I Spy (Inspiration): Saturday Cholesterol and Tchotchke

{The only way I was able to resist these cupcakes was to remind myself of the chocolate-chip pancake I was going to order as a breakfast appetizer.}

There are few events more beautiful or spectacular than the slow bloom of autumn in central Connecticut, few comforts more luxurious than a massive, cholesterol-heavy breakfast with best friends and strong coffee, and few scores more satisfying than cheap-yet-charming knick-knacks for your home - even if they are 100% whimsical and superfluous, and serve best in the realm of imaginary interior design. This past weekend, we were lucky enough to run into best friends Nadine and Dylan at one of our favorite cafes, which boasts some of the best baked goods around and one of the best coffee brews for a less-than-perky morning (I probably drank at least 4 cups). I've been nursing a burgeoning habit of perusing the home-goods section at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, which is threatening to develop into full-blown addiction, so I dragged the hubs with me after we ate. (He rolled his eyes initially, but then came barreling up to me as I wandered among the handbags, all excited because he had found an amazing, basket-seat, cushioned folding chair for tail-gating.) While I don't have the extra income, necessity, or cohesive creative chi to justify purchasing any of the tempting whosits and whatsits at present, I enjoyed the fun, colorful aesthetic inspirations brought on by such trips, and am planning a (budget of course!) future home office in vibrant pinks, blues, and purples with an affordable combination of punk-rock, wood, gold, and vintage girlie accents. All in all, I'd say that quirky tschotchke and rich breakfast treats are a winning weekend combination.

(An excellent life philosophy.}
{My "Monte Cristo" sandwich: milk-and-honey-white bread, Swiss and American cheese, ham, bacon, fried eggs, and honey-mustard. Amazing.}

{Dylan's over-sized cinnamon roll and side of crispy bacon - a shrewd move. Nicely played, my friend - nicely played.}

{A somewhat incongruous Rastafarian Bert encouraging passers-by to give a soon-to-be-closed local business some love.}

{Dainty, vintage-inspired paper-mache stationary boxes in soft pastel colors - pretty and functional. I would use them for a combination of greeting cards and unsightly electronic paraphernalia, such as batteries and a camera charger.}

{Fun wardrobe busts in sparkly materials. I've always wanted one of these; they are a great decoration on their own and would also be ideal for styling and preparation purposes, but I have a neurotic concern that I would get too scared if I read a Steven King story and then had to sleep with one in my room.}

{Love these brushed velvet chairs with their ice-blue color and dark wooden legs; I'd put them in a conversation semi-circle across from a great antique chaise and a dainty table or sideboard stacked high with magazines and colorful coffee-table books.}

{Really had to hold out against a royal-purple ceramic Scotch tape dispenser and matching post-it caddy, but still think they would make the perfect addition to a champagne-stained natural wood writing desk ... along with this large mirrored office-supplies box decorated with random numerical typeface. This box would look perfect with a silver-framed black-and-white photograph and small finger vase of flowers.}

{Do hot-pink-and-black Jolly Roger-tatted piggy banks have to happen for a reason?}

{Eye-catching animal-print stools with spidery brass legs would add color variety and a funky element to the room without being too loud.}

I have no idea when my dream office can come together, but I do know that snacks will be allowed - to be eaten while perched on leopard-print upholstery of some kind, natch.

--- xoxo