Rooms I Love No. 8 - Nice Legs!

My definition of what an outfit is would be better described as what it is not.  Quite simply an outfit is not a suit.  It is not matching, rather it is creating a combination of beautiful pieces that compliments and evolves into beautiful personal style.  And in rooms that I love it is clearly evident that "outfitting" is the inspiration.

No competition here.  The legs, all of them, compliment this amazing floor!

The selection of beautiful pieces without regard to matching this leg style to that leg style creates a design aesthetic that is simply about what we love and what defines us.  Paying attention to conforming or matching robs one of a room that is a collection of pieces we "just fall in love with".  Don't let that happen.

Conformity is comfortable, but more comfortable is nonconformity.  You'll see, and feel this, once you give in to choosing to display and use what you love rather than what someone else loves.  So I am loving these rooms in Rooms I Love No. 8 because I first see the wonderful room; then I notice the mix of leg styles and nod my head to the one who said I know it isn't right for everyone, but, as for me, I like it.

Loving the legs, all of them!  Wood, metal, and skirted in harmonious creativity.

The simplicity of mixing!  Oxymoron love!

Leg mix - chunky and delicate.

Almost missed that side table, until I mentioned delicate?  A room is not to be studied for duplication.  A room is to be appreciated for its clear evidence that when we bring together the pieces we love - the result is a room we love.

In the words of ZZ Top, "She's got legs and she knows how to use them!"

Nice legs!  

Image Source:  Vicente Wolf, Elle Decor, Cote de Texas, Michael Penney, Houzz, Architectural Digest

RSVP Collection No. 48 - Iced Tea, No Sugar Needed

Iced Tea, No Sugar Needed

Start the morning with a three-teabag infusion, each a different variety of tea. Vital ingredient is red bush tea (also known as rooibos). Made from the leaves of a South African herb, Aspalthus linearis, it's decaf and isn't even related to traditional tea, but serves as a great substitute with a subtly sweet taste and less than half the tannin of regular tea. And unlike wan fruit tea, it still has a kick to it, essential when avoiding caffeine. African red bush tea can be found of late in most supermarkets; Tazo and Celestial Seasonings both offer versions. 

With red bush as a base note, add another strong flavor, such as rose hips tea, for a rosy drink, or ginger tea. 

The third bag can be as flowery or fruity as you like, such as green tea with cranberry. 

Fill a two-quart heavy glass pitcher to about a third with boiling water to make a strong infusion. (You can also use a teapot, of course, but I skip that step by using a pitcher that can stand up to hot water.)

After steeping for long enough to let the liquid cool down (say 20 minutes), fill up the jug with cold water and stir. Then add citrus slices—lemons are fine but limes give more depth. If you are craving some natural sweetness, sliced orange or clementine make a good addition. 

The inclusion of mint is a must.

Reprinted from Remodelista.

Rethinking the Look of Things No. 29 - Bed Placement, Whatever Floats Your Boat

Okay, my fellow rebels!  It's time to break the rules.  Ever heard that saying, "whatever floats your boat?" I am loving the transformation created by placing a bed in the center of a room. Makes one rethink the look of things. The openness that is created by having space around all four walls of the room is crazy good!

Floating the bed really does give a dramatic change in perspective and a feeling of freedom.

Good golly, miss molly!

Even the bed with a canopy treatment still keeps its cocoon-like atmosphere 

floating in the room.

This view wouldn't be the same if the bed was pushed up against the opposing wall.

It just wouldn't!

Loving the gallery of art displayed "behind" the bed.

Cocoon secure!

This bed is even made for floating!

And you don't need the constraints of a city apartment to enjoy it.

That's right, if you are going to have a fireplace like that in the bedroom -

by all means put the bed where you can take full advantage!

Awesome placement - the walkway created by floating the bed

and the charming reading nook, delightful!

"Nobody puts Baby in the corner."  Agreed, Patrick Swayze!

Are you seeing those sun's rays coming in at just the right angles!

This, by far, is perfection.

 I love breaking the rules!  Ladies and gentleman, let's start pushing those beds to the center of the room.

Image Sources:  Cote de Texas, Cottage Style, Palladium Hotel, Pinterest, Elle Decor, Kevin Sharkey, In The Back Pocket, Architectural Digest, So Chic, Vibrance and Chaos, Steven Sills, Vicente Wolf, Sketch 42

RSVP Collection No. 47 - Bacon Pancake Dippers

Bacon Pancake Dippers

• 1 recipe of the Bisquick pancake batter including the ingredients to make the batter
• 12 slices center cut bacon
• lite syrup 

 Big Book of Breakfast at AmazonThe Big Book of Breakfast.

Instructions

1. Cook bacon and set aside.
2. Mix batter according to the package directions.
3. Pour into a squeeze bottle with a big enough hole for the batter to pour from. I used a cheap picnic ketchup bottle. You know the tall skinny red ones. They also come in yellow for mustard.
4. I cut the tip bigger.
5. Heat griddle. I heat mine to 300 degrees.
6. Squirt batter in a long oval shape a little longer and wider then the bacon and place a slice of cooked bacon in the center.
7. Lightly press bacon into the batter.
8. Squeeze more batter over the bacon. I just did a wiggle line.
9. This is to protect the bacon from the griddle when you turn that pancake dipper over.
10. Cook until the batter starts to bubble then turn over and cook a few minutes longer.
11. Serve syrup in 4 ounce wide mouth mason jars.

Notes

This is a LBC original!

http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/buffet-pancake-dippers/

Gotta Love No. 35 - Have You Any Wool?

Using real and faux sheepskin in interior design is nothing new.  But the use of sheep sculptures as statement pieces is fun and unique.  The smile it brings to a room is contagious.

Loving this three-piece sheep ottoman!

I believe that the use of sheep pays some tribute to French artist Francois-Xavier Lalanne, a sculptor of surrealistic animals.  His "Mouton de Pierre", a group of ten painted epoxy stone and patina bronze sheep, sold for over seven million dollars at a Christie's auction in 2011.

How great is this faux sheepskin throw for adding texture?

Great underfoot.  And a good morning to you too!

What a transitional touch!

Adorable in a child's room!

Love this rug!

What a dinner conversation!

Image Sources:  Elle Decor, Flippen Life, Veranda, Pepperjack Interiors, Little Green Notebook, Room and Board, Desire to Decorate, Coco+Kelley, Architectural Digest, House & Home

Tools of the Trade No. 2 - The Navigator

My fascination with vintage tools and their design continues with the maritime trade.  I would love to use these as accessories in the perfect room.  The story behind their origin could take one on many voyages.

The mix of vintage and new takes a room to a thought evoked status.  After all, anyone can create a theme oriented room, not everyone can use vintage tools with the unexpected placement they thrive in.

This signal flag display is pure, as pure as the discoveries made during the voyages in which it flew freely on the sea.

Yes, vintage tools are cool.  Vintage navigation tools included.

Image Sources:  Ebay, Antiques-Mall, Six O Six, Luvne, Ruby Lane, BBC, Elle Decor