A Blog's Renovation

I need to take a bit of a hiatus for a renovation of the blog. It will be back better than ever for August, so stay tuned!

Bastille Day

In honor of Bastille Day, I am posting a video by the French performance artist/comedian Remi Gaillard. My sister turned me on to his work and it is the strange and twisted humor that I love.

An Old Fashioned Revival

Maybe it is withdrawal from Mad Men's long hiatus or the rise of the career mixologist, but the Old Fashioned is back. Looking to serve a classic cocktail at your next summer soiree? Here is a list of the ingredients needed to serve up a stylish and modern twist on the Old Fashioned.

The Recipe

2 oz. Bourbon

3 dashes Angostura Bitters

1 tsp. bar sugar

1 twist of lemon peel

Splash of water or soda

At the bottom of the glass muddle the sugar, and Angostura Bitters with a splash of soda. Add the Bourbon, ice and fill with soda. Garnish with the lemon peel.

1. There is nothing more classic than the Baccarat Harmonie collection to serve up this quintessential drink.
2. John Derian's decoupage coasters are quite classy.
3. The key to the decoration of the Old Fashioned is the perfect lemon twist. Peel the perfect lemon with the Rosle citrus peeling knife
4. Bigger is better when it comes to ice cubes and the King Cube silicon trays can't be beat.
5. Angostura Bitters and Knob Creek Bourbon

Shoreditch is Strange

Out and about in Shoreditch over the weekend, I snapped some interesting shots that really define the creativity that is centered in this London neighborhood.

  

My favorite new coffee shop around the corner, Shoreditch Grind!

 

Color Story Monday: Pretty in Pink

I could use a bit of cheer and happiness in my life right now and pink is just the color to do that. I feel that a bit of unexpected pink in a room can instantly brighten the mood.

1. This Barbie book from Assouline is perfect for a young stylish girl's room
2. Who doesn't deserve an accolade now and then? Trophy by Alice Home Supply Co.
3. Wake up to this hot pink toaster from Dualit
4. Fuschia and Lime is such a power couple and this reversible silk sham from Designers Guild is no exception

Sew Over It

Thanks to a recommendation from Daily Candy a couple of months ago, I found a hip place to take up the retro craft of sewing. I end up with leftover scraps of fabric, and would love to be able to do something creative with them and next time I lose a button, it would be nice to fix it myself. Off I headed to Sew Over It in Clapham for a Beginner's sewing course. Perfect for someone who has literally never touched a sewing machine. As a child I crocheted and embroidered, so sewing is a natural craft for me to learn. The owner was incredibly patient with me and I even walked away with a pillow handmade all by myself. Check out my Orla Kiely inspired design below. I can't for the next step in my needle and thread career!

Shoreditch Shopping

One of my favorite interior stores in Shoreditch is on the move, and closed for all of July. You can still order from the Caravan website in the meantime.

Elle Decor on a Budget

Elle Decor is following in the footsteps of the many high-end designers developing product lines for those of us on a budget and they now have a line of furniture and accessories that are stylish and budget friendly at Kohl's. Here are a few of my favorite picks!

One Creative Lawyer

While in Seattle at their local Anthropologie, I discovered Natasha Lawyer, a local Northwest artist whose work was on display at the store. Her architectural drawings in black and white with color overlays are my favorite! I hope that she adds to her etsy site soon, as I would love to get some of her prints!

Color Story Monday: Red, White, & Blue

Would there be any other colors to discuss on this holiday Monday?
1. Keep your table festive with red swirl paper straws from Kikkerland
2. Pottery Barn now sells the classic Tolix chair in red
3. Don't forget the other side of the battle that we are celebrating with a Jonathan Adler Union Jack rug
4. Preppy and Proper, navy seersucker placemats from West Elm
5. From the man who defined Americana style in the home Ralph Lauren red and navy striped wallpaper.
6. Red lacquer credenza from CB2
7. Luxe navy velvet striped pillow from Jayson Home and Garden
8. A milk glass cake stand from Fishs Eddy needs a cherry pie on top
9. Celebrate the summer sun with this tote bag.
10. A nautical pillow from H&M Home

Disposable Tableware Roundup

With the 4th of July weekend ahead of us, picnics will abound and there is a new crop of disposable flatware that is downright stylish! 

1. Go Eco Chic with this Bamboo set from Crate and Barrel

2. Translucent and Colorful from Charles and Marie

3. For a Stylish Goth Soiree this black Louis XIV is perfect set.