Dual Purpose

For a couple of months I've been flirting with the idea of adding bookshelves to my dining area which would serve two purposes. The first is to give me some much needed shelf space for my literary collections and the second, also a storage issue, for all the dinnerware/serving pieces that are currently shoved into my tiny galley kitchen. And also for the drama...

Love the combination of modern, boxy bookshelves with the ornate crystal chandelier. I think I'd definitely go for simple (and relatively inexpensive) bookcases and then pair them with a fun light source over my table. 

{Images via Pinterest}

Baking with Cereal

Baking with cereal... those three words are music to my ears. After having several conversations about how much we both enjoy sugary cereals, my sister-in-law, Emily, bought a copy of the new Momofuku Milk Bar Cookbook for us to share. 

Have you not heard of Milk Bar? Well neither had I until I unwrapped their cookbook on Christmas morning. Here's a brief rundown for the uninitiated: Momofuku Milk Bar is the domain of desert mastermind Christina Tosi who for several years created fabulous deserts in the basement of the original Momofuku Noodle Bar location for Momo and its sister restaurants. Baking with ingredients that range from the best sugary breakfast cereals to the unusual (think avocado or miso) she was soon given charge of her own bakery space cristened Milk Bar. 

For my first foray into Milk Bar territory I decided to attempt the "Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies." Fruity Pebbles are far and away my favorite sugary cereal sin. I was only ever allowed them on vacations so there's something illicit about making a cookie with them as an adult. I feel confident in my cookie baking skills and while there are a lot of steps, including creating a toasted "crunch" with the fruity pebbles and creaming the butter and sugar for a full 10 minutes, it is a relatively simple recipe. 

The whole time I was making these I kept repeating "these are the best cookies in the world" and while some may challenge this I feel this is fairly accurate. They're pretty damn good!

I highly recommend adding this book to your cookbook arsenal! I regret that I didn't have the energy to attempt baking while Emily was still down here in Florida. But don't worry, I'll freeze some for when she's back in January. 

{Cover Image via Amazon}

Sequined

Sequin attire? Yes, please. In case you weren't aware of my love affair with this circular sparklers please see some of my previous posts, especially those featuring Jenny Packham or Moroccan wedding blankets. Here are some glam images to drool over: 

While sequins are making a splash in the daytime, what better night out of 365 is better for them then New Year's Eve? I've thrown together a couple of looks from casual drinks with friends to elegant soirée for the last night of the year.

First Look

J Crew Sequin T Shirt :: Citizens of Humanity Jeans :: Fendi Flats :: Anya Hindmarch Bow Handbag 

Stella & Dot Sofia Pearl Bib Necklace :: Alex and Chloe Heart Earrings

Second Look

Birger et Mikkelsen Scoop Neck Dress :: Ralph Lauren High Heel Sandals

Anya Hindmarch Clutch Handbag :: Marco Bicego Diamond Ring  :: J Crew Vintage Bangle 

Majorica South Sea Pearl Earrings

Third Look

Vince Short Dress :: Diesel Black Gold Leather Jacket :: J Crew Opaque Tight 

Valentino Leather Booties :: J Crew Suede Clutch :: Amrita Singh Earrings

{Images via Pinterest}

Design Crush: Tommy Smythe

My trip to the grocery store to feed the masses, otherwise known as my family, was rewarded by picking up the January issues of a couple of my favorite shelter magazines. I fell instantly for the cover feature in Canadian House & Home. Not really a surprise to me considering it's the work of Sarah Richardson's master sidekick and designer extraordinaire, Thomas Smythe. With a style dubbed "New Victorian" by Mr. Smythe, this house delivers all the traditional elements you'd expect from a Victorian home paired with fun, funky, and glam deco, geometric and modern accents.

Do I really need to even discuss this fabulous kitchen? 

 Check out that deco inspired chandelier in the formal living space...

That fabulous kitchen flows right into the family lounge with a classic tufted sofa upholstered in red velvet to echo the red lantern over the kitchen's island. I wish my lounge sofa was as elegant. 

We all know I have a thing for libraries and study spaces. This gorgeous space is no exception! Love the glossy green walls paired with the leathers and rich woods. 

Please forgive the scanned images, I hope to replace them with the digital files once they're posted on House & Home's website. I highly reccommend buying a copy for yourself, not only are the pictures great but the article is definitely worth reading. 

{Images via Canadian House & Home)

Boxing Day - Off Duty

I hope everyone (who celebrates) had a wonderful Christmas yesterday! I had a great time watching my 18 month old niece open her gifts from Santa; she even helped open some other presents as well. Santa brought my mom a brand new MacBook which I'm happily using to write this post today instead of that dinosaur PC in my father's office. Thank goodness! 

I received some fabulous presents as well, including some great design books, but I am most grateful for the time spent with my family. Today we're off to the beach to create more sand castles for my niece to destroy in a Godzilla-esque fashion. 

And let's have a round -of-applause for Stephanie who guest posted for me on Wednesday and Thursday last week! She's such an amazing friend to give me a few days off and a natural born blogger. Maybe she'll come back to post about her new apartment in Minnesota...what do you say, Steph?

Back to normal posting tomorrow... Happy Monday!

{Image via Pinterest}

Homes for the Holidays: Traditional Red & Green

This charmer, built in the low country tradition, is the home of Steve and Marianne Harrison the restorers of the historic Rhett House Inn in Beaufort, SC. The high contrast of crisp white walls and dark, rich wood floors allows the traditional red and green holiday decorations shine. 

The red tin roof was probably not added with Christmas decor in mind, but it sure works!

Love that the couple left off having upper cabinets, it creates a more traditional airy feeling in this gorgeous kitchen. 

Heirloom silver is perfect to display with the red & green decor.

Smitten with this raised fireplace in the kitchen! Ingenious use of the lower space to create designated log storage. My inner obsessive compulsive loves this!

{Images photographed by Lucas Allen for Southern Living}

The Twelve Days of Design Christmas

Forgive the poetic license taken with some of the images (it is extremely difficult to find the right "maids a milking" or "pipers")! It is a mix of fashion, print and home decor, all from Pinterest.

Twelve Drummers Drumming

Eleven Pipers Pipping (Do sand pipers count? I think so).

Ten Lords a Leaping. This is the Lords Hotel in Miami. Love those window treatments!

Nine Ladies Dancing

Eight Maids a Milking

Seven Swans a Swimming

Six Geese a Laying

Five Golden Rings

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens (Courtesy of Kate Spade)

Two Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree