Fun Find: Heart Shaped Candles

How cute are these little heart shaped candles??  I went into Ikea for the two pack of $24 white curtain panels, and snagged these little guys too!

How cute are they???  For $4, I’m totally going to get our use out of these in the next few days!  The problem is they drip like crazy – in the 3 minutes these were burning last night, they already dripped in my cute white tray.  I had a little idea… I grabbed an old book, ripped out a few pages, singed the edges (btw, I’m a total pyro) and laid them out on the bottom of a tray.

It looks adorable, and now I’m not at all worried about the dripping wax!  Win win.

Valentine’s Day Gifts… for her

Valentine’s Day is upon us, and if you are looking for a little last minute inspiration of what to get your sweetheart (or better yet, what to treat yourself to) I’ve pulled together a short list of things I’d love!
Nothing over the top, but pretty little somethings to add a little spring to your step.

Poppy colored Skirt – nobody does preppy like Banana Republic.  I actually treated myself to this skirt yesterday, and aside from being the perfect length for work, the pleats are ultra flattering!

Pink Leather Handbag – hello ladylike.  You could wear this bowler as a crossbody bag, or use the handles for the ultimate ladylike look.

Pretty Lace-trimmed Nighty – how cute is this with the black and white stripes, and the little bit of pink?!

Pave Chain-link Bracelet – yep, this bracelet will pretty much top my list for any occasion… I am still in love!

Lacquer Bangle – a fun addition to your outfit on a gloomy February day.

Leopard Clutch – I am LOVING animal print now, more than ever – wear this as a neutral!  I swear it goes with everything you own!

Pink Clarisonic – I have the blue one, and it’s amazing.  Treat yourself (or your girlfriend)… it’s worth every penny.

Bouquet of Peonies – because these are the most romantic flower out there…

Coral Studs – for a little something sparkly…

Steamed Lobster Tails

Happy Monday ya’ll!  The weather has been beautiful here in San Francisco after a bit of rain last week, and it’s all bright blue skies, and crisp cold air!  Yesterday, my parents came into the city for the day, and we took a long walk on the Marina Green down to the Golden Gate Bridge – we really do live in the most incredible city in the world.

How can you say no to that view?!

Last night, the Grammy’s were on (did you end up watching??), and we wanted to stay in for dinner.  On the menu were lobster tails!  Sounds daunting, but they were the easiest thing to make IN THE WORLD.

Our lobster tail feast came about because they were on sale at the market – $5 each!  Kris came home with them to surprise me, and since I’m still a novice in the kitchen, I was more than a little worried about not messing them up.

After discovering that our broiler didn’t work (awesome news) I turned to Google, and found out that steaming them was the easiest way to go.

Here they are – perfectly steamed and begging to be eaten!  In case you are thinking of tackling lobster (perhaps a good idea for Valentine’s Day dinner this week?) here are the instructions – so easy, and SO delicious!

How to prepare perfectly steamed lobster tails:
Fill a pot with about an inch of water, salt the water, and place in a steamer (in my case, we didn’t have a steamer, so I used a small colander with legs).  Once the water comes to a boil, toss in the lobster tails, and put the lid on tight.

Set the timer for 6 minutes, and do NOT take the lid off.  While the lobster tails are steaming away, melt some butter in a pan.  I tossed in a few whole garlic cloves, and a few red pepper flakes to flavor the butter.

Once the timer goes off, rescue your little lobster tails – they should be bright red, and curled up a bit.  Do not let them go longer than the timer!  Overcooked lobster is tough, and chewy, and not very good.

The lobster is easy enough to take out of the shell – but if you don’t want to deal with it after it’s cooked, you can also run your knife along the shell before steaming.  We dipped it in the butter, and feasted like kings – I kept the sides simple, some roasted broccolini, and mashed potatoes, but these would be amazing with polenta, on top of a salad, or even just with french bread.

TV Stand with Storage… and Height… and Style…

I have been looking to replace the TV stand in our bedroom for a while now, but it seems like my list of requirements is a mile long… thus making it impossible to find anything that will work!  The current TV Stand was a Craigslist find from a few years back – it’s dark wood, low to the ground, and really nothing too special.  I think it may have come originally from Target. It does the job, but we need something taller, and it NEEDS to have storage.

