Friday, April 30, 2010

Bold Vision : DJ ~ Dustjacket Attic

DJ is the Bold Vision behind Dustjacket Attic. I remember the first time I found DJ's glamorous blog. I must have spent hours staring at the beautiful photos, and I have visited every day since then with anticipation of the next post!
In her own words, "When putting together a post for my readers I focus on a set of characteristics that is difficult to explain - I may view fifty editorials and only one will be right in my eyes. I think it is a combination of skillful and interesting photography, great locations, excellent styling and if the model is right for the roll...and I love pieces with a sense of humour too. Being up to date does not worry me, I can happily post an editorial years old and the next day post one that's just been released. Music is also an interesting element to viewing a post, It's a challenge to set the right tone in music but one I enjoy doing".

On top of her amazing taste, DJ is a delight to know. I am so thankful to have found her. Blogging is truly amazing, as it allows us to "get to know" others from all over the world. Did I mention that DJ lives in Australia? When am I coming to visit?
Thank you DJ for sharing your bold vision with us!

Vintage Storage Ideas

Cool Vintage storage inspiration via Apartment Therapy!
Don't you just love the suitcase idea?

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Pay it Forward

Yesterday was Pay it Forward day, and I received a FedEx box at my door. I knew that I was not expecting any packages, so I was excited to see what was inside! In the box were these three adorably wrapped towel "cake" rolls that look good enough to eat! I wanted to share them with you and thank A Fine Favor for the kind gesture. Please visit this "sweet" shop here.Photobucket

Brighter than Sunshine

This photo depicts my mood right now... so glad it's Friday! I have a new
"Bold Vision" series coming up from one of my favorite bloggers, so stay tuned...
brighter than sunshine
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Thursday, April 29, 2010

A Pop of RED

As an artist, I am frequently reminded to add a pop of red in EVERY painting.
It adds interest, even if it is a tiny line or dot. I feel the same way about adding
a "pop of red" in every room. See how the red bowl at the top ties in
the color of the kitchen stools?
kitchen
{image via bbb flickr}
More Beautiful Living and More ways to follow BB&B

Bright Colors

May your day be filled with colorful poms poms...
Tissue Paper Pompoms
Some Best of BBB you may have missed:
Beautiful Living: Outdoor Lighting
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{photo via bbb flickr}

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Tech Furniture with Changing Color Fibers, Milan 2010

Some of the showrooms we saw in Milan were just so inviting, that we just had to go in and take a closer look. Michael was particularly drawn to the Fokas Fiber showroom which could be easily observed from far away due to the cool changing colors embedded in the furniture. We spent at least a quarter of hour there, enjoying the way the sofas, chairs and even carpets changed colors. The technology used to create this designs is fiber optics. Here are a few words from the official web page of the producers: “Fiber optics may be good for the internet, but it is also very eye-catching in furniture. One of a kind sexy sofa that you have never seen before. Fokas Fiber is the only company in the world to produce them and had its worldwide debut in Dubai at the Index 2006 show. Fokas is a Greek company based in Thessaloniki and has been around for 35 years.” Don’t forget to check out the video in order to see how the system works. Would you go for this type of furniture or do you consider it to be too flashy?






Window Shopping at Anthropologie

I am loving all the bright, bold, and beautiful colors and patterns this Spring at Anthropologie. Everyone loves the clothes, but have you taken note of their home section? These aprons are so cute. I could live in that store!
I especially love the sweet butterfly towel!
Be sure to download BB&B on your iPhone iPad or iTouch today.
Go to the iTunes App Store and Search: Bright Bold and Beautiful
Mo
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IKEA meets Pottery Barn

Here is a peek into the girls' rooms in the third floor renovation. They went with a vibrant and bright lime green color called Spring Meadow Green from Benjamin Moore paints. The twin beds are IKEA as well as the adorable bedside table. The colorful quilts and shams are Naomi from Pottery Barn Teen.
IKEA meets Pottery Barn Teen
The IKEA Jules swivel chair is awesome.
IKEA Jules swivel chair
Yes, they went with the same color which creates a nice flow throughout. This is the second bedroom with the IKEA double bed and the beautiful quilt and shams are Graphic Pop from Pottery Barn Teen.
IKEA meets Pottery Barn
I love this quiet spot for reading or studying.
Home Renovation
Click here to see the before shots.
To read more home renovation posts, click here.

