Happy Halloween!

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Halloween!!  I hope you all have tons of fun trick-or-treating.  This will be our first year taking our little Savannah out - we can't wait.  We will just hit a few houses, but I think she will really enjoy it.  The weather here is supposed to be clear, chilly, but clear which is always nice (it usually rains or snows here on Halloween).

Here's my little Savannah in her Halloween dress that I made for her.  I didn't use a pattern for this dress and will post a tutorial on how to make this simple look in the coming weeks.  But for now.......(sing with me to the tune of "the ants go marching")......

The goblins come out on Halloween.....watch out.....watch out

They look so scary and so mean....watch out.....watch out

But they're only boys and girls like you, who trick or treat and then say......

Boo

Oh I can't wait for Halloween to come again!!

Happy Halloween!

Modern Kitchen and Living-Room Designs Ideas

Your home is your sanctuary and you’re getting tired of the boring atmosphere you’re living in. The good news is that you don’t have to spend all your money re-decorating your home. Here are five simple tips to help you jazz up and snazzy up your living room.

GET A FRESH COAT

There’s absolutely nothing like a fresh coat of paint to brighten up and old, boring room. There are great paint techniques that you can apply to completely change the look and feel of the room. Remember to keep the color calm and make sure it matches your things.

You can also go bold and daring by painting one wall dramatic and keeping the rest of the panels easy-going.

RE-ARRANGE

Play with your furniture and position it in different places to get a “new look”. If you have a long living room and your furniture looks lost in it, try moving the couches into a U-shape to make it seem fuller and also create a cozier environment.

NEW PAINTINGS AND DÉCOR

A new painting and some candles will make a world of difference to a bland and boring room. There are many stores that offer affordable decorating goodies. If you can’t afford all the décor you want, buy it in small batches, and get your absolute must-have item first.

There is so much you can do with a room without stretching your credit. Many stores have a lot of mix-and-match options that can be combined to create a crafty, trendy look.

GET RUGGED

A new rug is a great way to change the look and feel of the room. It can also transform it from cold and open to warm and inviting. Put it under the coffee table in your living room for a great “homey” effect.

COLOR WITH CUSHIONS

Cushions are relatively inexpensive and can really turn the room around. For added color get a matching couch throw and play with various styles. You’ll be amazed at the difference.

Happy Halloween

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

"City Bird", 8 by 8 Original Art Photograph

Visit Everyday Moments for more of Jen's beautiful work.

Wrap it Up

Happy Friday!

"Wrap it Up - A through Z"

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Check out these bright, bold, and beautiful links!

abracadabra

Oh, how beautiful

Coco's Tea Party

dream big earrings

Elegant necklace in stormy

fleur de rose scoop t-shirt

cute ghosts and goblins

Happy Halloween banner - pdf craft bundle

peppermint ice cream lip balm

great band jacket

key to my heart

love Aeropostale

I love these magnetic boards

neon leggings on Men

oh me oh my!

I will make you paper airplanes

quote of the day :)

reduce, reuse, recycle with these bags

sparkles in red

santa apothecary bottle with tinsel

u said it!

Vintage love

whiskey ankle boots from DearGolden

extra fizzy mini cupcake bath bomb

you mocha me crazy card

TwiZted Web of LieZ bracelet

Accessorize your Outfit

Accessorize a simple outfit with this adorable three-pom necklace by Whitney Deal. Adding a fun piece of jewelry is a great way to add excitement and variety to your wardrobe. Throw on your jeans, favorite t-shirt, and this necklace, and you are ready to go! Visit Whitney's fabulous blog too!

Repurposed Children's Fashions

Lately I have been really into making clothes for my two girls.  It is so fun creating things for them that are one-of-a-kind and I feel so proud when they are wearing what I made for them.


With all the consumer waste that is going on in our world, I think it is so wonderful when you can repurpose an item that has already been created and turn it into something even more fabulous than it's original intention.  Don't get me wrong, with my sewing and fabric obsession, I am definitely out there buying new things, but I feel especially proud of my repurposed children's clothing.  

