Great kitchen redo

I stumbled upon this kitchen on Pinterest and after investigating it further I realized it was a redo.  The before pictures are here, and I feel the new kitchen is about perfect.

The renovation was done by interior designer  Carol Reed in Ontario Canada.

{photos via Carol Reed}

Fall tree well decorations

I was out this weekend at the Huffines Art Fair in Richardson, Texas, and couldn't resist taking pictures of these adorable fall decorations around the trees.  Pumpkins, mum, and kale add so much!

{photos taken by me with iphone}

Kate Spade's Kitchen

Kate Spade's kitchen makes me smile.  It is not your traditional kitchen, but has such an inviting feel to it.  I love the floors, appliances, art, etc... LOVE it all!

{photo via Pinterest}

Love...David Bates

David Bates is a well know artist from Dallas, Texas and earned his M.F.A. from Southern Methodist University in 1978.  I just love the bold colors and style that he paints.

Locally, his work can be found at the Talley Dunn Gallery, formerly Dunn and Brown Gallery.

{photos via Dunn and Brown}

Curb appeal makeover

A significant overhaul is worth the cost and time with results like these. Here, designer Nancy Fishelson's tiny stoop was reborn as a wooden deck that spans the front of the house, expanding her outdoor living space.

(before)

(after)

Altering the direction of the stairs to the side – a dramatic structural change – makes for a grander entrance that also adds privacy. The lush foliage further softens the look, while a fresh coat of white paint unites the new porch with the house.  WOW!


{photo via Country Living}

Happy Weekend!

We are off to Norman, Oklahoma to tailgate and support the Sooners.  Have a great weekend.

Etsy Friday Favorite, Friendship Bracelets

This is a little bit of a different version of the typical friendship bracelet, but these were to lovely to pass up.  ASU student/designer Ayofemi weaves cotton and chain and finishes each bracelet with a gold plated feather:

 

Bright colors and simple lines.  Ayofemi’s line of jewelry is absolutely adorable.

{photos via Ayofemi}

Cold Front!

Not really the "cold" front you might expect, but it is so much nicer out and dropping into the 50's tonight .  This photo really gets me inspired for chilly nights!

{photo via Pinterest}

Pretty Neutral Fall Entry Ideas

Use these pretty fall decorating ideas to deck out your front porch this autumn. From gourds to wreaths to porch displays, you're sure to find beautiful fall inspiration.

{photos via BHG}

Fall essentials

 I consider these basics a great start to build your Fall collection of essentials
1. Flat boots: very versatile as you can wear with skinny jeans, leggings, skirts or dresses.
2. Layered Necklace: more is better in this situation, so I suggest a few pieces.
3. Clutch: one that is a carry-all so when you don’t feel like lugging around your big handbag this is an easy transition.
4. Printed belt: adds to any outfit you have regardless of color.
5. Link bracelet: classic but edgy that would look fabulous by itself or stacked with others.
6. Watch: I have the oversized gold version so if that’s not your style any watch that can be worn with a blazer, sweater or leather jacket is key.
7. Tote bag: nothing is better when you have a bag big enough to carry all your belongings especially for those long days. Very chic.
8. Chandelier earrings: the elongated length makes for a better look whether it’s casual or not.
9. Scarf: my ultimate favorite accessory. Any kind, color and length is a yes for me!

Black doors

Black doors are classic and elegant whether they are on the front door or inside the house.  Picking just the right black is just as hard as picking the right white.  The white contrast really makes the black pop!

  

{photos via my Pinterest}

Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

I have been looking for a few new salads to make and this one seems to have all my favorite veggies!  I discovered it on the Authentic Suburban Gourmet blog via Pinterest.  Can't wait to try it!

"Avacado and Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette"

Ingredients

5 Ears Corn, husk removed, brush with olive oil and grilled, remove corn with sharp knife
2 Avocado’s, diced and sprinkled with lemon juice to prevent browning
2 C. Tomatoes, red and yellow cherry variety or equivalent
1 Small red onion, finely diced
¾ C. Feta, crumbled
1 ½ C. English cucumber, skin on and chopped small dice

Add to a large bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cilantro Vinaigrette

6 T. Olive oil

2 T. Sherry vinegar
1 t. Garlic powder
2 T. Fresh cilantro, minced
½ t. Salt
10 Grinds of fresh ground pepper

Add all of the above ingredients in a small glass jar with a lid. Shake really well. Taste and adjust seasoning as you desire.

When ready to serve salad, add the dressing and gently toss.

{photos via The Authentic Suburban Gourmet)

Organization motivation

It is a gloomy morning and this bright and organized drawer is motivating me to clean out some clutter!  This is a tip from Martha Stewart and there are other great ideas as well!  

{photos via Martha Stewart}

Banquette seating ideas #2

I think this post has been one of the most popular that I have blogged about so I wanted to go for round #2.
I have stuck with a more neutral palette in these banquettes and just love all of them.

I found all of these looks on Pinterest, and if you haven't discovered Pinterest, you really must!  It is a wonderful way to store and share your inspirations. 

Clean, fresh look - Lands 'End Canvas

I received my Lands' End, Canvas catalog today and this photo and ensemble really struck me.  I am loving the look of the girl and guy's outfits.  I just wish it would cool off enough to wear them :}

On Her:

1.  Double breasted wool blazer:  $130

2.  Houndstooth ruffle waist skirt:  $69.50

3.  Wool crinkle scarf:  $39.50

{photo scanned by me from catalog}

Happy Weekend!

Have a lovely, relaxing weekend.

{photo via Erika Powell via Pinterest}

Etsy Friday Favorite

I discovered this lovely Etsy shop by Marsha Lezhen called DelezhenCharmed while searching through Pinterest.  This is her 3rd Etsy shop and she loves working with natural gemstones, 18 K. vermeil, and Sterling Silver.  In this particular shop you will find earrings, necklaces and personalized necklaces.  They are just beautiful!

{photo via Marsha Lezhen}

Love ... Amanda Talley

I have become a huge fan of Amanda Talley's art and wanted to share some of my favorites with you.  They are strong, statement pieces and very unique.  Amanda Stone Talley works from her studio at 1382 Magazine Street at Terpsichore in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District.  Visit her website for many more pieces.  Hope to own her art one day!

{photos via Amanda Talley}

Punches of purple

My daughter and I went to the Wisteria outlet in Dallas this weekend, and I couldn't resist snapping these great pieces in purple and the punch of purple mixed in other ways.  Very fun!

After seeing all the purple here, we went to Neiman Marcus and noticed how prominent the color burgundy is this year in fashion.  Just a deeper shade of purple! 

While I was away

I has been a little over 2 months since I blogged last and I hope to get more consistent and continue with this great love.  On my break I've been taking real estate classes in Texas, passed the Texas real estate test, prepared our son for his junior year of college and our youngest son for his senior year in high school.  We have survived one of the hottest summers on record in Dallas, Texas and took a much needed vacation to Orange County California.  We've enjoyed weekend trips to Oklahoma to see our newlywed daughter and tried to play a little tennis.  Because I love the coastal feel of homes and now that I am a real estate agent I decided to begin this week with an amazing home we saw on our vacation in Corona Del Mar, California.

305 Poppy Avenue

Corona Del Mar, California 92625

This 3 bedroom home is approximately 3,000 square feet and steps to the beach.  The town itself is so quaint and offers great shopping, family activities and beautiful weather.  For more information and photos go here.  

Enjoy!