Design Trends…India and the Far East

April 15, 2013

Sara Silver . Home Design, Inspiration

Two Worlds Arts

If you’re anything like me you’ve been snooping through magazines and hitting up Pinterest for some inspiration on livening up your home for the coming Summer months. From colors, to materials, to patterns and trends it can really be overwhelming!

With that in mind, I’ve decided to dedicate Mondays to featuring some of the better home design trends I’ve seen out there. The goal is to keep your space interesting; not just for entertaining but so you and your family can stay entertained! Adding a few small trendy pieces around the house keeps your home looking fresh and inspired without breaking the bank.

INDIA AND THE FAR EAST

Elle Decor did a trend alert on Far East home decor recently and I like this one for a lot of reasons. Colors from India and the Far East are bold and vibrant (perfect for Summer) and the angles and shapes of this style are visually interesting.

Take a look at some examples of this current trend; can you work the Far East into your home this season?

Overstock

Malibu Creations

Elle Decor

Suzys Vintage Attic

Houzz

Elle Decor

Joss and Main

Crafts in India

Mason Jar Hanging Lamps…Saturday DIY

April 13, 2013

Sara Silver . DIY, Home Design, Home Projects, Inspiration

Joyzz

Top 5 Favorite Photo Food Blogs…

April 12, 2013

Sara Silver . Food, Inspiration

What Katie Ate

Face it, it’s hard to come up with things to make for dinner every night! We try to be creative but so many times in the end it’s the box of Kraft mac and cheese and cut up hot dogs that make their way to the stove top. Well, I’m a visual learner and there’s no better way to get inspired to cook than looking at a photo of a beautifully put together meal and thinking…”hey, I can do that!”

So, without further adieu here are my Top 5 Favorite Photo Food Blogs (say that 5 times fast).

#1. What Katie Ate

What Katie Ate

Even if I hated cooking I would still read this blog; the photography is incredible. What Katie Ate offers a wide array of recipe options that include meat and gluten-free meal alternatives. Must check this one out!

#2. Verses From My Kitchen

Verses From My Kitchen

Verses From My Kitchen

This guy loves to cook…and drink. He’s as much a writer as he is a food lover; his stories are engaging and fun to read and the photos are inspiring. Verses From My Kitchen makes you feel as though you have a friend cooking right along with you.

#3. Hungry Girl por Vida

Hungry Girl por Vida

Food, photos, makeup tips, milk shakes…this food photo blog is for the ladies and I love it. Get food inspired and find a new concealer all at the same time! Cannot think of a better combination.

#4. What Should I Eat for Breakfast Today

What Should I Eat for Breakfast Today

Have you ever asked yourself that question? Well, this blog has all the early morning answers! From Fried Pears to Polish Pancakes this beautiful food blog gives scrambled eggs a run for their money with exciting alternatives to the breakfast norms.

#5. theKitchn

theKitchn

A branch of Apartment Therapy, theKitchn is more than just a place to find photo inspiration and recipes. They’ve got tips for serving large groups and picky eaters and how to’s for presenting your meals with style. Photo and food fabulous!

Spring in the City…

April 12, 2013

Sara Silver . Inspiration . City Inspiration

The Cinderella Project

Imgur

Inspired Design

Flickr/Vath.Sok

HDR Creme

212 Access

That Inspiration Girl

Inspired Design

Parisian Spring

Source Unknown

Charleston, SC…A Weekend Escape

April 11, 2013

Sara Silver . Travel

Wmagazine

We spent this past weekend in Charleston, SC; every time I go I wish we could just move their permanently. Like really, I consider options for relocation and whether I would rather live in a shack in Charleston or a lovely apartment just outside of Charlotte. That’s a hard one.

People in Charleston still stroll; through the cobblestone walkways between the 18th and 19th century homes with porches facing the South and West to capture the cool ocean breeze. It’s a different way of life and living in general; as if there’s some sort of conspiracy to keep southern charm alive and everyone who lives there is in on it.

I kept a little photo diary of our trip…a sampling of some traditional low-country cuisine and some of our favorite spots around the city. If you’ve never been, enjoy the tour!

