Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

It's hard to believe that 2010 is almost here! For those of you planning to ring in the new year with a little bubbly, here are some fun recipe ideas for serving up your midnight champagne toast with a twist:

1. Pomegranate Champagne
Ingredients:

• 4 oz champagne
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 1 teaspoon cassis 

Directions:

Pour chilled champagne into a flute, then add pomegranate juice and cassis. Enjoy!

2. Blood Orange French 75

Ingredients:

• 3 blood oranges (about 1 pound)
• 1 1/2 cups gin
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon angostura bitters
• 2 750-ml bottles chilled Champagne

Directions:

Cut 1 orange in half through stem. Cut each orange half crosswise into 6 slices; reserve for garnish. Using small knife, cut peel and white pith from remaining 2 oranges; chop oranges. Transfer chopped oranges with juices to bowl; mash with potato masher or wooden spoon. Stir in gin, sugar, and bitters. Strain into 2-cup measuring cup, pressing on solids to release liquid. Chill 4 hours. Pour scant 2 tablespoons gin mixture into each of 12 glasses; fill with Champagne and garnish with orange.

3. Chambord and Champagne

Ingredients:

• 4 oz chilled Champagne
• 1/2 oz Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur 

Directions:

Pour the champagne into a champagne flute. Add a healthy splash of Chambord, and serve.

4. Strawberry Champagne Cocktail

Ingredients:

• .5 oz strawberry liqueur
  
• 1 oz vodka
  
• Pink Champagne

Directions:
Combine strawberry liqueur and vodka in an ice-filled shaker. Shake well and strain into a champagne glass. Top with chilled champagne.

CHEERS!

by: Jennifer Sbranti - Real Simple

{Tuesday Thoughts}

“It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not.” 

―James Gordon  

What is your New Year's Resolution for 2010?

photo via Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice {via Marcy Tate}

Before you take the garbage to the curb this week, check out these clever ideas from Marcy Tate. Marcy Tate is a blogger at Networx. She also writes for Landscaping Networx. Marcy contacted me over the weekend with these bits of creativity and we had to share them with you ASAP! Think twice before you ask the kids to take the trash out - after seeing these works of art, you're going to wish you hadn't tossed that beautiful wrapping paper.

Ideas for Reusing Wrapping Paper from Marcy Tate

There are some really fun and simple things you can do with all the wrapping paper you just tore off of your Christmas gifts. Some popular ideas for reusing wrapping paper include using the wrapping paper as book covers, as shelf drawer liners, or simply using it to wrap another gift. I have found some really great ideas out in the blogosphere for reusing wrapping paper. Here are some of my favorites:

Thank You Gifts & Wall Art

I found these ideas at Re-nest.com and I think they are both charming and creative. The basic idea is to use the wrapping paper from a gift given to you by friend (or family member) and to create a thank you gift from it. Here are the two ideas:

1. Frame a piece of the wrapping paper. Include a short thank you note and a picture of you and your friend. You can purchase a frame for $1 at any dollar store. This idea is actually cheaper than purchasing a $3.50 thank you greeting card. As a variation, frame some of your favorite leftover wrapping paper and use it as wall art (as pictured above).

2. Wrap a matchbox or matchbook with a small scrap of the wrapping paper. Include a short thank-you note inside the box or book.

New Year’s Coasters and Trays

If you need some extra coasters for your New Years party, consider making them with wrapping paper scraps. This project is super easy and will be a great conversation piece. Use some heavy-duty cardboard to cut square or circle shapes. Glue the wrapping paper over the cardboard. A glue stick will work better than liquid glue. Cover the coaster with a laminate material, such as self-adhesive clear plastic. If you have Christmas themed wrapping paper scraps, then make some Christmas coasters to store away for next year.

A matching tray that coordinates with your coasters can add more flavor to your party. Use any type of tray (a clear tray looks best) and insert a piece of wrapping paper to create an instant DIY cocktail tray.

To find more expert advice from Marcy Tate visit her at Networx and Landscaping Networx.

photos: sustainlane.com, Jcarolinecreative, Flickr.com, The Knot, Totallytablespots.blogspot

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Southern California!

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”

―Burton Hillis

"Christmas Swim" by Slim Aarons

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

Try this little cup of deliciousness as you tear open those presents!

The Chocolate Milk Whip

Ingredients

4 oz chocolate milk

2 oz cold coffee

1 oz Baileys Irish Creme

whipped cream and shaved chocolate for garnish

Directions

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 4 oz. chocolate milk, 1 oz. Baileys and 2 oz. cold coffee. Top with whipped cream and garnish with shaved chocolate. 

recipe via whattodrink.com

{Tuesday Thoughts}

“Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.”

