Lived In

My First Major Heartbreak for my Kid

2015-09-15T23:12:00.006-05:00

There are hundreds of firsts as a parent, most euphoric and heart warming. I had my first major heartbreak for my kid yesterday.

I immediately felt the sting behind my eyelids. Everything became an underwater blur, tears welling up as I scrolled the email, "So, as I'm sure Iris has told you, she did not get elected to student council this year...the votes were REALLY close!"

{Iris, Ms. MaGrath, Eleanor - Meet the Teacher Night}

A pang of guilt slapped me. I didn't know; she was at aftercare, and I was home working like a beast. I would have picked her up after school, given her the take-it-all-away hug and Amy's ice cream with 2 toppings including gummy bears. If only I'd stayed for the results.

My girl is the most enthusiastic student you'll meet, a kind-hearted nurturer eager to please with a steadfast moral compass and high sense of justice. A good friend and a doting sister. It was the start of a new school year, and Iris was determined to rise to the 3rd grade. It was the big time - letter grades, tests, and gads of homework.

The call out for the Maplewood Student Council came in the Wednesday folder. It was grown-up, in fact stern even. There were lots of pre-reqs including a signature of commitment from the teacher and your parent. No baby stuff here.

Iris set up a make-shift office in the kitchen and worked earnestly while I cooked dinner, checking herself on each qualification. She worked, she read, I listened. OK, I might have inner giggled and outer smiled just a bit at her admission that student council might help her "get better at controlling my temper." I mean, come on, I'm only human. She was super proud of herself and super hopeful, as was I. She was a candidate by God.

A few days passed and "OMG", the big news dropped. There were 8 submissions in her class alone and the school counselor Ms. Kirk would lead a speech-off for every candidate in front of the entire classroom to pick 2 winners by student secret ballet vote.

The big day arrived yesterday. Iris awoke super early, put on her fancy new dress from Marmie, her election day game face, and slicked back her hair into a shiny ponytail, .

{YES, that's "the speech". I'm a Mom. I have to catch these things on the sly}

I acted measly and trailed behind the class from assembly. Ms. M is all business in there, so I figured if I just shut my mouth and kept my hand gestures small, you know, be on the down-low, I could sneak in. It worked! A bright-eyed Eleanor B popped up at the door, the competition. Duh, duh duh.....she was wearing a nearly identical dress as Iris', black and white stripes on top, teal on the bottom. Was it mind voodoo?

{School Counselor Ms. Kirk laying down the rules of the speech-off}

Eleanor had the best plan. She went first then took off for a swanky vaca with her dad (OK - I'm making that part up) but not before she wrote down two names - speech unseen and turned them into Ms. M. Eleanor's speech was for real-memorized with good 'ole campaign promises about what she'd get her classmates if elected and the gung-ho"Vote for me!" appeal at the end so many 3rd graders feel weird proselytizing. Not Eleanor though - she really went for it. You have to admire that.

Next, it was Iris's turn.

So good, right?! All of the kids really rose to the occasion. I beamed with pride confident the girl was totally in.

"However, I want you to give Iris another hug for me if you can tonight for some qualities she exhibited today confront losing: grace, resilience, empathy, and just really outstanding character. I am impressed daily by Iris' ability to think of others, and to put it all in perspective. She was upset for losing and so she wrote this note to Jake today, I wanted to include it (hope Iris and Jake don't mind!). You have a really special kiddo there (as you already know!)
Sincerely,
Ms. M"

The truth is, getting up in front of your classmates is really hard for a 3rd grader. Some kids desperately wanted to and prepared speeches, but just couldn't do it in the end. The new girl Perseis got up and nailed it out of the park off-the-cuff. The entire class did an outstanding job!

My heartbreak is knowing this was something Iris really really wanted, and she had to suck it up because she didn't get. This will happen a lot in life, and there's nothing I can do about it. Iris would have made an A+ Student Council Member, but, I'm relieved she's able to feel the upset, congratulate the winners, and move on.

I asked her about it when she got home yesterday. She told me she didn't cry on the outside, just the inside. But she's 8, she's resilient, and she's nearly over it just a few short days later.

The shining moment: Ms. M nominated Iris for a Peacemaker Award for her character in the face of defeat read in front of the entire student body by Ms. Kirk this morning. It's a pretty big deal. She was a little shy about it, but beaming, knowing she tried her best and her teacher knew it.

This. That is all.

2015-04-28T11:02:00.000-05:00

Yellow-splosion Spring into Target! (With links!)

2015-04-21T19:02:00.002-05:00

Target, sometimes you just make me happy. When I was dying over the yellow lattice fix and wanting another room to decorate that I could make a burst of spring and fun, the super helpful Target employee offered, "You should really check out the garden things that came in. They are super duper cute."

And, $36 later, I had 3 new pillows for a much needed spruce up for our outdoor couch. I love butterflies and the coral just pops! Butterlies are so representative of change and growth, and that's just where I am right this very moment.

Warning ** this photo has not been styled ** so shield that part of your brain ;). I would have loved to have some great stylins for the table, but beginning a new chapter and a new biz makes for a busy momma!

And, yes, I know EVERYONE spells it "mama" and yeah as "yay" but I will just always see those words as "momma" and "yeah" in my mind. So there!

{buy butterfly pillows here and coral lumbar pillow here}

Here's my interim card. I'm looking for 4-5 good human beings in need of some marketing assist for my 19 years of experience and referrals are quite welcome! Areas of expertise are: TV & radio media plans including buys, creative & execution, and online, event, database, and social media integrated marketing campaigns.

More on the flex work solutions side to come....

And, here are the items that got me initially psyched at Target. This storage bench with the lattice and yellow reminds me of my childhood. It screams spring, right?!

{Buy here for just $89.99}

Can't you see this entire look in a vacation guest room or your guest room, screened in porch, or little girl's room? It's too sweet and innocent and fun to not completely fall in love with!

{Lampshade here for just $26.99 and I can't locate the side tables, but GO TO TARGET!!}

Pokemon DIY cards your kids will flip for!

2015-04-12T10:24:00.002-05:00

OK, it's 2015. I know I've been fickle, not really here for you....that's a changin'.....

So, a sweet kid named Benjamin brought THE best Valentine's gifts a kid could imagine to school this year: personalized Pokemon cards!

My kiddos Iris & Sam went BALLISTIC. Ob-sessed. They had to have them, had to make there own, and knew there dad an effects guru could make it be. I was cautiously told they'd made a purchase, a laminator as they quickly imparted it was only $19.99 at the office supply store. I broke into a huge smile. I'm not that big of a tightwad. Totally worth occupying hours upon hours of my kid's time.

