Movie And A Room

Dead Poets Society





"Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said , "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation." Don't be resigned to that. Break out!" ~ John Keating

1. Dessin Fournir Monceau cast stone garden chair with a rustic finish. *Contact a designer if you are interested in this item.
2. Fabulous lamp from Laura Spector Designs, the rustic Pirouette would be an excellent addition to a closed in porch with its whimsical wiring and natural moss shade.  
3. Very Rustic table from the European company, Artisans Works.  Tables are made from Willow or Hornbean and each is hand done, no two will be alike!
4. Light up the pathways with these faux stone solar lights, they will light and dim as the sun rises and sets. Better Home Improvement
5. Speakers that look like rocks will blend in nicely with any landscaping detail. Accent Plus 1 rock (s) speakers by Nuvo Technologies
6. The Moss Green Van Eyke chairs are made from lightweight composite material designed to look like concrete. Zachary-A Designs makes these funky fun chairs too look heavy, however they weight only about 50 pounds. 
7. Coyuchi blankets are made from sheep that graze the cool fields in Canada. Woven to perfection, they will become everyone's favorite throw and instant heirloom classics.  The Throws are 40"x60" and available at ABC Home 

 

1. The Cumberland bench and table are made from reclaimed old barns in the Midwest. The table comes in both six foot and eight foot size. Order from the Sundance Catalog 

     4.  Almoca Flatware from Designwithinreach  made by a third generation family business in      
         Portugal. The flat black stainless steel is unique.  
  
    5.  Tear-off napkins by My Drap are BRILLIANT! Tear-off napkins are in roll or pre-cut formats that
         can be used once or washed and used again up to 6 times.  Then you can use them in the yard as they
         are biodegradable and recyclable for other uses such as mulch.  MyDrap napkins are manufactured   
         using natural cotton or linen fibers.

Memorial Day

“God of our fathers, who by land and sea have ever lead us to victory, please continue your inspiring guidance in this the greatest of all conflicts. Strengthen my soul so that the weakening instinct of self-preservation, which besets all of us in battle, shall not blind me to my duty to my own manhood, to the glory of my calling, and to my responsibility to my fellow soldiers. Grant to our armed forces that disciplined valor and mutual confidence which insures success in war. Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived. If it be my lot to die, let me do so with courage and honor in a manner which will bring the greatest harm to the enemy, and please, oh Lord, protect and guide those I shall leave behind. Give us the victory, Lord.”

~ General George S. Patton

Ice Pops and Ice Cream

This must be the year of the Popsicle.  Perhaps, it's because things in the world are so complicated, we need to slow down and just enjoy a simple treat.

Yes, you can walk into you're favorite grocer and purchase a sugary treat or you can make them yourself with the new and pretty awesome makers. This way you get to control what goes into the popsicle.

Photo Courtesy of : Kevin D. Weeks

Same with ice cream.

With machine's these days, making a batch of fresh ice cream is as easy as driving to the market and picking up a pint.

No holiday weekend is complete with out popsicles and ice-cream..











I'm not a big gadget-in-the-kitchen type of gal.  I have my Kitchenaid stand mixer and attachments for it that  can do most any task.  However, I saw this at Williams Sonoma the other day and think I might have to go back and get one. 

In just seven minutes you can make the perfect Popsicle with Zoku.

Put the inner unit in the freezer for 24 hours, take it out, put it back into the unit, pour in your desired ingredients and POOF!  Seven minutes later you have perfect Glace De Jour!

The website contains additional pieces that can be purchased separately from the unit to create more concoctions.  There are trays for holding them inside the freezer and a cool looking book with idea's for creating your own wholesome treats.


This is a huge value if you have children or just really enjoy making cool treats in the summer.





If you would rather do it the old fashioned way and pour the liquid into the mold and freeze your pops then Tovolo makes all the shapes and sizes of ice pop molds you could ever want.

As well, it's not just about the kids.  Think of the fun you can having making something a little more adult.  Just don't get them mixed up with the kids' stuff! :)

 

Ice Cream machines are available in everything from hand crank to letting the machine do all the work and a few in between.

