Monthly Archives: July 2011

Happy Weekend!

Written on July 30, 2011 by

SVmorningmeeting Happy Weekend!

 

Image found on Pinterest, via Modern Hepburn

After a week spent traveling, in a seminar or having a total and complete technology meltdown, I honestly don’t have any links to share with you this week.  Sorry, folks.

Starting this morning, the Prairie Hive team will be hunkering down to meet (maybe not quite as glamorously as above) and to fine tune Issue Two for you! Stay tuned on Twitter and Facebook as we give you progress reports and just maybe a couple of sneak peeks, and visit again HERE on Monday to read the magazine!  This issue had so many great ideas, tips and recipes that we will also be featuring bonus content all of next week on the blog.

Have a great weekend everyone!

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Bachelor Pad – Hang it on the walls

Written on July 29, 2011 by

Bare walls are a tell-tale sign that you haven’t spent time creating a home.  Perhaps you don’t even spend much time at home, but everyone needs a comfortable, inviting place to rest, even if only at night.

Here are 3 mostly quick and easy ways to add some personality and intrigue to your space.  If you are the sentimental type you might like putting together a group of family photos.

RDBPHangTarget Bachelor Pad Hang it on the walls

Image fromTarget

The simple collage frame will make displaying some family photos quick and easy. Since they are 4×6 openings, snapshots from your phone would even work. To get the most impact from the look, try using three of these frames on one wall. Fill with casual shots of family, pets, and friends. Keep them all black and white or all color for more impact and if you have empty spots, think about filling them with colored paper that ties in with the furnishings (or your favorite colors).

RDBPAnnabellea Bachelor Pad Hang it on the walls

Image from Annabellea

RDBPAbstractGalleryDirect Bachelor Pad Hang it on the walls

Submit II by Jane Bellows at Gallery Direct

Next, take some solid color inspiration from those two.  I would recommend buying a couple of large canvases, at least 24 x 36, to hang side by side on a large wall. Above the sofa is a traditional place for large artwork. Grab some craft paint in your favorite color and maybe white or black if you’d like to add more interest. Paint the whole canvas one color or mix a couple of lighter tints with the white and start at the top and finish towards the bottom of the canvas with shades mixed with the black.

For bonus points, make this an out-of-the-ordinary date night activity. And last but not least, maybe the easiest way to get something on your walls.

RDBPChicagoatART Bachelor Pad Hang it on the walls

Chicago World’s Fair by Glen C. Sheffer at Art.com

There are plenty of online art sources and even simple framed posters depicting your favorite interests will change the feel of your home. You can search by color, artist, interest, style, etc so get going.  Find something that moves you, choose a frame, and get it on the walls.

For extra credit here, hit up a few estate sales, antique stores, or maybe your grandparent’s attic for unique pieces with lots of personality.

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Art, DIY, Home Tags: , ,

Summer Round Up

Written on July 28, 2011 by

So, I’m a little late on my Summer Round Up post, but that only means that there are lots of summer items that are on sale!  Honestly, that’s typically how I shop.  I’m a bargain shopper at the core…..it hurts to buy something full price!  Here are a few summery finds that you can still enjoy for a couple of months…

AB%20 %20summer%20collage Summer Round Up

1.  Bath & Body Works, Slatkin & Co., Fresh Bamboo Candle – A super fresh and clean smell, my favorite summer candle right now.  Watch for the 2 for $20 sale that comes around every so often.  Great time to stock up!

2.  Aldo, Araucaria Clutch  – on sale for $24.95 – Love the combination of the wood handle and lace.  Can go with everything!

3.  Victoria’s Secret, Smocked Strapless Dress – on sale for $39 – I have been living in summer dresses this summer.  The smocked bust and fabulous print would make this a summer staple for me.  And how about throwing on a denim jacket or cardigan to take you into the fall season?

4.  West Elm, Modernist Bowls – I have a thing for bowls.  A big scoop of homemade ice cream would be perfect in these fun patterened bowls.

5.  Etsy, KathyPanton Shop, You Are My Sunshine print – Perfect for the season with the most sunshine and a sweet reminder from someone special.

