Chandelierious

Ho Ho Ho.....

2012-12-23T10:49:00.001-08:00

Ho, ho, ho....
Hi!
It's December 23rd.
Life is bustling.
Life is busy.
Life is mostly so very, very good.
Life can also be scary.
Our lives were all shaken recently.
Regardless of whatever "side" of the political fence you're on.
As human beings, with souls, we've collectively shared events that have shaken us.
I won't go into such events here.
That's not the point of this little blog.
No. The point of this little blog is to say that I believe people are fundamentally good.
I also believe that it's my responsibility to put good, loving, positive energy out into the world and hope it watch it grow. Plant the seed, if you will.
I want to be that person.
Or, as my friend Karen says, be the butterfly.
So, here's me flapping my little wings in attempt to spread holiday cheer, be it a holiday or not.
I just felt like sharing today. Sharing snippets of life that bring me joy...
Family. Work. Music. Food. Wine. Children.
I hope you take some time to really embrace the things that bring your (yes, your, with an "r.") joy, as well.
And, I hope you take some time to share it with the world.
Peace to you and yours.
Happy holidays!

Family.
Music.
Children.

Work.

Food.
Wine.

This guy.

And, shoes. (why not?)

Thrifty & Fabulous: Nailed it!

2012-12-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

Here I am!
Again I will say, it's been awhile.
Hi!
Much has changed since my last post. I have indeed graduated from cosmetology school and begun work at a beautiful Spa (more on that sometime soon). I have also become an Aunt once again with the arrival of my nephew Judson, born on Eloise's birthday!
Life is good. Very, very good.
But, this post isn't about that. This particular post is supposed to be thrifty. And, fabulous!
Now that I am immersed into daily life as a nail technician, I thought something in that field might be apropos. Part of doing nails is, of course, nail art. In fact, that's one of my favorite things about this profession: getting to play and create mini "works of art".
Here are a some recent little projects...

One of the tools used to create the dots and small shapes above is a dotter.
This is the set I have. They come in several sizes.

These aren't expensive. You can buy a 4 piece set online for less than $10.00. The thing is, you don't have to! You can create a your own dotting tool from items you already have at home.
A pencil with a pin stuck into the eraser will do the trick.

As will a toothpick.

The rounded end of a small paint brush...

Or, bobbypins!

Best yet, use all of these options to create different sizes. Can't get much more thrifty than free. And, nail art is rather fabulous if I do say so myself. (And, I do!)

Have fun!

Oh, hello, stranger!

2012-10-25T14:52:00.001-07:00

Announcement: Chandelierious has not dropped off the planet!!!!
Well, okay, maybe it did for awhile there.
I generally follow the rule of if there's not much to say, and no time to say it, don't.
So, yeah. That.
These last few months have been the busiest of my life. The abridged version: I did a complete 180 from pursuing a career in interior decorating services to becoming a full-time cosmetology student. I will always-always-always have passion for all things decor, and plan to enjoy working on projects here and there as they pop up. Certainly for myself, but also for friends or clients. But, soon my "9-5 days" will be spent in a salon or spa setting. And, I'm really psyched about that!
In 2 short weeks I will have graduated both the Waxing & Nail Specialty Programs at Shear Ego International School of Hair Design, and entered the world of making people feel beautiful and good about themselves with mani-pedi-love, while expressing myself creatively with nail art and enhancements, and satisfying my desire to connect with people and build loyal client relationships.
The last two months have been a whirlwind! School each day from 9-4pm, balancing being as present a mother/sister/aunt/daughter/friend/girlfriend/
student as possible, while also finding time to rehearse, open and close the musical [title of show].
Like everyone, that time had other ups and downs, and challenges, as well. But, we won't go into that. Suffice it to say, I am "back"! At least when inspiration hits and I feel like there is something to say. (I admit I'm rather wordy, so there's usually something to say!)
At the moment, inspiring me are the changing leaves, the smell of Fall, pumpkins (and anything pumpkin flavored), my boyfriend's new house, my almost 9 year old daughter, my future career, the idea of truly starting over, the possibility of what's to come...
Many see Fall as depressing: the leaves falling off the trees, the weather getting colder and wetter, the light of day shorter... I never have. Fall has always moved me. Made me feel change, good change, in the air. And, there are some very, very good changes ahead!

