The Great Frame Fake-Out

Here's a follow up to a post I did back in November. We're finally getting around to the "hanging stuff on walls" stage and at last, incorporated some photographic evidence that in fact, real humans actually live here.

Ah. The traditional wedding picture collage. Hopefully those we chose spotlighted some of the more "colorful" moments during the after-party. Yes, that's The Mister and I, doing the "shopping cart" on the dance floor.

But what I really want to focus on is the cost-effective framing solution I came up with. Back in November, I had mentioned my affection for white gallery walls. I knew that I eventually wanted to incorporate some larger, metal frames with white matting to set off our black and white photos.

For this photo vignette, I also knew I was aiming for a more polished look and thus, passed on my typical go-to IKEA solution. Instead, I waited patiently and then hit up the "One-Cent" sale at our local Aaron Brother's, essentially scoring these 18 x 24 frames I'd been stalking as a "two-fer".

However, all this frugality came to a screeching halt when I happened upon another expense roadblock in sizing up the matting. I put my thinking cap on and in the end, opted to purchase some heavy-weight paper and cut it to size myself for each of the frames. Then, I mounted my photos directly on top of the paper with double-sided tape. The result is seamless and looks as though each photograph was professionally framed and matted.

Colorful Tribal Rugs at Target

I've been on a mad hunt for the perfect kitchen rug that would not break the bank for the past several months. I scoured flea markets and Craigslist, stalked eBay and Overstock and was just about to throw down on my favorite West Elm kilim, until one day, I happily stumbled upon some colorful new offerings over at Target. 

I ended up snagging the olive green and lavender beauty above right from the shelf, but found some brighter hues worth consideration offered online. Have you seen these babies?

one / two / three / four / five

{Make This} Broiled + Buttery Avocado Goodness

We skipped town last Thursday for an extended weekend on the Colorado River with our group of friends. A river trip gives good occasion for a little fun and excess every now and then, not the least of which was this amazing avocado preparation I was introduced to one evening when the boat docked back at the house we were staying at.

Bags unpacked and back at home last night, The Mister and I had a craving for it again- sort of a last hurrah before we returned to some good ol' fashioned work week discipline.

But just because I'm in need of a little discipline doesn't mean you can't be a little naughty this week. Do it. Make this broiled and buttery, avocado goodness for dinner. I promise. It's worth the guilt.

Preparation

Half avocado, remove pit.
Fill the empty well (where the pit once was) with a pat (or two) of butter.
Sprinkle with fresh garlic, parmesan (or your favorite) cheese, salt, pepper.
Toss some bacon bits over the top (optional).

Throw these bad boys on a cookie sheet and place under the broiler until browned and bubbly. I heard you could also throw them on the grill as well.  Just be sure to place them on a tin foil boat to catch any drippings.

Warmed and "marinated" in the butter, the avocado develops a richer, creamier texture that is just as tasty as the seasonings with which it's topped. We just grabbed one and scooped the insides out with a spoon.

Off the Wall Design: Herringbone

It's no secret I love a good herringbone pattern. But it's ubiquitous use- mostly in textiles- has me searching for some fresh and more classic ways to incorporate this design into our home. We are laying out plans for a new backyard project that will make new use of this beloved pattern and in doing research for that project, I happened to stumble across another amazing way herringbone is zig zagging it's way into design.

Behold. Wood tiles laid out in a herringbone pattern.

Queen Astrid Park House, Singapore by Aamer Architects Via

Architect Alison Brooks Via

Stylist Susanna Vento

Showroom: Decorative Materials, Denver

D'Espresso Bar, NY Via

This last one is a triple threat. It's got herringbone walls in wood tiles, that fantastic floor with pink accents and the front of the bar also uses mirrored tiles for a third herringbone effect. 

The result: happy herringbone heaven. 

 MIM Design for Tabcorp