew hair accessories could be so fun?!

The Test Kitchen.

This past weekend, The Texan and I had the opportunity to attend dinner with the underground supper club known as "The Test Kitchen."

We have been privy to the emails announcing the dinners for a few years now, but have never been selected to attend.  That changed on Saturday. 

I learned Friday we had gotten in, promptly paid our dinner fee and awaited the reveal of the "secret location."  (Every dinner is held at a different spot - a warehouse space, a photography studio, a flower shop - it's one of my favorite things about the club.)

We arrived Saturday at the gorgeous Roth Distribution (luxury appliances) space and were handed a glass of sparkling prosecco.  Off to a good start!  We mixed and mingled with the other attendees (approximately 25), explored the amazing kitchen and home showroom and chatted with our chefs for the evening.

After about an hour of cocktailing, the dinner began.  Seven magical courses and wine pairings later, we went home full and happy (and with a few new friends as well.)

duck leg ravioli with roasted fennel

mache salad dressed in nutmeg - husband's fave

corn and jalapeno chowder

seared scallop over celery root puree

herbed lamb loin with root vegetable hash - my fave

coriander brined pork loin with risotto and broccoli

almond mousse with pralines and cherry brandy syrup

I'm a big believer in supporting the Culinary Arts and the woman who runs the club is too.  If you think food is just food, this is not a dinner for you.  For me, some of my favorite memories are tied into the meals I had while making them.  And yes, I usually remember what I was wearing too!

If you're interested in an amazing experience, here's how The Test Kitchen works:

1)  Sign up to be notified about the secretive dinners at www.testkitchenkc.com
2)  Receive the Save the Date email.  Interested in attending dinner?  Reply to have your name placed in to the lottery draw.
3)  Keep your fingers crossed that you receive the coveted "You are In" email.  Pay your dinner fee.
4) Private location of the event is revealed.
5)  Show up and enjoy.

Anyone else members of the Club?

Toms.

Toms.  You're killing me.  You keep getting cuter.  Or I keep getting...adjusted...to your hippie ways. 

I used to think you were just a dressier version of Crocs.  Not for me.  I was happy with my Tory Burch flats.  But then I tripped over a toy and practically (actually??) broke my toe and discovered no shoe would fit my foot. 

Enter total comfort.  While I'm partial to the red and anything glittery, I think the gray is more practical. 

I'm sure we are all aware that for every pair you purchase, Toms donates a pair to a child in need.  So go out and buy people! 

And who can resist the teeny tiny tot options?

(I still think it's weird that you have a wedding section on your website.)