So....full Saturdays later, Mike and the kids patiently worked on creating their cards by using photos or drawing their own images and scanning them, making them come alive, and laminating their favorites. The laminator is small about the size of a 3 ring hole-punch.

Sam & Iris actually do something I'm quite proud of. They share their Pokemon cards in one binder and discuss all their trades and cards with one another. That quite literally is one of my proudest mom moments to date.

So, here are the goods!

Now you've got something fun to do the rest of this dreary Sunday, other than forts & movies galore!

Boggy Creek Farm salvation & roasted eggplant soup recipe to keep you warm & toasty!

2014-11-12T14:03:00.002-06:00

There is a place that is my equivalent to a Buddhist meditation retreat: Boggy Creek Farm.

As I turn onto Lyons Street at the four way stop, my lips autopilot into a smile. I approach the entrance, hidden and humble. One must drive slowly up the gravel driveway as you pass the row of sunflowers, "Come in, slow down, we've been waiting for you," their whispers waft through the air as they beacon you in. I crawl to a park and my smile deepens.

This is my grocery store, and, it fills me with light and life. I used to come once every few months, I now come once a week. I hardly step into the bustling HEB any more, or even my once favored Natural Grocer.

{Carol Ann & Larry, my farmers}

Everything's slower here. It's like you're in a film set in the 1800's far from the city folk, but you are minutes from downtown Austin. The historic white farmhouse greets you as the mountain high pecans sway above, farmdog Buddy scampers around as you sit to watch hens peck around, flowers abound the property and the crops are in every direction around you.

I know my cashier, I know my farmer and their easy pace and friendly advice and conversation are the highlight of my week, without exception.

In the mood to cook something yummy with my BC eggplants, I googled a roasted eggplant soup recipe. I didn't have 3 medium tomatoes or cream, but I had a jar of Larry's homemade fire roasted tomatoes which I'm sure were even better and I used 1 cup half and half as a replacement. Takes about an hour to make. Here the recipe is for you:

Ingredients:
3 medium tomatoes, halved
1 eggplant, halved lengthwise
1 small onion, halved
6 garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
4 cups non-chicken broth/stock
1 cup whipping cream
3/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400. Place tomatoes, eggplant, onion and garlic on a baking sheet. Brush with sunflower oil. Roast around 45 minutes. Take out and scoop the eggplant from the skin into a large saucepan. Discard the skin and add the roasted veggies and thyme to the same saucepan. Add broth. Puree into a blender and return to saucepan. Stir in cream as you simmer. Salt and pepper and ladle into your bowl with a few sprinkles of goat cheese and mint (I added).

Here it is:

Enjoy and stay warm y'all!

Friend Friday: Design by You

2014-08-29T13:52:00.001-05:00

So.... don't freak out...I know... 2 posts in 1 day. But, this has been on my mind: I am in love with your taste. Seriously. I see little pockets of design brilliance in my friends homes all the time. So why not share and inspire? It's not just the crazy overachiever types who seem to do it all and make us want to gag. It's you too.

I popped on Facebook and was dying!

#1 Remy, the muse, sweet thang, dog - Can you call her that? Are dogs really that tiny?? I feel like she needs her own name. And even her name, I want to call her Remington Steel for some reason.

#2 I am pretty much in love with everything in Bryce Smith's pad:

Where to start... I mean, "mange" backwards, the owl planter with the perfect "I'm bored off my ass" expression, the paper heads.... It's a unicorn, people.

The tree painting, which I'm convinced is Bryce-made. Even the lamp looks good.

And..............Remy!!! Nuff said.

HAPPY FRIEND FRIDAY!

Breakfast Bowl to Survive Back-to-School 4 You!

2014-08-29T13:36:00.002-05:00

We made it through the first week of school - WHEW. Sam began Kindergarten and Iris 2nd grade. It was emotional. For me. We left our wonderful child development center after 7 years, and our baby is in elementary school. I know. I am a mushy mom. I can't help it. He looks so ready, right?

Me. Not so much.

And, I can say Sam had no tears, only enthusiasm for more, more, more. More of his classroom and after care. He's exhausted, but hey, kindergarten is freakin' exhausting!

And, I'm getting through it with some good nutrition. Here's one for all the moms & dads.

Easy peasy breakfast bowl:

your favorite yogurt

a handful of quinoa or granola

a splash of chia seeds

sunflower seeds too

and almonds

and a good dose of berries,

especially superfood blueberries to get through it all

Good luck y'all and have a GREAT school year!! XOXO

My made up Roasted Brussels Sprout arugula toasted almond salad - BOOM!

2014-04-21T21:43:00.004-05:00

Yummy improv salad! My made up roasted brussels sprout arugula toasted almond salad - BOOM!

Toss Brussels sprouts, whatever number your hearts delight, with a little (1 tbs) olive oil, salt and pepper (a few twists)

Roast 35-40 min at 420 flipping every 10 min or so. If they look a little burny, ya done it right.

Slice whole roasted almonds (or roast your own - by putting in a sauce pan on a low-ish burner and flipping every few minutes or so 'til they smell all yum and roasty)

Throw in those toasty almonds with halved grape tomatoes (so, you take a little tomato and a knife and cut it in half ;) --) and Boggy Creek Farm arugula (jump in your car and go to Boggy Creek Farm Wed-Sat 8am-1pm for the freshest just picked) or grab the packaged greens if your a time stressed mom and missed the farm. BUT, DO promise you'll give yourself and your kids that experience oh so soon - YOU DESERVE IT! :)

Add your roasted brussels sprouts and toss in your dressing. Add shaved parmesan and a few twists of fresh pepper and VOILA! You are the super star and you make yummies for the tummy your whole fam will like!

Dressing = 1/2 squeezed lemon, 1/4-1/2 cup olive oil to taste and salt and pepper to taste. Mix that bad boy up.

Phase II: DIY Headboard & Bench Makeover - Bedroom Remodel by Mel

2014-04-20T21:50:00.002-05:00

Some of you know my journey for a bedroom remodel on a very tight budget without compromising a bedroom we really love. The inspiration room:

{designer Sarah Richardson}

I envisioned a very white (like white on white) room with a grass green pop of color headboard and built in side table/window seats with storage for either side of our queen bed with black and antique brass accents around the room.

