{Home} O Tannenbaum

18 Wednesday Dec 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Christmas, Holidays, Traditions

Tags

The countdown is on…only 1 week until Christmas. I’m really getting excited.

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
wie treu sind deine Blätter!

I know most of you have your holiday decorations up, especially your tree. Still, I’ve found so many pretty images of trees and I’m at a loss to think of any other topic besides trying to finish my list of presents to buy, things to do, rooms to clean, so here’s some online goodness of my favorite Christmas trees.

You’re green not only
in the summertime,

Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
How loyal are your leaves/needles!

adventures in tartanscot

Centsational Girl

The Polohouse

No matter what size tree you manage this year, I hope you are enjoying the season and are further along on all you need to do in preparation for the holiday than me. Stop and smell the pine needles.

{GHP} Christmas, a childlike faith in magic

11 Wednesday Dec 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Uncategorized

≈ 18 Comments

A dear friend gave me a copy of The Polar Express the year it was published, 1985. {Thank you, Carla} I’ll never forget the first time I read the story and how it touched me. There is something about the idea of believing in the spirit of Christmas even as we age that has always stayed with me.

This time of year I display my Polar Express book with the silver bell I had purchased a few years prior to the release of the book. I hope, when Olivia is a little bit older, I can read this to her and she will remember it with a fondness for the season that her grandma enjoys.

Both of our son’s enjoyed Christmas books. They often choose The Grinch who Stole Christmas and tolerated the Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman, illustrated by Maurice Sendak, mommy’s favorite. I collected nutcrackers back then and the story still holds my attention.

With this abbreviated season, one of the highlights of Christmas this year will be when Olivia arrives…her thrill with the smallest of things gives me such joy. When asked what she wants for Christmas her reply, “Minnie Mouse socks, Grandma, mine have a hole in them!” {Lest you think we are negligent, her socks have a hole in them because she wears her Minnie Mouse socks every day}

These are the books in our library of Children’s stories that we’ll be reading…I’m sure there will be some books read that aren’t Christmas themed as well.

The 12 Days of Christmas was a favorite in part because of the incredible illustrations of Jan Brett…

All things Christmas makes me *happy* so I’m joining RJ at Art@Home for her happy party and Savvy Southern Style’s Wow us Wednesday.

Share your favorites. Do you have a tradition of reading a particular Christmas or Holiday story to your family? I hope you are having a wonderful December. ♥

Karen

{Home} Rooms that enjoy a neutral palette

04 Wednesday Dec 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Designer

≈ 26 Comments

Tags

Henhurst Interiors, neutral rooms, Tone on Tone Antiques

John Saladino ~ Pinterest

Since we’re traveling high speed towards Christmas, where more of everything is the norm, I thought I’d provide some calming images of rooms that are spectacular in their neutral color palette and prove less (color), is more.

I think I’ve mentioned in previous posts that sometimes the beauty that tempts most of us online can cause me us to loose focus on my our personal style preference. I save images that, in my opinion, have the ‘wow-factor’ and I’ll occasionally go through these files to tidy up a bit.

What struck me during this most recent housekeeping session was the preponderance of rooms that have a neutral color palette. Small touches of color seem to stand out when you have the calm of neutral walls and upholstered pieces. I clearly adore these rooms, maybe in part because my own home isn’t dressed that way. I found so many striking examples I decided I ~~needed~~ wanted to do a post on the topic.

There are examples every where you look, simple rooms, often adorned only in natural woods, shades of cream or white paint and perhaps an accessory or two that beautifully completes the room. No fuss, no muss.

South Shore Decorating Blog

South Shore Decorating Blog

I regularly visit 2 blogs that have mastered this style of design. Loi of Tone on Tone shares the most amazing rooms with his readers. Sometimes its his home, sometimes he features rooms he’s designed for clients. The talented styling doesn’t stop with his residence. He owns an antiques store that displays the European furniture found on his buying trips. I love the styling and the furnishings and wish he would sign a book deal so I could enjoy studying the details of each and every space he’s created. Rizzoli, are you listening?

Tone on Tone

The other blog site I find a generous helping of neutral in is Henhurst Interiors. As a designer, Phyllis’ blog regularly features homes that exemplify the Swedish style. She has a talent for streamlining the design aesthetic of a room while still making it so inviting and welcoming. Her own home is one of my favorites.