[title of post] is [title of show]

2012-09-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

Oh, whoa.
August just wooshed right by there, didn't it?
Hello, September!
Hello, "back to school", pencils, folders, 3-ring binders, school buses, and OPI rolling trunks filled with nail tech supplies (if you're me going to cosmetology school, that is)...
Hello, [title of show] the musical opening September 14th at Blackfriars Theatre!

(more on that in a moment.)

Writing a blog is a personal thing. Like life, it ebbs and flows. Sometimes you can't shut me up, and sometimes I am either a) too busy to write, or b) I have nothing to say, or c) both a and b.
Or.... It's summer and I'm simply summering... be it having a lazy day in the A.C. with Ellie, bebopping around Seabreeze Amusement Park, weekending in New Jersey, or rehearsing for a new musical.
Yes, a new musical: [title of show].
Yes, that's the title.
A musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical.
If you live in or around the Rochester area and love musicals, and musicals about loving/writing musicals, I highly recommend it! Plus, I'm in it, so of course I will plug it incessantly. It's downright funny. And mildly naughty. Lot's of swearing; don't bring your kids. Though, I admit, Eloise has been to several rehearsals and survived, so, I digress.
"Ellie, don't say these words."
"Ok, mama."

Click here for a little tongue in cheek YouTube video we made that was inspired by the original cast's "infomercial" about the show. (And by inspired I mean copied completely, word for word.)

Hope you'll come!
In the meantime, please cherish these last few days of summer break.
I will probably disappear here for another stretch of time... but, I expect that once cosmetology school is well underway, the show is up and running, and my friends that have some decorating projects for me to help out with, I will be back in full chandelierious force!

Happy September!

Staples, you say? Yes! Staples!

2012-08-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

Want to go somewhere and find hot pink desk chairs, Muppet backpacks or zebra print power strips? Look no further than Staples, my darlings! STAPLES.
There are some seriously cool things in there!
For "cheap"! Eloise and I stopped in the other day to have something bound, and happily browsed around for awhile.
They've been touting back-to-school items for sometime now, but, we loved some of the finds!

Why, hello adorable french poodle USB hub!
I love you! Especially for $10.00.

Here's that pink chair I mentioned. Even the legs are sleek and shiny. $39.99? Not bad at all!

More angel/devil style USB cuteness for $7.00.

We've all seen the black stiletto, but how fabulous is the pink heeled tape dispenser?! Also $7.00.

Power strips are ugly. True story. Why not make yours zebra, and, not ugly?

These hightop style change purses caught Eloise's eye...

And, last, and never least... to know me is to know of my love of all things Muppet.
The piece de resistance:

This was difficult not to bring home with us. At $19.99, there's still a chance it might find it's way into our lives.

Happy Stapling!

Simply, Saturday: Spotted!

2012-07-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

Two sassy discoveries to share on this, well, sassy Saturday.
#1. Nerd alert!!!!!!!!

Yes!!! Love these! I found them at Target. They incorporate a few hot trends: neon, metallics, and, geeks.
Right on.

#2. AUDREY.....oh, Audrey....

(There's a little Marilyn thrown in there for good measure!)

These wall hangings were a fun find at The Icing, of all places!

We're Back!