First step = new quilt. We had a very eclectic floral persimmon Anthrolopolgie quilt that just plum wore out, despite being the softest thing on earth. Saturated color to all white is a big change. We literally waited 3 months for our Quatrefoil quilt to be handmade by Matteo and it was so worth it, although in the meantime I found an Anthropologie clearance quilt that I layer with it.

I think there were 8 days of painting total although I know I've told people it was 10 or 12. It freakin' felt like it.

Breakdown = 4 days sanding the 5 lift windows and 3 door frames in our 1941 bungalow, 2 days painting, 1 day painting doors, and 1 day painting the ceiling = pure Hell. You can see my Phase I full plight here and here.

P.S. Ignore that one of the curtain rods and curtains are down temporarily due to a dry wall foul.

Phase II: Headboard and bench

The bench was so threadbare that nobody in a decade has seen it without a throw on top. The maroon one at the end of the bed was on it during Christmas time, a rust & brown one the rest of the year. So, there's no true before and after of the bench. And the before of the headboard is, well, non-existent. I've actually never had a headboard.

I should also mention we lowered the bed to the box spring and bought a pretty white box spring cover for a finished look. We plan to raise the curtains nearly to the ceiling and with the high headboard and euro shams, it will hopefully make the room look larger.

The Inspiration:

I searched for 6 months or more for the perfect green fabric. Como Linen Velvet in Grass Green. I found it here at Fabric On the Net, and since it was a huge splurge at $85 per yard, it scared the living daylights out of me. There were lots of swatches going back and forth. And my frugal heart didn't spare a thread. I bought 3 yards - 2 for the headboard, 1 for the bench.

I'm making linen cotton covers for the Euro shams that reside naked as of now and plan to frame my prize lady (I won her in a FB 24 hour auction benefiting the Filipino refugees earlier this year) from my friend & neighbor Jennifer Balkan in a demur brass frame to live above the headboard with brass sconces in the curved carved out area on either side for bedtime reading. See Jennifer's work here.

{Jennifer Balkan painting - oil on map}

Next on the list Phase III: Built-in side table/window seats

These will be side tables with a window seat combo to flank either side of the bed. We have two windows on either side of the bed and on the adjoining wall. I've always been a fan of window seats and the bonus is two storage benches, side table book storage, and drawers on both sides. It's time for Mike's "come with" furniture (as in, this furniture comes with this single dude) and my childhood furniture to make way for our grown up space.

Next post, the DIY tutorial for the bench makeover and headboard. For now, I'm "Ester" Bunny'd out. Hope you all had a Happy Easter!

Target, you are killing me with your Woven Global Collection

2014-03-02T11:48:00.001-06:00

This is super quick and I promise a little more. But....I can't get over Target right now. I've been swooning over their Threshold Woven Global collection and nearly bought this little bench as a coffee table for the red couch in Iris & Sam's room. My guy talked me out of it, but still, every time I enter the store... I find myself back in the home goods section taking it out, looking it over and still impressed by the quality of these pieces for the price, loving the tone of the wood and the casual, artisan feel. The small benches are so sweet too. I can easily see them as an end table or paired at the end of a bed, or of course, just a little sitting stool.

It reminds me of my friend Heather Liskow's beautiful goods she brought from Kuala Lampur here

and just how warm and inviting these coveted things are.

{image from Target, $109 for bench}

{image from Target, $69 little stool, $29-$39 baskets}

Couldn't you just die over these? L-O-V-E them.

EEEK!! The search is over: velvet DIY tufted headboard

2013-12-15T17:21:00.003-06:00

I am so excited I can barely breathe. After the LOOONG search and lots of swatches for the perfect green velvet upholstery fabric for my DIY velvet tufted headboard, I found her!!!!

Here she is, grass green velvet upholstery fabric:

{you can find her here}

I have been on the search for months and months... Every swatch was too bright, too dark, too cheap feeling, and just...not right. I thought I wanted Kelly green, but even after contacting the designer behind this look, Palmer Weiss which we all loved, we could not find the exact same fabric.

And, the grass green is actually a better fit color-wise for the room than kelly green would have been. She was NOT a cheap date, which freaks me out, meaning, I have to be the queen of execution for this DIY headboard - no room for error. SCARY!

The inspiration, Sarah Richardson's bedroom:

And, other tufted headboards that I fancy:

I was considering doing one similar to the white headboard above including the nailhead detail but straight across for a more clean-line, modern feel but, I'm now thinking of one similar to the slight curve on each end.... Hmmmm........ we shall see. Stay tuned.

The ultimate DIY party - Troup S'mores! Iris's 7th Bday Party!!

2013-10-20T14:13:00.001-05:00

I know friends. It's been a while. A long while. I've been standing with Texas women, as many of you know. When the fight is hard, and the cause is important, it is sometimes worth the sacrifice.

But....I am a mostly mushy Mommy (still a "Mommy" although I'm sure I'll graduate to "Mom" soon), and when Iris came home from 1st grade with Girl Scout flyers, she insisted, "I don't want to be in the Girl Scouts and sell cookies. I want to start my OWN girl and boys club!"

As her 7th birthday drew nearer, she could only think of getting together with her pals and having a real club. Voila - The S'mores!!!

This is at the finale after they'd created their sashes (faux suede and iron on banding from Joann's Fabrics), earned their badges (iron on, of course!), had a contest to pick their name (Troup S'mores), roasted weenies and hamburgers and veggie burgers (you know me!) and made and enjoyed their very own s'mores! Plus, camp fire stories in the tent by John Hewlett, you remember him. There's video of that for those who would like it later....

The party invite photo from Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom.

The inspiration. Minus the injuries. Okay, Miss Kitty did scrap with 9 month old Sabine --- :(

The cake. I did my own recipe, and we grabbed the "log" and "fire" idea from pinterest here - basically, smash up jolly ranchers, and melt them on parchment paper on low in the oven for 10 minutes, then cool in the fridge and break them up for the fire. The "logs" are those yummy pepperidge farm chocolate cookies.

The sashes. Thank goodness my Mom saved me in a pinch. I got the fabric out 3 hours early, and realized.... I need a home economist. Elaine to the rescue! We used a faux suede material and the fabric tape you iron on - I recommend sewing before if you want them to last - might take a day of prep, but well worth it. I'm going to have our Marmie sew up Iris and Sam's.

The name nominations for interested parties: 007 (Ryder's nomination), BFF's (Coco's nomination), Ranger 99 (Orion's nomination), Hot Dogs (Scout's nomination), S'mores (Iris's nomination), and Cheese Burgers (Sully's nomination).

