Bringing Back Hollywood Glam!

A few posts back I had shown you some headboards but I hadn't seen this and today when I came across this awesome bed from www.laylagrayce.com I had to share this with you. It is part of their Belle Meade Signature collection and I think it is beautiful. There is something about this antique mirror that I love. It goes along with how delightful I think mercury glass is as well. The antique mirror pieces come in beds, side tables, consoles and chests.
The antique mirrors are wonderful for backsplashes, back of bars, focus walls, alcoves, ceilings or on top of your own dining table or coffee table.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall!

Well this ain't Snow Whites mirror! But this does shows how creative and fabulous you can get!!
I love the 3D part of this as well.

Distinctive Headboards

Here are some examples of headboard designs that will make a big impact and focal point in a bedroom. As you can see there are many creative ways to go and the choices are really endless and left to your imagination on what you can use for a headboard. Gone are the days of the bedroom suite (pronounced like sweet not suit! which is french for groupings). Bedrooms can be made much more interesting with finding unmatched bedside tables, artwork, lighting, carpeting/rugs...find the style you like and start creating!

Orange for Fall!

Now that we are heading into a change of seasons here are some tabletop thoughts and accessories for the home that will add punch and breathe some fresh delightful color into a room or table. Perfect to coordinate with autumn colors as well.

Beautiful Retail Store!

While I was in California I visited a new Restoration Hardware Store that was now in the old Williams Sonoma Home Store space. In six weeks they transformed this retail space in West Hollywood to one of the most gorgeous retail stores I've been in in a very long time. My photo's don't do it justice but the outdoor space use to be a parking lot 6 weeks ago and inside the store they also have a florist shop. RH has a new look and it is gorgeous! Enjoy.www.restorationhardware.com

Seriously??

Just back from Los Angeles and a lovely holiday. Thought I would share some of my photo's of a very small sampling of some of the vegetation. Since we here in Dallas, Texas have experienced above 100 degree temps for months now most things are dead, dying or looking very sad so this was a welcome change along with the cooler temperatures!!! Orchids, Bird of Paradise the size of trees, huge ficus, oleander, ferns, roses, bougainvillea and succulents were everywhere! It was such a delight. One retail shop has succulents framing their windows. Very cool.

Milliner Philip Treacy

If you are going to be in NYC anytime this summer there is a moving retrospective of Alexander McQueen's life at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the exhibit it tells of his long time collaboration with the famous British milliner Philip Treacy. He recently designed Princess Beatices' hat for the royal wedding that got a lot of press.(it sold on ebay for $132,000!!) Anyway here are some of the hats from the show at the museum. Thought you all might get a kick out seeing these creations!! I love the butterflies.

Party Planner is Here Just in a Time!

Hot off the press is Kimberly Schlegel Whitman's newest book called Party Planner: An Expert Organizing Guide for Entertaining. Kimberly's newest guide will help you plan with ease your next fete! Coming out just in time for the beginning of the social season you will want to get your copy now. It has beautiful photography and tips to help you be the best hostess and enjoy every minute of entertaining! Meet Kimberly at Madison in Highland Park Village, Dallas for a book signing on September 1st! The book is avalaible now through www.amazon.com or Kim's website, www.kimberlyschlegel.com
Also Kim has her monthly article in Southern Living starting in the August issue, so don't miss what she has to say about dining Al Fresco! www.southernliving.com to subscribe

Tune in Tonight to View Children's Med Dallas!!

Tune in tonight for the series premiere of Children's Med Dallas, a five-part television documentary featuring an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at our hospital every day. Children’s Med Dallas captures the human drama around intense medical situations, portrayed through the eyes of the parents, children, physicians and staff who deliver the care.

Episode Airdates: August 3, 10, 17, 31 and September 7
Channel: WFAA Channel 8
Time: 7:30 p.m. CST

View the promotional trailer.
View the intro and theme song.

For full episodes, behind-the-scenes videos and photos, and to join in the conversation, visit our Facebook page. We encourage you to also share this link with out-of-town friends and family so they can view the episodes online and experience Children's Med Dallas.

Featured cast and clinical programs:
Dr. Kris Guleserian – Heart transplant
Dr. Joe Forbess – CT/Heart surgery
Dr. Dev Desai – Liver and Kidney transplant
Dr. Alex Kane – Plastic surgery
Dr. Steve Megison – General Surgery/Trauma
Dr. Patricio Gargollo – Urology/Robotic surgery

See what wonderful works are being preformed everyday at Children's Medical right here in Dallas!!

Marburger Farm Dates!

It's that time again to plan your trip to the antique show at Marburger Farm! Great getaway for girlfriends and couples too!

Let's Throw a Sangria and Tapas Party Next!!

As these dog days of summer slowly take us into August I thought a Sangria and Tapas Party would be a wonderful way to gather friends. Instead of gathering for a large sit down meal at a table, imagine a more casual set-up where small bites and delicious Sangria, Spain's popular fruit-infused punch, allow guests and hosts to mix and mingle with everyone with ease.
Water goblets, chalices or even tumblers are great for Sangria and are an alternative to stemware. Serve the Sangria in pitchers or punch bowls so guests can serve themselves.
Add colorful linens, mixing and matching to make the setting more festive. Be sure to have small plates for your tapas. The more guests you have the more variety of tapas you can prepare.

Now as far as Tapas dishes go there is an endless amount of ideas to choose from. Tapas is finger foods, canapes, appetizer size plates with variety of items from mini ribs, ceviche, spiced clams, stuffed tomates and the list goes on and on. Check your cookbooks or internet for ideas and recipes.
This is a fun summer way to entertain so get out the invitations and let's party!!!

I got this fabulous Sangria recipe from a friend Caterina Miltenberger, who is the Corporate Mixologist for Glazers for 11 States. Caterina is really a Drink Chef and takes creating a new drink very seriously. She has won many awards for her work and she has offered to give us monthly original recipes she has created.


Tuscan Sangria
(7 servings per batch)

1 bottle Beringer Moscato (750 militer size)
4 oz of Smirnoff Orange Vodka
2 oz of O3 Premium Liqueur (Brazilian Orange)
4 oz. Perfect Puree El Corazon Beverage Artistry
2.5 oz The Perfect Puree Strawberry
4 oz. Simple Syrup
.50oz Cinnamon
Method:
Add all ingredients together in a pitcher.
Then add ice per glass with 1 orange- cut into quarter slices (Blood Orange where avaliable)
1 lemon cut into slices
1 lime cut into wheels
Enjoy.
All ingredients like The Perfect Puree are chef driven easy to use and 100% natural and be found at Central Market in the freezer section The Smirnoff Orange Vodka is a good value and can also be used for Orange Cosmos can be found at any liquor store The O3 Brazilian liqueur can be used in Margaritas, Cosmos and is a sweet and sexy orange flavor Newest product from Beam Global Beringer Moscato is 'HOT HOT HOT' trend and is perfect with spicy foods including Asian dishes Beringer Moscato can be found at the grocery store The El Corazon Beverage Artistry puts complexity into the cocktail with the combination of blood orange, grapefruit and passion fruit Multi layered Sangria with a clean finish can be found at Central Market in the freezer section.
Thank YOU Caterina for this delicous recipe!