May 2012 - Prairie Hive

Monthly Archives: May 2012

Color Pop – Issue 5

Written on May 31, 2012 by AlaynaB

Here at Prairie Hive we have been working hard on finishing up our summer issue of the online magazine. While laying out all the beautiful photos for our Cool People, Cool House feature I realized that I hadn’t done a Color Pop for Issue 5 yet. If you didn’t get a chance to flip through Prairie Hive’s Issue 5, you still have time!

Here is a color pop from Mary Beth Babcock’s super cool loft in the Mayo Hotel…

While the walls and floor are neutral, Mary Beth brings in lots of vibrant colors with all of her eclectic furnishings and treasures.

This is a great tip, especially for those of you living in apartments where all of the walls are a nice shade of white! Step up the color in your accessories, bedding, & wall art to compensate for not being able to paint.

Be sure and check back Monday, June 11th for our new magazine Issue 6 which will be featuring lots of summer goodies!

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Summer Whiteout — Inspiration with White

Written on May 30, 2012 by Kim A

Image via Cozy Canadian Cottage via Pinterest

Don’t you wish you lived here? For at least a day … or a year, or forever!?

Since summer has officially arrived, it’s time to break out the white. Whether your version of “summer white” means head-to-toe white attire (like you’re headed to a super hip Hamptons party, you know, the one in your fantasy world), or a few clean accessories, white has never been hotter.

Well, not if you have small children. Sorry.

Image via Sex and the City 2, Warner Bros.

But most of us can at least dream of a gleaming white backdrop, and it’s attainable thanks to the abundance of white products and fashions in stores today.

Here are some items, perfect for your next big, “white moment.”

Let’s start with home…

Image via West Elm

These white ceramic vases from West Elm are perfect for this look — they’re versatile and easy to move around. You’ll look a lot fancier than you are with these accessories in your home.

Image via Elle Decor

I couldn’t help but include this great “hive” pendant, which was actually inspired by the Michelin Man, according to Elle Decor, by designer Sir Terence Conran for British lighting firm, called Original BTC.

And now, the clothes…

Image via Bloomingdale’s/dress by French Connection

What perfect summer day doesn’t include a dream dress like this one by French Connection? Sure, it’s probably way too short for me, but a girl can dream, right?

Image via JCrew

Back to reality — I actually own these white jeans. Bought them from JCrew last summer. I was so happy when I pulled these out of the closet last weekend. Now, if only they fit. Summer white, equals summer workouts, I’m afraid.

Image via Piperlime

Feeling better about yourself is exactly what shoes were made for. And I just so happen to need new shoes…these look just about perfect for my white moment.

Happy first of summer!

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Design, Fashion, Home Tags: fashion, home, Inspiration, Kim A.

Memorial Day Spritz — A wine spritzer recipe

Written on May 28, 2012 by Kim A

Image via Taste Food Blog

Hope you’re having a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! Luckily for me, I’m spending the weekend relaxing and kicking back with good friends at the lake.

In planning our yearly outing, I’m always looking for a new — or at least different — drink recipe to try. So I was inspired from reading last week’s New York Times Magazine article, appropriately called “It’s Time to Update the Wine Spritzer.”

I’ve always been a fan of adding some ginger ale or Sprite Zero to my sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. Add a twist of lime, and you’ve got yourself a boat-worthy afternoon cocktail.

But if you’re feeling more adventurous, a long weekend is the time to try something new and out of your comfort zone. Here’s a fun blackberry spritzer recipe made with fresh berries– which are ripe for the pickin’ now — courtesy of Taste Food Blog.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Blackberry Spritzers

Blackberry Syrup
Makes about 1 cup

12 ounces blackberries
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until blackberries soften and release their juices, about 10 minutes. Cool. Purée in a food processor, then strain through a fine-meshed sieve. Discard the seeds.

