Decor: 10 Unique Hardware

As much as I love to accessorize myself, I love accessorizing my home. While browsing the web, I came across a few unique hardware pieces from Anthropologie that I loved!  

They have everything from stone knobs to vineyard inspired brackets. With just a change of a knob or simply switching out your standard key hooks, you can instantly redecorate your home, just like I did here. Remember, it's all in the details :)

Here's a few that caught my eye.. 

1. Rock Candy Handle

2. Gleam Theory Knob
3. Large Petrified Knob
4. Raw Pyrite Hook

5. Mined Stone Knob

6. Vineyard Bracket

7. Gem Keepsake Knob

8. Tin Roof Switchplates

9. Tea House Doorknob

10. B&W Wall Hook

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Decor: small space ideas

Hi guys! Drew's back! I've been inspired by Jen's recent moving news & thought I would show you a perfect little living space that would fit her small-living needs in the big city. 

Alvhem Makleri has the PERFECT space to get your ideas rolling for small living quarter ideas. Think lots of white with creative storage units, shelving and touches of color added throughout the space in decor.

Having a SMALL space definitely doesn't mean it can't be functional and stylish! Take a look at these rooms and you'll see how creative and innovative they really get!

                  

Here are a few key items you can look for and purchase when looking to decorate for a small, but design-worthy apartment or living space:

1) Z Gallerie Magazine Tote
2) Anthropologie Hook
3) Urban Outfitters Case
4) Addonovo Sectional

5) Ikea Shelving Unit

6) Dash and Albert Rug

7) Z Gallerie Kitchen Table & Chairs

-post by drew humphries

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Book Review: Dazzling Design: Amanda Nisbet

Looking for a good book with lots of inspiration?? 

How about Dazzling Design. I got this book in the mail recently from the people over at Abrams - which I am grateful for, thanks so much!!

This book by Designer Amanda Nisbet - is one of my favorites this year! Her work has been featured in many magazines like , Elle Decor, House Beautiful, O Magazine & more! It's full of color & texture, with over 250 pages of photographs of New York City apartments, country houses & Hamptons beach homes! This book is ideal for those of you who live in traditional homes but still want to bring a punch of color to your place!  

I took a few snapshots of my favorite pages - so you could see I'm NOT kidding, this book is on fire!! You can buy a copy here.

-images by jen ramos

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Food: Grilled Veggie Baba Ganoush

Hey MBG'ers!  It's Caren here, dishing up an awesome idea for a clean snack that tastes out of this world!  

If I could only eat one ethnic cuisine my entire life, it would have to be Mediterranean. Even Japanese would take a back seat, and that’s saying a LOT! Baba Ganoush is one of my all time favorites as it’s an easy, low fat, low carb way to sneak your veggies in, and it’s delicious.

Now, according to tradition, you’re supposed to roast your eggplant over an open flame instead of roasting it in the oven. This gives it a real smoky flavor, and I have to admit, it does make a difference. However, if you’re lazy (like me) or you have an electric stove, then a little bit of liquid smoke is going to fix you right up.

But because I like to razzle dazzle you guys, I thought I’d go-for-pro on the open flame. Once your eggplant looks like it’s starting to resemble Joan Rivers before her third facelift (that’s about 5 minutes for the eggplant, and 50 years for Joan), then you’re ready to pop it in a pot and cook it for about another 15 minutes until it’s soft all the way through. The rest is just a matter of blending and adding the remaining ingredients until you get to the right consistency and flavor for your palette.

I also tossed in some leftover roasted asparagus, which added a great twist to the flavor. It was AWESOME, but I think roasted tomatoes, onions or even a little sautéed spinach would have been great additions too. Work with what you’ve got and enjoy with pita slices or fresh veggies on the side.

It’s a great snack to keep in the fridge for those moments where you feel a need to munch, or serve it a healthy party dip.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 tablespoon of Tahini (use creamy peanut butter as an alternative)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of Tamari (use soy sauce as an alternative)
• 1 teaspoon salt and pepper (each)
• 1 tablespoon of Gomasio (use sesame seeds as an alternative)
• 1 teaspoons of garlic powder (or 2 fresh cloves)
• 1/2 teaspoon of sesame or olive oil
• liquid smoke to taste (optional) 

Directions

1. Roast eggplant over open flame on all sides (for about 5 minutes)
2. Add to a pot and cover.  Cook for an additional 15 minutes, turning once.
3. Remove eggplant from heat and cool.
4. Once cooled, scrap out the meat of the eggplant and discard the skin.  Add eggplant (and it's juices) to a food processor or blender along with remaining ingredients.
5. Blend well, adding more flavorings if desired.
6. Serve warm or cold.

-images & post caren magill

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8 Jackets for Fall & Winter

We all know Fall is here - then Winter creeps right in. In fact, it sort of  like winter already here in New York City! The coldest day of the year has  been today. I'm sure it's already chilly in many parts of the country... so with that said, have you bought your Fall & Winter jacket yet?? 

I have a Fall jacket, slash bomber vest - which I love! I got this at Target, so it was pretty affordable. However, it was a men's vest, but heck, it fit perfectly! But I've been looking at a new coat, not that I need one....so I'm just looking. Here's a list of Fall & Winter outerwear I would recommend. From high to low - colorful & all black. 

Did you buy your Winter jacket already? Which of these would you choose?

1. gattinoni gray bomber

2. jcrew peacoat

3. miu miu

4. michael kors

5. mackage

6. jean paul gaultier

7. mackage
8. jcrew

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Design: Fall Decor

There's no doubt about it, Fall is here, and I couldn't be happier! Hello everyone, it's Katie from H2 Design. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. In addition to the colder nights & crisper air, we get to be enveloped by the warmth of vintage fall jewel tones and cozy textures. 

I just couldn't help but pull together some of my favorite interior pieces illustrating this welcoming fall trend. It makes you want to brew some warm tea and curl up in front of the fire with a good book (or in my case, the latest home decor magazine)!

image via the marion house book

1 - Mohair Throw Blankets via Serena and Lily / 2 - Marmont Pendant via Serena and Lily / 3 - Tate Table Lamp via MGBW / 4 and 5 - Peach Pink and Citrine Watercolor Artwork via Dwell Studio / 6 - Elsa Stool via Serena and Lily / 7 - Camden Chair via Jayson Home / 8 - Langley Ottoman via Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. / 9 - assorted Ombre Velvet Pillows via Anthropologie

What are you looking forward to this season?

-post by katie hackworth

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Design: A Tablescape for Tea

Welcome back! Monday has arrived! How are you? I wonder.... have you EVER thought of having a tea party with friends??? Well...

Drew here, with tablescape inspiration to suit your high tea fancies.

Elegant gold and silver trays, stemware and glassware will make this tea party a sure standout. Touches of lavender and mint in the fabrics enhance the look a bit. To add the feel of an old English countryside be sure to add your charming tea set, fine china teacups and saucers, while serving up scones, crumpets, tiny cucumber sandwiches and of course the finest tea.

From Zara Home:

1) napkin 2) tea set 3) cutlery 4) tray 5) napkins 6) napkin rings 7) tall glass 8) charger 9) plate

10) tablecloth 11) crumpets 12) silver/gold tray


-post by drew humphries

 

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