Six Different Ways: Traditonal Twist

Three days left until Thanksgiving. So, you have your menu planned out. You have an idea of what your tablescape will look like, and the settings may already be adorning your dining room table, just waiting for your guests. Or, if you’re attending dinner as a guest at a friend or family member’s house – you are bringing that famous cheesecake that your  family has loved for generations! You have the day planned out. Or… maybe you don’t. No judgement. It’s time to put a twist on the traditional table top. Whether it’s a variation on a traditional recipe, or a tabletop centerpiece that will be the center of conversation – we have got you covered. Here are six different ways to make Thanksgiving one they’ll really be thankful for!

Butternut Squash Soup …in your Slowcooker!

DIY Napkin Rings

Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece

Cranberry Ginger Shandy

Cheesecake Stuffed Apples

Maple Glazed Turkey with Bacon & Sage Butter

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Meet The Mets

New York City is known for so many attractions, which is why millions of people flock to the big apple each year to tour the town. One thing New Yorkers and tri staters alike take a lot of pride in – are our sports teams. We are no fair weather fans either, you’ll see that below. Today, we kick off the first game of the 2015 World Series in Kansas City. Despite the fact that our beloved Queens bred Mets are away, we still are cheering them on from the Tri-State area. Having earned two World Series Championship titles, five National League pennants, and six East Division Titles, the Mets deserve a spot on six different ways in the least! We welcome you to celebrate the Mets with us today, and six different rooms designed around this New York team that might make you want to switch sides if you haven’t yet! Go Mets!

Matthew Patrick Smyth’s Mets-themed room for Project Design via News Day
Custom Decal Wall with Dug-out bed!
Mets Bar via Man Cave Master
Mets Lounge via Pinterest
Collector’s Paradise via Pinterest
Mets Kids via Creativity Institute

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Pumpkin Picks

October happens to be my favorite month of the year. Not just because I celebrated my 2?th birthday this past Friday, but because of the weather being moderately decent, the colorful foliage, crisp apples, and of course the warm pumpkin pie..pumpkin spice lattes…and well, pumpkin everything. Halloween is just another reason to love October. The preparation of finding/making costumes, going pumpkin picking to find the perfect pumpkins to adorn your front steps or centerpieces, decorating said pumpkins with family and friends, and finally the joyous looks on your kids faces when they come home with candy by the bag full. It makes this month a lovely precessor to a busy holiday season. Spending time with family, friends, relaxing and decorating, just being creative and fun can make for so many fond memories. Especially decorating pumpkins. The pumpkin is the center of October, if not the center of the universe. Well, at least for me. Any how – check out six different fun, innovative ways to pump up your pumpkin picks and create a display that will make them fall in love!

Tutorial via Frugal Flourish

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Poplar Demand

In this DIY day and age where we have the experts (and by experts I mean the people who actually post their creations on Pinterest and other boards that serve as inspiration to us, while we shamelessly try at their attempts and miserably fail) and the moderately talented – it’s hard to keep up. So, I did a little research and found a fun DIY get starter project. It’s literally fail proof. So – I know everyone knows and loves those quotes painted on reclaimed wood. You know – the ones you see in retail stores for $30.00 + ? They’re quite popular – I don’t go anywhere without seeing one or a variation – (i.e. painted wood letters, monograms, etc.) Well – good news – it’s a DIY project that’s great for a starter.

Poplar wood is most commonly used for projects that require painting or staining. It’s because the wood collects the finish/color more evenly due to the way the pores of the wood are evenly distributed in comparison to other types of wood. It’s also relatively inexpensive and can be purchased for next to nothing. Add to that a craft store bought stencil, some acrylic paint – and you’re a pinterest pro. Check out the tutorial here (via Made in a Day) , and roll up your sleeves -you’ll be surprised how simple but beautiful it is to create one!  You’ll be back by poplar demand in no time. =)

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Six different ways of inspiration: Luxe Living Room

How gorgeous is this room? I love pinterest. You type in one word and suddenly you’re bombarded by thousands of spectacular images from pinners all over the world. The key word was “luxe”. And boom — cue in this gorgeous, modern, luxurious yet elegant living room. A mix of different textiles, colors and finishes come together to create this earthy yet gorgeous space. I wanted to see how we could recreate this elegant room on a budget – but still achieve the closest look possible.  Using the six main elements that bring the room together- for the lowest possible price, get this look with our product picks below!  The total came to under $4,000.00. Check it out!

1. Lucida Table – $229.00 via Crate & Barrel

2. Karlee Sectional Sofa in Beige – $985.15 via Furniture Depot

3. Cascada Egyptian Chandelier – $1898.00 via We Got Lites

4. J. Queen Decorative Throw -  $36.97 via Macys

5. Clay Leather Armchair – $745.80  via Decor Price

6. Hi End Accents Mink Faux Fur Throw – $95.10 via Overstock

Original post: sixdifferentways.com

Taking direction from Mr. West

While some stopped listening after the five minute ovation Kanye happily greeted last night, I continued listening. The reason being, that despite his previous character flaws and memorable faux pas – he is a creative genius. What I got from his speech at the VMA’s last night – was that no matter what the artist is creating in comparison to another, it is still art and should be received and held to the same regard as the next. And that is something to be appreciated, celebrated, and shared. There are no winners or losers when it comes to creation. While it may not have been said as such – this was the intended meaning. I have always been a fan of Kanye – maybe not his lack of a filter, but for his ambition, creativity and dedication to the art. So while I can’t say I am a huge fan of his actions – I am a huge fan of his creative genius. So today, we’re taking direction from Mr. West. Check out six different ways he amplified his talents into creating his family home.

