Translation Fashion to Home No. 7 - Meredith Michael Shoes

Oh how the pavement textures, checkered shoes, and simplicity of black inspire a room! Here's my translation fashion to home from the photograph above.

Image Sources: Elle Decor, Nelson Cuper, Tradional Home, Thom Filicia

Be Inspired No. 25 - Black and White Photography

I was hanging artwork yesterday (yes, I still had some to hang) and was inspired once again with black and white photography. When our children were about 4 months old I put black and white film in the camera and took some of the most amazing photos of them. I have two faves - I had them blown up to 18" x 22".  Another favorite black and white photo of mine is one of my parents.

Be inspired this year to print those photos you take in black and white. The clarity of the images is simple yet stunning.

Image Sources: Bluebots, DJdesigner, Smashing Magazine, Photo Visible

Color Palette No. 10 - Navy Blue and Crisp White

There is nothing more classic then the navy blue and crisp white color palette. It never loses its refreshing welcome.

Do you spy the leopard carpet? Told ya animal print is classic!



I usually give you a few of my paint picks for a color palette but this is one you just don't mess with.  This is the perfect navy blue paint color of choice:

Sherwin Williams SW6244 Naval

That is until they can duplicate the shade of this guy's eyes...

Image Sources: Barclay Butera, Decor Pad, House Beautiful, Veranda, Sherwin Williams



Be Inspired No. 24 - Design Bust

It started out of envy, this head bust love of mine. A dear friend invited me over to his new place and as it goes when you move to a new environment, there were some accessories on display he had packed (hidden) away at his old place.

I feel in love with this Phrenology Head gazing at me from his living room console. It was love at first sight. And since this dear friend didn't think we belonged together, this bust and I, I was on the hunt for one of my own. I now have 2. This first one I stumbled upon was a darling little six inch high one. And the second one is twice the size.

Some of the most stunning pieces of art are in bust form.

Bringing a bust home to your space is one of the most fun finds you will experience! And you don't need a pedestal to display it.

Image Sources: House Beautiful, Veranda, Running Into Myself, Captmondo, Elle Decor

RSVP Collection No. 27 - Serving Trays

I love research, for I have to share that when working on this blog post I searched for an image of a butler and had to smile when images of Gerard Butler came up. (heehee). Okay so back to the subject! I love serving trays for their versatility.

Hors d'oeurves taste better, a cup of tea is sweeter, after dinner drinks smoother on the palette, a beautifully written message holds the importance it deserves, and a display of little trinkets becomes the center of attention all when served up on a platter.

Love this Christian Dior monogrammed platter!

Trays of copper seem to go hand and hand with fresh baked breads.

Trays are art forms of their own. And I love this painted "Bernardo" tray.

Oh hello there my vintage Chanel serving tray. Won't you look just perfect in my bedroom?

I have a set of two of these faux python trays. Love them!

And don't forget to raid Grandma's vintage silver!

And just so you can appreciate all my hard work doing research for the blog.....

Image Sources: Wordpress, Powerstone, Global Views, Ibride, Patisserie Beatrix Ball, Replacements.com



Merry Christmas from Willow Bee Inspired!

Make this Christmas the most meaningful one yet!

RSVP Collection No. 29 - Tequila Bars

Tequila Bars

1-12 oz. box vanilla wafers

3/4 c. unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted

1/2 c. fresh lime juice

1-14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

honey for drizzling (optional)

1/2 c. pine nuts

1/3 c. tequila

5 large egg yolks, plus 2 egg whites

1 T. sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pulse the wafers and pine nuts in a food processor until ground up well. Add the butter and blend until evenly mixed. Set aside 1/4 c. crumbs; press the rest evenly into a 9" x 13" baking pan. Bake until golden brown, 15-18 minutes. Cool. 

In medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the tequila, lime juice, egg yolks, and condensed milk. In another medium bowl, beat the egg whites and sugar with an electric mixer until they hold soft peaks.

Gently fold the egg whites into the tequila mixture. Spread the filling evenly over the crust and bake for 25 minutes; cool. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight before cutting. Drizzle with honey, if desired.