Henhurst Interiors

One of my close friends, Glenys, has recently moved into a beautiful home she and her husband built. The interior of her spacious home is a wonderful example of the ideal: Neutral colors and plenty of warmth. I always marvel at how she manages to provide such inviting rooms without over saturation of any color. It’s the perfect calm for this busy world.

A home featured over at Joni’s fabulous site Cote de Texas also reminded me of the beauty of neutrality. This home is amazing, if you have time you might want to hit the link and check it out. Ginger Barber did the interior design work of what Joni calls, An American Farmhouse.

Cote de Texas

I’ve always admired the living room of Randy Weeks, of Aidan Gray Home.

I’m not going to ask you to choose, I love both neutrals and some amount of color, but it is something to think about…could you live with less color/more color?

There’s no right or wrong answer, its your style preference, what feels like home to you personally, but it is fun to find myself drawn to both almost equally.

{GHP} Gratitude

27 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by Karen B. in House and Home, Thanksgiving, Traditions

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

Gratitude

Thanksgiving is celebrated here in the U.S. ( I understand Canada has a Thanksgiving Holiday as well) and I’ve always loved this holiday. There’s no gift buying involved, just good food, good friends and family, and for the men in my life, good football.

{unknown}

{and George}

As I’ve “matured” I appreciate the good things that surround me, there’s no taking this stuff for granite, as maybe I did in my youth, and Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re thankful for.

{unknown}

{Party Resources}

I’ve avoided the trend towards a gratitude journal for a couple of reasons, a) I’m terrible about keeping up with things like this…I start out strong and then let it drop; and b) I think about what I’m grateful for every day from the huge (family, friends, my first (and only-so far) granddaughter, whose birthday is on Thanksgiving Day this year, good heath) to the items that to some would seem frivolous (gardening, nature, good food, a warm house, blog friends, kind acts by strangers).

{heirloom philosophy}

So whatever you are thankful for this holiday, I hope you’ll keep it in your heart and remember everyday as we head into a new year. We need to remember…

Happy Thanksgiving!

{Home and Party} Great style in stationary and design, introducing Minted/Julep.

22 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Holidays, House and Home

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

julep blog, minted

One of the many modern conveniences of internet shopping is the ease of finding great invitations and stationery online. I love the advantages of selecting the exact card in the perfect color, ideal paper, appropriate font and a style you want for an event or occasion.

I shared with you my joy with this process when Mr. B and I ordered Christmas cards online a few years ago. Then, in 2011, I needed invitations to our son’s engagement party, that is when I discovered Minted.

As a company, Minted has been around longer than I realized (started in April 2007), but what sets it apart is their use of independent artists. Their high end paper goods come in all imaginable shapes and sizes and serve all of life’s celebrations and holidays.

Their photo-Christmas cards are unique and can be customized with details such as shape, color details, photograph and include your personal names and dates. It’s an online interactive creation and fun to see the options appear before your eyes. Here are some of my favorites.

Minted recently started a blog, Julep. “…a lifestyle blog dedicated to helping the busy, design-savvy woman create beauty all around her.” The contributors are creative and share the most original ideas. It sounds like a challenge, but after nearly an hour perusing their site, I realized there were so many items I wanted to revisit for party ideas and DIY projects around the house. They’ve succeeded in giving a hand with creativity and specific how-to tutorials. You’ll find a wide array of design ideas for home and party. The DIY tab gives you detailed direction on the project you select and most are doable for everyone, even me!

The table below was set for a recent Minted Design Summit. The team started a fun new Minted Party Ambassador program where you can apply for free party decor if you’re willing to blog about your event.

This is a feature for fall wedding ideas. Now you can see how it was easy to loose myself on their new site for quite a bit of time...

I love the tutorial on making these beaded lights. The Edison bulb dresses up any light fixture, doesn’t it?

These cupcakes! This will be in my Halloween file for 2014.

These little beauties can be used throughout November and December…here’s the ‘how to’

If you haven’t ordered your cards for the holidays yet, check out Minted. If you need some additional inspiration for decorations or gift ideas, visit Julep.

Disclosure: Minted sent me an email inviting me to post about their Christmas photo-cards and to share details about their blog site, Julep. I was offered up to $75 credit to Minted to participate. All opinions and ideas are my own.

{GHP} Timothy Corrigan book signing

20 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Architectural elements, Designer, House and Home

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Timothy Corrigan designs

I had the good fortune of attending a book signing party held at my local Pottery Barn last week for the talented Timothy Corrigan. His new book chronicles the restoration of his French Château du Grand-Lucé, located in the Loire Valley, just outside Paris.

