Mel & Liza

Reupholstery Project: After

2012-03-09T07:40:00.001-05:00

I LOVE do-it-yourself projects and before and after photos, don't you?? Even if you wouldn't do it the same way, it's always fun and inspiring to see how someone else transformed a piece of furniture or a space in their home into something new!

Here is my before photo of our comfy armchair with its sad (and kind of gross, to be honest) no-longer-white upholstery.

For tackling a reupholstery project like this one, you'll need a few basic tools around. For simpler jobs like dining room chairs, stools and headboards, you won't need a sewing machine, but for anything more complicated like armchairs and sofas, a basic model will do fine. Buy some upholstery tacks from any hardware store, and everything else you probably already have at home!

What you'll need:

a flathead screwdriver for prying out those old nails,

a basic staple gun and staples,

pliers, needle nose and round,

your new best friend, the sewing machine:),

a curved needle, critical for those hand-sewn parts,

upholstery tacks,

and fabric. And that's it! You're ready to go.

I ended up choosing an indoor outdoor fabric by Waverley in their Sun N Shade line called Chippendale Fretwork for this project. I bought it online and had my sweet Dad mail it to me here in Austria (I still don't know where to go fabric hunting in Vienna! Shameful). I love trellis fabrics, so this was my chance to use some, but I wanted a neutral color in case we take this chair with us to the next house.

Since I was working on this project on evenings and days off from my full time job, it took me longer than it would now that I'm working from home and am more flexible with my time. But still, for such a big project--and considering that it was my first time doing something like this-- I think it went pretty quickly! All in all it maybe took me three weeks. It's hard work, I'm not going to lie, but I have never been so proud of myself and had such a sense of accomplishment than after reupholstering this chair.

I hope you're inspired to DIY!

Liza

For the love of pink

2012-03-08T05:00:00.064-05:00

The 411 on Tea
Color and texture can change an ordinary invent into something extra special. I often host little tea parties. Most recently Sophia invited her girlfriends from school to a Valentine's Tea.

My RULEs of THUMB

Uno: Texture

I say mix it up and use the materials you have right in your home, placemates, remnants, table clothes etc.... Add texture and you are sure to have more depth. Can you see how many different types of patterns I mixed together?

Dos: Color

I say focus in on a color then use variations of it. In this case I went for PINK and all its varieties. As an accent I incorporated green, which I think only enhances all shades of pink.

Tres: Shapes

Lucky for me the girls were celebrating Valentine's Day, so we focused on hearts and kept all the china round as a perfect compliment.

Throwing together a tea for your adult friends or your daughters, nieces, grandchildren, is as simple as that. You will love it, and your guests will, too.

P.S. I just purchased $3.99 two bite cupcakes and added the $3.99 candy hearts on top. What a great deal and effect!!!

Happy Party Planning!!!

Reupholstery Project

2012-03-07T08:43:00.000-05:00

Here at Mel & Liza, one our favorite themes is all about appreciating and incorporating beautiful things into our homes and lives without breaking the bank. Sometimes the tiniest budgets can make for some of the most creative solutions.

While Jady and I were living the student lifestyle (i.e. impecuniously) in Berlin, we rented an unfurnished apartment and had to start from scratch to decorate. What a fun challenge! One brilliant buy was a chair from eBay for which I was the sole bidder-- I got it for 1 Euro! Determined to save money wherever we could, we even picked it up without a car, and Jady carried it back on the street tram to our apartment... He really is the best of husbands. Especially since this thing is old, well built and weighs a ton.

The major problem with it (and why no one else was interested!) was the "white" fabric... No longer white, it was yellowed in some areas and stained in others, and no matter what I used to try to clean it, the discoloration and coffee(?) stains refused to budge.

We were desperate for furniture, though, and lived with its ugliness while I tried to decide if it was worth keeping. In the meantime we discovered that it is by far the most comfortable chair we owned, and my husband has now spent countless hours reading theology on this dingy seat. So we had to keep it.

After getting an estimate for professional reupholstering that was way too much to justify at the time, I toyed with the idea of making this a DIY project. What did I have to lose? If I failed, it was, after all, only a 1 Euro chair. So I decided to take on the project myself, aided by this critical purchase from Amazon:

This book carefully outlines how you choose a fabric, remove the old material and finally recover your furniture, encouraging you along the way. One thing it emphasizes and I will, too, is that LOTS of notes and LOTS of photos from before and during the process will help you know what to do when the stripping is finished and it's time to put it all back together. Here are some of my measurements:

If you do tackle a project like this, be sure to take photos of how the piece is already put together. How are the pieces of fabric attached to each other and the chair? You'll be so glad you did!

Before I began the project, I started looking around for ideas about how to choose a fabric, an aspect of the project I found pretty intimidating. Thankfully, LGN gave me the idea in her post on kid-friendly living rooms to consider using an indoor-outdoor fabric. Now, we don't have children yet, but this chair does get a lot of use. Between its position in direct sunlight and the amount of coffee and snacks consumed in it, I thought choosing a durable, fade- and stain-resistant fabric might not be a bad idea. And there are lots of fun choices that don't look like they're made for beach furniture.

This is really the photo that inspired me the most. How pretty is that sofa? Covered in Duralee for Sunbrella, this couch is refined but ready to handle pets and kids with easy cleanup.

Stay tuned until Friday for the after photos!

Liza

The English Rose

2012-03-06T05:00:00.048-05:00

Roses are not all created EQUAL. My all time favorite rose is the English Peonie Rose. These roses gets me going! I recently arranged these beauties for Sophia's Valentine's Day Tea and a baby shower. What lovely blooms, and all you need is one bunch of 12 stems and small lemon leaves.

AND

if I were to dress like a English Rose.......

via Zara.com

Now that spring is near, what blooms are you looking forward to?

xo,

Mel

A Label of Love

2012-03-05T02:54:00.000-05:00

The month of March is a bit of a crazy one for me. Since we are hoping to find a place to live in Louisville and start settling in in June, that means I need to have everything ready to be packed and shipped over by the beginning of April-- and I'm running out of time! We aren't allowed to pack ourselves because of US customs rules, so I do have it easier than I had thought! But still, it's those never ending decisions between what stays and what goes that drain you dry during a move.

I happened to see that Staples is carrying a new line of Martha Stewart's labels, with everything from monogrammed packing stickers to post it notes. Don't you think these would really help me get organized?? :)

I'm already feeling more civilized...

On another note, domino magazine is coming out with a special edition on April 17th!!! A little treat to look forward to.

Happy Monday!

Liza

Friday Leisure

2012-03-02T05:00:00.020-05:00

I love Fridays. They mark the end of a week and the possibility of leisure. This week was a little overwhelming. If you live in the New York area, you know the craziness of schooling your children. It is insane, and this is the week the parentals need to make the best educational decision for your little ones-- NO PRESSURE!
I saw this image on Habitually Chic Blog spot and thought what perfect inspiration to the end of a full week.

Fridays have become particularly inspiring for me, since I just joined a book club. My Friday mornings literally begin with leisure. We drop our children off with a sitter, sit in Maialino's in the Gramercy Hotel and toss around ideas.

I think I need to bring this in on my behalf.

We began a new book, The Meaning of Marriage. I am so inspired already and I am only into chapter two. We are definitely in for a lively discussion!!!

Maialino's

Where does your Friday leisure begin?

xo,

Mel

The Mold & the Beautiful

2012-03-01T06:36:00.000-05:00

Now that we know where we'll be headed when we move back to the US, things have started moving quickly, and suddenly I am up to my ears in estimates, plane tickets, cancellation letters and to do lists. It looks like I will be headed over earlier than Jady in order to get us settled in before he arrives and starts work.

