Kim A, Author at Prairie Hive

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drive-in inspiration: the outsiders

Written on May 20, 2013 by Kim A

Image of ‘The Outsiders’ via IMDB

We all love a summer movie night — especially at the drive-in. The best example of how much we REALLY love a good summer movie in Tulsa is the ultimate drive-in flick, “The Outsiders.” Filmed in Tulsa by Francis Ford Coppola in the 1980s, it not only features a bevy of before-they-were-stars moments, but it was shot at one of Tulsa’s most famous pop culture icons, the Admiral Twin Drive-In.

After a nasty fire a few summers ago, we nearly lost this landmark, but thanks to support from the community, it’s been rebuilt and is back in business.

In fact, to kick off the summer season, the Admiral Twin is showing a classic double-feature this Thursday – “The Outsiders,” and another Coppola classic, “Rumble Fish.” The Admiral Twin seen onscreen at the Admiral Twin. Definitely a must-see this summer!

To celebrate summer and this great film created in our city, I came up with a few inspirations for your summer drive-in experience. Whether you’re feeling a retro-’50s vibe, or you want to experience a memorable date night, the drive-in is definitely where it’s at in Tulsa!

Image via Mod Cloth

Image via J Crew

Image via Nordstrom

Image via Etsy

Image via Gap

Image via BUILT

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Design, Events, Fashion, Home, Inspiration, Kim A., Tulsa Tags: fashion, Inspiration, Kim A., tulsa

spring style: on the run

Written on April 28, 2013 by Kim A

Image via deviant art from Pinterest

While our freaky Oklahoma weather has put spring on a long snooze this year, it’s finally time to dig out those sweats and go on that run.

Spring is full of events, races, charity runs and casual weeknight walks. So instead of busting out those baggy sweats for another year, put some pep in your workout wardrobe this year.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to look like that girl at the gym we all envy (perfect makeup and all). If getting excited about your new yoga pants or that pair of running shoes is what it takes, then so be it.

Whether you are a serious runner or casual workout’er like me, adding something stylish and bright to your workout is just the thing for spring.

Eddy glass water bottle, Camelbak; Endurance headband, lucy; Boyfriend striped tank, Adidas; Nike Free 3.0 running shoe, Nike; Steadytone tote bag, Puma

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Design, Fashion, Kim A., Style Tags: fashion, Kim A., style

how to wear tulle — without looking like a princess

Written on April 15, 2013 by Kim A

Pinterest from tumblr

As a former ballet student, I’m always going to be wrapped in a layer of tulle. My eye will always halt on an image of a tulle skirt and a Grace-Kelly like fashion moment.

Trust me — I get tulle.

The fabric is romantic and pretty. And it’s not just for 5-year-old girls in tutus anymore.

While I’m happy to see it has made a full comeback into fashion — I still throw up a flag of caution. You still have to be careful with it. Unless you’re trying to look like a bride, a princess, Taylor Swift or a teenager headed to the prom, tulle is tricky.

Here are a few tips for making tulle work — it’s all about context.

Image via A Fashion Love Affair

1. Grunge it up. A great way to get away with a flowy, tulle skirt is to juxtapose it with something edgy. By adding a leather bag (love the Coach bag in this photo!), some killer pointy-toed heels and a denim jacket, you can make tulle look tougher. No ballerinas here.

Image via Piperlime

2. Lose the pouf. You might associate tulle with a poufy, bridal or ballerina-like skirt. But you can find an elegant, streamlined look as well. The little black dress is always a sophisticated choice — and the slim layer of tulle is understated and interesting.

Image via Chic Wish

3. Denim and tulle. I love this look! I’ve seen a lot of denim jackets paired with short tulle skirts (a la Carrie Bradshaw). But this longer, maxi skirt paired with a denim shirt is a terrific alternative. Again, make sure you keep the pouf in control if you’re older than 30.

