Annette Joseph

biggest january giveaway ever! {worth over 500 dollars}

2012-01-26T04:35:00.000-08:00

let's face it we all need a cocktail at the end of a hectic day, week or month. i for a fact love a great cocktail... anytime!!! after juicing for 21 days with no alcohol, it's clear i am ready for a drink and not just any old drink, a creative cocktail.

lucky for me the word "mixologist" is very in style right now. mixology appeals to not only the entertainer in me but to the cook as well. cocktails have become a very complex and genius in their combinations and preparation. so let's have some fun in 2012!

i am blessed that i have very talented friends who happen to be experts in the field + are willing to share their secret alcoholic concoctions with me, and i in turn would like to share them with you in a new addition to my blog, "celebrity cocktail of the week". yep, each week on thursday {well timed right before every weekend} i will ask some of my very high profile super groovy friends to share their favorite & original cocktail recipes.

in anticipation of creating many simply fabulous cocktails throughout the year . i have decided to do my annual big giveaway of the year and of course i decided to get the winner prepped for my upcoming cocktail of week feature by offering a "barman/woman tools of the trade"as my BIG giveaway. what a great way to kick off the new addition to my blog. i have enlisted the help of one of my favorite flash sites, The Foundary, known for their fabulous products with unparalleled quality. they seem like the perfect match for this incredible giveaway. check out their site, if you are not a member sign up straight away, it's easy.

here's what you could win if you sign up! Yep! this amazing "mixologist tools" prize below from The Foundary...

Here's the run down of all the swag in my bar-alicious giveaway~

1.Reed and Barton hob nob 5 piece bar tool set
2.Reed and Barton lead crystal ice bucket with tongs
3.Reed and Barton martini shaker from the Thomas O'Brien collection
4.Ravenscroft set of 4 crystal martini glasses
5.Selamat Design mahogany tray with scallop edges and brass handles
6.Stirrings simple syrup and dirty martini olive juice
7.Peychauds aromatic cocktail bitters
8.Fee Bros. rhubarb bitters
9.Caspari Jaipur spice cocktail napkins

OK!i know that you are dying to have this set up in your home...here's how to win, leave a clever comment answer my question "why I aspire to be a master mixologist".. and the winner will be picked by my first celebrity mixologist, {so make it good}

* you will have a chance to see the giveaway items in person, when i appear on Better Mornings Atlanta february 10th at 9:45am. i will be mixing up valentines inspired cocktails live on the show. hope you tune in.

then february 15th, just in time for the first post from a very very special and exciting celebrity mixologist. the winner will be announced. you will not believe who i got to give us his secret cocktail of the week. {hint it's a guy...a really cute guy}

BTW~ The Foundary has decided to offer a fantastic array of barware for purchase on their site this week in celebration of my giveaway! {so cool} I encourage you to sign up {super easy} and check out these gorgeous wares, perfect to stock any bar anywhere. Thank you to The Foundary for sponsoring my amazing giveaway and offering all of you the opportunity to stock your bar in style and ready yourselves for my monthly "celeb cocktail of the month". Salute!

Tomorrow is the big day...the big giveaway!

2012-01-25T05:03:00.000-08:00

Until then, here is one last major hint about what the giveaway will be. Portlandia's hilarious episode on mixology hits very close to home...all you hipster cocktail makers/stylists/and chefs will be able to relate!

WHAT!!! just 2 more days until you find out WHAT YOU COULD WIN!

2012-01-24T04:13:00.000-08:00

all i know is that i am wildly prepping for it...sign up and follow me...see you in couple days...now back to work...

photo by sarah dorio

3 more days until the BIG january giveaway is reavealed!

2012-01-23T03:53:00.000-08:00

it's going to be a crazy week, huge shoot + lot's of prep and of course the big reveal on thursday of my HUGE january giveaway....tick...tick...tick...sip... sip... sip

Cheers to only 4 more days till the giveaway on january 26th!!!

2012-01-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

I love to celebrate, and soon you'll be doing just that...if you win my giveaway, that is. I'll be showing you how to properly use the new goodies on Better Mornings on February 10th, you won't want to miss it!

Garden and Gun + 5 more days till Giveaway

2012-01-21T05:08:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has received their copy of Garden and Gun's February issue. I know that I'll be curling up with mine and preparing for my giveaway, which is coming up on January 26th. Just know that whatever this fabulous gift is, it will make you very popular!

cover photo by squire fox

Don't forget that the day after this awesome giveaway, I'll be starting with a new regular blog feature. A very cool individual (that Garden and Gun has highlighted many times) will be kicking it off! He is super talented, immersed in southern culture, and you won't want to miss what he has to say.

6 more days...till the big giveaway

2012-01-20T03:37:00.000-08:00

i love countdowns, the thought of getting to 1, makes my stomach do flips.my giveaway will make your stomach do flips no kidding! make sure to check my big January giveaway post on the 26th...just 6 more days...to pop your cork!

The countdown continues...7 more days until January giveaway!

2012-01-19T04:02:00.000-08:00

As you can probably tell, there is something in the air...anticipation, excitement, giddiness. Well, you'll feel all of those things once you're able to enter my upcoming giveaway. In fact, this is probably how you'll feel on the inside if you're so lucky to win.

8 more days till till my amazing giveaway!

2012-01-18T03:57:00.000-08:00

We're getting pretty excited around here for this seriously great giveaway with products from The Foundary. Seriously, if I could...I would keep this all for myself, that's how beautiful it is. Stay tuned for the giveaway products on my upcoming segment on Better Mornings, February 10th. Until then, some light reading to help prepare you for the grand prize.

9 more days until my giveaway {valued over 500 dollars}

2012-01-17T03:52:00.000-08:00

9 days until my big blog giveaway worth over 500 dollars! Tune in February 10th on Better Mornings Atlanta to see the swag you could win! Look for the giveaway to begin on January 26th drawing will be on February 15th. Time to celebrate a new addition to my blog...the new add to my blog begins Thursday February 16th with a guest contributor that's going to surprise and delight you.

only 10 days until my big giveaway is announced

2012-01-16T04:23:00.000-08:00

after weeks of cleansing, i am pretty sure that i am going to enjoy a cocktail. hint one of the items for the BIG january giveaway is in this great photo of angelina. can you guess what that might be? the announcement of of the giveaway is jan 26th, make sure to check out my blog for hints and tips. cheers! + tune in Feb 10th on Better Mornings Atlanta and see me mix it up to kick off the new addition to my blog "cocktails of the month"

in the next few weeks { big big swag giveaway}

2012-01-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

in a couple weeks i am giving away the most awesome prize i have ever come up with! it will blow your mind ...you are going to want it!!! keep watching for teasers + hints... end of this month what you could win is gonna blow your mind + knock your sox off.........................

let's pause for a fashion moment {pops of neon brights}

2012-01-12T04:10:00.000-08:00

not sure if it's the effects of juicing, but i am noticing lots of pops of hot neon brights paired with neutrals. i find it interesting that home fashion and the fashion world are reflecting the same thing. here's what i am seeing

how's it going? {week 2}

2012-01-08T06:21:00.000-08:00


today's combo pear+golden beet+ginger+carrot+ kale

just checking in , how's it going? i started my juice cleanse one week ago. i have been enjoying great combinations of fruits and veggies. i have had tons of people ask me about my juicing in person via facebook and even twitter. i am so excited to share with you how i do my 21 days of juicing.

here's a quick reminder:

1. no alcohol for 21 days this is key!

2. exercise at least 3-5 times per week {more is better, just walking for 45 minutes is great}this is very important!

3. eat a light balanced breakfast, i even have a cup of coffee

4. drink 8 oz. glass of juice at 10am, noon, 3pm and eat a light healthy dinner. you may have another glass of juice before bed

5. drink plenty of water.

juice for 21 days, you'll feel refreshed, as will your digestive system + you might even drop a couple lbs.

i found the really great site that has a different approach, although i like to consume my fresh juice in 12 hours time, have a look at this site and see if this will work better for you. happy healthy life 

Please let me know how it's going by making a comment below, and post any questions and i will answer them. happy juicing {week 2}

juice january {nutition, balance + harmony}

2012-01-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

okay so i am assuming you made the pasta i posted yesterday. you're carbo loaded from last night + like me you managed to try every holiday cocktail, cookie, dip and chip in site....now it's time for a cleanse.

i start every year this way loading up on nutrients and protein. i add juicing to my regime. along with my usual work outs and of course real food comes into the mix. as you know by now i am all about balance. i must stress this is how i do it, i am not a doctor or nutrition specialist. but it is a nice break for my digestive system and a great way it add nutrients in an effortless way to my diet.

i have a very large winter garden and pull kale, and cabbage and herbs from it to make tasty juice for myself and my family. i must stress that diet and exercise is a daily part of my life. i cook and grow as much of my own food and shop at fresh markets and eat as much unprocessed food as possible.

i do enjoy a cocktail and this is the hardest thing for me to give up for 21 days but i do it. you should to. i always tell my friends the number one thing you can do to eat healthy and even loose weight, (if this is your goal) is to stop eating out, cut down drinking alcohol, prepare and eat unprocessed food, and move everyday. it's just that simple.

my approach is easy, therefore conducive to sticking to juicing for 21 days.
here's how i do 21 days of adding juice to my diet.

1.cut out alcohol, yes, for 21 days ( eat home cooked meals in other words don't eat out, as much as possible for 21 days)

2.invest in a good juicer i own the breville juice fountain . it has a great engine and blade and you can throw everything but the engine in the dishwasher. easy is key!