6.  Etsy, becorama  Shop, Chartreuse and White Chevron Pillows – Great bold pattern that could liven up a couch or bed for the season.

7.  Pier 1 Imports, Allover Embroidery Pillow - The flowers provide a great burst of color that would look fabulous with the green and white chevron.

8.  Anthropologie, Farmer’s Market Basket - Beyond just being cute, this would be great for all the fresh summer berries that we get here in Oklahoma.

Happy summer shopping!

 

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Entertaining, Fashion, Home, Inspiration, Kitchen Tags: , , , ,

Traveling Treasures

Written on July 27, 2011 by

Happy Wednesday!  Or for me, it’s Happy Day-Before-I-Leave-for-Vacation Day!!  Yup, tomorrow I board a plane, jet out of this horrid heat (107 today!) and touch down in more tolerable temps… and close to the ocean.  With tons of family.  I.Can.Not.Wait! 

Some people hate flying and layovers and crowds or have anxiety about being tens of thousands of miles in the air, but I happen to be one who looks forward to it all.  Airplane naps are the best kind!  And I love the hustle and bustle, love the mini bags of peanuts, love exploring new airports (yes, I check out the design of different terminals), love watching all the different types of travelers – happy couples skipping off on their honeymoon, families headed to Disney World, businessmen deep in thought over their laptops, a tearful reunion at the baggage claim, and even the angry passenger making a scene! 

Since I’m giddy with anticipation to begin my get-away and am packing up my last few accoutrements, I thought I’d share with you some of the accessories that I find helpful to bring along when I travel.

First, I must have a bag that is big enough to hold all my carry-on gear, but not be too cumbersome.  And of course it should be stylish – like this one from Anthropologie.  It seems to be the perfect size and looks like it’s ready for some boardwalk shopping!

DET Anthro%20Roped In%20Tote Traveling Treasures

Roped-In Tote, image via Anthropologie

Wearing comfortable slip-on shoes can really help streamline the routine of going through security.  No clumsy unbuckling or time spent untying with an impatient line behind you.  These Toms shoes are just what I need!

 

DET Toms Traveling Treasures

Toms, image via Toms.com

The one thing I DON’T like about traveling through airports is the exorbitant charge for a sandwich or a bottle of water.  So I like to bring my own!  But we all know that we can’t bring containers of more than 3 oz. of liquid through security.  Problem solved – I just stick a few granola bars and my empty water bottle in my perfect-sized bag (see above) and fill it up at a water fountain once I get through security.  Free and hydrated!  This is the exact Thermos bottle I own and love – it has a snap-open lid and a handle to dangle from a finger when your arms are full.

DET Target%20THermos%20Intake%20Poly%20Water%20Bottle Traveling Treasures

Thermos Intake Poly Water Bottle, image via Target.com

I don’t own a travel pillow, but after the last few crazy-busy months I may need to invest in one to enhance my plane naps.  Check out these cute, lightweight ones from Bucky! 

DET Amazon%20BuckyTravelPillowMinnie Traveling Treasures

Bucky Minnie Compact Travel Pillow, image via Amazon.com

Last but not least, I can’t leave for a trip without a book.  Usually when vacation time rolls around, I prefer to keep the reading lighthearted and fun.  Have you read any of Emily Giffin’s books yet?  Love her collection for good summer reading!

DET EmilyGiffin Traveling Treasures

Emily Giffin’s “Something Borrowed”, image via Goodreads.com

What travel item can you not leave home without?

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Soccer Mom Style – Back to School!

Written on July 26, 2011 by

It’s hard to believe, but it’s back to school in less than three weeks in many Tulsa-area schools.  Yikes!  So while we’re trying to get in just a few more days of swimming and sleeping in, it’s also time to do that back to school shopping!  Here are a few fun items to get the school year started off right!

Soccer Mom Style Back to School!

