The October Edit

Meant to inspire! Curation of what I'm cooking, thinking, eyeing and buying.

Hi gals,

What is good? I am writing you from my dining room this Friday morning! I should have written this yesterday, but that is a lesson on procrastination. It’s funny, you’d think as an editor in a very deadline-driven career, I would be ON IT. But with my personal stuff, I do my best self-reflection on my own terms: no deadlines, no must-dos, no penalties.

This morning I woke up inspired. Strangely, I am excited for fall (not for winter or daylight savings) but FALL. And we are in the true fall at the moment—at least for the South. It’s chillyyyyy in the mornings, perfect for a cup of PSL, and warm in the afternoons. It’s not yet depressing, and the anticipation of so many gatherings and celebrations to come are on the horizon. This is Charlie’s favorite time of year. And I can see why.

Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy this month’s edits. And as always send me your recs too!

xx,
Caro

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Collage of the Month

Feeling browns, greens, earthy tones, and complementary color combos like aqua and orange. Also western. Coastal cowgirl always.

Art of the Front Stoop

If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I am currently working on my front door/stoop/stairs. In our new house, the stairs are extensive! But give me a lot to work with.

My inspiration via Pinterest

In this process, here are some truths I discovered:

1. Get Over Yourself: No one cares that you’re picking sticks out of the forest. I was SO embarrassed (and anxious???) to go to my local park and pull dead/dropped tree limbs out of the walking path. But I got over it, and you will, too!

2. It’s Surprisingly Easy: I literally grabbed the first sticks I saw and threw them up there with green floral wire.

3. Spark Joy?: Sometimes, when decorating, I get insecure. Why am I doing this? I'm spending all this time and money to do what exactly? But then I realize how happy it makes me. It brings me immense joy! So that’s why it’s worth it.

Here is my list of must-haves for this look (which is still in progress:):

• Fairy Lights (waterproof + battery operated)

• Sticks, preferably with moss, mushrooms growing, etc.

• Floral Wire

• Shears

• White Pillar Candles (various sizes)

• The Autumn or Fantasy Mix Pumpkins (found at Trader Joes)

• Knotty Pumpkins (Found at Kroger)

• Store-bought Moss

• Mums

• Decorative Cabbage Head (bought at Pikes)

• Last but not least, these Terra Cotta Jack-o-Laterns. They reminded me of my childhood and how my mom use to decorate.

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My Sourdough Bible

I swear I was the last person on earth to FINALLY take up sourdough. I rejected and avoided it for so long, I thought I was in the clear… but then Charlie asked for one thing for his 32nd birthday. And that was a sourdough loaf, made with love (lol). I went in, watching a billion TikToks, texting friends, following friends recipes and I finally found what works for me.

Details

• Location: Georgia

• House Temp: 72*

• Starter: From Maddy Barr’s SIL (only eats Rye flour)

My Resources

So I went high to low for this research and compilation of my method. From people who measure to the 1/10000 of a measurement to people who don’t measure at all.

• My first discovery was BRYNN! She truly is so helpful and is what she says she is, a sourdough nerd! I really loved her easy, straightforward videos but it was a litttttle too in the weeds for me.

• Second, which I believe is controversial, is @okcoolgigi and her girlypop Elouise. Yes, she named her sourdough which I think everyone in the sourdough space does?? Idk I’m not adopting this culture. She is an IDGAF sourdough baker and I like that. Sometimes things with sourdough feel too overwhelming and she brings it back down to earth.

• I also learned you don’t have to buy a billion supplies to do this! You can use a fork in place of a Danish whisk, a regular Pyrex bowl for mixing in place of a banneton, and old pasta sauce jars to store your starter!

My first *successful* sourdough loaf!

The Caro Method

1. 6AM: take sourdough starter out of fridge and let get to room temp.

2. 6:30AM: feed your starter in a 1:1:1 ratio. 100g starter, 100g Rye Flour, 100g filtered water.

   1. I tend to add the starter, the water and then the flour

   2. I fill a water bottle of filtered water from my fridge and leave it in a cupboard until ready to use.

   3. I use this scale from Amazon.

   4. Lay lid on jar but DO NOT screw on

3. From 7-11 (4 hours): Your starter will double in size. It’s activating!

4. 11AM: Your starter is active and you are ready to mix for our loaf.

   1. Mix 150g of active starter, 350g of filtered water and whisk until combined and frothy.

   2. add 500g of bread flour (King Arthur supremacy)

   3. add 10g of sea salt (very IMPORTANT ACTUALLY!)

   4. Use Danish whisk to combine until you have a “shaggy dough”

   5. Cover with a dish towel

5. Let the dough sit for 1 hour.

6. 12PM: You are ready for Stretch + Folds

   1. Wet hands (it will be sticky)

      1. First Stretch and Fold

      2. Let sit for 30 mins

      3. Second Stretch and Fold

      4. Let sit for 30 mins

      5. Third Stretch and Fold

      6. FourthLet sit for 30 mins

7. 2PM: Now Bulk Fermentation, AKA let the dough sit on the counter, covered, for 6 hours.

8. 8PM: Bulk Fermentation is over. Dump the dough on floured parchment paper and shape your dough

9. 8:15PM: Flip dough upside down/seam side up in a floured banneton basket. Cover with a dish towel and put in the fridge.

10. Next morning at 7AM: Remove from fridge.

    1. Preheat oven to 435 degrees with your Dutch oven inside

    2. Dump cold dough on parchment paper and score

    3. Transfer dough + parchment paper to pre-heated dutch oven

    4. Place 4 ice cubes on the sides, between the parchment and the Dutch oven.

11. Place in oven for 20 mins.

12. After 20 mins., Remove the lid and lower the heat to 410 degrees.

13. Place in the oven for 15 mins.

14. Remove from oven and let your loaf sit for 1 hour before cutting into it!

You did it!!!

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On The Hunt

things catching my eye this month.

1. Antique French Faux Bamboo Mirror - These are iconic; you just need to find a decent price as they range from $150 to $300.

2. Unique Fireplace Screens - Our fireplace is about to get put to use! Charlie and I have always wanted a working fireplace, as we both grew up with one. It's nostalgic and cozy.

3. Shell Motifs (always:) - Duh. I want this shell chandelier for my dining room, but Charlie might kill me.

4. 1960s Highball Glasses - My mom put me on to these. I love this gold cane pattern in particular, but they come in so many different patterns and prints. Great for our new bar/buffet at home.