Image via 4.bp blogspot via Pinterest

4. Working tulle. You might think that a tulle skirt would NEVER be appropriate for work, but you might just get away with it if. Again — pairing a slim skirt with a great jacket or blazer, and some beautiful shoes will certainly spice up the board meeting.

Have fun experimenting!

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Design

april giveaway: explore the Ellen Medlock Studio

Written on April 8, 2013 by Kim A

Images via Ellen Medlock Studio

We’re so excited to announce our first Spring giveaway –from our new sponsor, Ellen Medlock Studio, in Tulsa.

In the comments section below, describe your favorite way to use fabrics in your home decor, and you could win a $50 gift card to explore Ellen Medlock’s Tulsa studio. We’ll randomly select a winner — you have until Friday, April 12 to enter!

Many of you who sew might already know Ellen — her fabrics and boutique bag kits are available in sewing stores across the U.S. and abroad. She’s a big name in the sewing and quilt communities, and shows her fabric line and products at international markets.

And the local designer recently opened a store in Tulsa – 10032 S. Sheridan Road — featuring her line of original fabrics, and fabric crafts, DIY bag hardware and more.

In 2004, Ellen started her small design company with boutique bags in mind — and a local quilt shop soon asked her to design and write patterns for them. She has created many fans in the sewing community with her Interchangeable Bag series.

Here’s our Prairie Hive Q&A with Ellen:

Prairie Hive: Tell us a little about yourself – what inspired you to get into design?

Ellen Medlock: It seems like a strong design sense and creative drive is just one of those kinds of things you are either born blessed (or cursed!?) with. One of my earliest memories is staring at my bedroom’s pink ballerina wallpaper and trying to figure out where the repeat started and stopped! Graphic designs and patterns were something I always took great notice of, and that has never changed! My degree was in interior design with a minor in art- and I have worked in interior design as well as floral design.

About 10 years ago I found myself totally intrigued at the sight of a handmade bag. It had never occurred to me that I could make my own purse! The creative wheels began turning into overdrive!

Hundreds of bag-related DIY products later, my company and I are still at it! We also produce a line of limited edition fashion bags based on my DIY designs, and we are about to debut a sixth independently produced fabric line at International Quilt Market in Portland this May. It’s been a very busy 10 years!

PH: Why are fabrics and sewing your passion?

EM: I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in fabrics, needlework, and generally speaking “the making of things.” Fabric design is a true passion that has taken hold. I enjoy the marketing and business side of the company almost as much as the creative side.

PH: Why did you open a studio here in Tulsa – and what about Tulsa do you like?

EM: The creative community of Tulsa is awesome, plus Tulsa is home! This is where I grew up and I can’t imagine my studio being anywhere else. In fact, our fashion bags label says, “Ellen Medlock Studio, Tulsa.” I couldn’t resist! My company’s fabrics and sewing patterns are well represented in other parts of the country and abroad, yet it seemed we were flying under the radar in my own hometown. It was a no-brainer to use our space as a combination teaching studio, office and retail showroom.

PH: People are sometimes afraid to choose a bold pattern for a project– what’s your advice for them?

EM: Just go for it! Trust your instincts – if you love it, buy it! Not only will you love your finished project, but your home or closet will now be stamped with YOUR own personal look/taste. It is an effortless design philosophy. For a winning look, pair a bold graphic pattern on something unexpected!

PH: What are your favorite trends/designs in fabrics right now?

EM: The “Happy Chic” trend is my personal favorite. I feel like our brand embodies this refreshing look. Another trend we are seeing is slightly larger scale prints that can crossover from sewing/ quilting to fashion and home décor. LOVE the versatility!

For more about Ellen and her products and showroom, visit the Ellen Medlock Studio online.

Look for much more to come from Ellen. And don’t forget to enter below to win the gift card giveaway!

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Art, Design, Giveaways, Home, Kim A. Tags: design, DIY, giveaways

kitchen cabinets: two-toned color trend

Written on March 25, 2013 by Kim A

Image via the deocorologist

The easiest way to transform your outdated kitchen is to slap on a fresh coat of paint to those worn-out kitchen cabinets. And that’s exactly what I plan to do this spring or summer.

