Archive for June, 2013

June 14th, 2013 No Comments

chocolate chip cheesecake

I worked at a little jazz club one summer when I was in college. When we went in early for staff dinner the owner, who was the chef, always had chocolate chip cheesecakes cooling on the racks and we could eat warm slices before we opened the doors. I keep thinking about this cheesecake and wish I had asked for the recipe! But I found a recipe that looks similar and I thought I’d share it with you today. It’s great to make ahead if you are having weekend guests- it’s 30 minutes prep time, one hour bake time … Read more

June 13th, 2013 No Comments

interiors: duravit introduces a wireless Sound System to their new bathroom series, combining luxury, style and sound

At the recent International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) show in NYC,  I made sure to stop at the Duravit booth. I love their design and quality. I love it so much I have a Duravit cabinet and sink in my own master bathroom (which was featured as “Bath of the Month” in House Beautiful’s November 2012 issue). Duravit had several new introductions at this show. One was really great for the music lover- their LED mirrored cabinets now have a Sound System option. Wireless speakers are tucked discreetly within the furniture cabinet. This system has been specially tailored to a bathroom’s … Read more

June 12th, 2013 1 Comment

weddings: a rustic, candlelit wedding in alaska

I showed you the canned salmon favors from this wedding the other week and thought I should share more from this wedding in Alaska with you especially since it’s primarily a white, cream and brown color palette (this week’s palette). Originally shot for Martha Stewart Weddings by Rick Lew and styled by me, this wedding was casual and inspired by the regional beauty. I hope you can draw some ideas and inspiration from these images! (Please remember though the photos are from my portfolio and if you pin the images they should be credited to Martha Stewart Weddings and photographer … Read more

June 11th, 2013 No Comments

tabletop: scrabble alphabet “place cards”

On a recent weekend I hosted guests I used wood scrabble pieces as place cards. The family I hosted also had two young boys, so these were great for both adults and children. I spread the pieces out on the table for the kids to spell out the names themselves. It involved them in the table setting and it was just a fun idea for a casual table setting. I found these alphabet pieces through Save On Crafts– 60 pieces for $3.99. I purchased five sets to make sure I had enough letters for everyone’s name. You could also … Read more

June 10th, 2013 No Comments

kitchens & baths: a neutral color palette and brass accents create a timeless style

Your kitchen and your bathrooms usually get the most return when renovating your home. It’s hard to know where to start when renovating your kitchen. But if you are planning to sell your home anytime in the near future you might want to consider a classic neutral color palette for your cabinets and countertops. Above, the kitchen has dark counters, while below the bath shows a neutral cream counter, showing you how both can be classic in style.  I mentioned before in our post “6 emerging kitchen trends” that brass was becoming more popular again for kitchen hardware. Now … Read more

June 7th, 2013 No Comments

summer cocktails from creative loafing…a pink heelsplitter anyone?

Creative Loafing based in Charlotte, North Carolina has a nice round-up of summer cocktails to give you several fresh new ideas for your bar. How about a hot Pink Heelsplitter? or a Queen 2 Bee? I bet you never thought of some of these ingredients to mix your drinks…beet and chard syrup, rhubarb bitters or blueberry mustard! (follow the Creative Loafing link above for the full story)

June 6th, 2013 No Comments

interiors: this week’s color palette used in big splashes and small accents

Sometimes there’s nothing better than just looking at inspirational photos to get ideas for your own home. A hot pink might be too much for your walls, but a sofa makes a big splash. Paired with shades of pink, coral and yellow pillows it brings this white room to life. (notice the gray stained beams.. part of our color palette this week with the pinks and yellows) Slip covers for you sofa are a great idea if you don’t want to invest in an expensive sofa in such a bold color. Below, sometimes just adding a bright comforter to a … Read more

June 5th, 2013 No Comments

weddings: something special, banquet atelier & workshop has a beautiful guest “book” print

At the recent National Stationery Show in NYC that we attended we met with Sarah Edmonds, Creative Director and her partner Tammy Lawrence of Banquet Atelier & Workshop. We love their nature inspired screen printed limited edition prints and stationery… especially the whale! (see below) But most of all we love their Special Occasion Guest Book Print, unframed for $36. This is a unique way to remember your wedding day or anniversary party or even a milestone birthday. A guest book will sit on a shelf or in a box somewhere but something like this that you can … Read more

June 4th, 2013 No Comments

our father’s day gift guide: 10 great gift ideas!

Father’s Day is fast approaching, it’s Sunday, June 16th! We thought we’d put a gift guide together for you in case you are stumped on what to get Dad. Here are a few suggestions that we’re loving right now: For the adventurous dad, how about surf or kiteboarding lessons from Main Beach Surf and Sport in the Hamptons. Dad can learn a new sport or the whole family can spend the day learning together. The Salted Caramel’s Big Top Sampler is perfect for the dad with a sweet tooth. Flavors like bacon bourbon caramel corn or salted bourbon caramel marshmallows … Read more

June 3rd, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: spring pinks with bright yellow, gray and green

The roses are in bloom now as well as the cosmos and geraniums, each one with their own shade of pink…the geranium being a bit more coral in color. The bright yellow, the greens of the stems and leaves and the gray background all can act as pops of accent color or in the case of the gray, a grounding color for floors or your furniture palette. I have maple floors in my own home that are pre-stained a gray, so it is possible to have a gray floor apart from the obvious rugs. Benjamin Moore paint colors guide … Read more