Pickles Y'alllll

So I got super domestic this weekend and decided to pickle some cucumbers.  It is super easy and really delicious.  Here's what I used:

1 thoroughly sanitized mason jar (1 qt size)
A few pickling cucumbers from the garden
3 cloves of garlic
6 sprigs of fresh dill
1 tbsp of coriander seed
1 tbsp of sugar
1 1/2 tsp of kosher salt
2/3 cup of white vinegar
1 cup of water
1 small white onion
Pinch of red pepper flake

Step 1:  Thoroughly clean and sanitize mason jar and lid
Step 2:  Slice cucumbers to your desired size along with some fresh onion (to taste)
Step 3:  Place cucumber slices, onion, garlic cloves and dill in dry mason jar
Step 4:  Gently boil water, vinegar, coriander, sugar, salt and red pepper flake until sugar and salt dissolve
Step 5:  Poor brine mixture over cucumbers in jar, gently tap to get any excess air out.
Step 6:  Cover and once cool enough, place in the frig for at least 24 hours before enjoying.

Memorial Day

Happy Monday people!  I thought in honor of Memorial Day and the fine folks that have served in our military we showcase some interior design with the use of the American Flag.  Did you know Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day?  Found that little bit of information right here.  Any who, I hope you enjoy the photos and have a safe and fun Holiday.  And to all of those that have served in our military past & present, thank you for all you have done, will do and have sacrificed.

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Back home

Sorry for the absence, I went home to Delaware for a long weekend.  It was so nice to see some of my family and friends while there.  It is definitely difficult to live so far away from so many of them.  So needless to say my absence at home didn't allow any projects to share with you all but I thought I would share some photos of my cousin Ashley's home. 

She and her husband purchased it about a year and half ago and have done some serious remodeling.  The home was built back in 1767 and hadn't been updated much since the 1960s.  They have done an amazing job at making it a young, modern space while maintaining the integrity of the home's history and style.  Sorry that the pics aren't great, like I said before, I'm no photographer and I used my phone to get these shots.  

I'm in love with this bar cart, her Dad picked this up for them.

This built-in is a perfect way to showcase their beautiful china.  And the cabinet pulls are awesome sauce.

 The coral theme re-appears at the dining table, it makes a room feel more cohesive with repetition of colors and objects.  Her Nana re-upholstered the chair in the corner.  This woman is amazing, it looks professionally done and she hasn't had any kind of formal training.  Completely self taught and unbelievable.

 This gallery wall makes use of the space leading up the stairs to their bedroom.

 The kitchen got a complete overhaul and they did a great job.  I love the subway tile back splash and the decorative elements.  The space is not huge but has such an impact because of the attention to detail.  Her Nana made the curtains too.  Again, that woman is AMAZING.

Rope

So, I love the use of unexpected things in home design.  I think it adds character and whimsy to a space when you use something that serves a different purpose all together as a home decor enhancement.  I've been noticing the use of rope in a lot of designs lately in multiple ways and I like it a lot.  It adds a natural look and added texture to any space.  You just have to be careful not to get to kitschy with it. What other unexpected objects to you all like to use in design?

First, I love this mirror and I love how they used a natural fiber rope to hang it.  It mixes well with mid-century furnishings and standout lamp.

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How cute is this, I love when kitchens are also thought about in design.

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Now, this probably wouldn't be for everyone and wouldn't suit every home but it works here and is completely unexpected.

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Love this for a table center piece, this would be adorable for a beach wedding.

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These things are everywhere now and are the perfect way to inject some texture into a space.

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This is probably my favorite, I love the mix of the rope in the beautiful glass jars on the chippy wood table and nautical pic in the background.

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Berry Cake

So my oh so wonderful friend, Melissa, dropped off some fresh picked strawberries and blueberries yesterday and I couldn't resist the urge to use them in some baked deliciousness.   I whipped up a quick little dessert adapted from the recipe I found here.  What berry desserts do you all like?

This what you will need:
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons of butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
1 large egg
1/2 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 teaspoons of lemon zest, divided
Approximately 1 pound of berries (more or less to taste, I quartered the strawberries and left the blueberries as is)

This is what you do:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prep pie or tart pan (approximately 10 inch dish).  Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in bowl then set to the side.  In an electric mixer blend butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.  Mix in egg, milk, vanilla and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.  Add in flour mixture, combine thoroughly but don't over mix.  Spread batter into prepared dish and then arrange berries cut side down into top of the batter, press gently.  Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until golden brown and knife inserted to the cake comes clean.  Cool and sprinkle remaining lemon zest just prior to serving.  Enjoy!!!

Happy Mother's Day

To all the mommas out there....Happy Mother's Day.  Please enjoy this pic of these pretty peonies and delicious smelling gardenias.  I just love this time of year.

Another room board

So, I am working on creating a mood board for a living room re-do with white and turquoise being the colors of choice.  I created a couple of boards with that color scheme but different styles, this one is more traditional glam and I love it.

On a side note it is incredibly difficult to source pure white couches, most everything is ivory, pearl etc.  These are both from Ballard Designs and are customizable which is awesome.  The garden stool and mirror come in a variety of styles and price points and are meant to serve as inspiration. They can be easily tweaked to style and  budget.  The artwork I love, it would be so pretty in a thin gold frame with pale peach matting.  It's a map of Paris.  How cool is that.

artwork / chandelier / sofas / garden stool / sunburst mirror / fabric /  fabric