While I should be spending all of my time figuring out what will go and what I should sell on eBay, the siren song of online real-estate listings in Louisville is too tempting to resist, at least for some of the day:) I have a few favorites in mind, but we'll have to wait and see if they're still available when we arrive in April to find a place.

In the meantime, the interior photos of some of these houses has me thinking about paint colors and molding... and what I would do if I lived there (always a fun game!).

One option for dealing with molding is to go with a monochromatic look, a favorite of Martha Stewart, where you paint the walls and the trim in one solid color. Even the frame of the mirror was included in this paint job:

via The Garden Web

Another option is to play with subtle variations on one color, like this gorgeous mantle in the living room of our amazing friend, Cate West Zahl, in Charlottesville, VA.

Or this hallway, which plays up its extensive molding by using two shades of green.

And then you can always experiment with a monochromatic look by adding a surprise trim somewhere. What a fun, unexpected pop of blue!

Another potential way to go is, of course, to paint your walls in a completely different color to your trim. Here you've got a range of contrast options, from subtle to bold, with which to highlight the molding.

Home and Garden

Here is a fun project from 2nd Floor Living, where you can see the same room three different ways, thanks to a little help from photoshop. (How fun is that?! I might have to buy it, just so I can play with paint options like this all day long.) Here is the before, with white on white walls and trim.

Here is the same room, "painted" in a light gray color, including the molding on the walls.

And the third option shows the walls in the same gray color, but now with all of the picture frame molding painted in a contrasting white.

Which do you like?

Liza

The Vintage Party

2012-02-29T05:38:00.022-05:00

I am a sucker for all things vintage or nostalgic. I wanted to bring that sense to Henry's party, and the inspired wrapping paper definitely set that tone. So, when thinking of sweets I wanted to connect with the sentimentality of my own childhood. This is fun for our kids and the adults.

When I was in Party City, I found these vintage looking animals. I knew Henry and his friends would love them. They also reminded me of my own childhood.

I thought why not stick them in two bite cupcakes from Whole Foods (I do not prepare food that I could easily buy from Whole Foods, especially when the cupcakes cost $3.99 per dozen)

BTW this was the perfect project for Sophia to help me with. They are so good looking and made a fun project for Miss S.

I have also literally been a sucker for these SUCKERS. They are good looking, classic, and are fun for any event.

I love the idea of the homemade cake. It is so sweet and sentimental. I know myself and lack of baking skills, so I turn to those who do well, sometimes Whole Foods, and, in this case, Paradis (12th and 4th Ave). They made a truly homemade cake.

I say, why wait till you're thirty to have a cake full of candles? Enjoy the sparkle!!! Blowing out the candles was truly his favorite part of the entire party.

Best Wishes!!!

Mel

A Good Read

2012-02-28T04:11:00.001-05:00

This past weekend was a big one for birthdays at Mel & Liza, as we celebrated Melina's son, Henry's, on Saturday and mine on Sunday!

My incredibly thoughtful sister, who always gives the best gifts, is also a talented and passionate (though not officially professional:)) gourmet chef, so I was thrilled when a package arrived from her with this wrapped up for me in it:

Even though I have just started, I can already tell that this is more than just a cookbook to flip through-- it's one I want to sit down with and read through, cover to cover. With a glowing forward by Mario Batali (Gwyneth's close friend and collaborator on several projects already) and pages of introduction by Gwyneth, the recipes that follow already seem familiar and special, like they've been recommended by friends. Her approach to cooking conveys a genuine love for food and an appreciation of how meals are integrally related to family, even including a fun section on involving your kids in the kitchen.

A few recipes I'm already dying to try:

Duck Ragu

Crispy Potato & Garlic Cake

And my sister swears that the simple slow roasted tomatoes are to die for.

Vine-ripened tomatoes
Olive oil
Salt

Preheat the oven to 275°F.
Cut the tomatoes in half horizontally, rub with a tiny bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt, and bake, seed side up, in a 275°F oven for 3–5 hours, or until they look nearly sun dried (the edges will be caramelized and the moisture will be almost entirely evaporated). These keep, well refrigerated in an airtight container with a bit of olive oil, for at least a week, so make a whole bunch at once.

Have a great day!

Liza

Truly Homemade

2012-02-27T05:00:00.060-05:00

Two years ago Mr. H made his appearance at Beth Israel Manhattan, and this last week Jake and I celebrated his birthday. I must admit, I could think of hundreds of birthday parties for girls, but when it comes to little boys, I was out of ideas. Of course, I could have gone a very commercial route, but somehow an Elmo themed party was not getting me too excited.
So I turned to Paper Presentation (18th St. btw 5th and 6th Ave) for some inspiration. This is a fabulous paper store full of great looking paper, so I knew I was bound to be inspired by something-- I was running out of time with 72 hours remaining.

Lucky for me I found this wrapping paper and from there I was on my way to our Homemade Party. I always say to think outside of the box, and using high quality wrapping paper is a fantastic way to add texture to your event.

Henry has a love for cowboy boots, horses, barnyard animals, and ballons. So, I worked hard thinking of ways to combine all of these fun ideas together. First off, the invitation was important to get just right. My dear friend Jane, from Plain Jane's Cards sent me these perfect invitations. I just told her he loves ballons, horses, and is all boy.

Could they be any cuter?? Check Jane at plainjanescard.wordpress.com-
She is AMAZING!!!!

Just a bit of a side note. I LOVE blogs, but sometimes you see parties and images of events and you think, really? Thats a quick DIY, and it's inexpensive- who are you kidding??
Now, I am telling you Henry's birthday was truly simple, good looking, and sentimental. Most importantly, the event did not stress us out, which I think is key when celebrating milestones.

The Low Down; a few tips on keeping it truly simple and homemade.

Uno: Ballons

Ballons are so inexpensive and bring a sense of occasion to any event. Plus Henry LOVES ballons, so when he walked into this room he burst with excitement.

I also say when you are planning a party, keep it personal. Last summer when we were in Tucson, I picked up these fun traditional Mexican banners, and they were the perfect addition.

Dos: Color

Color is everything. I think if you have a fun coordination of color, life is brought to any event. Lucky for me, my friend Frances Bailey of 400sqft.blogspot.com has given me bright fabrics and serving platters. In the end the room was covered in blues, reds, whites, oranges, and a bit of green.

Come back on Wednesday for the full reveal. I promise you this party was truly pocket friendly, stress free, and so much fun.

Besos,

I Heart Zara

2012-02-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Our crazy-cold weather has finally broken, and temperatures soared this week here in Vienna, even getting above freezing! Although I wouldn't say it's here YET, spring is just around the corner, and I'm already looking forward to lighter layers and colors.

Just wondering what's out there for spring fashion (I haven't been shopping in a while--trying to be good!), I found myself glued to the Zara website and picking out about half of their collection for my imaginary shopping cart. I love the colors-- mint, pale raspberry, greens and yellows-- and the light, flowy textures in this season's collection. Yes, please!

Ok, I have to admit, I already have this one, and it's an even better color in person:

Enjoy the last bit of winter, because spring is nearly here!

Liza

Another Favorite

2012-02-23T05:00:00.006-05:00

Marc Jacobs' Fall 2012 show was full of inspiration. The collection is a throw back to an Old English style meets modern lady.

“Oliver Twist-ed!” said Jacobs post show. “My team and I just started having so much fun, and kind of got carried away as we played with these new silhouettes and started mixing things up in eccentric but modern ways.”

Get Inspired!!

Mel

Kitchen Redo

2012-02-22T07:17:00.000-05:00

We were thrilled that our apartment in Vienna came with a kitchen.

