Silver skulls on black glass plates are an instant Halloween classic. Skull Appetizer Plate, $5; Pottery Barn.Fresh Find Friday!
If you are still searching for that perfect decoration for tomorrow's Halloween bash, check out these fresh finds that I found over at Point Click Home.
Silver skulls on black glass plates are an instant Halloween classic. Skull Appetizer Plate, $5; Pottery Barn.
Silver skulls on black glass plates are an instant Halloween classic. Skull Appetizer Plate, $5; Pottery Barn.
Hmmm... your thoughts?
I know that my Realtor boyfriend would have a heart attack if he walked into our home and I had painted our kitchen cabinets a lovely shade of lavender.
The "artsy" and creative side of me is loving this space! I love how the aqua paint is such a nice background against the white display shelving and blue and green china.
It is such a fun, fresh and bright kitchen - how can you keep yourself from smiling?!
I know that my Realtor boyfriend would have a heart attack if he walked into our home and I had painted our kitchen cabinets a lovely shade of lavender.
The "artsy" and creative side of me is loving this space! I love how the aqua paint is such a nice background against the white display shelving and blue and green china.
It is such a fun, fresh and bright kitchen - how can you keep yourself from smiling?!from: My Home Ideas
Wednesday Weekend Warm Up
Bayou Slime
The swamps of the bayou can be one of the scariest places and this cocktail has that same mystery of what could possibly be underneath that top layer of slime. It's really a great drink, sort of a creamy mojito.
Ingredients:
2 parts Cruzan Dark Rum
6-8 fresh mint leaves
1/2 part Fee Brothers Spiced Cordial Syrup
1 egg white
Preparation:
Muddle mint leaves and syrup together, making sure to crush the mint leaves.
Place all ingredients into a shaker.
Shake until well-chilled and frothy.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with additional crushed mint leaves.
from: Haunting Halloween Cocktails by Colleen Graham, About.com
The swamps of the bayou can be one of the scariest places and this cocktail has that same mystery of what could possibly be underneath that top layer of slime. It's really a great drink, sort of a creamy mojito.Ingredients:
2 parts Cruzan Dark Rum
6-8 fresh mint leaves
1/2 part Fee Brothers Spiced Cordial Syrup
1 egg white
Preparation:
Muddle mint leaves and syrup together, making sure to crush the mint leaves.
Place all ingredients into a shaker.
Shake until well-chilled and frothy.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with additional crushed mint leaves.
from: Haunting Halloween Cocktails by Colleen Graham, About.com
Monday Makeover: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice
Updating your bedroom doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are six ideas from HGTV for turning your space into a retreat on a dime.
"If space allows, add a bit of seating to your bedroom with a bench at the end of the bed or an extra chair and ottoman. It'll transform your bedroom into a suite instead of just the place you sleep."
"A simple and inexpensive way to update your space: cut some beautiful flowers from your garden and display them on your nightstand. It'll make you feel like you're staying in a beautiful hotel."
"Give your bedroom a resort-like feel with luxurious bedding. All it takes is layering a few blankets in varying shades and adding a beautiful quilt or a plush throw folded at the end of the bed."
"Headboards are the perfect combination of form and function and can be created out of inexpensive materials. All you need is plywood or MDF, some batting and a great fabric to make an upholstered headboard. "
"No more cold toes in the morning! Use a carpet quality pad to give even the most inexpensive area rug a more luxurious look and feel. Just attach the pad to the underside of the rug with double-sided carpet tape."
"Old closet doors can be an eyesore, but are easily transformed with texture, trim, fabric or fabulous modern artwork. The Design on a Dime team transforms these doors with simple fabric panels."
"If space allows, add a bit of seating to your bedroom with a bench at the end of the bed or an extra chair and ottoman. It'll transform your bedroom into a suite instead of just the place you sleep."
"A simple and inexpensive way to update your space: cut some beautiful flowers from your garden and display them on your nightstand. It'll make you feel like you're staying in a beautiful hotel."
