Magic Carpet Ride

I've been seeing exquisitely detailed, embroidered textiles everywhere lately...  Maybe not everywhere, but Home Goods and Pottery Barn. So it might as well be everywhere. And maybe it just seems that my eyes are fixed on all of the beautiful, ethnic, jewel-toned fabrics everywhere  because the eclectic-boho side of me wants to add a colorful area rug a la suzani-style to our new living room...

Suzani, meaning "needlework," are traditional textiles from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other areas of Central Asia, embroidered with birds, sun and moon patterns, flowers and vines. The patterns and colors tend to be pretty bold, so whatever piece of furniture is covered in the fabric is often the focal point of the room where it's used. 

                                          

Isn't this a beautiful setting for a garden party with global flair?

The ethnic fabrics work well with a neutral palette and can really brighten up a room by adding pops of color. 

                                                 

Used as a wall-hanging, the suzani is a bit reminiscent of college-dorm tapestries but far more exotic...

There are so many visually stimulating patterns and objects in this bedroom. It's amazing that the suzani, chandelier, ikat pillows, gilded picture frame and metallic lamps work together to create an eclectic boho haven.

How about this sitting area? Perfection. A jewel-tone Suzani patterned fabric chair with nail heads (love) and Moroccan style lantern. 

While I'm on the off-beat, one-of-a-kind kick, I'll share this latest addition to my wish list... a walnut headboard.

So glad Monday is down! Happy Tuesday!

Livin' La Bella Vita

Is it too early to be counting down the minutes until the weekend?

Whisk n Wine

Earlier this week, the Sailor and I went to a cooking class and wine pairing at barVino, the trendy little restaurant we first visited back in May. I'm always envious of people who make their passion their profession, and Anna and Megan, the talent behind Whisk n Wine, are two of those people! Anna is a proprietor of the restaurant and teaches about the "wine," while Megan, a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute, wields the "whisk."

Wordless Wednesday: Channeling Daisy B

Summer Lovin': Refinery 29

Latest shopping obsession (actually just browsing obsession so far): Refinery 29. Have you heard of it? I headed over there upon the recommendation of Sarah, the uber-talented blogger behind Note to Self (Check that out too. Some day, my blog will look as pretty as Sarah's!)

Find uplifting quotes like this on Note to Self 

Top Ten on My Summer "To-Do" List

Wish I could give credit where credit is due, but I can't remember where I saw this idea for creating a Pre-Labor Day To Do List. It's more likely that you're going to accomplish a goal if you put it out there in the universe, so here are ten things I want to do before Labor Day in no particular order....

It's 5 o'clock somewhere

Tipple Trolley

There's the fancy bar cart from Society Social-- or rather one of the fancy bar carts-- that I've been coveting for our dining room.

And, you may spy the super-handy citrus squeezer there too.

The Sailor has been using the citrus squeezer ( "contraption") to make some mean margaritas this summer. He's ditched the Jose Cuervo mix in favor of this simple (all natural?) recipe:

Fill a tall glass with ice.

Fill 1/3 full with tequila.

Add 1 tablespoon of agave.

Add the juice of one whole lime.

Oh, and here are the other bar carts I'm in love with... The Madison Mixer, shown here in gold/white. It comes in eleven different colors, including purple, orange, and turquoise, if white is too blah for you. 

Madison Mixer

I think that my favorite is the Sedgewick with bamboo designs on the sides.

And the multi-purpose bar cart, The Double. Doesn't it make a great accent table?

 

The Double

It's the weekend. What are you serving up on your bar cart?