Wednesday Weekend Warm Up: Red White and Blue Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Yup, I know. I’ve never let you down by not giving you a weekly alcoholic beverage recipe to get you ready for the weekend, buuuut these little cuties were too cute not to share!

Red, White and Blue Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
1 pint fresh strawberries (approx 12 oz)
4-oz white
Blue sanding sugar or sprinkles

Line a baking sheet or cutting board with wax paper or parchment paper. Chop up the chocolate roughly with a knife if it is in block form. In a medium-sized, microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate in the microwave. Heat it in 45 or 60-second intervals, stirring between each time to ensure that the chocolate is melting evenly and not burning. Meanwhile, place blue sanding sugar into a small bowl and set it aside. When chocolate is smooth, dip the berries 3/4 of the way into the chocolate, dip the tips into the blue sprinkles, and place on wax paper. Berries can set at room temperature if you live somewhere cool, otherwise refrigerate them until ready to serve to allow the chocolate to set up.

*recipe found here, photo from here

{Tuesday Thoughts} a quote.

So if you’re like me, and you’ve been a long term committed relationship for over 3 years, going on 4, you know where I’m coming from! Thanks, Irene, for finding this! I got a good chuckle!

Makeover Monday: Wallpaper and Wall coverings (done right!)

Recently, I’ve had multiple people ask me multiple times about wallpaper and wall coverings. They are wondering not only where they can find cool, modern, fresh, up-to-date prints, but where in their home should they place the wallpaper?

I’ve always been a fan of wallpaper, even way back when the papers were covered in baskets filled with flowers and geese with blue ribbons tied around their necks (my Mom had a country theme going on in our home growing up).

Nowadays, I’m more attracted to the big bright bold patterns, while using them sparingly throughout the home to add a bit of drama here and there. My rules when choosing a pattern are simple: #1. use something that you’re immediately attracted to, because you’ll be living with this print/pattern for a good amount of time.

You’ll want to choose something that you like and will stand the test of time, because, unlike paint, wall coverings and wallpaper can get expensive.

#2. If you’re like me, and you like to make a statement, then judiciously choose locations in your home, where the wallpaper will hold the most impact. For me those spaces are a) the entry, b) the dining room, c) an accent wall in the master bedroom and d) the ceiling (yes, the ceiling!)

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong when choosing a room to place your beloved print, but these are the spaces that I would recommend, if you’re trying this DIY project on your own, without the help of an expert to help you choose your location!

This list of wallpaper and wall covering sources is a good place to start your search for the perfect print to adorn your walls.

Madison and Grow (http://www.madisonandgrow.com/)

Walnut Wallpaper (http://www.walnutwallpaper.com/)

Tangle Tree (http://www.tangletree-interiors.co.uk/)

Farrow & Ball (http://www.farrow-ball.com/patterns/wallpaper/fcp-category/sub?resetFilters=true)

Kravet (http://www.kravet.com/furnishings/wallcoverings.htm)

Cowtan & Tout (http://www.cowtan.com/)

If you need some assistance in adding some gorgeous wall coverings in your home, let me help! I'm always available for design consultations if you're located in the Southern California area. My Interior Design office is located in La Verne, California. Please visit my website and email me for rates and more info. I offer affordable and comparable rates. I'd love to help you make your house a home!

(click on image for source)

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up: June Bug Recipe

Because it’s June and my beagle’s name is June, I immediately imagined myself sipping this orange-licious delight in my backyard this weekend. Please join me! Cheers!

June Bug

ingredients

• 3 cups ginger ale
• 4 T. grenadine
• 4 T. orange juice
• 3 scoops orange sherbet
• To make a version with alcohol, add 1/2 orange vodka

directions

Blend together ginger ale, grenadine, orange juice, and sherbet. Pour into ice-filled cocktail glasses.

*recipe found here

{Tuesday Thoughts} on best friends…

*from here

Chroma Bash: Ravishing Reds

As the 4th of July rolls around, I’m drawn to the good ol’ red, whites and blues. Red…garnet, cherry, crimson, scarlet, rose, blush…whichever you prefer, packs a powerful punch! So go ahead, get your red on!

<< sunglasses heels bag necklace ankle boots laptop case tank thong bra coral chair >>

Smile…it’s a (thinking about Dad) kind of weekend!

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

Even though I hated it when I was a little girl, fishing with my Dad is one of my favorite memories. He used to take my younger sisters and I and we’d catch catfish. Since none of us girls really enjoyed baiting our own hooks, he spent most of his time putting worms on our lines rather than actually fishing. As we got older, I grew out of it, and I was “too cool” to go fishing with my Dad, but to this day, I still remember that being a really special time. Thanks, Dad! I love you!

*image from here

A Love Affair: Blue-Green and Orange

<< click on image for source >>

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up: Julep Recipe

I’m not one who is much for bourbon, but this one sounded pretty good! After the long week that I’ve been having, the weekend cannot come soon enough! Happy Wednesday everyone! We’re almost there!

Blanca Julep

8 mint leaves, plus 3 mint sprigs

3/4 ounce fresh lime juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

2 1/2 ounces bourbon

1 ounce chilled club soda

1 cup crushed ice

1 lime wedge

In a highball glass, muddle the mint leaves with the lime juice and Simple Syrup. Add the bourbon and club soda, then fill the glass with the crushed ice. Using a swizzle stick or bar spoon turned between both hands, swizzle for 10 seconds. Garnish with the mint sprigs and the lime wedge.

*recipe found here

Smile…it’s a (practicing & rehearsing) kind of weekend!

The nerves have set in.

This is what I’ll be doing all weekend. Monday morning, I have a rather important presentation that I’ll be rehearsing and perfecting all weekend. Mix this with one of these and hopefully I’ll be able to relax a bit. You see, this chicky babe has always been slightly intimidated at even the thought of presenting. Why? Why is public speaking at the top of most people’s list of fears? I’m always afraid of being asked a question and not knowing the answer. Or forgetting what I wanted to say. Either way…I’m on edge until it’s over and then I feel great! So wish me luck and enjoy your Saturdays and Sundays! See ya next week!

 

*image found here

A Love Affair: Teal and Turquoise

I’ve been seriously jonesing for a get-away that includes many hours of staring into some turquoise agua. Maybe that’s why I’ve been attracted to all things turquoise and teal lately!

 

      

 

{ click on image for source }