"Give your bedroom a resort-like feel with luxurious bedding. All it takes is layering a few blankets in varying shades and adding a beautiful quilt or a plush throw folded at the end of the bed."
"Headboards are the perfect combination of form and function and can be created out of inexpensive materials. All you need is plywood or MDF, some batting and a great fabric to make an upholstered headboard. "
"No more cold toes in the morning! Use a carpet quality pad to give even the most inexpensive area rug a more luxurious look and feel. Just attach the pad to the underside of the rug with double-sided carpet tape."
"Old closet doors can be an eyesore, but are easily transformed with texture, trim, fabric or fabulous modern artwork. The Design on a Dime team transforms these doors with simple fabric panels."Fresh Find Friday!
"Every household needs a message wall to stay organized," says designer Jackie Terrell, "but who wants to fuss with a clunky bulletin board? Try magnetized wall primer under any paint, and attach notes directly to the wall." from: My Home Ideas How neat is this invention? I love it! You can buy Rust-Oleum at stores such as Lowes, Home Depot and Walmart. 
Or how about this idea... What kid wouldn't love to be able to draw and write on the walls and NOT get in trouble! How cool!
Has any of you tried either of these products? I want reviews!
Favorite Pink Spaces
This year, pink has turned into one of my favorite colors. Take a look at these spaces and tell me that you think pink is just for little girls.
Wednesday Weekend Warm Up
Who else is celebrating Halloween this weekend as well as next? Well, here is a perfect cocktail to get you in the mood! I've been craving chocolate and a good martini lately and this little concoction kills two birds with one stone. Enjoy!
"This Milky Way Martini, an adult version of the classic candy bar, mixes coffee liqueur, chocolate vodka and cream for the perfect Halloween treat."
1/2 oz cream
"This Milky Way Martini, an adult version of the classic candy bar, mixes coffee liqueur, chocolate vodka and cream for the perfect Halloween treat."Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Starbucks Cream Liqueur
1 oz Three Olives Chocolate Vodka1/2 oz cream
Directions:
Combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until well blended, then strain into a chilled martini glass.
from: Fine Living
recipe courtesy: Dan Goss, Downtown Grill and Brewery, Knoxville, Tenn.
photo by: Steve Murello
photo by: Steve Murello
Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice
Do you dare? Black has always been that, "Don't even think about it...it will be so difficult to paint over...it is going to make the room look so small..." color. Whether you use a lot of black, as these designers did, or just a little, do try to incorporate at least a dash of darkness in every room, says designer Miles Redd.
"Just as a great black dress shows off exquisite jewelry, the black wall in this high-rise condo in Century City, Calif., highlights the cream-colored pendant light fixture." (Photo by Michael McCreary)
This one is my favorite! "Although this room is only about 10' x 12', it's plenty bright even with the black walls." There are many reflective surfaces in this area giving the illusion of a larger space. Even the ceiling is painted in a high gloss black! (Photo by Tim Street-Porter)
"The owner of this 1920s Spanish duplex in West Hollywood, Calif., travels frequently for work. When she comes home, she often needs to sleep when her body clock is still set to a foreign time." (Photo by Deborah Jaffe)
"Every room needs some black," says designer Miles Redd. "It's like eyelashes and eyebrows: It makes everything else look framed and focused." Which is exactly how this red dining room, designed by Douglas Dolezal and Robert Miller, looks.
"Just as a great black dress shows off exquisite jewelry, the black wall in this high-rise condo in Century City, Calif., highlights the cream-colored pendant light fixture." (Photo by Michael McCreary)
This one is my favorite! "Although this room is only about 10' x 12', it's plenty bright even with the black walls." There are many reflective surfaces in this area giving the illusion of a larger space. Even the ceiling is painted in a high gloss black! (Photo by Tim Street-Porter)
"The owner of this 1920s Spanish duplex in West Hollywood, Calif., travels frequently for work. When she comes home, she often needs to sleep when her body clock is still set to a foreign time." (Photo by Deborah Jaffe)
"Every room needs some black," says designer Miles Redd. "It's like eyelashes and eyebrows: It makes everything else look framed and focused." Which is exactly how this red dining room, designed by Douglas Dolezal and Robert Miller, looks.Fresh Find Friday!
