First Client!

My mom recently accepted a job in northern Michigan (I know, crazy, right?) and has graciously asked for my design expertise (yeah, I said it) with her new digs (which, I might add is REALLY cool-and big).  She purchased a navy blue sofa with a coordinating ikat-upholstered bergere chair and matching  credenza.  The home's previous homeowners had a very neutral palette, which I actually liked; but I just wanted to add a splash of color, and this is how I propose she do it.  I think she should use coral for an accent wall, linen drapes, a Cocoa and Hearts painting and yellow ginger jar lamps.  What do you think?

Tom Ford Is In The Building!!!!

My Tom Ford book arrived today...I am SO geeked!!  I've been holding off and holding off-scared of the cost; but I found a used one (in great condition) on Amazon and just went for it!  I've only had time to briefly skim (thank you, homework!); but so far, so good.  It's such a sexy book.  

Rug Layering

I recently purchased a cow skin for my living area and thought all would be right with the world when it arrived (lol).  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE it.  But as I see it sitting on the ground, I can't help but wonder if it needs something else.  It's just sort of "floating" there.  Looking online, I've seen a lot of homes where rugs are layered and that makes me wonder if that could work for me.  I used to think that look was cluttered but looking at these pics, I'm thinking it maybe not. Hmmm.....

What about you?  Would you ever try layering rugs?

Delicious Butternut Squash Recipe

I am an avid Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck) patron-I end up going at least two times a week.  Lately, they've had offered a butternut squash dish that I love-so much so that I thought I would try to replicate at home (this is big-I don't cook).  Their recipe called for canola oil; but since it's not the most body-friendly oil to use, I replaced with olive oil.

1 butternut squash cubed
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cinnamon
sea salt
pepper
olive oil

Preheat the oven to 300.  Cut the squash into cubes and place in a roasting pan.  Sprinkle the cumin and cinnamon over the squash. Drizzle olive oil over the squash.  With a spoon, mix the items together to evenly distribute the spices throughout the pan.  Sprinkle sea salt and pepper to taste, stir dish together again.  Place in oven and bake for at least 25 minutes.  I like my vegetables to have more of a crisp to them, so I cooked for a little longer (more like 40 minutes), so feel free to modify the length of time you cook.

Enjoy!

Hollywood Inspiration

I was reading Rachel Zoe's 'Style A to Zoe' and in it she recommended framing pictures of your favorite Hollywood stars and using as artwork.  I actually liked the idea, so that's what I did!  I looked online and found pictures of Nia Long (I think she is GOR-GEOUS!) and Diana Ross (she's known for being a diva; but the pic I chose is so glamorous) and printed in black and white.  What do you think??

In other news, I've been buying more and more gold/brass items, and now that I have these new Hollywood pics in gold frames, I'm thinking I either need to paint my silver framed mirror gold or buy a new one.  Hmm...

Glam Goodness That Was Meant To Be

I swear the stars aligned for this vignette.  I bought the 70s frame and brass shelf without thinking of the other and after pairing I realized they were meant for each other.  Don't you love it when that happens??  I admit, it doesn't happen very often for me; but when it does life just seems to make a little more sense.  LOL..

(Oh-and ignore that little iPad cord at the bottom...I was so anxious to document my find that I forgot to remove.  You all still get the picture though, right?) ;-)

Initially, I was looking for something like this--and I actually found someone selling on Craiglist; but for some odd reason the seller never responded to my emails requesting to purchase.  Um.....SO many rants I could post on that situation.  Not to worry...I'm in the process of healing. :-)

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you are all enjoying this lovely day.  While I don't have a beau to share it with, I "took charge" of my happiness and got myself a facial at my favorite spa.  It-was-DEE-lightful!!