10 Movies to Watch Before Halloween

We're ten short days away from halloween and I am in the zone!  For me, "the zone" means obsessing over a halloween costume (I think I played the Hermione and Ron card too soon into my marriage and now I'm having trouble coming up with a couples costume that tops it #FirstWorldProblems).  For others- most notably my husband- "the zone" means conjuring up as many scary experiences as possible.  Davey and I have a lot of things in common but this is not one of them.  However!  Since I'm expanding the horizons of the blog a bit I wanted to share a killer list (pun intended) that he, Stevie and Jordan came up with (more on Stevie and Jordan later).  It was stressed to me- and I will in turn stress it to you- that this is not a top 10 list.  These aren't the 10 best scary movies out there but they are 10 very good movies you can watch on Netflix right this moment.  Since a great movie you can watch right now is better than a theoretically better movie you can't, I stand by their strategy. If you're in the market for a scary movie (or better yet, a scary movie marathon), read on!

Wanted: Week Five

This week's gift guide is all about the guys in your life…there's something for dads, brothers, husbands, boyfriends, and buddies alike.  No one knows how to buy for your boys like you but here's a couple of creative ideas if you're stumped.

1. The Mr. Porter Paperback, Mr. Porter $35  2. Anchor the Call Mug, ModCloth $9.99  3. Broadmoor Quilted Jacket in Camo, J. Crew $228  4. Bear Bottle Opener, Amazon $14.99  5. MacBook Pro Vintage Leather Book Case, Amazon $79.99  6. Home Blending Whiskey Kit, Master of Malt $82.04  7. Men's Starter Kit, Kiehl's $42

3 Ideas

1.  When we were little, my Dad established a really fun way for us to choose our bedtime story.  Every night we'd ask him to tell us a story from when he was a certain age.  His memory is pretty incredible (and his stories are even better) so no matter what year we gave him, he always had a hilarious tale to tell.  Though I don't think he imparted it intentionally, the whole practice (on top of being one of my favorite memories) turned out to be a huge teaching moment for me on the importance and benefits of reflecting on a specific time.  At some point this week, sit down and think of a specific year or two of your life...maybe when you were 4 or 12 or 75 or anytime in between...the smaller the time frame the better.  Think about the people that positively impacted that year of your life and how they did it...you may be surprised at what you remember!  If you want to take it one step further (and I suggest you do) write them a letter or shoot them a text.  Even if you've said thank you a million times- even if it happened a hundred years ago- there's no statute of limitations on gratitude.  It'll warm your heart and theirs, trust me.

2. Pay a waiter/valet/salesperson, etc. a compliment.  The service industry can be such a thankless place, realize you have the chance to turn someone's day around by taking a moment to simply say, "thank you, you're doing a great job".  Don't forget to tip them generously, too!

3.  Send a care package to an active member of the military serving overseas.  While post 9/11 policy changes make it difficult to send a package without the name and address of a specific soldier (and understandably so), organizations like Marine Parents will send your package for you!  Tons of other organizations will send pre-made care package on your behalf along with your message of gratitude so a little bit of Googling will take you a long way.  One could argue that no group of people is more deserving of our thanks than the men and women so willing to sacrifice precious time with their family, their own personal safety and even their life on behalf of our country and our freedom.  If you're inspired by their courage and thankful for their service then let them know!     

The Foodie Files

Before my favorite guys hit the road last week, we squeezed in a delightful little Chinese New Year celebration.  It was fun for at least a million reasons but the menu was a definite high point...General Tsos chicken, sake steamed baby bok choy, a delightful green salad with ginger dressing and black toasted sesame encrusted avocado, rice and today's Foodie File, some absolutely delicious duck confit spring rolls with a plum dipping sauce (mmmMmmm).  I found the original recipe here and contemplated giving it a try on many occasions...buuut...it turns out you've gotta be real intentional to make this one happen.  There's lots of ingredients you sure won't find sitting around the back of your pantry.  I'd make these again in a heart beat, but I probably won't attempt them alongside so many other involved dishes...the prep work for this meal was out of control!