It sounds funny, but coming from Berlin, where every apartment we looked at and lived in came only with a freestanding sink and stove (no countertops or cabinets!!), this tiny, professionally installed kitchen seemed like a big step up.

Though here we faced some new challenges: not enough counter space and storage space, and only a small hole where the college-sized refrigerator is meant to go. There are some things I just can't seem to adjust to, and living out of a tiny refrigerator with a freezer the size of a cereal box is apparently one of them. Call me American:)

Making plans...

The counter space and storage issue we tackled with some basic wooden exposed shelving and a trip to IKEA for this UDDEN stainless steel topped kitchen unit (which I see is strangely unavailable in the US).

Once we had enough space to put everything, I started thinking about how I could perk the room up a bit. The hardwood floors are gorgeous, but with the white walls, wooden dining room table and those light wood colored cabinets, the whole space was pretty BORING. Since we're renting, and at the end of our time here we will need to repaint any walls back to white again, I didn't really love the idea of changing up the walls. For some reason, though, we are allowed to paint the cabinets without changing them back-- perfect solution!

Before starting on my cabinet transformation, I decided to make the surface a bit more interesting than the smooth, modern look they came with. So, at my local hardware store I picked up some inexpensive wooden molding to make into trim.

This is one of my favorite projects for painted furniture! If you want to dress it up a little and add some interesting detail to a simple dresser or cabinet, this is an easy and inexpensive way to do it. If you have a power miter saw, perfect, but don't worry if you don't. Our power tools are back in storage in the US, so this whole project was done without it. All you need is a plastic miter box saw for cutting accurately at an angle like this one, which will cost you less than $10.

Plus some thin nails or all purpose super glue:

And a good ruler or measuring tape. Measure twice at least! It will save you a trip back to the hardware store, I promise.

The color I chose in the end was inspired by this amazing before and after on Design*Sponge (this couple poured their own concrete countertops to save money-- now THAT is an impressive DIY project!). I don't usually like dark paint for a kitchen, since it can make the space look claustrophobic and heavy, but this room is so large and white that I decided it could handle a wall of cabinets painted in ink blue.

The finished product:

Be sure to notice the cute hand towel and cucina sign that compliment the blue-- both gifts from Mel:)

Have a great day!

Liza

Fashion Week Review

2012-02-21T05:00:00.005-05:00

Last week was the height of Fashion Week around here. I did not have tickets to any shows, but thankfully Twitter keeps you up to date on all the latest. Plus, Mr. Roseberry shared some of his favorite links to the Thom Browne Fall 2012 show.

"They loved life, they loved fashion -- and they died for fashion."

This beautiful show took place in the historic New York Library. The models arose out coffins, girls who died for fashion.

I am in awe of the designs, tailoring, and shaping of each piece.

Once again beautiful work.

Besos,

Mel

New Ideas as Middle Eastern Souvenirs

2012-02-20T06:26:00.000-05:00

I promise this will be my last post about my experience in Israel:), but I had to share some of the photos that had me thinking about color while I was there. Not only was the light there amazing--clear and crisp-- but the range of blues and grays combined with the pale yellow local stone used in so many buildings made me want to run home and decorate every room with these exact colors, soothing and peaceful.

Of course, Israel's mixture of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences means that it's not all pastels! The clothing, rugs, and interior accents often build on the organic, neutral backdrop with bright colors and textural depth.

On a side note, while visiting Nazareth, I even found a fixer-upper I would love to get my hands on! It has great potential, right?

A few themes I brought home with me:

1. Just look around you; landscapes provide amazing inspiration for home decorating.

Looking out over the Sea of Galilee, where so much of Jesus' ministry took place

Driving through the Judean desert.

Swimming in the Dead Sea with a dramatic sky overhead (and a little free Dead Sea mud treatment:))

2. Pattern, pattern, pattern! The Mediterranean-North African-Middle Eastern style incorporates gorgeous tiles and mosaics nearly everywhere you turn. I absolutely fell in love with the unbelievable variety of colors, shapes and patterns popping up around every corner.

3. Painted doors are such an easy way to bring a pop of color into any space! I love these fun colors that give the buildings such personality. (And if you get tired of the look, it's easy and inexpensive to change it!)

Happy Monday!

Liza

Picture Book Friday

2012-02-17T05:00:00.003-05:00

Liza and I joke that we love magazines because of the high ratio of pictures to words. I do have to say, I have an attraction to good looking images. I think this must stem from all the wonderful picture books I had as a child.

Here are my top 5 picture books for Mama and the babes.

Linda McCartney's, Life in Photography, is engaging, never failing to catch life in its reality.

To know how a man is seen through the eyes of his beloved tells you everything.

If you loved the Beatles, you will LOVE this!

For those of you with CURIOUS kids, Steven Law's book is for you.

The book is full of great philosophical questions that are bound to get you and your little ones thinking.

Every coffee table is in desperate need for this amazing book, Annie Leibovitz At Work. Each page is truly inspiring. She is fearless in the execution of her vision, never ceasing to amaze.

via Barnes and Noble

When living with a four year old, you are asked questions about God, the universe, and sometimes BUBBLE GUM.

How is that stuff made anyway???

Meghan McCarthy's Invention of Bubble Gum, is perfectly silly and inspiring. If your children are obsessed with chewing gum like my Sophia, they are sure to love this book.

Last but not least, I dare not ask the question what life would be without VOGUE. If you love fashion, you will love Vogue's illustrated history.

I remain steadfast in the promotion of beautiful books!!

Take this weekend and enjoy flipping some pages.

Besos,

Mel

Israeli Couscous (and Other Highlights)

2012-02-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

One of the fun things about traveling someplace new is getting to sample the local cuisine, and this trip to Israel was no different. Each day was so unbelievably packed with sightseeing adventures that whenever it was time to eat, we were grateful for the chance to slow down for a moment and enjoy. Here are a few highlights:

Israel should be called the land of milk and hummus! It was everywhere, so fresh and delicious, and I must have eaten my weight in it by the time we left. I was reminded of what a simple, delicious spread it makes for any occasion.

While we were at the Sea of Galilee we got to order a St. Peter's fish, fresh from the lake and named, of course, after one of Jesus' most famous disciples.

Fresh lemonade came with our meal this day, complete with sliced lemons and mint leaves brightening the flavors. So easy and delicious.

We went crazy over the local vendors selling these loaf/bars out of cashews, hazelnuts, almonds, sesame seeds and pistachios. Just lightly sweetened by the candied binder, it was eating nuts like they were meant to be eaten! Seriously addictive...

The temperate climate and extensive system of greenhouses in Israel meant that we were spoiled with the most beautiful produce the whole week. The place seemed to be overflowing with fresh fruit and vegetables, and their displays were just begging to be photographed.

Passion fruit, sliced open and ready to be eaten with a spoon.

Tea with fresh mint...

Freshly (very!) squeezed pomegranate juice around every corner felt like such an affordable luxury.

Bon Appétit!

Liza

Chair Re-Do

2012-02-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

When you think about makeovers in the home, it can been so overwhelming. I know there are a million major projects I would LOVE to take on, but don't have the budget it for it. So I say, if you're going to glam up the home a bit, you want your work to pack a punch.

Last year I recovered two large arm chairs in our living room that did take time and effort. What I have learned, though, is you can do anything with a great staple gun, Magna Tac, and tenacity.

What I have also learned is you can take most furniture apart. When Jake and first arrived in New York, our church had an amazing vintage furniture store. Often they would give Jake and me items that were not selling, which is how we inherited a lovely dining room table that seats six along with four wicker chairs. Our first two years here the table and chairs served us brilliantly. However, after a few years with kids, the chairs have seen their fair share of battle wounds.