1.  Spikeasaurus Backpack at Chasing Fireflies  2.  Pack-It Hi-Lighter Backpack at Pottery Barn Teen  3.  Wildkin Kaleidoscope Luncbox at Target   4.  Beatrix Backpack available at the Lolly Garden in Tulsa  5.  Toothpaste Pencil Case at coolpencilcase.com   6.  Owl Backpack available at Moolka  7.   Wildkin Robot Nap Mat  available at Kathleen’s Kids in Tulsa  8.  Rucksack at Mini Boden  9.  All Nighter Alarm Clock at Land of Nod

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Kids, Lisa W. Tags: ,

Unexpected inspiration — Cherry love

Written on July 25, 2011 by

Nothing exudes summer more to me than a beautiful bowl of cherries. It’s the perfect summer dessert, and looks incredible as a centerpiece.

KA cherrybowl Unexpected inspiration Cherry loveImage via Smitten Kitchen

Now is the time they seem the sweetest — during this unbearable heat that most of the country is experiencing right now.

I love to eat them, but I’m also loving the endless possibilities of using a burst of red in your home. With cherries you can dial it up — going for a bright red, like in this smart office. I love the punch of color in the carpet tiles and the painted mirror frame.

KA office Unexpected inspiration Cherry love Image via Apartment Therapy

Likewise, you can opt for a darker shade of cherry — a deeper, richer red. This gallery wall — with dark cherry red frames — is such an inspiration for an otherwise boring hallway. Great idea for my upcoming hall renovation!

KA redhall Unexpected inspiration Cherry loveImage via Elle Decor

And just for fun, I couldn’t resist this beautiful, vintage red suitcase. A great find like this from an estate sale could prove to be an unusual and colorful room accent.

KA redsuitcase1 Unexpected inspiration Cherry loveImage via etsy.com

Happy cherry picking!

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Home, Inspiration, Kim A., Unexpected inspiration

Happy Weekend!

Written on July 23, 2011 by

SVI2owls Happy Weekend!

Image by Ruby Jewel Studio

Recognize these guys?  We couldn’t believe it when we ran across them in our Issue 2 “Cool People, Cool House” home, just a week or so after Alayna’s blog post about them…great minds think alike, yes?  If you want more sneak peeks and bonus photos of both our feature home and our “Celebrate” section, click Subscribe above to sign up for our emails – OR “Like” our Facebook page.

While we are heading into the one week countdown for Issue 2, check out a few goodies I found this week:

A gorgeous post from coco + kelley showing some great ways to mix pastels + black.  In a good way, I promise.

A sweet craft that looks just simple enough…

Super stylish iphone cases from Okie designer Pencil Shavings…(modern pop or deco waves for me?)

And a great series from A Cup of Jo about balancing work, life and family.  Sometimes my schedule gets so overwhelming I want to crawl in a hole and hide – so reading about how these women do it (with kids, no less!) made me feel like I’m not the only one out there juggling crazy hours and still loving it!

Speaking of crazy hours…off to work on Issue 2, write for another side project, organize my closet, research a new app, read a (required) book before a seminar next week, then MAYBE settle down for some conversation with my husband around 9pm.  Happy Saturday everyone!

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Tomatoes! Or what we would normally be doing in July

Written on July 22, 2011 by

I had wished to show you a huge production of processing the vast amounts of tomatoes the plants would be giving about now.  However, with the excessive heat, the production might as well not be happening.  We haven’t had a low temp below 80 in weeks, so this is the result.

RDJulyTomatos Tomatoes! Or what we would normally be doing in July

My Tomato Harvest (minus 2-3 early ones)

I do have high hopes that some of you out there are reaping the benefits of careful garden planning and good weather and are enjoying baskets full of tomatoes.  If so, you should check out The Best Tomato Sauce Ever. Yep. (sometimes foul language warning).  I really like this method for several reasons, fast, easy and delicious.  It also adapts well to tinkering if you so desire.

RDJulyFinnysTomatos Tomatoes! Or what we would normally be doing in July

Image from Finny Knits

I thought I would be making batches of this, canning some for later and eating plenty now.  I also had big plans to master my grandpa’s canning equipment and try his salsa recipe.  I have tried every salsa in every store around town and from the farmer’s markets and no one comes close.  (I have to say it’s hard to compete with years worth of fond memories)  But that recipe starts with “30 bushels of tomatoes” and let’s face it, I need to plant more than five plants to even attempt the whole recipe!