Both of these dresses were made from vintage pillowcases that I found on ebay or at the flea market.  I paid about $6 for each pillowcase - not bad, right?  The one above already came embroidered and crocheted at the bottom.  The dress to the right was done entirely from a pillowcase (except the green ribbon at the bottom), I just cut it differently than the one above.

Last night I made this really simple pair of Bitty Booties (see picture to left) for my 3.5 month old daughter, Matilda.  One of my favorite fabric designers, Heather Bailey, has a free pattern for these booties on her blog (http://heatherbailey.typepad.com).  It is SUPER simple with only a few pattern pieces and then I hand embroidered the opening with a blanket stitch using cranberry embroidery floss.  For the fabric, I "felted" a mens sweater that I got at Good Will for $3.  


Felting is caused by heat agitation. It is a process in which you wash 100% wool knitted material (sweaters, scarves, knitting, ect.) in very hot water (2 times) to produce an incredibly dense, yet very soft and thick fabric for you to use for purses, scarves, slippers, baby booties, ect.  More on felting at another time.


If you are interested in finding out more about any of these projects, please leave me a comment or send me an email and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have or post a tutorial.  And if the above projects excite you, I highly recommend you check out the Betz White's book, Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed and Organic Materials which has some other great ideas!

Vintage Finds

The Cottage Cheese! Need I say more?

This fabulous Vintage shop has so many wonderful treasures.

These are some of my favorites.

shop, blog, twitter

Beautiful Art

This beautiful "Stay Golden" print speaks to me! I am drawn in by the deep rich colors, and the amazing composition. Visit Lisa Congdon's shop for a wonderful feast for the eyes!

Great Quote

{photo via So about what I said}

Holly Stewart - Photography

I stumbled upon Holly Stewart's wonderful work via sfgirlbybay. Check out her website for wonderful people, food, and every day life images. Holly's award winning photography has been featured in magazines such as Esquire, Metropolitan Home and Coastal Living. She has also collaborated on advertising projects such as Nike, Got Milk?, Sony, and Elizabeth Arden.

Cinnamon Apples & Halloween Playgroup

Blog Contributor:  Jane (Cottage Mama's Mama)


My Mom and I have VERY similar taste - in just about everything - food, clothes, music, jewelry, ect.  A lot of my interests and hobbies were set into motion by her while I was growing up.  I may not have showed a ton of interest in sewing, crafting, and cooking as a high schooler (I was too busy singing and dancing), but I know she definitely has had a huge influence on the woman I am today.


My Mom used to make us the most amazing costumes for Halloween.  Some of my favorites were Daisy Duck, a Fat Clown, a Bird, a Bunny, Comedy & Tragedy, and many more.  She would spend so much time on our costumes and I always felt SO special at school wearing something that my Mama had made for me.  I think that is why I feel it is so important for me to personally make my children's costumes.  Even as young as Savannah is, I want her to look back and know that I wanted to take the time to make her a very special costume for my very special girl.


On Tuesday we attended our Halloween playgroup get together and my friend Danica (www.floradanicaphotography.com ) took these pictures.  Though, I'm sure she will die that I posted the one of Savannah since it's blurry (she's such a perfectionist), but she's an amazing photographer, so pay no attention to the blurriness.  Here's a little glimpse of my sweet Savannah in her Halloween costume that I made for her (she's eating in this picture, of course :-):

And here's my little penguin Matilda - I did not make her costume this year - she's only 3.5 months and not really ready for a  "real" costume yet (but cute nevertheless):

And here's the group shot:

So back to my Mom.......when she sent me this recipe today (that my Grandpa Bill sent her) and she said it was awesome, I just knew I had to share it with you all.  So, I haven't personally tried it, but at have the utmost confidence in my Mom's taste, so here goes:

Grandpa Bill's Cinnamon Apples

¼ cup butter

4 large or 5 medium tart apples, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick

¾ cup water

1 T cornstarch

½ cup brown sugar

1 T cinnamon

• Melt butter over medium heat in large skillet. 
• Sauté apples 6-8 minutes until tender. 
• Dissolve cornstarch in water and add to apples. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon and cook until thickened.  Simmer 2-3 minutes.
• Serve over ice cream for dessert and/or waffles in the morning!

