Gotta Love No. 27 - Chain Link

A few years ago while meeting with a fabric representative, I was shown a grid-like pattern that was newly introduced. When the fabric rep told me that the inspiration for this pattern was the netting used to bag Christmas trees I was intrigued.  It reminded me of the classic chain link pattern that never seems to grow old.

No matter the layers added to the chain link design it always shines through.  Whether traditional or modern surroundings this pattern is a classic.

How beautiful are both the cabinet doors as well as the table base? The geometric symmetry are stunning.

From bone china...to bed linens - this pattern is as comfortable as a worn pair of jeans.

 Though I don't care for it's design in the fence application, I do love it for home decor.

Image Sources:  Elle Decor, Global Views, Houzz, Decor Pad, Pinterest, Kate Spade, Sweet Something

RSVP Collection No. 42 - Tea and Coffee - An Art

It's intoxicating. The aroma, the taste. I love tea, I do not care for coffee, however, the aroma of coffee lures me. Sort of like the smell of a good cigar.

There are very rich traditions of serving and drinking tea that have been passed on for generations. But what is cool about these beverages is that if time is of the essence, the pleasure of these beverages can be enjoyed on the fly.

The pleasure it brings simply to our sense of smell is amazing. Take it a step further and select the cup you are pouring it into with a bit more selection. And our sense of sight is drawn into this art form as well. The sense of touch is delighted in its warm comfort or cool refreshment. Iced or hot we know our sense of taste will be happy.

If this is your cup of tea - designate a special place in your home for all the fixins'.

When you have the time for the ritual of afternoon tea, refer to this video of the etiquette of tea.

Image Sources:  YouTube, Hanson and Ellis, Shopping Cart and Shopper

Well Dressed Home No. 24 - The Fireplace Mantel

The fireplace mantel is a wonderful place to show our personality in our home. So how is that we find it easy to decorate this area at the holidays but struggle accessorizing it otherwise? Perhaps we find it hard to realize that there are no rules in design. We've been told rules exist - well if you still believe that - then approach the fireplace mantel as a place to break them.

When accessorizing the fireplace mantel keep the surrounding wall areas in mind. If the fireplace is surrounded by bookcases or open cabinets, the accessories perhaps should be more simplistic.

What is placed on and above the fireplace mantel can change the shape of a fireplace area, can enhance a ceiling height, can draw you in to see a painting close up. It is indeed a focal point and should be treated as one.

Fireplace mantels are a blank canvas and you are the artist. Create, step back, tweak, step back, take away, add, step back, got it! It's a dance between you and this space of your home. It will come together - just approach it with an open mind and a collection of things that make you smile.

Image Sources:   Joy Tribout, Courtney Giles, Architectural Digest, Arcadian Home, Pinterest, House Beautiful, Picasa Web

Translation - Fashion to Home No. 11 - The Motorcycle Jacket

Something about the motorcycle jacket that conjures up a delightfully dangerous smile.  We have all known a "bad boy" in our life time. Whether from our home town or in the movies. Depending on how brave we are about showing that side of us can translate into a wonderful addition to our home decor.

And the translation can be downright bold or it can be subtle. We can translate it by using leather upholstery in black hues or be shy and use camel, cognac, or brown leather hues. Don't fool yourself - your bad is showing no matter how you choose to incorporate it. 

Love the use of leather on these director chairs.

The translation can be sleek or traditional. It can even translate into appearing as if the jacket itself is just thrown over a chair in the room. I sort of get that impression from the room image above in this Nate Berkus room. 

Perhaps the translation comes into the room by using the bold black color on the walls and pairing it with the traditional Chesterfield sofa in a caramel color. Your bad is still showing.

Whether adding this element to the living room, the den, or the dining room the translation is a welcome one. Because just as the motorcycle jacket hasn't evolved in its design for many years, the translation remains traditional in its design as well. Furniture styles that have withstood the test of time.

When introduced on a Chesterfield or with wood finishes, embellished with nailhead trim, or inspired by the buckles on the motorcycle jacket and paired with chrome - this translation is a classic.

Put it on a French-inspired chair - you aren't going to fool me. Your bad is showing! And it looks stunning!



Image Sources:  Ralph Lauren, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, Decor Pad, Pinterest, Luxury Obsessed

RSVP Collection No. 41 - Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds

2 tsp. melted butter

pinch salt

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Toss pumpkin seeds in a bowl with melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Stirring ocassionally.

Image Sources:  All Recipes

Be Inspired No. 42 - Jack O' Lanterns

What a display!

Wow, do you know Jack? I am inspired by these pumpkin works of art! These aren't your childhood jack o' lanterns for sure. 

Love the zebra print pumpkin!

Amazing how art creations that catch our eye are those that are achieved with simplicity sometimes. Can't find white pumpkins - paint them. Want your pumpkin creations to last - don't cut them - paint decorations on them.

Welcome back decoupage! How cool are these pumpkins! From the leaf motif to the sophisticated Blue Willow pumpkin!

Love this fireplace display. What a great idea for an indoor Fall Get Together.

Celebrating Fall by the sea. Very cool!

Leave it to Martha, lace patterned pumpkins. How simple, but so elegant.

Can't go wrong with monograms.

See what some pumpkins, wire, wire cutters, and some pliers can do. 

Now you know Jack!


Image Sources:  Martha Stewart, Country Living, BHG, Coastal Living, Pinterest, HGTV, The Cottage Journal

RSVP Collection No. 40 - Quick Bean Soup

Quick Bean Soup

2 tsp. canola oil

2 c. prechopped onion

3/4 c. prechopped green bell pepper

1 c. fresh salsa

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 16 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 16 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 15 oz. can black beas, rinsed and drained

2 14.5 oz. can stewed tomatoes, undrained and chopped

1 14 oz. can fat free chicken broth

flat parsley

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; saute 4 minutes or until tender. Add salsa and next 6 ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 7 minutes. Garnish with parsley. 

Serve with baked tortilla chips.

Image Source:  Weight Watchers