Travel Radar

I NEED A VACATION.  I mean seriously...

Lately, I've found myself scouring the pages of all my Travel Mags to find the next hottest travel spots.  Usually I'm always searching for the most exotic location possible, which in most cases,  is not at all in my budget.  So, I have to eventually come back down to reality.  I usually don't come back down without a good fight (or a complete headache & blurred vision from researching places at 2am (in bed) on my phone).  I love to dream big when it comes to travel! Over the years I've been able to travel to some pretty amazing places, but it's been a long while since I've had a "big trip" and I'm chomping at the bits to explore.  

Here is the current top "Dream" Tropical Vacay that is keeping me up at night.  

1. Nicaragua:  It's the new Costa Rica, didn't you hear?  I mean I have been eyeing this place for years and now I've found the perfect spot-Aqua Wellness Resort!!!  Check out this place! 

It's a tropical dream... Luxury Tree Houses over looking blue water and a rugged tropical coastline.  Heaven.  It looks like you can get your Zen on and take Yoga classes from some chiseled dude while overlooking the ocean ...or take the more adventurous route & kayak, fish, and explore the nearby cities on day trips.  Give me the beach, a kayak, snorkel gear & monkeys howling in the trees..and I'm SET!  

Check out their website http://aquanicaragua.com and if you get to go before me...then tell them I sent you!  Maybe when I make it there... they will upgrade me to the most luxurious tree house EVER! 

Faith Hill & Tim McGraw's Caribbean Retreat

Last night I was mindlessly browsing through past copies of Architectural Digest. I stumbled upon Faith Hill & Tim McGraw’s Carribean home and I instantly said out loud “No Way!”. Somehow I missed this issue. This house is part of a special memory for me. Last year, my family and I rented a house in the Caribbean. We decided to hire a guide to take us out to explore the island for the day. We approached this beautiful island & our guide said, “Do you listen to country music? This is Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s house.” Here’s a pic from my phone of that exact moment.

As you can imagine…I screamed over the boat engine “Can we SLOW DOWN!” I’ll never forget that moment. I wanted to take in every detail. It was breathtaking. I had so many questions… We were in the middle of NO WHERE. How did they get all of these buildings supplies here? How long did this take to build? Are they home? Haha.. I was imagining how the inside was designed. Even after we were far past the house, I was still thinking of it. The way it set on the island was just perfect. It must have amazing views from every vantage.

Fast forward 6 months & I’m now finally seeing the interiors of the home in the pages of AD. The Caribbean retreat was designed by the amazingly talented, McAlpine House (Bobby McAlpine, Greg Tankersley, and Ray Booth). It WAS Perfect!

The crisp white exterior and interior walls allow your eyes to flow seamlessly between the spaces. The floors help pull your eyes through the space since they are the same stone on both the porches & inside the rooms. I love the layering of white upholstery and white drapery while the rooms are based on vibrant blue patterned rugs. A range of blues and turquoise can be found in the pillows and accessories. The colors are a true reflection of the caribbean water.

The boundaries of design are just different on a remote island. A freestanding tub on an outside porch becomes a perfect location for a bath.

The continuation of the outdoor furniture upholstered in white is so beautiful against the blues and greens of the island. When I look at the ocean in this pic, I want to say “ We were right there in our boat!” So close and yet look at the total privacy created by the way the home sits on the property. Kudos to McAlpine House. From the beautiful lines of the architecture to the jaw dropping interiors, this home is quite spectacular.

Here are a few pics from our amazing vacation. The Exumas are such an indescribable place. In a way, beautiful is just not good enough. The location is very remote, especially if you choose to rent a house. We only saw other people when they passed our house by boat.

This was our private beach. I snorkeled every day for hours around this point. My mom would stand above me on the rocks & look for Sharks! We didn’t see any luckily…but we did see a sea turtle.

Clean white slipcovered sofas with deep blue pillows. The painting of the school of the fish over the dining was so graphic and whimsical.

This was the sofa in the TV room & one of my favorite rooms. It was so cozy. We could all fit on the sofa together. Loved the coral colors…

Great pic of my brother Trey- paddle boarding in front of the house. I was just hanging out in my kayak talking with him, while taking this pic.

My husband, Leighton, was the resident chef. We had amazing food each night. The layout of the kitchen was perfect.

Ryder had so much fun swimming in the ocean! It was his first time being in the crystal clear water and he loved to be able to see his feet in the ocean.

My Mom & Ryder playing in the water. In the background, you can see our guide & the boat. If you are planning to go to the Exumas, you MUST hire Theo Gray and his son Junior to take you out to explore the island. They felt like old friends after the end of our day together. I can’t say enough about their awesome service.

Leighton & Ryder getting up close with the swimming pigs! Crazy to see these huge pigs swimming beside you in the water. They were friendly & were just hoping we had food!

We snorkeled in the thunderball grotto from the James Bond movie. So Cool!

My Dad kept Ryder on the boat to nap while we were snorkeling. No biggie-just an awesome yacht passing by us.

Our new friend, Junior (Theo’s son), jumped in the water from the boat and brought up this HUGE starfish. So cool!

All these memories came back to me, after seeing the spread of Faith Hill & Tim McGraw’s home last night in Architectural Digest. So glad that I stumbled upon the article & so glad that I can remember this special trip with our family.

Exuma… I sure hope I see you again!

Kitchen Envy

Having a hard time matching masculinity with modernity? One of Chicago’s best designers, Summer Thornton, has blown this bachelor pad out of the park. In this project, she showcases a mixture of modern approach to a classic tudor traditional style. We fell in love with the little details that complete this space!

A herringbone pattern draws your eye to these beautiful hardwoods and introduces movement throughout the space. Mix-matched metals with a monochromatic color palette and pops of color definitely add masculinity with a modern touch. Carrying the metal detail to the large windows is a beautiful masculine choice. Hand crafted goods such as these wooden shelves introduce a more traditional feeling and highlight this beautiful La Cornue range.