To add onto this equation – it also has to be narrow, since our monster King size bed moved in with us, and the way our room is laid out, you walk between the TV stand and the bed to get to the SINGLE bathroom in our apartment.  Awesome.

Anyway, I had been thinking “console table” but it’s rare to find a console with storage, and most dressers are too “fat” for this space – we need at least several feet for the walkway, otherwise it is just going to feel WAY too claustrophobic.  I hadn’t been having much luck so far, so my hunt had nearly come to a halt… until I discovered this little gem at Ikea!  The Tarva 6 Drawer Chest.  Hello lover!

I know, I know… it doesn’t look like much, but when I’m done with it, this simple little guy is going to look phenomenal!

Don’t believe me??  Look at a few of these Tarva hacks I dug up online…
Little Green Notebook: Greek Key Dressers.  This is what I want to do to the Ikea Tarva.  I like that this version uses knobs; it makes more sense for a piece that you are going to be opening and closing a lot.
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Look at this lovely white number… that high gloss paint, really transforms it into something fabulous, and the greek key appliques covered up the holes where the original pulls went, so each drawer could have a single middle pull.


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This is another super cool take on the original – painted drawers – ombre no less – unique pulls, and a stained top and legs??  Talk about a transformation!


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No clue how they pulled this off, but they make this brand spanking new chest of drawers look old, and cool, like wooden shipping crates…


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And… it’s official… this may just be the most versatile piece of furniture, since it serves as a kitchen counter here!

ikea tarva hack inspired by james mont and hollywood regency aesthetic - who doesn't love an ikea dresser makeover?  photo: ryan brook
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Finally, my favorite hack (I think) – this one draws inspiration from Hollywood Regency, and I love loovvveee LOOVVVEEE it.  The gold border and the large gold pulls??

Fabulous!

Can’t wait to get started on my own version!!

Valentine’s Day Table Decor – DIY Project

What do you do for Valentine’s Day each year?  Kris and I have developed a little ritual… every year, instead of going out, we opt to do a simple Valentine’s Day dinner at home.  We started doing this a few years ago, because very restaurant was packed, overpriced, and they hype around trying to make it over-the-top special and romantic was way too stressful.  I love doing dinner at home – making dinner together is fun, stress free, and we find ways to make it special.
This year, I’m not sure what we’ll be making (rack of lamp perhaps??) but I do know that I want to do a Valentine’s Day tablescape.  I was brainstorming a few idea’s, and remembered this image that I’d pinned nearly a year ago!  It’s super simple, and in my opinion, very sweet.  Wouldn’t a dinner table look so pretty with lots of flickering candles inside these paper wrapped mason jars??
HOW TO:
Take an old book you’ll never read again, tear out a few pages, and cut to the circumference of your mason jar.  Fold the paper in half and cut out a heart.  If you are super Type A (like me), iron the crease out of the paper, so you can’t see the fold. Spread some modge podge on one side.  Place the paper (carefully) inside the mason jar, and seal the ends together.  Finish this off with a piece of twine tied around the top, or ribbon would be really pretty as well!
What do you think??  I think we have a winner!

Bringing the Outdoors In

I’m just going to say it… that Superbowl SUCKED. As a 49ers fan until the bitter end, I think it’s best that we just not talk about that painful loss at all.

Moving onto other totally unrelated topics… let’s talk about these glorious sun-rooms.  I would give my left arm (since I’m right handed) for an open airy sun-room like these.  Can you imagine how amazing it would be to kick the windows open on a warm, sunny day, and let the outside in… OR on dreary rainy days, wouldn’t it be so cozy to curl up and read a book, watching the rain pour down around you??  Ahh, a girl can dream!!

I especially love this first one – it looks like this sun room is just off the kitchen table – I’d have my cup of coffee there every single morning… and the bead-board paneling??  So preppy and cute.  I could pretend I lived in Connecticut!

