Piper Periwinkle

100 Years of Oreos!

2012-03-06T21:49:00.002-05:00

A very happy 100th birthday to one of my all time favorite cookies, Oreos!

Image via Martha Stewart

Bedroom Built For Two

2012-01-10T19:48:00.003-05:00

Twin beds decked out in high style are perfect for guest bedrooms. Even if your space is small, you can still go big with color, over-sized headboards, luxurious bedding and fun throw pillows. Let the beds do the talking and keep all of your other furniture and accessories simple, unless of course you have plenty of space.

Image 1 via Matters of Style | Image 2 via Lonny Mag | Image 3 via I’d Rather Be Shopping | Image 4 via Coastal Living | Image 5 via MMR Interiors

Hot for Herringbone

2012-01-07T01:55:00.004-05:00

A good friend of mine is in the process of doing a complete kitchen renovation after he had to rip his old kitchen down to the studs due to water damage from an upstairs neighbor. His condo is in the heart of downtown Chicago and is the ultimate bachelor pad. Exposed brick, 15’ ceilings, original wide plank hardwood floors and every other amazing feature you would expect to find in a city loft. And if it weren't for the water damage, there would have been no reason to ever consider any sort of renovation to his previous kitchen because just like the rest of his loft, it was top of the line and modern with a masculine edge.

So long story short, he asked me for advice and one of my suggestions was to do a dark tile backsplash in a classic herringbone pattern. In what will probably be another uber modern kitchen, I think this will add a hint of traditional and the perfect amount of texture.

In my search for inspirational images to send him, I came across so many other cool ways people have incorporated herringbone patterns throughout their homes.

Image 1 via COCOCOZY | Image 2 via Inspired Whims | Image 3 via Decor Pad | Image 4 via Willow Decor | Image 5 via Remodelaholic | Image 6 via Dans le Townhouse | Image 7 via The Renouned Nest

Wine Cork Wreath

2012-01-03T22:49:00.001-05:00

Last Christmas I posted how to make a simple, yet festive wreath using wine corks, but never shared how mine turned out…so here it is!

Image via Piper Periwinkle

Hot Cocoa Bar

2012-01-03T22:11:00.003-05:00

Themed bars at parties are a great way to serve delicious food or drinks in a fun and creative way. I’ve seen endless candy and dessert bars, but when I came across the idea of a hot cocoa bar, I smiled. With the NFL playoffs right around the corner, how much fun would it be to set one of these up at a tailgate? Or after a long day of skiing with friends, even at a winter wedding?

My favorite hot chocolate mix of all time is Williams-Sonoma’s Classic Hot Chocolate made from shavings of premium chocolate instead of powder. For me, a little bit of whipped cream, warm caramel sauce, dark chocolate shavings and a pinch of sea salt are the perfect toppings for a perfect cup! And of course, as I type this, its a blustery 25 degrees outside and now I'm craving a cup of hot cocoa and have absolutely none in the house. Bummer.

Image 1 via College Lifestyles | Image 2 via Cupcakes and Cashmere | Image 3 via Joyful Abode | Image 4 via Hostess with the Mostess | Image 5 via Sophisimom | Image 6 via Chez Wedd

Tory Burch Gift Guide

2011-11-09T21:22:00.002-05:00

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Tory Burch. So to say I was a happy lady when I saw the Gift Guide email sitting in my inbox this morning is an understatement. If Santa were to bring me any of the beautiful items featured I would be thankful, but here are a few of my favorites.

AHHHmazing!
Images 1 through 6 via Tory Burch

Gooey Chewy Jacques Torres’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-11-07T19:30:00.002-05:00

I think I have found what may be my new favorite chocolate chip cookies thanks to The Chew and Mr. Chocolate himself, Jacques Torres. I only wish I lived in NYC and could get them directly from the source, Jacques Torres Chocolate. But, thanks to this “how to” video, I’ll be able to try them out in my own kitchen until I can get the real thing next time I'm in New York.

It's Just Another DIY Monday

2011-10-24T21:01:00.003-04:00

While browsing my current obsession, Pinterest, I came across Remodelaholic and a guest post by Nancy of Owen's Olivia showing step-by-step instructions on how to make AHHHMAZING ombre painted chevron striped curtains. Oh Nancy, how brilliant are you? And that cutie pie baby boy of yours, how precious.

If I can muster up a full free weekend, I will absolutely give this DIY project a whirl. I currently have a ten foot wall of wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling white IKEA curtains that with this technique could add a bit of pizazz to my all white bedroom.