Yummy!!

A Cup of Jo

There is a giveaway for my Caribbean Time 14 by 20 print on

A CUP OF JO!

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE - Official US Theatrical Trailer in HD

I just love watching this trailer of "The September Issue"!
It's so Fabulous... It's so Stylish... It's so Vogue!!!

Luxury Bedroom Designs with Beautiful White Bed by MobilFresno

We’ve already shown you minimalist furniture for living room by Mobil Fresno and now we’d like to present you one of new collections by this company, Abril, made in absolutely another style. This collection fits for those people who dream about an opulent and luxury bedroom. Abril is an excellent bedroom set, consisted of Epoch style furniture. The centerpiece of it is a beautiful white bed with lacquered base and amazing big upholstered headboard, which changes this bed in unique element of any bedroom design. The white bed can be perfectly accomponied by elegant night tables with lacquer and veneer finishes. One more very attractive item in this set is a stylish chest of drawers with original sophisticated shape. It has four drawers and doors with a internal lighted distribution, which can be used to store jewelry or you could organize a mini bar in it. This chest is finished by combination of gloss lacquered veneer with expensive natural Rosewood. You could find more information about this luxury bedroom set on Mobil Fresno site.

Spider Coolers

Now that's a creative idea for pumpkins!!

Check out this how-to video on Southern Living!

Top 5 List - Thrillers

Today's Top 5 List is "Thrillers"

What makes us do Dare Devilish things? Is it the adrenaline rush we receive? Is it bragging rights? Is it another item on your Bucket List? Here are my "Top 5 most Thrill Seeking Adventures".

1. As previously noted in the Top 5 List - Vacation Spots - I rode in a glass bottom helicopter over the Iguazu Falls, in South America. What a Rush that was!

2. The Griffon - Busch Gardens, Williamsburg Virginia - a roller coaster that takes you up more than 200 feet in the air, only to take you 90 degrees straight down at racing speeds of 70 miles per hour! Okay, I checked that off my Bucket List, and will not be riding it again... Scary!

3. White Water Rafting in West Virginia down the Lower Gauley River... After I signed the waiver for my life, it was a spectacular ride!

4. The adrenaline rush from riding (not driving) on a motorcycle down Lombard Street in San Fransisco!

5. Taking a surfing lesson in rough waters at Nags head, NC. So fun!! Yes, that is me.

I want to know yours! What are your top 5 Thrillers?

Cupcake Stands

These cupcake stands are too cute!

Available at Modern Chic Home where you can shop for fabulous finds and fresh designs!

Creamy Chicken Chowder

Well the verdict is in and I have to say that "Creamy Chicken Chowder" is a proven winner!!

I have written several blog posts involving slow-cooker meals and I'm sure you are starting to learn that I think the slow-cooker is a busy Mom's best friend!  My fellow Mommy friend, Danica (http://floradanicaphotography.com/ ), read one of my blog posts and was inspired to get out her slow-cooker cook book and see what tasty recipes she could find.  She decided to give the "Creamy Chicken Chowder" a try and said it was awesome!  So, I thought I would give it a whirl and I think you should too!!

Creamy Chicken Chowder

Ingredients:

4 frozen chicken breasts

1 11oz. can whole kernel corn with sweet peppers, drained

1 10oz. can condensed cream of potato soup

1 4oz can diced green chile peppers

2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro

1 package taco seasoning

3 cups chicken broth (or water)

4 oz pepper jack cheese, cubed

Garnish: Sour Cream, Cilantro, Crumbled Bacon, and Tortilla Chips

Directions:

-In a 4 quart slow cooker combine frozen chicken, corn, soup, undrained chile peppers, cilantro, and taco seasoning mix.  Stir in chicken broth (or water).  Cover, cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

-30 mins. before serving, remove chicken breasts, shred and return to slow cooker.  Stir in pepper jack cheese and allow to melt.

-Serve with a dollop of sour cream, fresh snipped cilantro, crumbled bacon and tortilla chips.