3. juice in the morning. make 1 or 2 pitchers of my yummy combos* see some of my combinations below. and put in the fridge, if you don't work at home take 3 to 8 oz. go cups or a thermous filled with juice with you and store in the fridge. Fresh juice is only good for one day so make enough for only one day.

4. eat breakfast, make it light and healthy. you know what to do. Have your coffee, just one cup.

5. at around 10:00 have a full glass of juice, at noon another, and at 3 or 4 another. eat a light dinner around 6p.m. (preferably one you have prepared) and finish off the balance of the juice at night.
that's it. That's right I skip lunch.

This is not intended for weight lose for me (or my family), it just gives my digestive system a healthy break and makes me feel lighter and full of energy. I believe in eating and chewing is essential to feel satisfied. So breakfast and dinner are a must for me.
I may even drink juice out of a martini glass at night to fool myself into thinking it's a cocktail, yes i am just that kooky.

my juicer and some choices for the next 2 days.

here are some combinations i love
* add protein powder to any of these as you wish. the protein powder i use is Bio Chem Greens and Whey, whichever powder you choose make sure that you mix enough into the juice to make the calorie count 100 or less per serving.

beet,apple, kumquats, carrots and ginger
beets, carrot, parsley and cucumber
kale, celery, ginger, cucumber, baby pea shoots
apple, celery, parsley, kale
spinach, apple, and lemon, and ginger
carrots, kale and lemon
parsely, apple, pear, and ginger
red pepper, cucumber, ginger, baby pea shoots lemon

beet+apple+kumquats+carrots+ginger

yum

the ingredients are simple + affordable.
I love to go to local asian or ethnic markets and buy fresh fruits and veggies, why ethnic markets??? first off they are less expensive, fresher and have more interesting items, like baby pea shoots. i think it's a big waste of money to go on diet programs (sorry it's just how i feel, all the foods are processed, blech) making your own food is easy and so healthy, and cheaper! grow things in containers, don't get me started! i have very strong feeling about how americans eat!)

the breville site has some fantastic ideas and creative recipes as well . let me hear from you about your favorite combinations, and let me know how it goes! good luck and happy juicing!

reposting one of my past favs, for first sunday supper of the year!

2012-01-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

sunday supper {whole wheat spaghettini with truffle oil and zucchini}

We all wanted truffle oil on our pasta tonight, something light and satisfying. I found zucchini in the fridge and tossed together a quick whole wheat pasta dish, it was a crowd pleaser and the kids were happy too

Ingredients~
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound whole-wheat dried spaghettini
3/4 pound zucchini sliced into coins
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic{ btw I always use a micro plainer to grate the fresh garlic into the oil}
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons truffle oil

Preparation~
Cut the zucchini into thin coins then put oil and grate fresh garlic into a skillet. Heat oil and garlic and add zucchini, saute on high heat until the zucchini is evenly browned. In the meantime, boil the pasta on high, until al dente. Drain and add the pasta with to the zucchini, and toss with cheese.
Pull off heat and put pasta into a bowl, finish with the truffle oil, salt and pepper { I like adding truffle salt if you have it} serve hot with a nice tomato salad.

Serve and enjoy! Serves 4

holiday hummus

2011-12-23T05:14:00.000-08:00

holidays are right around the corner. as friends and family gather i decided to post a few quick ideas for nibbles, why not hummus. whether you are gathering for just a few cocktails, or for dinner here are my 3 favorite hummus recipes for flawless yumminess.

one of my friends reminded me that I had posted this great hummus recipe, so here you go, thanks Andy for reminding me.

1. Artichoke Hummus with Pinenuts

2 tablespoons chopped jarred garlic ( or 2 cloves fresh garlic)

1 teaspoon salt

1 15-ounce can chick-peas, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon tahini

1 15 oz can of artichokes in water, drained

1/4 cup olive oil + 1 tablespoon

2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley leaves

2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted lightly

Juice of ½ lemon optional

In a food processor purée the chick-peas with the garlic, artichokes and the lemon juice, 1/4 cup of the oil + tahini, scraping down the sides, until the hummus is smooth and add salt to taste. Add water, if necessary, to thin the hummus to the desired consistency and transfer the hummus to a bowl then add parsley to the hummus and combine. drizzle with oil (1 tablespoon) then sprinkle the top with the toasted pine nuts. Serve the hummus with the pita, and flat bread crackers.

2.Spicy Yellow Lentil and Apricot Hummus with Sunflower Seeds

2 tablespoons chopped jarred garlic ( or 2 cloves fresh garlic)

1 teaspoon salt

1 15-ounce can chick-peas, drained and rinsed

2 cups cooked and drained yellow lentils

(use dry lentils cover 1 cup lentils with 3 cups water you can add water as needed, simmer until tender about 10 minutes)

1 tablespoon tahini

1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup + 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds, toasted lightly

1 cup finely chopped dried apricots

1 or 2 teaspoons chili oil, depending how spicy you like your hummus

Juice of ½ lemon optional

In a food processor purée the chick-peas with the garlic then add cooked and drained yellow lentils, then add sunflower seeds and the lemon juice add 1/4 cup of the oil + tahini, puree in the food processor until the hummus is smooth and add salt to taste. Add water, if necessary, to thin the hummus to the desired consistency and transfer the hummus to a bowl then add apricots to the hummus and combine. drizzle with chili oil (1 to 2 tablespoons depending on how spicy you want your hummus to be) then sprinkle the top with 1 tablespoon toasted sunflower seeds. Serve the hummus with the pita, and flat bread crackers.

3.Red Pepper Hummus with Walnuts

2 tablespoons chopped jarred garlic ( or 2 cloves fresh garlic)

1 teaspoon salt

1 15-ounce can chick-peas, drained and rinsed

1 12 oz. jar of roasted red peppers in water drained

1/4 cup olive oil + 1 tablespoon

1 cup + 1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped and toasted lightly

Juice of ½ lemon optional

In a food processor purée the chick-peas with garlic and drained roasted red peppers. then add toasted walnuts and the lemon juice add 1/4 cup of the oil, puree in the food processor until the hummus is smooth and add salt to taste. Add water, if necessary, to thin the hummus to the desired consistency and transfer the hummus to a bowl, drizzle with oil (1 tablespoon) then sprinkle the top with 1 tablespoon toasted chopped walnuts. Serve the hummus with the pita, and flat bread crackers.

put out some great olives, and a some jarred tempanade hard italian cheese like a chunk of parmesan cheese some bread sticks and perhaps some vegetables like carrots and red pepper sticks or great crunchy french bread. and you have a quick and great selection of nibbles. crack open the champagne and cheers have a great holiday celebration.

all photos via pinterest

{last minute gifts + something different}

2011-12-18T06:22:00.000-08:00

yellow+gold latkes {potato pancakes}

2011-12-15T04:58:00.000-08:00

sweet potato + yukon potato latkes

every year my kids look forward to our Hanukkah meal. we light the candles, say a prayer open little gifts and then sit down together for our traditional meal. i roast free range chicken, i make homemade sweet potato + yukon potato latkes with homemade applesauce. i usually toss together a sweet and savory salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. all the flavors bring back warm memories from the years we've enjoyed this celebration of light together.

yellow and gold latkes

3 medium size sweet potatoes

3 medium size yukon gold potatoes

2 eggs

1/4 cup matzo meal

1 small yellow onion diced

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup olive oil

hand grate potatoes so they are shredded, add salt and set aside for 10 minutes.

by hand squeeze liquid out of the potatoes, transfer to another mixing bowl

add eggs and matzo meal, and diced onion. and mix. ( if the potatoes still have some water, it's fine to add 1 more egg and more matzo meal to bind)

in a large skillet put 1/4 cup oil and heat, drop in latke mix with a spoon forming small pancakes.

fry in the oil until golden and crispy.

have a paper towel lined cookie sheet ready, place cooked latke pancakes on the towels to drain oil.

continue to fry the latkes and drain. you will need to continue to add oil to the skillet as you continue to fry the latkes.

place the cooked, and drained latkes in the oven on low until guests arrive.

serve with homemade applesauce and sour cream, or non fat plain greek yogurt

serves 4 to 6 people.

homemade applesauce

3 to 4 lbs of peeled, cored, and quartered apples. (Make sure you use a good cooking apple like Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Granny Smith, Fuji, Jonathan, Mcintosh, or Gravenstein.)

4 strips of lemon peel - use a vegetable peeler to strip 4 lengths

Juice of one lemon, about 3-4 Tbsp

3 inches of cinnamon stick

1/4 cup of dark brown sugar

up to 1/4 cup of white sugar

1 cup of water

1/2 teaspoon of salt

Put all ingredients into a large pot. Cover. Bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Remove from heat. Remove cinnamon sticks and lemon peels. Mash with potato masher.
place in the fridge, it should last for 2 weeks in the fridge.

photos via pinterest.

2011-12-13T04:41:00.000-08:00

as the year winds down, we count our blessings and recount the year that  has passed. i look forward to what the new year holds i cherish my  family my friends, the people i work with and the creative spark that  still burns inside me after all these years. happy holidays and may 2012  bring joy health and much happiness. thank you for reading my blog  posts all year. i can't tell you how much it means to me. 

{recycled wreath + garland project} from The Today Show Dec. 6th!

2011-12-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

watch the fun wreath diy today show video then make your own decor! have fun, happy crafting!

as all of you know i am a girl who loves a craft project. last year i made a wonderful recycled felted sweater wreath, i decided to add to it by creating a felted sweater garland. it turned out so great i wanted to show everyone on the today show how it's done. of course america tuned in to the number one morning show to check it out. i am posting both projects so you can make these projects yourself, it's a great holiday project for each and everyone in the family. you will love the look + it's affordable + fashionable and really a lovely way to recycle something that would have never been worn.

