HERLONG & ASSOCIATES: Specializing in Coastal Architecture & Interior Design

We normally select a few photos to showcase the work of our favorites architects, interior designers and custom home builders; however, in the case of the South Carolina based architecture firm of Herlong and Associates, the process was extremely difficult.  With such an impressive body of work, how can one decide?

In the end, we decided on the Wild Dunes beach house below, but you can visit the Herlong and Associates' website at www.herlongarchitects.com to view their entire portfolio online.

"For this Charlotte, NC based family their Wild Dunes beach house needed to be a combination of classic cottage comfortable and sophistication without being stuffy. The end result is large outdoor living and entertaining spaces combined with a smooth transition to the vast, neutral interior." -- Herlong & Associates

Vegan Tzatziki

I have big plans for next week, I am teaching a vegan cooking class! I am nervous because I am not the best with words...but I am also excited :) Also, my mom and dad are coming to visit for two weeks, YAY! I haven't seen them in 6 months! I will be cooking up a storm.

This is a simple but very tasty little dipping sauce recipe, it is great  for raw veggies and pita. You could even thin it out a bit more and use it for a salad dressing.  I know the bowl is a bit beat up, but it was a gift from a friend on their trip to Russia. I love it.

• 1 box silken tofu
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 lemon-juiced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp- dried dill (you could use fresh too)
• 1/2 cucumber-peeled and grated
• sea salt
• freshly ground pepper

Drain tofu and put in blender with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill.
Blend until creamy. Stir in cucumber. Season to taste.

Thank You Tory Burch

Words cannot describe how honored I am to be featured on Tory Burch's fabulous blog. It was actually fun to answer the questions for a change. A huge thank you for including me. I will post my Q&A with Tory in just a few days...stay tuned.

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Not your mother's Better Homes

Call me crazy but I do not remember Better Homes and Gardens being so absolutely cool. It seems that with every trip to the grocery store or local d-i-y retailer I bring home another glossy. What I started to notice was along with my Elle Decor & House Beautiful a growing collection were printed by Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications:
Ideas for Your Home Remodel, 100 decorating ideas, do it Yourself, Beautiful Homes.

The great things about these reads is they are not intimidating like many other home decor magazines can be. Yes, their room makeovers look gorgeous and perfectly styled but they look like any of us could live there (kids included). And their do it yourself tips and tricks projects are actually really tangible. How great is that! So if you are like me and do not hesitate to push up your sleeves, definitely check out what all of our mothers are probably already reading!

*photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens online downloads

Blogger + Designer Dinner in Atlanta

I will be in Atlanta for the next three days hosting several events on behalf of SFERRA. Last night we hosted a blogger/designer dinner at Craftbar in Atlanta. One word - YUM!

It was so much fun to meeting Jill Sharp Brinson, Holly of Things that Inspire, Niki of Yummy Scrumptious, Shameeka of The Broke Socialite, Brian Patrick Flynn of Decor Demon, Millie of Brilliant Asylum, Ally of From the Right Bank, Helen Young and Jane Douglas Reynolds of Whitehaven.

It's always a treat to meet the bloggers behind the blogs and the designers behind the name. This group did not disappoint! There was such an amazing energy and the conversation was fascinating. It was so interesting to hear about each person's creative endeavors. I, for one, was very inspired. And, if the company were not enough, the food was fantastic. Craftbar certainly lived up to its reputation. Again, thank you all for coming and sharing your energy. You can see more photos here.

