Wednesday, August 26, 2015

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,



Sunday, August 23, 2015

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.  



Monday, August 17, 2015

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.   





Tuesday, August 11, 2015

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?



Sunday, August 2, 2015

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.

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



 Red Velvet Sofa - $250

 

(sorry no source - Pinterest uploaded by user)
homebunch.com
mydomaine.com

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



laurenleiss.com

Brass Lamp - $10 (HEB -Aurora)




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



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! 




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