Award-Winning Design: Family Chairs

Sometimes the simplest ideas make the biggest impact. I think that is why I love the Family Chairs by Lina Nordqvist at Design House Stockholm.

Just like a family, each of these chairs have a unique personality, yet somehow when grouped together, they just seem to belong together.

If you look closely, each chair has its own individual style. Sold as a foursome, the chairs are available in black-lacquer (shown here) or natural wood and priced at $700 for the set.

They recently won the Accent on Design Award at the NYGIF and I'm not surprised one bit. If these worked in my home, I'd seriously consider buying them.

Have a Glittery Halloween!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to decorate for, especially since glitter always plays a huge role in the festivities. Ever since I was little I couldn't wait to wear sparkles in my hair, on my face, nails - pretty much everywhere!

Now that I'm all grown up, looks like glitter is in the forecast for my Halloween decorating this year. Here's what I'm loving:

Black Glitter Skull, $29.95, Z.Gallerie

Glittery skulls? My favorite. I love this one in black glitter. I'd place this large one on a cake stand or under a cloche for a chic look.

Martha Stewart Flameless Glitter Candles, $19 - $22

Genius. Glittered candles that never burn out. Thank you, Martha. These would make a perfect centerpiece for a Halloween table. I'd scatter Martha's Glittered Creepy Crawlers around a trio of these flameless candles.

Bonus Idea: Ok this one isn't full of glitter (gasp!) BUT it is so amazing I had to share. When I spotted the Ikea PS Virkta Fabric in Black ($29.99 for a 118"H x 43"W piece) I knew it was meant for Halloween decorating.

This spiderweb-like polyester fabric just lends itself to so many Halloween decorating projects. I'd glue on plastic spiders and other creepy crawlers and use it as a table cover or I'd cut it up to create a chic Witch's costume. So many possibilities!

What are some of your favorite ways to decorate for Halloween?

Worth the Splurge? Pottery Barn Coffee Table

Ok, the Hyde Turned-Leg Coffee Table from Pottery Barn is not necessarily a splurge at $399, however...for some budgets in this economy, it just is.

I desperately need a new coffee table and in my quest to transform my entire home to the perfect country-modern showhouse one day (a girl can dream, right?) I am lusting after this new table.I love the deep mahogany stain and its "already" roughed-up look gives me the confidence it will stand up to years of wear and tear.

I think this is a must-have. Although before I commit, I think I'll do a little comparison shopping to see if I can find something for less. A challenge indeed...anyone up to participate? If you find something comparable...send it my way!

Glitter Crafts

Sunday afternoon was all about crafting outside in the beautiful fall-like weather. Inspired by my recent Wendy Addison / Tinsel Trading post, I decided to play with glitter!

First up...glittered letters. I have a set of chipboard letters leftover from an old project. I'm not a fan of the leafy green print as you can see in this "before" shot.

I decided to see what would happen if I decked a letter out in Martha Stewart's gold glitter. I love how it turned out!

I used Design Master Spray Adhesive Glue for Glitter, an aerosol spray that I find to be easy to work with. First, I gave the letter a light coat of the glue and then covered it in the glitter.

Tip: To prevent a huge mess, be sure to wear rubber gloves and work in an empty cardboard box.

I let it dry for about 10 minutes, shook off any excess and then applied a second coat of glue and glitter to fill in any missed spots. After drying another 10 minutes, I gave it a final spray of glitter glue, just to seal it, which worked great. Just be sure to let these types of projects sit for a few hours to really settle.

My plan is to spell out the word "LOVE" and glue magnets onto the back of each so I can display them on my fridge.

Next up, peat pots. I picked up a set of 20 pots for $.79 at Michael's recently. A good friend of mine used these to create the cutest little Halloween treat holders a few years back and I've wanted to try it myself ever since.

Following the same steps as the glittered letter, I covered the pots in the glue and then the gold glitter (and one in copper-colored glass glitter). Here they all are drying together in the sun. See how they glisten!

I want to use the pots as decoration for my Thanksgiving table, maybe fill each with a bit of tissue paper and a few Hershey Kisses. I know, I'm way ahead of myself but the holidays will be here soon!

Next up, I want to glue a variety of these Dresden Thanksgiving die cuts to the center of each. Then, I'm on the hunt for a unique way to make a handle for these little pots. I've seen it done with pipe cleaners, but I'd rather give mine a more grown up handle. Any ideas??

I'll post more pics as I finish up these projects. See how a little quiet, creative playtime can yield exciting new projects?

Home Work

I recently interviewed Holly Bohn, founder of the cool online shop See Jane Work, for my October LI Pulse article: Home Offices.

Photo from See Jane Work.

So many of use are either working from home (or dreaming of doing so) that I thought it was important to spread the word that a home office should not resemble that sad, sterile cubicle you left behind at your corporate job, but it should be a fun, personal space. Consider it an extension of yourself and your creativity.

Holly was such a delight to talk to! She's a hardworking mom who is passionate about her business and keeping herself, her family and the rest of us well-organized! Holly's selection of colorful, fresh, modern office supplies are just what us creative types crave!

In our interview Holly raved about these Jane Marvel zippered pouches.

She uses them to keep herself organized, especially on-the-go. I love how they're so portable and that the zipper keeps everything from paperwork, tear sheets, receipts and other important paperwork safe and secure. Brilliant. Thanks, again, Holly for such great tips!