Ingredients:

For the spring rolls:
2 duck confit legs

2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces cremini mushrooms, stems trimmed and thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into matchsticks (about 1 cup)
1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts, thinly sliced into matchsticks (about 2 1/2 ounces)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
10 round rice paper wrappers

1 quart vegetable oil

For the dipping sauce:
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons plum sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
Freshly ground black pepper

Remove the skin from the duck legs and discard.  Remove the meat, shred it into small pieces and place in a large bowl (you should have about 3 cups).  Discard the bones.  Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.  Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring rarely, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the duck meat.

Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to the pan and place over medium heat until shimmering.  Add the carrot and onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened, about 8 minutes.  Add the five-spice and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the carrot-onion mixture to the bowl with the meat and mushrooms. Add the water chestnuts and cilantro to the bowl and stir to combine. Taste and season the filling with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Place a clean, damp kitchen towel on a work surface. Fill a medium frying pan or wide, shallow dish large enough to hold the rice paper wrappers with hot tap water.  Working with 1 wrapper at a time, completely submerge the wrapper until it is soft and pliable, about 15 seconds.  Remove from the water and place on the towel.  Working quickly, place 2 heaping tablespoons of the filling across the wrapper.  Fold the bottom of the wrapper up and over the filling.  Holding the whole thing firmly in place, fold the sides of the wrapper in.  Pressing firmly down to hold the folds in place, roll the entire wrapper horizontally up from the bottom to the top.

Heat vegetable oil over medium high heat and fry rolls, turning with tongs until crispy (about 4-5 minutes).  Transfer to a paper towel covered plate and set aside until cool enough to handle.  Mix dipping sauce ingredients together and set aside.  Cut each spring roll on a bias and serve with dipping sauce.  There's a lot of harmony in this dish and it's honestly rather simple...I so hope you try it!

Happy Valentine's Day!

If February 14th means candy, flowers and sunshine to you, I hope you get all the candy, flowers and sunshine your little heart can hold.  If it means reveling in misery, may your mope fest be everything you hoped it'd be and more (but don't forget...it's all gonna be okay).  I've got a fun night of sweatpants, pizza and movies ahead and I'm probably disproportionately excited about it to be honest.  In the name of festive fun, I rounded up a few treats that looked as delightful as Valentine's Day itself (I just love this holiday...what can I say?).  Have such a wonderful day, guys and dolls!

1. Heart Sweater, J. Crew $200  2. Two Tone Sculpted Shoulder Dress, Delpozo $2,200  3. Red Velvet Macaroon, Dana's Bakery  4. Rose Gold Heart Stud Earrings, Barneys NY $350  5. Tufted Spot Pouf, Nordstrom $78

Etsy-Fest!

I'm hopelessly addicted to Etsy...I've accepted it and you're just gonna have to accept it too.  Pick an interest- any interest- and chances are there's a really talented artist out there with an Etsy shop that caters to it.  The trick is having the foresight to place an order in advance since the turn around time isn't always immediate (it's the price you pay for handmade...totally worth it if you ask me).  I rounded up a few of my favorite Etsy Valentine's for your viewing pleasure.  If you order by this weekend I bet you'll get 'em in time! 

If your significant other is as awesome as I suspect, these should put a smile on their face:

Mr. Darcy Proposal Card, $4.00

Favorite Boyfriend Card, $4.00

Shark Attack Card: $5.00

I Love You More Than Downton Card, $5.00

Since Hermione Granger and I are kindred spirits and I am- in a lot of ways- a hopeless nerd, I just had to include a few of my favorite geeked out valentine references.  This is what I'm talking about with Etsy!  How great is this?!