I’m not the most timely of DIY-ers, that’s a well-documented fact on this blog. But I hope to knock out this much-needed task soon — yet the paint decisions are driving me crazy!

Do I go all white? Or should I do a universal black-and-white decor? Or, should I be daring and take a risk with a fun color? I hate to get too trendy, or I’ll need to repaint in a year.

So here is what I WILL be using — a two-toned kitchen cabinet color scheme. Darker paint on the lower cabinets, lighter on top.

It’s not terribly new — designers have been using this idea for a few years now. But for those who think it’s too out there, think again. You can really get creative with this trend– while keeping the look sophisticated and subtle.

Image via the kitchn

From a visual perspective, it’s a good idea to keep the darker color on the lower cabinets – love the indigo blue in the above kitchen. Then use a crisp, lighter shade on top. This will make your space look larger. You really can’t beat a bright white for a a clean look.

Image via Better Homes & Gardens

But just because there are certain “rules” for two-toned kitchen cabinets, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with finishes. This glossy look is a perfect example. The glossy paint from the lower cabinets gives these basic espresso cabinets a modern touch.

This would be a good option for a more traditional kitchen, like mine. Or for those who want an updated, yet approachable look. I for one, don’t want my kitchen to look so sleek and perfect that you can’t get your hands dirty!

Image via Design Traveler

And for the more daring, you can still get very creative with kitchen cabinet color, as well. You can choose to color block your kitchen cabinets, so to speak. Paint an island cabinet section white, then choose a bright shade for the opposite block of kitchen cabinets. You can’t go wrong with green, especially this year!

The bottom line in kitchen design is to have fun, be creative and make your kitchen the most comfortable room in your home!

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Design, Home, Inspiration, Kim A., Kitchen, Trends Tags: Inspiration, Kim A., kitchen, trends

Color Burst: Our Favorite Spring Colors

Written on March 15, 2013 by Kim A

Some of our favorite spring colors — Prairie Hive Spring Issue 9

What are your favorite spring colors? For our Spring Issue 9, a few themes came to light — saving space, creative entertaining, DIYs and, of course, color.

As someone who has been a fan of the Easter egg palette — since birth, really — I couldn’t be happier that color is back in a big way.

This season seems to be replacing last year’s bold brights — aka neon — with hues reminiscent of bright sorbets and sherbets. Think Easter eggs with a bit more saturation. For example, I’m loving the colorful denim that’s in stores right now –it reminds me of my butter yellow Guess jeans from back in the day. Come on, admit it . You had some of those jeans, too!

In light of all our color love, we each picked our favorite spring colors for our magazine’s Welcome page. So I included our reference photos below for a full perspective.

The lesson: Now is the time to brighten your life with some color, whether you buy a new throw pillow, paint a room, or buy (another) pair of yellow jeans.

Happy (almost) Spring!

Kim: Lavender, Image via J Crew

Dawn: Canary Yellow, Image via mariakillam

Lisa: Fuchsia, Image via Pinterest

Alayna: Blush, Image via My Design Ethos

Sarah: Greyed Jade, Image via Etsy

Roxanne: Spring Green, Image via Natty by Design

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Design, Fashion, Home, Inspiration, Kim A., Meet the Hive, Prairie Hive Mag, Style, Trends Tags: color, design, Prairie Hive Mag, spring, style

deco-inspired Oscar gowns

Written on February 25, 2013 by Kim A

Images via Getty

Did you watch the Oscars last night–or, shall I say the more important event — the Oscars Red Carpet?

A theme on the red carpet always emerges, and this year it seems to be a style — Art Deco!

An Art-Deco loving Tulsan like myself was thrilled to see some of that glamorous style of Art Deco making it to the red carpet. Perfect example, Jessica Chastain — my personal favorite –in Armani Prive.

