Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 


I know its been a while since my last post, but I just wanted to thank everyone for your ongoing support and wish you all a very merry Christmas! 

Expect some new, exciting posts in the weeks to come. 

~Megan  xoxo

Recipe Time: 
Pumpkin Black Bean Turkey Chili


This is one of my favorite fall recipes! It's perfect on a cold day with a fresh loaf of bread. There are many different versions of this recipe, but this is my own personal take. 

I got a little excited when cooking this recipe and ate it before I took a picture. So I am using a picture from "Fix-It and Forget-It", but mine looked something like that. 


Ingredients: 
1 Pound of Ground Turkey (or Chicken)
1 Red Pepper
1 Yellow Pepper
1/2 Yellow Onion
1 Small Zucchini
1 Can of Diced Tomatoes
1 Can of Black Beans (Drained and Rinsed)
1 Can of Yellow Corn
1 Can of Pumpkin Puree
2 Cloves of Garlic
1 tsp of Cumin
2 tsp of Chili Powder
1 tsp of Parsley 
1 tsp of Oregano
Chicken Broth


Directions: 
1. Chop Zucchini, Peppers, Onions, and Garlic into small cubes. 
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey, onion, peppers, and zucchini. Cook for a few minutes, until veggies are tender and turkey is browned. 
3. Add garlic and cook for another minute. 
4. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, yellow corn, pumpkin puree, and spices. 
5. Add enough chicken broth to loosen everything up a bit. 
6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. 
7. Optional: Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream. 


This is a quick and easy recipe everyone will enjoy. Make a big batch because it makes for great leftovers! 


Happy Eating! :)
~meg xoxo

DIY Project:


The "Almost" Free Paint Chip Artwork

For the last month I have been in a crafty mood. I have been obsessed with decorating my newly designed basement, which I will be showing everyone very soon. I wanted the decor in the basement to reflect my creativity and passion for design. I thought this artwork would be perfect! It can be easily changed and can work with any color scheme.

I saw this idea on Young House of Love and thought it was great. I changed mine slightly by arranging the paint chips in gradients rather then a random pattern.


The other thing worth mentioning is how cost-effective this artwork is... IT'S FREE! However, due to a few complications (i.e. my lack of patience), mine turned out to cost a small amount of money. 


Materials:
Picture Frame - any size and shape
Paint Chips
Scissors
Double-Sided Tape.... I didn't have any so I used good old fashioned scotch tape.

Directions: 

1. Decide what colors you would like to incorporate in your artwork. I picked colors that worked well with my basement color scheme. The great thing about this piece is you can change it according to the seasons, or modify it to work with a new color scheme. 

2. Decide on the pattern and begin laying out your paint chips. I decided to use six different colors and display the gradient for each color, going from light to dark. When cutting out your paint chips make sure to measure the width and height of the frame, and divide the paint chips equally. All the paint chips should be exactly the same size. 

3. Tape the paint chips to the frame insert. Make sure to align the paint chips perfectly. 

4. Carefully lay picture frame glass overtop of the paint chips. Make sure everything is lined up correctly. 

5. Patiently insert the glass into the frame... this is where my "free" artwork turned out to be expensive... I got a little too excited and tried to rush this step, and cracked the glass. 

Being upset and a little annoyed, my wonderful boyfriend offered to assist me in a late night Ikea trip to pick up a new frame :) How sweet is he!

6. Once I picked up another picture frame, I was able to assemble the picture and hang my beautiful new artwork!

I was very happy with the way this project turned out. I am excited to continually change this artwork to complement my ever-changing color schemes... because we all know I change my color schemes on a fairly regular basis :) 

Make sure to check out Young House of Love for their version of the Paint Chip Artwork. 

Happy Crafting!

~meg xoxo

DIY: Paint Stick Sunburst Mirror

Over the last year, sunburst mirrors have become a hot topic on the DIY - design blogs. I have seen so many unique variations to this mirror. One of my favorite blogs, 'Centsational Girl', featured her own paint stick sunburst mirror. After seeing so many, this one really caught my eye. I thought it was such a "crafty" idea, so I decided I would give it a shot. I know I should have came up with my own "innovative" design, but the creative juices weren't flowing that day and I just loved this idea too much!

Materials:
7" Round Mirror
7" Wooden Crochet Circle
55 Paint Stir Sticks.
Wooden Base - I used a wooden square frame that was on sale at Michael's.... for $1 :)
Craft Paint
Small Paint Brush
Metal Picture Hook
Hot Glue Gun
Glue
Xacto Knife

Directions:
1. Attach the picture hook to the back of your wooden base.
2. Paint the wooden circle and all the paint sticks. I recommend painting the sticks two different colors, this will give some variation and depth to your frame.... I learned this after I painted mine with only one color.... :(
3. Paint two coats and let dry overnight.
4. Glue mirror to wooden base.
5. Once dry, glue wooden circle to mirror.
6. Glue paint sticks to mirror as shown. If your doing two different colors / tones, make sure to do one color as your first layer and the other color as your second layer. This way the colors will alternate.