I decided to mix modern chairs and throw out the old ones. Modern can usually be less expensive. I found some lovely blue chairs at IKEA for just $19.99 each.

You can see the blue chairs here in the background. I love that they are easy to clean and baby proof.

I did hate to toss out our wicker chairs, and when I finished up my project on the large chairs, I had plenty of leftover fabric. A friend said to me, if your chairs are well made, then you most likely will be able just to unscrew them take them apart. So I began to unscrew the chairs, stapled away, and a few hours later we had new chairs.

I loved the results, and it was just as easy as that. I had NO idea I just needed to flip them over and recover. So, simple right? All you need is a screw driver, staple gun, and fabulous fabric!

Once flipped, I just measured the fabric and wrapped my seats like a present. They are sooooo good looking now.

Easy Re-Do,

M

Middle Eastern Aside (Table)

2012-02-14T06:02:00.000-05:00

Last week were were traveling in Israel, taking in the amazing sights around the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, and, of course, Jerusalem. Our trip was absolutely packed, starting at the crack of dawn and go, go, go! until we collapsed in the evening, with just enough energy left to stuff ourselves with fresh hummus, grilled vegetables, meat and salads of every kind and color.

Traveling with a group and following such a full itinerary meant that we didn't have time to explore back streets and wander through the markets, but we did still manage to do a bit of window shopping! I have so many posts swirling around in my head now that I'm back and am sorting through our photos, but here are a few market shots to get started. I love the rich colors and amazing patterns everywhere...

One thing I would have searched the markets for, if we had had more time to spare: a side table with the distinctive Middle Eastern hexagonal shape and arched cutouts. We did see two and stopped just long enough to snap a photo. On our next trip, maybe!

These tables are everywhere these days in design blogs and magazines, bringing a little complexity and exotic texture to all kinds of spaces. Most often you can find them described as Moroccan, but many versions are inspired by Moorish and even Indian design, as well. Even if you have never bought anything that's Middle Eastern in style, don't worry! Their diminutive size makes them perfect for adding just a bit of fun flair without turning your whole space into something Aladdin designed.

via Design Manifest

via Decor Pad

via Apartment Therapy

The great thing about this look is that you really can find a range out there, from understated and simple to wild patterns and bright colors. This aluminum one has fantastic oversized arches and clean lines, for $290.

Aluminum Side Table

This Dari hand painted side table would add such a fun pop of color and exotic flair to a room, and it's more affordable at $149.

Amazon

Another great option from Amazon in blue and white for $140.

Amazon

This White Webb Double Alexander Table combines takes the oriental table trend to a new level with lucite. I love this! But according to one blog, this little table is selling for $2295, making it more of a "champagne taste on a champagne budget" kind of item.

Alexander Table

This white wooden octagonal side table, hand made in Egypt, would give you a more subtle middle Eastern flair than some of its more colorful counterparts. I love the cutouts and the price- just $133.

eBay

Shalom, y'all!

Liza

Paper Flowers DIY

2012-02-13T05:00:00.011-05:00

Sophia and I have been crafting up some fun valentines this year. Since I LOVE flowers so much, I wanted to teach her how to make paper flowers for her classmates.

I say when it comes to projects and children, the process should be fun. So, since I knew there is a deadline for Valentine's Day, I have been working on this project with Miss S. for a couple of weeks. We pick up one step at a time. I don't want to overwhelm her or end up making 22 Valentines all by myself.

FIRST, we picked some fun images from Paper Presentation to cut and paste into cards. I did the cutting then I had Miss. Sophia paste them onto bright colored paper.

Now, Sophia is able to write letters. This is new for her, and naturally she was tired of writing after a few. That is when we would return to our pasting. Projects with children should be age appropriate so they feel they have accomplished something well.

Now, on to the flowers.

I love making paper flowers-- they are so festive and add the right POP of color. You can pick any color of tissue you like and layer away. Just start by accordion folding twenty layers of tissue. You want to end up with a fan of tissue. Simply tie a string or ribbon around the middle of the fold. Lastly, gently pull each layer towards you on both sides and fluff the flowers out.

My little helpers!

Paper flowering is a fantastic project to share. Obviously, you fold the tissue and tie, then you have your little one pull the tissue apart. Sophia pulled and fluffed.

Like I said this is the type of project where prepping is key before including your little helpers. There is nothing LESS fun than working on a project that ought to be enjoyed and then ending up frustrated with the entire process. I promise this project is easy, fun, and totally satisfying. Your parties will never be the same after you have mastered THE PAPER FLOWER.

Happy Valentining!!!

The Pillow Stylist Herself

2012-02-10T05:00:00.001-05:00

While we were in the States after Christmas, I picked up a stack of current home magazines to flip through once we arrived back in Austria. There are, of course, European versions of interior design, DIY and decorating publications, but sometimes it's comforting to read something from home. And now that we know we're moving back to the US, I'll want to have an idea about where to find things there again (Target, sadly, has not made it to Vienna yet!).

Flipping through this month's issue of HGTV Magazine, I loved this little spread on stylish yet affordable throw pillows (especially in light of my own need for inexpensive pillow options). I looked up and saw whose piece this was-- our dear friend, Frances Bailey of 400 Square Feet!! You may remember, she and Melina watched a taping of Martha Stewart's show together. Doesn't she look amazing in that photo?

Frances' nine picks offer such a wide range of fun prints and colors that I want them all! One example of inspired decorating on a budget uses the look of the famous (and expensive) Imperial Trellis fabric.

The real thing: the Imperial Trellis throw pillow in navy costs $260.

via Copy Cat Chic

The low-cost option: Target's Blue Fretwork Pillows only set you back $24.99... for a set of two!

A perfect example of how you don't have to spend a fortune to get the look you want. Like we always say, champagne taste on a beer budget. Thank you, Frances!

Happy Friday

Liza

Valentine's Tea

2012-02-09T05:00:00.089-05:00

Last year Jake and I hosted a private little tea party for Sophia on Valentine's Day. It was such a surprise for her and full of chocolate delights. I purchased some beautiful extras for Mama y Papa from Mitchelle & London,

(located on 65th & Madison Ave).

We had such a lovely afternoon together. We read through Sophia's Valentines, & Jake shared a few gifts with his ladies. If you live in NYC I strongly suggest Michelle & London for any tea party.

This year, I thinking up some new fun ideas for our Valentines Day Tea.
Something along these lines.....

images by Jennifer Dery
via The Sweetest Occasion.com

Sophia loves to be a little silly, so this is just the Valentine's Day book for her!

Last year Jake and I met Jaques Torres at The Toast Event. It was amazing-- I had never experienced so many lovely truffles, and there was not one I did not LOVE. I think I will pop in his West Side shop for a decadent treat. BTW you can order his chocolate online.

His chocolate chip cookies are to DIE for!!!

(Although I will say, check out Sarah Copeland on Edibleliving.com, toot Her recipe is amazing, if you are the baking type.)

What fun ideas do you have up your sleeve for the ones you love?

Besos,

M

Tips From an Expert: What to Look for in a House

2012-02-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

It's official: this summer we will be moving to Louisville, KY! Jady will be working for St. Francis in the Fields, an amazing church full of warm, thoughtful, faithful people, and we are beside ourselves with excitement.

St Francis in the Fields

Since the internet has afforded us the opportunity of looking ahead at what our living situation might be like, I've been asking the question of what exactly to look for in a house?

While we were in seminary we owned a house that had been a rental for seminarians for many years and desperately needed some updating. What we saw at the time was lots of space, charm, woodwork and an opportunity for painting, fun cosmetic updates, even a new kitchen and knocking down a wall. What we learned from that house is to value other, less visible qualities like new windows, plumbing and updated electrics. These elements are maybe not as fun, but you'll be glad you paid attention later!

