{idea notebook} loving painted ceilings

Right now I am loving painted ceilings! They add such amazing drama and definition to a space. I love them with traditional architectural moldings, wide crowns or inset panels. Decorating 101 says paint on the ceiling will visually lower a ceiling and is a good option for a big space but I also love them in a smaller room as an amazing, grandiose, gorgeous statement. A little trick I often use when painting a ceiling is using the same color on the walls and the ceiling but in a 1/4 to 1/2 strength. By using the same color you keep the room cohesive yet the ceiling becomes perceptibly brighter. (Other ceiling treatment ideas I love: metallic paint, wallpaper, pressed tin, wood paneling & beadboard.) Yes, it is completely fabulous!



*Photography via Apartment Therapy

{inspiration} sleeping beautifully

Ah.... to sleep in serenity and beauty... what more could a girl ask for? A space that is distinctly feminine, but won't be too scary for a man, with yummy layers of white and flax, soft dusty blues, warm browns and bits of my acurrant favorite, gleaming gold. A space that carefully mixes traditional touches with fresh, modern elements (white cow hide rug anyone?) with graphic pattern and trusty throw-backs (loving the Tulip Chair). Never without long, flowing draperies, an upholstered piece or two and a bouquet of blooming flowers... what more could this girl ask for? Sleep... welcome back to the week everyone!





*Photography via Coco+Kelley & Lonny

Berry blast smoothie popsicles

Super healthy and easy to make! Just take your favorite fruit and blend with water or juice, or soy milk. Pour into popsicle molds and WA-LA! A great treat for the kids. Not to mention no waste :)

I blended frozen raspberries with orange juice, and blueberries with soy milk. Just make it thick... it is much easier to pour different flavors together.

Tortilla tofu scramble

Tortilla tofu scramble

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion- small diced

1 clove garlic- minced

1 green pepper- small diced

1 package of soft tofu

1 tsp chili powder

pinch of turmeric

10-15 tortilla chips

1 scoop salsa

handful of cherry tomatoes- cut in half

sea salt

freshly ground pepper

In a pan, heat oil add onion and garlic. Saute until soft

Add green pepper and tofu, gently break up the tofu with spatula

add chili powder, turmeric, chips, salsa, and tomatoes.

Stir up, until heated. Season to taste.

She was pretty happy with herself picking out the bread this morning at the market, she had the first piece! 

Bread and butter pickles

I picked up 2 pounds of baby cucumbers last week at the market. I put them in a bowl of water and into the fridge, with plans to pickle them within the next day or so. Little did I know that water was going to be scares.

Our well pump broke, which means no water into the house. So the pickles had a little longer to wait then expected. Its strange when you don't have access to water, you appreciate it SO much more.

When there are electrical outages or storms coming on well water you plan ahead and fill up jugs and such. Some people even fill up the bathtub to flush the toilet! We are expecting a hurricane Monday, good thing I was able to pickle some pickles!

Bread and butter pickles

2 pounds of cucumbers- sliced
2 small red onions- sliced
1 tsp red chili flakes
1/4 cup pickling salt
3 cups pickling vinegar
2 1/2 cups organic sugar
4 tbsp pickling spice

In a large bowl combine cucumbers, onion, chili, and salt. Mix up.

Bring vinegar, sugar and spices to a boil in a large pot.

Have mason jars sanitized to proper canning procedures.

Add cucumbers to vinegar mixture, don't let boil. but simmer for a few minutes.

Stuff jars with cucumbers and seal. Place jars in a large pot of boiling water for 5 minutes.

Remove and let sit until you hear the seal pop! Refrigerate before serving.

{link love} six pieces you need but don't have

Love this article from real living. Note to readers... it has a very mid-century bent (which of course I am loving).

"Six Pieces You Need But Don't Have": realliving

1. Butterfly chair (BKF): A classic mid-century item with stylish lounging appeal

2. Veerle Stool: A solid timber stool with a gracefully organic shape perfect for contemporary and more traditional decor

3. Caravaggio Light: Industrial and distinctly modern in design with shiny high-gloss lacquer finishes and a fantastically feminine form

4. Nook Sofa: An understated mid-century design with clean lines and timeless appeal

5. Timber Table: A solid timber dining table that adapts to any decor

6. Iron Bed: Ranging from county style to contemporary appeal



*Photography via apartment therapy, matt blatt, remodelista, Selectism

Wordless Wednesday

{inspiration+mid century} opposites

I love when mid century furniture is paired with organic elements, vintage pieces or ornate accessories... treasures that are a complete deviation from it's sleek, modern design. Personally, I love pairing mid century pieces with natural stone, rough hewn woods or rich, velvety fabrics. Look at how beautiful the grey stone wall reads behind the creamy-white Egg chair, or the richness of the olive green sofa against the over-sized gilded frame ( & fantastic chevron flooring might I add). I love this juxtaposition of differences and how each great design aesthetic is elevated by it's near opposite pairing. Love it.