~Felted Sweater Wreath.

photos from southern flourish magazine

You will need~

1. One 100% wool sweater, we got ours from the Goodwill

2. Straw wreath form, available at Hobby Lobby, http://www.hobbylobby.com/

3. Scissors

4. 2 button covers, kits available at Hobby Lobby, leftover fabric to cover the buttons

5. Ribbon to hang the wreath on the door.

Instructions~

1.Felting the sweater~

Place the sweater in the washing machine on a high setting and wash with soap, and then dry in the dryer. The sweater should come out felted all the fibers should have tightened, in other words this process felts the wool sweater.

2. Cut the sweater into strips and tie around the wreath form, leaving the plastic on the wreath form. Tie tight even knots all the way around the form.

3. With your scissors cut the tails of your bows even( about 2 inches) all the way around the wreath. Giving it a neat appearance.

4. Take a 4inch piece of felt or felted sweater in a complimentary color and wrap it around each side of the completely covered wreath. Cut a slit into the wrapped cuff, to use as a buttonhole.

5. Make the covered button in out of a complimentary color felt. Then follow the fabric button making instructions in your button making kit.

6.Sew the button on the cuff, so the buttonhole is functional. Button the felt cuff on each side.

*Hang from ribbon from a door or on the fireplace, in the hallway on a wall.

~Felted Sweater Garland

What you will need~

100% wool sweaters from the Goodwill or your own closet. you will need about 4-5 depending on the length you wish to make.

washer and dyer to felt the sweaters

scissors

embroidery needle and thread in a bright color + colorful buttons

wash 100% wool sweaters in hot water, put into the dryer to felt, you will need about 4 sweaters

cut sleeves of the sweaters, then cut into 6X3 inch strips

an assortment of buttons from a craft store are perfect, you will need an embroidery needle and bright embroidery thread

sew buttons on one end of the strip, and cut a small slit button hole into the other end and button

buttoned loop ready to go

button all the loops together and voila a really sweet garland for the mantel or the tree!

i love gift wrap

2011-11-27T05:56:00.000-08:00

i will be back on The Today Show, next tuesday december 6th, in the 10 o'clock hour with kathie lee and hoda. hope you tune in, i'll be showing you easy and gorgeous diy holiday decor, fun for the whole family. let the holiday wrapping and decorating begin!
{oh, and bring your hot glue gun}

the holidays for me are all about the gift wrap. i love wrapping gifts in general i am a sucker for packaging. i guess it's part of my job to be visually motivated, so the package is key & in my home, yes, i have a gift wrap station, it's the part of my home most commented about. mind you it's tiny but it speaks to people. last year i had the ultimate challenge of "hard to wrap" gifts on the today show. it was a daunting task, and really did in fact challenge me... {i loved every minute of it, propping and shopping in NYC last year in the bone chilling wind and a snow storm was memorable and very funny indeed, just another day in my styling adventures} i am hoping for better weather, and less crazy...but i am sure there will be stories to tell, there always are, zany stuff seems to follow me around.

{newspaper transforms when you add this bakers string , one of my go too-s and this monogram gift tag via pinterest}

{i'm a sucker for pom pom, they are easy to make and make such a great impact via pinterest}


{reversible paper, brilliant! like from one of my favs whimsy press ...this photo via pinterest}

{check out the collection of gorgeous gift wrap, and see it on The Today Show Dec. 6th}

{to me the ribbon is key, i collect it through out the year via pinterest}

{love the simplicity of this wrap via pinterest}

{i produced this story, of handmade gift tags for country home magazine}

{love using dressmaker patterns and vintage pins + jewelry to add to giftwrap country home magazine}

{a project i produced for country home magazine}

"Hard to Wrap Gifts, The Today Show December 2010"

here's a little something to get you going, wrap on!

Holiday with {Matthew Mead}

2011-11-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

sitting with a latte in hand this morning i had the great pleasure of looking through a sneak peek of holiday with matthew mead 2011. as a fellow stylist {he's also a photographer} the idea of creating your own magazine seems both a fantasy and super gutsy! i truly admire you matthew! well done! this issue is chocked full of so many do-able craft projects for the holidays let's say there is something for everyone + contributions from a team of really cute food and craft bloggers. i have picked out my favorite project to share with you, pick up a copy and diy your way to a happy holiday {with matthew} enjoy! oh and try this cute penguin party!

check out this cute video, greatly inspiring.

gnocchi recipe {courtesy of maria sinskey of sinskey winery}

2011-11-14T05:06:00.000-08:00

photos by helen norman via better homes and gardens magazine

about 3 years ago i worked on a job in napa valley, it was something i had pitched for many years, an organic winery run by a husband and wife robert and maria sinskey, sinskey winery. i had originally made a visit when i was attending a professional course at the culinary institute of america in sonoma. shooting the story at the winery and in their home was a career highlight. there were many great things that came out of the photoshoot. i met maria a great chef, and joined the wine club. every month a fantastic selection of wine arrives + a gift and a recipe, this month one of my fave wines arrived pov, { point of view} an earthy red wine blend, it is so delicious. along with the gorgeous wine maria's recipe for gnocchi along with a gnocchi making tool. pretty cool. so when sunday supper came along this week, i spent the day assembling handmade goncchi. here's the recipe , thanks to maria, and robert for the exquisite vino.

Boiled gnocchi are fabulous tossed with butter and showered with fresh white truffle shavings. For a homey spin, toss boiled gnocchi with butter and a little cream to moisten, top with grated Parmesan, and broil until golden and the cream bubbles.

Ingredients

3 pounds large baking potatoes
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
Freshly ground black pepper
Unsalted butter, at room temperature, as needed

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Wash the potatoes, prick them with a fork and place them on a sheet pan. Bake them until very soft, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (Resist roasting them at a higher temperature to speed up the process--you want the skin and flesh just inside the skin to become crusty.) Cool them slightly and scoop out the insides. Rice the scooped potato with a ricer, or mash them with a fork. Place them in a bowl and cover with a damp cloth to retain their heat. The potatoes must be used while they are still very warm.
Beat the eggs and yolk lightly together in a small bowl. Add them to the potatoes along with the flour, rosemary, salt, a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the dough is smooth.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured flat surface. Lightly knead and add a little more flour if the dough is overly sticky. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, uncovered.
Roll the dough into thin 1/2-inch thick logs and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Using a generous amount of flour, press each piece against your thumb tip to make a dent or roll it over the back and off the tip of a floured fork tines to make the traditional ridged shape. Place the finished gnocchi on a lightly floured sheet pan. Cook them as soon as possible in boiling salted water. (For every 5 quarts of water add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt.)
Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. When they rise to the top, let them cook for a minute or two and then remove them with a slotted spoon. Drain well and toss with butter.
Note: If the gnocchi are not to be cooked right away, they should be frozen. The gnocchi can be made up to two weeks in advance and frozen on sheet pans. Once they are frozen solid they can be transferred to a sealable bag or wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. Do not thaw them before cooking or they will stick together. To cook them, throw the frozen gnocchi directly into the boiling salted water without thawing. Their cooking time will be slightly longer than unfrozen but their preparation should be completed in the same manner as with fresh gnocchi.

{passion for palettes} holiday decor with a color cool twist!

2011-11-12T04:07:00.000-08:00

as a lifestyle and home style expert trending color palettes is my business and my passion.

when i did a shout out on twitter asking what people want me to post about on my blog this week. one of my brilliant friend's *{thanks brandon} suggested i write about color trends for holiday decor. because i start working on christmas stories in june. i had the opportunity to see what new ideas were in the market for the upcoming holiday season. 

obviously red and green are always in fashion so don't worry, however in the market this year i saw a lot of pink and my new favorite trend black {and white}. in home decor pink, purple and black are everywhere, why not introduce this color palette to your holiday trim.if you already have all your decor, why not add these colors to the palette or perhaps devote one room in your home to one of these trend colors. it will be fun flexing your creative juices and make decorating for the holiday season fresh. no need to buy new decor, paper and fresh elements in these trend colors will do the trick. check out these great inspiration images i have pulled from pinterest.com

PINK

table trees are a great way to add a new touch of color and pop

make a wreath from shiny ornaments to introduce a new color palette in the foyer

bejewel and feather the fireplace

introduce your new palette in food like pink peppercorn cookies

use pink glass and feathers 

fun craft idea to decorate the coffee table

Black and White

paper crafting with sheet music wrapping paper look for this craft on the Today Show on December 6th.

why not make the black and white cookie your christmas cookie this year?

felted white wreath, look for a felted wreath on my Today Show appearance December 6th

easy heavenly christmas table with these feather wings, everyone should feel like an angel!

set the table with a new color twist

holiday decor change up is as simple as black and white ribbon

top hat topper!

what a great way to greet friends and family as they enter your home for the holidays

your dessert table can carry out the new color theme with sweet ease

a gift for everyone! {start shopping the holidays are around the corner}

2011-11-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

...as you know i LOVE to shop in fact i do it for a living, so my darlings here are my picks for the holiday season...they are very edited this year. but i think you will love these yummy gifties...

get 'em for the sisters, mother, and bffs in your life ~gifts for 

the cooker

Prices range between $250 for a paring knife and $600 for a chef's knife. {via GOOP}

Seasons: The Best of Donna Hay Magazine

$45.00 

Cook's Book Set, $325 {via GOOP}

the fashionista 

ASOS Pyramid Metal Tip Clutch

26.00

La mer watch 

175.00

http://www.lamercollections.com/

esty geo earrings

13.99

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78519580/hot-pink-geo-earrings

