How to Make An Awesome Bed

This is my first video on YouTube. I'm no show host, but I'm happy with the results. I hope you enjoy it.

How to Have a Simple Cocktail Party

Recently I had a few girlfriends over for some cocktails before heading out on the town. This post is dedicated to them. Kit, Deb and Tina, this is for you! They truly went nuts over what I put out for them. So nuts, that it was a little over the top. They demanded recipes. They talked about it all night. You would think I put out an intricate four course meal that required three days worth of prep. It didn't.

Their response prompted me to write this blog. I thought it would be fun to share the recipes with everyone. I also thought it was a good opportunity to prove that simple can be, and often is, downright delicious.

To just get down to it, here's what I served:

Cucumber Cape Codders

Poached Shrimp with Spicy Mayo and Garlic Breadcrumbs

Lemon Thyme Dip & Crudite

Your Basic Cheese and Crackers

That's it! For the deets and some feedback on these recipes, see below.

My basic rule? Make one thing that requires a little effort and is something you think is over-the-top delicious. The rest of the menu? Keep it simple. 

My one "complex" dish was the Poached shrimp with Spicy Mayo and Garlic Bread Crumbs. The mayo adds a spicy richness and the breadcrumbs, a crunchy texture. There are a few steps to this recipe, poaching shrimp, making the mayo, the breadcrumbs and frying garlic. All the steps are simple, but just time consuming. You can do all of them ahead, but I would poach your shrimp the day-of your event so they're fresh. Also, I used Ezekiel bread instead of white bread, for better nutrition.

My cocktail was a Cucumber Cape Codder. This also had a couple of steps, but I thought it was quick and made pouring a friend a cocktail as easy as a gin and tonic or Jack and coke. I love complicated cocktails, but when you have a group of friends over, you actually want to interact with them, ya know?

So, I had a pitcher of the cucumber cranberry mixer ready to go and just asked "tequila or vodka?" That's right, tequila goes surprisingly well with cranberry. There's also something about using unsweetened cranberry juice for this recipe that adds a layer of depth. It also affords you the opportunity to make this less sweet if you wish, just by using less sugar.

For our final recipe, we have the Lemon-Thyme dip. All I have to say, is that it's perfect for summer. Light and refreshing. Simple. Straightforward. It goes great with sliced fennel. I think eating raw fennel outside of a salad was a first for most of us and we loved it!

The last thing was the cheese and crackers. Can't get any more simple right? However, I do need to point out that I'm in love with TraderJoe's Unexpected Cheddar. It is creamy, salty, and a bit gritty as if an Italian, hard cheese married a cute, little Wisconsin cheddar and had a baby.

Okay girls, you have your recipes. Now when are you going to invite me over for a re-do? Because I can eat this menu all over again, especially with my feet up on YOUR coffee table.

Behind the Scenes at The Show House

My Room, Untouched

Mission Accomplished!

It was opening night at the show house. I am standing next to four people who worked their proverbial asses off for me. We were being interviewed to document the process of the show house. It was through this on-camera interaction, that I realized how lucky I was to be part of this project.

I sit down at my computer today, not to talk about color and texture, but about lessons and relationships.

For the Artfull Living Show House, I had no client directing me. This project sprouted purely from my own imagination and the suppliers and artists I worked with were my partners in bringing it to life. Each person used their expertise for their craft to make my ideas far better.

Two heads work better than one.

I've always said that my vendors are the life-line of my business. During this project old relationships were strengthened and new ones forged.  

On February 29th of this year, all the designers were given a list of about 40 local artists to work with. Our goal was to include as many of them as possible in our designs and to complete our rooms in time for the press opening on May 9th.

Mind you, most custom pieces take about 12 weeks. We had about eight.

I spent the first week or two developing my concept and meeting with artists and artisans. This project definitely pushed some of them out of their comfort zone as they looked at me with a raised eyebrow. They were hesitant. Uncertain. "Who is this crazy woman that wants brass bugs crawling everywhere?"

Now we have a much better understanding of each other and there's lots of mutual respect floating around.

The ArtFull Living Show House, put artists and designers together that may have not met otherwise. It also, put designers in touch with one another. For me, as the youngin' in the group, I appreciate this. All my cohorts stem from my city days. I now have a handful of friends, locally, that I can turn to for information or even good old fashioned advice.

Bill Miller kept saying, "after this, your next show house will be a breeze." Eight weeks to create something totally amazing, with lots of custom pieces and as little money as possible--ummm yeah--now I am thinkin, "after this, any project will be a breeze!"

Mary Ann Syrek said "you'll be a seasoned designer after this show house." She was right in the sense that there were times this project tested me. Recently, I had a friend comment on how flexible I am. I was on a deadline, he was helping me and a table I needed wouldn't fit in my car. I forget what my solution was, but I certainly didn't freak. He was impressed.

I've opened two retail stores and worked on a handful of other large projects. I've always known that I am resourceful. If something doesn't work, I find a way to make it work. The show house really put that trait under a magnifying glass and I have to say, that I am pleased with what I saw.

Yes, at times I could have definitely handled things better. One lesson I learned is that I am really just an editor. Yes, I may be putting my name on this, but with all the egos floating around a show house, I grounded myself with "it's not about me, it's about the design." Which led me to my next lesson: I can definitely grab hold of the reigns a little tighter. I absolutely CAN control the outcome of a piece without taking away the fabricator's artistic freedom. If I'm not clear on what I want, how does someone create a piece that works for the space?

I did learn and experience so much on this project. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity.

To my suppliers who gave it their all, to the artists who took a leap of faith, I don't know where I am going, but I am most certainly taking you with me. Thank you.