Mo
re ways to follow BB&B

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Ginger Salad Dressing


I just tasted this salad dressing two minutes ago and I am so excited that I had to sit down immediately at my computer to share!  

Do you ever go to those Japanese restaurants where they cook at your table?  You know......i.e. Benihana's or Kobe.  If not, they usually give you this delicious salad to start your meal with this amazingly delicious ginger dressing. 

Well, this is it - it's that amazing salad dressing!!

I almost lost my mind when I tasted this and even better yet - it's a "lite" dressing.  Wooohooooo!  I'm not much of a salad girl, unless it has buttermilk ranch dressing, lots of cheese, bacon and croutons and then what's the point, right?  But this stuff is great and would be so, so, so tasty as a marinade for grilled shrimp, chicken or veggies.  If you are at the store and you feel the same way about the Japanese salad dressing as I do, you must give this a try!

YUM!

Cottage Mama's Note:  If you don't live in an area that carries the "Annie's" products, click here to visit their website.

Home Tour ~ Laura Trevey

Here I am, up close and personal in my home! Please come take a look around. I love fresh flowers and beautiful floral arrangements. They give me such inspiration in my paintings. All artwork seen in these photos are Laura Trevey originals.
Dining Room
Dining Room
Dining Room
Dining Room
Main Living Room
Main Living Room
Main Living Room
Main Living Room
Kitchen
Home Office
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{all photos and more home shots on my flickr page}

Avocado Enchilada Casserole


Avocado + cheesy enchiladas = HEAVEN

If you are an avocado lover, as I am, then you must try my new Avocado Enchilada Casserole recipe.  Honestly, I had never thought to make these before until I saw an avocado enchilada recipe title on Living Locurto's weekly menu planner.  Though I couldn't really be bothered to go back and look up the recipe, so I just made up my own!

I love casseroles because they can be made ahead of time and put in the oven when ready to bake.  This recipe is perfect to have the kids help you make dinner.  Even my 2-year old daughter Savannah helped me with this one.  She sprinkled the cheese between each layer and finished it off with the green onions - she felt so proud being Mommy's big helper in the kitchen!

Now I am a HUGE fan of Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, which apparently I haven't given you my recipe for as I just noticed searching my own blog for it (oops - sorry)........you must have that recipe too.....future blog post I guess.  Anyway these were so good that I think they might rival my fav.  Give them a try and let me know what you think!


Avocado Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients:
3 large ripe avocados (4 if they are smaller)
1 can red enchilada sauce
1 can green enchilada sauce
1 can "Rotel" tomatoes with green chiles
1 package corn tortillas (10-12), sliced into strips
1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish: Sour cream and fresh salsa

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Drain, Rotel tomatoes with green chiles.  In a mixing bowl, combine drained rotel, red enchilada sauce and green enchilada sauce.  Cut avocados in half and then into strips.

Now begin layering your casserole in a 9 x13 glass baking dish.  First layer 1/3 tortillas, then 1/2 of the avocado (spread out the avocado - it doesn't need to cover all the tortilla), then 1/3 of the sauce and tomato mixture, 1/3 of the cheese.  Then layer all of these things again.  Finally, finish the casserole with a final layer of tortillas, the rest of the cheese and the rest of the sauce.  Sprinkle green onions on top and some salt and pepper, to taste. 


Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.


Serve with a dollop of sour cream, fresh salsa and good tortilla chips - YUM!!

