I found this on Pinterest and fell in love with it! Perfect setting for brunch, dinner or just a sip of wine with a friend.
Archive for the ‘Home’ Category
Inspiration for the weekend…
Posted in Home, tagged Outdoor dining, Outdoor patio, Pinterest on May 18, 2013| Leave a Comment »
One of my favorite things…
Posted in Decor, Home, tagged Barefoot Contessa Kitchen, Crate & Barrel, Glass Hurricane, Home Decor, Ikea on March 15, 2013| Leave a Comment »
One of my favorite items to use in a home, that’s never hard to find or costly but totally makes a room, is the glass hurricane. Whether it’s modern or traditional in style, it can bring a bit of warmth and sophistication to any room.
Of course fans of the Barefoot Contessa will know about the ones on her kitchen island. Lovely.
In case you care to do a little shopping over the weekend…
Taylor Hurricanes from Crate & Barrel, $8.95-$19.95
A simple Alex Hurricane from Crate & Barrel, $14.95
London Hurricanes from Crate & Barrel, $24.95-$39.95
Everest Hurricane from Crate & Barrel, $149.00
Pomp Hurricane from Ikea, $12.99
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Before + After: San Antonio Cottage II
Posted in Home, Projects, tagged Kitchen Remodel on October 23, 2012| 3 Comments »
The Kitchen
Before
Not a pretty sight at this point, but I knew there was potential somewhere in there
During the project — when the plumbing was being moved and the frame-work was going up
After
Next time, the den!
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My Shed Turned Almost “Chic” Shack
Posted in Home, tagged Benjamin Moore, outdoor sheds, potting sheds, Sheds on September 25, 2012| 2 Comments »
Several months ago, I did a blog entitled “Le Chic Shack” and bravely included a photo of my own not so chic shack at the time. It was, as most of you saw, quite horrible. However, with some paint and a plan it is starting to take shape.
I painted the exterior of the shed “Soot” by Benjamin Moore, the same color as our home so it acts as an extension of the home. This wonderful little shack functions as a place for researching future projects and relaxing with a cup of coffee. I still need to landscape around the shed and paint the interior a light gray.
Tomorrow, how to pot a simple succulent.
~ Shannon
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My Favorite House Plant
Posted in Home, tagged house plant, Philodendron, split leaf philodendron on September 19, 2012| 3 Comments »
— is the “Split-Leaf” Philodendron!
I love this plant!
I have 2 in my home, one by the fireplace…
…and one in the living room
Another great thing about having a philodendron inside (or outside) your home is that you can take clippings!
There are countless varieties you can use in your home. The big box stores have several varieties in their garden centers and they usually cost around 10 dollars. What I love, is that for 10 dollars you bought something that can last for years and brighten up any spot in your home.
For care: they love bright light and watering just once a week
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An Overgrown Courtyard Turned Simple Rock Garden
Posted in Home, Projects, tagged Agave, Barrel Cactus, Cactus Garden, Courtyard, Nandina on September 15, 2012| 2 Comments »
The client’s wish —
a rock garden with cactus and as little maintenance as possible.
Before
After
Every garden needs a focal point. With this courtyard, since it was long and narrow, the focal point is a floating bed centered in the middle. We used Barrel Cactus and Agave for both the low maintenance factor, as well as for their sculptural element.
As this garden matures the perfectly shaped barrel cactus will continue to grow wider and a bit taller, while the Agave will reach up to 4 to 5 feet — demanding quite a presence.
The Golden Barrel Cactus, Echinocactus Grusunii
Red Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus Glaucescens
Red Barrel Cactus and Agave
At the end of the garden, Red Colorado boulders were added for color and interest.
For this garden we kept the plant material minimal, however, they are picked with purpose. The cacti supply that wonderful sculptural element while the Nandina (above) serve several purposes. As the Nandina mature they will spread out creating a screen masking the home’s foundation and electrical boxes. They will frame the courtyard, directing one’s eyes towards the focal point bed in the middle, and, they will help soften the overall space.
Thank you to the client who was wonderful to work with, and to Perry Shankle with Perry Shankle Landscaping, who put all my ideas into motion!
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Le Chic Shack
Posted in Home, tagged Green houses, New York Times, Paris, Shacks, Sheds, Tool Sheds on June 28, 2012| 4 Comments »
A while back a friend sent me a link from the New York Times. A story about an amazing little shack outside Paris (photo above) — a family’s retreat from the city — a weekend getaway. I admit it was quite inspiring to see/read. It made me think of some of us that might already own a potential chic shack just outside our back door. A garden shed, green house or tool shed that can be transformed into a wonderful getaway. With a little paint, an imagination (and possibly a really good carpenter) anyone of us could have our very own chic shack. Maybe not outside Paris for most of us, but something small and meaningful just steps away.