Great job, Summer Thornton! We really admire this kitchen!

Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrors

We love artistic inspiration! This month’s art spotlight falls on Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The Atlanta High Museum of Art is presenting her exhibit Infinity Mirrors for the remainder of this month through February 17th. She is one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century and her exhibit is full of outstanding installation art. This exhibition is the most comprehensive to visit North America in over twenty years.

This room is titled All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins, and is actually featuring kabocha squash which is a popular ingredient in Japanese cooking.

As interior designers, spacial interaction and a relationship with the built environment are very important to the ambiance of a space. Installation art is the term used to describe artwork located in three-dimensional interior space as the word "install" means putting something inside of something else. Often site-specific, installation art is designed to have a specific relationship with the spacial environment whether temporary or permanent, architectural or conceptual, or social level. It also generates intimacy between itself and the viewer as it exists not as a precious object to be looked at but as a presence within the overall context of its container whether that be a building, museum, or designated room.

This is the Infinity Mirrored Room- The Souls Of Millions Of Lightyears Away.

“One day, after gazing at a pattern of red flowers on the tablecloth, I looked up to see that the ceiling, the windows, and the columns seemed to be plastered with the same red floral pattern. I saw the entire room, my entire body, and the entire universe covered with red flowers, and in that instant my soul was obliterated and I was restored, returned to infinity, to eternal time and absolute space.” –Yayoi Kusama

This is The Obliteration Room.

Artworks are meant to evoke a mood or a feeling, and request a commitment from the viewer. The ideas behind a piece of installation art, and the responses it elicits, tend to be more important than the quality of its medium. Artists like Yayoi Kusama use this genre for its potential to transform the art world by surprising audiences and engaging viewers in new ways. Don't forget to check out this exhibit!

This room is titled Dots Obsession- Love Transformed Into Dots.

Holiday Guift Guide: For the Pet Lovers

This is one of my favorite lists! I am an AVID pet lover. Chloe, our britney spaniel, is our first child and spoiled to the point that it’s almost embarrassing! Her dinner gets heated in the microwave, we change our schedule to make sure she doesn’t get sad being home alone, and she goes with Ryder to stay at my parent’s house each weekday. (For the record: she had worn out her welcome there. After a few recent accidents, she is coming very close to being banned from daycare.) We recently found a tiny kitten (little Ollie) at the front door, crying for food. Ollie is a beautiful black & white kitten. Let’s just say that Ollie hit the Family Lottery when he decided to come to our door crying about 8 weeks ago! He has quickly placed himself in the running for the most spoiled kitty!

Ok, Let’s get this list started! Up first we have the beautiful handpainted ornaments from PAWfect Paintings out of Wisconsin.

Are these not incredible?? These ornaments are one of those gifts that you will treasure each year. PAWfect Paintings also has an amazing gallery of custom pet paintings! Cut off for Christmas is Nov. 25th so order this today if you want to have it under the tree!

Tech savvy pet owners will LOVE the Link AKC smart collar! This collar has a built in GPS with activity monitoring. How cool! This collar even has temperature alerts if your dog’s environment is too hot or too cold! There is also a LED light on the collar to allow your pet to see & be seen. So Awesome!

AKC Smart Collar

Name That Cookie based in Florida makes the BEST cookie & treat cutters for dogs! They have so many breed options and will personalize the name.

These cutters are just the CUTEST & a great price point at $18 each! Homemade treats are so easy to make & it’s so nice to be able to control the ingredients. Name That Cookie for the Win!

This next shop is a recent FIND! Susabellas out of Washington has the most unique gifts for our four legged friends. The have personalized treat jars and bowls, dog food scoops & the best leash holder! Check out our favorites from the shop!

Every dog needs a collar for going out on the town! Usagi Team from San Francisco has cornered the market on the (ever so chic) bow tie collar. Usagi even makes cat sizes, too! They are really affordable- bow ties starting at $15 and the collar at $24.

These Tuxedo Shirt Collars Crack me Up! If you have a special event coming up soon… Your dog needs this to look their BEST! Adorable.

Sundance Catalog

I could go ON and ON with my favorite pet gifts! I’ll finish up with the Colossal Fleece Bone by Sundance. The oversized bone is not only great for a cozy snuggle, but it also has squeaky corners for play time! I think Chloe needs a fleece bone under the tree! I have a sneaky feeling that she just might get it!

Spoil your animals this Holiday Season! They deserve it for giving us so much unconditional LOVE!

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Entertainers & Party Animals

Chambong Mini

Ok…. We are getting to the good stuff! Drumroll……… for the Perfect gifts for all of those friends who throw amazing parties & are the hostess & host with the most!

This is the best! Kuddos to the designer of the Chambong! Think beer bong only classier!! How fun to shoot champagne from a mini chambong, with your favorite appetizers. Love this! I can just see this being the hit of any party. It’s great for cocktails too!

chambong mini

Up next we have the (ever so pretty) Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses! Tequila lovers will go crazy over this unique gift! At $28 for a set of 4, it’s a great gift under $30. Love these!

Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses

I totally know the feeling of having everyone watching as you cut the first piece of cake! It’s usually a big mess & everyone cheers if you don’t screw it up! Magisso Cake Server is here to make us all look good as we serve our prized cakes! It serves the perfect portion of cake without any mess. I’m definitely giving this gift. It’s also a great price at $30.

Magisso Cake Server

Magisso Cake Server

Magisso Cake Server

Anyone who entertains often will get lots of mileage out of a Charcuterie & Cheese Board! This is a great gift. Esty has a few really great workshops that make really beautiful boards. I especially love these Black Walnut boards from Two Plants Woodworking in Washington.

Two Plant Woodworking

Here are a few great images that show how to build a delicious board!

Martha Stewart Weddings

Honestly Yum

Cookbooks are always a great gift! Here are some of our current favorites!