Floor to ceiling windows??  You don’t have to ask me twice!  This is pretty much the most elegant “greenroom” I’ve ever seen with those pretty vines, the fountain, and PERSIAN RUG. Oh yeah… that’s a Persian rug next to the bushes…

This next sun-room might be my favorite in terms of design.  For cooler days, it’s a fully functioning sun-room  and for warm weather, all those doors slide back, turning this sun-room into an open porch!  Um… genius!

How AMAZING is that sun-room right off the bedroom???  That’s not even a question!  Can you imagine waking up to that every day??  Yeah, me either.  Our bedroom looks out on another apartment building right now, so this is pretty much the opposite of that.  I’m in love.

Contemporary Family Room design by Charlotte Interior Designer Lucy and Company
This room was made for a southern tea party!!  Am-I-right???  All the yellow in the room really accentuates the sun streaming in the windows… and on a cold day??  A fireplace – so you can soak up as much sun as you can, while staying toasty by a fire.  Amen to that!!

J’adore Peplum

Ok people – I mentioned last year how I LOVE peplum.  Not just LOVE but LOOOOVVVVVEEEEE.

It’s been an ongoing love affair for me, and I couldn’t be happier now that I’ve seen it blowing up everywhere.  It’s lady-like, flattering, and totally on trend right now.  I’ve found myself wearing peplum to work, to brunch, and to go out with girlfriends.  It seriously is the best comeback since leggings (um stretchy pants are back from my childhood??  HELL yeah!)

Need some inspiration??  Well even if you don’t, I’m going to give it to you… here we go!

PEPLUM TAKES YOU FROM WORK TO PLAY:

Day to Night Peplum

Mango ribbed shirt / Blue top, $24 / HUGO high waisted skirt / Schutz pointed toe pumps, $200 / Kate Spade leather handbag / Kate Spade handcrafted jewelry / Gorjana

Need to head into the office, but don’t have time to go home and change before going out to nice dinner or happy hour?  Presto chango – take off the cardigan, add a snazzy necklace and you are set!

Kate Spade is the queen of the ladylike bag, and this one is large enough to carry your wallet, car keys, rolled up cardigan, and a pair of ballet flats (for the walk home) but it’s not so big as to be obnoxious at a crowded bar scene.

Nude heels?  Classy enough for work, sexy enough to play… and can you really say no to something that makes your legs look longer??  Me either.  Plus that capped toe?  Fierce.

PEPLUM GETS FUNKY:

Modernized Peplum

MSGM lace tank / Mango bike pants, $44 / Givenchy leather boots / Cross body handbag / Bangle bracelet, $140 / McQ by Alexander McQueen wrap bracelet, $110 / Fantasy Jewelry Box chain bracelet / Viva La Diva lip makeup, $14

Not every look with peplum has to channel Mad Men – updating this silhouette with bright colors, or interesting materials makes it modern, and edgy.  Neon yellow anyone??

I love this with leather leggings, and sexy strappy caged booties.  Bracelets upon bracelets are all you need – you do not want a big necklace to compete with this top – and sexy Bardot inspired makeup would be so perfect – big eyelashes and pale lips.

The hair should be big and voluminous and I love the idea of another bright accessory (to avoid looking like a bumblebee in all that yellow and black).  Purple and yellow are opposites, and they always look fabulous together.

PEPLUM GOES CASUAL:

Daytime Peplum

Forever New cut out shirt, $31 / Madewell cotton jacket / J.Crew j crew / Tory Burch genuine leather handbag / American Apparel leather strap watch

Nope – I’m not insane.  Yes, it’s January, but with sunny weather here in California that is close to 70 degrees, I couldn’t help myself!  For those of you freezing your tootsies off somewhere on the East Coast, put this one in the back pocket for this summer, when I’m here bundled up in the fog!

Nautical stripes, and yellow pants scream preppy, which I love, loooveeee, LOOVEEEEE.  These leopard loafers are comfy, and stylish.  Need I say more?  Grab the jean jacket that literally goes with everything, and a side slung brown leather bag, and you are set for anything – shopping, lunching, brunching, wine tasting, or just kicking back with a good book.

