Proper Hunt: July 2013

{Twig Mirror} {Verona Dresser} {Bennington Lamp} {Peyton Shower Curtain} {Rings Sheet Set} {Pop Dot Bed Skirt} {Marbella Chandelier} {Kaleidoscope Kilim Rug}
Sorry for being so MIA this week! I've had a lot on my plate and dealing with my cold has kept me away from all of you. I'm feeling much better now and I am actually on a little family weekend getaway with Steve's side of the family. I wanted to share this post with you earlier, like right after my PBteen Opening post, but life kind of got in the way.

When I saw the products at the PBteen opening that I thought would work well in non-teen spaces, I thought to myself that there were other retailers offering great products originally meant for teens or kids that are also chic enough for adult spaces. So why not hunt down the ones I think you'd all like? Not that these items are super inexpensive, but they are definitely less expensive than if they were being offered at a 'grown-up' store. And some of these items are on sale, so hurry!

These items in the board are just a little sampling of what I've found that I would totally put in my house. There are a lot more at these retailers, but I couldn't fit them all into this board. So definitely check their sites out for more!

*You can see the Marbella Chandelier in a more grown-up way on a board I created over here!

interiors - Saturday, July 27, 2013

Not Just For Kids

{ Twig Mirror } { Verona Dresser } { Bennington Lamp } { Peyton Shower Curtain } { Rings Sheet Set } { Pop Dot Bed Skirt } { Marbella Chand...

{via}
Hey everyone! Hope you're all having a wonderful week so far. Mine just got waaay better. The ladies over at Social Stylate asked me to guest post for them, so I am thrilled to say that I am over there today showing you what Fall fashions I'd like to step into. And not to rush us towards Fall too quickly, I'm also over at my girl Dallas's blog to show you the good beach life and how to live it.

Show these lovely ladies some love by heading over to their sites to see what I've been up to. Have a great Wednesday!

xoxo

lifestyle - Wednesday, July 24, 2013

A Quick Update

{ via } Hey everyone! Hope you're all having a wonderful week so far. Mine just got waaay better. The ladies over at Social Stylate ...

Hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was sort of a bust. I caught a summer cold (why do they call it that? It still sucks whether its during the summer or winter) and was too sick to go anywhere all weekend. Well, almost. Last week, I got an email from the PR rep of Pottery Barn Brand asking if I would cover the opening of their newest PBteen store at the Annapolis Mall. I, of course, said I would. So, I made myself up as best I could (even though my throat was killing me and all I wanted to do was sleep) and headed over to the mall early Saturday morning. Even though I was exhausted afterwards, I am so glad I went. It was quite the opening with a DJ booth, complimentary drinks, and lots of customers excited to be shopping at a PBteen. And like I said before, it was really great to see the products in person. I've used PBteen as an online resource for clients and my design boards, but to see it in person was so great.

A lot of their products can go beyond the teenage years. I was discussing this with Jody, the VP of Stores, and she completely agreed. She even told me that her guest room uses the bedding that they offer. It just goes to show you that you don't have to buy items from PBteen or any other demographically-targeted retailer and use it only for what they're targeting. You just have to use your imagination and see beyond how they display their merchandise.

In fact, while I was at the opening, I really focused on photographing items that I would use in my own house. And there was quite a lot of items that I found that would work for someone who doesn't have teens or tweens. I think the great thing that PBteen does is that it offers products that can grow with the teen. They have items that are classic (keeps the parents happy), but they also have more youthful items too, which keeps the younger generation happy. Below are the items that I think would work at any age. Have any of you repurposed products from a retailer that were meant for a different demographic? I would love to know!

{Pop Dot Sheets} {Dottie Sheets} {Peyton Sheets} {Suite Organic Sheets}

{Hampton 5-drawer Dresser}

The Scallop Corner Wall Decal is a chic way to add some personalization to any room.

A multi-tasker if you will. Functional decor - Wire Wall Letters

The Rings Sheet set in Navy is absolutely perfect for the Annapolitan customer - so nautical!

This desk would be great in a city apartment, where space is limited. Or as a vanity table in a bedroom.

I am a big fan of the Quincy Scallop Super Pouf Comforter.