Recently my sister gave me some great advice about things she learned from her experiences with buying and owning homes to add to my list of qualities to look for. For instance, you'd rather have a house toward the top of a hill rather than at the bottom (who knew?!) to prevent collecting the runoff from the rest of the neighborhood in your yard. But you also don't want one at the very top if it's a steep hill... think of the winter! Don't choose a house with 8 foot ceilings-- you can change a LOT about a place as you live in it, but ceiling height is something you can't fix later. The neighborhood is super important. You want to be in a nice area which will help your resale value later, but you also don't necessarily want to buy the only tiny house in the subdivision full of mansions. Ideally you will get to know your neighbors, so living on a street where the kids from move from yard to yard and people can easily just stop by is important.

Then there's the commute to consider, not just to work but also to the grocery store. I may THINK I'll drive 45 minutes to the Trader Joe's across town twice a week, but I'm kidding myself.

1. St. Francis in the Fields-- Jady's daily commute destination.

2. Trader Joe's, of course!

3. One of a couple of large parks that are safe and boast lots of fun activities. This one was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame!

4. A super cool restaurant district toward downtown Louisville.

The red highlighted area is where friends who live in Louisville have suggested we look to find a house.

The search begins!

Liza

I LOVE YOU......

2012-02-07T05:00:00.093-05:00

Valentine's Day is just ONE week away. Now, more then ever there are so many fantastic gifts for men.

Here are my top FIVE ways to say I LUV U.

The Scent

He will be sure to love this masculine scent, and all you ladies will love it, too. They make shampoo, body wash, shaving cream, and body cream. This isn't your typical Polo Sport. Get out there and surprise him.

The Art of Shaving

Men everywhere LOVE this new form of shaving, or OLD form I should say. Using these beautiful brushes to lather and shave is life changing, so I hear. Jake and Jady are both great proponents.

Monogram

J CREW TIMEX

Who doesn't love monogramed gifts? They are both thoughtful and elegant. I think the monogramed watch is an all time favorite because it is practical and really says, I will love you for all time. Just an FIY; you can purchase this same watch at Target at 29.00 and have it monogramed at Things Remembered for 12.00. What is not to love, luxury look at the right price point!

Cufflinks

If you are on a budget, like me, then these cufflinks are the PERFECT gift. The price point is 9.00 dollars, and what man doesn't want cufflinks from the lady he loves?!

J CREW

Last but not least, all he really wants is YOU!

I say take it up a notch and channel your inner Joan.

This red Anthropologie dress will get you started!

Get out there and make it an occasion!!!

Besos,

The Bare Necessities

2012-02-06T05:00:00.002-05:00

Here in Vienna it has been absolutely freezing outside, and, inspired by Melina's advice on combatting the winter blues with a burst of yellow flowers, I decided to pick up something cheap and easy from my regular discount grocery store around the corner.

I consider flowers to be a basic household necessity, something to be incorporated into the monthly budget just as legitimately as food, toiletries and our internet connection. When I have company over or we are hosting a party (or sometimes just when there is a bunch of flowers for sale too gorgeous to pass up!), then I will spend a bit more on flowers than usual. But on a regular basis there is no need to break the bank--a simple arrangement of the least expensive flowers out there can be enough to infuse your home with life and color.

Most often, you get the most bang for your buck if you choose a flower that is currently in season, blooming naturally somewhere. At the moment in Europe, it's so cold and wintry still that we'll have to wait for many of our more exciting options to be available, but some flowers are still around, including a fantastic, versatile go-to option: tulips.

At the local Hofer, the same as an Aldi, which are in the States, too

An even more inspiring display of options

This week I was in the mood for a bigger arrangement (it is REALLY cold), so I sprang for two colors of tulips (still under 6 euros!). Most often I just buy one bunch.

As beautiful as a complex, varied arrangement can be, for your weekly flower budget's sake, don't forget: you can bring a bright, colorful burst of happiness into your home with just a single, simple bunch of flowers you pick up with your groceries.

Liza

Curious Friday

2012-02-03T05:00:00.082-05:00

What an amazing week it was! Liza was featured on Apartment Therapy for her wallpapering ideas, & Daniel Roseberry shared his amazing sketches with us all. This was a week full of curiosity.
Here are my TOP discoveries of the week.

So, if your in the NYC area and in need of party food, this BBQ Taco truck is AMAZING- they are often found in Tribeca.

If you need a little Spring in the house, head to your local flower market. Your favorite BULBS are blooming everywhere!

Just a splash of spring for this client!

Pillows at a play date- I LOVE all of these patterns!

I just discovered a new fabric shop that hosts the most ADORABLE sewing classes. My daughter, Sophia, will be there every Saturday! Check them out if you have little ones in the NYC area.

Lastly, I thought I would share with you my favorite salsa. This Pico is perfect for those of you heading to a Super Bowl party. My pico is the perfect snack to share.

My Pico de Gallo

Now, my sister makes the best pico I have ever had, so I try and make it just like her. This salsa is SO simple.
Dice a few tomatoes, jalapeños, half a head of cilantro, one green onion, a splash of lime, and add salt to taste. Depending how much heat you like will determine how many jalapeños you use as well as whether or not you will include the seeds. It is literally as easy as that!

Happy Weekending & Get Curious

MEL

When You Hit a Wall...

2012-02-02T03:00:00.000-05:00

Our living room boasts one wall of lovely windows, but the other three walls are huge and blank-- a problem that was on my mind from even before we moved in. I have always been pretty intimidated about hanging things on the wall-- where? what? how high? groups or alone?-- so I began trolling the internet and magazines for some helpful ideas. One idea I loved was to find a series of prints to frame over the couch that would together fill up a large space and accentuate the room's high ceilings.

Jenny from my favorite read, The Little Green Notebook, posted once about calendars made by Cavellini & Co, an Italian company that prints images with a vintage feel onto high quality paper, which would make a perfect series for hanging. I love so many of their options, like these vintage maps.

Or the birds-- I love the colors in these!

In the end I went for the Italia wall calendar, since my husband and I went to Italy on our honeymoon and can't seem to stop going back! So many of the places pictured in the pages of the calendar remind us of happy memories and delicious meals.

Once the calendar arrived I took it to a printer's shop to have the bound edge cut off (rather than me struggle with trying to make all 12 of them perfectly straight). Always running low on decoration funds, I picked out literally the cheapest frames from IKEA that at all made sense with the size of the pages and just stuck them inside. Super simple, but it would also look great with painted frames...

Easiest thing ever, and the wall is covered!

Liza

Mr. Roseberry

2012-02-01T05:00:00.026-05:00

When Jake and I first landed in New York, several friends moved here at the same time, one of them being Daniel Roseberry. He is an amazing person, kind, thoughtful, creative, and most would say visionary when it comes to women's design. Here at Mel & Liza, we say, get curious about those around you.

Mr. Roseberry

I met Daniel in Pittsburgh several years ago. I remember him sharing sketches while he was just in high school, a mere teenager really. I was blown away at his pure talent.
His work is as natural as breathing, never seeming to be forced or conjured up. It always seems that he just is who he is, never over thinking his work.

Winning designs by Daniel Roseberry

2008

As the holidays approached us, Daniel so kindly agreed to let us in on his work. He stayed for supper and drinks, and then we talked. Just like with his fashion, you get nothing from him other than he is--humble and kind--always asking about me and my inspirations. I tried to keep him on point and peer into his craftsmanship.

