tgif + falling for fall

 

 

Happy October, friends! It's FINALLY starting to feel cooler here in North Carolina and I'm a SUPER happy camper! There are countless decor & fashion reasons to love Autumn, but I'm taking a break from our regularly scheduled programming to bring you some other lovely reasons to crush on this awesome season!

I would LOVE to hear your favorite parts about Fall! Share in the comments, lovelies!

Images Sources {Starbucks, NFL, BRP, NC State Fair, Martha Stewart}

Also, Happy Friday! I'm sure you've been working your tush off this week. Treat yourself on your days off with that yummy-licious Pumpkin Spice Latte! It works WONDERS. I hope you have a fun and relaxing Fall weekend!

xoxo,
Kat

decidedly dutch

With fall swiftly approaching, you all know what that means! Football, sweaters, leaves changing color...I'm not one to play favorites, but autumn holds a special place in my heart. I've mentioned a few fun reasons to love the season of fall, but there is one very important reason why I love it so much: the food. Fall means it's time for soups, stews and roasts!

For a while now, I've been stowing away extra cash to go toward my very own Dutch oven. Yes, most people my age are trying to save for a getaway to Vegas or maybe have a coin jar going for Thursday night beers. Well, I want an oven. I'd like to blame it on Amy Adams for her role in Julie & Julia. Or maybe it is Williams-Sonoma's beautiful arrangements of ovens that taunt me through the shop window? Whatever the case may be, I'm on a mission.

As you may well know, Dutch ovens (at least the nice ones) are pretty pricey. I want to be sure about my purchase before I drop that kind of dough on a piece of cast iron. I was very confused at first - Staub, Lodge, Le Creuset; buy French or buy American? Enamel or no enamel? It's all overwhelming for someone just venturing into slow-cooking.  So after a lot of homework, here's the side-by-side comparison I have come up with:

Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven, 5 1/2-Qt

• Price: $$$$
• French-made
• 4.9 stars (out of 5) Customer Reviews on Williams-Sonoma.com
• What's the difference? Smooth under-lid; even cooking. Heavy lid to lock in moisture.

  

Lodge Enamel Dutch Oven, 6-Qt

• Price: $$
• American-made (TN)
• What's the difference? Much less expensive, enamel does not last nearly as long. Susceptible to chipping.

S

Staub Round Dutch Oven, 5 1/2-Qt.

• Price: $$$$
• French-made
• 5 stars (out of 5) Customer reviews on Williams-Sonoma.com
• What's the difference? Multi-layered enamel, chip-resistant. Bumped lid to increase basting liquid.

 



So after narrowing it down to these three contenders, I'm trying to find a winner. Have any of you ever dabbled in the kitchen with one of these lovely cast iron cookers? I need some help! Also, if you have any amazing slow-cooker or dutch oven recipes you'd like to divulge, do share!

xoxo,
Kat