1. Musso Polo - A professional designed machine that could be used at home too.  With a two quart capacity and the ability to produce six quarts per hour, this machine would be any ice cream lovers dream.
2. The Pure Indulgence from Cuisinart makes two full quarts of ice cream. 
3. Finally, a machine that produces soft ice cream in the home.  Mix It In from Cuisinart also offers three reservoirs for condiments, add your favorite candy or nuts and enjoy! 
4. I know that this company was huge in the eighties and I'm pretty sure almost everyone had one of their ice cream makers somewhere in the cupboard.  If you want to have a little more of the "making it from scratch" experience and crank it yourself , then the Doviner Machine is for you. 
5. Cuisinart also offers the Supreme Professional model ice cream machine.
6. Musso's other model of choice is the Lessino which is designed for family use with a one and a half capacity. Only 30 minutes from start to finish!

Service

1. Norpro Aqua Scoop - The end of the handle has a cap on it.  Remove the cap and fill with tepid water. It's supposed to make it easier to scoop the ice cream.  My friend gave me one about six years ago as a gift.  It works but I don't think adding the water makes that much difference.

2. The Cuisipro ice cream scoop is pretty darn cool to look at.  I think it's my slightly perfectionist nature that really wants one.  I love that the scoops are symmetrical.  Besides, look at the pretty pink and green! 


3. I think just about everyone has a Zeroll in their home.  They make a ton of different size and I know mine is old but it still works perfectly.


* NOTE: with the Norpro and the Zeroll, don't put them in the dishwasher.  Always wash them by hand.


Bowls and spoons!

 

 1. Silver plated spoon that are hand stamped.  Each one will be slightly different, giving them even more charm.  What a perfect gift for a wedding couple. Available through Etsy at Beach House Living.

2. Fun bowl that looks like a paper cup, sold in sets of four, available at William Sonoma.

3. Spoons and Bowl set whimsical Sweet Soiree by Grassland Road.

4. Traditional glass ice cream bowl from Retro Planet.

5. Heart shaped spoons Speranza design gallery.

6. Crate and Barrel  Sorbet cup and spoon set.

Something more sophisticated?

 1. VilleryandBoch Ella partially gold plated dessert spoon.

  2. Julia Knight flower bowls, use a smaller bowl inside a larger one for drama and effect.

 3. Kim Seybert makes the most beautiful table linens.  As part of the spring 2011 collection, elegance is always in style

Books!  I'm a Barnes and Noble addict and I get 95% of my books though them.  Now that I have a Nook Colour, I get everything on it.  Love the NOOK!

Now, if you are not inspired to get out and try some home made pops or ice cream after all this info, I can't imagine what it would take to get you inspired!

Happy Weekend!

Jane

A break from reality

The weather has been brutal in much of the county.  It almost feels like spring has forgotten to make an appearance this year.  While trying to prepare for a longer blog this week, it occurred to me that I would much rather be near a aquamarine ocean enjoying the waves lapping against a villa.  However, now is not the time for running off on holiday.

So...

The next best thing is to bring the calm blue ocean into our own backyard.  There are many amazing colours being introduced to the outdoor furniture world this season.  I seem to be drawn to aquamarine right now.

Perhaps, besides a vacation, I need some serenity.

1. Uptown flatware available at Crate And Barrel. I like the shape and feel of this flatware. 
2. Tropitone Silhouette umbrella.  A nine foot manual lift umbrella. Tropitone is great for umbrella's and their site allows you to choose the size, shape, frame colour and shade cover colour.  The site gives you a great idea of how your umbrella will look when you custom order it. 
3.  Labyrinth dinnerware from Z Galleries is new and fresh looking.
4. Barlow and Tyrie get credit for being the idea behind the idea of today's blog.  I took one look at the   Equinox dinning chair and fell head over heels in LUST.  The aquamarine colour with the mix of stainless steel and teak accents is absolutely fabulous!  Then, the Mercury chair took, what little breath I had, away!  Barlow and Tyrie have several options for dining tables: ceramic, glass and teak.  From a small four person table right up to the Apex table that (get ready for it!!) seats fourteen!  Yes, fourteen people can sit comfortably at the extendable Apex table. 
5. Jones Soda  Berry Lemonade.  Check out their website as Jones Soda is so cool they will personalize a bottle with your own picture. Think prom, wedding, birthdays.
6. Fun, fun, fun, the Jardin indoor/outdoor pillow!  Z Gallerie is getting a ton of props today! 

 

 

 

Just one look at this Barlow and Tyrie picture that inspired me and I'm convinced you will see why "I'm Truly, Madly, Deeply" in love...