BEDROOM Wainscott & Loft, Quatrefoil Renovations Specialty Finisher, Irene Gindera Headboard, Rope Ladder & Stump Table, Gus Pedersen Bedding & Pillows, KC Lim Armoire, Curtains & Chair Cushions, R. Ramos Upholstery Dresser, Gothic Cabinet Craft Dresser Hardware, Hudson Valley Kitchens Chair Finish, Jerry's Auto Body Rug, Kashan Rugs Lighting, LAM Lighting Valance, M&R Designs Ceramic Mushrooms, Green  Miniature Glass Creatures, Hudson Beach Glass All Toys, Echo Toy Store Tree Sculpture & Cocktail Table, Stuart Sachs Little Girl's Dress in Armoire, 4 and 7 Bronze Unicorn & B&W Photography, Cali Gorevic Small Abstract Painting, Carol Flaitz Large Abstract Painting, Martee Levi "Choosing a Path", Richard Harper Color Macro Photography, Jane Soodalter BATHROOM Wallpaper Hanger, Wallpering by Julie "Bird of Paradise", Eric David Laxman, Inc. Chandelier, Hudson Valley Lighting Muralist, Rick Price Faucet & Hardware, Hudson Valley Kitchens Soap and Soap Dish, Hudson Beach Glass "Shy Fern", Jane Soodalter

ICFF 2012

When I go to ICFF (The International Contemporary Furniture Fair), I am looking for the new, the unique, the affordable, the sustainable or all of the above. Below is a quick, visual tour of what I found at this year's ICFF. Enjoy!

Fabulous kid's furniture made right here in the USA. Notice the cushions below the table. 

By:

Iglooplay

Totally awesome and sustainable. These are tiles made from old skateboard decks. By: Art of Board

This silk and wool number is a hand-knotted abstraction of the Ethiopian language, Amahric. It is well-priced. By: Malene B

Powder Coated Steel tiles with magnetic vinyl cups create a wall garden.

They also work great for office and craft supplies.By: Urbio

Brass and marble tables, by three Brooklyn girls who own, operate and even do their own woodworking for their company Egg.

Another totally unique piece by Egg. Marble and brass plated steel.

Beautiful tile by Onyx.

More by Onyx. The bottom left illustrates how the pattern arrives for installation.

New fave! Totally reasonable and absolutely gorgeous furniture in blackened steel with brass detailing. By Gabriel Scott

Low profile and pretty fans by Haiku.

And the new kids on the block off to a smokin' start: Apparatus. They launched six months ago. Check them out! They're awesome!

Vignettes from ABC Carpet and Home

Madeline Weinrib Showroom

Recently I cruised through ABC Carpet and Home and snapped shots of my favorite vignettes. I tried to get an image from each floor. Please enjoy this visual tour of a store that is all about creating a story with home furnishings.

Natural meets industrial. The keys in the tabletop are more than just decorative, they keep the wood from splitting further.

PINK! and overdyed


A modern look and chromed legs, warmed up with fun light fixtures and a faux patina on the walls make this vignette sophisticated, yet cozy.

This definitely has a Scandinavian rustic feel to it. I like the detail of painting the edges on the raw finished wood. The stoneware is gorgeous and obviuosly hand made, but it must be made on Mars and priced accordingly to offset fuel costs....e.g. $98 for a tea cup.

Fashion Week Funday Part Deaux

The Scene at Yotel for Galindo's Fashion Collective

As promised, a little late, but here it is, my elaboration on my previous post.

I spent Sunday in Manhattan and enjoyed two Fashion Week events. The first was a design collective put together by Cesar Galindo. The informal runway show ran while people enjoyed their all-you-can-eat (and drink) brunch at Yotel.

First, Yotel is a really cool concept. It is ultra sleek and Clockwork Orange-like in design. It also boasts one of the least expensive hospitality options in the city. How do they do it? They delete overhead by having a robotic bellhop deliver your bags and computer screens in place of a concierge for self check-in. See the pics below.

Robotic Bellhop

Electronic Concierge

The show was an inspiration for this designer. The textures and colors were awesome! A few of my favorites were part of Galindo's collection, Czar and Fancy Coats by Lillian.





The mistress of ceremonies, Lu Cierra was dramatic and entertaining. She also seemed to be 10 feet tall!

The best part of the day however, was when Top Model winner, Eva Marcille ran over to her parents after the show. The family had a cry-fest. I later learned that it was their first time seeing their daughter perform live. I also learned that Eva is probably one of the sweetest people I have ever met. You expect a famous model to be snooty, right? Exact opposite. She hugged and signed autographs for little girls. She also grabbed my hand when I reached out to her and asked her why she was so emotional. She is and exceptionally warm person and definitely my favorite discovery of the day.

Eva Marcille and Cesar Galindo

After Yotel, I attended an event presented by The Decorista for artist and textile designer Anna Coroneo. Coroneo has been turning paintings into fabrics for some time now and on Sunday she was debuting her collection of silk scarves and an adorable collection of fashion sketches called "The Babes of Manhattan."

Coroneo and Ashlina Caposta aka TheDecorista

Each babe represents a different neighborhood in and around Manhattan with a corresponding style. There are twenty-three babes in all including Bowery Babe, Harlem Babe, Little Italy Babe, Chelsea Babe,...etc.

Coroneo's New Silk Scarves

Some of "The Babes"

On a whole, the day was definitely fun, and I enjoyed meeting new and inspiring people with all different talents.

To see more pics from the day, see my previous post.

Fashion Week Funday

I spent this very cold Sunday in NYC. I went to two events. One was at Yotel. It was a design collective and brunch put together by Cesar Galindo. The other was at Sky Lounge for a new collection by Anna Coroneo and was presented by The Decorista, Ashlina Kaposta.

I promise to elaborate on this post tomorrow, but for now, here are some pics to entertain you.