The fall is here. Officially. And I haven’t gone apple picking yet. Are there any apples left on the trees? Not so sure. But, either way, that’s my weekend plan. I’m squeezing in a good family tradition before October hits. And, really, the main reason the tradition exists is for the apple cider donuts. The actual picking is a side note.

1. Speaking of apple picking. I have a fantastic apple tart recipe for you. I know I’ve mentioned Joy the Baker before - she’s my go to when I’m looking for a baking recipe. Well, Smitten Kitchen is my other go to. Delicious, approachable recipes. Amazing photography. Easy to navigate website.

What I love about this apple tart recipe is that it’s as simple as most apple crisp recipes, but just elevated enough that it would make a great treat to bring to a party or serve at a holiday. You could definitely impress with this one.

Gray Oak Studio - Wednesday Five - Apple Tart Recipe from Smitten Kitchen

2. A couple weeks back, Sonia went to our favorite local nursery and posted some photos on our Instastory of her trip. Well, people went crazy for one plant. We received more questions about this one plant than anything else we have ever posted on an Instastory. AND, I get it. She’s very, very pretty. She’s the more refined version of the cult classic fiddle leaf figs. She’s the Audrey Ficus.

Go get one and send us photos. We’d love to share them on our social media accounts.

Gray Oak Studio - Wednesday Five - Audrey Ficus

3. A while back (Wednesday Five - 4) I shared my obsession with pillows made of Chinese wedding blankets. Well, I have a new pillow obsession: handprinted Batik textiles. I found an Etsy shop (of course) and wow. I will be using one of these guys in an upcoming project. That’s a promise.

Gray Oak Studio - Wednesday Five - Thai Batik Handprinted Textile Pillow Covers

starting top left (clockwise) 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

4. We’ve updated our website. Just a touch.

First, we added an FAQs page. As we’ve grown this past year, we’ve received (what have become) frequently asked questions about how it works - using an interior designer, our specific process, budgets, time frames, etc. We thought answering some of these questions right up front might help people feel more comfortable about seeking our advice or inquiring about full interior design services. So check it out!

Second, we added a Shop Our Personal Projects link, right here on the blog (column on the right). It’s definitely a work in progress, but we hope to grow this feature over the next couple months to be a useful spot to find sources of our favorite home furnishings and decor. We won’t include client projects, but you can always reach out (DM on Instagram or Facebook, email hello@grayoakstudio.com, or comment on a blog post) for that information and, usually, we’re able to share it.

5. If you follow us on Instagram and Facebook, you know that yesterday I had a bit of a freak out at the realization that Thanksgiving is less than two months. If you’re an over planner, which I am guilty of in certain aspects of my life (also guilty of being a serious under planner in other aspects), you are starting to think about your holiday card. And if you’re planning on using a family photo, like me, it’s time to think about those coordinating outfits. Maybe purchase them. Maybe schedule a photo shoot (which will just be a camera on a timer for me).

I can’t help you with the latter two bullet points, but for the coordinating outfits I’m loving Hanna Andersson this year. I, technically, always love Hanna Anderrson for the quality and the classic style. But this year, they went all out on the matching pajamas front. So many different versions of the same pajamas for all ages, genders and sizes. Look at that gnome hat. I can’t (meaning, I can and I must).