Enjoy!!

Cottage Mama's Note:

-I very rarely follow a recipe exactly.  I guess it's my creative nature, but I always like to give a dish my own flare.  I have given you the recipe exactly as I cooked it, which deviates from the original recipe.

Classical Contemporary Interior Design

Throughout the house, the décor reflects what Brown and Davis call “classical contemporary,” a luxurious but streamlined look that has become their signature. “One of our trademarks is the juxtaposition of old and new, and bringing colors together in unexpected ways,” Davis says.

Contemporary Kitchen Interior

The contemporary was revamped by Poggenpohl.

The more formal rooms at the front of the house exemplify this mix of traditional and modern elements. In the living room, Brown and Davis replaced the fireplace mantel with a carved limestone surround and installed new architectural moldings to create a classical backdrop to stylized, Deco-inspired furnishings. Instead of pairing sofas around the fireplace, they arranged seating areas at either end of the room and connected them with a floral-patterned carpet of their own design.

• Country Kitchen Decoration ideas
• Kitchen Wall Colors - Kitchen Decoration ideas
• Wall decoration - Picture frames

“It was inspired by a late 19th-century Chinese import rug for another client,” explains Brown. “The furniture has a Deco flair and in terms of Deco interiors, Chinese rugs were often used.” Ivory upholstery on the chairs and sofas provides a contemporary twist within the room’s traditional setting.

Classic Interior

The husband’s cherry-paneled study centers on four chairs originally designed by Brown Davis for the British Embassy.

Across the hall, a similar contrast is evident in the dining room, which also serves as a music room for the couple’s three children. A baby grand piano faces upholstered chairs pulled up to a rosewood table and a banquette in front of the windows. As in the living room, the piano and furnishings are linked by a large rug in subdued tones to match the upholstery. In both living and dining rooms, marigold silk draperies add a jolt of color. “These rooms tend to be dark because they face north,” says Brown. “We chose a golden tone to warm them up.”

• Modern Outdoor Furniture sets
• Outdoor Patio Furniture Sets
• Home Decoration Novelty Gifts

Abstract prints by noted American artists Robert Motherwell, Robert Rauschenberg and Richard Serra, and large paintings by Spanish artists Miguel Angel Campano and José Freixanes underscore the contemporary feeling. “We think the art reinforces the importance of simple furnishings—the furnishings do not collide visually with the art,” says the husband.

Classic bedroom

In the master bedroom, Donghia wallpaper provides a dark backdrop to light-colored furnishings and a sleek stone fireplace mantel.

Upstairs in his study, Brown and Davis extended the same strategy applied to the living and dining rooms, but reversed the approach. Instead of ornamenting the walls with intricate moldings, they used streamlined cherry paneling and shelving as a modern backdrop to traditional furnishings, including four chairs the designers originally created for the British Embassy.

Contrast continues in the master bedroom, where light-colored bedding, drapes and upholstery are set off by raisin-colored silk wallpaper. “We were asked to make it a cocoon,” says Davis. “So we used materials to absorb sound from the street.”At one end of the room, a print by British artist Henry Moore hangs over a fireplace framed in a simple stone surround. “It’s our favorite room, especially in winter with the fireplace burning,” says the husband. “We are often there, reading or working late at night when the house and the city outside are quiet.”

INTERIOR DESIGN: Rob Brown and Todd Davis, Brown Davis Interiors, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, and Miami Beach, Florida.

For two decades, the Georgetown couple walked past a Colonial Revival brick house near Tudor Place and wished it could be theirs. “We admired the simplicity and elegance of the architecture,” says the attorney husband. “The home is somewhat unique because it is freestanding rather than a row house. It came with one of the deepest gardens in Georgetown.”

• Modern Apartment Interior Design
• Flexible Sofa - Flexible Furniture
• Luxury bedroom

When he and his wife, a telecommunications consultant, discovered their dream home was finally for sale, they jumped to buy it. The interiors needed updating so they turned to Rob Brown and Todd Davis, who had remodeled rooms in their previous house. “They know how to integrate clean, modern furnishings with older homes in which the preservation of the historic details is essential,” says the wife. Brown and Davis, who have offices in Bethesda and Miami Beach, are best known for decorating the Washington, DC, and Chappaqua, New York, homes of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, as well as Hillary Clinton’s former Senate office.

