Red, White and Blue...

Missed you all yesterday!

Any big plans this week? Ignite your Fourth of July festivities with a fresh stars and stripes theme. Play up your patriotic style by updating traditional bunting with shabby chic polka-dot and stripe fabrics, then covered cushions in more stripes and checks to amplify the fun. Here’s how you can make your own bunting.

What you'll need:

1. Fabrics in red, white, and blue. (For a bunting to fit a 72-inch wide window opening, you'll need 3-1/3 yards of fabric in each color.)

2. Spring-loaded tension rod

To make the bunting:

1. Measure the width of the window or other opening where you plan to hang your bunting. This will be the total width for your bunting, and the drop will be half the width measurement. (Example: 72 inches wide divided by 2 = 36 inch drop.) To determine yardage, multiply the drop measurement by 3-1/4 + 2 extra inches to finish ends. Example: 36 x 3-1/4 = 117 + 2 = 119. So for this width, you will need 3-1/3 yards of fabric (119 divided by 36 = 3-1/3 yards).

2. You will cut a total of 5 strips of fabric for bunting: two red, two white, and one blue. To determine the width of each strip of fabric, divide 5 into the drop measurement, add 1 inch to each white and blue strip of fabric for seam allowances, and add 1-1/2 inch to each of the two red outside strips for seam allowances and hem/finishing. (Example: 36-inch drop divided by 5 = 7-1/4 + 1 = 8-1/4 inch width strips for both white and blue fabrics. 36-inch drop divided by 5 = 7-1/4 + 1-1/2 = 8-3/4 inch width strips for red fabrics.) Cut out strips.

3. Sew strips together in color sequence as per photo using 1/2-inch seam allowances. Clean finish or serge the seams. Narrow hem the bottom edge of one of the red strips.

4. Mark the center of the top red strip of fabric and box-pleat toward center about 5 times to take up the fullness. Gather the pleated fabric at center, if needed, to take up more fullness, keeping piece smooth.

5. Rod Pocket: Cut a strip of red fabric to encase the spring tension rod, adding 1 inch for seam allowances. Encase raw ends of top of bunting/pleating into the rod pocket.

6. Insert pressure rod into casing for hanging.

Option: Add grommets along casing for hanging.

Now how festive is that?! (lol)

michael jackson

the world mourns the loss of a legend...

the daily candy...

My friend Chrys introduced me to this fab Web site yesterday. After she was like, "YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE DAILY CANDY?!". It was love at first click. Hence, today's happy :)

What is the Daily Candy?

DailyCandy is a lifestyle media brand that reaches young, influential women. Known for its quirky, irreverent voice and eclectic taste, DailyCandy has developed a loyal and passionate audience.

Since 2000, DailyCandy has connected readers by providing an intimate, immediate way of staying fashionably informed. DailyCandy acts as a filter, giving readers the best of emerging fashion, boutiques, restaurants, and local finds in key markets across the U.S. and London.

As useful as it is entertaining, DailyCandy is like getting an e-mail from your clever, unpredictable, and totally in-the-know best friend.

Check out the Daily Candy EVERYWHERE, or in ATLANTA, BOSTON, CHICAGO, DALLAS, LONDON, LOS ANGELES, MIAMI, NEW YORK, PHILADELPHIA, SAN FRANCISCO, SEATTLE, and WASHINGTON, D.C.

summer scarfs

For the boy who just doesn't get it... ;)

Yes, scarves are traditionally used to keep warm during the cold winter months. Despite rising temperatures, long, lightweight scarves are a must-have item this summer!

Why you’ll want one...

Versatile and vibrant, an oversize scarf is virtually weightless, and will take up very little room in your purse. Although part of the allure is the chic, airy feel, a feather-light scarf can ward off the chill of air-conditioning, and even act as an extra layer of sunscreen. Beyond its functionality, this fashionable accent is available on any budget, and in every style imaginable. This summer, you can leave the jewels behind, knowing that a pop of color or pretty pattern around your neck will draw attention to your face just like a necklace would for an easy, breezy summer look.