2012-07-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

The holiday is over... no more parades or fireworks. Alas, the 4th of July is now behind us.
Hopefully, we all still have plenty of cook-outs, corn on the cob and watermelon to look forward to this summer! But, those of us looking for something new to plan might wonder: Now what?
Go to the theater!!!!
There are always so many great things to see during the summer. And, what better way to spend an hour or two on a scorching hot day than in an air-conditioned theater, being entertained by some of Rochester's (or, wherever you happen to be) finest?
Locally, I recommend:
The JCC CenterStage's production of one of my favorite musicals: Spring Awakening, opening on July 14th.
Blackfriars Theatre's staging of the late, great Nora Ephron's play Love, Loss and What I Wore, opening July 13th.
And, opening this weekend on July 8th, also at Blackfriars, Tom Foolery, a collection of smart and silly tunes by Tom Lehrer, which, oh yeah, I happen to be in!

Thrifty & Fabulous!

2012-06-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am a "bad" blogger and don't post for weeks at a time. Life happens, what can I say? And sometimes life happens so fast that, even with the best of intentions, I will start a little bitty thrifty and fabulous project and before I know it: Oops! I'm done. And I didn't document it with pictures!
Such is the case with today's post.
I was recently browsing the clearance aisles at Michael's craft store when I saw some adorable fabric flowers in bright colors and polka dots. (I don't know if you've heard, but, I love me some bright colors and polka dots!)
Ideas drifted in and out of my head about what I could do with them: Fasten them onto some barrette's for Lulu...? Glue them onto a frame...? Aha! I know! I will make some sassy refrigerator magnets out of them and give them away in sets as small tokens to teachers, my Mom because she just rocks, and so on. Yes! That's what I will do, I thought.
And, yes, that is what I did!
I bought several colors: hot pink, bright blue, black and white and white and black. (Heh.)

(I did manage to take two photos at some point during the process!)

While I was still at Michael's, I found a package of round peel and stick magnets for $1.99 at the check-out. I knew the flowers would need something more adhesive than that though and I had my handy glue gun at home.
So, a bit of hot glue-gunning later and voila!

(small, round magnet glued to the back of the flower.)

They aren't going to win a crafting contest, but a set of these magnets are a cute, cost effective (for about $12.00 total I made 5 sets of 4 magnets) hostess gift, teacher gift or just because gift. It couldn't be easier!

Fun & Easy Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July!

2012-06-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know how it got here so quickly, but, here we are on the cusp of July already!

Happy Summer!

I love the 4th of July. No, scratch that. I love the days leading up to the 4th and the holiday itself. In my little neck of the woods, and I am sure in yours, too, we celebrate for a couple of days prior to the main event. Festivities including craft sales and street dances happen at our Town Hall before culminating in a parade down our "Main St." Titus Avenue on the big day. It's fun. It's familiar. It's tradition.

Whatever your plans may be, here are some easy ways to celebrate next week yourselves!

Hosting a party? It really couldn't be easier than these fruit skewers:

And, how great does this look?

I love trifle.
LOVE.
Did I say love? Because I really LOVE trifle! The recipe that goes with this particular fruit trifle can be found here, however, I will share my even easier recipe:
I buy a pre-made angel food cake, any variety of fruit, cool whip and any flavor pudding that strikes my fancy. After preparing the pudding, cutting up the fruit and the cake into bite-sized pieces, I simply layer each ingredient one atop the the other until I finish it all off with a layer of whipped cream and decorative assortment of berries. I let it set and chill in the fridge for a bit before serving. It's always a big hit, and being angel food cake, it's not a heavy dessert. Preparing it with real whipped cream and homemade custard saves you from preservatives and other unsavory things, but, naturally, takes more time. Up to you and your personal preferences, of course, but a trifle is always a hit!

Bomb Pops are a classic kid summer favorite. Here's an "adult" version in cocktail form!

I love this idea below! This is simply rough cut fabric turned into napkins!

How about showing some 4th of July love on your finger nails? (That anchor could simply be swapped out for tiny stars!)

Lastly, any festive, patriotic gathering should have a soundtrack. (Well, honestly, I think life in general should have a soundtrack!)
Please, please, please, for the love of all that is Red, White & Blue, don't forget to blast some Neil Diamond "America."