*Photography via Keltainen talo rannalla , Emily Henderson, {this is glamorous} via Belle Vivir

{loving+colour} Strawberry Red

I have to admit that red walls scare me a bit, they can very easily go Gothic. But I am loving this strawberry red color paired with feminine floral, bits of green and white! It is absolutely beautiful and quite fresh. And although the palette from design seeds is more hot pink than red, the wonderful pairing of greens, whites and touches of black feels much the same. (p.s. Loving that the dressing room has just enough pink in it to make me swoon!) Have a happy week everyone! xo



*Photography via design seeds & style at home

10 minute summer stew

Super simple and delicious! I used the vegetables I picked up at the market, some left overs in my fridge, with a can of chickpeas. You could add anything you like to this. Keep the cooking time down to 10 minutes, to keep the vegetables crisp. I served it with a 8 grain loaf of bread.

10 minutes summer stew

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion-chopped
1 clove garlic- minced
1 stalk celery- chopped
1 yellow zucchini- chopped
1 carrot-chopped
1 tomato- chopped
1 cup water
1 can chickpeas
1 tsp dried dill
fresh thyme
fresh basil
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

In a large pot heat oil add onion, saute until soft.
add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.

market goodies

Sunday Morning

Pancake mix

1 1/4 cup flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
Pinch of salt
1 cup rice milk
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Mix in a bowl until combined.
Cook low heat on lightly greased cast iron pan.
Serve with maple syrup.

Love

"love the life you live. 
live the life you love." 

- Bob Marley

{inspiration+golden glam} Raise Your Glass

I am so loving golden, 70's style, glamour right now. It just screams decadence, indulgence, high-luxe fabulous"ness". Think Halston, Studio 54, Bianca Jagger, Rock-n-Roll, New York City at the dawn of the 80's. It is a style that wants more of everything... more richness, more sheen, more shimmery texture, lots of lacquered black, layers of creamy whites, mirrored surfaces, silky fabrics and tons of glistening gold everywhere. I love layering in touches of ethnic references for a slightly free spirited glamour... Anyway you slice it, it is so cool and utterly sexy. So raise your glass everyone & have a wonderful weekend!





*Photography via UK Vogue, adore home, zenza (loving the filisky little pear pendants!) & the paris apartment

{loving} dramatic dinner chairs

I am currently obsessing with finding the perfect set of dining chairs to give me a touch of glamour at the table. There are just so many delicious choices I am loving too many things... swooping gramercy lines, nail head detailing, tufts and leather, ikat on a louis frame... just fabulous! What's a girl to do? Dine in of course!



*Photography via Safavieh Home Furnishings (pricing available via website)

{idea notebook+doors} the center of attention

I am so loving the idea of transforming the mood of a room by addressing the doors that mark your entrance and exit into the space. These are simply amazing...

* Brass upholstery tacks and a high gloss, rich hued paint (that looks like leather) and instant luxury.

* Wallpaper panels transform bifold doors into gorgeous "folding screens"- or add extra knobs and you have the pretty illusion of double doors.

* Like the perfect lipstick a swipe of bright paint on the edge of a door can add just a touch of polish that is wonderfully graphic and totally chic. This is just so perfect that I wish I would have thought of it!

* A repurposed ceiling medallion, deep color paint and a large center doorknob add pure opulence. To die!

Have a wonderful week everyone!



*Photography via Marthe Stewart Living (directions in September 2011 issue)

{colour} palettes with big personality

I am loving palettes with big personality and strong punches of color. Flourishes of electric yellow, turquoise, rich browns, splashes of red, bright fuchsias, purple and citric orange... bold color with dynamic sensibility and wonderful, artistic appeal. Color isn't necessarily about periods or styles- although certain colors might reference specific moments in time- rather, color is really about confidence, energy, and of course, drama. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!



*Photography via House Beautiful (all images)