How to wear it...

There are countless ways to wear a summer scarf. Try wrapping it multiple times around your neck and tucking the edges under, folding it in half behind your head and looping the open ends through the hole near your collarbone, or simply swooping it around your neck and tossing one end over your shoulder.

Check out South Moon Under, Target, and The Limited for fun options.

margarita...

Yesterday's happy... the margarita.

One word: delightful.

Looking for your after work happy? Try this recipe:

Ingredients

2 limes
4 tablespoons tequila
2 tablespoons vodka
1 tablespoon Triple Sec
2 cups watermelon, seeds removed
1/4 cup sugar
3 cups crushed ice

Directions

1. Rub the rims of two glasses with a slice of lime each, and dip the rims in salt.

2. Process the juice of 1 1/2 limes with the other ingredients in a blender until smooth. Add more crushed ice, and blend until slushy.

Makes 2 cocktails.

Maybe your in the mood for a no-fuss mix? Check out the all natural mixes from William Sonoma.

Cheers!

lets dish...

Souvenir plates date back to the 1870s... But, when travel became more accessible, they became increasingly popular with jet-setting travelers.

Keep an eye out! There are tons of unsigned, flea-market-type plates out there, but keep your eyes open for some big-name manufacturers, including Vernon Kilns, Homer Laughlin, Salem China Company, and even Wedgwood.

Love the look? Then steel this idea!!

Spruce up any wall with a mix of old and new plates in different sizes and colors. There are many types of hangers to choose from. Look for ones that are sturdy but discreet, letting the plate itself do the showing off. For delicate antiques, use a V-shaped hanger instead of a spring-operating one, which can put too much pressure on the rim.

Tip: try mapping out your arrangement with craft paper templates , a sure way to help keep holes in the walls to a minimum.

destination u street...

Take a U-turn in our nation’s capital and visit the historical, artsy, and reenergized U Street District.

The Greater U Street Historical District in Washington, D.C., has long been the haunt of the jazz musician, including greats Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Today, the Victorian-style architecture and theaters still offer up jazz, along with hip restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

Goodwood - This affordable antiques store features furnishings, rugs, accessories, and decorative arts—with new pieces unveiled each week. 1428 U St., NW, 202/986-3640; goodwooddc.com

Dragonfly Design Decor - Asian antiques, art, furniture, and textiles, plus some contemporary pieces, are showcased against brightly lacquered walls in a large, industrial space. 1457 Church St., NW, 202/265-3359; dragonflydd.com

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Since 1958, this D.C. institution has served the locals and the who’s who, including Bill Cosby and Nat King Cole. The counter, booths, and stools are all original, and the chili recipes have never changed. 1213 U St., NW, 202/667-0909; benschilibowl.com

Home Rule - Great for kitchen, bath, home, office, and other contemporary and quirky gifts. 1807 14th St., NW, 202/797-5544; homerule.com

Simply Home - Eat, drink, and shop at this one-stop spot. First, check out Thai-imported clothing, accessories, and home-furnishings side. Then, peek in at the tree-trunk seats and Cyprus-tree wall art in the Thai-inspired restaurant that makes up the building’s other half. 1410 U St., NW, 202/232-8424; simplyhomedc.com

More Must-Stops...

Nana - This cute and colorful spot stocks brand-name and locally designed clothes, bags, and accessories. Don’t miss their vintage selection in back. 1528 U St., NW, 202/667-6955; nanadc.com

Meeps - one of DC's longest-running and best-loved vintage shops, offers men’s and women’s funky 1940s–1980s vintage-clothing. 2104 18th St., NW, 202/265-6546; meepsdc.com

Eco-Green Living (formerly Future Green) - Home and living store that stocks organic bedding and clothing, green building supplies, and more. 1469 Church St., NW, 202/234-7110; eco-greenliving.com

make this...

Best Apple Pie Ever !!