Blackberry Spritzers
Makes 1

Ice cubes
1 part blackberry syrup
2 parts sparkling water, white wine or Proscecco
Lime wedge and mint leaves for garnish

1. Fill a wine or cocktail glass with ice. 2. Add syrup and sparkling water. Stir. Garnish with lime and mint.

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Holiday, Recipes Tags: holiday, Kim A., Recipe

Family Tree Wall Art

Written on May 25, 2012 by Roxanne D

Has anyone else traveled that path down memory lane, filling in gaps in the family history and learning things about your ancestors that you are proud of and never would have expected? About ten years ago my sisters and I started and still find it fun and fascinating to discover new things about so many different branches of our families. With the new online databases for people’s history, census information, birth and death records, etc, it has gotten much easier to sleuth out missing family members (Plus we have an Aunt that is talented at searching through the vast amounts of info and finding the details). However, cemetery visits should never be ruled out, those adventures provide great entertainment and memories because as Forrest Gump says, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”

I’ve been thinking about family tree wall art since the beginning of that journey and here’s a round up of some simple and beautiful pieces as well as the informational and graphic. I’ll start with my favorite (middle image) since I’ve been thinking about it for years and just can’t get it out of my mind. From a Martha Stewart magazine years ago, you can now find the template and instructions on her website. The graphic fan appeals to my love of geometry (visuals, not the actual practice) and I think you could hang it unfinished and add information over the years.

The left piece is also a Martha Stewart family tree. The shape is made of family members names. This will probably be the one that wins out in my home. I think you could add branches however you see fit. Think about how fun it would be to create a forest of these directly on the wall (or as custom wallpaper)! Each tree could be a different branch of the family. Yes, I used that cheesy pun.

The right work is a custom order piece from Luvin Every Minute on Etsy. Fun mod artwork, you hardly realize it is a family tree. I think this would make a welcome and thoughtful anniversary gift.

These next pieces are a little whimsical and might not be as flexible for different spaces but I can think of individuals in my life that each of these pieces fit their personalities.

On the left is a hand drawn tree in pencil from Story Tree on Etsy. The touch of cut initials in the tree trunk is sweet and you can almost imagine this being drawn by a loving relative.

In the middle is a fun tree from Uncommon Goods. I have some nieces and nephews that might enjoy this creative project. They could capture images of family members at the next function and have a craft time cutting out faces from the printed photos. It would be a completely customized tree just for them.

On the right is a simple representative tree from Red Envelope. Anyone surprised they don’t have an owl version? This would make a satisfying choice for a DIY gift version. You could change up the colors, leaf shapes and even the bird type (species?).

Have any of you made your own family tree wall art? I think the closest we’ve gotten in our brood is the door jamb full of penciled in heights and ages of the grandkids. But since that only depicts one generation, I suppose it hardly counts for a family tree.

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Art, Gifts, Home Tags: Art, decor, gifts, home

Summer Squash Pasta – Recipe

Written on May 24, 2012 by AlaynaB

Since my parents are at the farm these days they took over my grandpa’s garden this year. And boy is it going crazy! They are pulling in tons of yellow squash, zucchini, onions, and more. I love this time of year.

For dinner I decided to throw together a quick and easy pasta dish using some of the farm fresh veggies and I thought I would share!

Bucatini (or your favorite pasta), Olive Oil, Garlic, Yellow Squash, Zucchini, Mushrooms, Onion, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt

Chop all vegetables to similar bite sized pieces

In a skillet heat a drizzle of olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes

Add squash, zucchini, and onions and saute a couple of minutes

Add mushrooms

I like to saute the veggies at a high temp so that they get a nice golden color without getting mushy. While cooking at a high heat be sure and keep those veggies moving pretty regularly so they don’t burn! Once the mushrooms start to get some color add salt to taste.

While your pasta and veggies are finishing up chop your basil. A great and easy way to cop the basil is to roll all the leaves into what looks like a basil “cigar”.

Slice the basil “cigar” into thin strips.

Once pasta is finished cooking, drain and drizzle with olive oil.

Combine pasta and veggies and then sprinkle with your fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

This dish would be great served with grilled chicken or shrimp on top, or as a side dish. This type of recipe is easy to adjust with whatever veggies you have on hand….or with whatever veggies you like. You can substitute away and it would still be delicious!

Summer Squash Pasta (this recipe is for approximately 2 servings)

4 oz Bucatini pasta (you can sub with spaghetti or other pastas)

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 yellow squash, chopped

1/4 (of a large) zucchini, chopped

1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

olive oil (drizzle for saute and a drizzle over pasta)

2 cloves garlic, minced

red pepper flakes to taste

salt to taste

parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta, be sure and salt the pasta water a lot! Trust me, it makes a difference!