I was lucky enough to meet the VP of Stores of PBkids & PBteen and the General Manager.

Aren't the color combos so fun and refreshing? I was so tempted to get this blanket. Still am...

interiors - Monday, July 22, 2013

Weekend Recap // PBteen Opening

Hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was sort of a bust. I caught a summer cold (why do they call it that? It still sucks whether its ...

Ashbury in pink
One of my favorite bedding companies, Crane & Canopy, is celebrating their 1st birthday today! And in honor of their birthday, they have released their anniversary duvet, the Ashbury, in pink. The Ashbury is one of my favorite collections that they offer, and to have it in this whimsical pink just takes the cake.

They didn't stop there with the birthday cheer. They're also thanking all of you with an additional 15% off ALL orders over $150 with the code HAPPYBIRTHDAY at checkout from now until 7/21/13. So hurry now and get your bedding orders in before you miss out!

I've had the pleasure of corresponding with Karin, the co-founder, and can tell you that she is one of the nicest people I've ever met! Or rather emailed with, since we've never met in person before (hopefully one day!). They have a great vision for the bedding industry and they are really, really nice people! Happy Birthday Crane & Canopy!

interiors - Thursday, July 18, 2013

Happy Anniversary Crane & Canopy!

Ashbury in pink One of my favorite bedding companies, Crane & Canopy , is celebrating their 1st birthday today! And in honor of their ...

I know I normally don't share recipes on the blog, but these
were too pretty (& yummy) not to share!
If you know me and my husband really well, then you know that between the two of us, he's the cook. That's not to say that I can't cook (at least I think I can) or that I don't enjoy it when I do, but cooking is my husband's hobby. He absolutely loves to cook. He loves cooking and trying out different recipes, and more often than not, he comes up with his own recipes based on what we have in the fridge/pantry. I know, I know. I totally lucked out in marrying this guy, huh?

But ever since Pinterest showed up, I have found so many images of recipes that have motivated me to get in the kitchen and take over the cooking reigns a bit. And I've found that I too, enjoy cooking. Just recently, I came across this yummy peach tomato crostini recipe and took inspiration from that for last night's meal. We both wanted something that would be summery and easy to whip up since during the week, we're both tired by the end of the day. And what's simpler than a crostini to go with some already marinated chicken from the grocery store? Not much, people.

Instead of ricotta in the recipe, I used bocconcini (small mozzarella bites) and used Zima tomatoes (the most delicious tomatoes you will ever have). Steve, who is a master at creating vinaigrettes, made a red wine vinegar and olive oil one to drizzle on top. He doesn't follow a recipe when he makes his vinaigrettes, but if you want to try something like his, definitely use Ina Garten's recipe. And we totally had peaches but I completely forgot to add them in! Doh. I blame hunger.

Ingredients
* Baguette (we used a mini French Baguette)
* Zima Tomatoes (cut them in half, especially the bigger tomatoes)
* 1 Clove of Garlic
* Bocconcini (cut in half) or fresh Mozzarella cut into 1/2" pieces
* Olive Oil
* Red Wine Vinegar
* Dijon Mustard
* Thyme
* Garlic Salt
* Salt & Pepper

Directions
1. Slice the baguette to the thickness you want. Pop the slices in the toaster to get a little golden on top.
2. Once they've toasted, rub the clove of garlic on one side of the bread.
3. Place the bocconcini and tomatoes on top of the bread.
4. Then drizzle the vinaigrette (directions below) over the bocconcini and tomatoes.
5. Enjoy!

How to Make the Vinaigrette (Again, if you need exact measurements, follow Ina's recipe)
1. In a small bowl, add a pinch of Thyme, a few cracks of Pepper, a pinch of Salt, some Garlic Salt, and Dijon mustard.
2. Whisk in the Red Wine Vinegar.
3. Slowly incorporate the Olive Oil. And voilà!

The Fresh Market (a grocery store ridiculously close to our house) offers semi-prepared meats (same prices as the non-prepared meats), so all we needed to do was cook the chicken. Easy to do, right? The one I picked up was balsamic marinated chicken. So yummy!

food - Thursday, July 18, 2013

Quick Summer Eats // Crostinis

I know I normally don't share recipes on the blog, but these were too pretty (& yummy) not to share! If you know me and my husban...

