Lunch Outing

Saturday we went out to Macaroni Grill for a 'last hurrah' - my sister-in-law McCall is due with her second baby any day now and we just had to do a little lunch for her before #2 arrives. It was fun to catch up with her sister and mom - along with the girls from our side of the family that were there (minus three).

I just keep wondering what her baby will look like. Will she come out with lots of shiny black hair like her (now blonde) sister? Halle was (is) the sweetest little thing and I can't wait to meet the new baby. (McCall is the gorgeous one on the far left that looks not pregnant at all, I should've stood back by her)

Waffles and Fries

A few weeks ago I was heading back to work from a doctor's appointment and, as it happens these days, hunger struck without warning. I wasn't in the mood for fast food and it wasn't really lunch time. Luckily I was driving through a downtown area where each block has at least one bakery/ pastry shop.

Score. I stopped into a tiny place off of Broadway and between 3rd and 4th west (right by Tony Caputo's and Cucina Toscana). The sign said "waffles and frites." It's no secret I love fries and the accompanying fry sauce/ketchup. Why not. I do what I want these days where my appetite is concerned. Correction: I do what baby tells me.

The gentleman inside was clearly the owner - (the shop is called Bruges and he was unmistakeably Belgian) - he recommended the carmelized 'gaufre' (waffle) and homemade creme fraiche (whipped cream). I've learned not to reject the house special. As he pulled the dough from the waffle press I thought, "Oh great, he burned it." Plus it looked small for $5. They packaged the waffle, some whipped cream, and strawberries/blueberries and I was on my way.

It was warm and I was hungry so I sat in my car and had a taste. What I experienced next was hard to put into words... how does one describe the beach at sunset? This waffle was unlike any so-called 'waffle' I'd ever tasted before. Warm, rich, cake-y, carmelized. Simply incredible. Unbelievable. And the creme fraiche: proverbial icing on the cake.

If you are within three hours driving distance from this bakery - make the trip. I promise you won't be disappointed. It will change the way you look at waffles. Find them online here: Bruges Waffles & Frites. They are only open 10-5 so plan accordingly. I have dreams about these waffles and can't wait for my next excuse to get downtown and treat myself to a little $5 piece of heaven. I hear they also have a chocolate-dipped waffle.

p.s. - think I left without trying the frites? you know me too well. I ordered a small cone of fries and they were VERY good. Fresh cut, double fried, but still perfectly soft and not crunchy, just the way I like them. The owner gives you your choice of 'dipping sauce' - a mayo menu of sorts. Very unique. I had the 'mammoth' - fry sauce with a kick. Delish.

I Cooked

Yep. Are you sitting down? I cooked dinner. Ina Garten is a contributor for House Beautiful, Ask the Barefoot Contessa, and does a recipe in each of their issues. Capellini with Tomatoes and Basil. The picture sold me. I braved the 5 p.m. grocery rush tonight and dinner was shortly underway. This recipe was quick, easy and SO delish. As we took our first bite - just mmmm's. Good sign. I loved the light flavor of the herbs and garlic. I'm definitely keeping this recipe.

And for dessert? Chocolate dipped strawberries. I met with a client today who was telling me about her daughter's love for dipped strawberries and I couldn't get them out of my mind the rest of the day. I find that my pregnancy cravings are sparked by things I hear of or see. Example: the other night I was watching Real Housewives - they were having daquiris and all of a sudden, I needed one too! It was ten o'clock, so a red slush puppy had to suffice.

Baby on the Way

Ben and I are excited for our first new arrival coming this summer. I'm due August 10th and 15 weeks along so far. We're hoping to find out the sex of the baby in a few weeks and I am having the hardest time passing by the baby shops without popping in for something pink or blue! (I'm not that into non-descript yellow baby clothes). We found out at my first ultrasound that there is only one baby in there... (I was having dreams of twins, Ben was having cold sweats)... all seems well so far and that is all I continue to pray for.

*photo courtesy of Iris Creations Photography - which is a fabulous site!

Happy Valentine's Day

I got an email from Kate Spade today with an invitation to send a Valentine from their collection of custom-designed e-cards. After scrolling through I instantly picked my favorite.

