’ CategoryLooking for ways to spruce up your abode? We have the inside scoop on expert designing tips, home goods sales, and designer look-a-likes here, within our Chic Shack.
After my scone and biscuit baking class at le pain quotidien, I stopped by my favorite fish monger in Chinatown to grab this guy. For the past week, my boyfriend has been asking that I prepare my whole roasted sea bass dish. So, I am obliging. Stay tuned for more pictures. What’s your guys favorite dish?
I start my day, every day, with a cup of home made coffee (always looking to save money) and am always looking for ways to improve my experience. When I came across the Presso Coffee Maker on AHALife, I was thrilled.
For $150, I can take myself back to Florentine cobblestone streets where I sipped my slow-drip espresso. A sculpture in my kitchen, the 100% manual-powered coffee maker is designed by the well-known Peter Hunt. Made of recycled aluminum, I continue to reduce my eco-footprint while making a divine cup of coffee that’s worthy of my biscotti.
Snag yours here.
I had the opportunity to see how event designer, Angela Giannopolous of SC3 Group would style the chic staples and up-and-coming tablescape and catering accessories from Oneida a few weeks ago. From whimsy to hotel chic, she created breathtaking designs perfect for any moment in your life. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the event. Feeling inspired? These pieces are currently available and can be found at Oneida.com.
Greeted by delicious cocktails in chic champagne flutes. I just love the symmetry of the arrangement and bright color of the concoction.
This is a fresh twist on the classic picnic table. I adore the Culinaria dinnerware line in vibrant Chili. I love the idea of mixing reds with pinks and oranges and muting the palette with silvers and pops of green.
When I came across this tablescape set with Tranquility Blue dinnerware, my heart sank and I had a moment. I had visions of my dream wedding and how I could think of nothing more perfect than this display. The lovely sapphire hue and rich silk fabrics draping the table created a setting fit for a king and queen (or for me and my future husband). My eye is instantly drawn to the flowers and delicate crystals capturing the candlelight.
I felt as though I had walked into a Morgan's Hotel when I saw this black and white tablescape. Inspired by Asia de Cuba, this chic table was dressed with Chef's Table dinnerware in Hard Square. I love the dramatic look of the black flowers, crystal encrusted skull and pops of yellow throughout the look. Perfect when entertaining the trendy crowd.
I love the simplicity of this glass ice bucket. It's a perfect way to present a fabulous bottle of wine or champagne when entertaining guests. Simply divine.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been conscious of my eco footprint. Since childhood, I was trained by my mother and father to turn off lights when they’re not being used, recycle, conserve water, etc. And after having the opportunity to work on the Pur Water Filtration Thirsty for Change program, I came to understand that significance of trading in my Fiji water bottle for a reusable container and filtered water.
But here’s the problem with that – Unless you carry an endless supply of filtered water or your office provides a filtered water option, how could a person possibly keep up with not using bottled water? The answer my friends is bobble.
The world’s first patented reusable water bottle that filters water as you drink, bobble filters chlorine and organic contaminants from municipal tap water, recreating the experience of crisp, clean bottled water without the monetary and environmental costs. The bobble has a built in filter that should be replaced after two months or 40 gallons/150 liters. Free of BPA, Phthalates and PVC; available in six colors including green, red, blue, magenta, black and yellow; and retails for only $9.95, this my friends – gets the chicskate seal of approval! Have an extra one on hand in order to always satiate that cold water craving.
In honor of Earth Month, we’d love to hear your green, money-saving tips! Do share!
Anyone who knows me learns to accept my odd fascination and passion for doing laundry and for being neat and tidy. I do my laundry weekly. Everything in my home is clean. There’s comfort in knowing that everything I snuggle up to is clean and smells fresh. Pillowcases, towels, dish towels, clothing, blankets, pillow shams, hats, scarves, gloves, bathing suits – they get washed on a regular basis. I’m also a master of space saver. I know how to maximize the smallest of spaces by turning them highly organized, compartments.
So when I came across the Purex Complete 3-in-1 sheets it was a match made in heaven. This sturdy little sheet goes from the washer to dryer to rid laundry of grit, grime, and static. All I do is toss one sheet into the washing machine with each load (and yes, they are HE-friendly!), and the little blue strip releases cleansing agents, the green stripe is heat-activated to soften fabric and remove static, leaving my clothing and home smelling so fresh and so clean, clean.
Pick up your free sample here.
For our new apartment, my boyfriend and I have bought a neutral sofa for our living room, and plan to brighten it up with cushions and throws to avoid the hassle of painting (and then repainting when our lease is up). I’ve scoured every home design shop I can think of, and have gradually stocked up our couch with awesome, affordable finds. These pillows just arrived today, and I’m over the moon with how great they look. After searching about for an online promotional code, I ended up paying just $18.00 for two. Not too shabby, huh?
{Embroidered Lattice Pillow, Walmart, $13.00}
Despite my own musings, my boyfriend refuses to believe I’m any sort of domestic goddess. I’ve got a feeling that if I arm myself with an apron like this one, looking the part might help my cause.
{Art’s Ant Apron, Anthropologie, $32.00}
After featuring this sweet print back in February, I’ve had the cutesy expression on my mind, without a place to hang it. Since I’m all for a bit of silly in everyday life, I’ve gone ahead and bought this poster to frame for my new place, where I plan to hang it in our teeny-tiny entryway as a sweet reminder of love.
{La La Love You Poster, Etsy, $15.00}
While searching for a set of bedroom lamps, I fell in love with this crystal one from Bed Bath & Beyond, but thought $200 for two lights was a bit steep for my budget-friendly bedroom. So off I trailed to Target, where I landed two similar lamps for $79.98 total! The website doesn’t have this particular model listed, but my local store had plenty available. The lamp pictured above is almost identical to the one I’ve bought. I’m setting them on top of existing side tables that I’m sprucing up a bit with a fresh coat of turquoise paint, for a look that’s not too bold, but super chic. Pictures to come once we’re settled in!
My train of thought seems to loop these days on one theme only: home design. Stumbling upon interior designers’ websites doesn’t help much either. These homes, created by the team from California’s WaterLeaf Interiors, are nothing short of elegant and stunning, and unfortunately, completely out of my own interior design budget. At least I can seek inspiration for my own home!
{Images all courtesy of WaterLeaf Interiors}