I asked Daniel where his inspiration comes from, and why does he design for women? Daniel cooly answered that it is cliche to think of men designing for women as having a love/hate relationship with females or, more specifically, mothers. Daniel is clear that this is not his driving inspiration; rather, women seem to be the vehicle or the form which he enjoys sketching. Like Daniel, his mother is an artist, and so was his grandmother.

His drawings are his inheritance.

Daniel was raised in Dallas, Texas, and I was curious to know how he has been influenced by his childhood surroundings. At this point in his life Daniel knows that his environment has subconsciously affected his design; however it is not clear as to how.

What Daniel does know is at a very young age, as soon as he could pick up a crayon, he has been drawing. Even as a young boy he drew women, Betty Boop, Jessica Rabbit, high heals. From the beginning it has always been women's design.

Soon after winning a prominent award from FIT for the beautiful sketches above, he found himself working at Thom Browne.

Known for men's design, Thom Browne provided Daniel the perfect place to stretch his wings in a place that needed vision for women.

Fall 2011

Via New York Times

You must You Tube the Fall 2011 show! Thom Browne, inspired by his catholic upbringing, took the nunnery to another level. In addition, you will never listen to the Sound of Music the same way again.

Spring 2012

Via the New York Times

The Spring 2012 show was all about indulgence, channeling the Great Gatsby into the New York Library. The collection is whimsical, beautiful, feminine and fanciful.

It is always so inspiring to be with those who create and design with such freedom and what appears to be ease. Daniel's work is not forced or contrived, but natural, fearless, and full of vision.

Thank You Mr. Roseberry!

Mel

DIY: Wallpaper?

2012-01-31T04:30:00.000-05:00

Wallpaper in kitchens is a classic, even old fashioned design choice, but lately I've seen lots of updated versions with a fun, fresh look.

The Kitchn

This post from Apartment Therapy highlights the benefits of using a little wallpaper to go a long way--over the kitchen cabinets. If you don't have custom, to the ceiling cabinets in your home, then a fun, low maintenance way to incorporate some pattern into the room and to fill up that empty space is to use wallpaper.

Since we are renting our apartment, and before we leave we'll need to be sure all of the walls are white again, I really wasn't interested in investing in a whole room's worth of wallpaper. It can be very expensive (all of those rolls you need for a big space add up quickly!), and it's a huge pain to remove again when you leave.

BUT we had finished settling in, and the kitchen/dining room desperately lacked some pattern and color. One option was to go for window treatments, and the other was wallpaper. What made the decision for me was a trip home to my parents' house in NC and Mom sweetly digging out her stash of extra rolls of wallpaper from their house for me. Jackpot! I crammed three rolls--one from three of my favorite patterns from home--of free wallpaper into my suitcase and headed back to Vienna for some projects.

I chose a bright yellow paper with a subtle yellow graphic background almost like a Greek key pattern with bright, multicolored butterflies in the foreground. My parents have this pattern on the walls and ceiling of their first floor powder room, and it makes such a statement! For us it's the perfect shot of color and pattern in an otherwise plain room.

I used a wallpaper adhesive to mount the section I needed, tucking the edge behind the IKEA stainless countertop and trimming around the other edges with a knife. Since the paper is right where we do all of our chopping, snacking, etc, I decided to roll on a coating of clear water based enamel that you can wipe down when the inevitable spots and splashes happen.

Thank you, Mom & Dad!

Normally I would caution you about tackling a wallpaper project for an entire room yourself, since it's notoriously difficult and tedious work, but using a little bit as an accent in a room is quick, easy and lots of fun. And you only need one roll!

Liza

A little sunshine....

2012-01-30T05:00:00.029-05:00

Without the twinkling lights of Christmas, the winter can be so bleak. So, when I am arranging for clients, I like to add a splash of yellow for a bit of a lift. I know I love a little splash of yellow in these dark wintry months.

I love the crisp white tulips against the yellow pop!

I love these yellow ranunculus, which added the right spring feel in this very modern setting.

If flowers are not in the budget these days, a bowl full of meyer lemons is fantastic, or if you are interested in a longer winter investment, lemon trees will lift any dwelling space.

via Daily Decor

What do you do to spruce up your space in these wintry months?

xoxo,

House Hunting

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned earlier this week, my husband and I (and our Great Dane) are moving back to the US this summer, and we're starting to think about all of the fun possibilities for where we could live. (Since his new job hasn't officially been announced yet, I won't say where exactly we're going, but stay tuned!)

Thinking about life in our new hometown is already making me super excited, and I have to confess, I have spent a LOT of time trolling the internet for possibilities. It's just so fun to look! Until we decide where exactly we'll be living (downtown? suburbs?) I can keep dreaming about these fixer uppers. Think of the amazing DIY projects we could do! Keep in mind that I'm totally dreaming here-- that's the best part about shopping on the internet:)

This cute house needs some serious redecorating--it has lots of carpet that's begging to be taken out to show off its hardwood floors underneath.

Another cute house, this one a more urban choice, has been updated with all of the important things that you can't see and aren't fun to pay for, but still needs some work in the kitchen. And that back yard would be fun to redo! I MISS having a yard...

This place needs desperately some updating in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Maybe something like this pretty bathroom featured in this month's issue of House Beautiful? I love the understated mosaic pattern of the tile.

This monster needs a TON of work, but that's the fun part, right?! Somebody needs to snap this downtown beauty up and all of its ELEVEN bedrooms for $150,000! Anyone with 8 kids should definitely consider this place...

Maybe these are better choices for more energetic DIYers than we are at this point, but it's still fun to look!

Liza

Traveling: If the Shoe Fits

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

We are getting ready to go on a trip with a group from our church to ISRAEL, and we are so excited! I have never been there before but have always wanted to go, and this is our big chance! Our itinerary is packed full (as it should be) of fascinating places to visit, and we have been told there will be lots of walking to reach and experience sites like Nazareth, Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

So the big question facing me at this point is, what to pack?? The part that's tripping me up (pun intended) is what shoes can stand up to pounding the cobblestones all day for 8 days? My feet have been less forgiving with non-comfortable shoes lately, so a truly cushy sole and good fit are a must. My running shoes fit the bill... but I just can't bring myself to bring them along. So I'm on the hunt for something that's cute (enough) and can handle a trek up the Mount of Olives.

Not exactly feminine, but these boots look like they would be perfect for long, off road walks, and their neutral color would go with a lot.

Humanic

These are technically sneakers, I know, and I don't love the two tone laces, but if I do go the tennis shoe route, these would be a great neutral, cute option that doesn't scream tourist quite as loudly as most others. Thumbs up.

Humanic

These loafers/boat shoes are adorable, and their rubber sole would make them comfy, even at the end of a long day. Cute, preppy stylish option.

Humanic

I've seen tons of fashionable women (Mel included!) wearing some version of these lace-up Oxford shoes. These have a cushioned sole and a feminine low profile.

Humanic

One great option I already have is a cute red pair of Tom's shoes. These will be coming no matter what and will be my go-to pair if the walking shoes I buy don't hold up their end of the bargain.

Tom's Shoes

What shoes do you like to wear on trekking trips like this? I'd love some ideas!

Liza

Indoor Planting

2012-01-25T06:49:00.000-05:00

Our time in Vienna will be up this summer, and we'll be moving back to the US! Thinking about finding a new place to live (and all of the projects that entails!) is all very exciting, but one thing I'll be sad to leave behind is my houseplants. I absolutely love plants in any home, in just about any space, and don't think I could live without them. At home for us, a room is never fully dressed without a plant. This Split-Leaf Philodendron (monstera deliciosa) has been with me since it was a tiny little thing and has been a forgiving, hearty member of the family for years now.

