Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Nursery Inspiration Board

Drapery Panel & Roman Shade Fabrics: Pindler - Available through me
Presido Glider: Serena & Lily
Bookcase: Ikea
Elephant Pouf: Serena & Lily
Whale Bookends: Jonathan Adler
Square Lacquer Tray: West Elm
IoLine Crib: Kalon Studios
Giraffe Lamp: Jonathan Adler
Side Table: Bungalow 5- Available through me
Dresser : Bungalow 5- Available through me

It seems like everyone around me is having a baby, if not having serious baby fever.
I can't believe what fun amazing "Grown-Up" products there are out there for nurseries!
For now, designing nurseries shall suffice for me!

This is probably the most amazing nursery I have EVER seen in my life, I saved this image quite a few years ago, so sadly I do not know the source.
*Update!: HERE is the source!
This room was done as part of the 'Stately Homes by the Sea Showhouse' home tour by Lucas Studio, Inc. Interior Design
I do however know that crib is the fantastic IoLine Crib by Kalon Studios.
It was vited Time Magazine's 'Top Green Crib in the World' in addition to the 'Top 5 Green Nursery Products in the World'.
How cool is that?
I know when I bite the bullet, my baby is getting this crib!
Not that I'll have a $100k+ budget like this room probably had!
Of course, I don't think it's quite perfect for me.
For one, that metal chair would give me anxiety, and those fun birds on the ground, both smell trouble to me!
Overall, isn't this hands-down GORG?!




Crib Detail


Pillow Detail


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

100 Greatest Cooking Tips of All Time...

I just HAVE to share this great article with you!
My friend Caty sent this to me:

In case you don't have an hour of extra time, I did you a favor (you're welcome) and picked out my top faves, many of which I learned from my Dad!:

3. Store spices in a cool, dark place, not above your stove. Humidity, light and heat will cause herbs and spices to lose their flavor. 
Rick Tramonto
Tramonto's Steak & Seafood, Osteria di Tramonto and RT Lounge, Wheeling, IL

7. Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package instructions and cook it the rest of the way in the pan with sauce.
Mario Batali 
Iron Chef America

19. For best results when you're baking, leave butter and eggs at room temperature overnight.
Ina Garten
Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

21. For an easy weeknight meal, save and freeze leftover sauces from previous meals in ice cube trays. The cubes can be reheated in a sauté pan when you need a quick sauce.
David Burke 
David Burke Townhouse, New York City

32. Anytime you are using raw onions in a salsa and you are not going to eat that salsa in the next 20 minutes or so, be sure to rinse the diced onions under cold running water first, then blot dry. This will rid them of sulfurous gas that can ruin fresh salsa. It's really important in guacamole, too. 
Mark Miller 
Coyote Cafe, Santa Fe, NM



Image and Recipe: HERE

33. Do not use oil in the water when boiling pasta: It will keep the sauce from sticking to the cooked pasta.
Missy Robbins 
A Voce, New York City

garlicky bread crumbs spaghetti

Image HERE

36. When you're browning meat, you should blot the surface dry with a paper towel so the meat doesn't release moisture when it hits the hot oil. Too much moisture makes the meat steam instead of sear, and you will lose that rich brown crust.
Charlie Palmer 
Charlie Palmer Group

53. Fresh basil keeps much better and longer at room temperature with the stems in water. 
Elisabeth Prueitt 
Tartine Bakery, San Francisco



Image HERE

61. When making mashed potatoes, after you drain the potatoes, return them to the hot pan, cover tightly and let steam for 5 minutes. This allows the potatoes to dry out so they'll mash to a beautiful texture and soak up the butter and cream more easily.
Wolfgang Puck 
Spago, Los Angeles



Mashers!
Photo & Recipe HERE

81. Prolong the lifespan of greens by wrapping them loosely in a damp paper towel and placing in a resealable plastic bag. That local arugula will last about four days longer.
Hugh Acheson 
Five & Ten, Athens, GA


Monday, February 27, 2012

Scarlet Fever!

Apparently I didn't get the memo, did you?
Scarlet Fever at this years Academy Awards and Vanity Fair party...

I've always wanted a red dress, something chic and simple.
I did buy one about four years ago, in a size too small, then finally lost some weight... but too much.
Anyone interested in a BCBG Strapless red satin above the knee dress? Size: 6...
Up for grabs!