Next we have the Vinturi Wine Aerator! This is an awesome gift for the person that loves a good glass of wine. This aerator is perfect if you are drinking (dare I say it) cheaper wine! The aerator allows is to breathe and most definitely makes for a more pleasing glass. It’s perfect for the person that doesn’t want to wait for their wine to breathe in a more common decanter. I promise you this will make a huge difference! Give it a try. It’s also a great price point (under $30)!

Ok, let’s round out this Boozy list with the Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge. I’m not a whiskey drinker, but this is definitely a great, modern take on chilling it! It’s a very impressive way to serve your guests!

The holidays are almost here! We hope this list of our fave gifts for our Fun & Entertaining friends gives you lots of great shopping ideas!

Holiday Gift Guide: For for the Guys

The Guys! We all know the agony of searching and searching for something unique and interesting for the guys in our life, only to buy them….another shirt! Here we have a little something for all those (hard to buy for) men in your life!

To start it off…Custom Nike Shoes! This has been around for a while but it never gets old. Nike is always updating the styles & options for their custom collection. It’s so fun to go back and forth between different styles and colors. This is one of those gifts where you need to plant the seed early and let them be a part of the designing process. Designing the shoe is so much Fun! Send them to the website-let them pic a few styles and designs they like…then surprise them with a pair. The key on this one is to Hurry! It takes 3-5 weeks to get the shoes back. So if you want them wrapped under the tree, it’s time to order & hope they make it before Santa.

You can change the base color, the swoosh, the laces, and even add your initials. Here’s a pair that I designed with Leighton’s initials.

The options are endless!

For all those DIY guys, here’s a good looking yet tough tool bag. This tool bag by Garrett Wade is made out of buffalo leather and is the perfect size to handle the tools that you find yourself using 90% of the time.

“Tough as Nails” Buffalo Leather Tool Bag

For the man that loves cologne, Scent Bird is the Perfect gift. It’s a monthly subscription for $14.95 per month & you get a new scent (that you pick out) each month. It’s all top of the line- designer cologne & all 100% authentic. They call it dating a scent before you marry it! Ha! What a great idea.

www.scentbird.com

Dopp Kits are always a go to gift… sometimes a little boring…. but not this Camo Dopp Kit by Urban Wrist. Urban Wrist is a company that I’ve been following on Etsy. The company is based in Los Angeles and always has a fresh, current look. This is a good one. Check out the other styles if camo isn’t your thing.

Urban Wrist, Los Angeles

Shwood Eyewear out of Portland has recently introduced their new Camp Collection. I love all of their styles. This new Camp Collection is at a really great price point at around $79 (about 1/2 the price of their other shades), but just as sharp! I really love the wood inlay detail. Every pair is entirely assembled in their shop, in the good ole US of A. These shades are great & a perfect gift! Check out their process on the website: https://shwoodshop.com/pages/our-process

Ok..I love this one. The Ember Ceramic Mug keeps your coffee or tea the perfect temp. Genius. This is really great for the guy that drinks coffee or tea at the office. The coolest feature is the app for your phone or watch. It also comes in white. Even though this is on the guys list, it’s really great for everyone! I’m adding it to my list this year-for sure!

Ember Ceramic “Perfect Temp” Mug

Up next is the Platinum Scratch Map. This gift is perfect for anyone that loves to travel! It’s a great way to see where you have been & most importantly…. where you still want to go. I think everyone has a sense of wanderlust and this map is perfect for avid travelers, as well as beginners. Love This Gift!

For the professional who bounces from meeting to meeting, check out these messenger bags by Ted Baker LONDON. Not only a great look, but a great price at Nordstrom! Both messengers have classic detailing that will work with any outfit.

In our family, a gift from L.L. Bean is always a good thing! These classic boots from L.L. Bean last forever and help us get thru the cold months.

Check out this new style that Bean is making in “small batches” this season! I love this combo of color!

Up next is a unique gift idea! It’s called Masterclass. A group of online classes from the world’s greats! There are so many amazing classes. It’s where Masters of their art share their talents with you in an online course. The masters, in some courses, even give feedback to their students. It’s really cool! A single class is $90 or you can subscribe to every class for a year at $180. This is a great gift for anyone who craves new info, new ideas, and is a constant learner!

We all Love our Swell bottles & this year Swell has a new Cocktail Kit. This is a great gift for your favorite mixologist!

I hope this Holiday Guide: For the Guys helps spark a few new ideas for your favorite fellas! Happy Shopping!

Patriotic Rooms We Love

It’s Voting Day! In honor of this special day, we have our favorite rooms with bold punches of Red, White & Blue.

Architectural Digest

This first statement room is from the Florida home of Alex Rodriguez. I love the cotton velvet sofas & how the Bold red art reflects in the mirrored coffee table. The lines are so clean but the space is very powerful. Don’t miss the Milo Baughman chairs covered in white cashmere!

Miles Redd

Miles Redd has written the playbook on the dramatic use of Red, White & Blue. In this stunning foyer, we are immediately drawn to the upholstered doors with nailhead details. Yes, upholstered doors! Amazing. Those doors would last 2 weeks in my house & would probably be filled with sticky handprints (on the lower portion, at least)!

I also love the highly lacquered walls. The color is a perfect shade of blue. It takes guts to agree to this design. I’m sure when Miles Redd is the designer…the Client Listens! What a Stunner!

Miles Redd

I’m crazy over this kid’s room by Miles. Here you see his signature red door! The crown and base moulding are painted in a lacquered blue with a high sheen, as well. The bold mix of patterns make it really fun. I have a feeling that adults (alike) would enjoy some time in this space.

Designer: Lindsey Coral Harper

I’m ALWAYS drawn to this beautiful room by Lindsey Coral Harper. I love the deep red upholstered headboard & the bold design of the red & white roman shades. The lamps are amazing and really soften the space. This is great example of how you can mix different shades & patterns of blue….It really works!

Designer: Kelly McDowell

I just HAD to add this room by Kelly McDowell. I think it comes off as soft & comfortable but it’s comprised of a few bold pieces. I love the mix of pillows & the bold red leather chairs. The leather chairs really pull the look together and give it that extra punch of color. This is a good study in how you can transform a neutral room with 2 chairs and pillow fabrics!

