Romantic Notions: Pretty Things For Sleeping Beauties

Create the perfect environment and surround yourself with beautiful things in the bedroom. Here's a little inspiration to get you going...

(items clockwise from top left)

1. Oh joy! A wonderful and whimsical way to display your jewelry. It's a one of a kind creation from whomadeit on Etsy. Crafted from antique bowls, tea cups and dishes it's just darling and oh-so-girly ($70).

2. After a long day's work, rest your eyes with this very glam silk satin ruffled sleep mask from Mary Green ($15.50).

3. Oh, how I adore frilly little underthings. Find many items of the like at Eberjey, like the O Girl Cami ($62) and Dorothy Dots Brief (similar to those shown) ($23).

4. Pretty lampshades add ambience. Check out this lace all over printed linen lampshade ($38 at Urban Outfitters) and pair it off with their lamp cord kit ($12).

5. Personalize your space with this petite script dish ($22 ea. at Jayson Home and Garden).

6. For your bedside table, place a glass fit for a princess. The palace glass ($22 ea. at Jayson Home and Garden) is jewel tined and comes in pretty colors.

7. Adorn a wall with pretty hooked nobs for pretty things at Anthropologie ($18 ea.).

8. Have sweet dreams wearing this one of a kind silk sleep mask with black rose applique and silver sequins by delguidicestudio at etsy ($22).

9. The perfect scent helps create a relaxing environment. My must have splurge are the wonderful scents from Diptyque and my all time favorite candle is Essence of Galliano ($68 at Bigelow).

What's for dinner, honey?

Need some inspiration? I know I'm always on the hunt. Dive in, here are some delicious food blogs. Uh, ahem... all tastefully done! Great mouth watering images and fantastic recipes.

Mmmm... Maybe an Asian Ahi Salad, get the details at the Sprouted Kitchen.

Ooooh... Oven Fried Onion Rings by Not Without Salt.

Or, maybe Pasta with Goat Cheese, Zucchini and Summer Squash. Yum! Go to Sassy Radish.

& for dessert, maybe Lemon Tart Ice Cream! Oh la la... head over to Technicolor Kitchen.

Happy Blogging, have fun!

Design Idea: Eclectic Global Style

Ah, go ahead, break the rules! Go eclectic and worldly. It's a wonderful way to go if you love antiquing, thrifting and hunting. Live like a world traveler (even if you aren't!), just start layering items... rustic items with opulent items, mix and match textures upon texture. Be on the look out for hand me downs, yard sales and flea markets. Found treasures can create an environment that is opulent, at the same time cozy, and full of character.

images from The World of Interiors and Marie Claire Maison

Monday, Monday... More Farmhouse Ideas

As a follow up to Saturday's farmhouse chic story, here are some ideas for showcasing collections of odds & ends. 'Simply darling... just look at this little nook of hanging plates.

From Pier 1, this wonderful window box is great for storing mementos, old postcards, photos or maybe... even recipes in the kitchen.

Showcase china and glassware on a little shelf. Snatch up a window ruffle, or sew up one yourself to add a little charm along the edge.

Create a stairwell gallery.

Add a little rustic charm with these antlers ($38) at Urban Outfitters.

And to wrap things up... this charming gold leaf photo & memo holder from Burke Decor ($35).

images from Canadian House & Home and Claire Richardson

Sitting Pretty: The Home Office Redefined

'Loving these beautiful home offices. 'So, so pretty...

image from Domino

image from Decor Pad

image from Country Living

Farmhouse Chic

image from Vogue Living

Happy weekend, everyone!

I'm feeling a little farmhouse chic today. Enjoy!

image from Skona Hem

image from Skona Hem

image from Skona Hem

image from Country Home

Doily News

Ingenious! I love it. Like a modern day doily, these coasters are made from unused newspapers. Each piece is unique from one another. For just $16 for a set of 100... I am so getting these! Snatch them up at Charles and Marie.

Design Inspiration: Curiosities & Pockets of Wonder

This morning, I stumbled upon the artwork of Maissa Toulet (above photo from her website). She's a fine artist who creates cabinets of curiosities... which got me thinking about curiosity items of decor & how you might integrate these into your home.

Below is a great example of a modern take on the cabinet of curiosity.

photo from Domino

& Here are little pockets of wonder around my house.

photo © Cristina Ramirez

I enjoy collecting these items and some of them cost didn't even cost me a cent! Seashells ... please, don't laugh at me, I really do collect seashells by the seashore! Two little crab shells I found on the beach sit on my side table along with other items; some found and some given.

Collecting curiosities is a hobby and one that does take time; thrifting, antiquing and hunting for interesting objects. It doesn't happen overnight, but I've scooped up a couple chic items to get you going!

1. Hour Glasses at Cb2 $9.95-$29.95

2. Assorted Sea Shells (vase not included) at Pottery Barn $16 (for an assortment)

3. Pewter Telescoping Frames at Restoration Hardware $49

4. Porcelain Finch at Jayson Home and Garden $30

5. Silver Ceramic Refined Vases at West Elm $29 each

6. Red Coral Bowl at Jayson Home and Garden $89

7. Ceramic Sea Urchin Box at Jayson Home and Garden $30

8. Twig Magnifier at Jayson Home and Garden $32

9. Iron Feather at Jayson Home and Garden $25

10. Faux Python Trays at Jayson Home and Garden $22-$28

Hey you, hot stuff...

It's been hot, very hot.  Forgive me, for not posting sooner.  'Been busy with a lot of projects, but I promise more postings this week! 

Here's a little somethin' to tie ya' over... a couple cool findings at Fred Flare.

