Hello

Hello friends. I'm alive and well and it feels good to be back! I've been busy working on lots of new ideas and patterns for my shop and as well as focusing more of my attention on new design projects I'm working on when it comes to styling. I will be sharing more of those with you over the next several months. Stay tuned. xoxo Ali

For the home: linen bedding

What is it about linen that makes it so inviting? Despite linen wrinkling easy, I'm a big fan. It feels so relaxed and casual and doesn't have to be perfectly ironed to still look pretty. I love all these different colored versions from Anthropologie. It's also tempting to get some dye and try making my own.

What do you think, do you like a more relaxed look for your bed or do you like everything to look crisp?

     

A day trip

Last month I had the opportunity to fly with my dad out to Monterey, CA for the day. It was pretty last minute. I didn't know until that morning I was going to go. I had been to Carmel and Monterey before, but it had been several years, and I forgot how much I love that place! The morning was pretty foggy, but by the afternoon the sun was shining and the ocean breeze felt so nice especially coming from the midwest. I started thinking if I could go anywhere for just a day, where would I go? I think Monterey would be in my top 5. What about you? Where would you go and what would you do?

Here are a few of my images from the day after the jump if you'd like to see...

For the home: accessories

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Lately I've been on the hunt for home accessories (vintage and new) for some prop styling projects I'm working on as well as a few spaces in my home. I find that a few pieces here or there can transform a small space or vignette. Last year H&M came out with a new home line, and until recently I hadn't checked it out. I was pleasantly surprised with all the good I found. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the current collection.
         

Strawberry salad with caramelized almonds

In the summer I love to eat salads, especially ones with fresh fruit mixed in. This one has been on rotation all summer and is super simple to make. I used to buy already made caramelized almonds until I realized how easy it is to caramelize your own in a skillet with sugar and chopped up almonds. Stir them around until they are golden brown. Plus, what a difference it makes to pour warm almonds onto your salad!

Strawberry Almond Salad

Mixed Greens

Chopped celery

Shredded carrots

Crumbled blue cheese

Sliced strawberries

Caramelized almonds

Shredded chicken (optional)

Other variations could include diced grapes, blueberries, or mandarin oranges. 

For the dressing you could easily make your own, but I personally like to mix the Brianna's Poppyseed Dressing with the Blush Wine Vinaigrette Dressing.

 

Fall trend: high waisted skinny jeans

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I love a good pair of skinny jeans in a dark wash, but lately I've been seeing a lot of high waisted ones. The other day my friend Amanda had on the cutest pair that she wore with a tucked-in tee and skinny belt.

What do you think, will you try them?

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 (The ones pictured here are all from Anthropologie, but I also like these, these, these, these and these)

    

Design details: painted front door

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Last year The Huffington Post did an article about The 6 Absolute Best Paint Colors for Your Front Door (not sure about the lime green). A painted front door seems bold, but I like that it's a bit fun too. Plus, it's always a nice treat as a passerby to see a brightly painted front door. Don't you think? If I were to paint my front door, I often wonder what color I would paint it? I'm sure it would probably be a shade of blue although deep down I may try something brighter like a yellow or orangey red.

What do you think, would you paint your front door? What color would you paint it?

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Bedroom update

Over the past six months I've been working on styling the boy's bedrooms. It has taken me way longer than it should, but other things have come up and sometimes I'm just plain indecisive. Plus, anyone who is a designer knows how hard it is to design for yourself. Designing for others is waaaay easier! I finally got Will's gallery wall installed and with a few minor details to wrap up, I'll be ready to share the rest of his room soon.