Wednesday, May 30, 2012

give green a chance

What a great time of year in Ohio with all of the trees in their full green glory!
Celebrate bright emerald green by adding a splash in your home.







click on links below 

1.  Coat Rack Large Six Arm, RoomandBoard
2.  Goddess Chandelier, Currey & Co.
3.  Green and Natural Zebra Pillow, Jonathan Adler
4.  Cruz Chaise, RoomandBoard
5.  Billy Bookcase, Ikea
6.  Slim Round End Table, RoomandBoard
7.  Tube Top Small Table Lamp, RoomandBoard
8.  Chiesa Green by Suzanne Sharp Wool Rug, The Rug Company
9.  Ming Green Side Chair, Crate&Barrell



Monday, May 28, 2012

blossom time

My husband + daughter at the Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Parade 5 years ago.
 One of my all-time favorite photos.
2007


Friday, May 25, 2012

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

neon tape

Get creative with colored tape.
Why not add a little splash of color to hang up postcards, photos, art?
Who knew tape could work as decor!

http://laurejoliet.com/blog/



http://scraphacker.com/

 http://www.vtwonen.nl/
Neon Tape, Container Store


Monday, May 21, 2012

dipped decor

Check out this new trend to give any object a new fresh look - dip it!
For do-it-yourselfers this can be easy, all you need is a little paint.
For those of you who like to purchase rather than create, there are great pieces to buy. 

frenchbydesign.blogspot.com


do it yourself directions: HouseandHold.com

Windsor Love Seat, Anthropologie

Dipped Side Table, West Elm

do it yourself directions: thesweetbeastblog.com

Splash Coat Rack, Blu Dot






Wednesday, May 16, 2012

fashion lookbook: go tribal


This colorful patterned top from Anthropologie along with jewelry from 
On the Lookout, a newly launched line designed locally, inspired this tribal theme.  
I think a look is more individual and wearable when it's mixed 
with simple pieces so it's not overdone.  Pattern, beading, fringe, geometric shapes - paired with solid pieces, keeps it from being to too much.
The shirt is a spurge at $158, but everything else shown is under $100 or even $50.




10

1.  Tarnish Natural Fedora, Nordstrom
2.  The One Necklaces, On the Lookout
3.  Take Flight Pendant Necklace, On the Lookout
4.  Shivali Dolman, Anthropologie
5.  Deena & Ozzy Shredded Square Scarf, Urban Outfitters
6.  Studded Fringe Hobo Bag, Forever 21
7.  3" Chino Short, JCrew
8.  Surf Bracelet, On the Lookout
9.  Steve Madden 'Pharroh' Sandal, Nordstrom
10.  New Moon Necklace, On the Lookout

Monday, May 14, 2012

Quinoa Salad with Black Beans, Avocado and Cumin-Lime Dressing


I always find great recipes on pinterest.
This one was such a hit at my last book club gathering - 
my friends were going back for seconds and thirds!


Quinoa Salad with Black Beans, Avocado + Cumin-Lime Dressing
serves 4-6
(I changed a few details to adjust to my taste)

Ingredients
1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
1 t olive oil
1 3/4 cup water
1 can black beans, drained + rinsed
1 avocado, chopped into chunks, mix with juice of 1 lime
handful cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 small garlic, minced
1 red pepper, chopped
handful of cilantro, diced
1 lime, juiced
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 T olive oil
 kosher salt to taste
Directions
Warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. 
Once it’s hot add the rinsed quinoa and toast for about 2-3 minutes until it starts smelling nutty and lovely. 
Add water, stir once, cover, and simmer with a lid on for 20 minutes.
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare all other ingredients. 
Prepare the dressing by combining the lime juice, oil, cumin, and salt. 
Whisk it aggressively. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
When the quinoa has finished cooking, remove it from heat and fluff with a fork. Add black beans and toss to warm them through.
Let the quinoa cool for about five minutes and then add all the remaining ingredients, including the dressing, and mix. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with tortilla chips and a refreshing, cold beer.

Friday, May 11, 2012

mother's day

 Happy Mother's Day.
The holiday takes on a whole new meaning when you're a mom.

Ruby just days old

Big Fun photo booth in Coventry

 This Spring in Florida, Ruby age 7


Me + my mom
Cut in a circle because it was probably framed at one point.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

flowers, fringe + flow: fun with crepe

May is a month of parties - first communions, graduations, 
memorial day and in my family, lots of birthdays!
A stream of tassels, a few pom pom puffs or streamers in bright colors 
can surely add a festive element to any party this season.

1

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3

4

5

6

7

8

1. Tassel Garland, Etsy
2.  Tissue Pom Poms, Pinterest
5.  Paper Lanterns, Martha Stewart
6.  Tissue Garland, Etsy
7.  Tassel Garland, Etsy
8.  Pom Pom Treat Boxes, (similar to) Martha Stewart on Amazon

Monday, May 7, 2012

flowers + fairy gardens

We were inspired by all of the incredible flowers, pots, seeds and even 
the shiny orange cart at Lowe's Greenhouse this weekend.







They carry all of the goodies to supply your very own fairy garden:
mini watering cans, metal benches, bird houses, mini rakes + hoes and so much more.
We ran into a saleswoman who has made them with her daughters,
she shared all of the traditions with us.

My daughter + her friend designed their own - including notes to the fairies.