Fabulous Housewarming Finds

Today was a gorgeous day. The cooler weather reminded me that fall is here. I get so excited during this time of year. I love replacing my summer dresses with layers and light sweaters. The changing air, colors and surroundings can inspire people to make changes in their lives. Every year a handful of our friends search for new apartments during this time. This year Eric and I are also on the hunt (fingers crossed we find something fabulous). While doing a little housewarming gift googling I came across some amazing ideas that I had to share.

Glass jar filled with green home products
Source & Photo Credit: Julieblanner.com

What is more thoughtful than a custom return address stamp?
Photo Credit: Giverslog.com

Potted lavender plant (orchids are also a fav gift of mine to
give because they last so long)
Source & Photo Credit: Julieblanner.com

Crystal bottle stoppers
Rablabs.com, $55 each

A happy home is filled with LOVE
ABC Home, $95

Oh Anthropologie! My favorite gift store always has so many choices
Monogrammed mugs: $8 each

Custom chalk canisters
Anthropologie, $10-12 each

Succulent centerpiece
Succulents Galore on Etsy, $28
Or make one yourself at Jamali Garden in the Flower District

 

Flower Power

After being in Colorado surrounded by such beautiful wildflowers I was inspired to finally fill the lonely pots on our terrace. Something so simple can bring so much happiness and it's good for the soul to get your hands dirty every once in a while. Looking out and seeing our pretty flowers helps me start my day in a great mood. If you have an outdoor space get inspired and add some flowers. 

Wedding in Keystone, Colorado

Eric and I flew to Colorado for a beautiful wedding in Keystone, Colorado. The wedding took place on top of Keystone mountain reachable by 2 gondola rides. The setting was picturesque and absolutely perfect. It embodied everything you hope a mountain wedding would with rustic elegance and breathtaking views. It was wonderful being surrounded by so much love. Today we drove up to Aspen to spend a few days with my fam. 

Eric's Wearing - Suit: Michael Andrews BeSpoke, Handkerchief: Brunello Cucinelli, Shoes: To Boot, Glasses: Oliver Peoples

I am wearing - Dress: Ted Baker, Shoes: B. Brian Atwood

Plate Craze by Keren

Chi Chaser Keren Amihud

I have always been drawn to kitchen gear… I don’t even cook so it’s a little strange that I live to furnish the only room in the house that I don’t use. About 10 years ago, I was eating cookies with my mom straight out of the plastic bag we just picked up from our favorite neighborhood shop, D’lites. I kept pulling a few out, putting them in my hand and eating them one by one. My mom, on the other hand, put a few on a small beautifully hand-painted ceramic plate. I remember her taking a bite and saying “these always taste sooo much better on a cute plate.” I laughed and teased her slightly but now in retrospect, that was the sheer moment that triggered the plate craze that has taken over my adult life.

Since then I have been really drawn to plates. Every store, every flea market, every trip I go on, I must buy a plate. I probably have over 50 different plates that are displayed beautifully on a shelf in my kitchen. Through the years, my friends and family have also added to my collection, including my mom who sends “plate packages” to New York. Each one is for a certain mood and certain food. They have become this road map to memories, triggering stories of all my adventures and the people in my life. While this collection definitely adds life to my kitchen, they also, as my mom claimed, have an absolute magical way of making food taste better! Big shocker, mom was right. Everything does taste better on a pretty plate.

SOME OF MY PLATES:
- SQUARE (bottom left): my favorite one in the collection, found in Montreal, my most favorite city
- PRETTY (middle left): always use when I eat sushi, makes me think of my sister
- MOM (middle right): use every week when I have my Saturday "everything" bagel
- BITE (center): what I now eat my D’Lites cookies on (Diane Keaton’s line for Bed Bath and Beyond)
- FLOWER POWER (top right): found on my road trip from San Francisco to LA
- OLD SCHOOL: found in Cold Springs, NY at a huge garage flea market
- BIRD (top & bottom center): received this from my mom when I moved to NYC symbolizing “flying away”
- COYOTE BLOOD (top left): My boyfriend Ryan made this for me at Make Meaning http://www.makemeaning.com/

More Progressive Parties Please

Brittany and I have been best friends ever since we were put together as roommates freshman year at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Instantly we were inseparable. Whether doing crunches in our dorm room, hiking up Chautauqua, watching cheesy Lifetime movies, laughing over Friends re-runs or sharing stories over cheap wine we were always together. After college we both lived in LA and the hardest part of moving was leaving her. 

