D.I.Y Dipped Baskets: just the perfect touch for getting organized this spring

Awhile back I saw these cute round baskets at West Elm & knew they were just what I wanted to hide some clutter in my loft. (Even though I still haven't gotten them I will in the near future!).

While they are super useful for storing knick knacks, what really drew me to them was the unexpected pop at the bottom. I love how that little bit manages to take a simple basket and make it really special. It doesn't hurt that they are really on trend right now & it shows no sign of stopping! All the stores like Target to Horchow are selling versions of their own too- which most are white, but even if they had a little of color to them I think it would be a cost effective way to add a pop of color to your room!

It seems everyone has different ideas on how best to achieve this look when it comes to DIY.

Martha Stewart took the dipped name seriously with her detailed tutorial.

Then I found this one that figured the pouring method was a better way to go. Either way, this trend is the way to go if you need a stylish storage solution!


peace & love,
Lindsey

Happy Love Day!

The Beautiful Tulips my Sweet Pea Got for Me This Year! <3

It may be that I am a hopeless romantic & love gushy stuff or my love for everything pink, but I just love Valentine's day! Just the feeling of receiving all of the goodies at work...anything from the beautiful red, pink, & white tulips that my wonderful boyfriend got me this year or a box full of chocolate strawberries one of my favorite reps got for our office, I am tickled pink today!

I just wanted to quickly share some extra sweetness with everyone on this special love day (maybe you can share the baked love with your sweetie too!)

 

For the dough you will need:

1 cup butter, softened

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Finely grated rind of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice (the lemon rind & juice add a subtle citrus flavor that really take them to another level)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt 

 

For the icing you will need:

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream

Food coloring

Paintbrush

As you can see, it might get a little messy, but that is what it's all about when creating yummy art! Just have fun & experiment with painting, whether you paint the letters with just one color or mix it up with layering the different colors or trying various brush strokes, have some delicious fun!

Instructions:

1. Cream butter & powdered sugar until light & fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, lemon rind, then lemon juice. Add flour, soda & salt; mix until blended.

2. Divide dough; wrap each half in plastic wrap & pat into a disc. Refrigerate several hours until firm.

3. On a floured surface, roll one disc about 1/4 inch thick. Cut with letter-shaped cutters (ex. LOVE or XOXO).

4. Transfer to a lightly greased cookie sheet & bake in a pre-heated 325-degree oven for 12-15 minutes, until barely browned. Cool on wire racks and repeat with remaining dough.

5. To decorate, stir 1 tablespoon of cream into 1 cup of powdered sugar. Divide among small bowls & use food coloring to make intense shades.

6. Use a paint brush to paint the cookies with the icing, adding a little extra cream into the icing if needed to make it thinner. Wipe the paintbrush off in between, or even let a little color remain on the brush to overlap shades. Go back over each cookie with extra brush strokes.
7. Make sure you let the icing fully dry on each cookie, then stack into boxes. (Makes about 3 dozen)

 

recipe & images via Lauren Craig

 

Now go & enjoy this beautiful sweet day- whether it's with your best girl friends, significant other, or family members- this day is all about loving one another even more than we already do & showing how much we care for our loved ones!

peace & love,

Lindsey

New Year, New...Water?

 Has everyone already broken their New Year's Resolution yet?

Well, I have...on my third day too! :-/ My resolution was trying to actually be on time- getting to work & leaving work as well! I think with resolutions it's easier to just take it one day at a time & not to focus on the whole year all at once.

Usually, my resolutions are something to do with being more healthy & leading a more active lifestyle (for the most part those resolutions lasted about as long as mine this year...I can't help it that chocolate loves me & I love it back!).

Some weeks are better than others, but really my simplest goal is always to drink more water. A few months ago, i got a wonderful glass jar with a spout for my birthday so I could use it for my sun steeped tea & homemade flavored waters. I discovered that the best way to trick myself into drinking more water was to flavor it with something subtle & delicious- this also works if you are one of those weirdos that doesn't like the 'taste' of water.

image via pinterest

Here are a couple recipes to try out that I personally think taste yummy & delicious:
Raspberry Rose Vanilla
Blackberry Sage
Pineapple Mint
Orange Cranberry
Strawberry & Basil
Peaches'n Cream
Watermelon & Lime Green Tea

Hopefully, you all haven't broken your resolutions & are still going strong, but for those of you who had a goal of being more healthy & needed another option instead of your go-to soda, I hope I helped you out! Here’s to a happy, healthy new year for all of us, & a few more glasses of water!


peace & love,
Lindsey

2013 Color Inspiration: EMERALD

Whether you dig a natural version or go for one with polish, Pantone is predicting you'll treasure Emerald Green over the next year!

