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.

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

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.**

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.

Update: The company, Cambria, sells radon free quartz countertops.

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.

Here is an article by the NY Times on granite and the risks involved.

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

Linking Up Here.

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

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. 

                                                                                  

Valentine Gift Ideas 2013

1. Geo Origami Necklace
2. Hey Girl Flexi Journal
3. Anthro True Love Ring
4. Zinnia Lace Romper

Sorry For The Lack Of Posts!

Hi guys,
I have projects to share and posts to do but we unexpectedly recently found out we have to move! And I have been looking for a place like mad. Posting is going to slow down for just a short while until after our move.

Although a lot of you don't comment, I can see you're still stopping by, so thanks for that, and things will be back to normal soon, Lord willing. :D

Clip art courteous of picgifs.com

Geometric Shapes Trending in 2013 Interior Design

I'm not sure if you've noticed or not but what started in 2012 with geometric patterns in fashion and design, is continuing strong into 2013. It is the year of graphic prints and geometric shapes. You can see the trend popping up everywhere.

Isn't this gorgeous?  This room is via Holly Brooke Jones.

I'm not being paid for this, I simply L.O.V.E. this design and fantabulous dining room! You can purchase this stencil at an amazing price at her Etsy shop "CuteStencils."

WoodSmithe Timber & Ore Geometric Stool

Add caption

This geometric beauty is the Umbra coffee table from Anthropologie

Pearl Polyhedron Paper Vase via Urban Analog Etsy Shop

Polyhedron Wood Candlesticks Urban Analog

Snugvase High by SnugStudio on Etsy

Fort Standard Terrarium

Cage Pendant CB2

Honefoss Geo Mirror pack of 10 Ikea

I have a couple of geometric diy's coming up for ya. So check back!

Linking up HERE

Faux Leather Metallic Gold Chevron Pillow DIY

 I entered this post in the Pinterest Challenge via Young House Love. You can go to their site and view the projects they've completed  here. As well as a few others participating, here for Katie from Bower Power, here for Megan via the Remodeled Life, and here for Michelle at Decor and the Dog!

I'm not big on the chevron trend. I think I've seen it one too many times. However, sometimes it's just about mixing a tired trend up a little so that you can love it again. Which brings me to metallic chevron, I actually really like it!

Charm City Cakes

Caitlin Wilson Designs

Coach Madison Leather Chevron Audrey Bag from a couple years back.

Chevron is still big in the fashion world, and it's well known that what's in in fashion usually translates over to interior design.

When I saw the metallic gold chevron pillow from Caitlin Wilson Designs, I thought it was gorgeous. The price tag was more than I was going to pay for a pillow, so I diy'ed my own. It's not identical, truth be told, I like hers better, but this is not a bad alternative.

You'll need:

1. Faux leather (you won't get the metallic sheen with your paint pen if you use normal fabric)
2. sewing machine
3. Krylon gold leafing pen
4. Pencil
5. A good eraser
6. Straight edge with measurements 

First thing first, cut out your fabric and very lightly with your pencil, draw this grid onto the right side of your leather: 

Though not shown here, my pillow is 18"x 18". So, I drew 6 rows and columns of 3inch squares. It ended up being larger than I really wanted.

 Now just draw a line from one corner to the next in each square, like in the image below:

There are several of these chevron tutorials using grids. I'm not sure who is the originator, but I made this one so I'm using it.

Then fill in each half square with your Krylon gold leafing pen. Some areas will be streaky. Just let it dry and pass over it again.

If you make a mistake, simply take a little rubbing alcohol and q-tip, add a little pressure and blot up with something dry. It comes right off! This works with pencil marks, too. Hopefully you made your grid light enough that it only needs a little eraser.

Now you're your very own textile designer. Give yourself a pat on the back. : D

Now it's time to make the pillow.

To sew a very easy envelope style pillow that is frequently dubbed the 10 minute pillow, you can follow one of these 3 tutorials:

aprettycoollife
littlegreennotebook
raegunwear

This was my first envelope pillow and it is so very easy!

And voile! You have your own metallic chevron pillow on the cheap!

I really wish I made the print thinner, it ended up too big for my taste.

That's just one of many designs I have in my mind to put on these pillows. Here is one of the next:

Linking up here.

I'm entering this in the Pinterest Challenge via Young House Love!