Image via Remodelaholic

Fresh Start

2011-10-12T21:50:00.000-04:00

Its been way too long since Ive last blogged and Ive decided to give it another go! My goal is not to blog everyday and turn this into an all consuming hobby, but instead, post a few times a week whenever I feel inspired or stumble upon something I want to share/database. I dont really have a specific direction I want to take this thing, but you never know how everything will fall into place once I get in the groove. Im not an expert in anything (well, except for drinking wine, sleeping in, eating delicious food, wearing pastels, watching trashy reality TV...), but a lover of a lot of things! Will this be a design blog? Kind of. A style blog? Maybe a little. An entertaining, cooking and foodie blog? Somewhat. Travel? Ill include it. Shopping? Theres no way around that one. Basically anything that makes me smile will get mention. I hope you enjoy my attempt at round two. Id love to hear from you.

Mad for Plaid

2010-12-12T22:40:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't love the warm and cozy feel of plaid, especially Tartan? Its classic color combinations and symbolic pattern embody regal elegance, so it’s not surprising it has long been associated with British aristocracy. Tartan is everywhere these days, from fashion to home furnishings, and is the perfect addition to your Holiday decor or winter wardrobe. Or makes for a festive gift for everyone on your list. I would be happy to get any of these Tartan goodies under the tree.

1. Tartan: Romancing the Plaid by Jeffery Banks Coffee Table Book
2. Burberry Giant Check Scarf
3. Pendleton Silk Taffeta Plaid Dress
4. Comme de Garcons Tartan Coin Purse
5. American Eagle flats
6. Pendleton Tartan Dessert Plates
7. Dooney and Bourke Plaid Shopper
8. Eddie Bauer Down Ice Scraper Mitt
9. True Religion Trapper Hat
10. Williams-Sonoma Home Tartan Table Linens
11. Ralph Lauren Home Tartan Chair
12. Bagatelles & Co. Etsy Shop Highlands GiGi Coin Purse
13. Ralph Lauren Home Tartan Party Collection Bedding
14. MAC Cosmetics Tartan Tale Chapter 1 Eye, Lip and Face Kit
15. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Ronson Ruffle Holiday Tartan Shirt

Drink, Craft and Be Merry

2010-12-07T21:14:00.003-05:00

Three things that fit quite nicely together: wine, decorating for Christmas and making fun craft projects. Combining them all in one evening makes for a very merry time. Here’s what I’m working on tonight.

Image and Video via Recyclart.com

Coastal Christmas

2010-12-06T23:15:00.003-05:00

Although summer is over and warm weather is long gone, at least for the next several months, your coastal decor doesn't need to be put away until Memorial Day. Creating a coastal Christmas is the perfect way to give your holiday a sunny twist.

Image 1 via ef eDesigns | Image 2 via iStockPhoto | Image 3 via Nantucket Noel | Image 4 via Brett Woodvine | Image 5 and 6 via Coastal Living | Image 7 via Martha Stewart

Sweet Surprise

2010-12-01T22:55:00.004-05:00

Oh how I love the Holidays at work. Everyone decorates their office or cube, days seem to go by much faster and my office neighbor starts his annual month-of-festive-ties. On the down side, the office fills with goodies from vendors; everything from fruit baskets to cookies and candy. Not that I'm unappreciative, but with all of the eating that goes on between Thanksgiving and New Years, goodies are the last thing I need more of. Most of the time these gifts go straight to the kitchen for everyone to share, but not today! Much to my surprise, a beautiful pink box of Georgetown Cupcakes showed up from my favorite vendor. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. They are the most delicious cupcakes and are absolutely adorable.

If you don't know about Georgetown Cupcake, then you’re missing out. You can stop by one of their two stores in Georgetown and Bethesda, order online for nationwide shipping or catch their TV show, DC Cupcakes, on TLC.

Image 1 via Washingtonian Magazine | Image 2 via The Washington Post | Image 3 and 4 via Georgetown Cupcake | Image 5 via Real Simple Magazine

Couture Closet

2010-11-29T21:20:00.004-05:00

When I think of wallpaper I think of many things…my Grandma’s house, messy to put up and impossible to take down, never again, you can do so much with paint, requires way too much patience and many other thoughts that probably aren’t appropriate to say, but guess what? Wallpaper is back with a vengeance! It’s everywhere and I hate to admit it, but I’m considering giving it a whirl. These days you can get wallpaper in graphic oversized prints, crisp modern patterns, bold bright colors, fun textures, glam metallics and so many other styles that your choices are almost limitless.

