Friday Randomness

First week back and what a whirlwind!  I love getting back into the swing of things and starting on some new projects.  Very fun and totally distracting from all the drab weather we're having.  I have lots of random things to share today.  

First, I got this for Christmas, and I love it!!  I've been making all kinds of healthy things in it, including this "raw"corn chowder.  

I have been so inspired by all the healthy things you can make with this gadget.  I decided to have some friends over for an impromptu "Spa Lunch" yesterday.   I kicked off our lunch with a detox lemon/ginger tea . . . 

And I used those fabulous disposable linen napkins I mentioned in my Christmas Gift Guide.  They are wonderful for parties since they make everything feel so special.  Notice the contrasting hemstitch on these.   If you would like a roll of your very own, click here.

Using the Vitamix, I also made a roasted garlic and Jalapeño hummus.  I served it with rice crackers and carrot sticks.  Total yum.

Then, for the main course I made a chicken/broccoli/asparagus pasta with a spicy cream tomato sauce (again with the Vitamix).  Here is a picture I took before adding the pasta and sauce to mine. 

Here's the table setting I did for the occasion . . .  I removed the leaves from my dining table to make a more intimate setting for our lunch.  

I did keep the cloches, but made one change.  I found these faux succulents locally at the Lamb's Ear when I was shopping for accessories with a very cool client on Monday.   We picked up several fresh new items for her space and I just had to have a few of my own.  The price point on these is crazy good.  I used them under the third cloche, along with the primrose from New Year's Day under the other two.   They look totally real.

In addition to our yummy lunch, I finally got my island lighting hung.  I'm so pleased with how it turned out!  I think they are a nice compliment to the drum shade in my breakfast room, and finally I have more light in my kitchen.  

Here's another view.  Also, I used the silicone dipped bulbs.  They soften the light in such a great way and add a level of sophistication you just can't get from a bare bulb.  Locally, you can pick these up at Little Hardware in Mountain Brook Village, or click here for some of your very own.

More random news, last weekend, my daughter and I were together for a girl's weekend (the guys took a father/son hunting trip).  So, like most girls after several rounds of movies, popcorn and ice cream, we decided to re-arrange our family room.  

We left the wing back chairs and skirted ottoman in place, but opened up the game table and placed it in the center of the room and reconfigured the seating area.  We tend to have movie nights during the cold weather months and enjoy playing games or even snacking at that table during the movie, so I thought it would be fun to center it in the room.

We also pulled in the "x" bottom stools from the living room for even more lounging.  This seems to be Lottie's new perch.  It had been so long since I had do a redesign in my own space that the changes feel really fresh. 

I also got my January issue of Birmingham Home and Garden, and it is a show stopper!  The entire issue is devoted to modern spaces, and every last one of them is stunning.  I have to stay I think it is my favorite issue to date!  They also included my predictions for 2013 design trends in their "Tastemaker's Predictions" section.  Totally made my day!   You'll have to pick up an issue to get the inside scoop.

This week, I read a fantastic post by the oh so talented Carla Aston, on How to Decorate the Top of a Cabinet (and how not to).  Love the images she included in this post. 

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I also discovered a fabulous team of artisans who are making custom stamps, and just fell in love with this one.  It will be arriving in the next week! 

via

OK, so how's that for some randomness on a Friday!  Happy Weekend everybody. M.

Things I'm loving at the Moment

Now for some total randomness.  I've been juggling design work and kiddos at home over the last couple of weeks.  I have to confess it's been a bit crazy - but fun crazy.  Summer seems to fly by, and I really want to take it all in and enjoy every minute of it.  I thought I would share a few things I've stumbled upon - a little summer randomness.

White Walls
I adore this space.  It looks like something you would find in a beach house.  Notice the white walls, ceiling, wall sconce and simple roman shades.  All this white accomplishes a couple things.  It makes the space feel bigger and it creates a backdrop for the pops of color on the beds.  Also, notice the headboards are actually upholstered cushions tacked to the wall.  So simple, but so much impact.    

Contemporary Bedroom design by Other Metros Interior Designer Joel Snayd

Sheep Artwork Tutorial
This simple tutorial for affordable artwork really packs a WOW.  Wouldn't it be precious in a nursery?!  Great Job, Em and Elle!

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Gourmet Popsicles

Everybody in Birmingham is talking about Steel City Pops.  These gourmet popsicles are all the rage.  I was having dinner with some girlfriends a couple of weeks ago and one of my friends could not say enough about them.  Then, my husband's firm hosted a dinner last week at the baseball field and Steel City brought a popsicle truck!  The flavors are so unique like avocado and blood orange, and they are all made fresh daily.  And to sweeten the pot (as they say), the owners are giving back by donating 100% of the profits made on their bottled water to developing water sources in third world countries.  So, a true community leader!

Do you remember my post recently of this picture?! . . . Wouldn't these gourmet pops make the most amazing dessert for a summer time dinner party?  Oh yea, I'm on it.  