Those of you who are kind enough to read my posts will know that I’m not necessarily drawn to château living, I typically prefer smaller spaces, more cottage than castle. I’m drawn to Timothy Corrigan designs in part because his core philosophy in design is basic to comfort and livability where rooms are concerned.

Even the most beautifully decorated room is not a total success unless you, your family and your guests feel that they can really live and use the room. A well-designed room is one that is both comfortable and elegant. – Timothy Corrigan

As I read a bit about him prior to the book signing I wondered if being raised in California might have something to do with his determination to create rooms that are comfortable. His early profession as an advertising executive took him to Paris, and other regions of the world, where he decorated his apartment. After seeing his work a friend asked him to design his apartment and a new career was born.

For a video tour of his apartment visit HERE

In his interview in November of 2010 with Diane Dorrans Seaks of Architectural Digest he addresses his view on comfort and practicality. While most of us strive for those two essentials, it’s easy to miss the mark sometimes. We all get caught making design decisions that are more about form than function. Mr. Corrigan believes you can have both, and proves it in the rooms he puts his stamp on.

The gardens of his château were another draw. The formal design is breathtaking in the photographs shown in the book. Part of his agreement with the French government when buying the historic chateau was that he would open the grounds to visitors 6 days a week. A tour will be high on my list my next visit.

Photo by Eric Piasecki via Tiimothy Corrigan Blog

{via Architectural Digest}

The book shares details of the work involved in the restoration of this historic landmark. For its size it is such a warm, inviting and livable country home. The initial major restoration took approximately 5 years and Timothy says it’s a work in progress—aren’t all homes?!

In a October 5, 2013 Los Angeles Times article by David A. Keeps on the book, Corrigan explained some of his decorating ideas, “If you want people to feel that a room is bright and light, use yellow, not white, as people often think…your eye unconsciously translates yellow as sunlight.”

Corrigan talked about choosing linen for the upholstery and unfussy curtains to keep the room feeling less formal. He also used sea grass carpeting, he explained that it’s softer on the feet and it brought a “more casual California feel” which translates to relaxed comfort. Oh, and the stools are from Pottery Barn—I love this man.

Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan

The Château is 45,000 square feet sitting on 80 manicured acres. {Maybe that’s why I might be intimidated by a castle}

Timothy Corrigan’s Los Angeles home, as featured in Architectural Digest [April 2012] is more appealing to me. Have a look.

Like his Château, the grounds are lovely in the Los Angeles home…

It was such a pleasure briefly meeting Timothy Corrigan, the take away for me was that this is a designer that is so engaging and fun. His high energy and genuine enthusiasm is contagious. I hope you enjoyed this brief tour of some of his work. His book is really lovely and would make a great gift for a Francophile (Christmas is around the corner). Do you like château living or prefer the comfort of something a little more modest in size? 😀

{Home} Rx for holiday stress, a long, hot bath

13 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Architects & Builders, Architectural elements, Bathroom, Decorating, House and Home

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

bath

{Velvet & Linen}

As we’re on that fast moving train towards the holidays, I thought I’d offer one of my personal remedies for stress removal (even if temporary). It’s not going to be news to anyone, but more a reminder that we all need me-time now and then. Especially when there’s a ‘to do’ list a mile long and only 24 hours in a day, 8 of which are designated sleep hours, if we know what’s good for us.

So to encourage you all, and me, lets fantasize about luxuriating in a whirlpool shower baths at BC from time to time, here are some bathrooms that I dream about…

{Inspired Design}

I used to take a bath every evening. Sometime between the birth of our second child and moving into a house with a bathtub in the guest bathroom exclusively, not the master (who plans these tract houses?), the heavenly practice was nipped in the bud, rarely to be picked up again. I have time for that delightful hour today, but somehow haven’t resumed the practice in earnest. This time of year I’m reminded that it used to be the calming influence in a busy schedule.

{House Beautiful}

Not a very good picture…when we renovated our guest bath we installed a tub about 6″ taller than the standard. It makes a good soak a little better. There’s a shower curtain for now, until Olivia (granddaughter + any other possible grand babies) grow, its easier to bathe them.

Isn’t this a glorious bathroom (below), light filled, lots of room. I think I could definitely relax in this room.