 Sigh.... Okay now back to reality :)

Lawn toys and furniture for the children

As you get ready for the upcoming "official" start of summer, Memorial Day Weekend, don't forget the little people in your world. Pottery Barn Kids and Crate and Barrel's own children's division The Land of Nod have the most amazingly cool things for the little ones.

How fun would this guy be to run around on a nice warm summer day? PBA- pthalate free!  Look for the shark and the giant turtle too.

Just add a hose and you have instant fun!

It's quite possibly one of the coolest pirate ships ever! A water canon attached for spraying windows or for looking out of.

A great way to cool off and have a blast!







Beach Balls ...



Pink floral sprinkler ball, just hook it up to a hose.  Pottery Barn Kids.

                             
                                                                       
Striped beach ball, water sprinkler. Pottery Barn Kids














More from Pottery Barn Kids

OMG, these are the cutest beach balls EVER!

Two types: Pink with flowers, butterflies and seahorses and the more masculine blue with pirate ships, sharks and alligators.  Just think of the hours of fun these would be for the children to play with, and a really colourful addition to the pool area.

Furniture for the little ones is always a nice touch..

A quiet seating area..

Umbrella's fit into the tables and also can be fixed to the Pottery Barn sling chairs.

 Good old fashioned (you don't need electricity) summer toys and games..

Determination and Validation

WOW, it's always a challenge writing a blog. You wonder if people are reading your words, agreeing with you or thinking your a darn fool.

You just don't really know.

I write this blog out of a love for outdoor decorating, and a sincere hope that my vision will be just the thing someone out there needs to see and to get started on a project or complete their outdoor living-scape.  I'm completely dedicated to continuing my blogging and bringing what I feel is the best of the best to my readers and friends.

Since last Friday I have been completely mired down in family business, it's been a bit of a painful time trying to finish something that has been on going for years.  It has consumed my time; leaving not a moment to seek out new vendors, to write my blog or visit any of the amazing stores that are starting to show the latest collections for the spring.  I promise that Monday, May 23 2011 will bring more writing and more information about outdoor living!





Just for now though, I want to share something AMAZING!!!  On March 3, 2011 I wrote a blog about Modfire.  Killer Fire Vessels hand crafted in Arizona by the extremely talented Artisan Brandon Williams.

At the time It was the first article written about Modfire. A few short months later and Modfire is being featured in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine June 2011 addition.  Exciting!!! I will keep you updated on future periodicals, there will be four more this season!
 









Happy Mid-Week

Jane

Decorate The Outdoors

D.Garden Collection screened art is the brainchild of Deborah Sommers.  Deborah is a graphic designer extraordinaire and avid gardener and has taken her love of both and turned them into outdoor art. Brilliant!  With six different styles: (country, patterns, nature, grasses and geometrics), each style has many options for colour and design.  The panels can be used outdoors or indoors.

From The Country Collection

The banners are made from high quality fabrics that are treated to protect against UV rays.  Each piece can be machine washed.

From The Pattern  Collection

Customize the size to be longer or shorter, smaller.  Let Garden D. Garden know the size and they will work with you to make your vision a reality.

From The Pattern Collection

Use the panels to create a finishing touch on a bare wall or as a beautiful privacy screen.

Choose how you want to hang your wall screen print.

When I first saw this courtyard, I knew I needed to find out more about the design panels.  They draw your eye right to them without overpowering the space.  Perfection!

Perfect for a space that needs something but you're not sure what.  With all the palettes and size choices the hardest part will be picking your design.


















These African panels are subtle and yet make a statement on this patio.













D.Garden Collection  also does graphic window stickers and screened toss pillows.  Check their website out for all the information.

Picnic Table Chic

I grew up with a classic picnic table in the backyard, located between two of the most prolific apple tree's on the planet.  One tree's apples were amazing for eating while the others were used to make apple sauce, pies and other goodies.
 





For some homes, a picnic table is a perfect option for outdoor seating as you might imagine it at the lake house, summer cottage or just the right place in a backyard.  Today's picnic tables have come a long way from the traditional cedar table and bench styles.

Extremis offers the Hopper Table. Ceated by Dirk Wynants and inspired by his own hop garden and the many in his native Belgium.  Tables that were long and could be conjoined to seat many while enjoying a good beer.


With or with out the retractable shade.





They even have the Bench for narrow spaces, a half size version of the Hop.

Mark Suensilpong's design for JaneHamsleyWells  offers the Capsule Cabana - a picnic table enclosed in it's own little capsule.

