Pages

7.28.2012

Newly Decorated/Furnished Room!

I have recently, at last finished revamping my room, and I couldn't be more excited about it! I painted the walls a very clean, and bright white tinted with a shade of violet, and used a deep violet matte color for the trip and accent colors.

The key pieces of furniture in my room were purchased here and there, but predominately at ikea! I love shopping at ikea, not only for the great deals- but it is a wonderful place to gather inspiration!

I really love the feel of bright, organized, and spacious rooms. In my own bedroom- while beginning the revamping process, I made sure that each aspect of the room would have it's own 'space.'

I have a large hanging mirror, with a wall mounted shelf for doing make-up and hair, this was chosen because the square footage of my room is rather small, and a sit down piece would take up too much floor space.

The armoire picture above spans floor to ceiling, and fits perfectly inside the small closet space that I have. For many years, we were searching for the right doors to finish the closet, but when I saw this piece- equipped with mirrored doors- I immediately thought it was the perfect fit. The mirrored doors really create the illusion of a much larger space.

To the right of the armoire, pictured is a home crafted earring organization method. I took apart a square frame, and used just the frame itself- got 1cm x1cm metal screen and hot glued a square piece of the screen to exactly fit the back of the frame. When the glue dries, and you flip the frame to face the correct way- you have a perfect method to hang your earrings. The frame naturally sits just the right distance away from the wall to be hung, without getting in the way of your earring backs!

I am a collector of perfumes- and I love to display them, having the 60 in. long dresser with a glass top, allows for the perfect surface to position the beautiful bottles in just the right spot!

Ansel Adams happens to be one of my all time favorite photographers- and this massive coffee table book is the perfect way to create a center piece to my dresser top decoration- and it allowed me to show off some of my jewelry in a creative way! Can you tell I have a thing for Michael Kors watches ;)

Lastly, atop a very large stack of my collection of Real Simple, and Vogue magazines- I have a sweet smelling candle, and lavender lotion- two things which always help me to fall asleep :)

How do you like to decorate your own personal space?!


7.27.2012

Fun Odds and Ends


Just a few things I've been eyeing lately! Love the bold colors and clean feel!

What has been catching your eye this summer?



7.26.2012

A Few Summer Snacks!

Home-made "Ice Tray Popsicles," not only easy to make but delicious! 


Cous Cous Salad, while I can't say this is actually something I like- it was always served at the summer birthday celebrations of my two best friends! Perfectly light, and a nice way to integrate different vegetables and flavors of your choice!

Quite possibly the most delicious summertime snack you can make using a tree branch and some chocolate ;) Yum!

Strawberry Smoothie! For those days when you just don't have time to make a grande lunch- this is not only refreshing, but a scrumptious way to fill you up with healthy nutrients :)

7.07.2012

Let the Cromwell Cup Begin!

Tomorrow the competitive rowing club I am a member of is hosting their annual "Cromwell Cup Regatta." Local and traveling crews will be duking it out through the powerhouse stretch all day seeking a finish at the top! 


So far it looks like the weather is going to be absolutely beautiful on the Charles River in Boston, MA. If your interested in spending a wonderful Sunday outside in Boston, we welcome all spectators! There will be plenty of interesting vendors along the river banks, and I can guarantee some very exciting racing!

Check out this link for more info, and as always
cheer for the competitors wearing blue and white stripes!

7.06.2012

Recipe Review!

Yesterday I made this d e l i c i o u s Lattice Top Red Raspberry Pie! If you follow the link it will take you to the original recipe and baking instructions!

A few notable observations after following this recipe!

1) The filling combination, when finished baking...has absolutely phenomenal flavor! It took a little over 5 cups of raspberries however- just a tip!

2) For the pastry, the ingredients are listed and then the baking instructions follow- however the final two ingredients listed (1 tbsp. milk/1 tbsp. sugar) are not included in the immediate instructions for making the dough- it is unclear as to what to do with these ingredients until you read further in the recipe...they are used once your pie crust is rolled and the lattice top is applied to dust the top with sugar before baking. 

3) Be careful when combining the shortening, with the flour, sugar, salt mixture- if you break down the texture too much it will be very difficult to roll, and then place in your glass pan without the dough breaking. I would recommend combining the shorting in, by using your hands to ensure you only mix until you have small crumbles of dough. 

4) The cooking time says about 60-70 minutes, at 375 in a professional oven my pie took just about 75 minutes to be perfectly cooked through. 

All in all: loved the filling, wouldn't change a thing- might consider using a different dough recipe- as it was very fragile once rolled out and difficult to perfectly place the lattice.

Enjoy!!