You can't go wrong here. We're talking Perfect Picnic Pie. Come to think of it... you might as well make 2.

1 recipe Pastry for Double-Crust Pie*
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup maple sugar or packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
3 lb. tart cooking apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (8 cups)
2 Tbsp. butter, cut up
1/4 cup whipping cream
1–2 tbsp. milk 1 Tbsp. raw sugar

1. Prepare pastry. On a lightly floured surface, roll 1 pastry ball to a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate; set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine granulated sugar, maple sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Add apples; toss to coat. Transfer to pastry-lined pie plate. Dot with butter and pour whipping cream over filling. Trim edge of crust even with edge of pie plate.

3. On the lightly floured surface, roll out remaining pastry to a 12-inch circle. Cut an “x” or a design in the center of the pastry. Place pastry over filling in pie plate. Seal and crimp edges. Cut small slits in top of crust, if desired. Brush with milk and sprinkle with raw sugar. Place pie on a foil-lined baking sheet. To prevent overbrowning, cover pie edges with foil.

4. Bake in a 375° oven for 40 minutes. Remove foil from edges. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes more or until fruit is tender and filling is bubbly. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 8 servings.

*Pastry for Double-Crust Pie: Place steel blade in food processor. Add 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup butter, cut up; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover; process with on/off turns until most of mixture resembles cornmeal but a few larger pieces remain. With processor running, quickly add 1/3 cup cold water through feed tube. Stop processor when all water is added; scrape sides. Process with 2 on/off turns. Remove from bowl; shape into a ball. Divide in half. If needed, wrap and chill until easy to handle. (Or, in a large bowl stir together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in 1 cup butter until pieces are pea-size. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cold water over part of the flour mixture; gently toss with a fork. Push moistened dough to side of bowl. Repeat, using 1 tablespoon water at a time, using a total of 5 to 6 tablespoons water, until all the flour mixture is moistened. Shape into a ball.)

bouquets...

The season is coming to an end but that doesn't mean you can't bring Spring indoors with a dramatic centerpiece.

Here are some common herbs and their symbolic meanings, which can be found in The Language of Flowers, originally published in 1968. Keep these meanings in mind when creating your whimsy arrangements.

BALM sympathy
BASIL love, blessings, best wishes
BAY glory
CALENDULA joy, remembrance
CATNIP intoxification with love
CHAMOMILE comfort
CILANTRO hidden worth
COWSLIP happiness
DAISY innocence, loyalty
DILL good spirits
ELDER zealousness
FENNEL worthy of praise
GERANIUM comfort, consolation
IVY friendship, matrimony
LAVENDER devotion, loyalty
MARIGOLD grief, honesty
MINT wisdom, grief
NASTURTIUM optimism
OREGANO happiness
PANSY merriment, remembrance
PEPPERMINT cordiality
ROSEMARY remembrance
SAGE wisdom
SORREL affection
SPEARMINT warmth of sentiment
THYME happiness, courage

Tips: The key to long life for cut flowers is to change the water daily. Some people add a drop of bleach, an aspirin, or a shiny penny, but I prefer plain, room-temperature tap water.

arlington rap...

Need a mental health break?

Have you seen the Arlington Rap on You Tube?

It's hilarious... and, it's today's happy.

love it...

Old Shutters

I love the look of old shutters... they are a great embellishment to any room and can be used in many wonderful ways.

Three old shutters hinged together make a rustic room screen. Simply replace the original hardware with new hinges. Casters can be added to the bottom for easy mobility. For a sleek look, buy new shutters, and hinge them together. Paint them or leave the wood natural.

...antique shutters also make a great headboard!

another year...

That's all I have to say about that :P''

destination... frederick maryland

Looking to get out of the city this weekend? Take a short drive to Frederick, Maryland and check out Great Stuff By Paul...

Need inexpensive school chairs from the 1950s to go around your new dining-room table? Want a stack of vintage suitcases for your guest room? How about a dozen sap buckets for centerpieces at your next party?