Art Deco style is so present in Tulsa, and we sometimes take the gorgeous architecture for granted. But the style also has translated into beautiful fashion designs.

I was so happy to see this elegant style translated into the most elegant night of the year.

Here are some other favorite Oscar dresses from last night, with a feeling of that distinctive style we so love.

Stacy Keibler in Naeem Kahn (with her so-so looking date -we kid!)

Catherine Zeta-Jones in Zuhair Murad

Halle Berry in Versace

And best accessory definitely goes to Jennifer Garner, wearing a gorgeous Deco-inspired (at least I think it looks Deco-inspired) necklace by Neil Lane. (Her plum Gucci gown isn’t that bad either!)

Who were your favorites on the Oscars red carpet this year?

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Design, Fashion, Kim A., Style, Tulsa Tags: art deco, fashion, Kim A., style

oscar party: hosting a hollywood gifting party

Written on February 20, 2013 by Kim A

Image via NY Daily news

There are sports fans, and there are Oscars fans. And this Sunday is the movie buff’s Super Bowl. Yes, it’s time for the Academy Awards — and time to host a Hollywood-worthy party. We were featured on Fox 23′s show Great Day Green Country to share some fun ideas today!

I’ve hosted Oscars watch parties for years, and they’ve ranged from elaborate nights with food and wine, to sweat pants and cheap champagne.

But this year, I thought we’d try something a little different — a red carpet gifting party.

Haven’t you always been envious when you hear about those luxurious gifts, trips and fabulous items the stars get for free? Just for showing up to an event, a starlet can walk away with a year’s salary worth of gifts.

So why not treat your friends like the stars they are, and host an easy, memorable Oscars party? We’ve got everything you need from a DIY Hollywood sign to swag bags full of goodies. Happy Oscars!

Image via My Paper Pinwheel

The Hollywood sign

To start the party off right, we asked one of our favorite Tulsa crafters — Thuy Bui at My Paper Pinwheel — to set the tone. And she created this fun Hollywood Glam Banner. Inspired from the infamous “Hollywood Sign” in LA’s Hollywood Hills, Thuy made this cute sign from card stock, a little glitter and a few more easy craft-store-bought items.

See the bottom of the post for her simple DIY.

Treats

An Oscars party is all about food, of course! To keep in theme, I thought that celebs would want to start their night with a tiny bite — so they don’t ruin their couture gown, of course. Our friends in Tulsa at The Dainty Dozen, have just the perfect little bites — Red Velvet cake balls. These cake balls are serious — two little bites and you’re hooked.

Swag bags

Treating your guests can be part of the party. Any Hollywood red carpet is full of swag — and I mean the take-home kind. We chose some lovely gifts from Sideways Boutique on Brookside.

We picked a beautiful candle by Pre de Provence, and one of the most sought-after fragrances from TokyoMilk — Gin and Rosewater. To finish the bag, we chose a glam, sparkly cocktail ring — surely to be emulated on the red carpet.

Oscar Bingo

After your friends are sufficiently wined and lavished with gifts, the long awards ceremony begins. To keep things fun and interesting, how about a game of Oscars Bingo? Sarah V. was kind enough to design this cool game for the Oscar buff and novice alike –just follow along with the show, and the first person to get five in a row wins yet another lovely gift!

We have six cards available for you to download here!

Have a great Oscars party!

DIY Hollywood Sign instructions:

Here are Thuy’s easy-to-follow steps for her cute banner.

Supplies:

Black and white card stock
Gold tissue paper
Gold glitter
Glue stick and mod podge
Baker’s twine

1. Cut out the letters for “Hollywood” with a Cricut, using white card stock. Cut out pendant-shapes in black card stock for the backing of each letter.

2. Using mod podge to outline letters, and add glitter around each letter. After it has dried, glue the letters on top of the pendants.

3. String the baker’s twine along the back of the pendants and secure with tape or glue. To add some flair, cut gold tissue paper into a strip the length of the banner and fringe the edges with scissors.

