HAVE YOU HEARD?????

It's coming back folks! GOLD in all shapes, sizes, and finishes.....Satin or Polished - Lacquered or Unlaquered. Brace yourself because it is here. Nothing is ever new it's only reinvented and this time around it is done right.

[photo 1 - kohler] [photo 2 - gessi]

A PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS

I give a big "round-of-applause" to Mr. Richard Shapiro (Studiolo Collection) for designing and creating this beautiful piece of art. A picture really is worth 1,000 words. I think this chandelier speaks loud enough for itself.

ONE MAN'S TRASH IS ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE

I thought I would share with everyone my small tiny condo I live in rent here at the Emerald Coast. I call it my treasure from another man's trash. Basically, it's my result of swirving off to county road 631, stopping mid travel to see what the man seated in his rocking chair is selling on his lawn, and simply just beating the trash man. AND.... of course, I credit Earl. I will blog about Earl a little later on for those wondering who Earl is. With each piece bought for $20.00 or less, only a little TLC with some inspiration and creativity was needed. I hope you see what I saw in these pieces of "trash" sold for a snippet of their value. With a little hope and...... well.......deep DEEP search for potential, I gave these guys a home.

Who says cupcakes are for kids????

Happy 4th of July people!!!!! I thought I would share a DELISH recipe with my fellow friends and readers. Thanks to Martha Stewart I will be an extra 5 pounds heavier by Tuesday. I LOVE Independence Day and all the festivities that accompany this holiday. If you like being festive and want to try this recipe....it is as follows. ENJOY! Oh....if you want to mix it up a little, substitute cupcake tins for ice cream cones. A trick I have grown up on.....thanks mom.

Yields 24

• 3 cups cake flour, not self rising
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp
• 2 cups sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1 cup nonfat buttermilk

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 pack of cream cheese (8 oz) - room temp
• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat oven 350, Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt, Set aside

Beat together butter and sugar for 3-5 mins (light and fluffy) Then while beating, add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until combined

With mixer on low, add 1 cup reserved dry mixture. Add 1/2 cup buttermilk;combine. Continue this process until the mixture and buttermilk is completely added.

Next, fill each baking cup foil or ice cream cone with batter

Bake 25-30 mins. Transfer to rack to cool

Lastly, frost those babies, decorate, and take a yummy bite!

ONE BOOK YOU CAN INDEED JUDGE BY THE COVER....

Who says you can't judge a book by its cover? Well.....maybe you shouldn't, but in this case we have an exception to the rule. How stunning is he? It was on my long list of must have cocktail table books. But, CHECK....I received it for Christmas this year from a sweet boy. The inside is just as pleasing too, as the out. So, go get it folks! Make sure to place him face up on top of the stack. He's way to handsome to not be seen.

Chairs: A History

Florence de Dampierre

www.amazon.com

St. Tropez me.....

What would you do with this chic piece of textile? If you must ask, to me it belongs on pillows placed in STARK WHITE outdoor lounge chairs or a sofa. It just might be my favorite pattern/colors for this summer season. It's both indoor and outdoor fabric....that's right I said it. BOTH = INDOOR & OUTDOOR. Where would you put it?

WATER IS A PRECIOUS RESOURCE......USE IT WISELY.

Anyone ever notice plumbing fixtures? Currently working in the bath/kitchen field of design....COMPLETELY different from fabrics and furniture, I have begun to notice the "hardware" instead of the "software" of the home. And, now I never enter a space without focusing my eyeballs on the shiny or satin disposals of water. Once you start to notice, it becomes a habit....trust me! And, when dealing with bath fixtures everyday you began to dream of them....and dreaming of them......makes me daydream of these exquisite pieces of jewelry. The spouts and handles are interchangeable, and the finishes are endless. Which one do you like best?

COMPAS

http://www.compasstone.com/

classique handle

pearl handles . mace spout

tudaor faucetry . hexagonal spout

grand ducale spout

james spout . james handles

medusa handle

pearl handle

SIGH.......Aren't they lovely?