Ikea Ranarp Lamp

Whoa you guys, I knew I'd taken advantage of the the summer with a slower, 

more casual blogging schedule, but I had no idea how overdue I was with my usual

 Ikea post, yikes - it's been three months! 

One of my favorite Ikea lamps is the Ranarp Work Lamp and Floor Lamp, no doubt

 you've seen this stylish little gem around. It's industrial style, gold details and black and

 white cord make it the perfect addition to give your room an eclectic mix.  

Ikea Ranarp 

Adjustable Arm & Head

Off White or Nickel Plated with Gold Details 

Solid Construction - Heavy Base

Black & White Cotton Cord

Work Lamp - $39.99

17" H

Floor Lamp - $54.99

60" H x 30" L  

You can see in these inspiration photos it's ideal for an office lamp, nightstand

 reading lamp, pretty accent for an entry, or the floor lamp is a chic up-to-date look

 for a family room. 

housesevenblogspot.com 

 gohausgo.com

 adoremagazine.com

  

 savvysouthernstyle.net

sfgirlbay.com

 

 houseseven.blogspot.com

 hgtv.com

 viedevic.com

lilreddotfolks.com

deucecitieshenhouse.com

homesick.nu

If you're an Ikea fan you can find more of my favorites here,

and if not, you might become one when you see these awesome items:

Ikea Bekvam Cart

Ikea Hemnes Cabinet

Vittsjo Shelving Unit

Strandmon Chair

Brimnes Bed

Black & White Eivor Throw

Henriksdal Chair

Salong White Vase

Ribba Frames

Liatorp Extenable Table

Storsele Rattan Chair

Docksta Table

Sanela Pillow 

Ritva Curtains

Ekby Bjarnum Bracket

Stockholm Rand Rug

Barometer Floor Lamp

The Borby Lantern

Bravur Clock

Songe Mirror

Black & White Pillow Collection

Byholma Rattan Chest

Julmys Twine

Lack Floating Shelf

Tobias Lucite Chair

Ektorp Sofa

Getting Out of my Recipe Rut

Hope you had a fabulous weekend, the highlight of ours was meeting our new
 nephew, Cade. Oh my goodness, he couldn't be more adorable! I would have another
one in a second if I could. :)
Back to reality...my least favorite time of day is 5:00 if I don't have a plan for dinner,
and now that school is back in swing I feel like I need to up my game and make dinner be
 less casual about dinners. I'm not very good at making a menu for the week, but I do plan
 and prep for dinner early in the day and that works to keep me from being crazy. In no
time it seems like we're in a rut and rotating the same 'ol dinners over and over. I always
love getting recommendations for tried and true recipes, here are a few new ones we've
tried this summer that made it on our 'put it in the rotation' list.

Gyros with Greek Chicken, Tzatziki and Flatbread
Recipe at Cooking Classy

I don't make homemade flatbread, I like both La Brea and Stonefire from Costco.
I mix all the ingredients for Tzatziki Sauce together and don't do any of the extra
steps for the cucumber. I do make sure to make it early enough for the flavors
to meld. My family isn't crazy about feta so we omit it. Great for school lunches
too, just send the sauce separately.  

Creamy Shrimp & Mushroom Pasta
Recipe at Julia's Album

I double the sauce for my boys.


Easy Garlic Parmesan Knots
Recipe at Damn Delicious

I could make dinner out of these little gems!
I tweak the recipe by using pizza dough purchased from a local
Italian restaurant instead of canned biscuits.

Kicked Up Fried Rice with Shrimp and Crabmeat 
Recipe at Food Network Emeril Lagasse

I don't add the crab, just use shrimp and ham.

Caprese Garlic Bread
Recipe at Two Peas and Their Pod

Delish, and perfect for the garden fresh tomatoes and basil this time of year.
I use a LOT of basil. :)

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies (for two)
Recipe at The Baker Chick

Makes six nice sized cookies. I like to refrigerate the dough for just a bit to keep them
 from spreading as much - if you can hold out.

Have you tried anything new to add to your rotation lately?

You can find my favorite recipes I shared last summer here.

If you'd like to check it out my Pinterest Food Board is here.  

new client project

Hi friends, yesterday was our first day back to school and since I wasn't the 

best at implementing a gradual transition it was a rude awakening! 

 Call me crazy, but I do look forward to getting back in the routine of getting an

 extra early start to the day and fitting in time to exercise when it's nice and cool.   

I haven't shared this family room project yet, but it's coming together thanks to

 some lucky Craigslist finds. :)  

We're updating the lower level family room used mainly by teens and their friends

for tv watching and lounging. They requested a comfortable space where they could

 put their feet up but their parents didn't want to sacrifice style as the kids are almost 

out of the nest. Here's where we're at so far...