                           for the home girl

Design*Sponge At Home Exclusive Edition

$35.00

Sebastian Foster

The Long Wait print by Elizabeth Bauman

price: $50.00

Chalkboard Candlepot www.westelm.com

$25.00

10 steps to the perfect dinner party

2011-11-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

my table last night, actually set up the night before

last night we had the perfect dinner party, it occurred to me that not everyone knows how to throw the perfect dinner party {with ease} I decided to write a post about how I throw one, and manage to enjoy every aspect as much as the actual party. the key to making everything easy is organization. it starts with organizing your entertaining pantry, and kitchen in a way that you can put your hands on everything.

so with this said...
number 1. Organize your kitchen and kitchen pantry +

this is my pantry:


an entertaining pantry like this is a fantasy space, but you get the picture:)

create an entertaining pantry, this should have:
napkins, linen and paper, place mats a table cloths, and table runners
plates from starters to dinner to dessert
wine rack with a nice selection of wine
wine glasses
collection of vases, small medium and large
candles + votives
bar area with highballs, martini glasses and shakers + alcohol and all the fixings like olives
mixers and sparkling waters

2. Invite guests and begin to formulate a menu, if the guest list is more than 8 people, keeping the menu simply and combining things you prepare with store bought items makes things less stressful. I like making things like Coq Co Vin, anything in a pot, or in the oven that can last and even get better as it stays warm is a great choice.

keep it simple and repeat this makes an impact and easy to see guests over this arrangement.

3. Once you have shopped for the party the day before, put everything away and set your table.
I buy flowers a couple days before and put them in my garage in a bucket of water, if it's hot outside find a place in the house where it's cooler. I like to set the table in a relaxed fashion the night before and do all the flowers then , it makes it so much more enjoyable, and certainly less stressful the day of the party, you can concentrate on your cooking and plating.

if your entertaining pantry is stocked you can create a wonderful table scape like this.

4. Day of the party, make a time line, write it down! I like to look at all the prep time and make a plan according to that. I have to say I have learned a ton from all the chefs and food stylists I have worked with over the years, about prep and timing. The main thing that I have learned is the preparing food early is fine, and having a few things at room temp is fine, in fact it takes the pressure off. So structure your menu with this in mind. In other words if you roast several chickens, they should sit out to rest, and can actually rest for awhile {about an hour}. Your dessert can be prepped and set out {like baked goods, such as tarts} or trifle can hang in the fridge. Set out deconstructed parts of your dessert and assemble it right before guests arrive, in the case of a pavlova. Make ice cream and cookies the day before.
In other words think like a chef or caterer and they always prep ahead, they have to. Believe me this will relieve alot of stress. You should be finished with everything {but the salad} at least 1 1/2 hour before your guests arrive, time to spruce yourself up you will be relaxed when guests arrive. I usually put together the appetizer tray just before everyone gets here, nibbles, not to heavy enough to enjoy with drinks, nuts, cheese and balsamic jelly, and crackers, olives or pate.

something as simple as bread sticks and flavor oil makes a great starter with drinks

simple bruschetta with ricotta cheese and arugula and blueberries to start your party.

5. Greet guest with a drink, wine or a cocktail, offer nibbles, and have a nice conversation with guests. Your entree should be finished, and warm. Make your salad and plate it while guests chat, and have guests help put the first course salad on the table, it breaks the ice and lets guest feel more comfortable about where they should sit.

signature drinks are always a great touch, this rosemary lime gin drink would be great paired with truffle popcorn!

6. Buffet or plated. I tell people that buffet style is an easy an casual way to entertain. Make sure all your food is on beautiful serving plates, no pots the buffet table, unless it's a gorgeous pot, like a paella pan, or cool wok. Encourage guests to get up and serve themselves. It's your job as a host to tell guests what to do next, believe me they will appreciate your direction.
Plated is great, just make sure you have an assistant, someone running plates to the table. WIPE YOUR PLATES, all chefs wipe the plate, the plate should be clean around the edges, make it clean and artistic.

7. Allow people to linger, let people enjoy the food, put wine and water on the table , pretty bottles of water like Pellegrino placed on the table, not only look great but encourage people to help themselves and pour for other guests { something this simple will make guests mingle and chat especially if this is the first time they have met}. Wine on each end of the table is a must. Relax and enjoy the conversation. You should be visiting and not jumping up and down at the table.

8. Clear plates and don't wash the dishes. Rinse and put dishes in the sink. NOTHING WORSE THAN PEOPLE CLEANING UP DURING A DINNER PARTY. DON'T DO IT!

9. Coffee and dessert and after dinner drinks. This is the best time to just chill with your guests. Serve dessert and hang out.

10. Clean up most of the dinner party after guests have left, save some things for the next day, put away left overs, and pat yourself on the back, you have thrown the perfect dinner party!

The Art of a Perfect Dinner Party, is a skill set that takes time, but the more you do it the more you will get good at it. You will get your rhythm and hone your timing.

Here are some easy menus that make it easy to entertain a crowd.

Starter~ Mixed Olives { buy these} Truffle Pate, French bread, and sliced salami. Wine
Salad~   Arugula, roasted beets, and apple, with walnuts feta and lemon balsamic vinaigrette
Dinner~ Coq Co Vin, boiled potato fingerlings with butter salt and parsley
Dessert~Tarte Tatin and vanilla whip cream, and espresso, lemoncello

Starter~ Almonds, flat bread {buy these} and hummus {make this day before}, olives and grape leaves {buy these}
Salad~   Greek salad
Dinner~ Sun dried Tomato grilled flank steak, grilled veggies {veggies can be done ahead and left at room temp} Taztziki
Dessert~ Baklava {made a day in advance} coffee

Starter~ Truffle popcorn
Salad~   Caprese Salad
Dinner~ Fish in individual parchment bags with Mediterranean vegetables, and foccacia { made in the morning}
Dessert~ Meyer lemon pudding, with biscotti {made a few days ahead} coffee

Meyer Lemon puddings are a great finish and can be made ahead of time.

thanks pinterest for some the cool images*

new thanksgiving menu {ideas}

2011-11-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

turkey not my fav~ in fact i get so sick of seeing a turkey on the cover of every magazine, by the time it's time to cook one, well i am over it. so this year i am boycotting the whole turkey thing.
instead i am buying a capon and calling it a look. my dad actually hated turkey, being a hungarian gourmand, the idea of celebrating with a dry turkey just did not fly with him, so he would roast a whole pig (in the oven of our tiny home) much to the dismay of my mother, who was helpless to this pig roasting extravaganza. or he would roast a capon. no pig this year but here's a beautiful recipe by tyler florence, you may not want to boycott the turkey, but know a capon will be making it's first appearance on our thanksgiving menu, oh and a few other things...

goggle images

Roasted Capon {food network}

1 whole (8 pound) capon chicken
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 pound unsalted butter, softened
2 lemons, cut in half, plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs, such as tarragon, thyme or savory
1 onion, cut in half
4 garlic cloves, smashed
Fresh whole herbs, such as tarragon leaves, thyme and savory sprigs
2 cups water
1/4 cup sherry

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity and rinse the chicken under cold water, inside and out. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season the body and cavity of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, lemon juice and chopped herbs. Rub the herbed butter all over the chicken. Put the lemon halves, onion, garlic and whole herbs inside the bird. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to help hold its shape.

Place the chicken, breast side down, on a V-rack in a roasting pan. Cooking the chicken on a rack helps make its skin crisp and keeps it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Pour water in the roasting pan to prevent the fat drippings from burning and smoking.
Roast the chicken for about 20 minutes, then carefully turn the bird over breast side up. It is best to take the pan out of the oven, close the oven door to maintain the temperature, and rotate the chicken on the counter. Baste the chicken all over with the pan drippings. Turn the heat down to 375 degrees F and return the pan to the oven. Continue to roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees to 170 degrees F, count on this taking about 2 hours. Remove the chicken to a platter and let stand for 15 minutes so the juices settle back into the meat before carving.
Meanwhile, pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a gravy separator or measuring cup to let the fat rise to the top. Skim and discard the fat then return the pan juices back in the roasting pan. Place the roasting pan on top of the stove over medium heat. Add the sherry and deglaze, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with chicken.

european food .com

Tojasos Krumpli~ Egg sour cream stacked potatoes {hungarian recipe} recipes.com

6 large potatoes
1/4 lb butter
5 eggs
1/2 pint sour cream
1/2 cup milk
3 slices bacon (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook, cool, peel and slice potatoes.
Place in a large casserole dish and top with dots of butter.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Beat the remaining ingredients together, except the bacon, and pour over the potatoes.
Place the strips of bacon over the top, if desired (These guys were working in minus degree weather and needed those extra calories).
Bake for one hour and serve while hot.

my gourmet connection.com
Spiced roasted carrots

Ingredients:
1-1/2 lbs fresh carrots
1 tablespoon toasted sesame or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 425°F and spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.
Peel the carrots, halve them lengthwise, then cut crosswise into three pieces and place them in a large bowl.
Note: Carrot pieces should be approximately 3/8-inch thick by 2-1/2 inches long. You may need to cut the thicker end lengthwise a second time to achieve uniform size.
Combine the sugar, five-spice powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle the carrots with the sesame oil and butter, sprinkle with seasonings and toss to coat thoroughly.
Arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 18 to 25 minutes, until the carrots are tender and lightly caramelized. Serve immediately.
Makes 6 servings

this weeks quick recipe {when you are to exhausted to cook and want something comforting}

2011-10-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

{goggle images}

with everything going on this week, i managed to have one of my fav food stylist's over for dinner. i was exhausted from shooting my pilot all weekend, and almost called it off. thanks to my trusty stand buy pasta recipe i managed to pull off a great evening. i wanted to share the recipe with you. so next time you're shooting a pilot and styling non-stop {kidding} you to can look like a super star cook!{ not kidding you will look like a pro} i love this pasta and it's so delish that you cannot stop eating it...it has the quality of peanut butter it is so yummy.

it's actually a recipe from many years ago, i found it when i lived in new york in the times when i was first married. it's always comforting, and if a seasoned food stylist like vanessa loved it you will too.