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Crawfish Boils

Talk about a laid back party.  This past weekend we celebrated the birthday of a close friend.  She and her husband spent several years in New Orleans and all that culture, food and NOLA lifestyle is now in their blood.  So, of course, celebrating big for this cute couple translates into a crawfish boil!  I ate so many I finally had to stop when my fingers were numb from peeling them.  You just can't beat good food, good friends, good music and yummy drinks in the summer!

Hammock Chairs

At the beginning of the summer, I ordered a pair of hammock chairs for my kids.  They are getting too big to use the swing set in our backyard (which makes me a little sad).  But, I'm not ready to tear the whole thing down. 

 Instead, I converted the swing portion of our set using the hammock chairs.  Both my kids love to read, so they've been hanging out up there in late afternoon/early evening with a book.   

I'm thinking I extended the life of that swing set at least more summer!

Wall Container/Window Boxes

My husband and I took a recent trip to one of our favorite nurseries here in Birmingham.  It is a bit farther out, but their plants are always so healthy and really put on a show during the summer season.  If you live in Birmingham, it's truly worth your time to check out Collier's nursery.  

During our most recent trip, the cutest girl helped us (which is another reason to go there, the customer service is spot on).  She taught me something about planting window boxes.  Now, mind you, we've had this box for at least five years; and I've never thought about what she told us.  

The trick is to plant two different trailing plants on each end (so a total of four plants, rather than just two) - one in the back and one in the front.  I've always done just one plant on each end since the container is so narrow, thinking it would fill out nicely. 

 Well, the box has never looked this great, even at it's peak.   I think it's the contrast in color that really gives the container the depth you can't get from a single plant.  Simple idea, but huge impact.  Love it. 

San Tan-tonio Nail Polish

(I told you this post was random!)

I treated myself to a pedicure (which is rare for me, I usually do my own pedicures at home), and I'm loving this color!  I think it helps when you've had a little sun on your feet for color, but every time I look down at the polish it makes me smile (the name just kills me!)

(Bet you didn't expect to see my feet on a Monday!  I kept the picture small in case you tend to get queasy in the morning! Ha!)

Did everybody have a wonderful Father's Day?  We made steaks on the grill last night for our man of the hour; and I called my sweet Dad and wished him a wonderful day too!  

What's everybody been up to lately?! M.

Study Club

Over the past couple of years, I've been getting together with a few girlfriends on random Friday afternoons here and there.  We don't have a set schedule, just when we can all fit it into our week.  What do we study, you ask?
Well, life, I guess.

We chat about our families, share thoughts and ideas on our children and their activities, have a cocktail or two, and eat some yummy food.  It is such a highlight for me.  I know it sounds crazy, but these study club friends have changed the way I think about life.  

  

So, we had our year end finale a couple of weeks ago at my house.  These girls are so easy to please and will try anything you throw at them!  I decided to do "one bite" appetizers this go around.   

The Menu

These are so simple to make.  The trick is to cook your bacon on a cookie sheet in the oven (350 for 20 minutes) so that it's crisp and super flat.

I also used a homemade dressing on the french baguette - just to make them more interesting.  If you are inclined, you could also add avocado.

 

I grabbed a recipe off the Internet for the soup and made it a day ahead so the favors would marry and be super chilly.  Also, to make assembly even faster, I had my fish monger steam the pre-peeled shrimp for me in Ole Bay Seasonings.  They were a bit more expensive, but I only needed 16 of them so it was worth it.

 

This was the easiest "one bite" I made - grape tomatoes sliced in half, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a fresh basil leaf.

I then topped the whole thing off with a balsamic glaze (you can find it at almost any grocery store these days).  The glaze is thicker and richer than a balsamic vinegar and does not make the the tomatoes release their juices so your plate stays pretty.

These were my favorite, hands down.

The trick here is to use pre-made shredded pork and the bagged cole slaw with your favorite blue cheese dressing.  I also splurged on pre-made gourmet angel biscuits that I popped in the oven to reheat. 

There was only one of these left at the end of the party and my cute hubby came in and whisked it away!

(after all, I am in the South)

OK, I know this picture makes the desserts look green (bad choice of platter color on my part).  They are not green (I promise), rather a creamy wonderful vanilla color!

Sshhh, don't tell anyone, I made these desserts in votive candle holders.  Smaller servings are great way to make a heavy, decadent dessert, more appropriate for the summer.

 

I think this is a wonderful alternative to soda and you can make a ton of lemonade with just one bag of lemons - crazy how much it will make!

I added a splash of lavender infused vodka, for those in mood for a libation!

I saw this mason jar idea on Pinterest and just had to try it.

Now, I challenge you to come up with a fun group of girls and host a "study club."
You'll be surprised how much fun it can be!  Hope your week is going great so far. M.

Happy Weekend

Here's hoping you have a marvelous weekend.  In case you need some help deciding what to spend your precious, coveted, very limited weekend time doing, here are a few clever projects I uncovered this past week.

Tissue Paper Party Pom Poms

click here

Fabulous Loose Braid

click here

Guacamole Bruscetta

click here

Parson's Chair Slipcover

click here

Succulent Wreath

click here

Strawberry Margarita

click here

Hope you can squeeze in some time doing something you enjoy.  M.