Thursday, October 25, 2012

French and European Inspired Staircases

Greetings everyone!  I hope today finds you doing well! 
 
Before I go too far today I have to say that there are a lot of HomeGoods fans out there!  Our last two posts have featured some of our own HomeGoods finds.  You all must enjoy seeing HomeGoods finds because the posts have been visited at a staggering rate.  If you missed either one, you can still see them here:  Ralph Lauren Canisters  and our Ralph Lauren Lamps.
 
Today's "Which is your Favorite"; Staircases.  Like so many other things, it's all in the details.  From the railing to spindles and steps, each gives a staircase its own unique character.
 
 
CHOICE 1
I have to say that we have become a huge fan of Phoebe Howard's work.  She pays so much attention to details.  Everything feels so simple and elegant.  Favorites on this staircase are the iron triple spindles and the simple black iron railing with scrolled ends.  We also prefer seeing individual steps when looking at the staircase from the side.  Can you say put me in our new home?

CHOICE 2
This staircase features beautiful double iron spindles.  Love how the staircase curves down into the foyer. This space has several European features from the half circle roman arched front door, to a quarter circle arch opening leading down the hall.

CHOICE 3
These next two photographs are of the same staircase.  Really like the warm feel of this curved staircase.

CHOICE 3
Again looking down from the above staircase.  Such a grand staircase with a variation of curves and platforms.

CHOICE 4
We want to have a unique staircase going down into our basement.  Again one goal we have for our new home is that we want it to feel old world.  To do that, we want to incorporate stone on the staircase leading down into the basement.  This spiral staircase would be perfect for descending down into an old basement.  So interesting to see the individual stone steps pivoting on a central point.

 
CHOICE 5
We have had this photograph in our "inspiration" file for some time.  Highlights of this photograph are the stone walls as you descend down into the basement.  It gives the feel of walking down into the foundation of an old home.  The wood beams and stone floor makes it look like you have entered a basement hundreds of years old.
classic-french-homes.com 

CHOICE 6
Beautiful curved staircase with iron spindles.
parisceramics.com 
 
CHOICE 7
Favorites of this photograph include the stone arch wall over the entrance to the staircase.  Like how the fireplace has also been integrated into the same wall. 
prweb.com 

CHOICE 8
This colonial inspired staircase is just gorgeous.  Love the simple wood spindles and "floating" appearance of the staircase.
washingtonpost.com


Do you see one of these in your home?  Which is your favorite?

Don't forget to also check us out on Facebook.  There you will find video links to materials, products, and techniques we plan to utilize when we build our new home.

On Saturday we will be in Chicago to tour the Bentwood Kitchen Showroom.  Can't wait to share what we find!

Thanks as always for stopping by!

Tonya and Rob

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Ralph Lauren Canisters at HomeGoods

 
So I guess this proves I frequent HomeGoods all too often.  Last week I showed you some pictures of a Ralph Lauren lamp I picked up for a fraction of the price at HomeGoods.  If you missed the post you can check it out HERE.
 
I think nearly all of us have walked through HomeGoods and have stumbled upon a great find.  I mean the kind of find that makes you rush back to the front of the store and grab a cart if you didn't have one already.  That's how I felt when I turned the corner and found the HomeGoods associate setting these gorgeous Blue and White Ralph Lauren Canisters on the shelf.
 


There was only one set, and I just had to have them.  And the best part you ask??? I got them for nearly 1/2 of the normal price!

These Ralph Lauren canisters have so many details.  I just love this color of blue, and the patterns are just perfect! 


If you're looking for a good find, give HomeGoods a try.  You may not always get lucky, but on occasion you find a great item like these Ralph Lauren Canisters.
 
 
On another note; the whole time I was taking these pictures our King Charles Spaniel, full of energy as always, was trying to get my attention.  Well he of course got the attention he was seeking.  After we played for a bit, and he got a little too tired, he layed down right in front of me.  Camera still nearby, I just had to grab this cute shot of him.  How could you not love that face?
 
 
See everyone later this week for our next "Which is your Favorite" picks.  We also invite everyone to join us on Facebook.
 
Have a Great Day!
 
Tonya and Rob
 


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Ralph Lauren Lamps at HomeGoods


Happy Tuesday to everyone!

A few weeks ago we picked up two Ralph Lauren lamps while making a quick stop at HomeGoods.  Can you really have a quick stop at HomeGoods though?  It seems that there is every intention of running in and grabbing one thing, but the shopping cart always seems to fill up before we get to the checkout line!  And as everyone knows even after you get to the checkout line you're still not done shopping at HomeGoods!
 
Our new Ralph Lauren lamp looks so good on the small side table we have in our current dining room.  The mirror was passed down from Rob's Great Grandmother. The small tea set was created by a local artist.
 
 
  The lamp makes a great night light towards the front of the house where the dining room is located.  We love how the lamp resembles a tall candlestick.
 
Because a huge portion of our house is already packed, the second lamp is in storage.  You will see them both being used in the future.
 
What are some of your best HomeGoods finds?
 
Have a Great Day!
 
Tonya and Rob

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Thirsty Thursday: Chocolate Mandarin Dream


Happy Thursday morning to everyone.  If you have had as busy of a week as it has been around here, then you are ready for this weekends games and a good drink.  This weeks Thirsty Thursday will not disappoint.

The original recipe comes from Fine Living.  We found it a bit too strong, so we made some minor modifications.

This recipe is for one drink, so multiply accordingly.

Chocolate Mandarin Dream

1 1/2 oz. Mandarin Absolut Vodka
1 1/2 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
1/4 oz. Mandarin Napoleon Liqueur
Cocoa Powder
Dark Chocolate Shavings
Orange Wedges


 
 
Cut your orange into thin slices.  These will be used to rim your glasses with cocoa and garnish.
 
Take your orange wedge and run it around the lip of your glass.


 
Take the orange coated rim and coat it with cocoa powder.

 
Looking good so far!

 
Add the Mandarin Absolut, Godiva White Chocolate, and the Mandarin Napoleon to a shaker and fill with ice.

 
Shake until well mixed.

 
Serve in your chocolate rimmed glass.

 
Use some of the other wedges to garnish your glass.

 
All that's left is to enjoy!

Next Thursday we will be featuring a warm drink to share around your outdoor fire pit on a cool fall evening.
 
Cheers!
 
Tonya and Rob