{pinterest}

tortelinni with yellow squash and pesto {great to use the last of your basil in the garden for pesto}

3 yellow squash cut into cubes
3 cloves garlic minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 16 oz. box tortelinni pasta , either dried or fresh work great
1 cup toasted pine nuts
1 cup pesto {this can be prepared, i like the cibo brand at whole foods}
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper

in a large skillet, mince garlic, add oil and cubed squash, saute until the squash is a golden brown.
in a large pot filled with water cook pasta until aldente reserve 4 tablespoons of the pasta water, then drain.
in a large serving bowl add the cooked squash, the pesto and toasted nuts, add about 4 tablespoons of the pasta water, then add the pasta, and cheese and salt and pepper. mix throughly and serve with extra grated cheese.

serves 8

this is a great brand of dried pasta for this dish!

upcoming.... foodie CA-razy...

2011-10-20T04:53:00.000-07:00

photo by Sarah Dorio via Decor Demon

i will be shooting non-stop for the next month. i have been fortunate to be brought on by southern living magazine to style in the food dept. i love working with foodie props and table settings, linens, serve ware and parties, entrees and desserts.
usually the home is my dept. but lately food has been my passion. so i leave you with a couple recipes that will cozy up your cool autumn evenings.

via pinterest

white bean vegetable soup with faro

2 garlic cloves minced
1/2 medium onion
1 cup diced carrot
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup diced zucchini
1cup diced sweet potato
1/2 cup red peppers *optional
2 cups chopped kale
1 can white beans or 1 cup soaked overnight, then rinsed
1 cup farro
8 cups vegetable stock + water as needed
2 tablespoons chopped rosemary
2tablespoons chopped parsley
salt and pepper

in a large stock pot saute garlic, onion, carrots and celery in olive oil, until tender.
add the vegetables saute for 2 minutes. add stock, beans and water if needed, salt and pepper and chopped herbs. simmer for 3 hours add faro last 30 minutes. serve with focaccia recipe follows.

via google images

rosemary focaccia

5 cups self rising unbleached all-purpose flour plus additional for kneading
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

In an bowl, add 5 cups self rising flour, 1/4 cup oil, and 2 1/2 teaspoons table salt and beat with paddle attachment at medium speed until a dough forms. Replace paddle with dough hook and knead dough at high speed until soft, smooth, and sticky, 3 to 4 minutes.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead in 1 to 2 tablespoons more flour. Knead dough 1 minute (it will still be slightly sticky), then transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and turn dough to coat with oil. Let rise, covered with plastic wrap, at warm room temperature, until doubled in bulk, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Press dough evenly into a generously oiled 15- by 10- by 1-inch baking pan. Let dough rise, covered completely with a kitchen towel, until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Stir together rosemary and remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Make shallow indentations all over dough with your fingertips, then brush with rosemary oil, letting it pool in indentations. Sprinkle sea salt evenly over focaccia and bake in middle of oven until golden, 20 to 25 minutes.

come check out fun flowers and fun vessels at the Country Living Magazine Fair this weekend.
I will be there Sunday October 23rd, at noon, come by and say hi!

too early to think about the holidays { i just ordered this paper}

2011-10-15T03:41:00.000-07:00

i am obsessed with the wrap. yes please.

i am in love with pipe smoking santa. he's kind of a bad boy.

yes he needs a hat.

hello!

these great illustrations thank yous etc...from rifle paper co.

{do what the dog says and no one will get hurt}

new clothing resources {make me happy}

2011-10-13T03:41:00.000-07:00

trolling for props online sometimes i get a little distracted and wind up on some pretty fab sites...here are 2 resources i think you will love...i do

spartan~ cool store with some yummy finds

i want the vegan moccasins...

+

bows+arrows out of austin swoon worthy wares

i want all of these...

when you have too much on your plate {that's me} i pin.

2011-10-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

since i returned from my summer in italy...it has been go go go. i have found myself super duper busy in october, so how do i cope? first i get overwhelmed then i think about cool things i could do as craft projects and i am obsessed like most of the design community with pinterest so i pin the shit out of stuff... yep that's what i do to de-stress? i find things then make them to take my mind off of things...here are a few pins that made my heart go pitter patter...i am so making this stuff this weekend...the thought of crafting these projects makes the week of crazy whiz by...

summer shoot + southern living = southern hospitality

2011-09-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

working at the offices of southern living magazine, hardly seems like work. the people are so lovely, it is a place where true southern hospitality is practiced not just preached. this week i worked with robbie a fantastic photographer, yes the same guy i went to monticello with...he has a very easy way about him, but his photography is earthy and intense and rich..my styling is a pretty good match + we both suffer from the exact same attributes of a.d.d. combined with crazy attention to detail so that's kinda nice. we make a good team..go team.

love this angle , where you see me styling up a table with veggies....

you'll see the results of our 2 days together in the may issue...here are a few behind the scenes i know you guys love this stuff...

what on earth is robbie looking at...????

great selection of heirlooms, test kitchen orders the best stuff!

Becky a super cool and beautiful photographer and Robbie (my partner in crime) discussing important photo techno stuff...well maybe they are just talking about what to order for lunch...

i head back next week, with my new right arm emily, stay tuned as we work together for the first time, she's a find has lots of good experience. it's time to try lots of new stuff...i'm looking forward to it.

{you light up my life}

2011-09-24T04:01:00.000-07:00

i wanted to share a great lighting resource with you, kathleen hills designs . seeing it was the london design festival last week, i thought it would be fun to share this talented british designer with you this week. check out her site ....here are a few of my favs from the collection...

jefferson's kitchen (styling for southern living magazine in monticello)

2011-09-19T03:35:00.000-07:00

handmade markers, made by the head gardener pat, beautiful

when i got the call to come work on a photo shoot for southern living magazine on jefferson's monticello garden and kitchen, i was pretty excited. in my family american history is regular dinner conversation. very little impresses my family about my job (they all think it's pretty frivolous, tough crowd), so when i announced this assignment one night at dinner....well they were impressed!

i got to monticello and met the crew in the garden early in the morning, it is breathtaking. first on the schedule was a walk through garden with the main gardening staff, pat and graham lead the tour, i picked out the veggies that would be featured in the kitchen shot and i was off to start styling in the kitchen. while i made my way to the kitchen the veggies were quickly collected and delivered to me the kitchen.
{ i also met the head gardener, a pretty famous guy, peter, he was very friendly , photogenic and charismatic with his signature big mop of hair...he has great sense of humor}

the kitchen (which is part of the museum) was gorgeous. i was introduced to sharon, who would be helping me with propping and she introduced me to the crew of curators that would be my assistants on the job. did i mention that this was a dream styling job?

cute mark , photo editor up early and smiling

working with mark the photo editor and robbie the photographer and steve the garden editor was smooth and very creative. we had a crowd of monticello visitors observing us, which was kind of fun.
while working on the first shot i met leni a. sorensen phd, a culinary historian, we made a date to meet so she could give me the history of the kitchen, the kitchen staff, and the food that jefferson liked to eat.

the photo shoot was scheduled during a yearly event, the heritage harvest festival. the festival draws farmers and craftsmen from the surrounding area so day 2 was spent photographing local farmers, and seed savers, heirloom veggies and farming experts + adorable animals like goats, chickens and sheep.
dr. apple's demo of how cider was made in jefferson's day it was informative and fun + a great photo op.

ira the tomato lady getting ready for her close up

i wandered back to the kitchen to meet my new friend leni and learn about jefferson's kitchen, kitchen staff and food that was prepared there.

leni , monticello's culinary historian

this is the beautiful kitchen i styled in on friday

leni told me that jefferson took his main cook Peter, a slave with him to paris to learn to cook in the french style.
jefferson took what he learned about french cooking and used it in the his own kitchen along with american classics referred to as"Half-Virginian, Half-French Style".

since the kitchen is located away from the main house, the cooks were forced to walk all the covered dishes though a underground passage to a staging area under the main dining room. the food was carefully warmed, plated and covered before sent up to the main dining room on the dumb waiter.

of course there were many women that worked under the main cook. leni told me that these women are never written about or referenced in anything written about jefferson's household.

jefferson loved to eat and was a gourmand, his wife however was not. gracious dining was the order of the day. the meals were specific, very specific to jefferson's demands.

jefferson was a believer that lively salon like discussion was a must at the dining table. this was very different way of thought for the period, and a lot of his guests were not only confused by the food that being served to them, but the guests on the guest list. jefferson believed that open and honest discussion was for the dinner table. for example, he would invite 6 wigs ad 6 federalists to dinner parties and expect open salon style conversation, like he observed in paris. but all the guests did not in fact have open discussion, on the contrary they steered towards observations the weather or daily activities like morning rides. therefore jefferson's idea of open discussion and even solutions to political problems was a failure much to his dismay, and this forced him to rethink the french salon supper's.

what was for dinner?

leni suggested that i pick up a copy of the virginia house wife to get a better idea of the kitchen of jefferson's day. {It was published in1838. This book is considered by some to be the first truly American cookbook and by all to be the first regional American cookbook. This work is still in print and still forms the basis of traditional Virginia cooking. It has been praised by many culinary authorities both for its delineation of authentic Virginia foods and its careful attention to detail. Upon its first appearance in 1824 it was an immediate success and it was republished at least nineteen times before the outbreak of the Civil War. In addition, copies appeared in the late nineteenth century and modern Southern authors aften reference it. The recipes in The Virginia House-Wife are simply splendid.}* from Amazon.

