There is something about cobalt blue beach umbrellas, chaise lounges
and palm trees that says vacation...
Have a bright, bold, and beautiful weekend!
Best of BB&B this week:
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Chess Anyone - The Boca Resort
Chess anyone? I love this life size chess set on the grounds of the beautiful Boca Resort. Enjoy a game with your afternoon tea...
Bright Bold and Beautiful: Bon Bon Rose Girls
"What is bright, bold, and beautiful to you?" Thank you Megan!
Like Laura, who we all know and adore, I’m all about living a fun and vibrant lifestyle. One way I achieve this is by filling my life with friends and events that I entertain for. Having a full house of guests over for dinner and parties is when I’m truly at my happiest, and over the past few years I’ve developed some tricks to get the party started and keep it that way. After all no one likes a dull dinner party!
1) Before guests arrive put the appetizers and munchies in the room you want people to congregate in. It never fails that people always want to hang in the kitchen. However, for the head chef (that’s me!) it can be a stressful to have too many people staring me down while I chop! Instead put out a little bowl of nuts (I’m personally obsessed with these honey roasted almonds), crackers and cheese (two thumbs up on Manchengo cheese, it’s a total crowd pleaser) and some drinks on the coffee table. People will naturally wander to where the food is and start talking. Fingers crossed, this should leave you with less of a crowd watching while you put the final touches on dinner.
2) If you’re preparing a more complicated main course why not do a dessert that is simple and can be made the day or morning before? This will mean less chaos for you, especially after a few glasses of vino. Also, its makes the whole evening more approachable and fun for guests. We all know what a whiz you are in the kitchen, so serving something like brownie sundaes or an apple pie lets everyone kick back and relax after a great meal. This ridiculously easy ice cream crispie cake is a summer hit and takes 10 minutes. Given its simplicity it makes me laugh as people devour it, but hey, whatever works!
3) Set your table the night before. If you’re having a seated dinner party you simply must trust me on this. I’ve failed on several occasions big time in this department. The morning of a party I’m always out running last minute errands (Whole Foods, liquor store, etc.) and then it’s off to the kitchen, so that the table is often the last thing to get my attention. By setting the table the night before, you guarantee that you won’t be handing out forks at the last minute.
Of course the last tip comes straight from good ol’ Bridget Jones and her blue soup. Have a great attitude! Pile the dishes to the side, grab a glass of vino and relax. After all they are friends for a reason, if the chicken is scorched and you have to order a pizza, laugh about it and no one will care. They are here to see you and have a fun evening, not judge you on your coco au vin!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Beautiful Home Living ~ Incorporating Animals in your Decor
Animals are fun to incorporate into your decor. Popular themes are monkeys, birds, and elephants. This pair of elephants is perfect for this spot on the marble floor. They are great conversation pieces.
This theme is carried over into the sun room on the side table. There are elephant bookends beside the tropical palm tree lamp.
Aren't these monkeys cute. Have fun with your home accents.
In the dining room, there are two birds on either side of the mirror.
What other animals do you incorporate into your decor?
Beautiful Home Living in Boca Raton
You just cannot get a prettier view than this! I am so glad to be in Boca Raton. Our home overlooks the ocean on one side and the Boca Raton Resort on the other.
Every room has gorgeous ocean views.
I'll be back later after a dip in the pool and a long walk on the beach!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Bright and Beautiful Zinnia Blooms
These bright and beautiful Zinnia blooms bring a smile to my face.
Happy Wednesday! Click here for tips on growing your colorful
Zinnias in your garden.
Be Bold ~ Chunky Platform High Heels
Would you be so daring as to wear these chunky platform high heels by Tristan Blair? They are show stoppers!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Beautiful Home Living : Stylish Foyers
I don't want to beat the idea to the ground about black banisters, but check out the new September issue of Traditional Home. One of the changes that Nina Richter made in the entrance of her house in the Hamptons was the color of the banister.
Toile Lavender Sachets
I love anything with a toile pattern, and these lavender sachets are adorable.
Fine Art Photography and Framed Paper Cuttings
I am always excited to showcase local talent and Dave and Janet Lynch are just that! They are a husband and wife team of artists. Janet is a Scherenschnitte (paper cutting) artist. She cuts silhouettes and scenes from parchment. Dave is a Fine Art Photographer. He starts with a photograph and then transforms it into art using graphics enhancement. With my love for the ocean, I am completely drawn to their work. Please visit their website and blog.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Decorating Ideas: Cougar Town Design
I love the cool pendants over the kitchen island and the fabric on the chairs.
Did you notice the black banister in the background? Also, the set is filled with beautiful abstract art. You know I am a fan of that!
Check out the colorful painting behind the couch. It certainly is
bright, bold, and beautiful!
Enter to win $200.00 towards a Watercolors by Laura Trevey purchase,
such as my large giclee on canvas: "Caribbean Time".
More home ideas?
Check out my home tour
Giveaway - Hot Pink Chick
** Update: Rachel of The Shop Bug is the winner, Congrats **
Bonnie over at Hot Pink Chick has graciously offered a $25.00 gift certificate to her shop for this week's giveaway! From flower hair pins and cocktail rings, to locket necklaces and post earrings, Hot Pink Chick has it everything you need
in every color!
To qualify, visit Hot Pink Chick, and leave a comment below on your favorites!
Make sure you are a follower of BB&B. Winner will be announced on Friday!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Beautiful Home Living ~ Black Banisters
Painting your banister is an attractive way to dress up your staircase. I mentioned in my "What Color is your Banister" post that we painted our banister (which leads up to the renovated third floor) a black lacquer with a shiny finish. The black color provides a nice contrast against the pastel walls. Here are the photos.
More Home Renovations:
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