Or can you say, "Fun Find Friday"?! Every time Real Simple comes out with a favorite new way to use an old item, I ask myself, "Why didn't I think of that?"....
Here are a few of my favorites:
"Repurpose an old frame for a vanity tray that’s pretty as a picture. Place a piece of colored paper or fabric inside as a finishing touch."
"At a party, stash ice in a colander set on top of a bucket or a bowl. Water will drain out, and guests will get only the solid stuff."
"One of readers’ all-time-favorite ideas: the LifeSaver as birthday-candle holder. (Candies in the original rolls provide the best fit―LifeSavers sold in big bags are larger and don’t work as well.)"
"Make no-mess pancakes with the help of a ketchup bottle: Pour in batter, then squeeze out precise portions."
"Forget unruly plastic bags that seemingly regenerate under your sink. An empty tissue box keeps them neatly corralled and ready for use."
from: Real Simple
Here are a few of my favorites:
"Repurpose an old frame for a vanity tray that’s pretty as a picture. Place a piece of colored paper or fabric inside as a finishing touch."
"At a party, stash ice in a colander set on top of a bucket or a bowl. Water will drain out, and guests will get only the solid stuff."
"One of readers’ all-time-favorite ideas: the LifeSaver as birthday-candle holder. (Candies in the original rolls provide the best fit―LifeSavers sold in big bags are larger and don’t work as well.)"
"Make no-mess pancakes with the help of a ketchup bottle: Pour in batter, then squeeze out precise portions."
"Forget unruly plastic bags that seemingly regenerate under your sink. An empty tissue box keeps them neatly corralled and ready for use."from: Real Simple
Wednesday Weekend Warm Up
Ready for the weekend? Not until you add these ingredients to your grocery list for this weekend! Enjoy!
Hot Spiked Cider
This adults-only cider will warm up even the coldest days — and make your home smell cinnamony-sweet.
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray on Food Network's 30 Minute Meals
2 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
4 shots apple brandy
2 cups apple cider
Directions:
Heat cider with cloves and cinnamon. Pour a shot of apple brandy into a mug and fill with cider.
Servings: Approximately eight drinks, depending on mug size.
from: Fine Living
Hot Spiked Cider
This adults-only cider will warm up even the coldest days — and make your home smell cinnamony-sweet.
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray on Food Network's 30 Minute Meals
Try using a locally-produced apple cider, if possible. Local ingredients make it to the market faster and therefore are fresher. To make things extra festive, serve this cider in mugs rimmed with sugar, or topped with orange twists, whipped cream or nutmeg.
Ingredients:2 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
4 shots apple brandy
2 cups apple cider
Directions:
Heat cider with cloves and cinnamon. Pour a shot of apple brandy into a mug and fill with cider.
Servings: Approximately eight drinks, depending on mug size.
from: Fine Living
Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice
I've been searching and searching for perfect window treatments for quite some time now and cannot seem to decide on exactly what on want. As I was clicking and brainstorming last night, I came across some really clever ideas. Here are some of my favorites that I found from Better Homes and Gardens:
Branching Out
"Achieve a designer look at the fraction of the price with this creative design. Search your local fabric store for discount fabric that can be used to create window panels. Then put your creativity to the test by sketching out a leafy design that fits your style."
Branching Out: How to Make It
-- For one large branch, trace out the pattern first with a white chalk.
-- Make three size leaves on card stock; cut out pattern.
-- Trace the leaves on the branch pattern.
-- Using acrylic or fabric paint, hand-paint branch and leaves.
-- Let dry. Use a cloth to wipe off excess chalk.