Great privacy with a sunbrella shade on the roof.













Alexander Seifried designed the Ludwig table and bench seat for Richard Lampart.  The inspiration is the Bavarian beer garden.

Hmmmm, again with the beer gardens :)
















Loll Alfresco bench and table.

I like this idea because, if you wanted to switch the benches and use chairs for a more formal look, it's a snap.  The bench slides neatly under the table to create a more spacious area as well.

Available in eight colours and two sizes, this combination would be a great addition.

Gifts for Mom

Here are some idea's for Mom, on her special day!

William-Sonoma  has come up with a line of pots and pans suitable for the grill. Now you don't have to worry about your indoor pots and pans getting ruined on the grill or using flimsy tinfoil disposables that make you wonder if you can get them off the grill in one piece, BRILLIANT!!

Fabulous outdoor dinning idea's from Pottery Barn,

1.  A ceramic beverage container that can be monogrammed
2. A personal favorite the Hobnail drink-ware and pitcher set
3. The condiment set.. Get those darn bottles off the table and into these adorable containers. 
4. I love that pottery barn has their Caterers sets, they are absolutely perfect for summer time parties! For around 200.00 dollars you can feed a small army and not be tossing plates and plastic into the landfill!

 Cookbooks are always a great gift Taming the Flame and The New Vegetarian Grill are both from epicurious

I can so hear Julie Andrews in my head right now singing " these are a few of my favorite things" Because they are! I love tea, I love to read and a good quality comfy throw is the best!

1. Teavana  if you have never experienced Teavana do yourself a favor and go into one of their shops or order some of the most delicious tea online. It's glorious! They have more tea's and flavors than you could ever imagine and the presentation is as important as the tea itself.  The Amandine decanter can be used for hot or cold tea and your tea service will be taken up a notch because it's so pretty.
2. NOOK!!! I am the proud owner of a Nook colour and it changed my life, easy to read, portable and I can get all my books and periodicals online for immediate download.. Lately they have been adding apps and email to the Nook, it's becoming a mini tablet at a quarter the cost. If you love to read this will be the best gift you can get :) 
3. Throws for those chilly mornings or evening of lounging around with your tea and Nook. These beauties are note worthy the Multi throw blanket couldn't be a more perfect picnic blanket or a great blankie for a nap. And the Peru summer throw by Suki Cheema is to die for, fantastic!

1. Uncommon Goods have some of the best things, fun stuff for mom like the Gardening gift set, gloves and a pretty trowel or the tulip tree to be ( great gift for a first time mom ) . The make your own marina sauce planting kit comes with everything you need to plant and make your own marina sauce! 
2.  Seeds to start a garden from scratch, the volume of seeds and the information available on American Meadows website is amazing! 
3. Love the Muck boots, great colours and styles for home and garden chores,  how could you not enjoy weeding or watering when you look down at your dusty pink scrubs or wineberry palm daily shoes. 

I truly hope that if your a mom you have a fabulous day and if you are going to shop for mom you think about some of these items for the most special lady in your life ...

Happy Weekend !
 Jane

Happy Cinco De Mayo

If you lucky enough to live in Southern California there are no shortage of watering holes and excellent restaurants to venture out and celebrate Cinco De Mayo. However the best way to celebrate in my opinion is to grab some friends make some rocking margaritas some yummy snacks or dinner and enjoy the day!

1. Limoncello, there is limonchello that is commercially made. I have tried a couple and was not terribly impressed.. It's not that hard to make :)
2. Patron  Great tasting tequila, check out their website, if you can drink it they will give you ideas for how to make it.. 
3. Crate and barrel  Miguel Pitcher and Margareta glass. Chunky recycled glass with just a touch of the rustic.
4. crate and barrel salt for rimming your Margareta glass
5. Grand Marnier  Try this in your Margareta 

1.  Margarita Recipe .. Best I have ever tried  
2.   1800   If you don't feel comfortable making your own then you can buy a pre mixed Margarita 
3. white rock distilleries also makes a pre mixed Margarita

1. Hacienda XL furniture collection by Cast Classics
2. Fiesta Del Sol multi-Colored stripped place mat table linen
3. Fiesta Dinnerware could there be anything more colourful? perfect for a bright tablescape
4. Fiesta flatware is bright too, check it out to add additional colour to your table

Fun stuff for Cinco De Mayo!! Enjoy :)