Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Shopping Discount For Design Fluff Readers

If you guys remember, E-Shakti, a clothing company that sets themselves apart from others by offering personal customization, gave me an article of free clothing to review. The review is HERE.


 Anyhow, they've offered design fluff readers a 20% discount for a limited time off of their order. You can use the promo code as much as you'd like til it expires, which it's good through March 20, 2013. I do NOT get any kickbacks from this, it's all for you guys!  Promo code is: DESGNFLFF


Enjoy! :)

One dress, three ways, customized to your curves.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Scalamandre Zebra

I've mentioned before that I"m sorry for the lack of creative posts and posts period. We are moving and house hunting all at once! It's not the way it's suppose to happen so we are so very busy right now.

 In between learning about every type of mortgage loan and scoping potential properties, and a bazillion other things, I'm designing a home office and living room for my next home.

That's my down time, my rest time.

Kate Spade Bathroom
One thing that I'd really like to add to my home is the Scalamandre Zebra print! It's a classic. Depending on the house, costs, etc.... I may choose to wallpaper a small room, reupholster a chair, or maybe all my budget will afford is a couple of throw pillows. Who knows, maybe it's going to be too expensive all around. I've heard rumor the fabric can be 2,000 USD a yard! I'm hoping that's not true *fingers crossed*.

I'm pretty sure you can find this in the December issue of Elle Decor
Scalamandre Throw Pillows

Royal Tennenbaums Scalamandre Wallpaper
Traditional Home


Kate Spade is a fan of Scalamandre Zebras, via her dressing room:
Kate Spade Dressing Room Scalamandre Zebra Wallpaper in Red



Friday, February 22, 2013

DIY Geometric Hanging Pendant Light


One DIY project that I had on my list was a geometric shaped light fixture. I did a little digging around and found Kelly from a View Along The Way and her talented hubby, who had already attempted and successfully created one. When I saw all of the complicated work that her hubby put into it, well let's say I just shied away from the project.

One awesome thing about this project is that they give enough info for you to make one yourself if you fancy yourself savvy. 

She also has them for sale for only 139.00 dollars which is awesome cause like she points out on her blog, the Ralph Lauren design goes for a few hundred smackaroo's more.


** I wasn't paid in anyway to endorse this. I just love how her project turned out and am seriously thinking about buying one, if I ever get this house buying process finished.**

Sunday, February 17, 2013

New Countertops and Radon?

We are looking at counter-tops right now.

I was looking more into quartz counter-tops because not only are they non-porous, but they are low maintenance, stain, heat, and scratch resistant, and they have beautiful shades of white to choose from. Not to mention, I don't hate granite, it's very nice, but in my opinion, too over done for me.

Quartz Counter-top by Caesarstone in Puro 8141
I remember when I was looking at granite several years back and came across something by Dr. Mercola mentioning that when shopping for granite, you should be aware and prepared because the counter-tops can emit radon. Yikes!

Then, today I read a Dr. Weil article where he mentions the very same thing. I then looked up quartz only to find out that some quartz also can emit radon. To be fair, some studies say some quartz emit very little to no radon and that some granite emits very low levels. Which types of quartz that is, they didn't mention, but the worst offenders for granite tend to be from the more exotic types from Brazil and Namibia.
Quartz Counter-top by Caesarstone in Misty Carrera 4141

 There are various studies, from the little that I read, and so it can get confusing, especially when some studies are funded by the people that stand to gain something from it.


From what I read quartz tends to be the lesser of the 2 evils, and I am going to see if I can find which manufacturers test their quartz and certify it radon free. If I can't find one, then I'm going for a radon risk free option. Limestone, soapstone, and marble are said to be free of radon risks. Who knows maybe I'll just go for wood, it's beautiful and cheaper if you DIY.
I'm not saying don't buy quartz or granite, I'm saying become more informed and go with what you are comfortable with. I personally love the look of the quartz above, I hope that we can find that it is radon free and bring it into our home.


What about you, do you feel comfortable with quartz and/or granite?


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

An E-shakti Review, The Good and The Bad (black dress)


Hi, guys! I want you to meet my best friend, “Ethel.”  Ethel agreed to be my model for the E-Shakti review that I agreed to do several weeks back. E-Shakti is a clothing company that sets themselves apart from everyone else because they will customize anything you order from their site according to your measurements!  They carry sizes 0-36W and you can customize according to length, sleeve style, and neckline as well! That is my favorite part about what they offer, and is precisely why I agreed to do the review. They’ve been featured in many popular magazines, including some of my favorites like, O’ Magazine, Vogue, and Glamour! 
ethelone

E-Shakti offered me an article of clothing, or sample, of my choice for review. We ultimately chose the draped toga dress in black. It takes about two weeks to receive your order, which to me is very sensible considering it’s customized to fit you.
Ethel Bench Red
When I received the dress, what I liked immediately was how well it was made, which is something I’ve heard before in other reviews of the company. They definitely are a company of quality and craftsmanship. However, unfortunately for Ethel, the dress was too big, so she was a little uncomfortable modeling it.

