Happy Monday

Did everybody have a marvelous July 4th?!  Hope so.  We actually spent most of the week at the beach.  Believe it or not, the temperatures were milder there than here in Birmingham.

It was a ton of fun hanging out with my husband's extended family.  A grand time was had by all.  The below picture was taken at the Seaside July 4th parade.  See the water balloons?   My children preceded to throw these at parade floats (mainly those floats sporting massive water guns).  Only at the beach at 8:00 AM in the morning no less!  The hostess for our spot was wielding a water hose for any outrageous water attacks during the parade.  I find the whole thing totally hilarious.  

This is a sweet friend (on left) of my sister-in-law (on right) who invited our crowd to the best spot for watching the parade.

One of the highlights of our trip this year was the "all boys" deep sea fishing trip.

I know you're wondering why that's a highlight for me?

Yes, they are kissing the bait for luck!! I say - for Yuck! 

Well, one really good reason . . .

The freshest fish you have EVER tasted.

We ate our weight in grilled grouper the following night and had lots left over to bring home.

When we got back in town, I took a choice piece of the fish, and marinated it very simply (olive oil, garlic and lemon juice) for about 20 minutes.  I started off by browning it on both sides in a cast iron skillet.  Then, I finished it in a 350 degree oven until flaky.  I paired this fish with the most divine succotash recipe from my all time favorite "go to" cookbook for fish (you see that fish dish on the front cover!). . .

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 Mr. Stitt's recipe paired the succotash with flounder.  But, I've served it with an all different kinds of white flaky fish (as well as steaks).  It's always delish.

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What I love most about his book - the recipes are turnkey.  What I mean is (in contrast to many cookbooks from chef's of Stitt's caliber) they will include ingredients that require a separate recipe (like, two tablespoons of the lamb demi-glace - recipe on page 123 which requires cooking all day and also then includes one cup of the "melted onions -  which is a separate recipe on page 24, and on and on).  Not so with Mr. Stitt.  You just make it and it tastes like you are at Highland's Bar and Grill.  Not sure why, but fish just seems perfect for the summer season.

Now, for some interior design news.  I've been totally glued to a fabulous series in blogland called the "One Room Challenge."

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 Several of the ladies in the challenge are on my blogroll, and this is how I discovered the group!  This series, the brain child of the very talented Linda of My Crafty Home Life, is a group of bloggers who have agreed to redesign one space (some are working on a client project while others are working on rooms in their own homes).  The are blogging about the process from start to finish.  They have agreed to post once a week (mainly on Wednesdays) for the next six weeks.  If you have ever undertaken a redesign project, you know that six weeks is not a ton of time.  So, their Wednesday posts are full of details on their progress.  If you have some time, it is worth a read!  Click here as Linda has linked to all the other bloggers participating in the series. 

Hope you have a great start to your week, everybody.  I am well rested and ready to get back to some design work.  M.

Tour an amazing Georgian Revival home...

This home in Somerset Co., NJ is the home of John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross. The gorgeous Georgian Revival is full of interesting furniture, history, and top-notch style.

You can tell the home is full of character just from the outside.

The first of two grand foyers.  "The home was designed in 1929 by prominent NY architect A. Musgrave Hyde as a shared residence for two sisters." - Lonny Mag

I don't think that bed would look bad anywhere.

I love the faux Persian rug in the master bath.  It's water resistant canvas by Dransfield and Ross.  If you're talented with a brush, it could be a rewarding DIY project using a canvas dropcloth.

Does anyone know what that plant is?

 The guest bedroom is bohemian and elegant

Another foyer

What do you think?

Read and see more in the June/July 2012 Lonny Mag.

Happy July 4th - Spread Your Wings

You can not build character and courage by taking away man's

 initiative and independence.  

Abraham Lincoln   

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On this Fourth of July - Here's wishing you can experience true independence from all the things that needle you in life - stress, persecution, judgment, pressure, addiction, work, worries, financial obligations, negative body image, missed opportunities, hunger, sadness, loneliness, loss of a loved one, and bitterness.   May you have a moment of peace on this very significant day in the history of our country.  I hope these beautiful images take you away (if even for a moment) from all your cares. 

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Happy Independence Day.  M.

Celebrating the 4th in style!

This is a guest post I did for my good friends over at Bae - a fab home decor boutique in SF. Visit their blog at Bae Home & Design


You don’t need to clear out your local Hobby Lobby of everything with a star or a stripe this month to give your home or 4th of July celebration a patriotic sparkle, you can show your pride this Independence Day in a less is more approach with style, sophistication, and a little bit of fun.

The opening of The Pledge of Allegiance in a bold modern graphic print is a great way to show some spirit.

via eighteen25 download art here.

What is more decadent than cheesecake? Individual jar servings make it special, strawberries and blueberries make it festive.

via The Tomkat Studio Recipe: My Baking Addiction
 

Show up to the cookout in this chic and pretty sweetheart dress.

Available at Anthropologie.

Bae's SkLo float vessels would look great anywhere in your home or party. Cluster a grouping of them around some candles to create a colorful glow. See more

 

This patriotic throw pillow is so cute you can use it year round.

 Via The Stir, available on Etsy.

You can also decorate with your own accessories. Group together any red, white, and blue items you already have around your home to get that patriotic feel.

Via The Examiner

Have a happy, stylish 4th of July!