1. Mini Harry Potter Illustrations $6.00  2. Big Bang Theory Valentine, $4.00  3. Lord of the Rings Valentine, $2.75  4. Star Wars Valentine, $4.00

And since I've spent far more February 14ths with my besties than I have with valentines, here's a few for your best gal pals:

Neon Letterpress Card, $4.50

Set of 5 Letterpress Cards, $15.00

Clever Romantic Squirrel, $2.50

Valentines Card, $4.00

Be Our Valentine

Nashville friends: I have a fun announcement.  We're throwing a killer Valentine's Day event for new clients here at the salon!  You can't beat the price for the fun, indulgent night we have planned and tickets are extremely limited so make sure you get one ASAP.  If you didn't have Valentine's plans before, you do now!  Click here to purchase a ticket.

Holiday Gift Guide: One for the Kiddos

There's no getting around the fact that kids are fun to shop for.  Their clothes are adorable, their toys are fun and- if they're smart like my nephew, Blake- they make a big deal out anything you give them...which in turn makes you want to buy them more.  For our first gift guide of the season, I picked out a few nifty items I think kids and parents alike will love....it's almost too much cute for one post.  Honestly, my face hurts from smiling.

1. Striped Bunny, Polaryn O. Pyret $22  2. Orange Fox Slippers, AlexandAlexa $17  3. R2D2 Baby Costume, Etsy $48  4. My Food Passport, Uncommon Goods $10  5. Knit Turban, Zara Kids $9.90  6. Chalkboard Laptop, Anthropologie $68  7. Pride and Prejudice BabyLit Book, Amazon $9.99

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Be-Grateful-Stuff-Your-Face-And-Hang-Out-With-Your-Family Day!  Seriously, is the premise of this holiday awesome or what?  You can't beat it!  Enjoy every moment and don't waste it with passive gratitude...tell the people you love just why you're thankful for them.  Which reminds me...I'm thankful for you!  Now go eat some turkey and we'll catch up later.  

1. Thanksgiving Card, Etsy $4  2. Give Thanks Quill and Fox Card, Etsy  3. Chalkboard Give Thanks Card, Etsy  4. I Am Thankful Letterpress Mini Cards, Paper Source $7

Get It Together: Thanksgiving Feast

1. Reed Zinc Chair, CB2 $149  2. Five Piece Horn and Stainless Flatware Setting, Branca $90  3. Handwoven Orange Salmon Napkin, Flechada $6  4. Industrial Cage Lights, Rewire LA $750  5. Dot Dessert Plate, Jayson Home $40  6. Mosaic Charge, Jayson Home $110  7. Rosaline Drinking Glass, by nord  8. Succulent Rectangle Arrangement, Jayson Home $100  9. Pewter Stoneware, Jayson Home $18  10. Felted Birds on Branches, Anthropologie  11. Braid Dessert Plate, Jayson Home $40  12. Verge Dining Table, ABC Carpet and Home $1599

Happy Halloween!

Time for some real talk, ladies and gents...this week has been and will, I suspect, continue to be insane.  We're only a few days away from opening the shop and there's just so much going on I don't quite know what to do with myself.  I've got a bit to catch up on blog-wise (I know...this isn't news to you) but I wanted to check in and let you know I won't be neglecting you for much longer.  As soon as I get my head on straight we'll get back to our regularly scheduled editorial calendar.  As for tonight, I hope everyone is planning on dressing up for Halloween!  I didn't have time to go out and buy a costume this year but I did realize just how many DIY possibilities are sitting in my closet this very moment...among them: Lady Mary, the sugarplum fairy, Carrie Bradshaw, Jess Day, Betty Draper, An Olsen Twin, Jackie O, Lara Croft, and many more.  I'm not sure who's identity to assume for the night, but I'd love to hear what you have planned.  Do tell!

Photo Via: Conde Nast

Shark Week!

If you love Air Jaws and Sharkzilla as much as I do (and don't even say it if you don't or I'll be forced to pass serious judgement upon you), then you'll be thrilled to know that this year is the 25th anniversary of Shark Week!  It's gonna be awesome.  Now somebody cue the music from Jaws, stat.