We discussed taking it in, but I ultimately felt I probably should review the dress how we received it. So, Ethel bravely put it on despite how baggy it was on her. We also thought about sending it back to try again, but that wouldn’t have been fair to the company if we were at fault for giving faulty measurements.
ethel laughing3
It’s possible the measurements were messed up on Ethel’s end. For instance, she was a little confused about how to measure the shoulders at one point and her measurement was way off!  I want to be very transparent and say that she did have her husband measure her 3 times before sending in her measurement, though. That being said, neither one of us felt comfortable in making the call on who was at fault.

I also would like to add that I was disappointed that the dress really didn't look a whole lot like the one on their site. Perhaps it has something to do with the measurements being off. I do know they have a whole slew of happy bloggers whose outfits look amazing, so I'm not throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Sometimes mistakes happen with a perfectly good company. I know it has for me with other companies who I was otherwise very satisfied with.

E-Shakti pick
ethelcloseup
The mishap has not shaken her confidence (or mine) from trying again. There are several 50’s type dresses that E-Shakti offers that she absolutely adores and plans on ordering, and they now have new dresses up for Spring that are so cute!  I’m completely jealous of the bloggers that are getting chosen to review an E-Shakti dress from their Spring line!

Here is my favorite pick from their Spring line:
Floral embellished poplin dress
The above dress would be to die for with a fuller skirt. Hint, hint, E-Shakti.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Translating Objects Of Inspiration To Interior "Design"


We are moving, so I am playing around with ideas for my next living room. I seriously doubt the husband is going to like the feminization of the main living space through the pink accessories and art I've chosen.  Here's to hoping we find a house with a den!

One quick thing I wanted to point out today, is that you can put together any room in your house just by a single inspiring image, piece of art, or even your favorite textile. Just make sure it's something that you adore and can live with.

For instance, look at this image above from RoAndCo Studios. When I look at it, I of course see warm pinks, and almost some orange, black, charcoal gray, but I also "see" watercolor when I view this image. It's OK if you don't see the same thing. It's how it speaks to you that matters.

First, you can already see, that if it's your cuppa tea, then these colors work magnificently together and you can begin to incorporate them in your space through the use of throw pillows, rugs, curtains, art, and other accessories.
                                                                                               

Since I see watercolor when I view the image, it could inspire me to use a watercolor type art in my room of similar shades. Perhaps the texture speaks to you and you choose soft throws or even a down filled sofa like the one on my mood board.                            

Can you see how the image above could translate to the accessories and such that I chose for my mood board?





Inspiration image: RoAndCo Studios


Mood Board:

Pink Phoenix Dhurrie Rug West Elm
Brass Martini Table West Elm
Gold Chevron Pillow Caitlin Wilson Designs
Dragon and Pink Lattice Pillows from Pink Pagoda
Black Spotted Pillow
White Double Candleholder 
Black Faceted Vase  
Cricket Fashion Art   (Thanks to Brooke, From Inside Out Design, for bringing this art to attention on her blog)
Rorschach Ink Blot Art 
Dunham-Down Filled Sofa 
Arteriors Zanadoo Light Fixture
Amish Wood Chair
Tulip Family Lamp

Linking Up Here

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Meet Jane And An Apartment Therapy Homies Award Nomination

Hello all! I wanted to let you know that I nominated Jane, from Jane's Adventures in Dinner, for a Homie award from Apartment Therapy. She will be listed under the "Best Recipes" section. So, please go over today and vote! She is an amazing woman with mad cooking skills and delightful conversation.  She has some of the best gourmet comfort food type recipes that literally will have your stomach growling when you leave her blog. I know mine does! Seriously! She's also very creative and seems to be able to invent delicious things on the fly to eat, which really takes talent!

On top of that, she usually gives you a little bit of herself and history with each meal which makes it a delight to read, it's almost like she's a friend there at your house with you making conversation, and she keeps it sweet and simple. Here are some of the recipes that I love best from her blog:


Cheater's Beef Bourguignon


A special treat from Julia Child's original recipe simplified so that it can be made any day of the week!