1. A kitchen with cathedral ceilings and pendant lights hanging over marble counter tops creates the perfect ambiance for family get together and holidays.

2. An outdoor/indoor seating area with a rustic feel of wood and brick, brought together by the warmth of a chandelier and cushy sofas with modern throw pillows.

3. An open, airy family room designed with neutral, warm earth tones and accents of black.

4. A beautiful foyer with blends of different textures, marble, brick, and iron, all melded in together for a modern yet sophisticated welcome.

5. And of course – carrying modernism into an all white walk in closet that glistens with sleek, straight lines and recess lighting.

6. The open airy hallways with gothic style chandeliers and flowers placed to provide a subtle touch of softness.

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Fringe Benefits

They say you love it or hate it. I personally love fringe. I think it’s great that it’s trending right now, and I’m taking full advantage of it. I just recently added a black and turquoise shawl with fringe edges to my wardrobe- it’s really hard not to wear it every day. I love it. I’m taking full advantage of fringe benefits – and you should too – while it’s not for everyone Any how – while fringe may be a temporary phase in the fashion world, it has it’s a long lasting charm amongst home decor and furniture pieces…whether its a woven fringe throw pillow with a broach accent – or a Midwestern studded fringed ottoman – this style can be made into beautiful pieces that will make you want to jump on the bandwagon ASAP. Check out six different ways people showcased their fringe benefits!

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Fall into Color

The color forecast for Fall is in – and I’ve got the palette of the top ten hottest colors for 2015.  Brought to us by Pantone – the global color authority for inspiration in design since 1963.  Each year, Pantone surveys fashion designers, retailers, manufacturers, and a plethora of various professionals to create this forecast. Many use this chart as a guide to design their wardrobe and home. Check out my Pantone 2015 inspired pieces below, use one or combine a few to create a fresh fall 2015 look!

Ameethyst Inspiration: Louis Ghost Armchair

Dried Herb & Oak Buff, Athena Rug by Surya available at Inmod

Stormy Weather accent wall, Desert Sage throw pillows

Cashmere Rose Inspired Accent Lamp

Campaign Desk in Marsala

Reflecting Pond Walls with Cadmium Orange Accents via Pinterest

Basic Bay inspired B&G Crackled Porcelin Vase via 1stdibs

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Poetic Justice

Today is Bad Poetry day. I know – who wants to hear a bad poem or verse? But the truth is we’re not all Walt Whitman. I would like to think of Bad Poetry Day as a day that serves as encouragement for us to try to produce a beautiful piece of literature, and if we fall short – it’s okay, because it’s Bad Poetry Day. However, maybe it’s just a reminder to do the greats some justice and put our own pen and paper down and leave this process up to them. While we might not be able to string words together in the magical way Hughes, Gibran or Angelou did – we can surely appreciate their work and make it a part of ours. Here are a few fun ways you can take good poetry, and make it a part of your creative process!

Custom Made Pillow via Etsy

“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolutions.” -Khalil Gibran

Custom handmade Maya Angelou Affirmation Armoire, via Etsy

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away” – Maya Angelou

 

Custom Made Shower Curtain, via Etsy

“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain rest upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby” – Langston Hughes

Fusion Decor

I am a huge fan of food. I attribute this to my Mediterranean background mostly, at any given time my parents and extended family were shoving food in our faces, forcing us to try things and stay “healthy”. Healthy usually consists of eating multiple times a day, with fruit/deserts after every meal. Multiple meals. Multiple hearty, healthy, large meals. Not that I’m complaining, nowadays I just have to moderate and execute heavy portion control. I do splurge whenever I can. Especially during restaurant week, when the gods of New York City dining establishments create Prix fixe menus and open their heavenly food gates to all hungry girls and boys like myself, allowing us to sample gourmet cuisines and experience the ambiance of fine dining with prices that won’t break the bank. This past week, we went to Asia de Cuba, a place where the majestic spice and flavor of Asia marries Cuban cuisine and produces fantastical love children like ‘The Crispy Calamari‘ a salad composed of banana, chayote, cashews, hearts of palm, dressed with an orange-sesame vinaigrette. The way these dishes are put together is truly religious. From the glorious union that exists on each plate, these perfectly blended flavors jump out to the walls, make their way across the table via place settings, and flow out of the speakers with Cuban tunes that will have you feeling suave even after you leave the building. Not only does Asia de Cuba take fusion cuisine to the next level, they have mastered fusion decor. Down to the chopsticks perfectly placed on top of domino game pieces, here are six different ways Asia de Cuba did fusion decor right!

1. Asian screens enveloping soft, sensual pink lighting creating the perfect ambiance for your meal..

2. Cherry blossoms that spring up from the cafe style dining tables. ..

3. Wooden pendant lamps hung gracefully over Spanish marble

4. Cuban Modern art projects on to the black tiled walls..

5. Family style seating lit up by soft, delicate lights placed perfectly around each booth.

6.  my personal favorite touch. ..the place settings! And of course, the food. =)

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