It’s not too early
October 15, 2012
to get those holiday plans committed to paper. Lists for invitations, cards to be sent, ingredients to be purchased or projects around the house to complete…it’s all easier to accomplish once you have committed it to paper. That makes it real, do-able…and you have a punch list to strike off as each task is complete. By the time December 1st comes you’ll be so far ahead of the game you can easily roll with the punches of a changed plan, or relax with a smart cocktail as you await the magic. 
Stack em up
July 14, 2012
Every now and again you find yourself in need of additional seating at the table. You know, an impromptu birthday bash, your dinner guests had guests in from out-of-town ( do you mind if?) , or…heaven forbid…you’re hosting THANKSGIVING. Time to bring in the reinforcements and the Bellini Chair by Kartel fits the bill perfectly. Lightweight, stackable and most importantly comfortable, these stackable Italian wonders work as beautifully with your collection of modern furnishings as they do complimenting your more traditional pieces. No need to feel guilty about or assaulting your aesthetic sensibilities pulling out those folding chairs that have literally been a pain in the a** for decades. ( You know which ones. ) As a matter of fact, you might find these so appealing that you keep them out all year long, as pull-ups, home office task seating or an extra in the bedroom. Then, when the doorbell rings you’ll be well prepared to have your guests pull up a stylish seat.
Land of the free…
July 4, 2012
and the home of the classic 4th of July cook-out. I’m not a hot dog or sausage fan, but after having a “dog” at the Simply Good Kitchen in Birmingham, MI …made with one of their homemade fresh Polish Keilbasa…well, I had to change my mind. Presented in a beautifully browned poppy-seed bun with sauerkraut and their special horseradish mustard (or Chicago style)…well, I was hooked. If you happen to be in the Detroit area you’d do well to stop in and pick some up, knock out a bowl of potato salad and chill the watermelon. It’s that simple. And, as long as your fire is stoked, a giant toasted marshmallow and some sparklers would be the perfect finishing touch to your 4th of July celebration.
http://www.simplygoodkitchen.com/
https://simplequietmodern.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/you-say-potato/
Ready…set…
June 17, 2012
summer! Yard cleaned and planted? Check. Furniture pulled out of storage? Check. Grill in working order? Check. Good. Now that all of the outdoor spring chores are done and you have set up the appropriate areas for outdoor dining, entertaining and relaxing take a good look around. Scope it out. Your spot…to read, plan a menu, have a drink or have a nap. We wait for this all winter, now…enjoy.The sights, the sounds, the tastes…summer.
Black and white and…
May 19, 2012
summer all over, horizontally speaking. Nothing amplifies the crisp clear sunny days of summer like black and white stripes. Indoors or out, priced high or low, there is something striped for everyone and every budget. From a Pottery Barn umbrella, custom upholstery in F. Schumacher linen. a rug from Crate & Barrel or a flotilla of paper lanterns from Z Gallerie, these bold bands of black and white will make quite the statement. If black and white is just too bold, try winding it down a bit with Black and Linen or Black and Charcoal for an equally dramatic effect.
All you need now is a tall glass of sweet tea.
http://www.shopterrain.com/house-home-outdoor-furniture/
