My new bedspread...

Loving my new bed! ...thank you West Elm! I could probably buy that entire store. I think a couple throw pillows are in order to finish off the look.

Michael and I are still working hard on the kitchen. An update will be coming soon! ...but in the meantime, my pretty chevron...

Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone had a terrific time this past weekend. Michael and I continue to work on the kitchen as he is off for the week! A couple things have set us back, but I will be posting some updated photos soon!

What is everyone up to for New Year's Eve? Some of my buds are really hitting the town hard with their sparkly frocks and 6 inch stilettos while others are simply pumped with their sweats and a huge bottle of prosecco on the couch...

My santa...

Try this festive drink!

If you are like me, you are always on the lookout for a new and interesting drink to share with friends and family... this one is both! Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday!


Honey-Rum Fizz
Makes 2

Ingredients:

• ½ bunch mint leaves
• ½ lime cut into wedges
• 6 ounces gold rum
• 3 ounces honey
• 1 ½ limes zested and juiced
• 2 egg whites, lightly beaten

Methodology
Divide and muddle mint leaves into each glass, with a lime wedge or two, and set aside.  Place rum, honey, lime zest and juice into a shaker with ice and shake together.  Add the egg whites and continue to shake until the mixture becomes frothy.  Pour mixture into the prepared glasses. Topping each glass off with any remaining froth and serve.

What makes this cocktail special?
Egg whites in a cocktail. We thought it was weird the first time we had them, but it turned our to be an awesome layer of texture and makes a beautiful drink.  Once the egg white gets shaken, it unravels and transforms into a beautiful fluffy bed of foam. This is the reason we love this drink. We added honey for a hint of sweetness, and mint for freshness.

All images and recipe via design sponge.

Kitchen Reno: The Beginning...

Living in Stonington has been amazing. Downtown Mystic right down the road, the boating, the beach, great restaurants and Haskell's favorite... the dog park. We have made many upgrades to our 1959 ranch, but this is the biggest yet. Michael and I have officially started our kitchen renovation! I will continue posting photos as we progress... Very exciting!

Say goodbye... we are going to miss that stove.

...and the Tiffany blue countertop

Haskell is saying goodbye!

No more floating fridge!! YES!

The face of the cabinets comes off

The shelving comes down

Haskell is confused because she can't find her food bowl.

My favorite view...

Upper cabinets are GONE! It was a beast pulling those things out.
They came out all in one piece.

Haskell approves.

Michael is going to keep growing his hair out until the kitchen is done...

Goodbye lower cabinets!

Vino break...

 To be continued...

Men's Custom Stationry

I designed this stationary for a friend of mine. He is always writing thoughtful notes so I thought he would enjoy sending out something special!

Green Candy Striped Stationary

New stationary designed for a custom Christmas gift!

Art Print for Minted.com Design Challenge

I have several new designs entered in the new Minted art print challenge for December. I will post when voting is up early January! Here is the newest...



art prints - Follow the Rainbow

"Anchors Away" Custom Stationary

New "Anchors Away" stationary boxed set. Set includes 10 flat note cards with coordinating envelopes lined with fine paper and wrapped for the perfect gift! Stationary can be customized for yourself or a friend. You can find more stationary on the paper krush etsy shop here!

 

Wedding Thank You Notes

I finally finished (and sent out) the thank you notes for our wedding. Each card includes a photo of Michael and I secured with strawberry and white bakers twine. I love the coordinating square strawberry envelopes. Here are a couple shots of the finished product!

What I'm Listening To Right Now

wow. wow. wow. amazing.

Loving the acoustic arrangement of Rihanna's "We Found Love" by Calvin Harris. SWOON.

Design and Fashion are One.

Loving these new scarves by Audrey Lam not only for their easy breezy style, but for the amazing design work. She started her career by designing prints for Calvin Klein and Diesel. Loving the color and unexpected patterns. If you are looking for something bold and different to sport under your winter layers, try one of these on for size.

She is also offering a 30% discount on all orders. Visit her site here and enter code "AUDREY30". Happy Holidays!

images below via refinery29

Thank you to fellow bloggers!

I would like to send a shout out to my fellow bloggers out there for featuring paper krush custom stationary in their 2011 gift guides! Visit the paper krush etsy shop here to get your own custom stationary! Cheers, K

Pantone's Top Color For 2012: Tangerine Tango!

We all love us some good color... especially the new top color for 2012: Tangerine Tango,  a hue that "emanates heat and energy".  I have been seeing the reddish-orange shade used as a popular accent color and favored by designers. Pair it with super-saturated colors like hot pink and bold colbalt or layer with  neutrals for an understated but impactful pop. Keep your eyes peeled for Sephora's exclusive Pantone color collaboration coming out in March... think lips and nail color! Why not even try it as a new surprise color in your home? I'm thinking an accent wall or throw pillows...? Oo la la for this new shade!

photos via piccsy and refinery 29

A Few of my Favorite Things

Stumbled upon The Curiosity Shoppe full of fun, unique gifties and coffee table books. Visit The Curiosity Shoppe here for some holiday gift ideas!

Old to New: Spray Paint is the Answer

Spray paint is my new fix it. If I am bored with something in my house I have turned to spray paint. It is really amazing stuff and anyone can do it. Crackly ones, speckly ones, concrete looking, fluorescent, metallic... you name it. Turn something old and tired into your favorite new addition!

hahaha

via piccsy