Houseplants can add another layer of texture and an organic shape to a room, offering softness or etherial airiness, spiky angularity or bushy bulk. Plants come in endless shades of green and other colors to add a pop of brightness where you need it, and they naturally purify your air, too!

Martha Stewart's bright orange Japanese Maple provides a colorful focal point in a neutral sitting room.

Martha Stewart

This Fiddle Leaf Fig makes a bold statement, perfect for a large space. Actually, this plant has been popping up all over the place as a designers' favorite. Check out its versatile uses.

Four Walls and a Roof

House Beautiful

Habitually Chic

Chloe Warner

Elle Decor

Habitually Chic

This room is brightened up by a large Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Bostoniensis) and two matching topiaries (that look like hibiscus?).

Elle Decor

Martha Stewart

I LOVE the huge gestural shapes and large leaves of the split-leaf philodendron (Monstera delicious), which can go a long way in softening a space like this modern bathroom.

Elle Decor

Some people love gardening and growing plants at home, but I realize that it's a daunting idea for those lacking a green thumb. While certain species really are best in expert hands, some plants are perfect low maintenance additions for your home. Here are a few forgiving types that are perfect for brightening up any room (as long as it has a window:))

English Ivy: I love the way it trails down from a mantle, shelf, or, like in this photo, in a topiary type form in a more formal planter. Just be careful with small children and pets; the leaves are poisonous.

Boston Fern: with medium light and enough moisture, these hearty ferns can live for decades, and I love their classic look.

The Cast-Iron Plant: it's virtually indestructible, able to deal with low levels of light (perfect for those corners where nothing else will live) and water (for when you forget!).

And finally, the Fiddle-Leaf Fig: It's not just a pretty designer's plant! Its beautiful, lacquered leaves add a reflective, dramatic look to any home. In medium to bright light it can grow happily up to 15 feet tall.

Happy indoor-gardening!

Liza

Our 1st Guest

2012-01-24T05:00:00.049-05:00

Happy Tuesday Readers!
We are so pleased to have our talented photographer friend, Emily Large share a DIY project with us today. Liza and I both met Emily in college, and years later, while we were in seminary, Emily married a classmate of our husbands, and our paths have been crossed ever since!

Bienvenidos!

emilylargephotography.com

With a baby on the way, I’m flexing my organizational muscles as we move our daughters into the same room to make space for our new little one. I’m not a naturally organized or linear thinking person. I tend to put things where they “make sense to me” or “I’ll remember where I put that later.” But now I will have to put some logical order to the “organized chaos.”

And I’ll probably start that project next week. (-:

Before we get to that, though, I have to re-decorate the room so that both girls feel at home. And this part will be fun! With a small budget and 2 budding artists in the home, I decided to put them to work for our project.

I bought about 30 8x10 canvas panels from our local art supply store (A.C. Moore), some child friendly paints, some ticky tack adhesive (it’s like putty) and let the girls at it. It was a fun afternoon activity we could do together, and including the girls in the project 1) made the oldest more amendable to the rearrangement and 2) made the younger daughter feel more at home in her new room and bed.

We originally covered a small wall in the room from floor to ceiling with the panels with the ticky tack and enjoyed the brightly covered space. The girls loved putting the ticky tack on the panels and were so proud of their work. And again, we had another fun afternoon activity working together.

Unfortunately it occurred to me the next day that the beds would have to be rearranged. Bummer! Undoing all our hard work wasn’t easy, but it was worth it to get it just right.

We rearranged the canvases to create a bit of a headboard for each girl’s bed. We moved in the beds, and it’s as cute as can be.

For the rest of the room, I’ve bought some big frames from IKEA and am printing 2 of my favorite photos of each girl to hang on the walls. I LOVE the clean and powerful statements that large prints make. (When the floors are cluttered and the beds are unmade, at least the walls are beautiful, right?) I highly recommend printing your photos at mpix.com. First class quality on a tight budget. Beautiful photographs + mpix.com + IKEA = inexpensive, sentimental, and stylish walls.

Thank you Emily!
If you need beautiful photos taken, Emily is your gal! Check her out at emilylargephotography.com &http://www.facebook.com/pages/Emily-Large-Photography/205407696161061

Besos,

M

Snow Bunnies

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

January is here with lots of snow, and to say it is a little bleak out and cold is a fair description. Being a girl from Arizona, Manhattan winters took some getting used to, and I never adjusted to Pittsburgh's winters. When it's cold outside, it is the perfect excuse to stay in and stay cozy, but if you're like my husband, the slopes are calling your name.

via Vogue Archives

I think I could muster up the strength if skiing looked a little more like this....

Via Vogue Archives

I LOVE these watercolors!

via Vogue

1938

Isn't this good looking?! Oh, the sacrifice of the model for the perfect pic.

Maybe I will try this next snowfall in Central Park:)

photo by Annie Leibovitz

Via Vogue

via Vogue.com

Don't you just love the punch of orange?

Stay warm wherever you find yourself this winter!

Besos,

Jot it down..

2012-01-20T05:00:00.018-05:00

Hello Lovely Readers!!!

Friday has arrived, and I don't know about you, but I do have a honey-do list that needs some attention!!! The best way to get myself going has a lot to do with stationary. If you have the right notebooks, planners, and thank you cards, the chores get done. I have not yet moved into the world of organization via Excel-- I am that woman who continues to love & use good looking paper.

My Agenda.Com
Here are just a few of my favorites. I do have the robin's egg journal.

Don't you just love how good looking these leather planners are? Right now they are on sale!!!!

I LOVE the meal calendars, chore lists, and grocery lists. It doesn't take much!!

IsPads are great organizers, too!!!

If you're going to use your iPad in this capacity you need to invest in a DODO Case, or if you have a Henry in your life, these cases are a MUST!!!

You can find them in any J Crew store!!!

The Thank You!

Jake and I are always writing thank you notes. The best way to go is with personal stationery. Our friend Jane Anderson at Plain Jane's is a fantastic stationary designer-- check her out! Jake does love the look of a clean design, where he can easily jot down a Merci!

Via Tiny Prints

Lastly, when it comes to politics, I will be the first to admit I do have my head a bit in the sand. Although, I have noticed First Lady Obama's fab style and her initiatives on reading and eating well, too. I must say, JOTTING down the hours you've read not only makes you feel smarter, its amazing to see how much you actually read to your children.

I don't think we have the will power to tuck the TV away in the closet like the Obamas, but we are always up for an adventure in a good book, and weekends are great for reading!!!

Sophia loves Black Beauty
(be prepared to talk about death, though. I did not see that coming).

I am also loving Diane Keaton's biography, and the jury is still out on the Grace Based Parenting

(I am only in chapter two).

This weekend is catch up for me. We are only 20 days into the New Year, and I am already feeling a little behind. Oh well, such is life when you are trying to enjoy it and stay organized!!

Happy Weekending!!!

Mel

DIY: Pillows in a Pinch

2012-01-19T06:10:00.001-05:00

Last summer I had throw pillows on my mind in a big way. We had picked up a "new" love seat from eBay, and it looked so bare and forlorn without any pillows to perk it up and tie it in to the rest of the room. As designer Lindsey Coral Harper says in this month's House Beautiful, "Having a room without throw pillows is like going to a party without your shoes on.. Shoes make the outfit, right? Every chair, not just every sofa, must have pillows."

My trouble is, since moving to a new place every few years and not feeling all that comfortable with interior decorating vocabulary in German, I hadn't ever found a great place to buy things like cute throw pillows. The selection always seemed small, and I could never find anything exciting enough. So I decided to throw something together myself! We had guests coming into town to visit, which gave me the motivation I needed to finish this project quickly-- very quickly, actually, so take this project advice with a grain of salt:). I decided (to save time) to use one big down pillow instead of multiples and to skip on the pretty details like contrast piping that I usually like to use in projects like this.