The styrofoam board is Iris's creation for a name nomination board.

Iris's welcome sign to the Troop!

My 7 year old! Iris T. Nicholson, working on Pinwheels for Peace to earn her Peace badge! Print outs & directions here.

And, below the butterfly bracelet project for the butterfly badge. Project print outs & directions here. When you move your arm, they REALLY do fly up and down like a butterfly. We did Blue Swallowtail and Monarch butterflies which are migrating through our yard and TX on the way to Mexico right now.

If you are interested in some Daisy, Brownie, or Girl Scout ideas for a party or troop, this is a nice little site.

Our faux fire for camp fire stories and hangin' out

And, making s'mores!

After the party, we updated their sashes with their names. We are excited to see fun S'mores adventures ensue with the new troup after the party.

Her Daddy is so awesome, he even made smores pancakes Sunday morning for the kiddos!

Coveted...seeking design objects I'm obsessing over

2013-04-27T15:58:00.000-05:00

There are those things you discover on a journey to redesign your space, covet like nothing else, and cannot imagine not having.....

For me, those are these gorgeous sconces; the Antony and Eye sconces from French designer Serge Mouille.

I saw them, pinned them, and couldn't get them out of my head. You can see why....I mean, it's perfectly clear, right?

As this bedroom design comes together bit by little bit, I thought....these are modern perfection, bringing black into the white white space and perfect to go above the white built in side tables to perch on either side of the deep kelly green velvet tufted headboard that I'm closer and closer to deciding I will make, the perfect focal feature of the space. Only today, did I actually realize they are (choke me - $2050 each!).

Damn middle age design angst!! If only I were a rich, gay guy and not a middle class mom, I would just do it.

I originally was thinking a pair of the Robert Abbey pharmacy style brushed bronze lamps on either side of the bed ala this:

But, now, I've just got the Mouille Eye on the brain. Nothing else seems to compare (ahem)...

So, we remember what we are dealing with: blank canvass bedroom freshly painted Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace (taped space represents side table/storage/bench built in):

Here is my color inspiration for the headboard:

Pretty with the Phillip Jeffries raffia I'm obsessed with for the bottom 1/3 of my white, white walls, right?

I'm also on the hunt for the perfect pairing of vintage botanicals to go above my black with gold painted butterfly armoire like these below I spotted on One King's Lane a few weeks back, but not $800. Naturally, I'm drawn to the irises most....

Design wanderlust for my dreamland bedroom....

My Bedroom Makeover...Green? Yellow? Brass? Black?

2013-04-12T10:04:00.003-05:00

A few more images that inspire me for this room - LOVE them both.

This green bedroom has just the amount of black and green touches I'm looking for. I love the bed skirt which I hadn't considered. I was going to go with a diamond matelasse box spring cover like the one below and lower my bed to the floor (about 2 1/2 inches lower) to meet the built-ins bed stands/benches with storage I envision on either side:

{Potterybarn}

So, you remember my Missy Elliott reno work. Here are the seventy year old uglies I was dealing with and learning how to repair and camouflage to work on my DIY budget.

See here and here to catch up cause this momma is too tired to replay ;)

So, terrified, I started painting... Chantilly Lace, here we go! That pit at the bottom of my stomach looking at white on white on my pretty (although who knows how old) warm yellow that somehow always seemed neutral to me was making me seriously wonder about my choice.

So, here is the before. Ignore junk on floor on the left (not part of the room!) Notice tape where built-in benches/side tables are meant to go. Yes, I am standing in the closet.

The curtains now look dingy! We were planning on replacing them with similar white, white gauzy curtains (hopefully from Ikea) and are going to raise the rods (which were handmade by the former owner customized for the window) to make the room look larger. This, with lowering the bed a few inches, and adding 26X26 Euro shams ($30 including tax for 2 online!) - which came in and I am thrilled with, will work with the effect. After the photo below, I spent 5 hours painting the ceiling. I have to say it was TOTALLY worth it. Makes the room look like painted perfection and now, makes me want to paint all of the ceilings.

Behind the bed, I am considering either making a tufted green headboard or great artwork like these from Wisteria. They would match my black armoire with gold painted butterflies and work well.

This mirror would move to the dresser area on the right. My childhood dresser will be Craig's Listed and something similar to this in it's place. Something warm and with a history.

Above is the photo of the base boards and doors painted Chantilly Lace and bottom is the walls as well. Makes my off white frame look dingy, eh? I have a matching frame that I'm about to put photos in for the other side and am either going to spray paint both flat white or black. Haven't decided. The grasscloth wallpaper will be on the bottom third of the room.

Since these photos, the bed has been lowered so it will fit in to the same height as the built in end tables/benches and the ceiling has been painted. Next step for the weekend = raise the curtain rods.

Lowered bed + raised curtains + euro shame + chantilly white walls = larger, more peaceful bedroom.

Okay, okay....I know it is very blank canvas right now. Layers, layers, layers....Next big step...hire the carpentar, build the tape lined side tables/benches/storage spaces.

Now, off to the yard and planting with Everything Boy!

Two kid tested veggie recipes! Sweet potato beans with greens & veggie enchiladas

2013-03-24T21:28:00.001-05:00

So, this week I kid and family tested two recipes. Ones I've tripped over on Pinterest. Here is the recipe for sweet potato beans with greens. I had it once, loved it. Tried it twice, and now it is officially Sam approved. And, although my husband is not a fan of sweet potatoes, the beans and greens are so tasty, he loved it as an entree for lunch. SUCCESS = I do not have to cook 3 different meals for 4 people so, this is a big success for me!

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Beans and Greens

Serves 4

4 sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 shallot, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (4-inch) sprig fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups (or 1 can) cooked and drained white beans
6 cups kale, trimmed and sliced into ribbons
Juice of 1/4 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Scrub the sweet potatoes and prick them in a few places with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake until soft all the way through, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Start the beans and greens about 15 to 20 minutes before the sweet potatoes are done.

In a wide, deep saucepan with a cover, heat the olive oil over low-moderate heat. Add the shallots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, rosemary sprig, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, for about a minute. Add the beans and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the kale, cover the pan, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the kale is soft. Remove the rosemary sprig, stir in the lemon juice, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, slice each sweet potato lengthwise and push on the ends to open up the middle. Spoon the beans and greens into the center.