After you’ve mastered the sauce to your liking, head on over to Orangette to read an inspiring story about pizza that’ll have you wishing you were a master pizza maker.

RDJulyOrangettePizza Tomatoes! Or what we would normally be doing in July

Image from Orangette

Please share stories of garden harvests, I would love to know someone has conquered the weather with your crops.  The good news is that I have a strong feeling that if I keep my massive plants alive through the heat wave, I might be eating fresh tomatoes well into November!  One can hope anyway.

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Garden, Home Tags: , ,

Outfit to Room – Well Traveled Teal

Written on July 21, 2011 by

Two of my biggest loves: fashion and design.  World are colliding a new series – Outfit to Room.  I’ll take a fashion statement and show you how you can take inspiration from what you love on the pages of Vogue and translate it into one of your spaces!

First up, the Outfit:

SVoutfit1 Outfit to Room Well Traveled TealImage via Pinterest, source unknown.

I spotted this look a while back and the breezy summer vibe caught my attention right away.  The non-traditional mix of patterns and accessories added just the right combination of tough and girly to this shorts and tank combo.

The Room:

OTR teal Outfit to Room Well Traveled Teal

1. Teal Curtain Panels, overstock.com.  2. Ribbed Mirror, T.A. Lorton.  3. Glass Link Chandelier, West Elm.  4. Pearl Mosaic Urn, I.O. Metro. 5. Felt Flower Pillow, Target. 6. Greenwich Love Seat, Pottery Barn. 7. Vintage Brass Roadrunner, Vintage Pickins on Etsy. 8. Essex Dhurrie Ottoman, West Elm. 9. Crinkled Plaid Throw, anthropologie.com. 

Bring this gorgeous dramatic teal color into your space with pleated draperies pooling on the ground.  The image above is faux silk (gasp!), but I also found some teal linen fabrics and other great custom drapery options at Ballard Designs and Smith + Noble, or take a trip to your local fabric store and pick out something you like! The camel colored sofa above serves the same function as a wardrobe staple like khaki shorts – keep the main items basic, and you can switch out the accessories with your moods or the seasons.

I am a sucker for kilim, so I immediately fell for the model’s bag in the outfit shot.  Shortly after, I got an email featuring West Elm’s new arrivals, chock full of kilim pieces like the ottoman above.  Like the knotted scarf, the lightweight throw will provide just the right amount of warmth this summer when the A/C gets a bit aggressive.

Now for the fun part: accessories! Layering necklaces is one of my personal favorite looks – it can elevate an outfit and make the most basic pieces look instantly pulled together.  The same is true in your home.  The chandelier’s glass adds a touch of sparkle to the room, but the links toughen it up a bit.  The mirror, found at Cherry Street favorite T.A. Lorton, brings in the creamy colors from the kilim, matching the rustic vibe as well.  The black pillow, pearl urn and brass roadrunner (from an Okie Etsy shop) are quirky, girly, a little funky – and finish out the look to a tee!

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Design, Fashion, Inspiration, Outfit to Room Tags: , , , ,

Color Pop

Written on July 21, 2011 by

I’ve decided that if I am going to be sweating 24/7, then I should be on a beach somewhere, or somewhere with a big beautiful pool where they bring me my drinks, or at the very least somwhere that has non blue green algae lake water. 

Since non of these are viable options, I am having to settle with looking through my Destin, Florida, vacation photos.  I have to admit…it’s not too shabby of a view… 

AB%20 %20color%20ocean Color Pop

image via Ruby Jewel Studio

Isn’t that a beautiful and natural color palette? 

When working with clients I often hear that they are “afraid” of color.  This always amazes me!  If you ask someone where their favorite place is, many times they will answer with “the mountains” or “the ocean”.  Both of these locations are full of the colors above.  By using different shades of these colors, you can create a very serene and comfortable space.

Where is your “happy” place?  Perhaps it can be your inspiration for your next home project!

pixel Color Pop
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