.why so fab? why?

Why do I like this room? Tell me. Delicious walls, loads of quirk, I am sure you designers would say there is some juxtaposition of something or another. I don't know. I just want to be there. If you like it, can you name why? Let's hear it. Chat it up.

(imagae via Abigail Ahern)

...floral feast

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I know I did and feel more thankful than ever.

What is your favorite flower? Random, I know, but I am thankful for flowers. If I had to win like some lottery thing for luxe gifts(not food or stuff), I would love fresh flowers delivered weekly. I always say mine is the peony, and it is, but a tight, white tulip is always really high on my list. I love paper whites this time of year as well. You? If you were going to have a floral feast, what would it look like?

(image karaandray)

.if.....

If I was decorating a table for Thanksgiving, this might be nice, minus the three. But, I am not. For the first time I can remember, I will not be eating a home cooked meal, but will be at the beach with all of the kiddies at a BUFFET! I know, ick, but it IS at our favorite restaurant, and it is in Charleston, our favorite city, and it is where my hubby and I met, and it is our tradition to be there as a family. I don't need to set the table or roast my own bird to know who I am thankful is sitting beside me. And boy am I ever thankful. Hope you have the best day ever. It is my favorite Holiday......beside's my birthday, but that is another topic entirely.

xoxoxoxo

g.

(image via design idea)

.monday,monday....

I love the simplicity and function of this little shelf. Unless you have a kindle, which I have to say, becomes more intriguing every time I talk to someone who does, your bedside table can look like mine, which is twenty books to every square inch!

What is a must on your bedside table? Do tell.......

.friday

Off to the Big Apple for a few days where I shall mix business and pleasure. I am taking my baby girl(13, not so baby, anymore). She used to beg for a view of F.A.O. Schwartz on these trips. Now the view she craves is Top Shop. Things change WAY too quickly. Those of you with little ones, when you fall into bed exhausted at night, try and remember these are moments. Before you know it they will be taller than you and negotiating for the window seat, only one of which you can control.

xoxoxox

g.

.the big reveal

Sort of. So, I have been really flattered to receive numerous blog awards from really great people. The bummer is I imagine all of those great people are now thinking why did we give those to her, she has not even done her duty, followed the instructions, etc. I am going to. I just get flustered, start, stop, get anxious about leaving people out when passing them on...blah, blah....excuses, excuses, right? So here we go. One award specifies that I tell you seven things about myself, and I am going to do that just now.

1. I was born a red head. Clairol #376 medium is going to keep me that way.

2. I am unable to understand my kids math homework once they get to about sixth grade, but I am a great speller.

3. My fantasy football team is in first place. Enough said.

4. My son's is not. Now, enough said.

5. Even though I design things for a living, I cannot cut a straight line. No, not even with a ruler.

6. My husband finishes my sentences. They always sound better, too.

7. I never have any idea where I left my keys and it surprises me every time.

For those of you who have taken the time to do this correctly and have awarded me, it truly made my day to know you enjoy coming here. And I thank you.

.style or vile?

Lovely Liza from Postcards from Colorado is taking "a little break" from blogging which makes me more than a little sad, BUT, before she started to rest her creative, precious mind she forwarded this image to me and we screeched through cyberspace. Did you her us? She thought it might be perfect for style or vile and I agreed. So let's play!

Amazing space, gorgeous light, stylish room....what's with the testicles hanging from the ceiling?

Style or vile?

.serious swank

I am constantly mesmerized by the styling in certain catalogs. Anthropologie is right up there and these images are a testament as to why.

Do any of you watch Man Shops Globe on Sundance? It follows Keith, the head buyer at Anthro, on his travels around the globe searching for eccentric items for the 166 stores and customers. If not, try and catch it, if for no other reason than to see the amazing finds and talent that circle the globe.

(images via Anthropologie)

.Fall Friday

Some images to warm you up this brisk Autumn weekend. Thanks for visiting all week. Makes me smile....

xoxoxox

g

(images sensitive self and flickr)

.this would work

I would like to cook Nelya's meal in here. You? Slow to the party? See below.

(image via Decorno)

yum numero two

Ok, so I grabbed you with dessert first. Tricky....

From the wonderful Nelya of the inspiring(every post) Head Over Heels blog, we receive the second installment of our recipe gig. This is so good. So good.

Chili-Rubbed Skirt Steak and Romaine-Heart Salad

Adapted from Martha Stewart Everyday Food Cookbook, November, 2006

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/chili-rubbed-skirt-steak)

We ate this all summer long. Seriously. All.Summer.Long. And by we, I don't mean myself and the dear man while the boys ate the usual standbys, pasta, hotdogs, and such. Nope, all four men ate this delicious, easy peasy steak and when I say eat, I really mean devoured. Yep, it's that good. Coupled with a nice green salad dressed in that creamy, yummy dressing and our favorite Nan bread (hello Publix Deli) brushed with olive oil and grilled to crisp perfection, you have a lovely, delicious meal.

Ingredients

Serves 6-8

• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 2 1/2 to 3 pound beef skirt steak, cut into 8 even pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Heat grill to high. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, coriander, sugar, oregano, 1 tablespoon coarse salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Coat steaks evenly on both sides with oil, then spice mixture, patting to adhere.
2. Place the steaks directly on grill, and grill 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Or to your preferred state of doneness. Transfer to a large platter, and cover with aluminum foil; let rest 10 minutes.
3. Remove foil and divide steaks among four serving plates. Drizzle with any accumulated juices, and serve with Romaine-Heart Salad.

And if you still have room, may I suggest these gorgeous, gooey, close to sinful macaroons. You can never go wrong with an Ina recipe, but just to up the sinful factor, once cooled, I dip these glistening beauties in some melted chocolate...just half of the cookie mind you. I know you're not supposed to melt chocolate in the microwave, but I put my semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, nuke them at 10 second intervals, stir each time...continue until melted. Works like a charm every single time. Just dip and repeat. Then, pile them up on a simple white plate and watch how quickly they disappear! Recipe can be found here:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/coconut-macaroons-recipe4/index.html

Thanks, Nelya. How delicious is this? Coming soon....be inspired by the creative mind of Mise over at Pretty Far West.

(steak image via Martha Stewart macaroons unknown)

simple and lovely

Really loving the paint color Peacock Blue. You?

Also, for some reason, well, actually I KNOW the reason, I was not paying attention and pressed reject instead of publish, I rejected about 15 comments. So sorry! I have no idea how to undo it either(surprise, surprise), so if I have not answered you, that is why. You are out in cyberspace, somewhere....I think.

Goofy, I know.

(Domino)

.super flea

Twice a year, our average monthly flea becomes the super flea, the place where zillions of wonderful vendors(as well as some scary ones) migrate to the fairgrounds and let us find that special something that screams"Yes, I am here. I have been waiting for you." Often those things are too large in price and size to make it into the car, but others, even some close to a dollar, find a treasured spot in a collection often only understood by you, the treasurer. Right?

I covet these weekends each Spring and Fall.

Wanna come with?

xoxox

g.

(image Jen Gotch)

.style or vile?

Hmmmm......

Is the conversation with the light fixture or the person behind it on the couch? This room has great bones, and I am sure these pieces are really costly, well known and interesting(I would take a few), but does this function make sense? When does cool become odd?

Do tell.....

.what's your pleasure?

This simple bar makes me want a drink. Well, this bar and teenagers, but that is another story. It makes me feel relaxed and is nice eye candy. Do you have a bar in your house? Or do you find most people drink beer and wine?

Just curious?