(typical breakfast}
hot cakes, wheat muffins, corn muffins, butter and jam, and cold ham.
{typical dinner}
pot roast, baked ham, corn bread, vegetables from the garden. french style pastries. * jefferson was the first to record the recipe for ice cream, great fact.

the whole experience working with southern living magazine in monticello was truly a career highlight and the people at monticello made it even more so. if you have not i suggest a visit to the grounds of monticello. the feature will appear in one year. but i suggest you check out the heritage harvest festival for yourself, i'll be back next year with my family in tow.

* of course since i was on the grounds with sharon ( she helped me with prop-age) who buys for the store at monticello, i picked up a few new props for my stash, i suggest you check out the shop, i found some wonderful things.

new resources always make me happy.

2011-09-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

i have not shared any new resources lately. now that i am back home and styling up a bunch of projects in the upcoming months for various publications across the country, i am on the hunt for new props. i wanted to share this fantastic resource.

it looks like i will be styling up a ton of gorgeous kitchens, and this vendor really caught my attention. sometimes styling an inspiring kitchen just needs a go to basic with a point of view and studiopatro is just that clever .

have a peek at all the clever gift ideas with a simple (well not so simple) tea towel in hand, you can make a hostess gift with style and creative panache.

thoughtful design, a new twist and a cool color palette all perfect prop-age for the upcoming fall styling season.

* you all know i love to give stuff away, so how about i do a drawing in the next week for a couple of tea towels from this super chic collection? just leave a comment (make it good) and i will draw a name on september 18th who knows you might have some nice towels to add to your fall kitchen decor.

these are the ones that will be given away...oh so pretty!

like them on FaceBook

ciao summer in italy ...{the best ever}

2011-08-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

this summer was a combination of family, friends, travel and work. it was a wonderful summer here. i have to say probably the best. my italian friends made it perfect, my american friends made it super fun. thanks to you all...the cherry on top was working with reed for 2 weeks, in paris and in italy.summer here was everything i hoped for, i feel refreshed and recharged, and ready be creative and productive!

our awesome trip to marrakech

our awesome visit from wendy and scott

my "italian" adopted son and his girlfriend, leo and elizabeth

my "italian" adopted daughter/friend and partner in crime veronica, and costanza

fantastic friend and fabu photographer reed, we had a blast working together in paris and italy

CIAO!!! Italia! xo

it takes a village! {photo shoot for rue magazine in italy}

2011-08-27T00:26:00.000-07:00

producing a photo shoot on the italian riviera is no small feat. although i have lived here every summer for about 4 years, it still takes alot of moving parts to put together in a village such as this

...so when i came up with the idea about 6 months ago, i enlisted the help of my friends here veronica and leo. we began putting together all the moving parts for rue magazine (and i could not have done it without them!)

veronica and i , she such a great assistant/ and friend, i am going to miss her so much!

me and leo along with francesca
from the fiat 500 club, without leo this shoot would not have happened.

of course the talented photographer mr. reed davis was just fantastic, the thing about reed is not that he is so talented, it's that he makes everything he does look so easy. he is such a pro...and always in a great mood! his humor and his attention to detail made both shoots in paris and here in my home town so wonderful.

will, reed and patrice..thanks patrice (you were the best sous chef ever!)

will taylor of bright bazaar, came to lend a hand, and a bow tie to the rue magazine festivities. he looked adorbs everyday in his stripy shirts, and we had the most hilarious ride together in a vintage fiat 500.

me with will, our first official meeting in my home;)

stay tuned for the italian riviera feature in rue magazine summer 2012. as for me i head back to the u.s. in a couple days. my summer here has been fantastic, it's been great to be able to share it all with you.
stay tuned for what i think will be some incredible blog posts from bright bazaar.

ciao a tutti, tanti baci.
see you stateside...i have some fabulous shoots set up and some big surprises to, can't wait to share them with you!

xo

random beauty {with love from paris}

2011-08-22T22:04:00.000-07:00


i loved this door it the fact that it says styliste! rocks my sox.

the handmade staircase that lead to the flat we shot for rue, was just amazingly beautiful to me.

love locks on a bridge over the seine river, thousands of the proclaiming everlasting love, paris is so romantic!

paris in every form is food for the creative soul, merci paris!... this is my last post from our paris adventure on to the coast of italia. this week we will be working on a photo shoot for rue magazine with my partners in crime reed davis, and a lot of help from will taylor mr. bright bazaar ...not to mention my fantastic italian assistants veronica and leo. what a dream team. stay tuned for posts about our riviera shoot, a feature for summer 2012.

groovy find {with love from paris}

2011-08-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

thanks to reed davis and patrice, veronica and i got the insider tour of paris. reed and partice spend a fair amount of time there and know all the cool digs that most tourists never experience. thanks to reed and patrice we ended our day of shooting at this groovy little book store. check it out next time you visit paris....

can you figure out what i had to have out of this window?? {read on}

the shop owner could not have been more charming..the collage behind the register was intriguing.

bought a helmut newton polaroids book, a hungarian fashion mag room, and some awesome wood frame sunglasses!
{did you guess that?}

sweets sunday {with love from Paris}

2011-08-21T01:32:00.000-07:00

one of the highlights of my recent styling job in paris was of course the food. we ate well and enjoyed all the local delicacies, that includes sweets. everything about paris is stylish and inspirational, so why shouldn't the sweets be as well... here's a glimpse into our afternoon sweet treats, laduree style.

this was my raspberry and passion fruit tart...beautiful and divine.

working {girls} in Paris.

2011-08-20T06:06:00.000-07:00

tourists at the e tower...we could not help ourselves.

reed arrives at the location looking super fly.

working in a new city is always very exciting and when reed davis came up with an opportunity to work in paris this summer... i jumped at the chance.

v and reed pose with the pretty flowers, v may actually start working for me in the u.s. stay tuned.

i grabbed my italian assistant, veronica (she works in milan for grazia magazine) and we "easy" jetted to paris to style up the feature for rue magazine.

v and reed look so happy in this photo...even though reed tried to torture us, veronica with food and me with mass transit
(see reed's blog post*)
other than a few somewhat icky moments ...it was a really cool gig.

the flat we photographed and styled was in a super funky hood. it was essentially the garment district of paris, with a few "working ladies" thrown in. (let's just say it was hard to get the photo assistant in off the balcony, he was watching the "ladies" work the street.) the cool thing about my job is that it does take me to the most unusual locales , even in paris!

this was the entrance to the flat, v was greeted by 2 ladies of the street each morning, v was a good sport.

the job involved the usual shopping and propping, but in PARIS! so fun the flowers and fruit markets were wonderful and colorful, not just in hue but in local flavor.

i am excited for you all to see the feature in rue magazine , when? it's really your guess. but this cute urban parisian couple really got it going on...super style...super chill.

the best thing about shooting with reed is the tunes he spins...the shoot was more like a dance party less like a job, gotta love that! thanks reed see you here in italy.

parte due, in italy, we are shooting again for rue...and it's gonna rock! i will be blogging about that in an upcoming post...ciao!

bravo italy!

2011-08-12T04:03:00.000-07:00

this is my darling italian assistant (+ partner in crime) veronica, toasting to our shoot next week in paris + other things

going out clubbing in italy is a trip...people here dress great, elegant, sexy , crazy and love to boogie (usually on the tables). literally last night was what the italians' call "revival", not what you think. it's usually 80's music both american and italian. i personally love the italian stuff. never heard it but to watch the italians in the dance club react, well it's better than tv.

we are all attached to music emotionally, so when the oldies but goodies come on, everything from michael jackson to donna summer...well let the party begin. so we popped a bottle, open the largest bottle of vodka the place had to offer and danced danced danced, sang sang sang, boogied boogied boogie, i am paying for it today.....can you say N-A-P!

St. Tropez Market

2011-08-05T03:19:00.000-07:00

wendy and i perusing the market in st. tropez

for those of you traveling to st tropez (or the south of france) , the saturday market should not be missed, if you are in the area (as i am all summer on the italian riviera), a brief car ride (it's beautiful btw) is worth the trip! the sites, smells and food stuffs knock me out, no matter how many times i go, it takes my breathe away. and on a recent trip with my guests photographer scott lowden and his gorgeous and talented wife wendy market day was no expection. i made many food purchases...the nice thing about living here is that i could do my grocery shopping, i am still enjoying the olives i bought on our excursion.

i could not resist the savory tarts in this case + the most delicious chèvre i have ever eaten.

boaters my dear friend ginny would die for!

this is me closer to heaven than i have ever been!

well there was one very special item that really rocked my world and you can see that scott captured the rapturous moment quite well. i had never seen this vintage hermes bag up close, only in photographs, so when i came across it i had a stylist rapture moment to say the least...

how adorbs is the french art dealer! i bought my darling paintings from him:)

i even bought to great little french riviera style paintings. they now hang proudly in my flat by the sea to remind me of the fun day we had at the market together.

we later parked ourselves for the afternoon at a beach club and took in the view of a gathering of super yachts just off shore.

what a day...not to be missed if you are in the area. my tip is to get there early, parking is limited and there is only one smallish road into the center of town. have breakfast by the harbor and then dig into the market around 10:00 a.m.

scott our personal photographer was always on the job. thanks scott for the gorgeous photos!

it's a love thing!