Tips-y Tuesday

2012-06-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

Hi!
Happy Tips-y Tuesday!
For some really clever ideas on simplifying your life, hot tips on making your everyday household chore list easier, and creative projects to do with your kids, check out one of my new Pinterest boards: Kids! Family! Home!

Learn how to make glittery "tooth fairy money"....

Homemade sunburn relief...

Find out how to clean your toilet with Coke.
(Wha???!!! Yes. Coke!)

And my personal favorite, completely genius, tip of the day:

Get pinning!

Thrifty & Fabulous!

2012-06-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

Straight away I will offer that I can't take credit for this post. I can say I was well aware of a several of these tips, but, not all, so I owe this one to my Mom! (Props to you, Mom!)
She sent me this... it's one of those mass email thingamabobs. There's no way of know exactly where it originated, but, man, these are some share worthy, thrifty & fabulous tips!

Coffee Filters rock! (And, you can totally buy them at the Dollar Tree.)
Here we go...

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.

2. Clean windows, mirrors, and chrome... Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.

3. Protect China by separating your good dishes with a coffee filter between each dish.

4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.

5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.

6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.

7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.

8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.

9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.

10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.

11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.

12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters..

13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them.. It soaks out all the grease.

14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers.."

15. As a sewing backing. Use a filter as an easy-to-tear backing for embroidering or appliquéing soft fabrics.

16. Put baking soda into a coffee filter and insert into shoes or a closet to absorb or prevent odors.

17. Use them to strain soup stock and to tie fresh herbs in to put in soups and stews.

18 Use a coffee filter to prevent spilling when you add fluids to your car..

19. Use them as a spoon rest while cooking and clean up small counter spills.

20. Can use to hold dry ingredients when baking or when cutting a piece of fruit or veggies. Saves on having extra bowls to wash.

21. Use them to wrap Christmas ornaments for storage.

22. Use them to remove fingernail polish when out of cotton balls.

23. Use them to sprout seeds. Simply dampen the coffee filter, place seeds inside, fold it and place it into a zip-lock plastic bag until they sprout.

24. Use coffee filters as blotting paper for pressed flowers. Place the flowers between two coffee filters and put the coffee filters in phone book.

25. Use as a disposable "snack bowl" for popcorn, chips, etc.

26. Great in the tool room when separating nails and screws then use in to bottom of containers to remove moisture and prevent rust.

Here is where I throw in my 2 cents:
They can be used to make some seriously lovely crafts! Just look at these coffee filter flowers and wreath.

I will tackle one of these projects soon for another Thrifty & Fabulous post.
In the meantime, make use of this handy, everyday item!

Simple Things...

2012-05-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

When I say "it's the simple things..." I really mean it.
I am lucky enough to be working from home today. And, this very second, I sit on my covered porch watching the sky having turned from blue to gray.
I hear the rumble of thunder in the distance and I am just now seeing droplets begin to fall.
This.
This is the stuff I mean when I say the "simple things."
Sitting here, safely listening and watching, typing on my MacBook... this is one of those "Oh my God, this is just freaking great" moments.
I am grateful for them.
And, I am grateful that I know enough to recognize and enjoy them.
Ooo, now I smell the storm!
And see the lightning!
Here it is.
Excuse me while I just sit and experience it's simple awesomeness.

Memorial Day Weekend: Red, White & Blue!

2012-05-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Long holiday weekend ahoy!
(ahoy...get it? Red, white, blue... nautical...sailors.... no? Oh well, I tried!)
Time to honor our fallen soldiers and celebrate those who still stand and serve our country. In honor of this weekend I thought I would post a little something about red, white and blue and the various variations that infamous combo comes in.
Maybe you'll see something you want to make for your holiday picnic... or wear to it!
Here we go...
First, the yummies:

How cute and simple are these? Strawberries dipped in melted white chocolate, re-dipped in blue sugar sprinkles!

This Royal Blue Cocktail sounds delicious and looks fantastic! (nerd alert/side-note: as a child I was obsessed with blue foods and drinks. They seemed so...unusually awesome.)