7. Once completed, remove excess glue with Xacto knife and make any necessary touch ups.

As you can see I had a few paint touch ups to do....

My recommendations would be to paint the sticks two different colors. Even if they are the same color, I recommend at least using two different shades. I painted all my sticks the same color - antique gold, which is a beautiful color, although it would be much nicer if it were two different shades of gold.

This was a fun and easy project, and one of the best parts is... it only cost $12!!!

Paint - $2
Paint Sticks - Free - thanks to Sherwin Williams
Wooden Hoop - $3
Picture Hook - $3
Mirror - $3
Wooden Base - $1

I plan on making another sunburst mirror soon. I think it would be fun to try using twigs, bamboo sticks, or even chop sticks, so I will let you all know how that goes!

Check out 'Centsational Girl' for her version of the paint stick sunburst mirror.

I hope everyone has a day full of SUNSHINE!

~meg xoxox

All Decked Out!

Over the summer we conquered a few home renovations. One of them was updating the deck and creating more privacy in our backyard.

Our house is sandwiched between a tall apartment building and an old, unpleasant-looking house. We never spent much time in our backyard because we felt watched by people in the apartment building, it was awkward because the apartment door is literally 5 feet away from our deck, and the next door neighbors backyard is in slight disrepair... (i.e. weeds, rotten patio furniture, garbage bags, etc.).

Well, you can't move the apartment building or force your neighbors to take care of their yard - so what did we do?.... we BLOCKED them out! We removed all the railings on the deck, and a set of steps on the side of the deck. We built two tall privacy walls on each side and updated the hand railings. Finally, we replaced some rotten boards on the deck floor and gave it a fresh coat of paint.

Special thanks to my wonderful father for building all the railings and privacy fences, making this pretty simple renovation (for me). :)

Wait a second, I almost forgot... While updating the deck, we thought it was a great opportunity to replace a few rotten boards on the front porch and give it a new coat of paint. Just painting the front porch really cleaned up the house and made it look young again. To help with the curb appeal, we removed some dead branches from the neighbors tree that were creeping onto our yard, and power washed the front walkway. This is our beautiful dollhouse we call HOME!

As usual, there is always more you can do to make it perfect. Here is my updated Exterior To Do List:

1. Paint the front door... not sure what color yet but I am thinking a red/burgundy to match the accents on the house.
2. Plant some more flowers in the front yard.... this year I was a terrible gardner... as you can see.
3. Plant a clematis near the new privacy walls. This way in a few years the walls will be covered with beautiful flowers.
4. Buy a moveable fire pit for the backyard. Just because I love fire pits :)
5. Install a clear mesh on the garage for my baby clematis to continue to grow.
6. Buy an outdoor storage bench for all my gardening tools and patio furniture.
7. Install a concrete pad next to the garage for additional parking.
8. Paint the fence white.
9. Replace the side gate.

You're probably saying to yourself, "Wow you must be crazy - that's a lot of stuff to do!". Well, you're probably right - but with some blood, sweat, and LOVE it will get done!

~meg xoxo

Mood Board


“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” 
                                                             -Marilyn Monroe

I got inspiration for this design from a good friend's new spare bedroom.  :)


~meg 

I’m baaack.....

I just want to start off by saying sorry it’s been so long! I don’t have a good excuse, but it’s been very busy with work, conferences, holidays (not complaining), and home renovations. My summer has been awesome and I am very excited to get back into action and share my summer projects with everyone.

So, over the next month or so you can expect to hear about: the World Interior Design Fair in Chicago, basement renovations, Austin, Texas, my life blogging for ONPA, and other summer adventures.

Hope everyone had an amazing summer!

~meg

Recipe Time
Blackberry Pineapple Mojito

Mojitos and margaritas have always been in competition for the ultimate summer patio drink. During my recent trip to Vegas I decided that this summer belongs to the mojito.
Ever since then I have been trying to find an easy Mojito recipe I can make back home. I found this recipe on www.myrecipes.com and thought it looked tasty and fool proof! This would be an ideal drink to have while sitting on your patio on a hot summer day! 