Contemporary Interiors

 

living room furniture

In the living room off the stair hall, Brown and Davis unified the seating groups with a Chinese-inspired rug of their own design.

Hardly the typical Washingtonians whose conservative tastes run to wing chairs and Oriental rugs, the well-traveled homeowners prefer more stylish, pared-down designs. “In essence, we are Bauhaus admirers,” says the husband. “We dislike clutter, excessive ornamentation and overly decorated spaces.” At the same time, he and his wife appreciate the historic charm of Georgetown and made sure renovations respected the architectural character of their 1883 home. “The challenge was to find the right balance between preserving the best of a 19th-century structure and furnishing it with designs that are clean, simple and elegant,” he says.

Classic Living room

In the dining room, golden drapes warm the north-facing windows. The rosewood table, upholstered chairs, banquette and rug were designed by Brown Davis.

Brown and Davis addressed both modernity and history by setting sleek furnishings into rooms outlined in elegant architectural details of their own making. “The façade is gorgeous but the interiors did not match that,” says Brown. “To either side of the central hallway was a jumble of rooms. It was time to give the house new life.” On the main level, archways between the hallway and flanking spaces were widened and raised to improve flow. A small room behind the living space was replaced with a coat closet and a powder room with a sculptural stone sink.

Brown Davis designed new paneling in the family room, where they repurposed furniture from the couple’s previous home. The print is by Robert Motherwell.

At the rear, the kitchen was completely overhauled by Poggenpohl with contemporary cabinets, glass backsplashes and stainless-steel appliances. It now opens to the rebuilt back porch overlooking the terraced garden and pool. The room across the hall from the kitchen was framed in new paneling and built-in cabinetry to create a family space. Chairs and sofas were recycled from the couple’s previous home and reupholstered to provide comfortable seating for reading and watching TV.

INTERIOR DESIGN FOR CHILDREN

INTERIOR DESIGN FOR CHILDREN

Girls nursery

MODERN FURNITURES FOR CHILDREN ROOM

kids bedroom picture gallery
baby furniture sets - quick makeover
kids bedroom furniture - child’s room makeover

Another aspect of design that will vary from adult tastes when planning interior design for children would be the accessories that will be used to highlight and accentuate key features. Toys and collectibles make wonderful objects to use in this application. However, many times toys that are placed on display or for decoration are toys that the child would enjoy much more by being able to play with it rather then it actually being on display. You can solve this dilemma by either using old, unused toys that no longer captivate the child’s interests or even by purchasing duplicates and allowing them to actually use one version of the toy and letting them know that the others are ‘for looking only’. Also, keep in mind that collectibles often times are of less significance to smaller children then are to adults so make sure that any item placed in a child’s room is not of significant fiscal or sentimental value just in case!

GREAT CHILDREN ROOM

Tying in interior design for children can be accomplished easily by purchasing one of millions of available bed treatments that is complimentary to the designs and themes used in the creation of the room layout as well as fitting in well with the accessories chosen. Many bed treatment packages come prepackaged with matching detailed sheets, a comforter, dust ruffle, and window coverings. These items can bring a room together in the greatest of all fashions and are an option in interior design for children that are obtainable by anyone looking to make a change.Child Room - One Little World
How To Redecorate Kids Room
Christmas Decorations Pictures

Contemporary MODERN INTERIOR DESIGN FOR CHILDREN ROOM

Always remember when planning interior design for children that a child changes attitudes, opinions, and behaviors around every three years. Permanent changes of any type are a big no-no and practical, cost effective ones are ideal. A good furniture tip to remember when designing for kids is to buy reasonably priced, sound furniture that doesn’t break the bank. Kids are even harder on furniture then they are on clothes! And most importantly to take into consideration when working with interior design for children--of course, HAVE FUN!!!