Earlier this year Eric and I went to visit Britt in Venice, CA. She has the most adorable apartment and her closest friends (many of them Boulder alumni) also live in Venice. In celebration of two bdays they decided to throw a progressive cocktail party. Luckily we were visiting and got to participate. The fun started late in the afternoon and four apartments were involved. We were a group of about 20 and together we rode on bikes from apartment to apartment. Each apartment served fun apps and a specialty cocktail. From spoonfuls of mac and cheese topped with Panko crusted bread crumbs to pear brie with truffle oil and sprigs of thyme, the apps were truly impressive. The cocktails were equally amazing and included rosemary vodka lemonade and infused vodka with cucumbers. I absolutely love this party concept. The energy of the party never lulled because we were on the move going from place to place. This is a great party idea for summer. 
Pics were taken by Brittany Zwickl.

Rosemary Lemonade: Mix 1 cup of sugar and 2 cups of water in a saucepan, boil for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of fresh rosemary leaves, remove from heat and cool. Strain liquid into a pitcher, add 3 cups of water and 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice. Stir and serve over ice with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Lovely Lighting

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor entertaining and lighting is essential for setting the mood and creating a warm atmosphere. It is amazing how lighting can transform a space. Over three years ago when Eric and I were apartment hunting in the city we immediately said yes to our place after seeing the large outdoor terrace. In NYC outdoor space is not the norm and we both were ecstatic. I got so excited over the terrace that I forgot to notice the lack of closet space (note to self when we are apartment hunting next). Here is some lighting inspiration for your next get together. 

Colorful paper lanterns (Etsy has great & affordable options)
Photo credit: Babble.com

Rustic outdoor chandelier
Photo Credit: House Beautiful

Porcelain candles
Available at West Elm starting at $8

Mix and match lighting
Photo credit: 2.bp.blogspot.com

Large bulb string lights - Pottery Barn and Target
have a great selection.
Photo credit: Elle Decor

Hanging candles, mini lanterns and a chandelier
Photo credit: Thisisglamourous.com

Touch of vintage with twist on solar
power mason jars, $27.50 for 3
Available at www.etsy.com/shop/treasureagain

Craft Club - DIY Tribal Shirts

Everyone I work with is insanely creative so when I received an invitation to Craft Club I knew it was not-to-be-missed. Last night Lindsay Leaf hosted the get-together at her beautiful apartment. After wine and hors d'oeuvres we got started. On our team we have a DIY pro, Jenna Colombini, who has been crafting for years. Our project for the night was creating Tribal Tanks and Tees. Jenna pulled together inspiration boards and gathered the supplies from Michaels. This was the first of many more craft nights and we are already discussing our next project. Incorporating a DIY activity into a party really adds to the fun factor - people love an opportunity to get creative. 

All supplies can be purchased at Michaels - pack of sponges cut into shapes (triangles, squares, etc.), Sharpie Stained markers, painting tray and most importantly t-shirts 

(we purchased from Forever 21).

Our fearless DIY leader, check out more of Jenna's DIY creations on her blog: http://jennarosecee.tumblr.com/

Dip one side of the sponge in paint and then 

press on your t-shirt. 

Make sure to place a piece of paper/cardboard between the shirt to keep the paint from soaking through.

Jasmin getting started!

Our fabulous final creations!

Jasmin's parents were visiting from Carmel
and joined us for the fun. Her dad Rudy was so
creative and helped with the finishing touches.

First night of craft club was a success! Can't wait for the next one!

Owl Obsessed

         

               

Owl Obsessed by ldewind featuring amrita singh jewelry

My owl obsession started recently when I was admiring paintings from my friend, Venice based artist and comedian, Taylor Bos. He is such a talented artist and has a series of owl paintings that I just can't get enough of. I am amazed by all of his artwork but I find these cute owl faces irresistible. Now everywhere I go I find myself on the lookout for owls. I was in luck while shopping at Anthropologie (my favorite store for housewares) over the weekend. They had owls everywhere from canisters to knobs, hooks and adorable plates. Below are some of the paintings that started my new found love from artist Taylor Bos  http://www.ohse7en.com/?p=390 / tbos1208@gmail.com (email)