Ingredients:

2 teaspoons sugar
3 blackberries
3 small chunks fresh pineapple
6 or 7 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus a wedge for garnish
1/4 cup light or dark rum
1/4 cup seltzer


Preparation:

1. For simple syrup: put sugar and 2 tsp. water in a glass bowl and microwave on full power for 10 to 15 seconds, or until sugar is dissolved.
2. Drop blackberries, pineapple, and mint leaves into a sturdy glass and crush to a pulp with the end of a wooden spoon. Add the simple syrup, lime juice, and rum.
3. Pour the contents into an old-fashioned glass and then back into first glass; repeat until thoroughly mixed, then pour back into old-fashioned glass. Add ice cubes and seltzer; stir. Garnish with sprig of mint and lime wedge.

Recipe from: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/blackberry-pineapple-mojito-10000001816267/

ENJOY!


~ meg

(Megan's) Book of Awesome

1. The perfect-consistency Pepsi slurpee
2. Waking up early and realizing it's the weekend and you can sleep in!
3. Salmon sashimi - even better when you get a few extra pieces 
4. When the first flower blooms in your garden in spring
5. Scratching my mosquito bites - even when I shouldn't....
6. When puppies tilt there head when looking at you!
7. A clean car
8. Flying over the mountains
9. Laughing so hard it hurts - especially when it turns into a silent laugh
10. Doing that awkward "dance" when you are trying to pass someone on the street 
11. Someone paying for your coffee ahead of you in line
12. Left over chinese food in the morning - breakfast of champions!
13. When I get butterflies in my tummy :)
14. Goofy looking dogs 
15. The smell of freshly cut grass
16. The feeling in the air after it rains (it also smells wonderful!)
17. Finger dancing
18. Dogs with a job. Seeing eye dogs seriously are amazing! How incredible is that!
19. Goats. Especially the one in this video!

20. Babies laughing. This video will make anyone happy! 

21. Family dinners - because in my family they always turn to something interesting and hilarious 

22. Going to bed when its raining / storming outside. 

23. Spontaneous party nights

24. Showing seniors new technology; I love how they are amazed by the littlest things

25. Any animal that has a bandana around their neck 

26. The person that farts by accident in a yoga class!! Haha you cant help but giggle!

27. Having an extra productive day

28. New born babies dressed up for halloween

29. Afternoon naps

30. A good back scratch :)

31. A front porch. I know that sounds weird but I have always wanted a front porch with potted plants

32. Red front doors. I think the touch of color is AWESOME!

33. When the elevator goes all the way to your floor without any stops

34. Finding money in a old jacket pocket 

35. When you walk by a stranger and they smile and say "hi"! What a small gesture but it sure makes me happy!  

I encourage everyone to make there own "(_)'s Book of Awesome"; it's so nice to sit down and reflect on all the awesome things surrounding you! :)

Have an awesome day! 

Keep smiling - because you never know it could make it to someone else's "Book of Awesome" 

~ meg

hi~lo

Wing Back Chairs
I have been spending a lot of time lately researching the cost of re-upholstering a couple of antique wing back chairs. I found some unique chairs with some interesting curves, fabric, and proportions. I love the idea of using an oversized chair in place of a standard office chair, or at the end of a dining room table.

Restoration Hardware

French Upholstered Wing Chair

$1195-$1590

vs

West Elm

Ellery Chair

$499-599

~

HAPPY EASTER!!

Hope you're enjoying this beautiful spring day and eating lots of chocolate!

Mood Board

Spring Gathering

Tis' the season for BBQs, patio parties, and stiff lemonades! This mood board demonstrates how to incorporate bright cheerful colors when decorating your patio.

I heart this...

Shane Powers Hanging Glass Bubble Collection

West Elm

$9.00-24.00

I've been loving the spring weather lately and was inspired by these suspended clear glass planters. It allows you to create your own magical hanging garden.

HAPPY SPRING! :)

What to avoid...

My nerdy boyfriend likes to inform me daily of the dictionary.com "Word of the Day". I usually try to sound interested and excited, but most of the time it's really hard....love ya babe :) However, today it paid off! 

Today's "Word of the Day" is BEDAUB! 

Bedaub:

To overdecorate; to ornament showily or excessively.

Obviously, this is something that should be avoided when designing a space. Before selecting furniture or accessories for a room, you should always ask yourself:

1. Is it necessary?
2. Does it go with the current scheme? Just because it's nice doesnt mean it fits. 
3. Will it complement the other items in your room, or will it overcrowd and clutter the space? 
4. Is there an appropriate spot to put it? Even the best pieces can look awkward if not placed properly.

Simplicity is a key concept that every modern designer should keep in mind, so don't forget the cliche that "less is more", and listen to your nerdy boyfriends.