2011-07-22T01:27:00.000-07:00

summer boots in italy! are you kidding me...of course i bought a pair but what color, i settled on this aqua like the sea! it's a love thing!

why don't american's do {aperitivo?}

2011-07-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

here at cafe roma with the group wendy, me, and veronica, scott, leo and elizabeth with frank taking the photo, it's a very famous bar in alassio.

you've probably noticed my tweets and fb pics of aperitivo. here in italy. all summer long i enjoy the great tradition of having cocktails and yummy nibbles with friends. there are many bars in our town that offer this pre dinner activity. the story is that this tradition started in milan. it's "italian"happy hour , ( however, about the only thing it has in common with american happy hour is the hour part). italians rarely offer alcohol without a snack. drinking on an empty stomach is not encouraged... makes sense...right?

here wendy, veronica and i toast to the evening and good friends

food snacks consist of , small bites and interesting combinations, of course there is the classic mozzarella, and tomato and basil skewers, wrapped breadsticks with parma ham figs, and salami.

the most unusual thing offered with drinks in this region is potato chips. i always find it a funny choice, but that does not stop us from eating them:)

a spritzer is the current range in apperitivi (here, you see scott, leo and elizabeth toasting with them), actually a very low in alcohol refreshing cocktail, that is poured straight out of a bottle. frank had a peroni, me a lychee martini veronica a prosecco. great start to an evening with friends.

even in monaco we stopped at the hotel de paris for apperitivi. i think this is something to bring to the u.s. great idea...salute!

Marrakech Part three { a stylist's take on SHOPPING}

2011-07-13T22:56:00.000-07:00

as you all know, i shop for a living. not only do i enjoy shopping...but let's face it .."it's who i am".

always on the hunt for interesting pieces to add to my wardrobe collection {yes this includes a girl's best friend (not diamonds), but shoes} + home accessories to round out my home/ prop collection. "acquisition"

is my middle name.

marrakech is a place to add to one's various collections, no doubt. even though our guide aziz was a fantastic resource for all of the history and culture there was to offer, (more on that next post) he was rather astute at leading ME, to the shopping finds that i was most interested in. once he found out what it was i did for a living, he honed in on the best shops in town to inspect (and buy) the most special goods marrakech had to offer.

most exquisite shop for antiques and jewlery

you know about the rug shopping from my previous post. so on to jewelery. how i came to the conclusion that i needed something for my jewelery collection? well... it came about while i was standing and admiring berber jewelry at a historical site , i said to aziz " i need a piece of berber jewlery". before i knew it he lead me to an antique shop in the new part of town, it was chock a block full of the most well selected collection of things from all over morocco. i was in heaven. frank had a seat. this was going to take awhile. the owner a quiet and well mannered man named sami, pulled out piece after piece of antique jewelery from all over morocco. hand hammered and hand beaded , with giant chunks of amber and glass. so beautiful so special i was reeling. i tried necklaces on for an hour, finally settling on 2 pieces, one silver and one amber and glass. it was so hard for me to decide, they were all unique and all had a special history.

when the purchase was complete, the owner took us through a door and showed us more antiques, rugs, silver, and textiles, furniture, and pottery, my head was spinning, each item more interesting and beautiful than the next.

we then made our way down the street to a french shop, that had the most beautiful comfy shawls, of cotton, linen and cashmere. colorful tunics lined the walls. frank had a seat. i was much quicker in my selections this time, 2 pairs of ballet slippers, 2 pairs of ballet slippers for my daughter ( they were so affordable and adorable) + a cashmere shawl in orange, and cashmere shawl in a natural linen color, for the winters in italy.

shopping in marrakech, was all i hoped it would be, the style, the cut, the look...all tailor made for me.

me with our guide aziz

Marrakech Part Two {stylist take on food and beverage}

2011-07-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

you know i love to cook and eat of course! food food food!!! what exactly does moroccan food consist of?

yes we all know about tagine and couscous. but there were some very interesting surprises too.

mint tea? never really liked it until i tried it in marrakech, sweet, fragrant pungent in all the right ways. desserts , were mainly heavenly nuggets of sweetness made of honey and cinnamon the crunchy cookies, laced with dried fruit or date jam were one of our favorite little pleasures after every meal. the french influence did not hurt the food in marrakech one bit.

and of course the spices are the rock stars of moroccan food. everything smells of spice and spirited aromas, like curry and cinnamon, anise and burnt amber.

the most surprising find was the moroccan oil the one i use on my hair and skin can also be eaten, the culinary version is roasted and then ground into the yummiest, toasted peanut/sesame tasting oil, it's called argan oil. of course i brought some back to use here in italy on salads and in hummus.

olive oil and agran oil with spices salt and pepper

one of the other great surprises was the moroccan salad. not what you are thinking...moroccan salad is an array and fabulous selection of many salads. some with veggies, and lentils, some as exotic as marinated goat brain ( which i found delicious) caramelized tomatoes were a sickeningly sweet chutney of tomato and honey. the minted carrot + cucumber salad were to die for. needless to say this was my go to treat, with whole wheat flat bread, the perfect meal. the moroccan diet is rich in veggies, high in fat and sugar as well. eating healthy is an effort, but one worth making.

moroccan salad

we ate well, the food fragrant as the locale and the people. rich full of flavor and ancient history. food of the mountains, rugged terrain, and the desert. A+ from me, next time i bite the bullet and try the food on the street...no regrets!

Marrakech~ Part One {a stylist's take on the night market}

2011-07-11T04:04:00.000-07:00

frank and i at the night market...i don't think i have ever looked ( or felt ) happier

we entered the night market as the sun was setting...

there is a reason so many top designers have homes in marrakech, yves st laurent, bulgari to name a couple... as a stylist i was not surprised to feel quite at home with textures and colors of this magical place. i have to confess always dreamed of walking the streets, perusing the markets...exploring the corridors and taking in the sights, sounds and spicy fragrances of marrakech.

the night market was our first stop....once we entered the medina (the old town), our senses were immediately engaged...into overload actually. all the people bustling about, all the vendors and craftsmen tucked into the various shops sent my stylist brain into overload. i wanted to see everything, take it all in and engulf myself in the smells, textures and colors of the night market.

our tour guide aziz (azizbenseyed@usa.net 212 06 1 203 405 cell) was a very astute, mellow and thoughtful tour guide, we started slowly in the less crowded part of the market and worked our way into the frenzy of the evening. like a great chef aziz started our journey of the senses slowly, allowing us to acclimate to the rhythm of the souk. he asked if there was anything i was interested in buying or seeing. rugs i said, antique rugs from the dessert! ahh he said, i know just the place follow me.

chateau des souks (chateaudessouks@gmail.com)

we entered a very large showroom & workroom, and promptly met the proprietor a very friendly man, who asked my husband, if he could kiss my hand?...yes of course, and he did. "first let me tell you about this showroom/workroom, and the rugs that i will show you all have a story. they all come to me from particular regions and all the rugs here are antique and are of the finest quality", he said. as with all showrooms, mint tea was brought out for us immediately, after all the morrocan people are very hospitable and welcome everyone into their home/business with utmost respect and warmth.

my husband frank, sat patiently as all was explained regarding the various rugs, regions, and craftsman of the history surrounding regions, all this while sipping mint tea.

frank is a patient man

then the show began, so many rugs were brought out, not only to sell to us, but to show us the vast array of styles from many regions in morroco. the berbers were my particular favorites although picking a favorite rug was another story!

after an hour of dragging carpets on and off the showroom floor, we finally settled on these 2 for our place in italy.

then goodbyes, and we were off to explore the market deeper...as the night enveloped the souk, the surroundings became more alive with color and movement. walking through the food vendors was a feast for our eyes as well as our noses.

i was dying to try something like the snails with sour orange, but aziz warned us that we did not have the anti-bodies to handle it...although i saw many westerners tucking in for a bite, i thought it best to listen to our guide. there would be plenty of time to taste moroccan food, more on food later.

the main square of the medina was alive. motor scooters, bicycles, young people, old people, cars, horses. once we had seen most of the market, we settled in for a horse drawn carriage ride. it sounded a little touristy to me, but the temperature was a balmy 72 degrees, and it seemed like the perfect way to take in the many beautiful gardens lining the main boulevard (and it was).

this trip was promising to be all i hoped for...more from marrakech to come.

My Italian Summer~ starts with a vrooooom!

2011-07-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog post from Italy where I spend every summer. We live in a small beach town, filled with summer vacationers from Milan and Turin. The beach here is sandy, which is unusual for the Italian coastline. Most beaches are rocky and cliff-y (is that a word?) in any case you know what I mean, rugged like the California coastline.

Behind us we have mountains, and behind our particular mountain, there is a gorgeous community tucked away and surrounded by the most beautiful golf course.

The 4th of July weekend is here, so that means a quirky little event goes on over the mountain. It's the Cinquecento (500) festival. If some of you are not familiar the Cinquecento is a car that was and is manufactured by Fiat...it's a teeny tiny car, well designed and sort of the cartoon character of the car world. Like most things collectible these cute little nuggets are so adorable that one instantly wants one, if for nothing else than to admire not to mention tooling around in one is a hoot. Everyone knows that I love cars, and pretty little doll cars like the this one really makes me smile.

So, it natural that....

I want one, and told Frank to buy me one for my birthday, it makes perfect sense...I need a cute nugget car:)  + I found one that could fit all my styling props...+ my dog Dylan would look adorbs in this little number..no?

I am officially on the hunt stay tuned. I even picked the color, navy blue like this one....

