IKEA’s Handmade is Best Cookbook.

I try not to repost what 845 blogs have already put out there, so consider this one on IKEA’s new 30 page cookbook for my benefit only. Photographed by Carl Kleiner and styled by Evelina Bratell, the recipes are artfully arranged overhead shots of the required ingredients painstakingly arranged just so. Sadly it’s not yet available in the US, but rumor has it that it will be available for free in limited quantities in the kitchen department once released. Plotting out ways to snag one as I type.

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Stackable Oven-to-Table Cookware.

Every serious cook would love to have a double oven, but in this day and age multifunctionality and storage space mean a lot. That’s why most of us love a good oven-to-table piece of cookware. And with the holidays looming these pieces by designer Christian Bjørn are spot on. Three stackable sizes allow for countless configurations in the oven or on the table. The scalloped cut-outs allow air to circulate while in the oven, ensuring food is evenly heated, heat-resistant silicone feet protect surfaces, and you can keep dinner warm by placing tea lights in a base dish beneath a serving dish.

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Minimal Wooden Clock.

When I think of natural wood grain I think of the beautiful high-backed cedar bench my mom, dad, aunts and uncles gifted my grandparents for Christmas when I was about ten years old. Red in color, Amish-built, and nothing short of majestic. One year during college I came home for the holidays and inexplicably found it painted the most god-awful green-gray you’ve ever seen. Because that’s what my grandmother does, defaces natural woods like that. It broke my heart.

I think that’s why I’m drawn to the Minimal Wooden Clock, the only thing it’s trying to accomplish is showing off its natural beauty. Crafted by hand from reclaimed Limousin Douglas timber, each clock is chopped to size, sanded, and then screenprinted with the simple, minimal ‘Arrow 12’.

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Apple Picking Weather.

Everyone seems to be going on apple picking excursions these past few weekends and I have to admit, I’m sort of jealous. First, there is a shortage (RE: not even one) of orchards in Oklahoma. Second, I really took that sort of thing for granted in Pennsylvania. Third, I want a reason to dress up cute and carry a basket full of fruit. Oh well, sigh, for now these apple recipes will have to be enough it looks like. {As always, click on the image to be taken to the recipe.}

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Okapi.

I love texture in a big way and it’s rare to see so many techniques executed by one shop, but that’s just what Okapi does. Intricate necklaces, chunky scarves, and delicate wraps, all created from luxurious textiles that are sure to rock your socks off.

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