What I had in mind was a damask pattern of some kind to add some much needed texture to the kitchen/dining room where the love seat is. You can go with a more traditional, embellished look like these orange pillows, for example:

I love a more modern, graphic take on damask, too--it just depends on what kind of look you're going for and if the space needs a larger, bolder pattern or a smaller, busier pattern to complete the look.

from This Next

from Dellacor

I love these gray and yellow pillows. What a great pattern- and they're on sale!

Overstock

I decided to make the pillowcase out of some hydrangea blue linen fabric and some light green paint I had leftover from other projects. First off, I pulled out the sewing machine and sewed together the fabric in the most basic pillowcase form imaginable, leaving 3/4 of one side open long enough to stuff the pillow inside.

To create the stencil for my damask shape, I used another piece of scrap fabric from my stash as inspiration and sketched the pattern on a large piece of thin board.

Then I laid my stencil on top of a thicker piece of cardboard to be sure not to damage the surface underneath, and, using an X-acto knife, I carefully traced the drawing to cut out the shapes for the pattern.

Finally, I slightly diluted my paint and applied the color with a sponge paintbrush to the fabric, taking care to hold down the stencil firmly to prevent leaks.

So now our couch doesn't look so underdressed, and I've bought myself some time until I find something else I can't live without and feel like changing things up.

Have fun decorating!

Liza

ABC Carpets

2012-01-18T05:00:00.044-05:00

Liza was in town last week, and so we really did make the rounds. I am thinking of buying rugs for my kiddos' bedrooms. We live in a building that was erected in 1776, so we have plenty of wood floors to cover. I am thinking of some colors that punch.

I love these shaggy carpets, and they are in my budget range for an 8x11. They are perfect for a kid's room and pack the right punch of color. They also seem to be suited for all the playing spills.

Here are a few inspirational kid's room....

Aren't these children's rooms amazing? I would never come out of them.

Happy Carpeting!!!

Mel

Ready to (Neck)Wear

2012-01-17T06:08:00.000-05:00

As Mel reported yesterday, the Golden Globes Awards were handed out this weekend, and the red carpet gave us another chance to be inspired by the incredible variety of high fashion on display. The dresses looked gorgeous (mostly) and the hairstyles glamorous, but what caught my eye was the jewelry. While many celebs opted for simple accessories paired with an embellished gown, for some the jewelry was the star. I can't get Heidi Klum's turquoise necklace out of my mind--how else could a super simple nude colored sheath dress look so amazing? A perfect pair.

I also loved Julianne Moore's green earrings, which brightened up her ruffled black strapless dress.

This black and green combination reminds me (and doubtless many others) of Angelina Jolie at the Oscars in 2009. Even with so many celebrities in beautiful gowns attending multiple events a year, this combination remains memorable.

When I love some piece of jewelry that's bolder than I usually wear, celebrity photos like these often help give me the extra inspiration and courage to go for it. Whether it's for an awards show or everyday wear, jewelry like this makes things FUN.

Both Blake Lively and her famous Gossip Girl character, Serena, love to wear the layered, chunky necklaces from the label Gemma Redux.

If you're feeling emboldened by this chunky, layered look, this turquoise necklace makes a serious statement-- just be sure to pair it with a simple outfit, or your look could end up too busy.

This fun white beaded Egyptian revival necklace is available on the fabulous vintage jewelry site, Candy Shop Vintage, created by our friend, Deirdre.

The J Crew Bubble Necklace adds a great splash of color and an interesting shape-- it also comes in black and turquoise.

This necklace, the "Glamazon" from Claire's, makes a great statement without being over the top, and it's insanely inexpensive! It just goes to show, even stores for teenagers and preteens can be a great place to find budget friendly trendy pieces for the more mature, too.

Also from Claire's

This pretty layered necklace from Forever 21 adds depth and nuance to a neutral outfit.

I love this fun wood and stone necklace from etsy, which has just the right combination of textures and color to make it the perfect daytime pick-me-up for any outfit.

Be bold! Try out a ridiculously large necklace:)

Liza

The Golden Globes

2012-01-16T05:10:00.002-05:00

I was thinking, if I were going to the Golden Globes, lets say with Colin Firth, or Donald Draper, what would I wear???

A little Oscar??

I must say the men stole the show. Yes the women were glamorous as always, but I think the men took it away with their charm and humor.

Men in black goes a long way.

Some of my favorite dresses......

I was so pleased to see "The Descendants" recognized as well as The "Iron Lady." We loved both of those films. Do check them out.

I am definitely going to see Michelle William's film "My Week with Marilyn." I loved her winning speech at the Globes. Check it out on You Tube- it is so sweet.

Enjoy MLK day and get out to the movies!

Besos,

Mel

Another goodbye for now....

2012-01-13T13:13:00.001-05:00

Being clergy wives, it is so fun to have time for Liza and me to connect. We do experience life-- I imagine this to be true-- a little differently than non-clergy spouses. We share our family lives with a parish and our husbands with many wonderful church people, and our doors are always open. The lifestyle really does suit us both, and we truly appreciate the joy we are brought through it.

All that being said, when we're together, we are refreshed & ready to hit the pavement, 5th Avenue rather. While Liza was here we did visit a new favorite shop my mother and I discovered,

Joe Fresh.

I say when it comes to fashion and life for that matter, you need to have a strong basic. That is why I love Zara's and J Crew so much. Now to add to the list we have Joe Fresh. It is hard to say NO to cashmere sweaters within the "beer budget" realm.

The sweater I am wearing in this photo was only 14.99-- thats hard to beat. When I was shopping with my mother, she purchased 5 pairs of shoes, because they were only 29.99 (half price). So, if you're in the NYC area and need a basic fix, head over to 15th and 5th Ave.

P.S. I wouldn't say they are all that friendly, so be prepared, and they definitely did not appreciate our picture taking. Oops!!!

Besos,

Mel & Liza

Liza's Here!!!

2012-01-12T05:00:00.023-05:00

Liza has had a fast US tour through the South, but what better way to exit than through New York, even if it is just 24 hours? We have not seen each other since Spring 2011. I am so grateful for this bit of time together to encourage each other, brainstorm, and dream up new blog ideas.

Since we did have a whole 24 hours together, meals were shared! The Kochs are secretly drawn toward me because of my Mexican connection, so I thought what better way to be together then to share my favorite Mexican spot, Casa Mexcal.

What we ate........

We indulged in Carnitas, Al Pastor, and red Mole tacos.
They were amazing. I am telling you, if you find yourself in NYC you have got to check this place out. It is fun enough, without making you feel like you're in a scene or too old, and it's just all too tasty.

They have a variety of drinks-- I love the classic margarita, Jake loves the Mexcal (which is a smokey tequila), and he had us all try a Chulata (bloody Mary mixed with a Mexican beer). The jury is out on the Chulata. We love the Margaritas, no questions asked!

They do sell fried grasshoppers, but we did not muster the courage to try them. Next time!!

xoxo

Mel

Peonies Envy

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

I know we still have a long way to go before winter is behind us, but lately I've found myself wishing it were already time for spring and early summer flowers. As my husband knows, it makes me ridiculously happy to have a vase or two full of fresh flowers in the house, and my favorite is peonies. I love their sweet scent and how they gradually change shape so dramatically from tight buds to blooms bursting with feather soft petals. I just wish they were in season year round:)

Whether it's a simple bunch of a single kind and color or a complicated, multi-textured arrangement you're going for, flowers always add such a softness and burst of life to any space. What's not to love?

Happy arranging!

Liza