―Pindar

from: Real Simple

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice

Tips for Unique Tablescaping from Nathan Turner

TIP 1 Bring the outdoors in with a single stem or a sprig from a backyard tree.

TIP 2 Get creative with name cards, like using a flat stone with names written in White-Out.

TIP 3 Spruce up a hurricane by adding a tall greenery around your favorite candle.

from: C Magazine: Winter 2009/2010

Fresh Find Friday!

Add some gold + silver to your holidays! Here's a few last minute gift ideas for those of you still shopping (I'm one of those people)! All available on Etsy.

ring fresh water pearl necklace gold square dangle earrings oat soap boyfriend tunic flask

Sixx Design's Downtown Chic :: A Review

ast week, this little lovely was dropped off at my front door and I've had such a fun time flipping through the inspiration filled glossy pages. It might look as if I've had this book for years...seriously. Some corners have been dog-earred (a sin, I know!), I've highlighted my favorite quotes (another sin, I know!) and I've put too many bookmarkers in between the pages to really be helpful. This is not your average coffee table book, my friends. This is your reference/text/resource/pull this out pretty much everytime you're searching for design help or inspiration book.

Since I was absent this Monday, and I didn't provide you with any "tips, tricks or expert advice", I'm substituting this post in it's place. Robert and Cortney Novogratz (J Sixx) have given it there all. Downtown Chic is filled with so many "tips, tricks and expert advice", it is only natural for me to share with you a few of my favorites!

How to Flea (Market)
:: The great stuff sells before 6 AM; get there early, before the dealers snatch up the best things
:: Negotiate. You can always walk away and go back later.

Mixing High and Low
HIGH
:: Goose feather lamp from Moss.
:: Oil painting above our bed by Brendan Cass.
:: Matching fabric for the curtains and bed frame.
LOW
:: $25 nightstand from a garage sale that was painted white.
:: Kitschy statuette and long-necked vase were just dollars a piece at a flea market.
:: Throw pillows are from Target.

Decorating the Outside of Your House
"You can dress up the exterior of a house the same way you can the interior. This peace sign made of twine was yet another simple but powerful element on the side of our house. We asked a local florist to make it for us, and it wasn't much more expensive than a large Christmas wreath - and it last a lot longer!"

Be Bold: Use Color
"As you might have guessed from looking at our other projects, we love orange and we've used it in virtually all of our houses. It's very modern, but when it's used with more traditional fabrics, like the damask curtains and pillows here, it's very luxurious."

This is just a taste of all the deliciousness this book has to offer. Check out the complete book for more goodies. This would be a perfect gift to put under the tree for yourself! J Sixx's website is completely addicting, as well, (I found myself repeatedly going back to their website, only to listen to the groovy tune they have playing!). The Novogratz family will also be featured on Bravo with their own television series - "Design Sixx" in January 2010.

*I was sent a complimentary copy of Downtown Chic. In return, I'm reviewing the book, here, on imagine

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

Spiced Holiday Punch

"Perfect for holiday entertaining, this chilled punch starts off with apple juice that's been simmered with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and then chilled. Each glass is topped off with colorful cranberry juice and either ginger ale or sparkling wine."

Preparation

1. Bring 6 cups apple juice, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, 12 cloves, 1 (2-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger and 1 cinnamon stick to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Strain, cool and chill.
4. In a large pitcher combine with 6 cups cranberry juice.
5. Fill glasses partway with juice mixture and top off with ginger ale or sparkling wine. 

*from: My Recipes

{Tuesday Thoughts}

"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving."

 ~Lao Tzu

Unfortunately, I missed my flight this weekend. Therefore, I didn't get to spend Holiday time with my family.

I love you and miss you all!

*photo via Tim Walker

Fresh Find Friday!

I had never heard of Stella & Dot before I read Paloma's post over at La Dolce Vita. I'm so glad that I stopped by her blog earlier this week because I found out that she is having a fabulous Holiday Giveaway featuring this beautiful Jenna Pearl and Ribbon Necklace (omg - I love this necklace!). Paloma is constantly showcasing beautiful items and eye candy on her blog, but this one really caught my eye! Be sure to check out Paloma's blog to enter her Holiday Giveaway and also take a peek at Stella & Dot's wide variety of gorgeous and completely affordable jewelry.

happy + safe holiday travels

Have a lovely Thursday everyone! I'm using mine to prepare for my flight to the Tundra this weekend (also known as Minnesota).

photo by: Luciana Val and Franco Musso

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

ery, very tempting, but I must wait until tomorrow night when I'm officially finished with the semester (who's ready to celebrate with me?).

