My Powerball Dream House

It was so fun to sit around and dream with my kids on what we would do with all the money if we were to win the Powerball Lottery. When I came by this home, this was it, this would have been my purchase for a cool 70 million dollars, along with my childrens robot and limo rides to school (Ha)! I had to share this beautiful oasis! Can I find just a small slice of this in Seattle.....






http://www.frontdoor.com/buy/tour-jennifer-anistons-beverly-hills-home-for-sale/pictures/pg114

50 Gorgeous Design Gifts under $50

http://www.casasugar.com/Holiday-Gifts-Under-50-Home-25879152
50 Great Design Gifts under $50

Words for the Weekend

I have to say that some of my favorite quotes are from Dr. Seuss. Here are a couple of words to live by...

Happy Weekend!

 

Chic White Wall Rooms

Its been awhile since I posted. Finally the kiddos are in school and settled and I am back to my projects. I am picking a new color for my living room re-Design. White walls have been something I have always wanted to try. They are an easy, inexpensive way to create a chic space. White walls can make a room look cold and stark especially here in Seattle. I want to make sure when decorating to add some warmth. This can be achieved adding texture such as a cozy throw, a soft or Sea grass rug (as above), velvet panels or pillows and warm woods. Also, adding a pop of color helps too!

Photos: Elle Decor, Home and Family.

Luxurious Lacquered Walls

I have been starting to do some research for re-designing my living room. I want to something different with the wall that my fireplace is on.  I love anything lacquer, smooth and shiny. Lacquered walls add a glamorous touch to any room. Lacquer can be expensive and it can be tedious, however, you can get the same look with high gloss paint. I think it looks great in darker colors but it looks great in white too.( below) It can also add a mirror effect to smaller rooms. This can be a great project for those of us who want to add another layer of texture to a room.

Images: House Beatuful, Pinterest, Daun Curry

Living room Make Over

ource: sadieandstella.blogspot.com via Chardon on Pinterest

So I know its been a few days since I have posted. I have been busy with getting the kiddos ready for school and wrapping up my bachelor pad Re-Design project. Since I will have more time on my hands, its the perfect timing for me to start re-designing my own living room. Here are a couple of living rooms I pinned on Pinterest that I LOVE. Great inspiration! I also started a Olioboard as well. (Below)

Source: mydesignchic.com via Chardon on Pinterest

Local Spirits- Seattle's Ebb & Flow Vodka

I know its been a couple weeks since I last posted. It's been a very busy summer around here! Anyway,  we just got back into town and I went to this fabulous Magnolia Housewives Party.  They were serving some great cocktails all made with locally crafted spirits called Ebb and Flow, distilled right here in Seattle by Sound Spirits, located right here in own neighborhood. I tried their Vodka and "Vow of Silence Herbal Liqueur"  truly soo smooth. They make craft spirits one batch at a time and offer vodka, two types of gins and liqueurs as well. You can swing by the tasting room located at 1630 15th Ave W. or go to the link for more info: http://www.drinksoundspirits.com/

Love the bottles

The Vow of Silence Cocktail

                                               

Fun Quote

I found this quote on Pinterest..........Cute!

Decorating with Succulents in Seattle

I just started working on my outdoor table centerpiece. I decided on using succulents. I have been noticing all the gorgeous arrangements lately in stores and magazines.  Succulents are great for those of us that are lacking a green thumb. They do well outdoors in Seattle in the summer and can be brought indoors when the temperature drops. They can be displayed year around and have lots of form, texture, and color. They need to be planted in a well drained container and keep their roots more dry than wet. I will post my arrangement later in the week but here is some great ideas!

project where they are built into a table

used in a wreath

love the contrast with the mercury glass

love the textures

beautiful with the white

outdoors

perfect indoor arrangement

 photo credits: casa sugar, sunset, decorista

Happy Fourth of July from Seattle

Happy Fourth of July

Have a fun and safe holiday!

Fourth of July- Cute Snack with Redvines

I was looking for some fun ideas to bring to a BBQ on the Fourth of July. I came across this cute simple idea. The link is below:

http://roomtoinspire.blogspot.com/2010/07/redvines-for-all.html

DIY Project: Chalk Board Paint Ideas

Chalk Board paint is easy, fun and practical. Perfect for a DIY project. It is such an easy way to make many surfaces into a slate. It comes in many colors as well. You can go to your local hardware store and usually find chalkboard paint as well as Benjamin Moore and Home Depot. Here are a few projects, including my own DIY chalk board project I did, that we keep in the kitchen area.

Use in your office and make a calender

Paint a dresser in a childs room

Paint a dining room table for fun

Paint a platter

Small platter  used for a menu

Black at Benjamin Moore

Available at Home Depot in 12 Colors

My own DIY project. Using a old mirror frame and painting the back board.

Words for the Weekend

Source: stayathomesusie.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Bachelor Pad Re-Design Update

So it has been awhile since my last Bachelor Pad update.We had a very productive last couple weeks.
We picked the paint color and had it painted. We also picked the carpet and had it installed. Yea! Last weekend we went shopping for a sectional and accessories at Crate and Barrel. Here are some pics of some of the items we picked out!

We went with Forte Abbey Gray by Ralph Lauren, the one on the right. Gorgeous color!

Crate and Barrel mirrors for dining room

Crate and Barrel mirrors for entry

Great side table

So the sectional still needs to be picked. We are looking a getting window coverings as well. We are getting closer and closer to the reveal......

Dress for Success Benefit in Seattle

This is a great charity and sounds like a wonderful event happening June 28th, downtown Seattle at the Alexis hotel.

Weekend Recipe: Frogmore Stew

Last night I hosted book club. I wanted a a beachy southern dinner to go with the theme of the book we  read. Frogmore Stew was mentioned in the book, so I found this great recipe on allrecipe.com. The link is below. It was super easy, feeds a crowd and was delicious. I highly recommend this dish!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/frogmore-stew/

Lazy days of Summer

So one down one to go. My older son's last day of school was yesterday! One more week for number two. I am so looking forward to our lazy summer days ahead. I have to say I won't miss the hurried mornings. I cant wait to relax and drink my coffee in the mornings, go to the pool, drink lemonade, and have BBQ's ! Are you looking forward to summer and how do you spend it?

Happy Friday! Rasberry Basil Mojito

 This drink seems yummy and I am putting it on my list to try! There is also a recipe for a pitcher, so you can make it for a BBQ! Have a great weekend!

                                        http://aspicyperspective.com/2012/04/pitcher-of-mojitos.html

Spring Trend Alert 2012, The Chambray Shirt

Urban Outfitters, My favorite!

The chambray shirt has always been a classic but I noticed that is a huge trend this spring. It is the perfect must have, summer staple for our Seattle summers. The chambray shirt has come so far. They aren't like the old thick, boxy ones. They come thinner, more tailored and come in so many cute styles. I may need more than one! Personally, I like it paired with white denim and a large jeweled necklace. I would also pair it with black jeggings, and super trendy, neon! This trend is so popular some high end designers have paired them with sequined skirts and come out with dresses. Here are a few options:

Old Navy

Nordstrom

Throw over a bathing suit

Dress by Isabel Marant

J Crew with neon

Best with large jeweled necklace

Blake Lively pairs it with a sequined skirt