Uplifting and functional rooms

This home office is soooo pretty.  I love the muted colors, and the soft pink in the rug, yellow in the curtains, and green accents makes such a happy trio.

Very bright colors are kept to a minimum in this rooms, which keep the rest of the colors from being too busy, but still cheerful.

Another great mix of muted colors.


The 4 images below are all from the same multi-functioning living room, that also serves as a foyer and home office.

Effective layering makes this space look more expensive than it was.

Wood in honey colors keep the space casual, and the art adds a whimsical touch.

LOVE that little console!

Everything has a pretty place to be stowed in the office nook, and an organized space is a happy space!  To read more and see all the pics from this room, click here.

via BHG

Celebrate the Season

When I was a lawyer practicing in Atlanta (which truly seems a life time ago!), there was this wonderfully dapper older partner in my firm who would always say in the most Southern accent you can imagine, "Now remember you need to get your 5th on the 3rd for that big ole party I know you'll be having on the 4th."  It always made me laugh! These days, I think most liquor stores are open on the 4th of July, but I still think it's funny!  

His phrase always pops into my head this time of year and on that note I've decide to show you some yummy libations to consider for your holiday celebration.  Remember, you can make these sans the alcohol if you are so inclined! But either way, a holiday is way more fun if you serve it up with a signature drink.  Here are few that would be fabulous for the 4th.

Basil Blueberry Vodka Soda

recipe

Apple Lime Coolers 

(just as American as Apple Pie) 

recipe here

A Collinzano

(made with the Italian liquor Aperol which I have never tried before, but would love to try!)

recipe here

Cucumber Rosemary Gin and Tonic

Sounds very refreshing and great for sipping in late afternoon, just before dinner.

recipe here

And it just wouldn't  be right (pronounced "rite") for a Southern blogger to do a post on libations and not include an iced tea. 

Summer Tea Cocktail

recipe here

A toast!  To enjoying all Summer has to offer - let's squeeze every single ounce of fun out of it!  Whatta ya say!? M.

Happy Home - Inspiration for Joy

Happy Home is a new book out by Jennifer Paganelli, creator of Sis Boom Fabrics.  You can't help but smile and feel happy when you see her bright, cheerful designs.

Here is the description from Amazon.com, where you can purchase the book.

Jennifer Paganelli designs one of the most popular fabric lines in the marketplace. In this gorgeous collection, she shows readers how to whip up twenty-one beautiful accessories to transform their space into a sunny, happy home. Each project showcases Jennifer's fresh, whimsical style—from luxe drapery to cheery tablecloths and napkins. Featuring simple step-by-step instructions, a comprehensive glossary of techniques, pattern sheets tucked into a handy front pocket, and lush color photos, this book makes it exceptionally easy to pretty up every room in the house. 


 I was lucky enough to review the book, and answer some questions based on my review (my answers are in italic.

 · Is there anything about the book that inspires you? 
The cheerful colors of the fabric!  It's scary to go bold and bright, and while Jennifer goes all out, she demonstrates ways to also inject it through smaller projects - like pillows, and smaller decorations.

 · Have you used fabric designed by Jennifer Paganelli (SisBoom) in home décor projects? 
I haven't - but after seeing her fabric, will definitely consider them for my next project.

Here are some I have my eye on right now, for either my bedroom curtains or a set of cloth napkins:

From the West Indies collection - this plum would look gorgeous next to the pale gray walls in my bedroom.

I also love chartreuse with light gray - so if I do a single panel roll-up shade this geometric from the Poodle collection would look good.

   

The print above (To St. Croix collection) and the print below (Honey Child collection) would both make for some fun cloth napkins.

 · When you look at the projects in the book, who comes to mind? Who would you like to make them for? 
 Children.  I don't have any children yet, but when and if I'm blessed enough to have them I want them to grow up in a home that with the aesthetic theme of joy and play than perfection.  I would make some of these projects from Happy Home for various people - for example:

The market tote, featured which I LOVE - I would make for my mother.  I also think they would make fantastic bridesmaid's gifts!

The party banner would be beautiful in a baby nursery, or used for children's parties.  I could see this being a great piece to pass down and be used by family through generations.

These pillows would be wonderful for anyone's bed - grown up or child.  In blues and greens for a boy would be great, and in the pinks for a girl would be great.  It would be a wonderful message for a kid to wake up or fall asleep to.

 · Does your experience and expertise as a design and home décor blogger make you look at the book differently?

Yes, because it allows you to create the decor and accessories seen in the book, as opposed to showing you a wonderful space, but when where you have to buy items to achieve the look.  When you handmake something, it automatically has more meaning, and is more likely to be special to you for a longer period of time.

How wonderful would it be to give this adorable pom-pom pillow to your daughter who is leaving home for the first time to go off to college?

These projects can also save you money when organizing.  Stylish organization tools are always pricey - but check out the boxes below:

They are so pretty!

All of the projects in the book come with a list of supplies needed, a pattern layout, and step by step instructions.  Their is also a great section in the back listing resources for sewing and related supplies.

I am in the process of teaching myself how to sew, and I'll share any creations I make out of this book.

A great resource if you'd like to learn to sew is the book:

Sewing Made Simple by Tessa Evelegh  (This book is a work of art in itself, with gorgeous photographs and beautiful projects.)

Do you feel inspired to make anything happy for your home now?


*disclosure: I received "Happy Home" and "Sewing Made Simple" as samples