 

Croque Monsieur Hand Pies

"Yummy bread, ham, swiss and a flavoured white sauce over the top. 
Ooey, gooey, needing time to savour and not to be rushed.......I started with a really thick bechamel sauce."
The above was written in Jane's own words. Need I say more? *Sigh* BTW, so far these are my favorite.:)

Stew Two Ways

Oh, my! If  your mouth isn't watering at this image, you need to check your pulse! : D

I Had A Yen.....

I wanted crispy skin (sounds gross and wonderful at the same time), garlic, ginger, honey…
Oh, and maybe some booze.
I started with a plump chicken and 1 cup of sake.

Ok, honestly, she had me at booze with this one.


Cream Buns Take Two!

"This actually turned out to be my favourite version.  Don’t get me wrong-I really liked the ice cream and all those fresh berries but this version lets me use my blow torch and any of you who read this blog regularly know that [...]"
Ok, she had me at blowtorch, with this one.


And last for this blog, but not last that I love........

It All Started With...............

I make it with raw sugar, chunks of dark chocolate and whole milk.
                      Have you ever had a decadent bread made with homemade hot chocolate?

Ok, by now you are really hungry and have forgotten the point of this post is to meet an amazing blogger with crazy cooking and blogging talent. So, stop by her blog and say hello! She has 3 years worth of recipes to peruse!                                         

 And if you like, go vote at Apartment Therapy for Jane's Adventures in Dinner under the Best Recipe listing. 

                                                                                  

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Crap That Didn't Get Done (And An Evil Chihuahua)







2012 was the year of crap that didn't get done around here. First, we had company coming a lot earlier than we anticipated while we were in the middle of sanding, priming, and painting floors, but that "company" stayed for months with a whole onslaught of dogs. So, needless to say, for months, nothing was really going to get done with that many people in the house.

BTW, not to go off on a tangent but we had the dog from hell staying with us via company. He was not much bigger than our hand, and bared an uncanny resemblance to Steve Buscemi.
I love Steve Buscemi.
He also bit anything that breathed, which is really worse than it already sounds considering that he is pitch black and so are my floors, so whenever he decided to attack you he had the perfect camouflage and disappeared into the floor, leaving you flailing your arms around helplessly and blindly while he ate you alive.

Anyways.....

On top of that, the house was gassed for termites! Eek! Chemicals and I don't mix so we stayed months at a hotel just to make sure I didn't come home to any icky after effects of the chemicals.  Health issues mixed in there and wow, well, we didn't get much done!

Now we find out we are moving and not given much time to lookie loo for a house! Not being negative or complaining, just sayin'.  So, all of these before and afters I promised my readers literally got flushed down the toilet. I'm dubbing 2012, The Year of Crap That Didn't Get Done

First, let me say when we moved here, everything was dirty white walls and funky brown trim that was painted with exterior paint! So, we came a long way just painting everything a soft-ish gray and bold white trim.

Here is some of what was suppose to get done:  ( There was really poor lighting in this house, especially this particular day)


 The Chinese war horse was suppose to be painted a lacquer white and put on the new bookshelves. He should have looked somewhat like this horse when finished:




 This is the light fixture my hubby bought me to replace the DIY I made in the photo below. I ended up changing my mind once we got it and decided I wanted something else.





Here is the materials we were going to use to make floor to ceiling and wall to wall bookcases:
It's mattress pallets!

These were going to be ultimately a lovely bright white. We would have put them up on a small platform that we would build ourselves, and along with lots of hammering and nails, decorative trim, paint, mdf to fill in the space from the top to ceiling, and crown molding, it should have looked something like this minus the gray paint, bead board, and word Bibliotheque:

bookcase


The chandelier I was going to choose changed a billion times. Ultimately, this is the one I settled on. 

                                                                              

Though, from a design aspect, I'm not sure if it would have made the cut seeing as though everyone that was 6 ft. something rather may have gotten their heads scratched from walking underneath. : D Not to mention, price. I have been looking for a cheaper version.

On the other side of the living room you have this mantel:


 I mentioned on my blog before that I tend to post things before they are finished and this mantel was no exception. First, I was in a mood when I created it late at night. I had to use whatever I had on hand and could not purchase anything (everything was closed) to finish it. Ideally, there would have been a larger, neat stack of bright white books wrapped up in string sitting underneath the urn and add some candle holders from CB2.






For the windows that are on both sides of the mantel, we were making pelmets. They would have looked something like this only in a soft felt gray with white ribbon trim:



And of course the artwork that takes years to consider and collect over time would have been added to the now blank wall space where the love seat use to be.

Although that is far from what I would have done to the living room, it is the things that were getting ready to be tackled and at least I got some sense of closure by posting what I would have done on this blog.