While this may not seem minimalist due to the abundance of
throw pillows, the lack of furniture and accessories otherwise
balances the space out accordingly. 

Often the key to success with minimalist designs
 is to work with a bold statement piece, and allow
it to be the sole focal point.  

Minimalism is the main concept behind any modern design. 

Design Inbox

Jamie's Master Bedroom

Jamie's small master bedroom presents a few design challenges, but with proper furniture proportions, textures, and color we cano create a chic and relaxing getaway for this newlywed couple. 

Here is the letter:  

Hi Megan,

I have a lot of pics of our bedroom and how it is now... The window is just over 7' wide and 57 1/2" in height. We have a queen size bed and the nightstand that you see I am looking at getting another one for the other side. I really want something that is cozy with a mix of modern elegance I would love to change our light fixture to a chandelier, I really love our current drapes. There is not a whole lot of wall space being the window takes up one wall and the closet takes up the other and the bathroom door and a small little nook takes up the other which cant be much more than 2' wide. I have just finished repainting a mirror black which I would like to use in our room as well, I do have a floating wall shelve that I have not yet found a place for. I do also love the rustic/modern look, and am open to color I want it chic but not too girly. Right now it is just way to plain and being that we just moved into our place in December the bdrm has been my last priority, I would love it as a little get away! Sorry for over loading you I just haven't found any inspiration that has wow'd me yet, I am open to color...I kind of like the idea of on one wall wide horizontal stripes same color just one flat and one high gloss....

 -Jamie

Neutral Chic Room Design

Design Breakdown: 

Headboard: This beautiful padded headboard was the driver for the entire design. The warm grey with the metal studs along the edges provides a great mixture of modern and rustic elements. 

Wall Color: Like Jamie mentioned in her letter, I think incorporating painted stripes in the bedroom is a great idea. The stripes could be painted either (a) light grey and white, or (b) both light grey, but with different finishes (gloss and matte). 

Bedding: Too much dark color can make a room seem quite small. Because Jamie's room is relatively small to begin with, we need to be very careful when selecting fabric colors. I would suggest using a light colored fabric for the main bedding, incorporating accent pillows in multiple textures and patterns. This way you can add darker features to the space while controlling the proportion of light and dark. 

Secondary Furniture: Rather than one nightstand, using two on either side of the bed helps balance the space and frame the focal point of the room (which is, of course, the bed!). Using two different styles of nightstand, we can introduce a unique asymmetry, while still maintaining spatial balance. All of the secondary furniture, including both nightstands, should be dark to neutralize the otherwise large abundance of light colors.

Lighting: This authentic chandelier brings a sense of drama and romance to the room. I would hang it directly above the bed to anchor the space, and shine a spotlight on the focal point. 

Drapery: I would hang drapes with a bold pattern that incorporates the whites and the greys in the room. Don't shy away from using a combination of different patterns and textures in a space! 

Artwork: A neat idea would be for each person to choose their favorite photo (e.g. magazine cover, favorite memory) and have them printed in black and white. Hang each picture above its respective nightstand, using the same frame for each, to add some personality to the room. 

Decorations: When choosing decorations, I suggest working with the finishes and textures already present in the room. Here, I would incorporate some stainless steel, glass, and mirror, to play off the chandelier and lamps. 

So, to wrap things up, remember to carefully balance color proportions when working with a small room, experiment with different textures and patterns, and always try to add some unique personality to make it feel like home!

~

hi~lo
Glass Pendants
Lately I have found myself attracted to industrial style lighting. It looks great in residential spaces and creates a interesting contrast in formal environments.
  

Bubbled Barrel Pendant

Anthropologie

$798

vs

Globe Pendant

West Elm

$99-$279

~

I heart this...

 Rocky Mountain Soap

Gardener with Yarrow

Mood Board
"Tiffany Blue" Dressing Room
...the next best thing to diamonds!

Mood Boards

I came across this awesome program called "mydeco" (us.mydeco.com), which allows you to make personalized mood boards. This is a great way to illustrate your design ideas and express your creativity. I will regularly post interesting design schemes using this program, and hopefully inspire you on your next design project. Here's one to kick things off...

"Mellow Yellow" Living Room

hi~lo

Traditional Area Rugs
Lately I have been intrigued by the great patterns and colors found in area rugs. They are great for creating intimate spaces in a large room or giving a small room some extra warmth. 

Restoration Hardware

Anatolia Rug

Inspired by Traditional Turkish Rugs.

Price ranges from $289-$1949 depending on size.

VS

World Market

Agra Red Wool Rug

Made from 100% wool pile in India

$149

Various Sizes

VS

Ikea

Valby

Rug, low pile

Size: 6' 5"x 4' 4"

$99.99

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