Great Stuff By Paul Antiques in Frederick, Md., has them all--and more. Owners Paul and Joan Berkowitz scour North America, Europe, England, and Asia in search of reasonably priced treasures.

Can't make it to Maryland? No problem. They ship worldwide; greatstuffbypaul.com.

back to the basics, with a twist...

Grilled Cheese

Update this old-time sandwich with a variety of breads, cheeses, and new flavors..

Cuban Sandwiches: Start with a loaf of Cuban bread, ciabatta, or narrow French bread. For each sandwich, use a 4- to 6-inch piece of bread cut in half horizontally. Butter outsides of each half. Spread insides of bread with yellow mustard. Layer bottom half with thinly sliced ham and pork, sliced Swiss cheese, and sliced dill pickle. Add top half of bread.

Butter the outsides of bread slices and cook on a medium-hot panini grill or griddle pan until golden and cheese is melted (flip halfway through if not using a press that heats on both sides).

Grilled Cheese with Seeds and Veggies: Fill a split bagel, pita bread half (totally go with the pita), or 2 bread slices (buttered on outsides) with sliced Havarti with dill, Colby Jack, or smoked Gouda cheese; thin slices avocado; thin strips sweet red pepper (fresh or roasted); sprouts or broccoli slaw; and sunflower seeds (love the crunch!!) in thin layers. Cook as directed for Cuban Sandwich. Hey, why not serve up with a side of ranch dressing for dipping?

Okay, so I'm reluctant to post this one (not a tuna salad fan - AT ALL), but a friend swears by it. So, have at it...

Tuna Melt: Make a batch of tuna salad with mayonnaise, chopped onion, and celery. Season with curry powder (careful here), salt, and pepper to taste. Spread a layer (not too thick) of tuna salad onto a piece of whole-grain or seed bread. Top with a piece of cheddar or Colby cheese and another slice of bread. Cook as directed for Cuban Sandwich.

Tips... A cast-iron skillet works fine, especially when bread is weighted down with a grill press. If you have it, try it... grill these sandwiches is with an electric sandwich press, or a panini grill.

My personal hometown fav... Grilled Cheese w/ Swiss on Rye and a side of diner fries!

sippin' on summer...

Fresh-squeezed lemonade and sun-tea are excellent, thirst-quenching choices for an outdoor summer ....

Your favorite summer drinks will look as good as they taste this summer in these fun glass jars by Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Viva Terra, Uncommongoods.com, and Infused-Vodka.com

A family affair... try whipping up an Arnold Palmer. This refreshing beverage consists of half iced tea (either sweetened or unsweetened) and half lemonade named for golfer Arnold Palmer.

After hours... This melon ball lemonade won't disappoint and looks great with lemon wheels and balled melon. Sure to impress.

2 quarts lemonade
1 honeydew or cantaloupe (deseeded and balled)
4 -5 lemons (cut into wheels)
3 cups of Bacardi Gran Melon

Combine all ingredients in a large container and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve over ice. Serves about 10.

Cheers everyone!

try this...

Pressed for time?

Very Victorian and a nice embellishment to an empty wall. Select a variety of different fronds, or sample from just one plant, and press them between heavy books for a few weeks. Mount them in collectible coin or shadow boxes - the kind found at crafts stores and flea markets - that have been spruced up with paint and canvas lining. Use dots of hot glue to secure the dry fronds.

This look would also be purty with dried wild flowers...


Want the botanical look but don't want to do it yourself?

Check out prints from Panteek.

be outside this weekend...

Grab a blanket and get going!

Did you know the know that these fully loaded carryalls were once a built in feature in the Rolls - Royce? They are no longer an upper crust affair! So, why not go barefoot and picnic this weekend?

These baskets range in price and are available in service for two and four. Check out Picnic & Beyond, Inc, Picnic Fun and Cath Kidston for some for classic and bargain options.

Also fun... antique lithographed tins.