I was pretty impressed overall with the gorgeous looks at the Awards, I absolutely ADORE Claire Danes, check her out!
I'm not one for awards shows but love the beginning like most people, to admire the stars in their best looks.
There were some gorgeous navy frocks, Katie Holmes looked great!

This was such a nice, relaxing and enjoyable weekend, one of the first (and last) weekends that BRS has off for a bit, so lots of home downtime.
I hope everyone had an awesome weekend!

xo,
VRB















And for those of you who don't have time for the Oscars and want some movie night ideas, here you go!:
1. Best Picture: “The Artist.”


2. Actor: Jean Dujardin, “The Artist.”
3. Actress: Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady.”
4. Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, “Beginners.”
5. Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, “The Help.”
6. Directing: Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist.”
7. Foreign Language Film: “A Separation,” Iran.
8. Adapted Screenplay: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, “The Descendants.”
9. Original Screenplay: Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris.”
10. Animated Feature Film: “Rango.”
11. Art Direction: “Hugo.”
12. Cinematography: “Hugo.”
13. Sound Mixing: “Hugo.”
14. Sound Editing: “Hugo.”
15. Original Score: “The Artist.”
16. Original Song: “Man or Muppet” from “The Muppets.”
17. Costume Design: “The Artist.”
18. Documentary Feature: “Undefeated.”
19. Documentary Short: “Saving Face.”
20. Film Editing: “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.”
21. Makeup: “The Iron Lady.”
22. Animated Short Film: “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.”
23. Live Action Short Film: “The Shore.”
24. Visual Effects: “Hugo.”

Saturday, February 25, 2012

What's Been Goin' On...

Instagram over usage? Maybe.
Good end to a week, yes.

Just checkin' in, keeping my virtual diary...

This past month I've been on this major running kick and am determined to run a half marathon this Summer.
You know, because I don't have enough on my plate already...
With this great summer-like weather, it's hard to not want to hit the pavement with my little peas and enjoy the scenery after work, we racked in a good twenty miles this week!
We've been running this scenic route overlooking the San Francisco Bay and even ran to my parents on Wednesday.
Grandpa was nice enough to give us a ride home since it was getting too late to make the 3.5 miles home.

Logan on our loop run

View on the bridge beginning of run

The Girl and her Grandpa, Hi Dad!

Maddie (my Labrador sissy) and Logan hanging out the window, cute huh?

Maddie Rose and Logan

Thursday was girls night at my house and we organized and shared our recipe books, lots of fun!
SAF was nice enough to bring over some delicious olive tapanade and hummus that I can't seem to get enough of. I'm almost sad to see the bottom of the package!
I tell you celery goes with just anything, might have to grow some this summer!
peanut butter.hummus.tapanade oh my!

Yummers!

Finally got this pot rack we bought years ago hung up, Ikea special.
Nice to have quick access to my pots and pans I must say.
Downside? Yuck, dirty pans!
Upside? Finding out how AWESOME Barkeepers Friend is!
Where the heck have I been?
Who thought my copper pot was this dang beautiful!
And... It's only $1.99! Even less because I used my blue saver (aka 20% off Bed, Bath, & Beyond coupon)... yes, I used a coupon on a $2.00 item, don't judge.
Pots Hung, Finally!

Let's see, what else?
Oh! Sock bun!
Again, where the HECK have I been?
This genius invention looks like a mesh doughnut and helps achieve that fantastic fully, fun, flirty bun!
Got this idea from Aspiring Kennedy, thanks Lauren!
MUST try for everyone!
See her posting - HERE
There have been a few other random obsessions lately in my world but I'll spare you the ramblings, must say these little things do keep me ticking!

Honey Bunny

I hope everyone has had a great weekend so far and I wish you a spontaneous and fun Sunday.
Or be lazy too, that's great in my book too!
Next weekend... Antique Fair with my BFF and her new beau!
Stay tuned....

xo,
V to the R to the B








Friday, February 24, 2012

Style Envy

Dear Beautiful Woman in line at Office Depot,
I envy your look.
You're so put together with out trying, I can tell.
You tell the customer service gent at the counter that you are so sick you can't function, and I cringe thinking, "how the HECK did you roll out of bed looking like that!?"
Maybe you caught my eye when the sun reflected off your three carat diamond bling, or was it that Gucci handbag that I caught in the corner of my eye?
Whatever it was, you're gorgeous.
xo,
VRB
(behind you creepily eyeing you up and down)



Thursday, February 23, 2012

Pink Swap Goodies!