{Evie Sofa} {Floral Pillow Cover} {Crystal Necklace} {Nahla Bootie}
{City Bag} {Faux Deer Antler}
Hope everyone's week has started off on the right foot! Mine got off to a slow start yesterday. I had a packed weekend and I was in need of another day to recover from it all. But today's a new day and I am ready for the fun that's ahead. Speaking of fun, I'm meeting with some DC bloggers for dinner tonight and I am so excited to see these ladies. Nothing like getting together with some fun-loving gals who are like-minded to make for a great week.

Maybe it's the heat that we've been getting here in Maryland, but I've got Fall on the brain already. Crazy, I know. Don't get me wrong. I'm loving these summer days where we can go to the pool to cool off, but boy, the humidity and intense heat is getting me longing for the days I get to wear jeans and a light sweater. Which brings me to this board. It's not 100% Fall related, but it sure does look more like Fall than Summer, huh? I'm obsessed with that Zara City bag, and don't even get me started on that necklace. Too bad I can't afford it. Must.find.an.inexpensive.alternative...

fashion - Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Wish List // Perfectly Polished

{ Evie Sofa } { Floral Pillow Cover } { Crystal Necklace } { Nahla Bootie } { City Bag } { Faux Deer Antler } Hope everyone's week ha...

I'm a little late with showing you photos of our back deck (tsk tsk), because we actually (for once) updated what we said we would and I just hadn't yet had a chance to photograph it for you guys.

A few years ago, Steve and I took a trip up to New Jersey to visit his cousin, Mary Ellen, and her young family. Mary Ellen and I share a love of vintage furniture, home wares, and all things interior related, so I was really excited to see her new house and how she decorated it. Her house was gorgeous, not surprisingly, and we talked shop the whole time we stayed there. We were sad when our visit came to an end, but Mary Ellen and her husband sent us home with two (potentially) amazing wicker chairs that needed some major TLC, so that definitely softened the blow of leaving. Now, I don't know if you know but wicker chairs, and I mean good wicker chairs, cost quite a bit. I'm talking roughly $700+ per chair. So you can imagine how giddy I was when they sent us home with these two chairs.

Fast forward to early this year, and the chairs had yet to get repainted. Yep, it took us awhile but I'd say having a kid is a good excuse not to do any DIYs for a bit, right? Well, we finally got our act together and hired someone to do a really good job of sanding them down and painting them with durable, glossy white paint. As you'll see below, I really wanted to keep the chairs the same blue that they were originally, but it would've been too costly for us to get a color match and blah blah blah, so glossy white was the way to go in our minds. Along with getting them professionally repainted, we also got new slipcovers for the cushions that came with the chairs. I had found some dark teal and white chevron fabric from Etsy that I knew would look great with the chairs so I had my local upholsterer create new slipcovers for us.

We also replanted (ha! I say 'we' but it was really all Steve - I have a brown thumb) the flower boxes to create some privacy and to add some color to the back deck. I tell ya, adding flowers to the deck really gives the feeling of a lush environment. Even if it's just a small dose of color, it really makes a difference.

Before

Would've loved to have kept the chairs blue, but it was too difficult (and costly) to color match. Insert sad face here.
After

Blue paint? What blue paint? We're totally digging the white gloss on the chairs.

interiors - Thursday, July 11, 2013

Recent Projects // The Back Deck

I'm a little late with showing you photos of our back deck (tsk tsk), because we actually ( for once ) updated what we said we would an...

I've been meaning to show you these photos of the new flower drum shade ceiling light since we installed it. I have been wanting this light fixture for goodness knows how long and I am so excited that it's finally in our house! Now, with this new light fixture, I plan on redoing the entire entryway. Of course, right? The blue wall color has got to go. And in its place will be some kind of wallpaper. Yes, I said wallpaper. I finally got the hubby to agree to have it in there. I think it's really his way of getting me to shut up about wallpaper. At least for a little while. I probably talk about wallpapering that space (along with the powder room) like everyday. I knew my strategy would work.