Click here for the animated e-card. I thought it was absolutely classic and so cute. Happy Valentine's Day - find someone or something (flowers, blankie, chocolate, potato chips) to snuggle up with this weekend. I choose all of the above.

Mirror Segment

Today I did a segment for Studio 5 on Mirrors. It turned pretty well I thought. It's always a bit trickier to have different moving parts happening at once (rolling pictures, props, and having to answer impromptu questions)... I'm still learning that good tv is a like a well-oiled machine where a LOT goes on in the earpiece and behind camera.

Here is the clip from today's segment along with my write-up(or click here to redirect to the clip on KSL's website). We also had a 'host chat' on upcoming trends from last week's Las Vegas market which was fun. I'll see if I can track down that video as well.

Incorporating mirrors and mirrored pieces into your existing décor is one of the most stylish and easy changes you can make in your space. However, don’t act so fast… instead of hanging a rectangular mirror in each room in your home and putting your feet up, take a moment to get creative and think of different ways to bring those reflective qualities into your own home. Designer Lauren Oviatt shares her expertise with us and will also share the newest trends “hot-off-the press” from this month’s furniture market in Las Vegas.

Mirrors
Certainly there are mirrors suitable for rooms of any style, from formal to modern and everything in between including coastal and transitional. Hanging a large mirror over a buffet piece or console table makes an outstanding feature in any room. Rest the mirror on the piece of furniture or consider hanging it a bit lower to reflect the accessories or beautiful live plant you have on display. This will double the size of the display you’ve created and gives a less formal look.

Try hanging mirrors in an unexpected way by grouping small-sized mirrors. This is a dramatic and high-impact look. Creating a grid-like display works best when using smaller mirrors (as opposed to the ‘free for all’ approach). This idea works well on a large or difficult wall where one mirror simply won’t fill the space. The other benefit to this technique: you still get the reflective qualities and wall coverage without being so “look at me”!

Mirrored Furniture
The use of mirrored furniture is an enduring, classic trend. Mirrored pieces tend to recede while also creating the illusion of more space in any room by reflecting what’s nearby. In the bedroom, use a mirrored nightstand to add a touch of glamour and sparkle. In a hallway or entry, place a mirror-topped console table or mirrored chest that becomes a conversation piece. And if your family room feels heavy due to a dark entertainment center or too many other wood-stained pieces, introduce a mirrored coffee table to break things up.

You’ll love trying different accessories and lamps on your mirrored tables. Any display immediately looks more glamorous and pulled-together. A lit lamp on a mirrored piece will double the sparkle factor and add an ethereal glow.

Mirrored Accessories and Art
Beyond the obvious wall mirrors and mirrored furniture, there are hundreds of accessories, light fixtures, art and other decorative accents that can help create that reflective quality in your home.
Mercury glass is a very popular trend right now. Everything from candlesticks and kitchen canisters to decorative orbs and planters are made from mercury glass and readily available. We’re all familiar with this type of material used in ornaments and other holiday display; but why not use these beautiful things all year long? Add fresh greenery or live plants to your mercury glass display to give it a spring-time look.

Art framed with antiqued glass (called “Eglomise”) is another great approach. These pieces work well in powder rooms and other more intimate spaces where the glow of a chandelier or lit candles picks up that fabulous mirrored quality. Antiqued glass is also being used a lot more in light fixtures themselves. A silver lamp base paired with a dark silk or paper shade is a fabulous and current look, as well as chandeliers that are paneled with mirrors; they give off light even when turned off in the daytime. Keep an eye out for accessories in this type of antiqued glass – it is timelessly beautiful and creates less glare in spaces where you’re going for a softer look.

TIPS:

*Hang a mirror at the same height as a chandelier or pendant to reflect the light and double the impact behind it. Works best in a dining room or entryway.

*Hang a rectangular, over-scaled mirror at the end of a hallway to give visual depth and double the hallway’s length.

*Place a mirror (or mirrored accessories) in a place in your home that doesn’t get much light to immediately brighten it.

*Don’t be afraid to place mirrored accessories in front of a hung mirror or even on a mirrored table. Layer them with books, picture frames or pillar candles or a fresh plant for a variety in texture and color.