I was feeling so good that I tried for two and found these stacked roasted veggie enchiladas. LOVE them!!! And the 3 pickies in my family loved them too! See evidence below. Mike ate every last bite. I made it exactly as is but added carrots and tomatillos to the mix and used less cheese. Also, I used Ana's Salsa which I love! If you live in Texas, you can pick it up at HEB in the produce section (because the ingredients are natural). They are my radio client, the sweetest couple, and live right here in Austin. Anna worked in the school district and used to make salsas for Christmas presents. It's one of those once in a million success stories, and the salsa is delish!

Here's a photo pre-bake and before the last cheese spread:

Stacked Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas

ingredients:

1 poblano chile, cut into matchsticks
2 red bell peppers, cut into matchsticks
1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 medium onion, halved and slivered
1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
3 T heat-safe oil like grapeseed or coconut
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt and black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups homemade or store bought salsa/pico de gallo
2 ounces baby spinach leaves (about 2 big handfuls)
9-10 corn tortillas, halved (try making homemade tortillas!)
2 cups shredded cheese (I used a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend)
sour cream and thinly sliced scallions (green onions) for garnish, if desired

directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a large shallow roasting pan or rimmed cookie sheet.

Place poblanos, red bell peppers, cauliflower, sweet potato, onion, and corn kernels onto cookie sheet. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle the cumin and minced garlic over top. Add a generous pinch or two of salt and black pepper, then use your hands to mix everything together. After everything is coated well, spread the vegetables evenly in the pan. Roast for 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender and begin to brown in spots. Stir or shake the pan every 10 minutes for even roasting. Remove pan from oven and reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F.

Prepare an 8x8x2 or 9x9x2-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, stir the cilantro into the salsa. Spread 1/4 cup of salsa into the bottom of the baking pan. Add a layer of tortilla pieces, to completely cover the salsa. Top with 1/3 of the vegetables, a handful of spinach, and 1/3 of the cheese. Make a second layer of tortilla, salsa, vegetables, spinach, and cheese. Top with with a layer of tortillas, salsa, vegetables, and cheese. Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and everything is heated through.

Let it sit for 5 minutes and cut into squares. Serve with sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced scallions.

BUEN PROVECHO!

Salty Sow Style Roasted Brussels Sprouts & basil pesto recipes to die for

2013-03-09T18:34:00.002-06:00

The other night I was just craving the Salty Sow roasted brussels sprout leaves I'd been missing since Mike's 40th birthday. And, I had the biggest, juiciest heirloom tomato which practically called out for some pesto, salt and pepper, and a smidge of parmesan. A few googled recipes later and voila!!

Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Author: Amanda Maguire

Recipe type: Side Dish

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 10 mins

Total time: 20 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 Pound Brussels Sprouts
1 Tbs. Olive Oil
2 Tbs. Braggs Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce)
2 Tbs. Pure Maple Syrup
2 Cloves Garlic, crushed

Instructions

Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, Braggs, maple syrup, and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.
Prepare the brussels sprouts by chopping the ends off. You’ll want to chop about ⅓ of the stem side off.
Peel off the leaves and place them in a large bowl.
Pour the dressing over the brussels sprout leaves and toss to combine.
Transfer to your prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, until nice and crispy.

Notes

You’ll want to keep a close eye on the brussels sprouts after about 5 minutes in the oven. There is a fine line between perfectly crispy and burnt.

Ingredients
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese
Directions
Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

If using immediately, add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese.

If freezing, transfer to an air-tight container and drizzle remaining oil over the top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and stir in cheese.

Copyright 2003 Television Food Network, G.P.

And, the best part was the next night, I LITERALLY made a 1 minute meal. I just put together some penne pasta (Mike had cooked al dente for the clan), a little shaved parmesan, pine nuts, and the yummy basil pesto and, then (sorry John Hewlett) nuked that sucker 1 minute in the microwave.

And... YUM! The presentation isn't so pretty, but it was SO delish!! That pesto recipe is the bomb!

Enjoy amigos.

The Inspiration....

2013-02-16T10:57:00.001-06:00

I'm taking a little rest 9 days after all bedroom heavy lifting prepping and painting. I'm actually holding off painting the walls out of terror. Yes. Terror. Not even fear.

I know it will take a little time to make my vision for the room happen, and we will be living in a very, well, white space until the "vision". The paint is Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace which is white white.

I look at what's been done so far and feel so much satisfaction in the work. Not perfect, but pretty darn good.

My inspiration really does come from this room by Sarah Richardson....

...mixed with a Wisteria catalogue that arrived at the house last year featuring this Phillip Jeffries African Raffia wallpaper on the top part of a living room walls with white wainscoting on the bottom.

Like Missy E, I think I'll just reverse it! White on top, raffia on bottom--- Okay, I listened to a lot of Hip Hop and Rap while working, mostly Missy Elliot, Eminem, some old school LL Cool J, and Beastie Boys.

So, here are some rooms that I like when I think of what I want in color and texture:

{image via Sarah Richardson}

{Tommy Smythe}

Love the brass mirror, the dresser's warm wood, and black and brass lamp, plus all artwork and masculine ram horns or whatever those are

{image via Tommy Smythe}

I know it's a closet, but black, white, gold, brass = love

{Tommy Smythe - the man and his room}

LOVE this brass mirror and the gray with black. Mike actually has an old brass bald eagle lamp (AT his office, of course!) and I can't let him see this or he'll say I love it and bring it home to live :0

Now, it is glaringly apparent, I am having a Richardson-Smythe attack. One, so feminine. One, so masculine. In design that is. I go back and forth over the accent color - yellow or green. Yellow or green?

I DO know, I want white with some black, brass and warm wood, and an accent color through pillows.

On either side of my bed there are two large window and two that are on the opposing wall, an "L" of windows. I currently have off white gauzy curtains on L shaped iron rods hand forged by the previous homeowner who took a class and made them. I want built in side tables/seat benches with storage underneath that actually aren't built in but can come away from the wall.

Something like this, but, of course it's not a kitchen nook:

Picture something similar to this on either side of the bed. Originally, I wanted white linen textured seat cushions that would have black cording along the edges, but in case they are too difficult to wash (bleach the white, NOT the black).

These are pillow ideas for the window seats:

Or, something like these if I go yellow:

"Is it worth it, let me work it...This the kinda beat that go ra-ta-ta Ra-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta." Can't help it, Missy Elliot's in my room makeover head!

M&M Bedroom Reno: Phase 1 = Torture

2013-01-26T10:32:00.001-06:00

M&M Bedroom Reno: Phase 1:

It started with an idea of a dreamy, white bedroom with black and natural elements and once my big investment and inspiration piece, the Matteo quilt (which we waited months and months on it's production) happened, there was no turning back.

