A Pretty Place to Sit

Embarrassingly enough, the current state of my daughter's room is mediocre at best. Her poor room has been shuffled around to 4 different homes and as a result it lacks a sense of style. Lucky for her, mommy is very creative and a master at the sewing machine.

In preparation for her Big Girl Room, I've been squirreling away ideas for the big transformation that will hopefully take place next spring. One of the gorgeous pieces I've purchased is a French settee from Craig's List that I plan to paint and reupholster. The piece will sit opposite her four poster bed and serve as a reading spot, and gathering place for her and her friends to spend countless hours bonding.

Here are a few inspiration photos I've collected so far to help me in with my design decision.  I can't decide if I want to go bold and trendy or neutral and classic.

Via Made By Girl

Via Absolutely Beutiful Things

Via Domino

My Restoration Infatuation

I am constantly amazed and inspired by the beautiful linens, accessories and furniture Restoration Hardware Baby and Child debut. Their new fall line doesn’t disappoint. Here are just a few of my favorites.

I am kind of obbessed with these baskets.  Both the wire and gray wicker.

Beautiful Rugs

Wall Art

LOVE these floor pillows.

Mini table and chairs.

Lots of linens to love!

Bodacious Bunkroom

This space is so cool and the perfect kids' room for any vacation home.

image via

3 Alarm Birthday Party - Boy's Birthday Theme

I am in awe of this very cute and amazing boy's 3rd birthday party.  The theme was a firestation and the decorations and details are spot on.  Check out all the details and more info at Yourstylescout.blogspot.com.

I've Got an Orange Crush

I recently completed a new client project with bold orange drapes for a dining room.  Jamie, an uber stylish and sophisticated PR professional, has an elegant ecletic style about her home; think Palmer Weiss and Amanda Nisbet.

She wanted a pop of color in this room so we gravitated towards orange, the color that evokes appetite and socializing.  The drapes are a gorgeous linen fabric lined with a double liner to give them weight and luxury.  The end result was the definite WOW factor we were looking for.

Banana Bread with a Side of Sweet Summer Feet

Okay, maybe not with the feet.  Yesterday I went to get a mani pedi and brought my daughter along for her very first professional paint job.  She love it and was such angel the entire time and of ourse she had to get a painted flower.  Best $5 I've ever spent.

Then after a day of work and personal errands we headed home to bake; one of my duaghter's favorite past times.  We baked a Banana Bread recipe from the Barefoot Contessa and it was delicious.  Try it for yourself.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 pound unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 extra-large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 bananas)
• 1 cup small-diced walnuts
• 1 cup granola
• Granola and walnuts optional

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line 18 large muffin cups with paper liners. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the melted butter and blend. Combine the eggs, milk, vanilla, and mashed bananas, and add them to the flour-and-butter mixture. Scrape the bowl and blend well. Don't over mix.

Fold the walnuts and granola into the batter. Spoon the batter into the paper liners, filling each 1 to the top. Top each muffin with dried banana chips, granola, or coconut, if desired. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly, remove from the pan, and serve.