Spring Market: Las Vegas 2010

Kathy and I had a quick trip to Vegas but didn't want to miss the opportunity to see the new introductions before HIgh Point market this spring. Vegas market really focuses more on home accents (lighting, art, accessories) but still lacks in the department of high-end upholstery and casegoods. Here are a few of my favorite finds.

Legacy Home bedding - this is actually fabric designed by Windsor Smith for Kravet. I LOVE her collection.

This company makes custom tents and gazebos. How FABULOUS is this!? I fell in love with the combinations of pink fabrics and the entire overall style. These retail for about $6,000. The person we spoke with said they custom make these for weddings (can you imagine!) and private residences/yards as well.


Fun springtime display - so feminine but how fun as a theme for summer-time party or shower.

I've blogged on these re-covered books before - I think they are so hip. This season they had colors in coral, blue and lavender as opposed to the usual parchment and metallic finishes.

Global Views' showroom is always so fresh and current. Not the easiest of colors to place in a Utah home, however, you have to appreciate the way they merchandise and their display style.

We discovered this fabulous new line of botanicals called The French Bee. This picture doesn't do justice to their showroom. Goregeous preserved hydrangea displays, boxwood topiaries and other predominately french touches (like the diamond-painted planters). I can't wait to get the things we ordered from them.

And here we are on day three before we left, rolling bags in tow. We are constantly managing our itinerary and market guide to make sure we don't miss a spot. In the courtyard of these three enormous market buildings there are dozens of white pleather sofas so people can lounge and converse. Sadly, most used this as 'smoke break' territory. No, that's not a bird on my lap, it's my signature badge holder with pheasant feathers trimmed on the bottom. (thanks, French Market Collection)

Valentines Towels

The other day I stopped into Target. I rarely go there because I'm not familiar with their grocery... I'm a Smith's girl myself. I popped in to pick up a few things with some gift cards I was given for my birthday. What would two $15 cards get me?

Now I know I should stay away from Target. They really getcha in there! You can't do the aisles without peeking at all the seasonal decor and housewares. You plan to buy food & necessities only and leave with a bunch of goodies too! It's as dangerous as Costco.

I saw these oh-so-cute dishtowels and they went right in the cart. Maybe I had to have them because I love girly colors and V-day decor (and have none), or maybe it's because they remind me of Reese. I could swear she has some fleece footed pajamas in the same pattern. At $3.99, they were not a splurge. But I did quickly use up that $30. (other purchases: $8.99 boyfriend tee, venus refills, kit kat bar, doublemint gum & chapstick)

Yay for Glee

Yay for Glee winning Best Comedy Series at this year's Golden Globes. I love the show in all its quirkiness (and how it reminds me of my own showchoir days... for the record, at my h.s. it was actually cool... you gotta believe me).

Thanks to Taryn's oh-so-thoughtful birthday gift (both soundtracks - score!), I will be celebrating Glee's triumph by playing Mr. Shu and Rachel's rendition of "Endless Love" on repeat for the next five days of my commute, as if I wasn't already. It's so classic. I'm considering making Ben learn the mens part so we can have a duet.

2010 Planner

Finally I can get my life back together. I just received my 2010 planner today in the mail. I hated waiting two weeks to be organized again. Next year I'll be smart and order before the new year.

I used to have a blackberry when I worked in the corporate world. I liked it but it was all so digital. What about when I need to write something decorative over the entire week (vacation time)? or my appointment didn't fit into a pre-defined setting? Maybe it's old fashioned but I like writing things down. Especially with fun colored pens. These are my must-haves:

For the last few years I've had a really simple weekly planner (I prefer the "week at a glance" layout along with a section for "month at a glance". I have no need for daily pages, talk about making someone feel non-busy & unproductive. This year I found a Lilly Pulitzer agenda online - how fabulous!

Sidenote: As soon as we have 2.5 kids and a golden retriever, our yearly holiday card will feature all of us bedecked in Lilly Pulitzer (yes, including Ben and any said sons).

You can find the planner here - but truth be told most of them were sold out everywhere I looked. Totally worth the wait. It is colorful, fun, well-organized and I already have this feeling its going to be a GREAT year.

Studio 5 Fireplace Segment

Today's segment went really well. I was excited to put together a mantle display to bring on set and I thought the topic 'designer mantles' would be make a really great segment. Here is the clip along with my write-up. Or you can click here to watch on ksl's website.