Quatrefoil Quilt

Inspired by a four-leaf symbol of the same name, Quatrefoil is a beautiful collection of quilted shams and quilts featuring a pattern popular during the Gothic Revival and Renaissance. The use of white contrasting thread in the quilting pays homage to the skill of the original European masters by highlighting the complexity and intricate details of the quatrefoil pattern.

Life has been a zoo lately. This is what I've been lookin' like:

We live in a 1941 bungalow and what seemed to be a simple idea to renovate our bedroom, starting with a little paint has turned into sheer torture. Seriously.

There are 5 windows, 4 walls of base boards, and 3 doors in our bedroom that all have 72 years of paint on them. Sanding, sanding, and more sanding. I've learned to be proficient with my hand sander, patch & paint, wood fill, and frog's tape (the best), all before the painting began.... over 20 hours of sanding and prepping which equals 4 days of sanding. Literally.

The painting began 2 days ago and after today, the final coats will be done on all but the three biggies, the doors and then done. Of course, then, I have to paint the actual walls after I sand down the imperfections, fill cracks, and reapply texture. There are lots of bad patch jobs, raised areas, etc.

I've learned a few things I've wondered over the years of living in this cozy, little, old house.

Question: Can you ever get rid of the cracks and raised areas that are in the ceiling? YES! Can you ever get rid of the cracks and weird places in the window sills? YES! Just sand them down a bit, fill in with patch & paint, and paint over. If they need texture, you can buy it in a box, add it to your paint, and paint it on.

Hint: Pay attention to what type of texture you have. I realized there are 3 different textures in the 6 rooms of my house. If you are in an older home that is a middle class home, you will also find LOTS of shoty work since, most likely, the previous owners did it themselves, kind of like me ;0

I am not a fan of wall texture but, I am not of the funds or state of mind to hire a contractor to redo the sheet rock completely. I know myself too well. I'd have these sleek, clean walls and want them in every room :)

Of course, after I did everything I found a great tutorial on painting window sills at Apartment Therapy. Here it is for you!

So, with all that. I put in some hefty hours raising funds and awareness for this little event so NARAL Pro-Choice Texas can combat some seriously gloomy bills in the Texas Leg this session that will try and take us all back 40 years.

Feel free to donate here to protect women's choice in Texas. You would be amazed that in our huge state, there is just this one organization with 1 full time employee and 1 lobbyist that is the political arm of choice in Texas. NARAL Pro-Choice Texas organizes grassroots and campus organizing, lobbying and legislation, electoral work for pro-choice candidates, voter registration, leadership training, public education and community outreach.

And, as if that wasn't enough, I got talked into being in my friend Kevin's play THIS FRIDAY for FronteraFest at Hyde Park Theater. If you wanna come, you can buy tix here. It's a small part, but fun and kooky, kind of like me :). I turned it down at first, "I don't have time, I'm drowning in kids, work, decorating, political activism, ......." but, secretly, I was happy to put my acting shoes back on.

The last play I was in was literally when I got engaged onstage 8 1/2 years ago! Some of you reading this might even have been there. I know my friend Meredith was next to camera sobbing the entire time. And, I love her for that. Mike had all our relatives and friends in the audience and asked me to marry him onstage after the play was over. We used to have the video on a site which is now defunct. Oh, how I wish I could put that footage up.

Oh yes, I forgot planning and having my awesome partner in crime, Mike's 40th Birthday Bash last Saturday!! There was dinner, karaoke, old school Austin bar hopping and good times with great friends.

Thankfully, he got a cappuccino machine for the big one and so, THIS is what has kept my January sanity together.

Anyhow... stay tuned for the renovation journey ahead!

DIY mantel focal point that lasts Christmas through the New Year!

2013-01-03T20:48:00.000-06:00

I've always loved this Christmas photo of my Dad playing with his train and my Aunt Donna playing with her baby doll. It just seems like the quintessential '50's Christmas photo. They are around the same age as my kiddos. I would guess my Aunt is 5 and my Dad is 7.

So...finally.... I took it to the pros at Holland Photo and had them create an 11X14 print and bought a frame at Tarjay (Target) for $29.99. Total project less than 50 bucks.

Once I had this pretty holiday focal point for my mantel, I put Christmas pj photos of my nieces and Iris and Sam that we've taken over the years in complementary silver frames.

It induces tears instantly from me to see how the family has grown in children and just how much they have changed from year to year. No more little plump faces and plump arms. They truly are all children now...no more babies.

At Christmas I had a church and small homes that were my Omie's and a few small deer. The church and homes just scream 1950's decor. Below is the mantel now and I intend to keep it through January because it just makes me... happy!

Happy New Year!!!

Flor Delight!!

2012-12-26T12:27:00.003-06:00

Since this summer, I'd been thinking about doing something fun for the kids new bunk bed room makeover. We've had the same shabby chic light pink 3.5X5.5 rug for 6 years and it was on it's last leg. In fact, so embarrassingly bad I will NOT even post a photo.

We'd done Flor tiles about 7 years ago in our Shack (above) and really loved the concept of them but we weren't sure we wanted to attach them to our nice hardwood floors versus the shack's plywood.

Then, GREAT news. I found out from a friend they had updated them and the Flor tiles no longer stuck to what was below them, but had plastic circle stickers that attached the tiles to each other = no adhesive on your floors.

Starting at about $10/tile with no rug pad needed makes them one of the least expensive rug options. The ability to replace a bad tile and pick them up and clean them makes them perfect for any high traffic, high wearability area like a kid's room.

Flor has such a great site and is such a well designed product. They make the process so simple with their FlorBuilder Design Tool area, you can see your design before you order, dimensions and all.

Here's my design using pink, burgundy, and green tiles from the Parallel Reality line.

When I got my Flor box in the mail a few short days after ordering online.... butterflies and tingles all over with the anticipation of what our design would look like in the space.

And, voila! Kid approved! Iris & Sam love them and we do too. A burst of color to create instant fun!

Believe....my holiday wish for you

2012-12-22T20:25:00.000-06:00

These are the kiddos in our family including my two.

As the holiday celebrations begin and families and friends gather near, my holiday wish for you is to believe.

Believe in innocence, the good in the world, the magic of the human spirit, and even a fairy or two.

E.A.S.T. - Art for your home is closer than you think

2012-11-18T20:20:00.000-06:00

Every home needs art...art that moves you, gives those who know you a glimpse of who you really are.