{unknown source}

Beautifully detailed stone-surround bath with mirror. This is the definition of luxury, right?

{The Enchanted Home}

I’m beginning to notice a recurring bathtub style in my file. I love the freestanding tubs…

{Home Bunch}

{Ferguson & Shamamian via Design Chic}

{for the love of a house}

{Mary Watkins via T&G Interiors}

And for the showstopper favorite, in my humble opinion, a bath designed by the talented Gil Shafer…the wood and beamed ceiling offers warmth to the room and yet there’s plenty of natural light. A bath in this room has the potential to lower one’s blood pressure!

{Gil Shafer via Design Chic}

To maximize a bath’s full effectiveness we must have some wonderful smelling bath products…here are a few of my favorites…

I love the smell of pomegranate and the Crabtree & Evelyn line feel heavenly on your skin

~or~

If you’ve never tried any of the Jo Malone products let me just say, they are so incredible, stop by the Jo Malone counter or visit their store, they are always helpful and generous with their time and test sprays. I like the more natural scent of most of their products and while I’ve never bought the bath oil, the pump hand soap and the Lavender Amber cologne is a favorite. The pump soap in the guest bath always draws comments.

~or~

Let’s face it, some of us L O V E this season so why not bathe in the scent of the season with this Homemade Pumpkin Pie bubble bath by Philosophy?

So tell me, do you already indulge in this simple stress reducer? I do have a few good friends that wouldn’t think of skipping their evenings in the bath, some with a good book! Don’t you just love this time of year?

I’m linking to Stone Gable: Tutorials & Tidbits & Southern Savvy Style: Wow us Wednesday

{Party} Autumn Celebrity Dinner

06 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, House and Home

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

Diane Keaton, Ellen DeGenerous, Jon Stewart, Meryl Streep, Table Settings, Tom Brokaw, Willie Geist

Those that know me probably already know that I prefer the cooler months of the year. When the first promise of fall weather hits Southern California I’m energized, let the entertaining begin.

[By the way, I do love summer entertaining as well, I’m a party girl at heart.]

Eventually I ran to Minneapolis, where it’s cold, and I figured I’d keep better – Rhoda Morgenstern

We’ve been doing quite a bit of entertaining lately. “Entertaining” for us means setting a nice table, cooking a simple meal and having a relatively smallish group over for good food, nice wine and great conversation.

Since setting the table is one of the perks to entertaining for me, this post is mainly to share some seasonal table settings I hope will inspire you. To mix things up a bit, in addition to table setting ideas, I thought I’d share a list of guests I’d invite over in a heartbeat if I thought they wouldn’t report me to the authorities as a stalker crazy lady! You’ve undoubtedly read interviews where they ask you, who, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with? Well, I’m doing it one step better…I’ve thought about this, this list is of people I’d like to talk to, even just casually. I don’t need Einstein, although I’ve read he was quite a jovial fellow. These are people that are alive and seem like genuinely nice and fun people.

Also, since I don’t like enormous parties when I entertain, I’ve only invited 6, with Mr. B and me that makes a very doable 8 at the dinner table. That also gives me a head start on subsequent celebrity dinners…there are so many more folks I’d invite if I could. So, first on the list:

1. Diane Keaton, she may not be exactly as fun as I perceive her in the movies she’s been in (how does one really know, right?), but she loves to decorate, so I know we’d have topics in common. Plus, I love that she seems genuine, not overly self-possessed.

2. Jon Stewart, politics aside, is there anyone that gives a better interview?

3. Meryl Streep, there are no words, rather there are so many adjectives I could use to describe her, but her name, for me, is synonymous with fabulous.

4. Tom Brokaw, I grew up listening to him on our local news station, back in the day. Then, as a Today show enthusiast, I watched him all the years he was there. I just really, really like him.

5. Ellen DeGenerous, she’ll keep us laughing.

and last but not least…

6. Willie Geist, the son of Bill Geist of CBS Sunday Morning, appears on Morning Joe (MSNBC) and does the third hour on the Today show. He’s smart and funny and I love him like one of our sons. He’s a guy that fits in with old and young people alike.

As any skilled party planner will tell you, once you have the guest list you can begin your plans for table setting and menu. We’re going to jump right to the table settings since that is a major part of the fun for me.

{source}

The ever talented Jenny Steffens Hobick of Everyday Occasions published a post about fall table setting with muted colors, so pretty. Oh, and did I mention she recently opened an online store selling some of the best tools for entertaining.