Ice cubes that say bling!  The cool jewels ice cube tray ($10) has 6 different faceted gem shapes. Ah... I'm loving the idea of a refreshing cocktail with a splash of glam!

... & for music lovers; a USB vinyl archiver ($129 on sale).  With this,  you can automatically import all your songs into your iTunes library.  It comes with an RCA line output for connecting to a stereo & software to record and edit tracks. Can you say, awesome?

A New England Clambake You Can Do In Your Very Own Backyard

all above photos  (c) Cristina Ramirez &  2nd row right photo courtesy of (c) Michael Hirst

Oh, sigh!  The summer is just flying by so quickly.  Feels like it'll all be coming to an end soon, but I'm glad I got to make a few visits to the Cape this summer!  Oh, how I've fallen in love with Cape Cod.

On my last trip out there, I got to partake in a 'lil New England clambake supper.  However, not the traditional kind... for that you dig a hole in the sand.  Oh, no... this one you can do in your very own backyard, on the grill!

all above photos  (c) Cristina Ramirez

All the ingredients were placed in an aluminum tray & covered with aluminum foil.  Placed on the grill and ... voila!  Delish.

Now, you'll have to forgive me, because I arrived a bit late and missed the preparations, but from what I could tell (and taste!) the ingredients were as such; lobsters, corn,  herbs, seaweed, onions, clams & clam juice for the broth.  Everyone's got there own take on the clambake and some like to add chicken and chorizo.  Uh, but, yum!  This one was tops in my book.  'Just perfect.

Today's Cool Finding: Artstick's Vinyl Wall Clock Remix

Vinyl wall art is really nothing new in the design world... I do, however, really love this vinyl wall clock from Artstick! 

It's sold as a kit ($77), with a real clock mechanism & an assortment of decals that you put together to create your very own custom clock.  

Below is an example of the decals from the same kit in a different arrangement.  

Love it. 

Blog Lovin'

...And yet another way to keep track of your favorite blogs. Are you a blog lovin' member already? I just signed up today! Follow me there... & Follow my blog with bloglovin. It's like google reader, only way cooler!

Rain, Rain...Go Away...

Well, it seems I've been saying that a lot these days, but for today... thank goodness the rain finally came down!  It's been so darned muggy and hot in New York the past few days.  I mean, Shucks! I've never experienced such a temperamental summer. But if it must, here are some stylish umbrellas on the cheap.  Lol, I am so getting tired of my black umbrella.

1. Navy Floral Printed Umbrella $9.50 at Old Navy

2. White Floral Umbrella $9.50 at Old Navy

3. Color Spectrum Umbrella $40 at Moma

4. Clear Bubble Umbrella $14.99 at Amazon

And for brighter days, what about a pretty lacey parasol? Oh, a perfect picnic accessory... or simply for strollin' about town.

1.Romantic Battenburg Lace Parasol $34.99, available in 8 colors at Amazon

Design Ideas & The Canopy

The previous story about kids' bunk beds got me thinking... I never had the bunk, but I always had a canopy as a little girl. So, here are a few spin offs on the canopy theme, playing with fabrics and drapes to create a very sophisticated look... uh, yes... for grown ups!

Simply breathtaking...for a way dramatic look... Looks fantastic!  

Create an airy partition.  Great for open spaces, lofts & railroad apartments.

Hang a short curtain rod above the bed with a fabric panel for an instant headboard.

Wanna try this at home?  Here are a few affordable and easy to install canopy-esque items:

White 4 Corner Mosquito Net Fit For a Queen or King

Oasis Round Hoop Bed Canopy

Round Hoop Canopy

(above first two images from Metropolitan Home, third image from Elle Decor)

Inspiring Bunk Beds & Some Great Links for Moms & Dads

...pretty cool. I wish I had one of these when I was a kid!

Awesome website, full of inspiration, ideas & resources:

Kids Modern

Shopping links worth checking out:

Clever Tomato

Tottini

Romp

Modern Seed

Sparkability

Pottery Barn Kids

PB Teen

Fawn and Forest

images from Elle Decor

A Delicious & Sophisticated Treat - The Lemon Vodka Cream Pop

Ooooh, la la!  I stumbled upon this last night at Fine Cooking & it's just to good to be kept a secret!  

Try it!  I know I wanna...

Ingredients: (yields 8 pops)

3 or 4 medium lemons

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/8 tsp. table salt

2 Tbs. citron vodka

Preparation:

Using a vegetable peeler, remove all of the zest from 3 of the lemons in 3- to 4-inch-long strips.  Set the lemons aside.

Combine the lemon zest, cream, milk, sugar, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Let steep at room temperature, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.

Squeeze 2/3 cup juice from the reserved lemons (juice the fourth lemon, if necessary). Stirring constantly, pour the lemon juice into the cream mixture in a slow stream. Stir in the vodka.

Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a 4-cup glass measure (or any container with a spout for easy pouring), pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Divide the mixture among eight 3-oz. pop molds or wax-lined paper cups. Freeze until just barely set, 5 to 6 hours. Insert craft sticks and freeze until completely set, about 2 hours more. When ready to serve, unmold or peel off the paper cups. (pops can be frozen for up to 3 days)

There are even more popsicle recipes on on Fine Cooking, like Bellini Pops and Bittersweet Chocolate Bourbon Pops.

Of course, you'll need popsicle molds, but it's a small price to pay for delicious pops you can make all summer long!  There are lots of affordable molds out there... Here's one  (below image) for just $14.  It even comes with 50 pop sticks!

Pretty In Pink

Three very different approaches to a pink room, but lovely all the same.  

Image from Elle Decor

image from Decor Pad

image from Elle Decor