Hopsy over at Monograms and Manicures has been kind enough to host a fun exchange called the Pink Swap for the last few years.
This was my first year participating and it was too much fun!
I was linked with Yvonne at The Not So Ugly American...
Here are the goodies I received from her.
She sent me a HUGE assortment of pinks: cotton candy, awesome socks, a pink birdie, moisture gloves that I'm now obsessed with, a towel, room refresher, chapstick, an awesome recycled mug, strawberry milk straws, folders, a note pad, and thank you notes (you can NEVER have too many!).
What a jackpot of goodness!
Thanks Yvonne!!!



Below is what I sent her over in Chicago.
I sent her some of my favorite Caspari cocktail napkins, a handmade necklace I made with pearls, jade and pink stones, a gardenia scented soy candle, some flexible flower ice trays, a loofah, a pashmina, some pink ribbon and a Lilly album.
FYI The Company Store is an excellent source of affordable monogrammed personal items like hand towels, etc. However I would allow yourself plenty of time!
She was SO pleased with her box of pink goodies, I was relieved!

Thanks again Hopsy, can't wait for next year!
Monograms & Manicures
www.kappaprep.com

xo,
VRB

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Happy Pants

Bright Papaya







I have to admit I am seconds away from clicking the 'Submit Order' on The Crew's site for a pair of these happy pants.
I wonder if this is one of those fashion fads we look back at in 5-10 years and think, "What the heck were we thinking?"...
I hope not, because I heart them!
Check out the first pair, 'Bright Papaya'... little Easter Egg-y but fitting since it's Lent?
I mean I don't plan on wearing white patent leather shoes and a side pony...
I say we rally and get some pretty Easter colours back into the pews, God made colour for goodness sakes!

And why not take it a step further and pair it with an Easter bonnet or bow? 
Okay maybe not a bonnet, but at least a ladies hat with a bow?
I.LOVE.BOWS

Have a colorful day!

xo,
VRB



Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Oh, Maggie!



Oh Lady Grantham, how I will miss our Sunday eves together.
Your charm and wit I adore.
September please come quickly so we can reunite!

How did you like the season two finale?
Haven't seen it yet?
GET.ON.IT.
Free on the PBS Ap under Masterpiece Theatre...
Yes, you're welcome...

Hope everyone had a pleasant President's Day Weekend!

Have a fabulous short week!

xo,
VRB

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Pause: Peas on Our Run

It's such a beautiful day for a run, I am so thankful to have the best companions for a run. Today the Bay Bridge is closed to westbound traffic so it's pretty empty!

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

xo,
VRB
What am I listening to?
Dixie Chicks station on Pandora

Friday, February 17, 2012

Promo Code at Luxe Yard Today Only!

What's this I say?
You heard it!
50% off promo code at the fabulous Luxe Yard!
Hurry, it's today only!

Promo Code: 50today

What's Luxe Yard all about?
Super discounted home goods like these delights:

Cashmere throws for $119 - $159... + your coupon!

Luxury gold, yes GOLD! for only $45 + your coupon code


Awesome set of (3) planters for only $39 + your coupon

Drop dead gorgeous cake plate only $75 + your coupon!


I love this place because they ship WAY faster than One Kings Lane and Gilt... impatient? Maybe!

Also, earn your Luxe Bux! I've earned $20 already!

Hurry! You don't have much time!

www.luxeyard.com

Enjoy!

xo,
VRB, your barganista friend!

Nerd Alert. Nerd Alert.

Regardless of how "cool" you are, there's a little science geek in everyone!
I say find your inner geek and decorate!

Le Bouton D'Or

Glass terrariums

Periodical Table of Elements anyone?



Lovely botanical prints
House Beautiful

Woods Print Fabrics

Vintage Scale

Beautiful Ernst Haeckel print

More botanical prints
House Beautiful

Sage sketch

Glass domes... duh

Crisp clean dino prints
20 x 20: HERE

Some linen fern pillows perhaps?

Copper engraved solar solar system
Found: HERE

Nothing more scienc-y then a terrarium! 

Antique map of the solar system
Sanderus Maps: HERE

Beaker Wall Vase

Here are some excellent sources: