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The Trendy Table

September 12, 2019

I just bought my first home and am cheating on fashion for furniture and decor. I'm having so much fun decorating and and recently added a lifestyle section to the blog, so I can share my home style.

I was beyond excited to host a few special folks (Erin and Bob) a few weeks ago and wanted my table setting to be modern and memorable. I had a blast shopping for table decor. AND, I'm confident that I created a trendy table that represents me as a host. I got a few compliments!

I realize my oversized, Game of Thrones table is not trendy, but I lost the battle on that one. All I can do is jazz it up and make it my own..

I already had classic-white Le Creuset plates, so I decided to go with a black, white and gold theme. My inspiration came from hours of perusing the internet and the perfect set of brushed gold and resin flatware from CB2 - we'll come back to flatware..

I approached this project like I would a fashion shoot. The theme, vibe and color scheme must be cohesive AND I can't afford five different table settings (I spend too much money on shoes and bags), so the theme of my trendy table setting has to be suitable for many occasions. A neutral color palette, with a little gold is perfect.

I recently started a subscription at Dry Farm Wines. It's an online health-focused wine club. Each month I receive six natural wines curated from family farms. There is a long list of benefits, but most importantly, these wines have lower sulfites (< 75 ppm) and lower alcohol (< 12.5%). 

Some of the wine bottles are intriguing. Pictured above is a white wine in a green wine bottle with a beer cap. It resembles a giant beer bottle and adds a little interest. The details of Dry Farm Wines is also a great dinner conversation.

I also opted for unique pieces, like this handcrafted and painted mango wood bowl from CB2. The suggested use is for bread or napkins, but I like to use this as a salad bowl (dry salad of course).

These oversized salad serving utensils from IKEA are nice, but basic. I'm still looking for the perfect set - maybe gold or olive wood.

I have too many unique glasses to choose from - wine and champagne flutes, goblets, mason jar mugs, whiskey glasses, hand painted glasses and a wide variety of colors. I have a glass for every beverage - Even port sipping glasses! The one thing that changes on my table each occasion are the glasses.

For this neutral, trendy table setting, I'm using my personalized b.a.gorgie stemless wine glasses. I like stemless wine glasses, cause you can serve red or white wine, as well non-alcoholic beverages in the same glass.

I love this marble and brass cheese board from William Sonoma. I think it's suitable for casual dinning or a formal setting. The handles make it easy to carry this heavy marble board. The brushed brass handles and "cheese" lettering give this board a modern vibe.

This witty cheese board started my obsession with white marble. I also purchased marble coasters with gold pineapples from William Sonoma. They're fun and combined with the marble cheese board, my trendy table has personality.

I also like to display mismatched coasters. These antique brass hammered coasters from William Sonoma are festive and standout. The antique brass matches the gold tones on my table perfectly.

This CB2 flatware set prompted me to go with the black, white and gold theme. This Earl brushed gold and resin 20-piece set is modern and quirky. I love the pinstripe detail. 

I'm considering to purchase a brushed black flatware set as well for casual dinning. This pinstripe and gold set is suited more for festive occasions.

This flatware set is super-light. I was hesitant to keep them, in fear that the light-weight would seem cheap, but the mixed material and contemporary look outweighed the lack of heft.

The CB2 vapor black and white salad plates placed on the Le Creuset dinner plates are intriguing and add a little texture to the setting. They are created by dipping porcelain into a white and black soapy glaze.

I can't go in to a CB2 store and not purchase something - it's the Sephora of decor. The in-store and online displays are inspiring. I purchased my center piece in-store. It is comprised of a petrified wood salt and pepper set, and oil and vinegar cruets atop of a marble and brass server.

I leave this display on my table at all times, or if I'm doing a charcuterie at the kitchen counter, I'll temporarily place it there.

The marble server floats on a sculptural gilded base, elevating the salt and pepper set and cruets. This CB2 marble server comes in two sizes. If you purchase both, you can place the small one slightly under the larger for a tiered display. 

The porcelain oil cruet and vinegar cruet have a Gatsby-esque vibe and contrast nicely with the textured glass cruet. I combined oil and dry herbs, along with dried hot peppers in the glass cruet. 

I also purchased a marble and brass wine coaster for red wine and a marble and brass wine chiller for the white wine. These wine holders are a stylish addition to my trendy table setting. They're also great for serving wine on my marble countertop - they protect the fragile marble.

The Kuleto wine pictured above is not from Dry Farm Wines, but rather a long-time favorite red wine. 

Always make sure to serve a pitcher of water. I place one or two (one on each side of my giant table) IKEA Korken bottle's with a stopper. Of course, I serve Evian water. YES, people can tell the difference between tap water and bottled water. You can also serve one still and one carbonated water.

My go-to stores for this table decor were CB2 and William Sonoma. Other great decor and furniture stores that I frequent are Crate and Barrel and The Pottery Barn.

I had so much fun creating a trendy table setting. I had no idea shopping home decor would bring me so much pleasure - I kinda wanna create two different settings. Stay tuned..

Print view|Tags: The Trendy Table, modern table setting, trendy table setting, trendy flatware, trendy dishes, modern flatware, how to create a table setting, how to create a trendy table setting, black white and gold theme, black white and gold table setting, white Le Creuset plates, CB2 painted mango wood bowl, personalized stemless wine glasses, William Sonoma marble and brass cheese board, William Sonoma marble coasters with gold pineapples, William Sonoma antique brass hammered coasters, CB2 Earl brushed gold and resin flatware, CB2 pin stripe flatware, CB2 vapor black and white salad plates, CB2 petrified wood salt and pepper set, CB2 marble server, CB2 porcelain oil cruet and vinegar cruet, Gatsby themed cruet, William Sonoma marble and brass wine coaster, William Sonoma marble and brass wine chiller, Dry Farm Wines, healthy wine, wine with less lower sulfites < 75 ppm, wine with lower alcohol < 12.5%, best wine subscription 2019, healthy wine subscription

The Trendy Table

September 12, 2019
I just bought my first home and am cheating on fashion for furniture and decor. I'm having so much fun decorating and and recently added a lifestyle section to the blog, so I can share my home...

Modern Sprout

August 19, 2019

As of late, I find myself perusing home decor and neglecting my long-time beauty and fashion fixation. A few months ago, I purchased a home. I've been obsessing over decor, storage and lifestyle. SO, my fashion hiatus has prompted me to launch a lifestyle section on my blog..

One of the first decor ideas that came to mind when I initially viewed my soon-to-be new place was the oversized shelves in the kitchen - It is the perfect space for growing Modern Sprout hydroponic herbs. 

I've been growing hydroponic herbs inside a countertop, LED lit greenhouse for years, but my new open space urged me to ditch the greenhouse and install a Modern Sprout LED grow light. 

Modern Sprout was started by two regular, but thoughtful thumb-colored people. The indoor gardening company focuses on hydroponic growing methods of herbs, flowers, small trees and salad greens. Modern Sprout also has grow kits for outdoor gardening. 

Initially, Modern Sprout sold herbs, but they've expanded into other plants with new jars, vases, hydro planters and biodomes. This in-home gardening method is perfect for small spaces and for folks that live in the city and are lacking outdoor space. 

I'm partial to herbs, especially basil, oregano and sage. I use these herbs regularly and love that they're grown in my home, without chemicals. I also find these herbs last much longer than an herb plant purchased at the grocery store.

I tried growing mint many times and was unsuccessful, but the herbs listed above are low maintenance and always a success. The mint plant pictured above was purchased a the grocery store. 

The start-up process is easy. Each Garden Jar comes with a steel net pot, polypro wick, coco pith disk, growing medium, activated carbon, organic seeds and instruction Manuel. 

Pull the polypro wick to one inch below the edge of the steel net pot, fill the pot with the growing medium and run warm water over the medium for 30 seconds. Fill the Garden Jar with water (about 2 cups). Place the coco pith disc on top of the growing medium and gently run water over it until the pith completely expands and you are able to spread the soil around. Add the activated carbon and then the seeds. Push the seeds into the soil (mint seeds should remain above the soil). Set your Garden Jars under a LED grow light and wait..

When your little herb garden begins to sprout, empty the water. Mix a little plant food with 2 cups of water - pour most of it in the jar and a little over the soil and through the net pot. Repeat..

This is basil, sage and oregano after one week. The herbs take a little while to get going, but if you maintain them, they will grow up to 12" high. I suggest moving your LED grow light higher as they grow. 

The basil Garden Jar is my favorite. The leaves are a good size and it smells amazing. I use fresh basil in everything; pasta sauce, over baked chicken, in salad and beverages - Add a few basil leaves to hot water for a refreshing beverage.

ALSO, basil freshens your breath - So, chew on a few leaves when necessary.

AND, basil is an excellent source for vitamins. The extracted oil can be used to treat wounds and skin infections.

You can purchase a Modern Sprout Grow House with an LED grow light. It fits nicely on the countertop, is appealing to the eye and can hold up to four Garden Jars. It's super expensive, but mine lasted years - I gave it away and I'm sure it will keep glowing for a few more. 

My oversized kitchen shelf is the perfect space for a hydroponic garden. But, this time I went with the Modern Sprout LED grow light. I purchased two (one for each counter), but..

I struggled (REALLY HARD) with the idea of drilling holes in to my cabinetry to accommodate the grow light, but after a full day of contemplating, considering different options and having a breakdown, I went for it. I'm beyond happy with the outcome. 

I screwed two small holes in the roof of the cabinetry to hold small black chains, attached the grow light and drilled a larger hole in the side of the cabinetry for the power cord. Luckily, I have an outlet in the cupboard next to the shelf (for the microwave). 

The grow light has three settings and an automatic on and off option. I opted for the 12 hours on and 12 hours off. Choose the time of day you want the light to come on, set the timer, press the on button and hold till the light reaches maximum strength. Each day, your grow light will turn on and off at the same time. 

The Modern Sprout hydroponic indoor garden is easy to maintain, looks great, is a conversation starter and will give you plenty of fresh herbs. I LOVE this gardening method. 

October 30th - It's been about two months since I planted my Modern Sprout herb garden jars and this is the result. The herbs are growing fast and the basil is delicious. Once a week I empty the old water, add plant food to two cups of fresh water and pour most into the jar and then a little on the soil. 

An indoor herb garden is perfect for colder seasons. I love my indoor herb garden and wish I had more space to expand.. 

Print view|Tags: Modern Sprout, Modern Sprout hydroponic herbs, Modern Sprout hydroponic gardening, hydroponic gardening, hydroponic herbs, indoor garden, indoor herb garden, growing basil indoors, grow basil in the kitchen, growing sage indoors, grow sage in the kitchen, growing oregano indoors, grow oregano in the kitchen, hydroponics, hydroponicgarden, lifestyle, healthy lifestyle, homegrown, herbs, plant life, green solutions, grow light, LED grow light, home decor, unique kitchen garden, unique kitchen ideas, unique decor

Modern Sprout

August 19, 2019
As of late, I find myself perusing home decor and neglecting my long-time beauty and fashion fixation. A few months ago, I purchased a home. I've been obsessing over decor, storage and lifestyle....

Sugarbear SLEEP Vitamins

April 03, 2019

Another Instagram sensation - Sugarbear SLEEP Vitamins. These little bear-shaped vegan gummies are formulated to help you sleep. The little purple bears smell delicious, taste like berries and are SUPER-SWEET! I'm not a sweets person, but I prefer a flavorful gummy over giant capsules - there's nothing relaxing about swallowing huge pills and vitamins.

Comprised of Melatonin, Magnesium, Theanine and Vitamin B6 - These ingredients tell your body when to go to sleep, enhance natural Melatonin and promote relaxation. This list is typical for natural sleep aids.

These gummies also contain the Sugarbear proprietary Rest Well Blend - botanicals that promote relaxation and optimize sleep. Lemon Balm Leaf, Passion Flower, Valerian Root and 5-HTP promote a calm, positive mood.

Seems like these gummies are packed with everything you need to improve your mood, promote relaxation and get a good night sleep. Albeit, most of us require something a little stronger! I suffer from insomnia and have tried too many homeopathic remedies. Yes, they "help", but if I'm stressed it will take a horse tranquilizer to keep me under for the suggested eight hours. 

I do find Sugarbear SLEEP gummies beneficial for relaxation. Rather than chewing two at bedtime, I opt for two with my evening tea (a blend of chill-the-f**k-out herbs and detox tea). I find slipping in to the sheets, feeling relaxed and stress-free is most beneficial to a good night sleep. Reducing stress in your life (or coping with it better) also plays a huge role in a positive, calm mind and solid eight hours rest.

Sugarbear vitamins are fun, delicious and gorgeous shades of blue, pink and purple. Color is super important on Social Media and if a product photographs well, it will swiftly gain fans (whether or not the product is worthy).

So many people claim that Sugarbear HAIR Vitamins have changed their life. Claims that these little blue bears miraculously transformed your straw hat to a gorgeous mane are ridiculous. Gummies that contain Biotin, Folic Acid and Vitamin D will promote healthy hair, but proper haircare is necessary in the recovery process. 

While perusing the Sugarbear site for sleep vitamins, I noticed there is also a women's multi-vitamin. The bears are the perfect shade of pink - Of course, I'm going to buy them.. Sugarbear vitamins are cute, contain all the right stuff and aside from being 15 calories each, will only benefit you.

Oh and my Sugarbear SLEEP vitamins order included a mini bottle of gummies (perfect for travel) and a cute keychain. I love promo products! 

Print view|Tags: Sugarbear SLEEP Vitamins, Sugarbear Vitamins, Sugarbear HAIR Vitamins, Sugarbear Women's Multi, Sugarbear Women's multi-vitamin, Sugarbear gummies, Sugarbear, chewable vitamins, adult vitamins, gummy vitamins, natural sleep aid

Sugarbear SLEEP Vitamins

April 03, 2019
Another Instagram sensation - Sugarbear SLEEP Vitamins. These little bear-shaped vegan gummies are formulated to help you sleep. The little purple bears smell delicious, taste like berries and are...

Beauty-Boosting Face Masks

February 19, 2016

I'd been anticipating the January launch of Bobbi Brown Beauty-Boosting Face Masks, and despite my many trips to the BB counter in Amsterdam was left empty-handed and wondering, what's all the hype? I practically had butterflies when I saw them on display in Harrods a few weeks ago. Yes, I'm that ridiculous! Lets 'face' it, every product Bobbi Brown releases is great - you can't go wrong with this premiere cosmetic line. It's no surprise that I purchased all three masks. I would have purchased the mini's too, but they didn't have them (insert sad face).

I'm branding these masks - The Miraculous Makeover Mask Trio. Instant Detox, Radiance Boost and Skin Nourish can be used together or individually to address your specific needs. I have overdosed on all three and love the results.

The Instant Detox is my favorite. This clay-based mask is creamy, has a refreshing citrus scent and kinda cools your skin while you detox. Hawaiian Sea Salt Water and Amazonian White Clay work together to remove impurities, reduce pore size and maintain moisture. This mask will leave you feeling refreshed and super clean. The Instant Detox deep cleanse removes excess oil, tightens my skin and my complexion looks AMAZING! I use the Instant Detox in the center of my forehead, down my nose, on my cheeks and chin. At the same time, I apply the Skin Nourish around my eye area (not too close to the eye), around the edges of my nose (where it gets super dry and flaky), and around my eyebrows (they're dry from Browfood - a hair growth treatment). Combined, these masks address both my skin issues at once. This deep cleanse/nourishing treatment is my favorite facial pick-me-up.

I also use the Skin Nourish twice a week before bed. This super-moisturizing mask contains hydrating herbs Coral Grass, Salicornia, and Trehalose, Collagen producing Chlorella Extract, and Muru Muru Butter to repair your skin's natural moisture barrier. This lightweight mask is creamy, the scent is calming, and I love a mask that you can leave-on throughout the night. Apply liberally and wait two-five minutes. Then gently remove the excess product and massage the remaining onto your skin. In the morning you will have plump smooth, nourished skin.

The superfine Walnut Grain Beads in Radiance Boost, gently exfoliate your skin and improve circulation. While the Kaolin Clay reduces oil, Algae Extract and Sodium Hyaluronate moisturize your skin, and Orange Oil energizes. I have Rosacea, and very sensitive skin, so I'm not surprised that this gentle exfoliator causes my forehead, nose and cheeks to turn red. Once the redness diminishes, my skin feels super-tight (I like that), and my complexion is brighter. The orange scent is invigorating - I'm partial to citrus scents in facial care cosmetics. 

Directions: Instant Detox can be used once a week (or two if necessary). Apply, allow two-five minutes to pass and remove with warm water. Skin Nourish can be used three times a week. Apply, wait two-five minutes, gently remove access and leave the remaining product for overnight nourishing. Radiance Boost can be used once a week (or two if necessary). Apply, let it sit for two-five minutes and rinse off with warm water while gently massaging in circular motions.  

The application of these masks is quick, but the results last. I should mention that the packaging is great. The metal-like tubes are flexible and you can roll them up, allowing you to get as much product out as possible. 

Print view|Tags: Bobbi Brown, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown Beauty-Boosting Face Masks, Bobbi Brown Instant Detox, Bobbi Brown Skin Nourish, Bobbi Brown Radiance Boost, Bobbi Brown face masks, best face masks 2016, brighten your complexion, nourish your skin, deep cleanse facial treatment

Beauty-Boosting Face Masks

February 19, 2016
I'd been anticipating the January launch of Bobbi Brown Beauty-Boosting Face Masks, and despite my many trips to the BB counter in Amsterdam was left empty-handed and wondering, what's all the hype?...

Want Longer, Thicker Lashes?

July 08, 2015

Many people comment on my eyelashes - I have been asked what falsies I was wearing more than once.. None, they're real! A quick application of LASHFOOD before bed and my lashes are thicker, longer and healthy. They appear hydrated and silky, my mascara goes on nicely, I never have to curl my lashes and they look smooth. I know - healthy lashes?! You can't go wrong adding nutrition to your lashes or any other part of your body, whether it's inside or out. LASHFOOD is comprised of organic medicinal herbs and there are no harsh side effects. I tried Latisse many years ago and my eyelids turned dark purple - I'm happy the permanent eyeshadow faded over time and caution anyone considering this lash growth method. LASHFOOD natural eyelash enhancer is Ecocert certified (meets standards for natural and organic cosmetics). I highly recommend this product.

You can purchase LASHFOOD at lashfood.com or sephora.com

Print view|Tags: LASHFOOD, eyelash enhancer, eyelash growth, thicker eyelashes, longer eyelashes

Want Longer, Thicker Lashes?

July 08, 2015
Many people comment on my eyelashes - I have been asked what falsies I was wearing more than once.. None, they're real! A quick application of LASHFOOD before bed and my lashes are thicker, longer...
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