July 8th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette inspired by faded hydrangea / And benjamin moore announces the winning 20 towns from their main street matters contest

Some hydrangeas are so vibrant in color and others are very pale, washed out blues and lavenders, which is what has inspired our color palette this week. We scatter ashes from our fireplace around the soil of our hydrandreas to change the PH balance and the color to more of a blue.  But most all of your questions about planting and growing hydrangea can be answered on the United States National Arboretum webpage. Above we selected Benjamin Paint colors for our palette that you can use as a guide. And speaking of Benjamin Moore, today they announced their 20 … Read more

July 5th, 2013 No Comments

made in america- find out what companies make their products in the usa

There are several sites out there that are selling Made in America products, but one site in particular we found is www.stillmadeinusa.com. This site is a directory  of companies (not just products) by categories. For instance did you know appliance company Dacor still makes all their products in the USA?  Or that retro looking refrigerator on Rachael Ray’s set kitchen is from the company Big Chill, in Boulder, Colorado? There are large companies and small artisan companies- we could search this site for hours!

July 4th, 2013 No Comments

a favorite recipe for the 4th of july from our facebook winner, marg h. of missouri

Thank you everyone for sending in your favorite recipes for the 4th of July! We wanted to try and find something a bit different for you all. Marg from Missouri sent in a cocktail recipe that she says is sure to please! She found the recipe on the blog, A Cup of Mai (which they adapted from Southern Living) and it’s a raspberry beer cocktail. She says it’s sure to make everyone at your party happy with “beer” for the men and and a pretty red cocktail for the ladies! ( See recipe below) For red and white striped straws … Read more

July 3rd, 2013 No Comments

from engagement photos to wedding photos la de da photography is capturing the bride and groom’s true style

When considering your wedding photography, don’t forget about your engagement photos. You may want to have the same photographer do both. And while the photographer works with you to do your engagement photos they’ll get to know you a bit more so that on the wedding day you’ll feel much more comfortable and the photographer with you. You feeling at ease around your photographer can help them capture those emotional moments that you want to remember the rest of your lives. Melissa Mlejnik of La De Da Photography loves casual shots, nothing too contrived. She loves capturing everything natural … Read more

July 2nd, 2013 No Comments

paper and polka dots can add a lot of fun to your 4th of july decor- try these simple ideas

Adding red, white and blue in a few unexpected ways can really bring in a more festive feel to your 4th of July celebration. Red, white and blue ribbons to hang lanterns is a great idea (notice these ribbons are polka dot). You could also hang paper stars in different sizes from the ribbons or paper lanterns. Varying the height and size of the stars or lanterns could also add more visual interest. Jamali Garden has sest of 4 white mini lanterns for $15. We see a lot of stars and stripes for the 4th, so adding in polka dots is … Read more

July 1st, 2013 No Comments

all american color palette- red, white & blue

As we celebrate our nation this week with the 4th of July, the color palette of red, white and blue can conjour up a lot of different emotions for many of us. Most of us associate it immediately with our flag and others as a classic, maybe even a country (as in rural) association. Others may associate it with our military. Charity Navigator guides you through the best charities for our heroes. So if you have been meaning to support your police, firemen or veterans this may be the week to search out either a local or national charity. Read more

June 28th, 2013 No Comments

orange sherbet punch, perfect for a hot summer day!

While looking for a sherbet punch recipe I came across this creative site called eighteen25. Created by three sisters born and living in Vegas, their name came about from the numbers hammered to their mailbox at the home where they grew up. They shared a simple punch recipe, that uses vanilla ice cream, orange sherbet, orange juice and ginger ale. For the complete post and recipe directions here is the link. I love this because both kids and adults can enjoy this summer treat. With 11 kids between the sisters they certainly know how to keep everyone cool and … Read more

June 27th, 2013 No Comments

kitchen cabinets don’t have to be white, we’re loving this gray kitchen with orange accessories!

They say if you are in the market to sell your home, that to appeal to the most people you should keep your kitchen neutral. Well, that is true, but grays are a great neutral too. If your home has a cohesive color palette and design the overall impact can be emotionally pleasing to a buyer even if it might not be their exact taste. Deciding on kitchen cabinets, which is a big expense, can be stressful. Even though this cabinet color may be a bit unexpected, the designer used a classic marble countertop and a nice simplified door style. … Read more

June 26th, 2013 1 Comment

an elegant southern wedding: kaminer haislip to matthew quinn, charleston, south carolina

A few months ago I introduced you to silversmith Kaminer Haislip. (read the full post here) She designs the most beautiful pieces so it’s no surprise that her wedding was elegant and sophisticated too. Kaminer and her husband, Matthew were married in the month of September in Charleston, South Carolina, so a color palette of gray, orange, creamy whites and blues was just perfect. (see our color palette this week that we introduced on Monday for your color guide) They were married at First Scots Presbyterian Church and held their reception at the William Aiken House … Read more

June 25th, 2013 1 Comment

fashion illustrations on your table? yes! a daughter breathes new life into her mother’s passion in a very unexpected way

Liz Glasgow, daughter of fashion illustrator Hilda Glasgow was admiring her mother’s illustrations one day. After her mothers passing at age 91, Liz kept the illustrations all together in a white cabinet which she had moved to her Long Island home. Her mother was one of the top fashion illustrators from 1940-1970 for the likes of everyone from Vogue to Glamour to Saks Fifth Avenue. “The idea that people should enjoy Mom’s drawings again came to me out of the blue in June 2010. Her drawings had always been stored in the white cabinet in our (Manhattan) apartment. She … Read more