Blue Snowflake

Ingredients

2 oz Hpnotiq

1 splash of Vodka

1 oz Pineapple Juice

Directions

Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into glass.

*drink recipe courtesy of http://www.drinknation.com/theme/Christmas

*photo via StockphotoPro

*Daily Drop Cap

{Tuesday Thoughts}

"Take a deep breath, count to ten, and tackle each task one step at a time."

-- Linda Shalaway

 

oly cow, it has been a rough couple weeks! Who else out there has been completely consumed with finishing up final projects for the end of the semester? I keep reminding myself to take it one step at a time. One big presentation this afternoon, another tomorrow night and then I'm officially on Christmas vacation! No more books, drawing or studying for two whole months! Whoever else is out there in the same shoes, I wish you luck!

 

*image via Alexandra Grablewski, Daily Drop Cap

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice

antel Makeover for the Holidays. Here is an example from Country Living on how you can makeover your mantel for the Holidays without spending a lot of money and using items you probably already have!

"To take this fireplace from everyday to holiday, the mantel was decorated with items most people already have on hand this time of year, such as greeting cards, ribbons, and tissue paper. Finishing touches unearthed from the backyard (free pinecones!) give the scene a rustic feel, while inexpensive craft-store extras, like mica snow, add subtle sparkle. The result: A winter wonderland with a sophisticated look that belies its modest cost!"

*images via Country Living, Daily Drop Cap

Fresh Find Friday!

or those of you who are searching for Christmas gifts for kitchen & cooking lovers, here are a couple items that I thought are pretty cool and have been eyeing myself for a quite some time (adding these to my Christmas list people).  

Trio Lasagna Pan

If Lasagna is your go-to dish for dinner parties, you’ll love this pan. Its three separate non-stick channels allow cooks to get creative. You can cater to the vegetarians and carnivores at one time in one pan; or make 3 separate night dinners from one batch, keeping each batch pristine and varying the ingredients in each channel. The width and length of the channels is the same as standard lasagna noodles making lasagna building fast and easy, plus with three channels you’ll get more of everyone’s favorites….the edges. A custom-fit spatula is deep enough to get that great first piece with no mess. Aluminized steel non-stick coating on inside. Interior of pan measures 12 x 15 x 3; spatula measures 12 inches L x 2 3/8 inches at widest.

Price: $32.00

Grab & Dry Gloves - Terry Dishtowel Gloves

Hand dryer just took on a totally new meaning. When it’s time to take off your rubber gloves, slip on these ingenious terry dishtowel gloves to finish the job. So simple, yet so effective, why didn’t someone think of these sooner? Highly absorbent with a water resistant lining, you can dry up to 100 items at a time. Eliminates fingerprints on glasses and provides a secure grip so no more dropped dishes. Grab and Dry comes in one size that fits most and gloves can be worn on either the right or left hand. Also great for polishing silver. Cotton. Machine washable.

Price: $20.00

Hit the Hay

verytime I read Jetson Green's daily post I get goosebumps. Especially when he features tiny, little houses. I don't know if the excitement stems from my childhood adoration of doll houses, or what, but come on now... take a peek at the Super Efficient Straw BaleHaus.

"Modcell, a company in the UK that makes prefabricated panels from staw and hemp, this year completed a two-story straw bale home on the campus of the University of Bath. The home, referred to as Balehaus@Bath, was designed by White Design." -Preston Koerner

*content via: Preston Koerner, photo credit: Modcell, Daily Drop Cap

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

ust in time for the holidays! Bring on the Holiday cocktail recipes - oh yeah! The whole month of December I'll be sharing my favorite winter-time drink recipes. Mix some up for your Christmas and Holiday parties, special occasions and family get togethers (you're going to need them!). 

Candy Cane Cocktail

recipe courtesy of Sandra Lee (I love her)

Ingredients

1 shot vanilla rum

1 shot white chocolate liqueur (recommended: Godiva)

1 shot peppermint schnapps

Candy cane, garnish

Directions

Add all liquid ingredients to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into martini glass. Garnish with candy cane.

Daily Drop Cap

{Tuesday Thoughts}

"The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes."

-Frank Lloyd Wright

*photo via: Erin Belisle