Another photo of the family’s getaway outside of Paris
Below, are some ideas to give us all a little inspiration in creating our very own chic shack. Enjoy!
An amazing cottage-style one
Island style
A modern take on one
One of my favorites!
A camouflaged one
Another modern one that opens up nicely to the garden
A very handsome one
Some might recognize this one as it belongs to the Barefoot Contessa
I apologize for the poor picture but had to include this one. It is one of my favorite garden pictures and possibly my inspiration for my own shed to chic shack makeover (photo below). It does take one in and you wonder what kind of fabulousness goes on in that little gem.
My own (the rusted thing way back there), “under construction”. Not very chic at the moment (recently moved in) but with a little paint, some landscaping, etc. it could turn out quite nice. In a month or two I’ll post an update.
*photo credits – New York Times and houzz.com
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FLOWER ARRANGING 101
Posted in Decor, Home, tagged flower arranging, Flowers, fresh flowers, hydrangea, peony on June 4, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Several weeks ago, while on the Warner Brother’s lot in Los Angeles, I visited with Celebrity florist, Cathy Ball. She supplies many shows on the WB lot with gorgeous arrangements and more. Today, she was arranging some amazing peonies and hydrangeas for a client. What a perfect opportunity to gather some tips on putting together our own beautiful arrangement. Below, Cathy shows us 4 steps in making a simple yet elegant flower arrangement.
Above, the hydrangeas and peonies. Even the way Cathy has them arranged — waiting to be arranged – is gorgeous (the antique olive buckets are from Big Daddy’s).
Step 1: Select a vase
Step 2: Start with hydrangeas (or whatever you have), and loosely fill in the vase, leaving a whole in the center
Hydrangeas with hole in the center
Step 3: Place a peony between each hydrangea
Step 4: After you’ve layered a peony between each hydrangea, finish off by filling in the center hole with more peonies
Easy & Beautiful! Thanks Cathy!
My own attempt at arranging peonies — my favorite flower!
Have a wonderful day!
~ Shannon
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The Fireplace
Posted in Holiday, Home, tagged Country Living, Elle Decor, Fireplace, Holiday on December 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »
There’s something about a fireplace that evokes relaxation, warmth and a sense of place. The rhythmic bouncing of the flames seems to encourage contemplation when alone and conversation when with friends. Cheers to hoping your holiday season provides many warm memories in peaceful solitude or with loved ones.
Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.
– Washington Irving
sources: Elle Decor & Country Living
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Make Yourself At Home
Posted in Food, Holiday, Home, tagged Carte & Barrel, Jayson Home & Garden, Lamps Plus, Martha Stewart, Restoration Hardware, Target, Uggs on December 22, 2011| 1 Comment »
8 ITEMS TO HELP MAKE YOUR HOUSE GUESTS FEEL COMFORTABLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
The Guest Room
A good reading lamp, soft sheets and a cozy blanket provide a sense of comfort for those traveling far from home. Adding a box of chocolates and good reading material is also a nice touch depending how long you wish your guests to actually stay. For those of you living in smaller quarters, with a little imagination almost any part of your home could become a guest room. Once, I turned the dining room of our tiny Venice bungalow into a guest room for a friend staying for a week.
Whether your home is large or small the 8 items suggested below could apply to any size abode. It’s all about one’s attitude — being flexible and working with what you have.
A task lamp to give the perfect light for late night reading. This one is from Restoration Hardware but Target and Lamps Plus have similar ones as well.
A small bedside tray to house your guests jewelry, coins and spent candy wrappers. This “Dot Tray” is from Jayson Home & Garden.
A bedside carafe for water — from Crate & Barrel
A nice smelling candle for the dresser. The Fedora Patch Candle is from Jayson Home & Garden.
A throw for chilly days/nights
Slip on slippers to fit any foot size
Fresh flowers or anything green from your garden (or supermarket).
Another great thing to have when guest arrive is the aroma of something special on the stove or in the oven. So, I have also included my favorite comfort dish recipe, Braised Chicken with Shallots. It’s great because you can make it the day before and just reheat when you are ready.
Ingredients
8- Bone-in skinless chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds total)
coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound small shallots (about 12), peeled and halved
5 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
Fresh tarragon leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper; coat with flour, shaking off excess.
2. In a Dutch oven or 5-quart pot with a tight-fitting lid heat oil over medium-high. Cook chicken until browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Add shallots and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add wine; cook until evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in mustard and 1 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil.
4. Return chicken, bone side down, to pot. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until chicken is tender and cooked through, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate; loosely tent with aluminum foil to keep warm. Add tomatoes to pot; season with salt and pepper. Cook on high until sauce has thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and return chicken to pot; cook until heated through. Serve, garnished with tarragon, if desired.
Serves 4
The recipe (and photo) for Braised Chicken with Shallots are from Martha Stewart.com
The Long Table 