Designer: Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald is one of my (all time) favorite designers! So amazing! Here it’s the subtle touches of red that I’m noticing. It feels very Red, White & Blue…but really it’s a few small things that make a BIG impact! It’s the red of the dress, the red throw, a single red pillow, red apples & a stack of red bound books on the shelf. That’s it!

I’ll round out the Red, White & Blue inspiration with this awesome kid’s room by Suzanne Kasler. I love the multiple twins in one space (which creates a bunk room “feel”). Have you ever thought about the amazing design of the American Flag? I think I sometimes take for granted it’s perfect design. This is a vintage 48 star flag & it’s large scale is just right for this space. It’s a beauty!

Happy Election Day! Get out & VOTE!!

Halloween Favorites from Half Baked Harvest

Half Baked Harvest is one of my all time Favorite food blogs! I look forward to being inspired by the recipes & photography, each week. Tieghan Gerard is the wildly talented chef & author behind the successful cookbook & blog. Check out her site: www.halfbakedharvest.com

Half Baked Harvest, Boo! Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

In honor of Halloween, here are a few of my favorite Half Baked Harvest treats! Starting off with..the Boo! Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. What’s not to love about chocolate & PB! Not only are these bars delicious, they are also EASY to make. Just 6 pantry staples make up this treat!

Half Baked Harvest, Boo! Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

halfbakedharvest.com

Up Next…Half Baked makes an AMAZING Monster Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar. With this recipe, you can use up that left over candy from Halloween! Reese’s Pieces or M&M’s…my favorites.

Half Baked Harvest, Monster Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

You can see the full recipe here: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/monster-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars/

I think you will find these bars so easy to make that you will keep going back to them when you need a sweet treat….even when it’s not Halloween or Fall.

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/monster-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars/

Last but not least….the Insanely Cute (should I be saying “cute” about a spooky Pretzel??), Spooky Halloween Pretzels! Another super EASY Halloween show stopper from Half Baked!

Half Baked Harvest, Spooky Halloween Pretzels

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spooky-halloween-pretzels/

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spooky-halloween-pretzels/

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spooky-halloween-pretzels/

Little kids & Big kids alike…can get excited about making these Spooky Pretzels. Half Baked hits a home run with this one. It’s easy and So Creative! Also, it’s a way to get away with buying Oreos at the store (with slightly less guilt)…it’s for a recipe!

Check out the full step by step here: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spooky-halloween-pretzels/

Hope Everyone has a Happy Halloween with lots of sweet treats! We are headed out to celebrate with family tonight. My little one is going to be a Skunk! Can’t wait!

The Porch is Fall Ready!

I’ve never really been one to obsess over fall decor, but this year I wanted to do something a little special & get my parents’ porch ready for the fall season. Once I found these Bright fuchsia colored mums, I knew I was on the right track! The bright & fresh colored mums and orange pumpkins would be perfect.

For some reason, I’ve always loved the color Orange. This goes all the way back to middle school when I thought orange pleather shorts were cool. If that sounds scary…trust me..It Was! Thankfully, I learned over the years that a little orange goes a long way. Orange & Fuchsia play well together. They are analogous colors on the color wheel. Analogus is just a fancy term that means 3 colors, next to one another on the color wheel, that share a common color.

Here you can see those analogus colors working together!

I’ve pair the mums and pumpkins with a few unusual choices. Since it was such a warm October, I was able to bring out the crotons. Crotons are a tropical plant and normally you find them indoors as house plants. Because it’s been so warm, they are able to make it outside (for now). Their color really helps pull in the green from the boxwoods and the touch of yellow from the mums flanking the door.

Last, but not least, the added texture of the grapevine pumpkins and the heirloom grey pumpkins make for an interesting combo. The dark brown color of the grapevine helps pull in the color of the stained front door. These grapevine pumpkins are easy to find & store well in plastic containers from season to season.

For the front door, I started with a grapevine wreath from my local craft store & added color and more texture. I’m usually not a big fan of artificial flowers but they have come a long way in recent years. (side note: I didn’t take pics of the process of making this wreath because I honestly didn’t even know if I would like it. After I finished it, I was so happy with it that I hated to take it apart to show the process! haha Next time, I’ll do a step by step.)

I started by basing the right side of the wreath with a tall grass. I knew I wanted the wreath to feel heavier on the right side, sometimes perfect symmetry in wreaths is not as interesting, so I wanted to make sure it felt a bit different. After wiring the tall grass in place, I wired two different types of grasses on top. I made sure to stay heavier on the right side with the grasses, but knew that the left side would need the same two grasses but mixed differently. You can see, if you study the pic, that the left side is heavier with the purple tipped grass and just a few sprigs of the more wheat colored pieces. I just needed a few pieces of the wheat color on the left to reinforce that texture.

I found a beautiful colored orange burlap ribbon at Walmart. Yes, Walmart. With the orange ribbon, I just tied a simple bow, wired it into place, and it was done! The overall process took about 25 mins. max. I’m sure it could have been even faster if I didn’t have my 3 year old rolling pumpkins down the porch as I made it! Here are a few out takes of Ryder’s fun. Bashful, the cat, kept her pose perfectly for the photo shoot.

I hope this inspires you to add a bit of bright fall colors to your front door. Happy Fall!

Dark & Stormy Death Punch

Halloween isn’t just for kids anymore. I can’t tell you how much pressure goes into costumes if you decide to accept one of those daunting “Adult Costume Party” invites. I prefer to dress up as Bridget Jones, turn off the porch lights and drink.

I first fell in love with the Dark & Stormy when my family vacationed in Bermuda. It is the Bermudians signature drink and the combination of dark rum and ginger beer make it incredibly refreshing. This version from Food & Wine is playful and boasts “eyeballs” as garnish.

