Design Day Friday: From Pinterest to Reality - Bedroom Basics

I am a Pinner. I have boards and boards filled with inspiration and reference. (Feel free to follow, just click on the link to the right.) Pinterest is not a new concept. For years and years designers like myself have used pull sheets and tears to create inspiration boards and design plans for clients. Pinterest puts it all in one place and is easy to use. More importantly it has made great design accessible and ignited the design fire in folks that were once intimidated by the concept.

Its been a while since I have posted a "copycat" room or "faux" version as I call it. I thought it was a good time to do one, since fall often brings about room updates and renovations just in time for the holidays. I found a room that is neutral, functional, cozy and in a color palate that is popular.

What I love most about this room is that it is uncomplicated and can be easily tweaked to fit almost any room size.  The basic elements and the accents can be changed to any color palate. If you are afraid of layering, this is a great room to start with, its almost fool proof. Here are the basics:

Layer one: Walls, Windows and Floors

Dash & Albert - Swedish Strip Rug
8 x 10 - $390

Jcp.com Bamboo Shade - Oak $30-$90

Jcp.com - Prelude Curtain $20

Layer 2 - Furnishings and Lighting

Jcp.com - Kensington Headboard Q - $144

Pier1 - Ashworth Bedside Chest $299

Lamps Plus - Sofia Table Lamp $69

Layer 3 - Bedding

Ikea - Alina Bedding- biege - $30

Ikea - Alina Beddding - White - $30

Pottery Barn - Cable-Knit Throw $79

Pottery Barn - Peacock Pillow Cover - $39

Layer 4 - Accessories

The finishing touches! Add some books to the nightstand. Cut some seasonal flowers or greenery from your yard and put them in a pretty vase or container. Don't be intimidated by the details. This is where you can make your design make. Remember my basic rules: Don't get stuck on matchy-matchy. We have already created a neutral base and color palate from our first three layers. My other rule? Try it! Play with arrangements and grab something unexpected to give the room life. Grab some old plates from the kitchen and hand them on the wall. Make a project with your kids and frame it. Find a cool flea market bench and paint it up to sit at the end of the bed. Whatever you do, have fun with it.

Voila! By the by, did you notice the price tag on this project? All totaled up, we did this for approximately $1200 to $1500! Not bad for a whole room makeover. Get creative and bargain shop or DIY some of the items and you can cut your cost even further. Send me your projects. I'd love to see what you create. Now, what are you doing this weekend? Happy Decorating! Ta.

Makin' Whoopie Wednesday: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

It's fall y'all! With that comes the appearance of everything pumpkin. When I posted on Instagram and Twitter (so if you're not following us yet, you could be missing out.) this picture of my hubby's weekly dessert feature, I got many requests for the recipe. So, Whoopie!, here it is. You can thank my wonderful fella for it. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple Cream Cheese 

FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FILLING

3 cups confectioners' sugar

¼ teaspoon maple extract

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


PUMPKIN WHOOPIE COOKIES

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 1/4 cups brown sugar

½ cup olive oil

½ cup rice bran oil or canola

3 cups pumpkin puree, chilled

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Making the Cookies -

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Using parchment paper or silicone baking mat line two cookie sheets and set aside. Mix by hand the following ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. (If you are in a pinch, you can use a basic pumpkin pie spice blend instead of the individual spices). In a second large bowl, whisk together brown sugar and oil, mix well. Continue adding eggs, vanilla. Fold in chilled pumpkin puree. Sift  in flour mixture to bowl containing the pumpkin mixture until fully incorporated.

Drop even and heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake 15 minutes or until cookies are cooked in the center (check with toothpick inserted in center). When the cookies are cool to the touch, but still warm, take half of the cookies and turn them upside down. Press gently until you create a flat bottom, these will be your “bottom” cookies. Allow all cookies to cool completely on pan.

Making the Filling -

Sift confectioner' sugar into a medium bowl; set aside. Using a mixer and a paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth. Add cream cheese and beat until well combined. Add confectioners' sugar, maple extract and vanilla, beat until smooth.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Transfer filling to a pastry bag or use a large food storage bag and snip the end. Pipe a large dollop of filling on the “bottom” side of the cookies, but do not overfill. Make sure that your cookies are completely cooled. Add a "top" cookie that has no filling to each filled  "bottom" cookie to create a sandwich. Gently press the "top" cookie to move the filling to the edge of the sandwich. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Dust the top of the whoopie pies with confectioner's sugar right before serving if desired.

Design Day Friday: Wallpaper with No Commitment

Antlers

Mention wallpaper to anyone not in the design industry and you'll probably get a facial expression similar to asking a 6 year old to eat brussels sprouts. Well, ask me and I'll tell you I love wallpaper AND brussels sprouts!

The stigma of wallpaper is likely derived from the mid-century foils, florals and chintz patterns that covered bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens and when removed took everything but the plumbing down with them. Later, the wallpaper boarder trend reared its ugly head. Rooms suddenly became accessorized in the same way a poorly placed belt accentuates the worst part of your figure. Hence, wallpaper hung its head in shame. (pun intended). 