Emerald is a hue taken directly from nature. What I find most interesting about using emerald in decor or fashion is it has a split personality. Emerald has moods that are downright granola & then it can transform into a glamorous diva at a moment's notice.  

Here are a couple ways to make your visitors & friends green with envy by updating your wardrobe or home with this season's hottest hue!

peace & love,
Lindsey

Glitter & Gold

More than just hardware now a days, Metallics are gleamworthy in any home or outfit and marrying metallics with nuetrals or pastels can make you glow. You all are invited to a enjoy a sparkling & sweet time...take a second to enjoy these deliciously sparkly treats this New Years Day!

All photos via Pinterest

Metallics are all the rage right now, which means gold & silver alike are topping the charts. If both strike your fancy & you’re worried you’ll have to choose one or the other, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Gone is yesterday’s belief that gold & silver do not belong in the same ensemble; in fact, mixing them is encouraged.

Metallics are dynamic by nature, the blend of gold & silver in particular, lends not only an intriguing contrast, but also a sense of visual dimension & texture. With the right balance of the two, you can feel both elegant & eclectic.

ABOVE TWO IMAGES VIA PINTEREST

VIA REFINERY29

VIA WEST ELM

VIA ETSY

VIA PINTEREST

VIA WEST ELM

VIA ELLE DECOR

ABOVE TWO IMAGES VIA PINTEREST

VIA SEPHORA

VIA ETSY

VIA PINTEREST

Happy 2013!


peace & love,
Lindsey

Not Another Fridge Magnet...

Shopping for designers can be a little rough — we do tend to have higher expectations of the objects we surround ourselves with, but I love getting the chance to shop for my favorite things & share them with some of the recipients on my list because let's face it, some really aren't up with design...love you all to pieces though! ;-)

This list covers both the beautiful & the useful. Sometimes designers are happy with just a beautiful thing, but I know there are some that another fridge magnet won't do...especially when they agonized over the refregerator finish. Check these fun gifts & hope you get to share some great design with someone on your list this year! Happy holidays my friends!



iPhone 4 4S Cases from CASE SCENARIO for $39.95

Kikkerland Wooden Ballpoint Pen via all modern 7

Reclaimed Wood Geometric Magnets via Etsy for $12

Pantone Turquiose Holiday Ornament via shop.cooperhewitt.org for $15

The Urban Set of Bowls via CircaCeramics for $65

Set of 10 Floorplan Coasters via houzz

Olloclip iPhone Camera Lens via ThinkGeek for $69

Designer Chairs Cocktail Napkins via Etsy for $25

My personal favorite...the Inkling Digital Sketch Pen by Wacom for $199

Small Blackboard Rustic Chalkboard by Olive Manna via Etsy for 38

 

Zenblocks Walnut Desk Decoration via Etsy for $28

Moss Terrarium Bottle via eartheasy.com for $37.95

 
peace & love,
Lindsey

Wheels of Wonder

The holidays are upon us everyone! There's no better way to start decorating than with a fun & festive wreath, whether on you front door, over a mirror, or on your wall. Here are some pretty candies to get you in te holiday spirit!

 

Bright Christmas Wreath by Sandy Newhart Designs on Etsy

Glitter Ball Wreath via Pier1 Imports

Orange Eucalyptus Wreath by VivaTerra

Golden Splendor Holiday Wreath by We Love Wreaths

Fresh Organic Bay Leaf Wreath with Chilis via ARE NATURALS

Olive Wreath by VivaTerra

Seashell Wreath by L.L. Bean

Burlap Christmas Wreath by The Slanted Barn on Etsy

Primitive Christmas Wreath by The Boondocks on Etsy

Holiday Eucalyptus Berry via ARE NATURALS

Succulent Wreath by VivaTerra

Fresh Greens Life Magazine Wreath

Ornament Wreath by Pier1 Imports

Red Hydrangea Wreath via Houzz

Yarn Wreath by Itz Fitz on Etsy

Which of these yummy wreaths is more your style? I currently have a peace sign wreath from Chiasso on my door. It is super cute and you can find it here. I hope you all have found some inpiration for your own front door and have fun decorating for the holidays!

peace & love,
Lindsey