Monthly Archives: February 2012

Spring Fever

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Posted by on in Design

For the past week I have been experiencing the medical condition known as “spring fever”.  Though it is contagious, it is not serious and can be treated.  Though a vacation getaway to a tropic island is the prescribed medicine (by me), it’s not in the budget. Instead I decided to switch over our apartment decor from wintery cabin to beach cottage.  Here’s how it looks now:

beach mantel

shelf

IMG_3238

paintings

And what’s that you say? The blue wall paint color looks different than before?  Why YES you are correct!  I painted it again.  I need to enroll in painters anonymous.  I love painting.  Whether it’s painting on a canvas or a wall, I like the distraction it offers me.  I went with the trusty David Bromstad Mythic paint collection in “Big Bad Wolf.”

Picture 6

A quick plug for Mythic paint. It’s wonderful. This is our second time using the zero-VOC paint and I have nothing but rave reviews to offer on it. If anyone from Mythic paint headquarters wanted to send over some free paint to me I would be obliged.

Anyway, with the new paint and decor my spring fever is subsiding and I’m basking in our home that now resembles a beach cottage. Yesterday I came home from a long day at work, put on Red Red Wine by UB40, took in the apartment ambiance and instantly felt better. It’s weird I know, but it works for me.  To help pay it forward I’ve included the song below so you can click play below and look at the pictures and magically be transported to that happy place we all need to visit!

Downton Abbey Cocktails

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Posted by on in entertaining, Kitchen

For all those fans going through Downton Abbey withdrawal, you can fill the void by drinking a cocktail in honor of your favorite character. The Kitchn is featuring three lovely cocktails that Nancy Mitchell created, inspired by the sisters from the hit show.  Share which one you’ll be making in the comments below!

Sybil (The Headstrong Baby Sister)

sibyl.jpg

1 oz. gin
3/4 oz St. Germain liqueur
Brut champagne, chilled
Directions: Combine the gin and St. Germain over ice. Shake and strain into a flute. Top with champagne.

Edith (Middle Sister Woes)

edith.jpg

1.5 oz freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
.5 oz sloe gin
Sweet Rose champagne, chilled
Directions: Add the grapefruit juice and sloe gin to a flute. Top with champagne. Stir and serve.

Mary (Oldest Sister Paving the Way)

lady mary 2.jpg

1.5 oz Lillet Blanc
.75 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
4-5 basil leaves
brut champagne, chilled
Directions: Add the basil and lemon juice to your shaker and muddle. Add Lillet and ice and then shake and strain into a flute. Top with champagne.

My local PBS affiliate, WETA, also featured this tasty concoction to honor the series:

The Downton Abbey


Half a lime squeezed
3 parts Hendricks gin
2 parts St. Germaine
Top with champagne

Recipes and Images courtesy Nancy Mitchell.

Candles 101 & a Giveaway

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Posted by on in Habitat Store

In the last month, I’ve made a conscious effort to expand my inventory at Habitat.  For investment purposes, I’ve limited that to candles for the time being (though I’d love to expand to handmade soap).  I’ve created a variety of scents both traditional & unique and balanced that with warmer scents for winter months and more inviting spring scents for those yearning to bask in the warm weather once more. Since buying candles online can seem a little daunting, I’ve created a description for each candle I sell. 

I’ve chosen the first 11 scents based on what I think people would like to have in their homes, but the 12th scent is up to you!  You can vote for one of the following four fragrances (Pomegranate Cider, Rain Water, Cinnamon Bun, or Blueberry Cobbler) by leaving a comment below with the tag “HABITAT” and your choice for the new scent. You can also “like“ Habitat on Facebook and leave a comment to be eligible to win. On Friday I will randomly select a winner to receive a FREE candle from Habitat!

amaretto nog label
Amaretto Nog | The Amaretto Nog scent is a holiday warmer of sweet almond and vanilla. This scent works well year round and is currently my favorite of the bunch! 

apple cinamon
Apple Cinnamon | A coupling of rich, spicy cinnamon and a dash of fresh crisp apples.

cherry amaretto label
Cherry Amaretto | Inspired by one of my favorite lattes, the cherry amaretto scent is a refreshing combination that fills the house with the smell of spring.

blue spruce
Blue Spruce | The Blue Spruce scent will leave you feeling like you just went on a hike to retrieve your Christmas Tree. A great scent to have in your home around the holidays.

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Eucalyptus + Mint | The Eucalyptus & Mint scent is a relaxing aromatherapy blend that will help calm your surroundings.

green tea and lemongrass label
Green Tea + Lemongrass | This bright and natural smelling citrus begins with a top note of orange Valencia, bergamot tea and plum wine. The heart combines jasmine, violet, lavender and orange flowers. The result is a clean citrus musk.

hazelnut 
Hazelnut Vanilla | A mouthwatering blend of toasted hazelnuts and creamy vanilla.

honeydew and melon label
Honeydew + Melon | Melon scent accompanied with fresh honeydew and a hint of green apples.  Great summer scent to leave your house smelling fresh and revived. 

lavender label
Lavender | An enchanting meadow fringed with springs of lavender.

Lilac label
Lilac | Smell a summer’s lilac bush in full bloom all year round with this great scent!

twigs and berries
Twigs + Berries | This scent is a combination of spicy berries, punchy fruit, and woody undertones that make it a popular scent for men and women alike.

To order candles from Habitat, visit my Etsy store!  Candles are sold in 8 oz., 12 oz., and 20 oz. containers.