Yvonne of Stone Gable shared her table setting for an autumn high tea back in 2011 and that table is still one of my all time favorites, be sure to visit the post if you like autumn and blue and white.

Carolyn Roehm has written so many great books, but her book, Passion for Parties is a constant source of inspiration to me.

Martha Stewart never disappoints and I appreciate her ability to make simple components come together to create a pretty table.

Nancy’s Daily Dish features some great table settings for the season. Her Etsy shop sells trasferware of all kinds. This is such a great autumn table setting.

Delores, over at Vignette Design always provides me with good ideas for whatever season when it come to table top design.

Even though this tablescape doesn’t have the strictly traditional autumn touches, its a subtle and lovely table for this time of year.

{source}

The sisters at Providence Ltd. never disappoint…this rustic table is great and completely out of the box.

{Southern Accents ~ oh, how I miss that magazine}

Who would be on your celebrity list for a dinner invitation?

{Home} Thanksgiving, my favorite recipe and more

01 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, House and Home, Recipes

≈ 19 Comments

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Favorite Thanksgiving Recipe

I love this particular time of year, but I especially enjoy Thanksgiving. There’s no gift buying pressure, just plenty of good food and fun times to share with family and friends. While I realize it’s only the 1st of November, you and I both know the time will fly and before you know it you’ll be making your grocery list for the feast.

I enjoy cooking but I probably enjoying eating as much. Alison over at The Polohouse is hosting her Favorites On the First and the topic is your favorite Thanksgiving recipe. At first I was perplexed…should I feature a mouth-watering pumpkin pie recipe or the Texas Stuffing I found in the Los Angeles Times Food Section years ago?

{source}

When it comes right down to it though, I think my favorite thing for the meal is mashed potatoes. We don’t eat them that often and we certainly don’t throw on gravy for good measure when we do. As if creamy, buttery potatoes need something more! But Thanksgiving we throw waistline watching out the window and gravy tops every helping of mashed potatoes. Anyway, my favorite recipe is called make-ahead mashed potatoes (which is one of the things I like best about the recipe.) Here goes:

{image source and another delicious potato recipe}

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes ~ adapted from HERE

Oven, preheated 350° at the time you’re planning on reheating the potatoes.

5 pounds potatoes, Russet or Yukon Gold

1 1/2 sticks of butter, divided

1 8 oz whipped cream cheese

1/2 cup Half & Half

2 teaspoon kosher salt [1 teaspoon in the pot while the potatoes boil, 1 teaspoon (or less, depending on taste preference) when mashing]

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Peel and cut the potatoes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 teaspoon salt, add potatoes and return the water to a boil. Cook for 30 minutes and check for tenderness. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain in a colander. Return the potatoes to the pot and turn the stove on low, just to make sure all of the moisture is gone.

Off the flame, add 1 stick of butter, remaining salt, pepper, half & half, and cream cheese. Mash to a creamy consistency. *Don’t worry if they seem a little bit soupy, they firm up when refrigerated. Once mashed, place in an oven-proof dish and dot with the remaining 1/2 stick of butter. Potatoes may be refrigerated at this point. If you make the recipe a couple days in advance, take the dish out of the fridge about 2 hours before serving time. Bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven for about 20-30 minutes or until hot.

{source}

By the way, the above image reminds me of the first Martha Stewart Thanksgiving special on TV. She had converted her “barn” into the most warm and welcoming dining space, as only she can do!

{source}

How cute are these pudding cups? If you have children or just like delicious food visit HERE

{source}

Do you have a personal favorite recipe for Thanksgiving? If its not a family secret, share. If you have time be sure to visit The Polohouse, you’re sure to be happy you did.

{GHP} Braised Short Ribs recipe and Happy Halloween

30 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Halloween, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Recipes

≈ 16 Comments

Since Halloween is on a Thursday night this year, I thought I would make Mr. B. and I a comforting meal to fortify us between the doorbell and goblins. I’m trying Braised Short Ribs from Jenny Steffens Hobick of Everyday Occasions. Doesn’t this look delicious? Jenny comes up with fabulous recipes and I’ve provided the link (above).

{source}

Since it needs to cook some time in the oven, I’ll prepare them this evening and we’ll eat them tomorrow. That often enhances the flavors and makes everything taste even better.

I’m also including a few images I’ve gathered that might offer some ideas for last minute decorations…