Have a Nice Weekend

We received lots of beautiful flowers this week from friends and family in memory of my brother in law.  They mean so much to our family and are nice to have in our home.   A nice way to brighten our day.

{photo via Lidia Zitara on Flickr}

Loss

Our family is grieving the loss of my husband's brother and it has been a pretty intense, rough week.  Hopefully after the services today we can attempt to get back to a new normal.

{photos via Dress, Design and Decor}

Unique Kitchen Problem Solvers

I ran across Fusion Brands when looking through Real Simple magazine.  This gadget caught my eye so I wanted to learn more about it.  All of the products they sell are extremely clever, smart and useful.  I hope to take a minute to browse their site, it is done very well!!

From top to bottom:

1.  The Food Pod:  $15

2.  Finger Tongs:  $16

3.  The Ice Orb:  $16

4.  The Poach Pod:  $10

{all photos from Fusion Brand}

Chains of Command

After seeing this article in a magazine I couldn't resist not posting about it.  I love all the pieces and feel they would fit into any type of decor.  The hardware is both fragile and burly.  It was also fun finding some new websites to browse!

1.  delicate end table at Moth Design
2.  porcelain gaslight at Matter Matters
3.  adorned bowl at The Future Perfect
4.  iron hook floor lamp at Duane Modern
5.  link mirror at Modern Dose

Lemon Squares

One of our traditional, family deserts has always been Lemon Squares.  Since we were having family over for dinner I decided to make these and they were delicious.  Easy and affordable as well.

Crust

Before baking

Finished product

Everyone loved them and gave them a five star rating!

{photos via Sarah and recipe About.com}

Have a Nice Weekend

I'm so happy it is the weekend and looking forward to some time to relax.  I hope to spend time with family, friends and possibly outdoors.  Have a great one!

{photo via Alexandra Grablewski}

Etsy Friday Favorite

Designer Pillows

Custom Initial Card Set

Twinkle Tape

Arulla Original Watercolor

1.  Decorative pillow cover by Elegant Touch  (20 x 20)
2.  Custom letterpress notecards by SimpleSongDesigns
3.  Twinkle Twinkle Tape by Lillalotta 
4.  Arrullo Original Watercolor by Holli (13 x 11)

Amazing Kitchen Designer

“Clients are always asking what’s the next new thing in kitchens. Truth is, the most unique spaces come from rethinking how to use traditional forms and materials.”   Mick De Julio

Kitchens are the heart of the home, and as far as I can remember I have always been a fan of Chicago kitchen designer, Mick de Guilio.  Seating and fireplaces are as important as countertop choices to deGuilio's concept of the kitchen as a modern living room.  

Amazing!!

{photos courtesy of Decorati Access}

DIY - Coffee Table Book

If you can snap a picture, then you can easily navigate this easy to use site, which helps you create a gorgeous, professional looking photo book.  Choose from 10 book styles and more than 200 layouts, then just drag and drop images into the page templates.  The software is free at My Publisher.

Capture love stories, vacations, babies, or families and have a gift forever.  Go to Mypublisher.com for all the details!

{photos via Mypublisher.com}

Four Seasons, Punta Mita

My husband and I are celebrating a big anniversary in June and hope to take a relaxing vacation somewhere warm and special.  We have heard wonderful things about the Four Seasons in Punta Mita and it is high on our list right now.

Traveling from Dallas to Punta Mita is not bad and it seems to have something for both of us to enjoy.  Golf and Spa!!  Have any of you been here?  Do you have any other great ideas? 

Low Country Luxe

I was on a mission a few weeks ago to find a large, wonderful candle for our formal living room and decided on a Low Country Luxe candle, fragrance "high cotton" and couldn't be happier.  It smells wonderful and burns slow and for many hours.  After attending an open house last night, for a high end local store, they were burning these and confirmed my choice that they are the BEST!!

The company is a private label and it founder is from Savannah, Georgia.  The candles are made 100% in the USA and are recyclable with eco-chic cotton wicks and soy wax.

Happy Valentine's Weekend

I hope you have a lovely weekend and share your love with someone special this Sunday, whether it be your partner, your family or your friends. Enjoy!

{photo via Photobucket}

Snow Beautiful

We don't get a lot of snow in the Dallas area so I had to capture the moment while I could.  We've had 6 inches so far, with more through out the evening.  Very pretty!

{photo by Sarah}

Dreamy Jewelry

Tiny pearls, clear drops, sweet chains,  this is the dreamy shop of designer Jacqleen Bleu.  Be sure to visit her site for more lovelies.

DIY Love Rhinestone Vase

I just loved this DIY project that Jeanne Benedict had on her blog.  It is simple and classic.  Easy to change the words for any occasion.

1. Prep a large glass cylinder by making a Scotch tape "net" at the top opening to hold floral foam. Attach a piece of tape, sticky side down so the tape ends adhere to the rim, and extend it across the opening to the other side; adhere end to that side of the rim. Repeat the process in a grid pattern making sure that the tape strips are long enough that they sag a bit so they can hold a piece of floral foam.

2. Soak a floral foam disk sized to @1-inch thick by the diameter of your vase opening to fit inside the top. Set the floral foam into the tape net.

3. Put a few pieces of double-sided tape on the outside of the vase at the top and bottom to hold the ribbon in place. Wrap black grosgrain ribbon around the top and bottom of the vase.

4. Attach rhinestone letter stickers on the middle of the vase to spell "LOVE" or whatever you like. (I purchased the stickers at Michael's Arts and Crafts Store.)

5. Use a pitcher or spouted vessel to pour water into the vase.

6. Cut red rose stems to 1-inch lengths and insert them into the floral foam. Voila!

Back In Stock at Wisteria, Sold!

Remember my blog about the ottoman that was out of stock forever at Wisteria?  Well... it is in stock, and already purchased 2 for our living room.  They came with a great cream cushion, but we decided to recover them and warm up the space.  Take a look.

Before

After

Poor lighting of room

{photos by Sarah}

Dallas Art Fair Wrap Up

A few pieces that I loved and thought I'd share.  Way to many to stop and photograph!

by Squeak Carnwarth

by Rex Ray

by Helen Altman

by Liz Ward

by Aaron Parazette

by David Bates

by Nathaneil Donnett

1 & 2:  Turner Carroll Gallery, Santa Fe

3, 4, 5, & 6:  Dunn and Brown Gallery, Dallas

7. Colton & Farb Gallery, Houston

Room Service Please

I have not been feeling well for a couple of days and just think I'll stay in my P.J.'s most of the day, call Room Service, and drink hot tea.  I hope all of you are doing fine and enjoy the weekend.  Stay warm!

1.  Kerastan Loungewear {RSH Catalog}

2.  Tea Cups and Saucer {RSH Catalog}

RSH a catalog boutique formerly known as Room Service Home