Fireplaces are often the major focal point in a living room and usually the feature which commands the most attention in your entire home. But not all fireplaces are created equal! Designers can take a quick glance at a room and instantly fix those little things that make it look incomplete. Today designer Lauren Oviatt will give us tips on how you can make the most of your fireplace -- and -- she’ll show us a custom mantle design she’s created right here on set.

Scale
The single most important thing to consider when addressing the space above your fireplace is the scale and proportion. Do you have a small fireplace with a minimal ledge for display or does your fireplace command the most attention for the entire room? Taking a step back to look at the scale of your fireplace will help you determine the art and accessories you’ll need to make the unit look well-dressed and complete. Consider using multiple pieces of art instead of one gigantic piece if you have a large space to fill. Before shopping, use your existing art and accessories on the mantle to see what works in terms of size and scale. You’ll find certain things will disappear when placed on the mantle while the size of other pieces will suit your vision.



Tip: Do your homework first! Many people find art or accessories they love while out shopping, and then expect them to work simply because they like the piece. Most common errors in design revolve around the improper use of beautiful things. Have you ever said to yourself, “I love that painting, but I hate the way it looks right there!” Take a picture of your fireplace to keep with you on your shopping trips, and better yet, keep useful dimensions written down in your planner for reference when considering that piece of art for your mantle.


Symmetry
Traditional spaces lend themselves to a symmetrical balance, where eclectic spaces are more fit for the assymetrical. If you have a pair of candlesticks you want to use, try them on either side of your mantle… if it doesn’t create the impact you need, put them together on one side and find another object of equal visual width or height to balance the empty side of the mantle.

Reflective qualities
Fireplace mantles are a fantastic place to use mirrors or other reflective surfaces. Your first thought might be to use one large mirror to fill the entire space – what a great look! But if you’re looking for another option, use geometric groupings of smaller mirrors to create more energy and movement. (Use multiples of the same mirror, not mix n’match mirrors please!)



Versatility
Simply resting artwork and accessories on your mantle is a great option for those who have a rock or brick fireplace or any other type of tricky surround. Also, it makes seasonal changes so much easier to manage. Some find that they just can’t commit to that solitary picture year round – I encourage you to use different accessories as your mood or the seasons change. It’s a great way to refresh the space and make things feel new to you!

Alone this week

Ben is away at a sports medicine training in Denver this week. I should've gone with him - I hear his hotel is v. nice and right on 16th street... jealous! I could go boutiquing all day and have delicious meals with him at night. Oh, and play with my long lost pal Niki & her too-cute baby Easton. Too bad I have a big kitchen install this week and a segment on Studio 5 this Thursday.

Alas, he is away and I have to find things to do at night. Did I mention that I've been sick for three weeks now? Only confirmed as 'not strep' - who knows what I actually have. First it was in my throat, then moved up to my sinuses, and as of yesterday, back in my throat accompanied by a hacking tickle cough. Ug. I've gone from no voice, to a man voice, and now I'm nasal. What is worse?

Last night I dined with Lacey & her sister McCall at Cheesecake Factory (glorious), but as for the rest of the week... I plan to lay low and try to get better. Ben has also taken my laptop and so now I am completely out of sorts. Most nights we are home and it goes something like this: Ben watches basketball or golf... while I sit beside him nicely with my lappy on my lap and do whatever I want online, i.e., shop, blog, chat. It's time 'together' and we both get what we want. Now my routine is gone along with the computer. It's not so fun shopping on an iTouch as it turns out.

So I've taken the only thing left- the remote. Here are my girly indulgences while he's away and I'm in bed with a cup o' soup:


Gulianna & Bill

Keeping Up with the Kardashians

The Soup

Real Housewives of O.C.

Not to mention various episodes of Intervention & Hoarders (but I can only take so much), The Best Thing I Ever Ate (Food Network), Jersey Shore and any relatively good made-for-tv movie on the Hallmark channel. At least I have my boundaries - I have never and will never watch the Hills or any such related programs.

My sister Tessa is also husband-less this week... but she has a sweet little puppy to keep her company and to snuggle with. Maybe I should make a trip to the puppy store, there are still four days to go.