Hosting a party? Get your Martha Stewart on (seriously, this is a Martha thing, click the link!) with these festive sand candle holders!

I can't end this post without some fantastic nautical fashion, can I? Of course not.
These looks are classic.
Red, white and blue done right.

Happy, safe Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!

Monday: I Believe in Mulch

2012-05-21T12:36:00.001-07:00

I believe in mulch.
It's true.
What a difference a little mulch makes.
It's the frosting on the cake before the sprinkles and decorations.
It protects the roots of the plant and helps maintain the proper moisture levels.
I like it all:
Cedar mulch smells awesome and helps keep bugs away...
Black mulch (my favorite) makes colors truly POP. Especially shades of green...
Recycled tire mulch lasts season upon season...

I was so excited when I saw the landscaping trucks pull up this morning.
It inspired me to fill my patio planters with flowers! (Which, by the way, I topped off with a layer of mulch, as well.)
And I anxiously await the Black-Eyed Susans and Mums that I planted last summer to blossom!

And, now I sit typing this little post on a little porch that now feels like my little slice of heaven.

Tipsy Tuesday: Blackberry Mojitos!

2012-05-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

If you read this little blog even semi regularly you know that Tips-y Tuesdays are normally handy tip days and Thirsty Thursdays are cocktail days. Well, I am breaking the rules and today tips-y means tipsy!

It is glorious out today. It's the perfect day for a refreshing cocktail outdoors, and while I was pinning away on Pinterest earlier, this recipe made my mouth water. It's also beautiful looking!

The Blackberry Mojito

Ingredients: (Makes 1 cocktail)
* 6 big blackberries & more to garnish
* 8 mint leaves
* 1 oz rum
* 1 to 2 tbsp sugar
* 1/3 oz lime juice
* 2 oz club soda

In the bottom of your drinking glass, muddle/crush together blackberries, mint leaves, sugar, rum, and lime juice. Add some ice cubes, then pour in club soda and stir. Garnish with a few whole blackberries and a sprig of mint. Enjoy immediately!

(recipe courtesy of cocktail-guru.com)

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2012-05-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

Warmest wishes to all the Mothers out there.

May your day be beautiful!

Congratulations!

Theater Love: Parade & Grey Gardens

2012-05-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

We know how I feel about live theater.
And, we know how I feel about my friends.
I ferociously love both!
When the two are combined, well, let me at 'em!
Right now my friends at Blackfriars Theatre are in the midst of their run of Grey Gardens.
I saw it. It's rather stunning. Honestly.
(If you have seen the documentary, you get that...)
If you aren't familiar with the true tale of Big and Little Edie and Grey Gardens, please check out this link. These real life characters are brilliantly channeled thru Sarah Peters and Vicki Casarett.

Another musical that just opened last weekend at the JCC is Parade. I haven't seen this one yet, but I can't wait! I have a handful of very good friends starring in this, including my dear friend Janine as Lucille Frank. (Check out Janine's blog here!) Parade is the true story of a man, Leo Frank, wrongly accused of murder in 1913 Atlanta.
No, it's not Annie. But, who needs Annie?
Let's expand our musical horizons, right? Right!

I really hope you take advantage of some of the extreme talent we have here in Rochester!
(Break legs, my friends!)

Tips-y Tuesday

2012-05-08T11:54:00.004-07:00

I love coffee.
Like, I LOVE coffee.
In, oh gosh, the last 25 years or so I have had only one brief period of time in which coffee and I weren't bffs: while I was pregnant with Eloise.
It's not so much about the caffeine as it is the comfort I find in the act of drinking the hot yumminess. I love the flavor. I love the almost romantic, peaceful nature of waking up to the aroma, being cozy in my robe, pairing coffee with the newspaper, or Facebook, or Pinterest...
Starting my day that way.
Anyway, my point is, I used to be a coffee snob.
I still sort of am. I love good coffee. And, once upon a time I didn't really bat an eyelash at spending $10.00 a pound on good coffee. I still allow myself the splurge occasionally. But, being the practical, thriftily savvy lady I am, I try to find good alternatives. Better than good alternatives.
And, if you like some serious, straight up, dark, rich coffee, that is not expensive, I have a tip for you.
Buy this:

