Earlier this week, I was walking down Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg and came upon one of my favorite “never been inside” shops, Beautiful Dreamers. For some strange reason, every time I walked by the shop this summer it was closed or the shopkeeper was out for a moment. My spectacularly bad timing left me drooling at the window like a weirdo, but on Tuesday I finally made it inside the doors. And oh man did my business card get a workout. I found some amazing books for the office and fell completely in love with the amazing ceramics of Paula Greif. I’d seen Paula’s work around the internet but never in person. I can’t describe how stunning it is in person — each little detail, from the earthy patina to the wide organic shapes — is perfection. I love the way each vessel stands on a little pedestal and seems to grow up naturally from any surface. The glazes and patterns are almost too pretty to cover up, but I immediately took these back to the office to turn into planters. If you’re someone who covets ceramics like I do, Paula Greif’s work is a must, must see. While handmade ceramics often come with a (understandably) higher price tag, I can attest that these are worth every penny. They’d make stunning sculptures on their own, but I can’t imagine any home that wouldn’t look good with one of these on the mantel, coffee table or kitchen counter. Click here to check out Paula’s work online and here to view her tumblr page with more work. Thanks to Beautiful Dreamers for stocking such a gorgeous (and incredibly well edited) collection. I’m heading off for the weekend, so I’ll see you on Monday! xo, grace

Photographs by Maxwell Tielman

More images of Paula’s ceramics after the jump . . .

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September has been a transition month for as long as I can remember. The new school year always started around then, and I began my first job in September. The weather begins to change (I hope it changes this year!), and new schedules for just about everything begin or resume after the summer lull. I have so many things to catch up on, to transfer and change that I just like to prepare easy food. This week’s recipe for Lemon, Herb & Leek Pasta is something I’ve adapted from a very simple Michele Cranston recipe. You can make it hot or cold and with any herbs you like. It’s perfect when you have so much to do that you don’t want to spend too much time cooking or cleaning dishes. Please carefully inspect your smile afterward to make sure you don’t have anything green stuck between your teeth. — Kristina

About Kristina: Kristina Gill is the founding editor of In the Kitchen With at Design*Sponge and also edits the Behind the Bar column. When she isn’t working on food photography in a studio setting, she is out in the street looking for inspiration in the light, textures, colors, flavors, faces and sounds around her. Kristina is represented by 2DM for her photography.

The full recipe continues after the jump . . .

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Hello, mid-September! Where did you come from, and how did you get here so fast?! Seems like just the other day I was putting away our flannel sheets and retiring my trusty Blundstones for the season in favor of flip-flops and garden clogs. Suddenly the leaves are mustard and ochre tinged at their tips, the mornings are characterized by a nip in the air and I’ve begun the slow, steady switch from cold cereal to hot Scotch oats for breakfast. The days, they sure are ‘a changin’!

Meanwhile, I’ve suddenly realized that my feet have taken an intense summer-induced licking. Perhaps you’re finding yourself in the same boat. Beach outings, pool excursions and barefoot frolics in sultry, steamy weather can easily take your feet from lovely to Leatherface during the stretch from June to September.

I’m here today with a remedy, and an easy, homemade one at that. Honey has a long and storied reputation in health and healing, and its applications for foot care are vast. As you bid adieu to the hot pleasures of summer, thank your weary dogs for all they’ve done this season by giving them a honey-laden soak and scrub. It’ll make the transition to cardigans, scarves and boots a whole lot smoother (at least, that is, underfoot!). — Ashley English

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We ended last year with a peek of a California home that included a giant pool swan. All through the dark days of winter, thoughts of that pool swan stayed with me. This summer, I bought my own (and discovered a whole new world of inflatable animals), and it was even better than I had imagined. Two people could (and did!) fit comfortably on that swan. I read books on the swan while floating in a lake. The swan even took a ride behind a motorboat (with the rider using a ski rope). I can’t believe it’s finally time to sing a swan’s song to summer, but I’m not quite ready to let go of the swan. It may have to come home with me. — Amy Azzarito

P.S. You have to check out the Tim Walker swan photos — there’s one here and here. Worth the clicks, I promise.

Image above, clockwise from left: Swan Watering Can, $15.19; John Derian Paperweight Dome, $60; Swan Necklace, $120 (on sale!); Hansa Black Swan, $43.99; Swan Flight Lampshade, $88; Wall Swan, $695; Swan Door Knocker, $45; Vintage Swan Paperweights, $14 (There are a number of these on Etsy; just search for “brass swan.”); Swan Tray, $185

Image above: The New Antiquitarian Wallpaper designed by Hollister and Porter Hovey was inspired by the objects found in their own home. If you look closely, you can see a swan.

Image above: I love the abstract feel of the birds in this carpet. I’m feeling a little less warm toward the price (swan rug, $2498).

Every year, I relish the arrival of fall, when the design world turns its focus from beachy stripes and airy linens to rich jewel tones and thick, chunky yarn. It doesn’t matter how many times I live through this transition — I always jitter with delight when I see the newest crop of big knits. These particular pieces, which will premiere at Tent London this month, are by Melanie Porter, a UK-based textile designer who brings a contemporary spin to the traditional craft of knitting.

Melanie’s super chunky Hugo cushions (shown above) are made from hand-prepared British wool and dyed in a beautiful range of  deep, saturated hues. She also knits and felts wool into fabric, which she uses to transform lamps, chairs and vintage furniture pieces into explosions of texture and color. As someone who would seriously consider living in an all-knit world (knit walls! knit tables! knit doors!), I am a huge fan of Melanie’s playful take on the traditional craft. — Kate

More images after the jump…

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Some days I lament the fact that I’m basically a teetotaler. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve almost completely cut alcohol out of my life, and while I honestly don’t miss drinking at all, I do miss bar culture and accessories. I love the buzz and hum of happy patrons relaxing (responsibly) with friends after a long week of work, and I love the various details (decorative wine stoppers, vintage coupes) that go along with drinks. So while I don’t have a reason to buy these pieces for myself, thankfully I have friends who do, and I like being able to pick up cute designs like this Japanese knotted bottle carrier. This “Wrap It All” wine tote at Alder & Co comes in three colors (black & celery, black & plum and celery) and would be a cute way to gift a nice bottle to a friend or just carry a housewarming bottle of anything. I really love the black and plum-colored style; it feels casual but cute enough to work for most occasions. Click here to check them out online and place an order ($24 each). xo, grace