1. Shark Cookie Cutter, Etsy $2.45  2. Shark Print, Happy Menocal $100  3. Edible Shark Toppers, Etsy $9.95  4. Atelier Minyon Shark Tooth Ring, Max & Chloe $1,780  5. Shark Bookends, Etsy $44.99

You're A Grand 'Ol Flag

Happy 4th of July!  I'm excited to celebrate Independence Day in the birthplace of freedom (and fun fact: the birthplace of me), Philadelphia.  I haven't made a definite plan for the day but maybe I'll take a stroll by Independence Hall...the famed building where the Declaration of Independence was signed.  Or maybe I'll visit the Liberty Bell or Betsy Ross' house or something equally patriotic.  Or maybe I'll just stuff my face with the most delicious food in the world, watch some fireworks and call it a day.  There's really no telling.  Regardless, I put together a roundup inspired by 'ol Glory for the occasion.  I don't know about you but I'm all kinds of thankful to live in the land of the free and home of the brave!  Enjoy your celebration!

1. Flag Lantern String Lights, Pier 1 $11.96  2. Twin Pop Molds, Amazon $12.99 for 4  3. Flag Tank, Fashiolista  4. Red White and Blue Pinwheel, Amazon $2.76  5. Flag Elastic Suspenders, Amazon $9.61  6. Red and Blue Star Paper Straws, Fishs Eddy $4.95  7. Vans LPE, Shoebacca $52.99

All Set: Father's Day

We have lots to catch up on.  Lots and lots.  But before I get to the Amazing Race themed road trip I planned or our time in Miami or Disney World (it was as fun as it sounds), I need to backtrack for just a second.  Yesterday was Father's Day and since I was gone all last week I didn't really get a chance to address it properly.  It's no secret that I adore my Dad.  I mean, I'm the Daddy's Girl of all Daddy's Girls...Queen of the Daddy's girls, if you will.  So I couldn't pass up the chance to do a Father's Day themed All Set (you didn't think I already forgot about our new monthly series, did you?).  I don't know if you've researched it lately, but there isn't exactly an abundance of inspiration out there for masculine place settings.  I suppose I see why in theory, but if something's worth celebrating it's worth celebrating right and I can't think of a single thing more impressive (especially in this day and age) than a great father.  I hope you put a pin in some of these ideas (figuratively speaking...or literally I suppose, hello Pinterest) for your belated Father's Day celebration, your Dad's birthday, or just a random night you set aside to appreciate any strong male figure in your life.  My favorite touches were the cigar boxes, the match books and the tie-like fabrics we used for the tablecloth and napkins.  Did you get to do anything special for your Dad yesterday?  Do tell!

Ready, Set, Memorial Day

Not only have we nearly reached the weekend, we've come to the unofficial official start of summer...which is pretty much the greatest news ever.  My Tennessee family and I are toying with a few different Memorial Day options and if any of them come to fruition I'm pretty confident this weekend is gonna be a blast.  Come to think of it, even if none of them work out we'll still have fun together.  We always do.  In the spirit of Memorial Day, I grabbed a bit of picnic gear and a few subtly patriotic pieces for the round up below.  It's gonna be a scorcher so break out the sunscreen! 

1. Picnic 1 by John Bucklin, Serena and Lily $850  2. Tibi Striped Crepe Tank, Net-A-Porter $200  3. Elizabeth and James Burke Drawstripng Chambray Shorts, Net-A-Porter $245  4. Washi Tape, Etsy $4 per roll  5. Between Lines Maxi Dress, Anthropologie $168  6. Vintage Style Tin, Amazon £10  7. Red Gingham Plate, Zazzle $27  8. Kain Classic Modal Tank, Net-A-Porter $85  9. Beach Celeb Bag, ModCloth $44.99  10. Striped Metal Water Tank Dispenser, World Market $29.99

All Set: Mother's Day

I'm super excited to announce a brand new, extra awesome, lovely and fun monthly series!  It's called 'All Set' and the premise is simple: beautiful place settings, centerpieces and atmosphere styled by us!  For our inaugural post, we wanted to tackle what I believe should be the most glamourous holiday of the year...Mother's Day.  Who deserves to be wowed more than your Mom?  No one, that's who.  Accordingly, we set this table for an extra fancy tea for two.  