For more visit, My Paper Pinwheel.

Here’s my turn on Great Day Green Country, where I show the whole party put together!

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Design, DIY, Entertaining, Kim A. Tags: DIY, Entertaining, Kim A., Oscars

Delicious Raspberry Crumble Bars: Make Them Today

Written on February 14, 2013 by Kim A

Happy Valentine’s Day! Or Happy Anti-Valentine’s Day if you prefer.

If you’re a planner, then Valentine’s Day dessert is likely in the bag. You’ve ordered your chocolates, baked your cookies or at least purchased your ingredients for the big day.

But if the week slipped by, and you’re scrambling for a quick treat — we’ve got just the thing: Raspberry bars made with jam and shortbread. Perfect.

I have to admit, I actually made these lovelies for the Super Bowl. But the pretty raspberry jam squished in the middle of the buttery shortbread made me think they would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. And they are!

The secret? Good jam and a great recipe. Mine is circa Ina Garten, her Raspberry Crumble Bars to be exact. I know, I know! I share way too many Barefoot Contessa recipes.

But I just couldn’t resist — the woman really knows her way around a shortbread!

The recipe is really easy to follow and the ingredients list is short. Butter, flour, sugar, vanilla , salt raspberry jam and almonds.

If you can read, you can make this decadent dessert. The sweet to salty ratio works really well here because the raspberry jam is tart, and the shortbread is buttery and not overly sweet.

Enjoy the holiday however you choose to celebrate (or not celebrate).

Raspberry Crumble Bars

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
10 to 12 ounces good raspberry jam, such as Hero
2/3 cup good granola without dried fruit
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Confectioners’ sugar, for sprinkling

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix on medium speed just until combined. With the mixer on low, add the vanilla.
3. Sift the flour and salt together and, with the mixer on low, slowly add to the butter mixture, mixing until it almost comes together in a ball. Turn the dough out on a board. Lightly pat two-thirds of the dough evenly on the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan and about 1/4-inch up the sides. Spread with the jam, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Mix the granola into the remaining dough with your hands. Break the dough into small bits and distribute it on top of the jam, covering most of the surface. Sprinkle the almonds on top. Bake the bars for 45 minutes, until lightly browned.
4. Cool completely and cut into 9 or 12 bars. Sprinkle lightly with confectioners’ sugar.

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Holiday, Home, Kim A., Recipes Tags: holiday, home, Kim A., recipes

Shopping Alert: Spring Brights, Prints and a Good Cause

Written on February 11, 2013 by Kim A

Image of Burberyy Prorsum via Style Bistro

I’m already ready for spring — especially for the great fashion this year, full of brights, floral prints and black-and-white stripes. Have you been looking at all those dreamy catalogs from the mail? With all the sherbet hues, it’s a little like Candy Land! I’m all in.

In Oklahoma, you have to be prepared for any kind of weather. We’ve had a warm winter, so spring could start in the middle of February — or it could snow for weeks and spring arrives in April. So prompt spring shopping is a must…especially since it’s all arriving in stores now. (Great justification, huh?)

Here are a few things on my radar right now:

1. Tribal Double-Ring, BCBG 2. Pyramid Zip Clutch in citrus, Michael Kors 3.Cafe Capri in dark cove, J Crew 4. Ballet flats in green, Seychelles 5. Kate Spade sunglasses in turquoise, Piperlime 6. Green dot tee, Gap

But the best part of spring shopping for me is an annual fundraiser I’m involved with — the YWCA of Tulsa’s Wine Women & Shoes. Full disclaimer: I’m a board member of the YWCA. But long before I was involved personally, I’ve been a fan of this event and this great organization. Shoes, shopping and wine? It’s a guaranteed fun time with great shopping from vendors across the country. Shopping can be guilt-free — especially in the spring! For more, visit wwstulsa.org.

Image via YWCA Tulsa

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Design, Events, Fashion