Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A Power Couple Rennovates: Meet Kevin + Lee Kleinhelter

Well known Atlanta boutique furnishings owner, Lee Kleinhelter and her husband Kevin makes working together as a power couple seem easy. Atlanta Homes + Lifestyles magazine takes us inside their Atlanta offices. simply gorgeous..and very inspiring!


 

Monday, November 28, 2011

Thanksgiving Weekend Rewind!

I had a productive Thanksgiving weekend! I was busy working away and getting business things in order. I spent Thanksgiving day having dinner with an amazing family here in Houston. The "A's" are wonderful and very welcoming. The rest of the weekend was spent working on web development things and fun holiday designs for a few clients. And for the first time this weekend, we felt Mr. Winter. It was cold ----eekss. It almost felt like I was back in Michigan.Welcome Monday and enjoy the beginning of your week. Below is the table setting at dinner! my favorite are the brown napkins tied with twines!


Until Next Time!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Happy Holiday! Hope You're Shopping!

Hello everyone! I am sure we are all recovering from the yummy Thanksgiving food yesterday. And, I am planning to walk it off today finding great deals. Just wanted to say, happy holidays, enjoy your long weekend and see you in a few days!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Rent the Runway Features Cover Girls

Our favorite fashion mags reveal their covers this month and we are in love! Great pieces for the holiday.

Rooney Mara, Vogue November

With a December 21st movie release on the horizon, and an H&M Collection in the works, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo has inspired a wave of fiercely feminine fashion. Mara Rooney embodies this hard-as-nails female persona with a wardrobe full of leather and spikes. Lace adds a feminine touch to the look and we love this bold Elie Tahari Gold Infused Sheath.


Jessica Biel, Elle December

Winter neutral done to perfection on Jessica Biel in a figure-hugging Donna Karan tank dress. Paired with smoky eyes and embellished jewels, we love Biel’s fashion forward confidence. Look sultry in this form fitting and seductive shade and try the Yigal Azrouel Saturn White Whirlwind Dress.


Charlize Theron, Vogue December

Charlize Theron emerges from the ocean in a wet silver Calvin Klein Collection dress, glittering in glam on the cover of Vogue December. Wear her cool style on dry land with this Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Metallic Rain Dress.


Cheryl Cole, InStyle UK

Who says men are the only ones who can flaunt the sexy elegance of the tuxedo? Cheryl Cole radiates femininity in menswear inspired threads. Get out your white gloves and embrace this trend in theMoschino Cheap and Chic Tuxedo Dress for an instantly classic ensemble.


via RTR

Monday, November 21, 2011

Holiday Gift Guide: The First of A Series!

One of my very favorite things to do during the holiday season, is to shop! I love finding great deals on great items. Now, if you are person who loves to entertain, then this shopping guide is for you. The Glitter Guide "TGG" shares with us a few essential pieces for "the Decorista". A decorista is defined by TGG as one who loves to entertain and cannot resist a great home accessory or an even better find!

1. Harry Allen Teal Pig Bank
2. Perla Dark Grey Throw
3. Design* Sponge At Home by Grace Bonnie
4. Jonathan Adler Muse Bottle Opener
5. L’Ombre dans l’Edau
6. West Elm Jaipur Printes Dhurrie Rug
7. Butterfly Paperie Eat Tea Towel
8. Tocca Candle
9. West Elm Alphabet Paper Weight
10. West Elm Mongolian Pillow
Until Next time!!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Holidays Approaching: What's the Entertaining Etiquette??

So, the holiday is a buzzing and because we are all such glamorous people, we are sure to be doing some entertaining. Here are a few tips and tricks for navigating even the stickiest entertaining situations.

It's unfortunate that people need encouragement at all, but rules of etiquette can only be observed, not enforced. It's perfectly acceptable, however, to follow up your invitation with a phone call once the R.S.V.P. date has passed. To keep the conversation pleasant, you might simply say you wanted to be sure the invitation didn't get lost in the mail. Another option is to make the R.S.V.P. for regrets only, which means only those invitees who can't attend will need to reply. This may result in a slightly less accurate guest count, but it will save you the aggravation of having to chase after replies. Other than that, all you can do is set an example by responding to invitations you receive in a timely fashion. And don't forget, Koby and Kylie Co. can certainly make a great impression with our custom made cards.

So, what's the correct way to serve food? There are no rules governing the layout of a buffet, but an efficient setup and well-considered menu choices will keep food fresh and guests happy. Stack plates at the head of the table and silverware and napkins at the end. Arrange the table so guests can access food from both sides. Start with the main courses; for accompanying condiments, put one bowl on each side of the serving dish. Next come the sides; rather than using spoons and forks, provide nice-looking tongs, which will allow guests to serve themselves easily while holding a plate. For hot foods, heat platters first. Place cold foods on ice. (Don't put all the food out at once; refresh the buffet as needed.) Keep dessert in the kitchen until after the main meal.