How to Make It:

Step 1

In a small saucepan, bring the lychee syrup and ginger to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover and let steep for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, stuff 16 lychees with brandied cherries. Set each lychee in the cup of a mini muffin pan or in an ice cube tray. Strain the lychee-ginger syrup and pour it over the lychees. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.

Step 3

In a pitcher, stir the sugar into the lime juice until dissolved. Add the rum and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Step 4

Unmold the lychee ice cubes into a small punch bowl. Pour in the lime-rum mixture. Add the ginger beer, stir gently & serve in ice filled glasses.

How Ghoulish is That?! Enjoy!

Inspiring Fall Decor

In honor of Fall, I've gathered the most inspiring & beautiful photos from all of the talented bloggers that I follow each week.  Here are some that I keep going back to for inspiration.

I'm sorry to say that I'm a little late to the game.. for the awesome blog Ella Claire Inspired.   If you haven't heard of it, you should check it out.  This blog has the knack for making spaces look completely beautiful & somehow effortless at the same time.  It's all about layering textures & colors, and Ella Claire Inspired has it down!  These pics are actually from her previous fall posts & I saved them because I love them so much. Her new posts this fall are equally as creative! Check it out.

Up Next is from the blog, French Country Cottage. I’m always drawn to this blog’s beautiful photography. The mantels that I share below are so unique. I love the dried leaf garland and the collection of grapevine pumpkins and fresh greenery.

Talking about a DIY home run, the blog, So Much Better With Age, hit this one Out of The Park! Can you spot the DIY in the picture below? A few of the pumpkins in the pic are actually heirloom pumpkins (harder the find and usually pretty pricey) while the others are painted plastic pumpkins from your local discount store!  Crazy, I know!  I didn't believe it at first ..but the post takes it step by step in creating the look of an heirloom pumpkins with plastic orange pumpkins.  I think I will have to try this one.. I'm impressed!  

Here is an example of the “Before” pumpkin. It’s just an inexpensive plastic pumpkin that you can find at any retailer.

The Before & After...incredible!  Can you spot the real vs. painted pumpkins?  When you blend the two, it's really amazing how they all look Real!  Check out the blog to see the full process. www. somuchbetterwithage.com.  

Here are a few images that I found on Laurey Glenn’s photography website. Absolutely beautiful!

I could go on and on…… I’m working on a few budget friendly tabletop ideas for Thanksgiving. I’ll have those to share very soon!

S'More Please!

A FAVORITE FALL CLASSIC!

It’s that time of year again!

Kids, Candy, Costumes, Horror Movies (They made ANOTHER Halloween movie…Jamie Lee Curtis just doesn’t age apparently). Now that it’s FINALLY fall in Georgia after months upon months of temps in the 90’s, it’s time to break out some fall recipes!

My Favorite adult FUN TREAT around Halloween is the Classic S’more!

Ina Garten has the BEST s’mores recipe because of her Homemade Marshmallows. I know what you are thinking….”who has the time to MAKE marshmallows?!” I promise they are worth the time and energy. By adding coconut, Ina really elevates the classic recipe & makes this sweet treat suitable for a dinner party dessert that is Interactive, Playful & DELISH!

7 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

3 packages unflavored gelatin

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Confectioners’ sugar

Bittersweet chocolate, such as Lindt, broken into squares

Graham crackers, broken in half

Place the coconut in a very large dry saute pan and cook over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing frequently until lightly browned. Set Aside.

Meanwhile, combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup.

Combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat.

With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Sprinkle half the toasted coconut in an 8x12 nonmetal pan. Pour the marshmallow batter and smooth the top of the mixture with damp hands. Sprinkle on the remaining toasted coconut. Allow to dry uncovered at room temperature over night.

Remove the marshmallows from the pan and cut into squares. Roll the sides of each piece carefully in confectioners’ sugar.

For each s’more, thread a marshmallow onto a stick or skewer and toast it over an open flame. Sandwich the cooked marshmallow with a piece of chocolate between 2 halves of a graham cracker.

Enjoy this Amazing Ooey Treat!!

6 Ways to Organize Your Kitchen!

Ahhh the Kitchen!  My favorite room in the house!  I love to cook.  I remember a time when I always looked forward to getting home from work so I could immediately get in the kitchen and start working on dinner!  I just loved chopping vegetables on my board.  It was a huge stress relief!   It was the one way I could finally relax and focus on something other than my hectic job.  Well, now I have a "soon to be" 2 year old climbing thru my legs while I have the knife in my hand (no less), and usually climbing up the oven telling me it's "Hot" as he reaches for the sizzling pan.  Horror!

Let's just say, making dinner is no longer a stress relief.  Actually now that I have a watch that tells me my heart rate, I am definitely sure that cooking now increases my stress level!  At this point, my husband has pretty much taken over the duty and I have become "clean up".  I'm totally ok with it.  He is actually a super talented cook so it's a win-win for me! 

If there is one thing that I have learned from having a busy kitchen, it's that it Better Be Organized or it can get out of hand really fast!  I have always struggled with organization.  It's not my strong suit but I'm learning that it's a real time saver to be organized when you have a busy schedule.

So, let's start with #1.  Pots & Pans Storage

Pots & Pans can quickly become a huge mess if they are not stored well.  Here is on of the easiest & most cost effective ways to store your pans.  It's made by Rubbermaid & sells for around $17 on Amazon.  Rubbermaid also has this stacked version which is also nice.

Rubbermaid Pan Organizer, Titanium

Lid storage is always a problem.  I like the lid storage racks that fit in the cabinet and even the new racks that can be installed to the backside of the cabinet door (Like the Ones Below!).

DecoBros Wall/Cabinet Lid Rack

Here's a lid rack that can fit inside the cabinets.  Less than $9 on Amazon!  Here's the link: Kitchen Bakeware Pot Lid Rack.

