RSVP Collection No. 19 - Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers

6 large green peppers

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 c. chopped onion

1 16 oz. can tomatoes, cut up

1/2 c. long grain rice

1/2 c. water

1 t. salt

1 t. Worcestershire sauce

1 c. shredded American cheese

Cut tops from green peppers; discard seeds and membranes. Chop enough of the tops to make 1/4 c.; set aside. Cook the whole green peppers, uncovered, in boiling water for 5 minutes; invert to drain well. Sprinkle insides of peppers lightly with salt. In a skillet cook ground beef, onion, and the 1/4 c. chopped green pepper till meat is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain off excess fat. Add undrained tomatoes, uncooked rice, water, salt, Worcestershire, and dash pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 to 18 minutes or till rice is tender. Stir in cheese. Stuff peppers with meat mixture. Place in a 10x6x2-inch baking dish. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Serves 6.

Translation Fashion to Home No. 3 - Polly Wants A Cracker

When someone says "a picture is worth a thousand words" it prompts the viewer to look a bit closer so they don't miss a detail. This Max Mara fashion photograph brings beautiful rooms to mind.

The colors provide such a wonderful palette that is so bright, yet sophisticated.

This color combination can be appreciated in a restrained application just as much. So whether you like the quieter simplicity of the  "saltine cracker" or the taste-bud bursting "sundried tomato" cracker. This translation of fashion to home will surely please.


Image Sources: Country Living, Decor Pad, Jill Goldberg, Metropolitan Home, Veranda, Rosso Ubarri

Speaking of Floors No. 2 - Painted Floors

How delightful a painted floor can be! Whether a solution for a worn concrete or hardwood floor or a new floor - this design is limited only by your braveness and vision. And as long as the right materials are used this floor is so easy to maintain.

Some hardwood floor manufacturers have actually introduced painted floor options in solid colors with a gloss finish that are so beautiful. Whether you keep them solid or add a pattern - they are stunning.

Image Sources: Elle Decor, Traditional Home, Shaw Industries, Lauzon



Color Palette No. 6 - Pink and Chocolate Brown

Warning - this color palette is not for the weak and wimpy. It is reserved for the fun-loving and a bit of sassy amongst us.  So if you have been struggling to harness your deep down desire to have fun in your home with a nonconventional color palette - I say phooey-go for it! This life we are living is not dress rehearsal.

This is where my love of using a pop of color on a traditional upholstery frame or painting a piece of furniture a high gloss color becomes a must!

Loving these patent leather pink chairs! Sacrilege, darling!

The color palette paint colors:

Sherwin Williams - In The Pink

Benjamin Moore - Peony

Benjamin Moore - Middlebury Brown



Image Sources:  House Beautiful, VT Interiors Blog, Benjamin Moore, Decor Pad, Country Living

Finds No. 5 - Architectural Salvage

During a recent conversation with an aquaintance, they were telling me of an upcoming project of the demolition of an old building and my ears perked up and my mind started racing. Because there is something amazing about finding architectural salvage and using these pieces as accessories. Bringing a twist to a room.

Restraint is important when using architectural salvage in a design, for without it you lose its appeal and appreciation.

These worn leather doors make a stunning headboard.

An Italian etagere makes a great open shelf storage area.

This is the fairest of them all - a mirror made from reclaimed wood.

Image Sources: Elle Decor, Post & Beam Reclamation, Restoration Hardware, Traditional Home

Be Inspired No. 13 - The Coolness of Zinc

I'm inspired by the coolness of zinc. This chemical element of atomic number 30, a silvery-white metal is a constituent of brass and is used for coating (galvanizing) iron and steel to protect against corrosion. (That's for my geekish readers.) All I know?.... This is where cool is.

Loving the zinc-top vanity for a coastal home.

Hello gorgeous! This vintage French zinc horse head originally hung outside a blacksmith shop. Circa 1920.

Not only loving the roof lines of this French image but the zinc rooftops capture the light like no other. 

Vintage French zinc rooftop finials...in love!

What a combination:  zinc top dining table, mix of chair styles, sisal rug!

And for sharing the coolness of zinc - gift tags!

Image Sources: Pinterest, Elle Decor, Anthropologie, Bobos Intriguing Objects, Decor Pad, Acquired Objects, House Beautiful, Euro Antique Market, Old Plank Road, Katie Did

Rethinking the Look of Things No. 10 - House REWarming Party

I'm a kitchen gadget kind of gal so when I was in a local fine department store's Home Department I went crazy over the kitchen gadget section. And when I visit the local William Sonoma store - I just aimlessly wonder in circles and wish, and wish, and wish. And I've determined that a new party fad is needed. I'm calling it a "House REWarming Party".

When one gets married they register their wish list for gift-givers and when one moves to a new home they have a housewarming celebration. Well for those of us who have been through those two life milestones and are still using kitchen gadgets we received way back when I say it's time for a House REWarming Party!

Besides the fact that kitchen gadgets are easier and more clever, let's talk about the colors available!

Did you know the KitchenAid Artisan mixer is available in 27 colors?

Let's talk about where these collapsible measuring spoons. Where were they when we set-up our kitchen.

You can't deny that for some strange reason your favorite pot roast would look and taste so much better in a Le Creuset pot.

Okay - loving this flat whisk. Yup, I still have the traditional one.

I am so loving the contemporary clean lines of these kitchen tools!

At least this meat tenderizer doesn't look like a serial killer's weapon of choice.

Swoon! Check out this olive oil can. I gave this to two people as Christmas gifts last year. Trust me it was hard to let go.

I'm just concentrating on the kitchen, but a House REWarming Party could be for all areas of the home. I mean really, have you felt the Hotel Collection-type linens lately. Luxurious.

So what do you think of this new party fad I want to get started? I'll volunteer for the trial run!

Image Sources: Le Creuset, Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Martha Stewart, Crate & Barrel, Bed Bath & Beyond