Inspiration fabrics ~ 

You might recognize the black and taupe Greek Key we used for their One Room

 Challenge Master Bedroom makeover. We won't be repeating that particular print.  

      

We just scored this vintage chair with great nailhead and caster details for $40,

and even luckier, the color is perfect with our inspiration fabrics and won't need

 re-upholstered.   

Another Craigslist find was this fabulous Chinoiserie style dresser, which will get a

makeover in a bold color to keep the traditional pieces hip and youthful.

 Maybe eggplant or a vivid burgundy with gold hardware? 

(It was all I could do not to keep this one!) 

 

We chose a comfortable deep Pottery Barn sectional after the younger clients nixed

 the Ikea Ektorp sectional because it wasn't deep enough for lounging. :)

This trunk style table made from vintage doors from India might be a contender for

 our coffee table. I have my eye out for something old and rustic ~ they can put their feet

 up and again it keeps the traditional pieces from being too stuffy.  

We'll incorporate some quirky artwork for a fun unpredictable vibe.

I'm going to suggest we let the kids choose. :)  

We're clipping along so the reveal should be soon.   

the power of solid pillows

It's been a couple years since I first did a post on using solid color pillows, I

 confessed it was nearly impossible for my creative side to reach for solids in lieu

 of mixing patterns. There's no denying my love for pattern, but lately I've been

 intrigued by the tranquil look of solids. 

It's truly an art to create an edited look that peaks interest and doesn't look too safe. 

I'm assuming since you're reading this you might be the type that likes to

analyze how and why these solids work. I think the color and placement are just as

 creative as a pile of patterned pillows.  

Just my observations...

The pale blue in contrast to the bold zebra print rug is unexpected, more often

a strong pattern/color that could hold its own with the rug might be used.

The asymmetrical placement of the pillows woks with the throw balancing the

side with one blue pillow. 

  

 Kate Jackson

The pink and green hues in the artwork are repeated in the pillows, patterned pillows

would have competed with the art. The rich chocolate color keeps it from being overly

 sweet and looking like a box of macaroons. :)  

(I'm sure the talented designer would love my amateur analysis!)    

The green pillow in the center is perfect addition to keep the symmetry of the windows,

 lamps, end tables and pink and brown pillows from being too much. 

domino.com

Tying the pillow color in with the accessories (throw and florals) is key, without the

 repetition of those two significant pieces it wouldn't have nearly the effect.  

howtodecorate.com

Such a brave move here, first with the lavender upholstery and second to pair it with

 the range of orange tones. My take away here is don't be afraid to think outside the box,

unpredictable is good!  

   

 nehomemag.com

Using varying tones within the same color family is pretty foolproof. 

martha stewart

Any saturated color against the white linens would pop and make a statement. 

lauren-nelson.com

I think I could get on board with some solids, what do you think?

I Spy a Craigslist Buy (4)

Hey friends, happy Monday, happy August!! 

It's so dangerous for me to do these posts, I have to exercise serious restraint!

Every time I see something fun and unique I'm so tempted to sell what I have,

it always inspires me to want to change things up...again! 

These listings are currently available on Denver Craigslist.

(just click on the link below the heading).

I've paired the listing with an inspiration photo to give you an idea how you

 could use/transform the piece.

I've always loved how Tobe Reed used this pair of bold campaign style end tables

in her living room. This first listing is a steal, the whole kit and caboodle for $40, and

you could easily get a similar look by painting the tables and attaching gold L braces

 to the fronts of the drawers like I did on the Anthropologie Knock Off Dresser.  

They're a great size too, 25 x 25 x 21.

Because It's Awesome

 Wood Coffee Table and Matching End Tables - $40 (Parker)

https://denver.craigslist.org/fuo/5118109496.html

 Red Velvet Sofa - $250

https://denver.craigslist.org/fuo/5124529419.html

 

(sorry no source - Pinterest uploaded by user)

homebunch.com

mydomaine.com

Beautiful Brass Bed w/ Rails $100  (Denver Central)

https://denver.craigslist.org/fuo/5107970767.html

laurenleiss.com

Brass Lamp - $10 (HEB -Aurora)

https://denver.craigslist.org/fuo/5138466046.html

abbyminteriorsblog.com

 1970s Chartreuse Houndstooth Chairs by Kroehler - $125 ea $200 pair (Englewood)

https://denver.craigslist.org/fuo/5153410465.html

janshowers.com

thecuriousbumblebee.tumblr.com

Hope you're inspired to check your local Craigslist, 

and, of course, if you score one of these finds I'd love to know!