Blocked Beauty
"From traditional to modern, this treatment is perfect for any decorating style. Sheer blocks allow some light into the room but do not take away from the privacy functionality of a solid panel."
Blocked Beauty: How to Make It
-- Lay panels flat, then place three poster boards cut to 14 x 22 inches on top, making sure the distance between the three boards is even.
-- Use a white chalk to trace around the boards; remove boards.
-- Cut out squares.
-- Lay your sheer fabric over the holes, pin into place and cut the sheer to size.
-- Move the panel to an ironing board. Lay flat again and use iron-on adhesive to secure in place. (Make sure iron is on medium heat so you don't melt the sheer.)
-- Use 7/8-inch chocolate grosgrain ribbon to finish off front cuts and secure with a 3/4-inch iron-on adhesive.
-- Iron both front and back to help adhere the adhesive.
Branch Out
"Pruners, a relatively straight tree branch, white spray paint -- voila! A nature-inspired, functional work of art. Use tie-top curtains to adjust for the curves of the branch -- no rings or clips needed."
Branching Out"Achieve a designer look at the fraction of the price with this creative design. Search your local fabric store for discount fabric that can be used to create window panels. Then put your creativity to the test by sketching out a leafy design that fits your style."
Branching Out: How to Make It-- For one large branch, trace out the pattern first with a white chalk.
-- Make three size leaves on card stock; cut out pattern.
-- Trace the leaves on the branch pattern.
-- Using acrylic or fabric paint, hand-paint branch and leaves.
-- Let dry. Use a cloth to wipe off excess chalk.
Blocked Beauty"From traditional to modern, this treatment is perfect for any decorating style. Sheer blocks allow some light into the room but do not take away from the privacy functionality of a solid panel."
Blocked Beauty: How to Make It-- Lay panels flat, then place three poster boards cut to 14 x 22 inches on top, making sure the distance between the three boards is even.
-- Use a white chalk to trace around the boards; remove boards.
-- Cut out squares.
-- Lay your sheer fabric over the holes, pin into place and cut the sheer to size.
-- Move the panel to an ironing board. Lay flat again and use iron-on adhesive to secure in place. (Make sure iron is on medium heat so you don't melt the sheer.)
-- Use 7/8-inch chocolate grosgrain ribbon to finish off front cuts and secure with a 3/4-inch iron-on adhesive.
-- Iron both front and back to help adhere the adhesive.
Branch Out
"Pruners, a relatively straight tree branch, white spray paint -- voila! A nature-inspired, functional work of art. Use tie-top curtains to adjust for the curves of the branch -- no rings or clips needed."
Good-bye Sunday Fun-day! Hello...???
~Wednesday Weekend Warm Up~
or
~Thirsty Thursday~
Same delicious recipes, different day!
With the arrival of Autumn and Winter right around the corner, Sunday brunches and lounging by the pool all day have been replaced with football, chili and DIY projects around the home. As the seasons change, so does my schedule! I'm switching up my routine and I'd like to hear which you prefer!
"Wednesday Weekend Warm Up" or "Thirsty Thursday"?
Fresh Find Friday!
I instantly fell in love when I was browsing the Internet yesterday looking for flooring. How cool are these?!
The company is PG Model Hardwood and these images are from their "E by Model Collection"
The hallmark of this new product is fast installation requiring no nails or glue.
You can even customize your pattern or the images you desire on your floorboards!
"The E Series by Model was created through innovative in-house product development. Their experts were able to attain the initial goal of combining beauty and a positive impact on the environment, achieving what many thought was impossible.
Check out PG Model Hardwood for even more inspirational images!"
Okay, Kelly!
Alright, alright, alright...we got it Kelly Wearstler - you're amazing! Check out Kelly Wearstler's Ultra-glam Beach House from Metropolitian Home. She's my fav.
Be sure to check out more detailed pictures and descriptions at Metropolitian Home for the full story!
Photographer: François Halard
Be sure to check out more detailed pictures and descriptions at Metropolitian Home for the full story!
Photographer: François Halard
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