2. Chop veggies into similar bite sized pieces

3. Drizzle pan with olive oil, add garlic and red pepper flakes and allow to cook until fragrant

4. Add squash, zucchini, and onions and saute for a couple of minutes

5. Add mushrooms, once the mushrooms start to get some color add salt to taste. Cook the veggies at a high heat to get the great color without becoming mushy

6. Chop basil

7. Drain pasta and drizzle with olive oil

8. Combine pasta and veggies, sprinkle with basil and Parmesan cheese

Enjoy!

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Kitchen Tags: Recipe

New Mama Necessities: Back to Work

Written on May 23, 2012 by SarahV

Image via People

I considered calling this post “Adventures in Pumping” or alternately, “Oops, I Left my Breastmilk in the Mapco Building” (because, yeah, that happened). I’m assuming if you’re reading this you are, in fact, a new, soon to be, or some kind of mama- so you’re fully prepared for some serious boob TMI…so, buckle up.

Pumping while you are working full time is a serious commitment- especially when said work includes running around town all the time. Since I don’t have an office (other than the one at my home) most of my pumping is done in the car…with varying levels of privacy. Once or twice a day, you’ll find me parked in a remote corner of a lot, with a sun shield up, fingers crossed that my tinted windows are doing the trick. I’ve been busted by: security guards, restaurant workers taking out trash, homeless men, a guy for a bike ride with his kid, and a weird dude in a truck who pulled up and parked next to me (yes, my doors are securely locked at all times).

Occasionally, I’ll find an office building with a rarely used public bathroom, where I get the luxury of rinsing the pump parts out afterwards…and cross my fingers that no one walks in while the tell-tale groaning/mooing noises from the pump motor are going. I’ve avoided this lately after a kind woman in the next stall told me to “talk to Sally in HR about a room to do that in.”

I knew going in it would be tough, so I invested in a really travel friendly pump. These things aren’t cheap, but I knew it would have to be as convenient as possible for me to commit to it. I went with the Medela Freestyle…and have had a good experience so far. It holds a charge, is lightweight and easy to use, and generally seems to do the job. The “hands free” clips are pretty difficult to use, but I usually make it work…although I’ve heard that these hands-free pumping bras are nice and easy as well.

Next hurdle: what to wear. Unless you’re one of those people I hate, you’ll have a few months where nothing in your closet fits. Maternity clothes are too big, regular clothes are too small, and even if your stretched out tummy has gone back to normal, if you’re nursing, your boobs will pop the buttons off anything you currently own anyway. If you are lucky enough to have some clothes that fit you, the hassle of getting things on and off to pump throughout the day will negate half of the clothes you could maybe wear anyway. Did I mention I’m still in this phase (or could you tell from the obvious bitterness)?

So here’s what to look for:

Crossover or wrap tops and dresses

Button down shirts

Anything with an elastic neck

Anything with a roomy bottom (easy to hoist up)

Patterns are best for hiding leaks, spills and fat rolls, and look for un-clingy fabrics.

A good flowy cardigan will hide a multitude of sins.

I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on these (hopefully) temporary clothes, so Target, Old Navy, Macy’s, or basically anywhere with a coupon or sale rack are my go-tos.

Jewelry is also a great distractor from any body issues you may have, as well as a good way to dress up some plain basics and change them around from day to day. It has to go on as you walk out the door and come off when you walk in, but a good giant necklace works wonders for a boring outfit. Plus, you will be able to wear your jewelry at any point in this body shape roller coaster ride, so I see it as a good investment.

Here are a few of my favorite staples and recent finds:

1. The Webster at Target Flamingo Print Top, Target 2. Campari Necklace, Stella & Dot 3. Merona Easy Care Dress, Target 4. Cactus Flower Necklace, J. Crew 5. 3/4 Sleeve Polka Dot Top, Old Navy 6. Lightweight Button Front Tank, Old Navy 7. Splendid Draped Jersey Cardigan, Net-a-Porter.

After months of maternity clothes, it’s a bit of a shock to realize that there’s still months to come of fashion sacrifices. While fit and style are different for everyone, take it from me- no matter how cute that little dress may look, after you lift it over your head 3 times a day in a public place, you won’t be wearing it for work anymore.