I'm still overwhelmed at the thought of tackling an entire room and risking not liking the outcome, so I've decided to start small and wallpaper the inside of my closet. If nothing else, it’ll be great practice and I’ll get a sexy closet out of it. The only problem is, I don’t know if I’ll be able to narrow it down to just one wallpaper pattern. I love so many of them. If any of you have tried this, I’d love to hear how it went and see pictures of the final product! I’ll post mine when I'm finished.

Image 1 via Houzz | Image 2 via Live Like You | Image 3 via Apartment 123 | Image 4 via Decor Pad | Image 5 via Peppermint Bliss

What’s Cooking

2010-06-21T23:04:00.003-04:00

I have folder upon folder of photos saved to my computer in no particular order that I finally got frustrated and decided to go through and organize everything. While doing so I stumbled upon Ina Garten’s East Hampton kitchen, chosen as House Beautiful’s 2009 Kitchen of the Year.

This is one of my favorite casual kitchens. It’s simple, clean, bright, open and inviting. Very East Coast, very me!

I love the idea of using baskets as storage for large cutting boards and baking racks, and mixing everyday white stoneware with sterling silver serving pieces. Brilliant! It’s these small surprises that make this space feel more like a room than a kitchen.

An all-in-one room. Kitchen, office, living room, dining room, outdoor room.

Photos via HouseBeautiful.com

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2010-05-01T00:54:00.002-04:00

Photo via MarthaStewart.com

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-20T23:18:00.002-04:00

In honor of Earth Day, do something good for the environment. Big or small, it all makes a difference. Turn your lights out and unplug all unnecessary electronics and appliances for an hour, use eco-friendly cleaning products, plant a tree or garden, compost, recycle…the options are endless. Go green! It’s the cool thing to do. Speaking of green and cool, check out the 2010 HGTV Green House. There’s still time to enter to win.

Awarded Gold Certification by the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Standard, the HGTV Green Home is energy efficient, water efficient, built with sustainable and local materials, has exceptional indoor air quality and ventilation and is very environmentally friendly.
Photos via HGTV.com

Spring Has Sprung

2010-04-06T21:44:00.002-04:00

Spring has officially started in DC. Tourists have invaded for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, traffic is a nightmare and the smell of the Maine Street fish market lingers over the SW waterfront. As a native of the DC area my entire life, I am ashamed to admit I’ve never been to the Tidal Basin to see the Cherry Blossoms, but this year that will change! I’ll be running in the Cherry Blossom 10-miler this Sunday and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to take in the sights as I whiz (haha I wish) by!

Sassy Stripes

2010-03-01T21:54:00.002-05:00

I'm a sucker for color. Big, bold, bright colors. Sunny yellow, grassy green, ocean blue, peony pink and melon orange. But nothing makes a bigger statement like black and white, especially black and white stripes. When done right, they scream “WOW look at me!” And take a look at these amazing "WOW" rooms!

BUT because I love color, I couldn't resist throwing in just one room.

Snowpocalypse: Blizzard of 2010

2010-02-09T01:34:00.002-05:00

Call it what you want, but DC has had its fair share of major snow storms this season and it doesn’t look like we are through! After a 20” December storm and a few 6” storms, we got the Granddaddy of them all this past weekend. Twenty seven inches and a spot in the record books.
During the blizzard

After the snow had fallen

The BIG dig out begins

The blizzard finally ending and rolling out of town

It’s official, 27 inches

Festive Fireplaces

2010-01-19T20:59:00.002-05:00

With the last of the 24 inches of December snow finally melting and the heat wave (highs in the 40’s) ending, I thought it fitting to share some of the coolest, coziest fireplaces. From what the weatherman is saying, it looks like we will be back in the 20’s again with a wintery mix headed our way later this week. I have a feeling Ill be cozying up to a nice warm fire this weekend.

Lovin’ Lilly

2010-01-13T21:16:00.002-05:00

If you’re a Lilly Pulitzer lover, your days and nights are about to get brighter! Lilly just unveiled a new line of bedding and bath items exclusively for Garnet Hill. As would be expected, they are bright, fun and fresh.

Sweet dreams!

Have the Blues?

2010-01-06T21:34:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

2010-01-06T16:32:00.002-05:00

Good bye 2009

Hello 2010

Here’s to ringing in a new year and new decade. Cheers!

Colorful Cottage Furniture

2009-09-08T16:34:00.005-04:00

I recently fell upon Russell & MacKenna fresh furniture. How cute is their stuff? Their pieces are bright and cheery, perfect for adding color to any room. All furniture is custom made; you choose everything from paint color, fabric and accents to knobs, monograms and accessories. With colors like summer shower, lemon ice, Bermuda beach and kiwi, you know you'll end up with something refreshing.