Made from the late 1930s through the ’50s these tins were originally cookie containers... most are rectangular and boxy with movable wood or metal handles, but you can also find oval, oblong, and octagonal pieces. Designs are as varied as the shapes; the most common patterns include basket and blanket motifs, plaids, and florals.

Looking for something more elaborate (and more collectible)? Tins falso feature seaside scenes, playing children, nursery-rhyme characters, and kitchen utensils.

tut-tut, looks like rain...

Vintage Umbrellas

Umbrellas are making a storm as a must have fashion accessory. You're wearing great clothes, fabulous shoes, a gorgeous handbag - and carrying a dumpy old umbrella. What's wrong with this picture??

The umbrella comes from the Parasol which was created as protection against the sun and has been used for centuries as a religious symbol, status symbol and erotic symbol as well as to keep the rain and sun away. Origins of the umbrella can be traced back as far as 3000 years. Many improvements have been made in material and design throughout its history. Originally English umbrellas consisted of oiled silk and heavy wood with poor and clumsy mechanical operation.

These days you can find one as cheap as a few dollars or of higher quality and cost, from a big umbrella to a small umbrella in a multitude of colors from a green umbrella to a black umbrella, all of which offer you protection from the rain and if you choose your rain umbrella right, fashionable rain accessory.

Here is my happy!! This new Pagoda umbrella was designed in Seattle where umbrellas are an essential outdoor accessory. These umbrellas are fun, flirty and customizable.

be there...

Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner. That means the time has come to get out!

The 2009 Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival rewinds to relive the 80s! A great summer picnic and a movie event.

In other news...

Sadly, HBO will not be sponsoring Screen on the Green on the National Mall this summer. Screen on the Green has been a Washington, DC favorite for many years. Hopefully a new sponsor will step in to run the popular event (fingers crossed).

collect this... vintage matchbooks

Have a collection of matchbooks that are collecting dust in random junk drawers? This colorful creation can be striking piece of art when framed.

I know what your thinking... all the restaurants are non-smoking and matchbooks are harder to come by. You can buy old matchbooks in bulk online to start your collection. To create your own display arrange them by color, size, or design. They're also fun to display in glass containers.

make this... coconut cupcakes

Yes, I'm cupcake crazy... but this recipe (courtesy of Martha Stewart) is too good to not share. Mom and I used it as one of our Memorial Day cupcakes. So yum!

3 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup coconut milk
8 large egg whites
1 1/4 cups shredded sweetened coconut
seven-minute frosting
coconut for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two standard 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour; beat until just combined. Transfer mixture to a large bowl; set aside.

3. In the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on low speed until foamy. With mixer running, gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar; beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 4 minutes. Do not over beat. Gently fold a third of the egg-white mixture into the butter-flour mixture until combined. Gently fold in remaining egg-white mixture; stir in shredded coconut.

4. Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each with a heaping 1/4 cup batter. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until the cupcakes are golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack. Invert cupcakes onto rack; then reinvert and let cool completely, top sides up. Frost cupcakes with seven minute frosting, swirling to cover. Cupcakes may be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Garnish with fresh coconut just before serving.

Seven-Minute Frosting (and don't let the candy thermometer scare you, it's worth it!)

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
3 large egg whites, room temperature

1. In a small, heavy saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved. Rub a bit between your fingers to make sure there is no graininess. Raise heat to bring to a boil. Do not stir anymore. Boil, washing down sides of pan with a pastry brush dipped in cold water from time to time to prevent the sugar from crystallizing, until a candy thermometer registers 230 degrees about 5 minutes. (Depending on the humidity, this can take anywhere from 4 to 10 minutes.)

2. Meanwhile, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2 1/2 minutes. Gradually add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Remove the syrup from the heat when the temperature reaches 230 degrees (it will keep rising as pan is removed from heat). Pour the syrup in a steady stream down the side of the bowl (to avoid splattering) containing the egg-white mixture, with the mixer on medium-low speed.

3. Beat frosting on medium speed until cool, 5 to 10 minutes. The frosting should be thick and shiny. Use immediately.