LOVE the leather luggage detail on this beauty!

One of my very dear friends in Italy is obsessed with the 500, he is the one that actually turned me on to the beauty and charm of this Italian car. He did not get to go to this event with us, so this is a special shout out to him, for introducing me to this motorized piece of dessert. the cinquecento is our little Italian cupcake with vroooooom!

The 4th of July Today Show {DIYs}

2011-06-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

doing my thing with Kathie Lee and Hoda

after my segment with darling Sarah

I'm pretty excited before my segment, mainly because I know once I am done I head to Italy for the summer :)

me with Sarah my adorable producer:) at set up.

If you are here, you probably saw my Today Show 4th of July segment, it was a blast btw, to put together and even more fun to present to KL and Hoda they are so cool, now you can do it too. Here are some of the simple DIYs you saw on the show this morning! Click here for the video!

These are easy and pretty projects to impress your guests. These clever craft ideas take no more that a few minutes to accomplish.Great projects to do with the kids or even friends.

Sparkler Table Runner~

You will need~

6x9 painters canvas, available in any hardware store we got ours from Walmart.

Red, Silver and Blue fabric paint, available at Michaels

Veggie brush, available at Sur La Table

Sharp scissors for cutting fabric in half. (you could actually make 2 one for the dessert table as well as the buffet table)

Lay the canvas across a long table, folded in half lengthwise (3x9').

Using the veggie brush, dot the surface with red, then silver, then blue paint, make sure to cluster the stencils together, like a fireworks display.

Let dry for about 8 hours, then set out and set your holiday table.

DIY Cardboard Take-away Pie/Cake Containers~

These cardboard containers can be done in any color, I used a craft paper.

You will need~

8.5x11 inch cardstock 

Scissors

double stick scotch tape 

Ruler

Pencil

Parchment paper

string

disposable forks  

*Template for cardboard take pie take away container

Start by tracing the template on the cardboard using a pencil and your ruler. Cut out the template with scissors and 

then fold in the flaps and double side tape them

Put the pie into the parchment, and place into the cardboard container tie with string and add a fork if you like.

Christmas Tinsel Tassels for the Patriotic Sparkler Garland~
You will need~
Christmas Tinsel (if you already own Christmas tinsel,this is a great way to recycle your decor)
Thin twine

Cut the tinsel from the band about an inch. fold the tinsel in half and tie with the twine into a tassel, cut off excess tinsel and band.
These tassels can be attached to garland (i used laundry line) with tiny American flags in an alternating but random pattern and placed behind or above the dining tables.


*this style tinsel comes attached to a band, cut about 1 inch off and fold in half.

Happy 4th to everyone, have a safe one. and thank you for watching me with my favorite ladies, Kathie Lee and Hoda on The Today Show. I had a great time the whole TS team is so professional!

thanks to my Natalie, who helps me and supports me above and beyond!

{kitchen} edit

2011-06-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

there are so many of you asking me to help style your homes, I thought starting with the kitchen might be a great way to begin. I will periodically write about styling various parts of the house. you will get some insight to the process of how I think when I enter a room to style it up for a national magazine photo shoot. So let's go...

1.Assess your counter tops. I pull everything off the counter and place it all on the kitchen table, or dining table.

2.Wipe down the counter tops.

3. Start going over what you have pulled off the counter tops. You must be edit these items. Start with appliances. Appliances should be put away on cabinets or closets. I only like one on the counter for example a kitchen aid mixer is considered a pretty appliance.

4. Any food stuffs should be put in the pantry, bread in a bread box, no food should be sitting on the counter of any sort, cereal boxes, jars or giant plastic jugs of energy powders, you get the picture.

5. Any fruit on the counter should be collected in a bowl , basket, or a cake stand makes a lovely container for fruit.

6. Oils, and vinegars should be placed on a tray or cutting board next to the cook top. Along with salt and pepper and flavored salt.

7. Spices should have their own drawer or holder near the cook top.

The remainder of items left on your table after you have applied these 7 tips, should be placed away in closets or cabinets, or donated or thrown away. Editing your counter tops is step one in styling your kitchen. These 7 tips should help you clean up the counters in your kitchen. More to come. Now get to work. Let me know how it goes.

*If you have any specific questions post them and I will do my best to address your individual style questions, let's start a clean up dialogue!

images from DIY magazine, i styled all of these photos.

{perks}

2011-06-16T04:50:00.000-07:00

one of the {big perks} of styling and producing features for magazines all over the country is that i get to wander through really cool antique/ flea markets ... here are a few things from yesterday's wander...

this was labeled as a "cock fighting chair" ??? did not buy it but wanted to:)

this is a prop i bought for my appearance on the today show 4th of july

couldn't believe the crowd! Awesome!!!

2011-06-10T05:58:00.000-07:00

Lisa Mowry, Betsy Riley + moi

last night i was a part of an event at room & board in atlanta called modern atlanta. i spoke about how to get published in a magazine or blog, as well as the project i did last year in nashville for gwyneth paltrow. first of all room & board did an amazing job, white and pink champagne, a darling assortment of cup cakes, and towers of strawberries + everyone got an amazing canvas goody bag!

i was thrilled to see my dear editor friends sitting in the front row. my partner in crime field editor lisa mowry and executive editor betsy riley were a great help in contributing to the conversation with the crowd of over 200 people! thank you to all of you that showed up, and came up to introduce yourselves. it was my pleasure and a thrill to share my passion for styling and design with each and everyone of you! thank you room & board for this great opportunity. if you have a chance check out my penthouse project at white provisions, it is a penthouse i designed with room&board furniture and accessories. it's pretty darn awesome. you can buy tickets at room & board for the modern atlanta home tour this weekend or go online

great to see everyone, bloggers, designers, homeowners, collectors, fans and old friends! You guys were awesome!!!!

Special thanks to Julie and Hazel and Kelli and Room & Board, fantastic talented and professional group of women!

the first annual STRIPE MANIA blogger round-up!

2011-06-09T04:12:00.000-07:00

the first annual STRIPE MANIA blogger round-up!June 13th is the brain child of Holly Becker of Decor8 one of my favorite blogs. If you have never seen it I suggest you go there right now. Holly the author of the genius book Decorate will be on a book tour in August, check out her tour scedule on the Decorate fan page.
With that said I am posting myself in my favorite stripe-y summer tee. I have stripe shirts for every season needless to say they are a staple in my wardrobe. I must say that everyone looks great in a stripe shirt, if you don't own one, it might be time to invest in one. tres chic. check us all out at pinterest, thanks Holly, what fun!

linens {mission organize}

2011-05-26T04:52:00.000-07:00

as a prop stylist, let's face it i have a lot of stuff! so i am in constant motion organizing and mainly editing my collections. yesterday i was shopping for an upcoming shoot with southern living, (it's a food shoot for fall and the amount of props i need is endless.) on my hunt i found these 2 really coolio bins and immediately grabbed them for myself! ( a hazard of my job, is a always find great stuff for myself well it's a hazard and a perk i guess:)

aren't these fabulous, a quick clean up and they were ready to load with linens!

here are the bins organized and loaded

I store all my linens in great baskets and bins under a built in modern unit in my dining room

super efficient, because i can see everything i have and there is a limited amount of space so it forces me to reevaluate my linen collection on a ongoing basis.

i love the haphazard look of the sleek furniture and the fantastic collection of funky bins and baskets.

Stylist Tip* re-purpose as much as you can look at storage in a creative and different way + look at your collections , edit them and collect mindfully, if you absolutely love it add it, if you're not sure about it don't buy it!

Check out my dining room featured in this ad for The Foundary in the new issue of Rue Magazine issue #5

running with my hair on fire {Today} and everyday this month!

2011-05-24T04:56:00.000-07:00


sweet potato cheesecake, patriotic and delicious {photo by Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn from an upcoming book}

antique flags a great decor idea for a 4th of july party on the porch

this is a funny flag depository I found in Mississippi on a shoot last year.

this month is always a crazy one for me. tying up loose ends and finishing up my very last styling jobs before i head to italy for the summer. i am in the middle of working on a fourth of july segment for my friends at the today show. pulling all the bits and pieces together for a segment is well just like throwing a huge party! all i can tell you is that you are going to want to watch, i have some great ideas and recipes to share. tell me about some of your best 4th memories and maybe i can incorporate them into my segment on the today show. i can tell you that you won't want to miss it on june 30th...then i am off to italy for the summer , where i will post all my excellent adventures.

June 30th with Kathy Lee and Hoda, stay tuned for more updates about my segment!

"block {print} party"

2011-05-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

John Robshaw, is has a fantastic line of textiles from india

i have been obsessed for about a year with indian block prints. i redesigned my entire bedroom last year with block prints from several fantastic resources. i wanted to write this post today to share the block print party i have been having. block printing when used in a discerning manner can add texture and interest and most of all warmth to any decor. this beautiful mix can achieve a calming and tranquil and lovely hand to any room. won't you celebrate with me, let me know what you think about adding these lovely touches of printwork to your home, or design projects.


Les Indiennes is a fantastic line, my dear friend and super photographer Reed Davis recently worked with this amazing block print designer and photographed her line check out his site for more amazing photos!. her line is to die for. he and i are going to work in france together this summer stay tuned. LOVE REED!

photos thank you John Robshaw, Les Indiennes, and Reed Davis

things i am into {today}

2011-05-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

my last minute mother's day picks

2011-05-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

great ideas for mom~ love the tunic from Calypso! and the bracelet from my fav store Anthro, be the cool Mom in these great specs, from Need

fantazmic market bag by Studiopatro check out aprons and tea towels as well