Design Your Birdcage

I have been seeing the shabby chic birdcage trend grow into the transitional realm for a while now, and I thought I'd try the look myself. As with most of my decor, I had to make the look my own before I could display it. I started with a rustic finish birdcage that matched my decor.

I inserted an orange candle into the birdcage to compliment my orange and red damask cushion on my outdoor sofa.

I then bent silk leaves into a circle so they would wrap "naturally" around the candle, and inserted orchids for some modern elegance.

 The result was magical!

 .....And it's even prettier at night!

 Try this creative touch in your own lanterns and bircages, and let me know the result!

Trend Alert: A Splash of Coral

As bold trends are popping up everywhere, my favorite color has become one of my favorite trends-Coral.

Paired with neutral tones or modern black and white schemes, it shouts to the world that this is not your 80's peach.

 You can use a little or a lot, but either way, it is sure to draw attention.

 Pair coral with grey for a young, sophisticated look.

 Match it, pop it, contrast it. This new trend is sure to set a new standard for pops of color everywhere.

Design Your Vacations

As I'm sure your lives will go on without me, I will be enjoying the sun and palm trees next week in Palm Springs! Palm Springs is Hostess Heaven with consignment and outlet stores galore!

I'll be relaxing by the pool.....

 Enjoying some leisure golfing.....

 Long walks.....

 Dinner dates with my husband.....

 Did I say relaxing? Oh, and some fun, too!

Oh yes, and a quick visit to my old friends Mickey and Minnie!!!

My first time to Disneyland in 10 years, I can't wait to see everything again!!!

Dreams do come true.....

Fresh Decor

With all the things that I can't eat these days, fruit and vegetables are always a safe bet. In addition to having the sweet treats on hand to eat, they also double as chic decor! Display each fruit and/or vegetable in a separate bowl or altogether, and you're sure to get an irresistible pop of delicious color! Achieve the same effect with fresh herbs and vegetables.

Instead of using regular bowls, display your fresh food in different ways. Use candy dishes, vases, votive holders, colanders, and even pitchers!

Just like planting your pots outdoors, a fabulous fruit/vegetable display is separated into 3 categories: Thrillers, fillers and spillers! The thrillers are the largest fruit or vegetable, displayed higher than the rest and are usually bananas or artichokes. Fillers are simple, round for the center of the bowl, such as apples, oranges, or tomatoes. And the spillers-Oh, how I love the spillers- beautiful, abundant grapes spilling over the edge, or cherries scattered on top and around the outside.....

Happy Easter!

 I'm not one to break out the bunnies as soon as spring rolls around. Although I love the furry creatures, the traditional cutesy look is just not my style. I like to add subtle hints of Easter around the house, more like I'm preparing for an afternoon tea rather than an egg hunt. Flowers, pitchers, and touches of white give the Easter appeal with less shabby, more chic.

Sophisticated Easter Wreath

You already know know I love my wreaths, especially a beautiful spring wreath! I couldn't help but repost this gorgeous, sophisticated Easter wreath from HGTV.com!

Materials Needed:

12" grapevine wreath

light green Spanish moss

12 paper mache eggs

beige acrylic paint

dark brown acrylic paint

water-based glaze medium
1" artist brush
empty egg crate
toothbrush
hot glue and glue sticks

latex gloves

On a protected surface, apply two coats of beige acrylic paint to each egg with a one-inch artist brush. Tip: Acrylic paint dries in about 10 minutes; paint one side and allow to dry, then turn the egg over and paint the other side.

Speckle Eggs

Mix dark brown acrylic paint with water-based faux glaze in a 1:3 (paint:glaze) ratio. Don gloves; dip a clean toothbrush into glaze mixture, then run your thumb through the bristles to splatter glaze onto the painted eggs. Turn the egg to splatter all sides and place it in an egg carton to allow the glaze to dry. Tip: For a realistic look, splatters should vary in shape and size. To achieve this effect, vary the amount of pressure you place on the bristles.

Apply Moss to Wreath
Preheat hot glue gun. Apply hot glue to the wreath in small sections. Pull Spanish moss apart into loose handfuls. Immediately push moss into hot glue and hold it in place until glue cools. Repeat the process till front of wreath is covered.

 Finally, add eggs with hot glue.

Baked Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is the perfect appetizer for both formal and informal gatherings. It is easily played up in summer when adorned on a real coconut with tropical flower accents.  

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled (cooked or uncooked)

1/3 cup cornstarch

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cups flaked sweetened coconut

3 egg whites, beaten until foamy, or egg replacer(egg-free, gluten-free, dairy-free)

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. I used aluminum foil for easy cleaning.


Rinse and dry shrimp with paper towels. Mix cornstarch, salt, and cayenne pepper in one bowl; pour coconut flakes in a separate bowl. Working with one shrimp at a time, hold the tail and cover it in the cornstarch mixture, then dip it in the egg white/subsitute, and roll it in the coconut, making sure to coat the entire shrimp well. Place on the prepared baking sheet, and repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Bake the shrimp about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through. If you are using uncooked shrimp, they should be bright pink on the outside and the meat is no longer transparent in the center. Coconut will be golden brown, and look good enough to eat!

Pina Colada Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup sour cream or a non-dairy coconut milk yogurt
1/4 cup pina colada non-alcoholic drink mix
1/4 cup crushed pineapple
2 tablespoons granulated sugar