Find of the Day - Vintage Horn Box

I picked up this small horn box from one of my new favorite online sources for unique, affordable, vintage finds . . .

And here's where it landed.

The source for this little jewel.

How cute is that card they included in the box?!  Minty is a brand new shop - the brain child of three very fun, seasoned bloggers in Atlanta who know a thing or two about interior design.

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They have such a nice mix of interesting vintage accessories.  It's totally worth a look see.  If you have a minute to peruse, here's the link.

shop now

PS: And if just need someone to give a gift to, I'm happy to email you my address. M.

My latest crush: Blackband Home & Design. One FAB porthole mirror, and a little peek at my apartment..

I'm giddy today as I am sharing with you the newest addition to casa de Ashley, the gorgeous Porthole Mirror. Convex and framed out with a painstakingly detailed antique gold finish, the mirror was inspired by an antique discovered by the brilliant minds over at Blackband, so the piece is truly a very special replica. The gold is a perfect compliment to my robin's egg blue walls.

*Swoon! I love it!

It really turned out to be a perfect addition to my space - I couldn't be happier.

A close up of the detailing that went into getting the perfect patina.

I thought the cloche bell jar was a nice complement to the convex surface of the mirror.

I found an abandoned robin's egg, so I emptied it and brought it home to see if I could find a place for it in my apartment.  I also had some feathers from our guinea fowl, so I strung them both up in the cloche as an objet d'art.  What do you think?

Getting back to Blackband, here's a little bit more about them:

"Wendy Blackband, co-owner of Blackband Design, is one of Southern California's most sought-after designers; known for her eclectic take on coastal elegance. A California native, Wendy grew up on Balboa Island and has traveled and lived in Africa, Spain, Australia and South America. Her style inspiration has been influenced by vibrant colors and foreign cultures that punctuate her fresh and
distinctive "Coastal Bohemian" look. 

Blackband Design enjoys a well-deserved reputation for fair pricing, exceptional client service, and a personalized approach for every project, regardless of scope."

Here are a few more goodies from Blackband's online store that I have my eye on:

 Vintage wine jugs.

 Red coral (this would also look great with my light blue walls)

 White and blue lamp.  Love it.

Blackband also does interior design and showcasing.

This might possibly be my dream bed.


Want to see more? Go to Blackband Design to shop online and see more of their work.


 disclosure*: I received the mirror as a sample from Blackband Design

Announcing the winner of the Crash Soy Candle!

 And the winner of the Crash Soy candle is commenter #3 -emcSquared! Congrats! emcSquared please contact me at ashley[at]decorologyblog[dot]com with your shipping address, and I'll ship out your candle ASAP! Thanks everyone for entering!

Study Club

Over the past couple of years, I've been getting together with a few girlfriends on random Friday afternoons here and there.  We don't have a set schedule, just when we can all fit it into our week.  What do we study, you ask?
Well, life, I guess.

We chat about our families, share thoughts and ideas on our children and their activities, have a cocktail or two, and eat some yummy food.  It is such a highlight for me.  I know it sounds crazy, but these study club friends have changed the way I think about life.  

  

So, we had our year end finale a couple of weeks ago at my house.  These girls are so easy to please and will try anything you throw at them!  I decided to do "one bite" appetizers this go around.   

The Menu

These are so simple to make.  The trick is to cook your bacon on a cookie sheet in the oven (350 for 20 minutes) so that it's crisp and super flat.

I also used a homemade dressing on the french baguette - just to make them more interesting.  If you are inclined, you could also add avocado.

 

I grabbed a recipe off the Internet for the soup and made it a day ahead so the favors would marry and be super chilly.  Also, to make assembly even faster, I had my fish monger steam the pre-peeled shrimp for me in Ole Bay Seasonings.  They were a bit more expensive, but I only needed 16 of them so it was worth it.

 

This was the easiest "one bite" I made - grape tomatoes sliced in half, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a fresh basil leaf.

I then topped the whole thing off with a balsamic glaze (you can find it at almost any grocery store these days).  The glaze is thicker and richer than a balsamic vinegar and does not make the the tomatoes release their juices so your plate stays pretty.

These were my favorite, hands down.

The trick here is to use pre-made shredded pork and the bagged cole slaw with your favorite blue cheese dressing.  I also splurged on pre-made gourmet angel biscuits that I popped in the oven to reheat. 

There was only one of these left at the end of the party and my cute hubby came in and whisked it away!

(after all, I am in the South)

OK, I know this picture makes the desserts look green (bad choice of platter color on my part).  They are not green (I promise), rather a creamy wonderful vanilla color!

Sshhh, don't tell anyone, I made these desserts in votive candle holders.  Smaller servings are great way to make a heavy, decadent dessert, more appropriate for the summer.

 

I think this is a wonderful alternative to soda and you can make a ton of lemonade with just one bag of lemons - crazy how much it will make!

I added a splash of lavender infused vodka, for those in mood for a libation!

I saw this mason jar idea on Pinterest and just had to try it.

Now, I challenge you to come up with a fun group of girls and host a "study club."
You'll be surprised how much fun it can be!  Hope your week is going great so far. M.

A Toast!

After my longest break ever from blogging, I'm rested and full of anticipation for a fantastic summer.  So, let's all raise our glasses to Summer.  Here's to . . .

Hosting More Parties

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Whether it's pre-dinner cocktails, a casual cookout in the back yard with neighbors, or dessert at our place after a dinner out.

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The more parties you host, the more comfortable you become having spur of the moment get togethers.  And these are always the most interesting of parties.

Trying Something New

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Oh the possibilities are endless . . . food, fashion, interior designer, outings, activities - you name it!

I adore this amazing maxi dress with a halter top - that would be new for me.

Should be fun to come up with something totally different!  Like maybe painting a room black?!  Who's in?

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Doing Something Thoughtful For Someone

You don't have to make it elaborate, just thoughtful.  I promise the person will be more appreciative than you will ever know.

Even if it's a small as taking the time to tell someone that you think about them - do it!!

 

Getting Outside More

Whether it's a glass of wine in the late afternoon when you get home from work, a leisurely walk, even watching the sun set on a summer evening, make an effort to take it in.

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Thinking Red, White and Blue
Summer is the perfect time of year, to consider a patriotic nod to our country.  Do it in style!

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So glad to be back online.

 Let's see what we can get into this summer, shall we?! M.

Awesome deals on some mid-century mod. pieces

I can't decide if I want a glass console or coffee table. This furniture is great for keeping an open feel to a room, because since you can see through them they don't take up much visual weight.

$285 for the console

only $295 for the coffee table - can't really beat that.

and only $139 for the nesting tables - I'm trying to decide if I want to go with two small tables, like the nesting tables, to serve as a coffee table in my living room, or the clear coffee table...hmmm... Anyway, if you want to snatch up one of these great deals, it's on sale at HauteLook (but only for the next two days or so!)