My favorite thing about living in east Austin is that you never know who lives next to you from the movie director, musician, activist, or artist and, it turns out, there are quite a few all around me.

I discovered East Austin Studio Tour a few years ago by basically walking out my front door, and the insane talent of my neighbors lay before me. My backyard neighbor and fellow pre-school mom Jennifer Balkan has become one of my very favorite artists in Austin. These below, I love:

My neighbor a few homes down is sculptor Roger Foster who hosted Karen Maness that year. Karen lives a few streets down and she had two paintings I've never gotten out of my head.

With small kids in tow, I've only been able to do EAST in small doses. Last year, it was contained to the studios and art exhibits at my husband Mike's east Austin studio complex. This year, we met up with Iris's friend Scout and her dad John for a Cesar Chavez run of East exhibits.

Here were my favorites:

{Daphne Holland paints in encaustic with layered wax}

{Jenny Granberry's watercolors were my very favorite pieces this year, AND she teaches children's art classes and does a $40 BYOB art class to do with your friends. What a great ladies night idea!}

{Taylor Browning's self portrait with a friend in the Alps}

{Another of Taylor's - I could see this lady staring down my Kathy Womack women in my dining room but, then realized, she'd be staring them down the wrong way. Still love it.}

And then, we walked into a small room filled with these intricate drawings from illustrator Sophie Roach. She sat in the corner, working, drawing a black and white piece, and it was a little miracle. She was kind and open very young. And, she was happy to let Iris and Sam really see how an artist works.

{Sophie Roach}

My dream is to do an entire end to end tour of EAST on a moped with my baby, the big one, Mike :) sans kiddos. That is what I would LOVE to do next year.

The West Texas Road Trip that went down in Hewlett Nicholson History!

2012-11-04T00:13:00.001-05:00

I KNOW!!! I've been M.I.A. Between volunteer work, work, and Kindergarten, I've been under water.

So, when I got a text from John Hewlett: "Also thinking about a trip out to Marfa and McDonald Observatory for a star party with the fam over Labor Day weekend if you guys aren't booked...It's the Marfa Lights Festival and there is a $99 special at the Lajitas Resort. With #3 on the way, I think we gotta do it."

I knew it shouldn't even cross my mind. West Texas for little kiddos, not so much. That's what we always said, after we fell head over heals in love with the this magical place two years ago on a sans kiddos trip. Labor Day weekend, the very first moment of relief after the first week of Kindergarten. I already was a ball of nerves and tingles thinking about all the changes ahead and knowing this was in store:

Iris & Sam's first day away from each other
at different schools :(

Meet the Teacher Day, Iris & Ms. Metcalf

Sam's first day in the Older Class with his
buddy Evan, taking care of Sam the Man.

Bittersweet moment for Momma - 1st day of Kindergarten!

Everybody said, Kindergarten will kick your ass! And a couple of months in, it still is. Early mornings, rigid nighttime schedules, picking up your starving child who had a half hour lunch and a half hour recess and who is literally a stressed, little emotional wreck. It's a lot - even for my 6 year old whose had 5 1/2 years of the most amazing preschool.

That being said, this was THE perfect trip, exactly what we needed to get through the month ahead of us. The West Texas skies, somehow bluer with more billowy clouds, the air somehow fresher, the nighttime skies crystal clear so you could actually experience the universe, and then, there's "mañana."

From El Cosmico's website: "Mañana cannot generally be found in cities with more than one stoplight. Mañana doesn't care about email or normal hours of operation. Mañana recognizes that we can't all have everything we want at any given moment, like peaches in January or cell phone reception in West Texas. Mañana is the anticipation that it might happen today, and it might just as likely not, and really either way it's not that big of a deal."

{John & Harlon at Balmorhea Springs - see the sly smile. SO Jim Carey}

And, to have someone else plan the ENTIRE trip! Enter John: an outdoor enthusiast and adventure man who has been to West Texas on manly guy bonding trips 10 times! And, who lives for planning vacations for his family. I mean, he built a canoe, by himself. Is there any other endorsement that says, go with this guy on a whirlwind trip to West Texas???

Then, there's my guy Mike who's been working his tail off. When I saw mischievous looks like the one below come over his face as he was googling West Texas info while we continued to say this plan was crazy....

...I knew that no matter how tired we were, how horribly wrong a 4 day jaunt with 4 kids, 1 pregnant lady (not me!), and 15 hours of driving the first week after Kindergarten could be, we were going for it!

GO BIG OR GO HOME: DAY 1 FRIDAY - BALMORHEA, ARRIVAL MIDNIGHT

You know it's West Texas when you show up near midnight and it's all man. El Oso Flojo, or as John calls it "The Tootin' Bear." Men hanging on their balconies drinking cheap light beer and inviting you to join. Not just any men. Huntin' men. Guys who get away from the world to the West Texas desert.

DAY 2 SATURDAY MORNING - BALMORHEA SPRINGS

With spring fed water, fishes galore, divers and snorkelers looking through the twenty foot deep areas of this spring fed pool, the experience was unforgettable. It was refreshing, relaxing, and the mountains over the horizon and West Texas sky made me forget everything and just soak up the sun and breathe in everything.

{Iris & Scout in heaven}

{WEE!!}

DAY 2 SATURDAY AFTERNOON - MARFA

We visited the Marfa Lights Festival and no trip to Marfa is complete without a visit to El Paisano steeped in the cinematic history of Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean's Giant. This is where we learned the deep down secret...that John had actually stayed in the Elizabeth Taylor suite with his man crew.

Next stop, El Cosmico: A world in it's own and what personifies the Marfa style to me.

If you crave communal living, simplicity with a peek of modern decor, jump out of your box and shower under the stars in the light of the full moon at El Cosmico. The West Texas elevation and the cool 60's nights are perfect on a little cheek taking a warm shower and breathing. Not breathing because you are hyper ventilating from stress but because the air is cool and crisp and pure good.

I mean, how cool would it be to stay in one of their two teepees? From the outside not so much, but a quick peak inside revealed a chic, modern space.

I think I'm all in for a safari tent next time for a mere $65. To, me the safari tent IS Marfa style: modern, simple, utilitarian, and refreshing.

El Cosmico has 6 choices of renovated 1950's trailers. Here's an inside look.