The wallpaper of today isn't granny's wallpaper and designers are using it in the most creative ways ever. Wallpaper can add unique personality to a space that takes it from average to spectacular. In many of today's mass-market-architecturally-lacking new construction homes, wallpaper can add texture and drama to a cookie cutter floor plan...and...it just got better. I have been introduced to a product that takes wallpaper love to a whole new level.  It's wallpaper without commitment.  Not to mention it comes in fabulous graphic prints. Don't stop at walls. This stuff could be the next chalkboard paint! 

It's from a company called Chasing Paper. A female owned company, so we especially love them, that developed a peel and stick paper that stays in place but removes without harming the surface below. Making it very forgiving to install. Here's what Chasing Paper is all about:

"Peel it, stick it, love it. It's beautiful, well-designed paper that will stick to nearly any surface. Go ahead and get creative!

Chasing Paper was born in the hustling sparkle of New York City, but its roots are in the Heartland. It was created from conversations with serial movers, stylish mamas, renters who feel like anything but, DIYers, and, of course, commitment-phobes. 

Chasing Paper is for everyone. It makes small projects affordable and big jobs a breeze. We are invested in the accessibility of simple design and the power of transformation." 

They have a ton of designs, but I picked my top five (which changes all the time). Who can blame me? Happy Peelin' and Stickin' Ta.

That's a Plus

Sexy Hexy

Simple Stripe

Circle and Pop

Dot

Photo credit: Chasing Papers

Newly Wed-nesday: Getting Acquainted with Guesterly

If there is one thing brides and grooms consistently tell me they dislike about wedding planning, its the seating chart. Trying to create fun and interesting match ups can be overwhelming and often creates a little drama of its own.  Today weddings are more inclusive. Guests are not just bystanders they are participants.  Old wedding traditions have transformed into new ways for couples to bring a unique flair to their wedding. Making sure that guests have a fun and interactive experience is top priority. What if you could get ahead of the game and introduce your guests before the big day? Imagine a big mixer/meet up where you could make all those introductions in advance.  Guesterly is an innovative tool born from one couples desire to do just that.  No more his side and her side just one big celebration.

In 2012, while planning their own wedding, the founders of Guesterly, Rachel and Lorne, came up with the concept. They faced the dilemma that many brides and grooms face, how to blend family and friends from different corners of the country or even internationally. Combined with a concept sparked from  Lorne's college Freshman Herald directory and Rachel's knowledge of publishing through her work as a magazine editor at "O" Magazine, Guesterly was created.  Here is how it works:

Why do I like Guesterly?  Before you ask, let me answer the obvious question. Why create a magazine when I can use a website or social media? Guesterly will reach all of your guests regardless of the social media they do or do not use. Guests may not be as comfortable using websites or posting personal information or photos. Guesterly is delivered directly to your guests and you control who gets a copy.  Finally, every bride and groom will tell you that the big day fly's by in a flash. Guesterly is an ice breaker that will eliminate a lot of time spent making introductions and give you more time to make memories.  Happy Best Wedding Ever! Ta. 

The Shopping Bag: Go Pink!

It wouldn't be October without thinking pink. Isn't it wonderful that breast cancer awareness and October are so immediately connected in our minds. Oh how far we have come! There is still much farther to go and it just wouldn't be right to start my October posts off without turning the blog pink with fabulous goodies that support saving the ta-ta's! Not to mention the holiday season has already kicked off in retail stores reminding us that it's not that far away. Why not keep the pink going and make it a pink Christmas this year? Shop now and share awareness and fabulous style! I set out to find the best picks and hottest looks.

Its no secret that I look forward to football season every year so my first pick is all about showing team spirit and support. The NFL shop has an entire section devoted to breast cancer awareness for him and her. Most styles come with logos from all NFL teams and there are many items to choose from. The NFL's "A Crucial Catch" campaign raises awareness and funds to support the American Cancer Society. 

Speaking of holiday sparkle, how about a gorgeous statement necklace and earrings from Loft? Designed by Suzanna Dai with breast cancer survivor and TV personality Giuliana Rancic for the "Live in Pink Movement." Sixty percent of the purchase price will go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Skinny jeans are not going anywhere and they have gone from denim to a rainbow of colors. Now, one our favorite, U.S based denim designers, True Religion is making a pink skinny jean. The company is donating ten percent from the sale of these jeans to Susan Komen and has pledged a minimum $35,000 donation.

With October also comes a long list of events, especially runs and walks to benefit breast cancer awareness. Gear up with a cause. These bright pink running shoes by Asics benefit the Christina Applegate Foundation Right Action for Women campaign. Asics will donate $2.00 for every pair of shoes sold during the month of October. Also many other athletic gear manufactures like, New Balance and Under Armor have awesome powerful clothing and shoes for the cause.

Everyone needs a little glam in their day. Pamper yourself and someone you love with these beauty products from timeless brands like Estée Lauder and Bobbi Brown. All of these pink products would make great gifts and give someone special a little pick me up while helping women fight the fig.  

Estée Lauder

Bobbi Brown

Coach

Josie Maran

Dermelect

We recognize the pink ribbon. We see the info graphics. We wear the color. We support the fundraisers. Are your taking action? Don't avoid it. Face it. Fight it. Help find a cure.