Back to the 80's: Michael Kors

My love affair with fashion designer Michael Kors began in 2000 during the Oscars. He had dressed best-actress Oscar nominee Joan Allen in an amazingly sophisticated, sparkly gown under the Celine label.

I loved his style, it was fresh to me and I began to follow his look.

Today, Michael Kors has exploded with his lines of clothing, handbags and fragrances. Not to mention his judging skills, humor and much needed realism on Project Runway.

Michael, I think I just fell in love with you all over again. How did you know that I would flip for neon pink and black? This was one of my favorite color combos back in the 80s and now he has made it cool again with the Neon Brights collection

The neon pink Uptown Astor Satchel and Clutch are trimmed in black leather with his signature studs...that is the epitome of everything I loved about the Material Girl moment in the 80s when Madonna and her tough but sweet black rubber bracelets and neon makeup ruled.

I wonder if the nod to 80s fashion will translate into the home as well? Sort of a scary thought, but I would take a pair of throw pillows in Michael's beautiful grey and black zebra print any day of the week! How about you?

Sidebar: You can catch the Michael Kors Fall 2010 fashion show LIVE on his website today (9/16) at 10 am! Gotta love Fashion Week in NYC!

All That Glitters: Shopping in Atlantic City

While roaming the shops at Caesar's Palace in Atlantic City this weekend, I fell in love with many sparkly Vegas-style goodies. First up, this amazing chandelier in the Baccarat store.

How could you not love an explosion of glittering black crystals? I took this photo with my cell phone and it just does not do it any justice. Here it is (with shades) from the Baccarat web site, it is called the Starck Zenith Chandelier. In the words of fashion stylist Rachel Zoe, "I die."

Next up was Coach. Their fall jewelry collection is bauble-icious! (Is that even a word?!) These gorgeous gemstone rings look amazing on the hand....

...and the Poppy three-strand necklace just screams fashionista. How fab would it be draped over a silk lampshade...hmm...just a thought.

Oh, and how badly do you want to scoop up the new metallic xl brooke bag...so tough yet so ladylike. Loving it.

So obviously, shimmer and shine are huge for fall in the home and in the fashion closet. I'm all for it!

Long Weekend: Atlantic City, NJ

I'm off for an end-of-summer trip to Atlantic City!

The trip is a 30th birthday present to my hubby and we're so excited. Our friends should be here soon to pick us up but before I go, I just wanted to wish everyone a great weekend!! I'm excited for a little relaxation, some shopping, drinks and of course...a fabulous dinner. Tonight we're dining at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant at The Borgata Hotel.

I can't wait to check it out and the Borgata too. I haven't been back since 2000 I think. I love walking around checking out the gorgeous design.

Gotta go...see you all back here on Tuesday! Happy Weekend!

Asian-Inspired Dinner Party

I've been super busy working so I decided to take a break last night and plan a fantasy dinner party.

I have a few gorgeous, colorful Japanese tea tins lying around that I think would be perfect to re-create this lovely photo from Martha Stewart Weddings.

On to cocktails...everyone's favorite part. I think I'll go with deliciously sweet and simple Lychee martinis. For the Lychees, buy them in the can so you get the fruit and its juice...look for them in Asian grocery stores.

I'd also have a few bottles of crisp cold Sake so that I could use this oh-so-chic Sake bottle and matching cups from Crate & Barrel.

Next, some yummy appetizers. Trader Joe's has great selections in their frozen aisle...mini cilantro chicken wontons are delicious, low-cal and easy to prepare. Simply saute for 5 minutes with oil in a frying pan and then steam for 2 minutes. Serve them with a little soy sauce on the side and you're done.

Ok, next I think that I would go for one of my favorite recipes from Real Simple, Soy and Ginger Salmon. It's a quick marinade of low-sodium soy, garlic, honey, ginger and red pepper flakes. Let the salmon marinate for 30 minutes in it and then send the fish under the broiler for about 8-10 minutes. Serve it over white or brown rice with a side of sugar snap peas and you've got yourself an elegant, delicious dinner. It reminds me of the delicious Miso Salmon at The Cheescake Factory (pictured here).

And for dessert...green tea ice cream topped with shredded coconut.

What do you think?

Tinsel Trading and Wendy Addison

It's a sunny Friday afternoon, a long weekend is just around the corner and I'm in the mood for some serious crafting. When I was working in NYC, on days like this I would sneak away and take a stroll down to Tinsel Trading.

This amazing shop is bursting with inspiration from its always creative window displays to its shelves packed with vintage trims such as ribbons, glass glitter, faux flowers, ephemera and so much more. This shop is the go-to for serious crafters and stylists looking for unique embellishments (Martha Stewart is a HUGE fan!).

I decided to pop on over to their web site today and was so glad I did! It is totally revamped and packed with great eye candy. I was most pleasantly surprised to see their gallery of window displays. Now anytime I'm longing for a trip to the store and can't make it in person, I'll head online for a peek at what's new.

Another surprise was the new Wendy Addison line, exclusive to Tinsel Trading. Wendy is an amazing artist that I've admired for years. (You may have seen her items in home accessory boutiques around the country and HomeGoods too).

Her vintage-inspired paper and glass glitter crafts are magical and beautiful. I especially love her Halloween shapes...

...and Christmas stars...

Plus, they've also announced, Wendy will be making a special appearance for a Halloween celebration on October 12 from 12-5. Sounds like a great reason to make a trip to Tinsel Trading in person!

Happy Friday everyone!

All photos from tinseltrading.com.