We used a few pieces of fine china, some antiques, a couple items that looked far more expensive than they actually are (jackpot), beautiful fabrics (that we fashioned into a table cloth and napkins) and a few personal touches.  The centerpiece, for example, was made up of greens from one of my favorite parts of my parents back yard.  I had our sweet photographer, Stephanie (who's band you should definitely check out, by the way) take a few snapshots of the clematis covered arbor and (my all time favorite) the willow tree.  As you can see, inspiration is pretty easy to come by at La Casa Di Beretta.  Can't wait to show you more tables in the months to come!  

Next Stop: Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a tricky, tricky deal.  Nothing ever seems quite special enough!  I mean, we're talking about our moms here...there's not a present in the world that measures up.  Nonetheless, I rounded up a few indulgences that might very well make life a little sweeter for that lovely Mom of yours.  She's so worth celebrating so make sure you do it up right!  

1. Striped Jersey Pajama Tank, Eberjey $76  2. Awaken Sea Salt Scrub, Arbonne $35  3. Astoria Drops, Anthropologie $200  4. Glass Urn with Peonies, Jayson Home & Garden $100  5. Red Velvet Wine, Cupcake Vineyards $10  6. Downton Abbey Seasons 1 & 2, Amazon $74.98  7. Striped Jersey Pajama Pants, Eberjey $80  8. Chocolate Croissants, Williams-Sonoma $39.95  9. Sephora Favorites Deluze Fragrance Sampler, Sephora $50

Gabrielle Beretta, E.B.H. (Easter Brunch Hostess)

Yesterday was kind of a big day for me.  It may seem like a silly thing to be excited about, but it marked the very first major holiday I was solely responsible for hosting.  And I was determined to make it awesome.  Whenever I want to take something- anything- to the next level I usually ask myself one simple question..."what would my parents do?".  In this particular scenario, the answer was fashion lots of bright flowers into beautiful arrangements, prepare delicious and colorful food, create beautiful place settings and invite as many guests as the house will hold.  So that's what I did.  I'm sharing a couple of the recipes I used over the next few weeks, but for now I just had to show you a few snapshots of the table.  It really came together beautifully!  *Phew* 

Happy Leap Year!

Those of you who read Design-Muse regularly know I have a thing for celebrating obscure holidays.  I can't offer an explanation, the best I can tell you is it's really, really fun.  As you can imagine, it was all but impossible to resist the opportunity to celebrate the most obscure holiday of them all- so obscure it only shows up once every four years...Leap Year!  I did a good bit of research on the matter and found some really interesting information.  It seems back in the day, women were not only permitted to propose on a leap year, men were actually charged a hefty fine if they refused a proposal.  I seriously can't get over it.  I found a fun intersect in my new favorite hobby, antiquing, too.  Apparently the great souvenir postcard boom of the early 1900's produced quite a few Leap Year postcards, most of which are exceptionally frightening.  Some, however, are quite pretty.  I grabbed a few of the loveliest ones I could find (and a couple funny ones, too).  While I'm more convinced than ever that I won't be proposing to a guy anytime soon (seriously, some of these post cards are massively disturbing...Google search it if you don't believe me), I was thoroughly entertained by the sentiment of it all!   

Images Via: Etsy, Christina Weddings, pzrservices, Poetry Man,

Matterhorn 1959, Vintage Postcards, Joyce Tice, Intuit Websites, The Old Collector