Shameeka Shy Ayers, Ronda Carman and Hollis Smith

Brian Patrick Flynn and Jill Sharp Brinson

Niki, Holly, Shameeka, Helen, Ronda, Jill, Jane and Millie

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Home renovation is the baby of the phenomena of change without change. It begins with the quality of life in the synthesis with the development of the dictates of time and led to greater improve comfort. However, it requires careful planning and smart on the economy, utility, aesthetics and function immediately. You can limit some of the house, like kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, terrace, each bag at home or in their entirety. You can also design and ground or power lines or new equipment.
Little by little, technology is making in our daily lives, including the kitchen, it is essential that the kitchen comes with change. For example, the kitchen can rebuild the arrangements for the new electronic fireplace, microwave, measures to support the fire pans cons, new flooring, etc. You can also have a special device built into the wall where the stove inside, which allows plenty of space. There is a reasonable use of available rooms and makes even be a little bigger. You can select another language from the frying pan into force, convection, gas or electric, selected and defined by the degree of comfort with the team and requirements. Pot Racks not only bring a touch of elegance to the kitchen, but they are extremely useful for keeping the charge of the kitchen. All types of pots and pans are easily nest office space free to have a cluttered appearance. This can be the specific area of complexity that must be studied before a decision on the reorganization of the house. The Name of Home Improvement ", but should not believe that the residential areas is limited. Relevant in the residential and commercial environments, or wherever people live.
The home can improve a building or by hiring contractors. If it is important to draw attention to the measures to pay to protect a trap later. If the contractor is the statutory bodies of a security with the BCC (Board of construction contractors) is required "bound". And if the contractor in accordance with the laws adopted the general liability insurance, the CWB is guaranteed. Both bound and liability insurance, are tools to protect consumers valuable. These include loss or damage caused by the bad actions of the contractor, any warranty costs for the removal, repair or replacement of faulty work of the contractor. And are developed in his mind, to ensure financial security and hardware stores to make an enjoyable experience for homeowners. And to decorate the house renovation is the best way to

Sun-filled Kitchen Remodel by BROOKS AND FALOTICO

We came across this fantastic kitchen remodel on Traditional Home Magazine's website.  Louise Brooks of the New Canaan, Connecticut architecture firm of Brooks and Falotico designed this wonderful open space, which features floor-to-ceiling windows, 9' ceilings, and a fireplace in the connected gathering room.

Happy Birthday One Kings Lane

It was one year ago this week that Susan Feldman and Alison Gelb Pincus launched One Kings Lane, a private online sales destination specializing in designer decor, furniture, accessories and gifts. Members have access to limited quantities of high-end designer goods at up to 70% off. One Kings Lane carries only the best of best – such as John Robshaw, Missoni, Vera Wang and Wedgewood to name a few – at affordable prices.

For Susan, a former fashion sales executive, and Alison whose background is in digital media, One Kings Lane is a perfect blending of their love for home decor and their combined experiences in retail, apparel and the online world.


On Thursday Susan, Alison, Scot Meacham Wood and Alexis Traina hosted a lovely party welcoming me to San Francisco. Thank you all for such an amazing evening. The bagpipes were a wonderfully thoughtful touch. You can see photos from the party here.

OAK HILL ARCHITECTS

We first learned of Oak Hill Architects through one of our favorite resources, The Boston Design Guide (www.bostondesignguide.com) and it's evident that this Weston, Massachusetts-based firm holds true to its guiding principles: their "careful attention to detail and (their) sensitivity to proportions, light and the quality of spaces."

We've posted select photos of two projects from their website below.  However, you can view their entire portfolio by visiting www.oakhillarchitects.com.

Asparagus & Sundried Tomato Spaghettini with toasted Pine Nuts

I have been wishing for warmer weather these last few days...I broke down at the grocery store and bought tomatoes and basil.  Craving pasta, so I whipped this up tonight. I love how the sun stays out longer now, I can get some good light for picture taking :) We had chocolate cake for dessert, I didn't add the ganache, but I did swirl peanut butter through out the batter, and baked it in a loaf pan. Check out my little taste tester!

• cooked pasta ( I like whole wheat)
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic-minced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 medium onion- minced
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 jar of sun dried tomatoes- cut into strips
• 2 vine ripe fresh tomatoes-small diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper- small diced
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 small bunch of asparagus- keep the tips- chop the rest to go into the sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh basil
• 2 tsp chili flakes
• sea salt
• freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

In a saute pan heat on medium high, add oil, garlic and onions. Saute for 3-4 minutes
add oregano, deglaze with vinegar. Add sun dried tomatoes and fresh tomatoes, bell pepper.
Add a little water at a time, just to make it juicy.
Throw the asparagus ends into the sauce, add basil, chili flakes, and season.

In a separate pan add a little water and a pinch or two of salt bring to a boil , cook asparagus tips.

Toast pine nuts in a pan until golden.