The Journal.

Stories, Notations, Discoveries.

Monthly Musings...
September

September is such a recalibration month for me as I start to feel the shift of the season slowly gradually change and as the warmer months transition into the cooler months there is a gentle palette shift too. Read on for the lowdown on my interior and wardrobe refresh for the season ahead.  

Hello September

I love this time of year, that back to school feeling as we start to gently wave goodbye to the Summer and say a huge hello to Autumn. I find myself lighting candles as the evenings slowly draw in. There is an undeniable sense that fall is just round the corner so I’m stocking up on lamps for lots of pools of soft glow, updating my wardrobe (lots of earthy browns) and introducing lots of texture just in time for cosy season.

Welcome to fall (my favourite season of all)!



What's New At AA

A New Flower Store

It’s the most special time for AA as Autumn Winter is our season. Made doubly special this year as we are launching an AA faux flower store in Tampa at The Oxford Exchange. It's literally one of the coolest stores on the planet, a European inspired place featuring a coffee house, book store, décor and gifts and a restaurant. Gem and I are flying out for the install and a fabulous event on the 31st September. If you are on our mailing list and happen to be in Tampa at the end of the month we’ll be sending out invites and would love to see you.

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New Collection Drop: Cosy, But Make It Luxe

We spend an inordinate amount of time working and obsessing on the collection for the cooler months. This year we’re blending coziness with elegance. You'll find lots of artisanal details and handcrafted finishes augmenting the collection which add so much depth and tactility to many of the pieces. Organic curves, mixed global materials, refined tactile finishes alongside luxurious fabrics and textured accents create visually appealing combinations that add instant character to spaces.

“With an introduction of warm soft hues in quiet luxury tones like toffees, mochas, alpine inspired neutrals, burnt browns and creams.”



Highly glazed vases bring a tactile richness, luxe candleholders add immediate sophistication, and softly woven rugs and cushions elevate the everyday into design statements. Statement lighting creates instant focal points, and standout items of furniture are our tufted sofas and shaggy chairs mixing traditional frames juxtaposed with edgier fabrics. We love the gentle palette shift as we get deeper into cosy season.




Wardrobe & Wellness Update

My wardrobe is feeling ready for autumn also. From faux suede bomber jackets to low waisted pants and knitted tanks and tops, I’ve shopped some really cool pieces. I’ll be doing a whole insta vid on my latest finds so stay tuned.


I’m also upping my wellness game. From supplements to olive oil and a daily scoop of seeds to improve gut health, improve digestion and increase energy levels, coupled with movement (yoga and pilates) and daily walks these three hacks mean I’m going into the new season with a routine that hopefully will be part of my daily life for years to come.



What's Cooking For Autumn

Not only is Autumn my favourite time for a wardrobe and interior refresh but I love the seasonal shift in my recipes too. Yummy autumn veg like butternut squash, kale and chard are in abundance and so easy to whizz up into yummy warming soups. This one is by one of my faves, Donna Hay, Enjoy!


Chickpea & Broccoli Soup with Pecorino Croutons

by Donna Hay

Such a delicious way to transition into autumn while still hanging on to those last snippets of summer. It's warming yet fresh and perfect for a weekend lunch.

Chickpea & Broccoli Soup 

by Donna Hay

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 CUPS (140G) COARSE SOURDOUGH BREADCRUMBS 
  • ½ CUP (40G) FINELY GRATED PECORINO 
  • 400G CAN CHICKPEAS (GARBANZOS), RINSED AND DRAINED 
  • 2 TABLESPOONS EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 
  • 1 ONION, THINLY SLICED 
  • 2 CLOVES GARLIC, THINLY SLICED 
  • 1 TEASPOON FENNEL SEEDS 
  • 1 LITRE CHICKEN STOCK 
  • 1KG BROCCOLI, TRIMMED AND SLICED 
  • MICRO (BABY) MINT LEAVES AND CRACKED BLACK PEPPER, TO SERVE 

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the breadcrumbs, pecorino and half the chickpeas on a large oven tray lined with non-stick baking paper. Toss to combine. Drizzle with half the oil and cook for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown.
2. While the breadcrumbs are cooking, heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the onion,garlic and fennel and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, or until softened. 
3. Add the stock and bring to the boil.Add the broccoli and remaining chickpeas and cook for 4–5 minutes or until the broccoli has softened. Remove from the heat and, using a hand-held blender, blend until smooth. Divide between bowls, top with the breadcrumb mixture and mint. Sprinkle with pepper to serve. 
Serves 4




Style Surgery

If you fancy catching up on some of my recent Style Surgery Instagram Lives, I've saved them all in one place so that you can check out all the latest interior design and decor natterings from my fabulous and v stylish community. 


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