All these little annoyances aside, I am so glad that I have stuck with breastfeeding. The first 2-3 months were rough…it’s alot to get used to. There are some inconveniences, some painful days, and some embarrassing bodily functions to learn to deal with. However, after that 3 month mark, it all started to seem second nature and most of the uncomfortable (ok, let’s be honest – excruciating) breast related issues have gone away. I encourage anyone to stick it out, it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that I’m doing the best I can for my baby.

If you’re struggling, I found the site Kellymom to be a huge help with almost any breastfeeding related question you can come up with (Seriously, my google history is pretty hilarious these days).

On another note, people have asked me alot lately how I am juggling it all…a full time job, Prairie Hive, various other commitments, the new baby and trying to fit a little “me” time in along the way. I’d love to tell you I have a great system and that each day is productive, bliss filled, and full of rainbows. But the truth is, barely. There are lots of breakdowns – along with unchecked tasks on the to-do list. I just take it day by day and try to prioritize what needs to happen the most to allow me to spend quality time with my family, continue to do my job(s) and then fit what I can in around the edges. I’m still figuring it all out, as I suspect most mamas are…no matter how new.

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Kids, New Mama Necessities Tags: kids, new mama necessities

Cube decor: Thinking outside the cubicle

Written on May 21, 2012 by Kim A

Image via Tumblr

No, this is NOT my office, but sometimes I wish I could have the most minimalist of desk spaces.

I recently moved desks, this time from an open space to an isolated, but rather large cubicle.

The big cube. It’s taking some adjusting. I’m used to having conversations with someone 15 feet away, and now it’s quiet, quiet. But I’m definitely getting used to it. How did I ever work before?!

Nevertheless, the old cube could use some sprucing up.

So, I’ve been looking for cube inspiration. Lots of workers like me, who are looking to brighten up our home away from home, have taken patterned fabric and pinned it to their cube walls. This is a great idea, and pretty easy to do, so long as your employer is OK with it.

But if you fear getting tired of a super bold pattern, or offending your office mates, you can still find some nice office supplies to turn your cube from blah to chic.

I’m obsessed with anything monogrammed these days, so this monogrammed pencil cup below is a good start.

Image via Desire to Decorate

Even adding some cool wall art — using fabric in regular photo frames is an easy way to go, like this office below. It’s not a cubicle, per se, but it’s the direction I’m headed. I love how the designer uses crisp white frames to display quirky art. Parents: This is a great way to display your kids’ art. That way you’re keeping your kiddos with you all day.

Image via Young House Love

Here are my ideas for my new office cube. I’ll keep you updated once I get settled in.

Fellow cube people: I’d love your suggestions!

1. Linen pinboard, Pottery Barn 2. Owl bookend set, Jonathan Adler 3. Nickel-plated lamp, IKEA 4. Faux alligator frame, Privet House for Target 5. Kravet fabric swatch, via the Designer Insider 6. Pearl Polyhedron Paper Vase, Etsy, via Real Simple 7. Pencil Shavings desk organizer, Anthropologie

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Design, Trends Tags: design, Kim A., trends

Festivals galore, easy DIYs and more…Happy Weekend!

Written on May 20, 2012 by SarahV

I did alot of driving this week. ALOT. So spent a good chunk of several days looking at scenes like this…and kind of enjoying it! It’s a great time of year to get out and explore the state…not too hot yet, wonderful sunny days and open roads.

This weekend, we will be out hitting two of Tulsa’s funnest(?) fests: Mayfest and Blue Dome Arts Festival. Locals, hope to see you there!

Between the hours of windshield time, I found a few goodies for you too:

Easiest DIY Ever. Great idea for teacher gifts, or an update to something you already have.

Great idea for an indoor herb garden…especially for cat owners like me who can’t leave anything out on the countertop!

For those indecisive folks who can’t land on one color for cabinets.

A really, really cool vase.

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Weekend Round-Up

Car Accessories and My Hunt for Great-Looking Seat Covers

Written on May 18, 2012 by Roxanne D

When it starts getting hot in Oklahoma, my black car with black leather interior starts looking very unappealing. I had high hopes of finding some accessories like car seat covers, windshield screens and maybe some organizing essentials to turn it into a better place this summer.