Amazon: Kitchen Bakeware Pot Lid Rack

Now...If you are designing a new kitchen, or have the space to retro fit, this next organizing system is Awesome.  It's a 2 tier system & is one of my all time favorites from Rev-A-Shelf.  It's more expensive (coming in a little under $300), but it's great if you have the budget for it & can work it into your space.  

Rev-A-Shelf 2 Tier Pot & Pan Storage

Ok, #2!  Bakeware & Cutting Board

Bakeware always seems a bit harder because those type of dishes can be different depths.  I really like the adjustable bakeware organizers from YouCopia.  Not only is the price right (under $20), but the fact that you can adjust for different thickness is just really practical.  It's a great way to store not only bakeware but also cutting boards.  

YouCopia Bakeware Organizer

YouCopia StoreMore Adjustable Bakeware Rack

Up Next #3.. one of my All Time Favorites..Spice Organizers

Rev-A-Shelf X-Large Wood Spice Drawer Insert

I just LOVE a spice drawer!  It's all there for you to see & you don't have containers falling all over one another in an upper cabinet.  It's great to put this drawer under or beside your cooktop.  This is a great retro fit to add to your existing drawer.  At $40 bucks, I think it's well Worth IT!  Here's the Link: Rev-A-Shelf X-Large Wood Spice Drawer

If you don't have the space for the spice drawer... don't get upset!  At the very least, you can add this great option to your Upper Cabinets for less that $14!  I love this option.. it looks sharp and has a study base. 

Rev-A-Shelf - 4SDI-24 - X-Large Wood Spice Drawer Insert

$40.07

Rev-A-Shelf

InterDesign Linus Spice Rack

InterDesign Linus Spice Rack, Organizer for Kitchen Pantry, Cabinet, Countertops - Large, 3-Tier, Clear

$13.64

InterDesign

#4 Plastic & Glass Storage Containers

Ever wonder what in the heck to do with all the random plastic containers that you use to store all the leftovers??  Shhhhh... don't tell anyone but I need help in this area, too!!  Here are a few ways that look pretty clever! 

HGTV: Plastic Storage

I love how they use the wooden plate rack to hold all the plastic lids.  Here is a great option that I found for under 12 Bucks!  

Wooden Dish & Plate Rack

Here's the Link: Wooden Dish & Plate Rack  

If you have the room in a lower cabinet, this is a super nice upgrade for Plastic & Glass Storage Containers. It's also from Rev-A-Shelf.  Can you tell I love this brand? 

Rev-A-Shelf Food Storage Organizer

Rev-A-Shelf 4FSCO-24SC-1 Food Storage Container Organizer, Natural

$199.92

This beauty is a splurge at around $200.  It has furniture quality dovetail joints, adjustable dividers to accommodate all sizes of lids, and a peg floor design to accommodate various sizes of containers.  If you use glass instead of plastic, this is a great option because the slides support 75 lbs. of weight.  I want this in my next kitchen! 

#5 Under Sink Storage

We recently had a small problem with our drain in the kitchen sink & the plumber came to take a look.  I was so embarrassed to see all the random bottles of cleaners, sprays, and dish washing supplies that came out from that small space.  It was pretty crazy!  I've been eyeing this expandable under sink organizer from The Container Store.  

The Container Store: Expandable Under Sink Organizer

It's really cool how it expands and can fit around pipes and the disposal.  Here is the Link: Container Store: Expandable Under Sink Organizer

There is a quick video that shows how you can switch it up to work in any space.  Simple but effective.  I think it would be a great buy! 

Another great option is the DecoBros Under Sink Sliding Basket

DecoBros: Stackable Under Sink Sliding Basket

It has a great narrow size that will fit anywhere & I really like the lower slide out.  This is a great buy at around $25.  It great for both Kitchens & Bathrooms!  

DecoBros Mesh Cabinet Basket Organizer, Silver (Large - 10 x 15.8 x 7.5)

$24.87

#6 Pantry Storage

I really admire a super organized pantry.  It's not easy to keep all the kitchen dry goods orderly and easily accessible.  Let me just start with a few pics of my dream pantry!  Of course, these are perfectly styled and color coordinated!  I'm sure that's why I love them so...

The Container Store: Elfa Walk-In Pantry

The Container Store: Elfa Walk-In Pantry

I've used woven baskets in the pantry for storage, in the past.  It looks great but I've decided that it's not very practical.  I can't SEE what's in the basket!  So, inevitably, I end up either not using it or buying things that I already have because I can't see that I have them!! 

I've decided that clear/mesh type storage containers are the way to go.  It just makes sense and allows you to see everything while keeping common products together.  Here is another great visual for the see-thru storage container.

Pantry Starter Kit: The Container Store

OXO Good Grips is one of the best products out there for food storage.  They keep food fresh for so much longer than standard plastic bins & it's nice to see how much you have left with a quick peek inside the pantry before you head to the grocery store! You can buy them individually or in a 10 Piece Set like the one below.  Here's the Link: OXO Good Grips Set

OXO 10-Piece Good Grips Pop Containers Set

$99.95OXO

For the mesh metal storage containers, I love the Omaha Steel Mesh Containers from the Container Store. They range in price from between $9-$16 each.  

 Hope these 6 tips help make your kitchen super organized!  I think I'll spend some time this weekend re-organizing my own kitchen.  

Favorite Celebrity Homes

Do you ever slow down in a beautiful neighborhood to see if you can sneak a peek inside your favorite houses?  I do that all the time!  Especially if I'm not driving... I'll always say "Oh wait, can we go back by that house again ...and go Really Really Slow!".

 It's fun to see how other people live.  I especially love to see the homes of all my favorite celebrities.  Architectural Digest & Elle Decor always highlight the best of the best in (past & present) Celebrity Homes.  Here are some of my all time faves!  

First let's Check out the home of Tyra Banks in Beverly Hills, CA.

I love Tyra's taste: white walls & light fabrics paired with a rustic yet beautiful ceiling.  There are lots of nice iron accents (from the wall sconces to the strapping detail on the ceiling's beams).

I've certainly never had an office this tidy!  But I think I would keep my office less messy if it looked this great!  