Reclaiming Your Castle

Reclaiming Your Castle

Smoky Jalapeno Grilled Cheese With Tomatillos…Food Republic

April 5, 2013

Sara Silver . Food . Food Republic

Food Republic

I’ve said it before and I really mean it…one of my favorite things about writing this blog is all of the new inspiration I’ve found for DIY projects around the house, tips and tricks for updating our living space and food! I’ve stumbled across some of the most amazing online publications and blogs about food that I never knew existed. I did a post on risotto from Food 52 that I used for Easter dinner and it was amazing; something I never would have tried had I not discovered it here.

In any case, another incredible food site is Food Republic and this is a recipe for Grilled Cheese…all grown up style! Get the kids to bed early tonight and “Treat Yo’ Self!” (if you’re a fan of Parks and Recs with Amy Poehler you’ll appreciate that reference) 🙂

Food & Wine Suggested Pairing for Grilled Cheese: Riesling

Ingredients

1 fresh jalapeno, stem and seeds discarded, minced

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

juice of one lime

1 fresh tomatillo, thinly sliced

1 1/2 ounces mild cheddar, grated

1 1/2 ounces smoked gouda, grated

1 ounce Gruyere, grated

2 slices crusty white bread

2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

Combine jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly and set aside for at least ten minutes.
Using the palms of your hands, lightly press the tomatillo slices between two paper towels to draw out the excess liquid. Set aside.
Sprinkle the cheddar on one of the white bread slices. Drain the jalapenos and cilantro, reserving the lime juice. Sprinkle the jalapeños and cilantro on top of the cheddar cheese. Add the gruyere, followed by the gouda, followed by the tomatillo slices. Put the second slice of bread on top and microwave for twenty seconds to pre-melt the cheese.
Meanwhile, melt one tablespoon butter in skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the middle of the butter and press on top with a spatula. When the sandwich is flattened, use the spatula (or a butter knife, if you prefer) to spread the remaining butter on top of the sandwich.
When the bottom half turns a golden color, flip the sandwich. Press down again with the spatula, and fry until the other half is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If necessary, flip the sandwich again to keep it from burning.
Transfer to a plate and cut in quarters. Brush with the reserved lime juice, or set aside for dipping and serve.

Minty Fresh…Cool Spring Color!

April 4, 2013

Sara Silver . Inspiration . Mint, Spring

Flickr

I love this picture for a lot of reasons; the first…I cannot get enough of mint and chocolate. It’s the one flavor of ice cream that no one else in my family will eat but me (maybe that’s why I like it so much). I haven’t tried a mint chocolate cupcake yet but I’m officially inspired.

Secondly, Mint is one of the most popular colors this Spring. From tea cups to earrings to wedding dresses it’s popping up everywhere. It works like a neutral but with more personality and makes anything paired with it pop.

Where can you work Mint into your home or wardrobe this Spring?

Hello-Naomi

Layla Grayce

Munaluchi Bride

Obaz

Anthropologie

Mobel Pobel

Ontwerpduo

Simply Me

Flickr/Wood Wool Stool

Bright Rooms Bursting with Color…

April 3, 2013

Sara Silver . Home Design, Inspiration . Colors and Patterns

Half Asleep Studio

One of the biggest points of contention between my husband and I in terms of decorating is his love for modern, sleek, monochromatic furnishings and my love for bold, bright colors and prints that rarely ever match. Here’s the thing; I love the kind of decorating that masters the skill of putting two or more colors or patterns together that at first glance make no sense but as one piece look high-end and chic. Normally we discuss and come to a happy median somewhere between what I consider boring and what he considers too bold…but tonight, since this is my blog, we’ll celebrate the better of the two options and explore rooms bursting with color : )

Habitually Chic

6th Street Design School

Etc-All The Rest

Flickr

ivillage

Lolalina

See…I knew you would agree with me!

How to Make Your House Sing…

April 2, 2013

Sara Silver . Home Design, Inspiration . Music

The Bump

A huge part of my day job is keying numbers into a never ending excel sheet and that’s only endurable because of my ipod…and a Pandora station featuring Ben Folds that I’ve been cultivating for the past two years : )

Music can make any task more enjoyable and pleasant and I love the thought of representing that feeling around the house.

If you’re a music lover like I am, here are a few ideas to help make your house sing.

PopSugar

Even if you haven’t been collecting old record albums they’re out there and in most cases they’re easy to find. I really like the idea of a photo wall gallery…but a wall gallery made up of album covers…love!