Have you ever searched for decent seat covers? Well, let’s just say that the cute yet sophisticated ones I picture in my mind do not exist out in the world! I thought with the new era of bringing design to the masses (Target anyone?) that it would be a piece of cake and even planned on settling for a trendy chevron one if that was all I could find.

Boy, was I wrong. Things are pretty rough out there. So much so, that when I found one of those wooden beaded massage covers I thought, “Well, that’s not bad.”

Needless to say, I switched gears. What are my needs and what can I live with?

First of all, I need to cool down the seats enough so that if I am in a skirt or shorts I will still be able to jump in the car and go as opposed to looking at the car with the doors open wondering how much heat I can stand and how late I can arrive at my destination. I need to be able to easily wash the covers since inevitably the dogs will jump on them, or if they take a beating after a muddy soccer game.

Maybe these simple, taupe-y gray car seat covers can work just fine until I work up the nerve to make my own.

Then I hope this solar powered ventilator works some sort of magic. Anyone have any experience with these?

And I already know that the best way to keep the car temp down is to prevent it from climbing too high in the first place. So I need to invest in a new windshield sunscreen. This insulated Heatshield sunscreen has gotten lots of good reviews and doesn’t have any weird cartoons or designs on it. See a trend here?

Second, I would like to have a little organization. I think one of those car organizers that hangs on the back of a seat will work. It just needs to have a small trash receptacle and space for the atlas, car duster and lint roller.

I like this individual trash receptacle in an Amy Butler pattern from The Mod Mobile on Etsy and the simple two-pocket organizer from Violet Giraffe also on Etsy. Having two separate pieces perform these functions will make it easier to clean out the waste bin.

Third, having a small emergency car kit would be quite nice. Although, for me that is more of a winter season essential. The most important item in the summer is a charged cell phone so I can call for a ride if it comes to that.

Well, what I had hoped to be an inspirational post for making your car a little more home away from home, ended up being a quest for the impossible. Please tell me that somewhere out there is a fantastic source for great seat covers that don’t snag all the attention, but quietly do a good job and look great.

Oh and before I forget, here’s an actual recommendation. These car dusters are great for keeping pollen, dust and dog hair at bay. It’s so simple to grab it while in line at the bank and swish over all the surfaces, then just shake it out and it’s ready to go again. I wash mine maybe once a month, so it’s a pretty low maintenance way to keep the car looking nice between detailed cleanings.

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Design

Wildflowers

Written on May 17, 2012 by AlaynaB

About a month ago I was down in Poteau, which is located in southeastern Oklahoma (and where my whole family on my mom’s side lives). I was there checking on some homes that are under construction that I have been working on. Any time I head down that way I always try and arrange it to where I can stay the night with my grandparents.

During this trip I decided that the most beautiful time of the year, in this part of Oklahoma, is spring. All of the pastures are a brilliant green and they are plastered with beautiful wildflowers.

The little house you can see on the right side is my parents 100 year old farmhouse and to the left you can see Calvanal Hill….the tallest hill in the world!

The road that leads to both my grandparents & parents was lined with different colorful flowers. I had to snap some photos to show (I did a little research and found out what most of the flowers are, hopefully my research proves correct!)…

Beardtongue (Penstemon-Barbatus)

Coreopis Sunshine Superman

Red Clover

Downy Phlox

Yarrow

Not sure….the only one I couldn’t find. But they are so dainty and cute!

One of the great things about wildflowers is that you don’t have to worry about being a florist to get a beautiful bouquet. They just always seem to fall into place and work no matter how you display them. Here are some great ideas I found to showcase your local beauties…

Why stop at the florist when you can just pick them yourself, for free? Wrap them in brown paper and you have great simple bouquet to give to your sweety.

image via flicker, Elena Kovyrzina

An old milk jar, pitcher, mason jar, or watering can makes the perfect vase for wildflowers. No need to dig out the crystal for these. They shine all by themselves.

image via tumbler, cataclysmia

image via Elizabeth Ann Designs

image via Elizabeth Ann Designs

And since it is the beginning of wedding season, how about this bride’s bouquet? The colors are absolutely stunning against the beautiful white gown.

image via The Wedding Chicks

So, the next time you need some fresh flowers, take a drive down a country road and see if you can find some on your own. I guarantee you will enjoy them so much more!

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Design Tags: Poteau, Wildflowers