I just ordered a sample of the Martinique and am eagerly awaiting it's arrival.
We (yes, I said we) are onboard with having this in our entryway, but I just want to make sure that the scale of the print will work in our ridiculously tiny entryway. I'm still stunned that Steve is agreeing to this print since it's rather bold, but it's one of the very few that we both can agree on and well, to say that I'm obsessed with it is an understatement. But we will see when this sample comes in. You just never know how things will look unless you get it in person and test it out. Especially because this wall covering is rather pricey, so we just want to make sure before we take the plunge.

The new storm door to be installed very soon.
Another home improvement that we've been wanting to do is add a storm door to our front door. Because out town home is not an end unit, its entryway doesn't have any windows, and therefore does not get any natural light at all now that we built the wall downstairs. The storm door would allow for more natural light, and really, who doesn't want more natural light?

I've got a few more home improvement projects to show you, so come back tomorrow to see more!

interiors - Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Recent Projects Around The House

I've been meaning to show you these photos of the new flower drum shade ceiling light since we installed it. I have been wanting this ...

{1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6}
Oh Monday, how did you get here so fast?? I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend! It sure looked like it on Instagram and Facebook. We had a stay-cation of sorts and just had a great time relaxing and hanging out at home. Don't get me wrong, we were very jealous of people being out on boats or at the beach, but there's something so nice about being off from work and being able to just relax and be at home. Right?

Joking aside, it was the kind of weekend Steve and I both needed. We both had things we wanted to do (Steve wanted to cook and I wanted to check a few things off my to-do list) and we did just that. We also hosted a BBQ at our house for Fourth of July and I was able to dust off my baking tools (haven't baked from scratch in a looong time) and try out some new yummy recipes.

Another item on my to-do list that we were able to check off was installing the new entryway light! I purchased this fun scalloped ceiling light fixture awhile ago and finally got my dad, brothers, and Steve to install it while they were all over for the 4th. Nothing like putting your guests to work after feeding them, right? Not something I usually do, but it's rare when we're all together so I had to ask. We also picked up a new ceiling light fixture for our master closet, but I'll have to wait for the next family gathering to ask the engineers to install it.

But on to my favorite pins from last week!

#1: I think if this was my bedroom, I would wake up happy all the time. How could you not with a giant palm leaf wallpaper like that?
#2: I purchased this turban and this headband for the Naples trip and have not stopped using them since! It's perfect for this hot & humid weather we've been getting in Annapolis.
#3: When summer time comes, I am all about a Caprese salad. It's cool and refreshing, not to mention healthy too. But, when it comes fried, I am sold even more. Yes, it defeats the purpose of cooling you down and being healthy, but I really cannot refuse any fried foods. Even when its hot outside.
#4: Can we talk about those Tom Dixon lights?? This dining room is so very different from the one here, but I love it. And those dining chairs look so comfy, right??
#5: I love what's going on in this space. A great contrast between delicate (and expensive looking) furnishings mixed with a giant, comfy looking sofa.
#6: What I wish was my summer wardrobe. Bohemian, airy, and sexy is exactly what I want to look (and feel) during the summer months.

fashion - Monday, July 08, 2013

A Few of My Favorite Pins

{ 1 } { 2 } { 3 } { 4 } { 5 } { 6 } Oh Monday, how did you get here so fast?? I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend! It sure ...

At our house yesterday, we celebrated Fourth of July along with my youngest brother's birthday. His birthday is July 3rd so we always joke that the country got his birthday a day late with the fireworks and festivities. Not wanting to take away from his birthday celebration, I created desserts that combined classic American flavors with a birthday flair.

The Triple Berry Layered Lemon Cream Cake was the perfect combination of having a birthday cake for Mike plus a Fourth of July theme. And the Apple Pie Cookies were a quintessentially Americana recipe that I had pinned from Pinterest awhile ago that I had been dying to try out. Perfect for Fourth of July, no?

I can say with confidence that both recipes are a cinch (trust me on this) and are aaamazing. I followed both recipes to a T and did not have any disappointed guests. I tried to get as many photos of the process for both, but it was a little difficult, especially with the Apple Pie Cookies, because it got a little messy. Hope you all had a great Fourth! Enjoy!