Folgers Black Silk.
Yum.
And, as claimed, it is "bold, yet smooth."
Locally, at Wegmans, a 10.3 oz container is about $3.50.
You can also buy the mac-daddy 27.8 oz size for $9.99.
So, that's all for today! Like dark coffee? Try this.
I swear by it.
Have a terrific Tuesday!

Derby Day!

2012-05-07T11:31:00.001-07:00

Kentucky Derby Day has now come and gone...
But, the fun, the food, the frivolity and the finery
(oh yes, those hats!) can be enjoyed any old time. My friends Karen and Dirk host the ultimate soiree at their home every year.
It is an Event, with a capital E.
I thought I would share a few recipes and pictures to commemorate Saturday May 5th!
Cinco de Derby!

One delectable dish served at the party is
Hot Brown. We had it served casserole style, but, traditionally, it is a sandwich. And oh, what a sandwich. (click for the recipe!)

Dessert is also a must at a Derby Party.
Or, any party...
Or, frankly, any old day of any old week, party or no party.
There was quite a variety the other day, but the one that literally took the cake was
Coconut Cream Pie. Ugh....

I did *not* have a Mint Julep this year.
Instead I tried a Mint Margarita! Delish!

Lastly, a Derby Party is not a Derby Party without a hat.

The hat.

It was my honor to wear this one, made by my friend, Jack, the Artistic Director of Blackfriars Theatre. Not sure how on earth I will be able to top this one next year!
(P.S. Go see Grey Gardens!!)

Thrifty & Fabulous!

2012-05-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

This one is short and sweet and thrifty and fabulous.
Behold...
The George Nelson Sunburst Clock.

Classic. Simple. Goes with everything under the sun.... for $180.00.

Now...
Behold...
The George Nelson Sunburst Clock.

Classic. Simple. Goes with everything under the sun... for $10.00.

The moral of this little story? Shop around! Browse thrift shops! Especially places like Goodwill, which also have new items. That's where I found this clock. Brand new, in the box. Ten bucks.
Sure, it's a little smaller, and has some subtle differences... but, come on.
The same designer, the same basic look, just $170.00 cheaper. There is no reason living awesomely, surrounded by awesomely pretty things, needs to break the bank.

Friday Finds at Target!

2012-04-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Fantastic new line alert!
Ellie and I were doing our usual Target wander...
We went in for one thing, and ended up spending an hour just window shopping. Gotta love it.
Our Target is remodeling and being reinvented as a Super Target of sorts, complete with fresh grocery items, so, we are literally relearning the layout.
But, we did come across a new line of adorable and covet worthy decor.
I took these pics with my phone, so they are admittedly rather awful, and all I can recall of the prices were: they weren't outrageous, but they also weren't huge bargains. I will totally wait till they go on sale. But, these items are on my want list!

I picture this faux needlepoint in some sort of eclectic collection of "fun stuff" by the table in my front hall.

These sort of nerdy (hopefully you realize by now that when I say nerdy it's a positive thing) vintage typewriter style coasters are great!

I don't know why, but I have always loved the ampersand! It's so curvy and pretty!

I know quote art is still everywhere you turn, but, this one was new to me. And, I really love the sentiment.

And with that, my friends, it's Friday afternoon! Happy weekend to you!