This is one of my favorite pics of Tyra Banks' home.  This outdoor area is so cozy with oversized seating and lots of soft pillows. I always love putting 4 seats facing one another-great for conversations and makes the space more intimate.  What an awesome spot!   

Next Up... it's Reese Witherspoon's Ojai, California home designed by Kristin Buckingham.   I remember when this issue of Elle Decor came out about 5 years ago.  I've always loved Reese (I mean she's Southern, Smart, & Sweet!) but I really loved her more when I saw this house!  Check it out! 

I can just imagine how cool it must be to dine al fresco with just the light of the chandelier and the soft green over head! Kudos to Kristin Buckingham for designing such an amazing space!  

Pharrell Williams recently sold his incredible Miami penthouse where he showcased his impressive collection of contemporary art.  Views for Days! 

These next shots are from the ultra luxe Midtown Manhattan complex, One Hundred East Fifty Third Street.  Now this isn't George and Amal Clooney's home, but they recently purchased in this new exclusive building which is set to be finished later this year.  Here are images that show off the floor plans of the residential spaces.  I can bet their space is going to be pretty unbelievable. 

Meg Ryan is a renovating power house!   I read where she has renovated around 9 homes.  The next few photos are from one of my favorites..her Martha's Vineyard home.

Gosh I could go on and on..... ok a few more!  Here we have Jen Aniston's amazing home in Beverly Hills where she collaborated with famous celebrity designer Stephen Shadley.  

The power team of architect Richard Landry & designer Joan Behnke helped Gisele Bundchen & Tom Brady create an amazingly beautiful home.  The architectural details and all the fine interior touches are quite stunning. 

There are so many inspiring homes out there.. Isn't it fun to imagine yourself living in one of these perfectly designed spaces?   Hope you have enjoyed this daydreaming session!  

Color Connection: Masters Green

It's almost that time of year again, Masters Week.  The time, in my household, where the tv can't be turned away from the tournament play or you risk certain death! I grew up with my dad & brother both being Golf Fanatics and then I married someone who was actually Even Worse!  It's hard not to get caught up in the biggest week of the year for golf lovers.  

Even if you aren't a big golf fan, it's captivating to watch the Masters on TV.  Better yet, to walk the course and follow your favorite players or sit at your favorite hole and watch each group come thru.. the energy is electric!  

When I was thinking of this Color Connection series for my blog, I was thinking of how we really sometimes connect with a color thru a sense of place.  For this first post on Color Connection, I immediately thought of Masters Green.  Masters Green, is it a color?  Well, over the years I've certainly had design clients use the words to describe the shade of green they were going for in their space.  Is it simply the green of the Victory Jacket worn by the winners of the tournament or is it also represented by the rich shades of greens found in the lush landscape of the Augusta National golf course?  My theory is that it is probably a mixture of both.  Some people identify with the green of the jacket, while I suspect that others were referring to the fresh greens from the perfectly manicured grass or the green leaf of the blooming azaleas and the flowering dogwood.  Either way, it's a good color and you can't go wrong! 

Let's dig deeper into the jacket!  Did you know it has it's own Pantone Color??  Yes!  It's Pantone Color number 342U.  So, If your idea of Masters Green is the color of the jacket & you want that specific color in your home...now you have the exact match.  Isn't that awesome?  It's the actual match to the color of the wool thread that is made for the jacket.   

Bubba Watson places the Green Jacket on 2015 Champion Jordan Spieth at the 79th Masters Golf Tournament. (Photo Cred: Don Emmert/AFP)

Here are a few inspiring spaces that bring in a fresh pop of green that is sure to inspire all of us that love the color Green!  

Isn't Green such a striking accent?  It plays so well with other colors.. grey, shades of pink, navy,  creamy neutrals.  The list could go on & on... 

I would love to hear how you Connect with Masters Green!  Let me know! 

The Coffee Bar

I honestly can't start my day without COFFEE!!  It's just not possible.  Ok, it is.. I tried it for about two weeks on a cleanse.  Let me just tell you, It's not worth it.  It's just not!  I need coffee for brain function.  Not just the 2 cups I have every morning, but also the mid afternoon pick me up.  (I will say that I'm very proud of the fact that I no longer use sugar, but I probably make up for it with the amount of cream!)

Coffee shops smell like a little piece of heaven.  Now it's easier than ever to have that "coffee shop" feel at home.  With the invention of the coffee pod, we can now have lots and lots of options in the morning (while still in our PJ's!).  I love that.  

At Binion & Grant, we are currently designing a space for clients that need a functional (but of course great looking) coffee station.  It's been lots of fun picking out the appliances and and all the cabinetry details that make it Super Functional.  I'll share a few behind the scenes photos as the space unfolds in the coming months.  For now, here are a few great coffee stations that will inspire you to create a space that is sure to PERK UP your morning routine! 

How clever is this Coffee Bar under the Stair Well?? Great Idea.

When I found the last photo, I just new it had to be Martha.  There are few that understand perfection like Martha Stewart.  I love her!  Of course she has that Mac Daddy barista system and a bean grinder or two.  I can't see the whole view of the space, but my guess is...knowing Martha like I know her...she has at least 3 separate coffee bean grinders filled with the most sought after  Arabica Beans.  

Do you have a Coffee Bar at home?    I'm loving Peet's Coffee these days..  Major Dickason's Dark Roast Every Morning for me!  What's your fav?  Can't wait to hear!  

nspired: Carrier and Company Interiors

As an Interior Designer, I'm constantly looking for inspiration, scouring websites and magazines for fresh inspiration.  Carrier and Company is one of those design firms that doesn't just Inspire Me...oh No!  They actually make me giddy with excitement & knock my socks off with their attention to detail.  I can get lost for hours while exploring their portfolio.

Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller, the principals of Carrier and Company Interiors, are a husband-and-wife design duo.  Their client list is full of MAJOR Heavy Hitters.. Clients include Anna Wintour (Vogue), Bob Pittman, Jane Rosenthal, Jay Fielden (Town & Country & Esquire), Jason Wu, Annie Leibovitz, and Jessica Chastain, to name a few. 

It's hard to narrow down my favorite Carrier & Co projects, but I'll share the spaces that they have created that Really Speak to Me! 

So many details here that I love.. the beautiful pot rack over the island, the super sleek Zinc island countertops... and that Stove Hood! It's perfection.  I love the way it fits perfectly between the upper cabinets, the rich patina of the metal & the custom metal backsplash with custom shelf.  Side Note: the pot filler location is super smart.  I've never placed it on the side, but I love that idea.  Beautiful Space.

Such a well designed window seat, the layers of blue fabrics are on point. Really love the plaid fabric of the wing chair (in the corner of the shot) & the way the simple creamy white drapery softens the area.  The style of dining table (above right pic) makes the space feel comfortable & inviting, while the soft curves of the chairs give the space a more feminine, refined feel. 

Have you ever seen a Barn so Incredible?  I have been loving this space & reflecting on it ever since I first laid eyes on it.  For me, it's perfect.  Can you imagine living in a space with this much history & character.  Once again, Carrier & Co take their details to the next level.  The furniture & lighting selections are scaled perfectly for this converted barn & are completely at home against the rich architecture of the restored space.  What about the converted trough sink in the bathroom?? Wow.  

Rounding out my Favorites from Carrier & Co is their New Canaan: Contemporary Project.  The restraint shown & the clean lines are really beautiful.  Each piece of furniture was so thoughtfully selected, I can really tell that from studying these photos.  The layers and textures of neutral fabrics are subtle but still hold their own in such a sleek, contemporary space.  Simply a beauty.  

I hope Carrier & Co has inspired you as much as they continue to Inspire Me!  

It's an Outdoor Rug!

For me, Dash & Albert is the ULTIMATE in Outdoor Rugs.  Their color pallets are incredible & they really have a great selection of Neutrals (which I always say...a good Neutral Rug can be moved from Room to Room effortlessly!). Here are a few of my Current Faves!  

p.s. I know you are staring at the pic below thinking.... Those are Outdoor Rugs??  Yes!  They ARE and they are made out of recycled water & soda bottles!  

1.  Dash & Albert, Samode Platinum Ivory

2. Dash & Albert, Catamaran Stripe Platinum/White

3. Dash & Albert, Cleo Navy

4. Dash & Albert, Diamond Fieldstone/Ivory

5. Dash & Albert, Elizabeth Navy

6. Dash & Albert, Rugby Stripe Light Blue

Why would I want an outdoor rug INSIDE, you may ask?  Well, I'll tell you!  *First a disclaimer* It's not for you, if you like soft, fluffy rugs with a thick pile.. sorry no..It's not for you.   Outdoor Rugs inside ARE great for parents/grandparents with kids & grandkids that make huge MESSES!  It's also great for Dog & Cat Lovers when the family pet is sometimes far from perfect and has an accident every now & then.... 

Let's take my dog daughter, Chloe, as an example.  I mean, she can sense that something is new from the minute it comes in the house.  Just itching to figure out what she can find to eat that will make her sick and subsequently yak all over it!  It's gross & I'm sorry, but it's so true.  

We just recently put an Outdoor Rug in my parents new house in the Dining Room.  Specifically thinking about Ryder (my son) being young and all the current & future messes that he will make... along with thinking of my Dad (who still makes messes...sorry Dad).   Little did we know, we would have the rug down less than a day... and Chloe would strike.  I thought my Mom was going to kill her!  I just prayed "Please come out, Please come out!".  And it Did!!  After a few sprays of a carpet cleaner, the stain was absolutely gone.  So, there is the big positive..they clean up extremely well.  I'll take it!  It's just icing on top that they are so good looking. 

Check out your favorite local retailers, too.  I've found great Outdoor Rugs at Ballard Design, Pottery Barn, & even Target!  Let me know what you find out there!  I'd love to hear! 

Ice Cream Cone Bar

Ice Cream Cone Bar

It's hard to believe but we will have a 2 year old in June!  The party planning has already begun!  I'm really going about this party situation with a totally different mindset than last year.  Last year's party was really cute but my need to micro-manage everything was over the top & of course NOTHING worked out like my grand vision of the Perfect 1st Birthday.  

So guess what..... this year we are having a pool party with Pizza & Ice Cream!  Yay!  Easy & Fun! 

I love the idea of an Ice Cream Cone Bar!  I think kids & adults alike can get excited about a decked out cone.  Here are my ultimate cone inspirations.  

Donna Hay Magazine (out of Australia) is one of my favorites for food inspiration.  They have great ideas for Pimped Out Cones (as she calls them): Dipped in Dark Chocolate with Pretzels, Chocolate & Oreo (that would be my pick!), White Chocolate & Pistachio... and OF Course..SPRINKLES!!  Nothing says "Two Year Old Birthday" like a Sprinkle Cone! 

I found this great way to present the scoops of ice cream & make it easier to mix & match flavors in the cone.  Check this out! 

kojo-designs.com : Pre-Scooped Ice Cream 

This is from Kojo Designs.  They used lots and lots of muffin tins & pre scooped each flavor.  Then they froze the pans over night in order to get the scoops good and firm (so not quite so fast to melt).  Genius! 

kojo-designs.com

These Next Steps are Awesome!  

They took an over sized galvanized bucket & lined the bottom with dry ice.  After adding dry ice, they layered a towel across the top.  One by One,  they added back the Pre-Scooped ice cream into their original pint containers & filled them above the rim.  (I'm sure they bought a few pints of each flavor to make it so full.)

I just Love the end result!  Pretty colors of ice creams with lots & lots of flavor options & the best part is you don't forget the flavor because it's stored in it's cute original pint container.  

Yummy!  I can't wait to try out these ideas at our party.  I think it will be a Hit!  Now who wants an ice cream cone??  I sure do!