English cheese, please! Oh, wait I'm in California, so when do I serve cheese. There are nearly as many ways to eat cheese as there are cheeses. Your friends would be right in France or in high-end U.S. restaurants that have adopted the French tradition. In those settings, the grand cheese cart is wheeled out before the Napoleons grace the table. But in England, cheese -- often Stilton paired with port -- comes after dessert. And in the U.S., a sharp cheddar and crackers may be eaten with predinner cocktails. There's no right or wrong way to serve it. You could offer dessert and cheese at the same time so guests can have them in whatever order they choose.


So, how do I strongly encourage my wonderful guests to take their shoes off? There's no need to be shy or apologetic about asking guests to remove their shoes. Lots of people follow a shoes-off policy in their home -- and not just in bad weather. So absolutely mention your preference to first-time visitors. When people arrive, say "We usually take our shoes off inside. Do you mind doing so?" You may find you don't even have to. When guests see others' footwear by the door, they may take the hint. You can also offer slippers or flip-flops. But if your guests seem uncomfortable removing their shoes, don't make an issue of it. Let them keep their shoes on.


And since I'm being polite, how do I thank my host for a wonderful dinner? All tokens of appreciation should feel special and maybe even a little indulgent. But unless you know your hosts extremely well, they shouldn't be too personal. Consider something to eat or cook with. Choose something from a favorite purveyor in your town, such as preserves or local honey, or fill a basket with ingredients for a delicious yet simple meal. If you have a garden, bring some of its bounty. If you've known your hosts awhile and are sure of their tastes, pretty objects for the table, such as candleholders, are an option. Packaging should be beautiful but doesn't have to be showy or elaborate: Think parchment or tissue tied with twine. Then once you've settled in, pick a quiet moment to offer your present.

courtesy of martha stewart
Until Next Time!!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Entrepreneurial Q & A: John McDonald

Restaurateur John McDonald knows how to fill a room. He’s recently opened the much-hyped and newly renovated Brasserie 44 in New York City’s Royalton hotel. And from what I hear, you’d better know someone if you want reservations at his restaurants—Lever House, Lure, Chinatown Brasserie, and MercBar. Today, John gives us a little inspiration on being an entrepreneur. My favorite question and answer is question number 1.



And here are a few facts about John himself:

inspirations

Who inspires you My parents.
Favorite discovery Walking to work is the greatest luxury.
Necessary extravagance Drinking only great wine.
Favorite hotel Hotel Okura Tokyo.
Favorite late-night spot Blue Ribbon.
Favorite place in the world My red bench in front of MercBar, N.Y.C.

clothes

Jeans Diesel or Jean Shop.
Boxers or briefs Boxers.
Sneakers Puma.
Watch Ikepod Horizon, by Marc Newson.
T-shirt C&C California.
Favorite designer Paul Smith.
Cuff links Duncan Queen.

grooming products

Shampoo Kiehl’s.
Moisturizer Anthony Logistics for Men.
Cologne John Varvatos.
Razor Gilette Sensor.
Toothpaste Aquafresh.
Soap Musgo Real
Where do you get your hair cut Any barbershop.

home

Where do you live SoHo, N.Y.C.
Favorite art Irving Penn.
Sheets Calvin Klein.
Coffee-maker Green tea only.
Stationery Smythson.
Car Audi Q7 S
Favorite neighborhood restaurant Raoul’s.
Favorite cocktail Spiked Arnold Palmer.
Until Next Time!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Inspiration Comes in All Forms

Over the next few weeks, I will be working on completing a few custom stationery pieces for clients and also working on a holiday collection. I am very excited to get these completed. I pull inspiration from every where possible. One such inspiration comes from fashion - you can't help but to be inspired by great pieces and fabulous accessories. From floral fetishes to futurism, designers got creative with all the extras for Spring runway. Here are a few that made it to my inspiration boards!








                                               via Harper's Bazaar Spring 2012 Runway

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Just Saying!

So, i've been busy creating new sets for Koby and Kylie Co. as well as strategically thinking about what I want the lines to look like. A few days ago I went vintage hunting for inspiration on a few sets that are lingering in my head and I came across this bright, in your face, gorgeous pink paper. It made me think about all the ways I can incorporate pink, gold and orange into my design sets! 







Monday, November 07, 2011

Quote of the Week: "This is Why I am Cranking it Out!!

This will be my mantra this week because I can assure you, it will be one very hectic week. Welcome to Monday and live each day with a purpose for that is the life we all deserve! 

Until Next Time!

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Tuesday's Inspiration!

I have been working very hard lately and trying to find time to relax and sleep has been one of my most challenging things. Today I am inspired to create a zen place inside to escape and rejuvenate. And while I'm at it - I'll refocus on the really important things to me, not just for the short run but also for the future.


Until next time!!