Interior design for children is one of the most fun, delightful aspects of the business if you ask me. It is so fun because children are limitless as far as their creativity and imaginations are concerned. Whenever planning interior design for children, be sure to involve the children in the planning and-if you feel very brave, the implementation of your designs.
GIRLS ROOM interiors

A good beginning point or theme for interior design for children is to start with any favorite activity or toy or even character of the child’s interest. Remember that many items of interest to children are topics that will change with time so try to take advantage of these interests and favorites with accessories and changes that will be easy to replace in the future as their interests and needs change. If a child has an interest or a particular activity that they are very enthused about and they have a special request that would make the design very special to them, go for it as long as the parents are as enthusiastic as the child is. Also, forewarn them of any possible headaches they might experience changing it in the future when it comes time to redesign the space in order to accommodate the child’s changing needs.

Girls CHILD ROOM

Home Interior Design Ideas For Children
Great nursery Pictures - BaBY ROOMS
How To Redecorate Kids Room

When choosing your color plan or schemes remember that interior design for children offers you unique opportunities to use bold or bright colors that would usually not be ideal for use in adult surroundings. Along the same lines, certain areas of the room would be more ergonomic to use as focal points then would in an adult’s atmosphere. For example, a chalkboard or toy box might capture a child’s attention more so then would a table or seating arrangement.
Space in nursery - IDEAS
Ideas for small nursery - Child room
10 ideas for Kids room furniture

LUXURY JAPANESE INTERIOR Furniture

Luxury Japanece furnitures Cherry blossoms are symbolic for appreciating the here and now and they serve as a reminder of things short lived. Fans can be found repeatedly in Japanese design. This image represents a wish for unlimited success. The association is probably due to how the fan increases in size as it is opened. Colors in Japanese design also have symbolic meaning. Red and white are symbolic of good luck. It would not be unusual to receive a red and white silk garment on your wedding day. Numbers have their own meanings. The most common gift that holds symbolism in Japanese design is a Temari. Temari is a fiber art and it has been in use for centuries. It is customary to give these at very special occasions. A Temari is always made from left over or recycled material. They were originally crafted from the leftover fabric from Kimonos. MODERN JAPANESE living room furniture Understanding Feng Shui Decorating Feng Shui and Furniture Arrangement Living Room Feng Shui Whether it is found on a tapestry or on a celebrity’s neck, symbolism in Japanese design is an incredibly interesting subject. Discovering the meaning behind the images may help you choose your own images for your home or even for your body.Black and White furniture - interior ideas Living Room or Cool Kids Room Ideas Great bedroom designs - bedroom set painting over wallpapers - wallpaper ideas LUXURY JAPANESE INTERIOR DESIGN Japanese design goes way beyond aesthetics and mere beauty. In every painting, sculpture, fabric, garden and architectural design, there is a symbolic meaning. The most obvious form of symbolism in Japanese design can be found in an unexpected place. The tattoo is a traditional form of art that is permanently worn on the skin. There has been an incredible increase in the number of both men and women getting tattoos. Feng Shui INTERIOR DESIGN The trend is so popular that you are very likely to see your favorite actor or actress sporting a tattoo. The most popular tattoos right now have meaning and are selected from Japanese designs. Many people are sporting these images on the lower backs and nip of the neck. Some prefer to place the Japanese design tattoos on their upper arm or ankles as well. While we are seeing this trend in tattoo art many designers wonder if the individuals choosing Japanese design for their images really know the meaning behind the icon. Luxury JAPANESE bedroom Japanese design holds more than just aesthetic value. Every Japanese design has a symbolic meaning associated to every aspect of the presentation. Different animals have different meanings in Japanese design. For example, cranes and turtles represent long life. Both turtles and cranes live for very a long time and the association is quite appropriate. Home Remodeling Plan Handy Tips For Decoration Bedroom Wall Colors Daisies symbolize good fortune in Japanese design. The flowers associated with good fortune have several pedals on them. These symbols will repeatedly be found in Japanese design that is used for gift wish the recipient well. It would not be unusual to receive a Japanese design floral arrangement with plum blossoms in them. Plum blossoms represent hope. JAPANESE INTERIORs