These were our digs -- the 1949 Spartan Mansion. That's Sam checkin' it out. You would know even if it wasn't the biggest, Mike found the only trailer with an A/C! I loved every minute of this but, the best part was the outdoor shower. I felt a little timid at first, but took two steps out of my backdoor to the shower, threw that towel over the hook, and hopped on in. It was covered on four sides by a tarp material with the top wide open, and I knew God must be real because he gave me the crispist 60's night with a big full moon and the dark, dark West Texas sky sprinkled with a million stars above. The best shower of my life.

The Hewlett's were living large in the 1953 Vagabond. It even had a tub indoors! Almost all trailers had a deck, picnic table, and outdoor shower and/or claw foot tub. Imagine that same sky a little before 7am when we got up for the Sunrise Service at The Chinati Foundation.

DAY 3 SUNDAY 7AM SUNRISE AT THE CHINATI FOUNDATION

Knock. Knock. Knock. Somehow I knew John Hewlett would be at the door right on time. Yes, it was early, but the best kind of early. Walking down the dirt road to Chinati...an adventure awaiting us. I had butterflies remembering the installations that moved my soul, took me somewhere else, other worldly. I wondered what Iris and Sam would think of Chinati. I wondered if it would affect them nearly the way it affected me.

Gorgeous isn't it? The Judd installation was quiet and felt almost like church. Watch. Enjoy. Look. But, for God's sake, DON'T touch! Our kiddos didn't because they are little art aficionados, but they had the attendants nervous. They definitely weren't used to children at Chinati.

{Sam, 3 1/2 capturing art}

The most surreal moment was coming out of the fort and seeing the herd of antelope in the distance along the horizon running through the modern Judd cement cube installations as the sun rose below.

{Scout, John, Allie, Harlon}

And onto the luxury of Lajitas Resort to relax in this pool with the awe inspiring views!

we explored movie sets (below), dipped in the Rio Grande, and ate at The Starlight in Terlingua.

DAY 4 BIG BEND HIKE AND HOME TO AUSTIN, TEXAS

John did not disappoint. The hike was perfect in every way - distance, views, difficulty. We were a little late and it was a little hot, but I cannot convey how refreshing the waters of the Rio Grande felt on our salty, sweaty skin. The best prize. Just being in the middle of the Rio Grande felt surreal. That river is not just any river. Two nations. Two people. Texas. It felt strange and wonderful to stand in the midst of it.

And, yet.... I think, maybe this whole trip came down to... the necklaces. Check it. For all adventurers, they keep you cool and just might be, the ONE thing.

A little bit of East and something something

2012-08-05T13:55:00.000-05:00

Here it is. Isn't it gorgeous? I kind of fell in love with it at my friend Heather's party. It's a coverlet/bedspread and we've got a kid's makeover coming since the bunk beds have just made their entrance before Kindergarten starts. The colors are so rich and vibrant, and it was so soft. The hand work just makes it feel... special.

Heather lives in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, and we had a reunion last month with her high school and college friends to celebrate her trip home. It's so hard to believe that it has been 15 years since we were all frolicking around happy go lucky college students without an adult care in the world.

She had so many beautiful Eastern relics and goods, bowls, and textiles from her travels and living abroad. It was really inspiring.

And, it got me thinking. There is something so sensual, yet light and relaxing, and playful about these deep jewel tones and rich colors. And, I'm into it...

Love how these textiles with white bedding would look with some great poufs (image from Bohemian Vintage}. The jewel tone colors are somehow easy on the eye while bringing in lots of color.

Yes, I know...I know... You've seen this before, but I can't help myself. I love almost everything about it from the bedspread, four poster bed, little Buda on the table, to the huge print. I love, love, love a gold pouf. And would put a few at the end of the bed in a heart beat for extra seating, but then I saw these bronze poufs from Amazon here for only $159. Now, we are talking.

{Indian Kantha quilt from Sari's Living on Etsy}

{Moroccan pillows from Wisteria here}

{Sunburst Cabinet, One Kings Lane from Russell Johnson Imports}

So, I love all of these and would put them all together for a bright, cheery bedroom that makes you feel like you are on vaca every day. YES! Okay, so, it's not all of the East. The dresser is from Buenos Aires and pillows Moroccan but, together....it is perfection. And, you will die, you will just die but those antique Kantha's are priced at only $75. Talk about bedroom on a budget.

{from Justina Blakeney's home}

{Seagrass vases, One King's Lane from Three Hands}

I love these vases with Justina's backyard furniture. She does call her style Jungalow, it's bohemian chic with a little something extra OR I love these vases with the outdoor living room and the Schumacker wallpaper below, maybe added to a framed piece or either side of the built in lounge area.

{Morrocan inspired outside space from House & Home} {Schumacher Punch fabric}

Call me crazy, but I think it could be a great DIY project. Add some misters from Home Depot (about a $100-$200 addition), and I am so there!

{Hmong Embroidered Folk Art Tribal {Indian pouf from Ebay}
Panel, only $22 Kulshi Mumkin's Etsy store here}

Throw in a great Indian pouf and hang this Folk art piece behind a neutral living space and you have an instant Eastern addition for almost nothing.

Yep Heather, you are onto something great. Decor like this inspires girl get togethers with great drinks in a relaxing space where we all feel like we are halfway around the world. Bringing a little East to the South.

Colorado or bust!

2012-07-25T12:52:00.004-05:00

This last week we hit it to the cool draw of Colorado, like most Texans in the sweltering summers trying to escape the unforgiving heat. Although hotter than a normal Colorado summer, it has been an amazing trip into the mountains.

I spotted this photo last week and kept thinking, how fun would this be on a road trip with adults, that is? You bring the libations and have a camper. F-U-N!!!

Our trip to Drake and Colorado Springs has been a little more like this:

{Estes Park, Sam bonding with Dad at the Rotary Club festival}

{Breakfast as it should be with good friends and

beautiful scenery! Thanks for hosting us

Valerio-Bosters. Drake, Colorado}

{Hiking 6.1 miles up Mt. Rasberry with the 5 under 8.

Aunt Sarah, Uncle D, and cousins Ellie, Anna, & 2 yr old Grace

are hiking maniacs - who knew?!}

{At the top of Mt. Rasberry. I could only hope my children feel this way

about me one day. This still makes me tear up}

{Mike and Iris giving me palpitations, seriously, at the top of Mt. Rasberry.

Elevation: 9000 feet. I felt like I was channeling my Mom while

seeing my daredevils do this. Panic... Panic...Panic}

{And...Sam could have cared less about the view.

He was only concerned with the abundance of his

ladybug friends at the top}

{My thoughts exactly Sam....}

Zzzzzz........a few more days of bliss and then, back to reality!