Hot Color Trend: Yellow & Gray

2012-04-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

Every season a "new" color combination pops into vogue and becomes highly visible in fashion and home decor. In the past it's been pink and green, brown and aqua... last year the fresh combo of black, white and lime green was a clear winner. Right now, more than any other collection of color, I see sunny yellow paired with various shades of gray. It's lovely. It's serene. It's bright, but, not in your face. It's subtle. It's stylish.
My Mom and Dad just asked me to help them revamp their dining room. My Mother suggested gray. My daughter Ellie stepped right in with her opinions and said: Yellow.
She wants it bright and cheerful. I reminded her this isn't our apartment. Grandma and Papa might want something a wee bit more... well, not Andy Warhol. Something fun but sophisticated. I am thinking the gray/yellow scheme might just fit the bill.

These rooms below are beautiful examples of "fun yet sophisticated."

Here's the color combo on a wedding cake! Gorgeous.

As far as my parent's dining room is concerned, here are a couple examples of easy changes we could make....

I love these curtains from Land Of Nod!

This rug from Overstock.com is a terrific balance of fun and sophisticated.

And as for paint... well, we'll see. I am thinking the dove gray on the walls. But, perhaps both gray and yellow separated by a bright white chair rail molding might be fantastic.

Stay tuned!

Simply Saturday...Simple Smiles.

2012-04-21T06:07:00.001-07:00

Things that make me smile:

Eloise Catherine.

Children.
The sun.
Puffy clouds.
Rain (thunder & lightning).
Pink cars (and houses and hair).
Robins.
Music.
Theater.
Friends.
Family.
Fall foliage.
New York City.

Animals.
Color.
Muppets.
Porches.
Discovery.
Great finds.
Ideas.
Baubles.
Simple beauty.
Kind acts.
Fashion.
Self expression.
Spring flowers.
Water (bodies of water, fountains, falls...).

Delicious scents (food, flora, laundry...).
Good coffee.
Good food.
Good wine.
Walking.
Peace.
Hope.

There are others, of course.
Those are what popped into my head this morning.

What makes you smile?

Pretty in Pink

2012-04-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

I know I usually go on and on about bright colors in my posts. Hot raspberry pink for example. It's luscious and vibrant and juicy and lively.
It is all those things. That said, I do love me some gorgeous, soft, calm, delicate petal pink. Sigh.
Whatever you'd like to call it: Baby girl pink, ballerina pink or peony pink, it's the shade of lovely. It's the blush on your cheeks. It's divine paired with grey, green, yellow, orange, red, aqua... Come to think of it, there really isn't any color it doesn't compliment!
And it shouldn't have to be a hue typically reserved for feminine clothing, paint or decor. Nope. No way.

Real men wear pink.
( I won't link to this Ralph Lauren sweater, though, since it's $400 price tag is absurd. )
Go to Marshalls and you'll be golden.

A perfectly pale pink paint will make your complexion glow and provide a neutral background for art. True story. Look...

This shade is called "Loveable" by Sherwin Williams.

I have a collection of opaque pink vases in my bedroom. I found them a few years ago at Ikea for only a few dollars each...

These emerald cut post earrings from Etsy are so sweet.... And only $12.00!

Pink makes me smile so much, that I just created a new Pinterest board dedicated to it's glory.
Go be blushed! Happy Friday, everyone...

Thirsty Thursday: "Pink Grapefruit Margaritas"

2012-04-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

It's April.
It's 70' out.
It's beautiful...
Let's have a Spring-y, beautiful cocktail!
This one, care of Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten,
is so perfectly lovely looking.
I haven't tried it yet, but, let's just assume it's as refreshing and delicious as it is lovely!

The Pink Grapefruit Margarita

* 1 cup Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
* 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
* 1 cup Triple Sec Orange Liqueur
* 3 cups ice
* 1 cup Silver Tequila
* 1 lime cut into wedges, optional salt for rim of glass

If you prefer a salted rim, rub lime wedge along the glass and dip it in the salt.
Combine the juices, Triple Sec and ice in a blender... Blend.... add tequila and stir.
Pour into glasses and enjoy!

Side notes:
*this recipe makes 4 drinks
* it's important to use Ruby Red Grapefruit juice because it's the sweetest and makes the beautiful pink color!

Gorgeous! Cheers!