Jump on the peplum train y’all – I promise you won’t look back!
xo

Valentine’s Day Cards

I’m 28, but somewhere in me is still a giddy seven year old girl, who LOVES Valentine’s Day.  I just adore the sweet gesture of giving a Valentines card to the ones you love.

I came across this Valentine’s Day card online, and thought it was the sweetest thing!
Adorable!  This Site will customize it for you depending on the dates you enter (August 1st, 2006 – 2/14/2013 for example) so the whole process couldn’t be easier!
Today is February 1st, and the countdown is on my friends!  Happy ALMOST Valentine’s Day!!
xoxo

I spy with my little eye…

… a FABULOUS tripod lamp, in the corner of one of my design idol’s homes (well… her previous home, but still).  Erin Gates of Elements of Style has made a name for herself through her blog, and quickly risen in the world of interior design.

The Every Girl featured her rented flat about a year ago, and as I was peeking through the archives, I came across this feature.  As you can imagine, I was super stoked when I spotted a  tripod lamp in this space, that is eerily similar to the one I just bought for our living room.

All I could think was… Erin Gates loves tripod lamps too!!

Is it silly that I got that excited about it??  Totally.  Do I feel like my decision has been totally validated even though my best friend wasn’t a fan of the tripod lamp?  ABSOLUTELY.

I constantly hear about making design decisions that stay true to who you are, no matter what is on trend in the moment.

If you love classic pieces but modern lines are in, go with your gut.  If you like a little side table shaped like an elephant, but think it’s a little “out there”… who cares, if it makes you happy.  I know that having unique pieces that you love is what makes your space stand out, but I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to second guessing decisions.

Despite the pressure to go with what “safe”, I’m glad I went with the tripod lamp.  I love it, and not everyone else has to… but it’s good to know that Erin Gates would approve….

Superbowl Snacks

Pizza and Beer… pretty sure that would make any guy happy when watching a big game, but not this girl!  As a San Franciscan, whose parents also grew up here, it’s in my blood to root for the 49ers this weekend, but watching football is not something I usually partake in.  For me, the Superbowl is all about the food (and commercials), and so pizza and beer just won’t cut it!
I’ve been seeing all sorts of yummy snacks as the weekend gets closer and closer, and these roasted Jalapeno Popper Potato Skins are at the top of my list to make this Sunday.
One of my biggest pet peeves is to go to a party and have food that you need to eat with two hands – especially when you are holding your cocktail!  So annoying!  For Superbowl parties, it’s especially important to have bite size food since the living room is likely to be crowded, and possibly a little rowdy.  
The potato skin is kind of perfect – easy to pick up, easy to eat, no dipping involved since the toppings are already on, and they are hearty – no complaints from the boys about having to eat “dainty food”… don’t even get me started…
Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
2-3 jalapenos (depending on how spicy you want the potato skins)
2lbs baby red potatoes, roughly the same size
2 Tablespoons canola or vegetable oil, divided
salt
8oz 1/3 less-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 strips center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
Directions:
Place oven rack to top position and preheat broiler. Place jalapenos onto a foil-lined baking sheet then broil, turning occasionally, until skins are black on all sides. Remove jalapenos to a paper sack then seal. When jalapenos are cool enough to handle, peel away skin then remove seeds from insides and chop. Combine with cream cheese in a bowl then set aside (do not refrigerate.)
Place oven rack to center of oven then turn heat to 400 degrees. Wash and dry potatoes then prick once or twice with a fork. Place onto a foil-lined baking sheet then drizzle with 1 Tablespoon oil and coat all sides. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center goes in easily.
Turn oven heat to 450 degrees. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut in half lengthwise then scoop out flesh, leaving 1/8″ potato inside the skin (save for mashed potatoes/other uses.) Brush insides with remaining oil then sprinkle with salt and bake for 10 minutes.
Fill each potato skin with 1 teaspoon roasted jalapeno cream cheese mixture, then top with bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Makes ~24 potato skins

That’s it!! Super easy, and surprisingly not that bad for you (since the insides of the potatoes are scooped out)!  Perfect for game day if you ask me!!