Beautiful Tulips

I am always amazed at the beauty of Spring... and tulips are my favorite.
Today is very exciting. I am having a photo shoot at my home. Look for my home tour in upcoming posts. Also, a huge thank you to Emily Clark for the wonderful feature today! I am truly honored. Have a bright, bold, and beautiful Spring day...
together . . .
{photo via bbb flickr}

Beautiful Sponsor: Senter Studios

I am in love with these prints from Senter Studios. The letters are all formed from photographs of heritage buildings! All three of these prints would make a great collage on your wall. Which one is your favorite?
Would you like to be a sponsor of Bright, Bold, and Beautiful?
Please e-mail me for rates: laura.trevey@gmail.com

Interior Design Ideas for Apartments

Interior Design Ideas

If you are staying in an apartment that needs some refurbishing then, this article will definitely help you. Apartments usually tend to be smaller and hence, designing them in the right way is essential. Remember that while you decide on the interior design ideas for apartments, you need to ensure that adding an element does not give a cluttered appearance. Giving a spacious feel to the apartment must be the primary aim while you work on its interiors. So go through these interior decorating ideas and have the place designed in a classic way.
Interior Design Ideas
Cool Interior Designing Ideas for Apartments

Create Maximum Space
Before you look at the various interior design ideas for apartments, start decluttering the area. Believe me, useless items occupy a lot of useful space in our house! So, make sure that you get all such items out of the apartment. Also make sure you make a list of big items you need to add to your apartment, which might occupy considerable amount of space. For instance, if you are opting for a new electronic appliance which needs to be placed on the floor, you need to ensure that certain area needs to be dedicated for this item in the new plan.

Consider Having More Storage
Well, in apartments where space is a concern, you need to get some more storage spaces. Let me tell you that this needs to be smart storage that will help you pack in the objects and add up to the decorations as well. One of the ideas for decorating apartments is to have decorative cabinets and other storage units. Having colorful wall cabinets on one of the walls of your bedroom is the best decorating tip for small bedrooms. You can give it a look of wood wall paneling, hence, hiding the storage idea.

In the kitchen if you have a kitchen island or planning to install one, this must be storage oriented. You can have a lot of drawers and closed shelves in this. In the living room you can have the floating wall shelves which will help place the decorative art pieces on these. You can also plan to have shelves for the entertainment center, hence releasing the floor space, which is one of the smart interior design ideas for apartments. You can also opt for a flat screen TV that can be mounted on the wall.

Interior Design Ideas

Arrangement and Decoration
Start with the flooring. It is best to expose the wooden flooring. If you have been covering it with rugs and carpets, get them off. The view of wood flooring gives an elegant and spacious look to the apartment. Opting for the right furniture arrangement is the primary element of interior design ideas for apartments. Go for the posh leather sofas and pick the style according to your living room. You can choose from the large variety in leather sofas and chairs available in the furniture stores.

You can just place a round or square rug in the center of the seating arrangement. Wall decorations should not be forgotten. For small walls you can have long rectangular frames to give the wall a stretched look. Also have the floating wall shelves on the larger wall, so that it doesn't give a cluttered look. You can display other artworks on the passage wall, which often gets left out. If your apartment has a large living area or a common, living and dining area you can opt for opaque partitions or translucent panels to divide the area and maintain the privacy element. These room dividers will also help you have defined spaces.

Best Choice of Colors
Another interior design ideas for apartments is to go for lighter shades, white being the best. While you might wonder that white is so common, let me tell you that this allows you best to play with colors. With white wall you can have any color of furniture, cabinets, shelves, wall paneling, flooring and mainly the furnishing.

Interior Design Ideas

The next decorating ideas for apartments is to get some bold colors for the furnishings. Check out the amazing appearance of your apartment. You can also have a red and white, violet and white, gray and white combo to spice up the home decorations. Get those vases and decorative items to match these wall colors and place in the corners. Get more apartment decorating ideas.

Illumination is the Key
One of the contemporary interior design ideas for apartments is to focus on the sunlight. That is, get maximum sunlight to light up your area. Have the huge glass windows which welcome the sun rays and naturally illuminate the rooms. Of course don't forget to have the lovely window blinds which can be pulled down when required. Place the lamps in corners in various angles to create beautiful light patterns on the walls. You can go for decorative embedded lighting for the living and dining area. These come in large decorative patterns as well. Hanging a chandelier above the dining table or kitchen island and in the living area is a great idea. Don't forget to consider illumination for each wall art, shelves and passage area.

Monday, April 26, 2010

In the Garden

I am so happy to get out in the garden. There is nothing more exciting than watching your own tomato of cucumber plant grow. I always have a container of basil and parsley as well. BHG has a list of 10 free vegetable garden plans here.
garden

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{photos via bbb flickr, bhg.com}