Weekend Notes

A little bit of blog readin'.

Lots of playtime with this cutie!

Enjoyin' this and that.

Discovering a new Instagram genious!

And finally catching some ZZZ's.

Images via Caitlin Wilson, Mimi + Meg, and Pinterest

R + R

Excuse me while I do a little bit of this...

I am in desperate need of some rest and relaxation!

* All images via Pinterest

Idea Board Challenge

A while ago, I was asked to create a bedroom idea board for a 20-something young lady.  Sounded easy enough, but there was a challenge: she had a cobalt blue tile floor!  Given that the flooring was not something you would easily overlook, I chose a wall color on the same side of the color wheel as blue so that the floors would appear more intentional.  I also employed lots of black and gold to complement the cobalt and give the room a touch of glam.  However, I wanted the bed to still be dreamy and feminine, so I found a wonderfully ornate headboard with a pastel pink floral fabric to pair with crisp white bedding.   Here is the final look:

The Paule Marrot fabric on the headboard (shown below) has been discontinued unfortunately, so I am in the process of picking another textile that will work just as perfectly.  

via

DIY Celebration Drink Stirs

In celebration of the highly anticipated release of Domino Quick Fixes, I thought we could have a little party with these:

 Instructions:

1. Cut pieces of coordinating paper of varying widths into thin strips.
2. Wrap each strip around a pencil to make them curl. 
3. Grab a handful of kitchen skewers and glue the curly Qs to the ends, one at a time.
4. Enjoy! 

* Instructions and photography via

Just A Reminder

If you're not already, follow me on Pinterest.

AND

Don't forget to purchase one of these.

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Jungle Fever

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Behind the Lens: Kathy Fornal

Having visited and photographed France myself, I can confidently say that Kathy Fornal has a knack for capturing all things beautiful.  Her Etsy shop is like heaven on earth, featuring ethereal moments in Paris and other travel destinations.  One look through the lens of her camera, and you will be daydreaming!

Don't you feel like you are in a fairy tale?  I certainly do!  And, I think her photographs would work perfectly in a space like this:

Or this...

And these...

 Visit Kathy's Etsy shop for more of her dreamy little world on film!

* interior images via Travel for Design, Last London Lady, The Lennoxx, and Fete

In the Kitchen with Jacob: Island Tenderloin

For those of you who need a little vacation but cannot seem to escape, here's a way to channel that tropical vibe you so crave without the worry of work, unruly children, or insufficient funds:

Take a stay-cation by relaxing at home and enjoying this delicious dish!

Island Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients:

FOR PORK
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pork tenderloins (a little over 1 pound)
1 tablespoons olive oil

FOR GLAZE
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon hot sauce (Tabasco)

Directions:

FOR THE PORK
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (I had my oven at 375 because of the potatoes. Just watched the internal temperature closely)

Stir together salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder and cinnamon and coat pork with spice rub.

Heat oil in an ovenproof 12-inch heavy skillet over medium high heat until just beginning to smoke. Brown pork on all sides, about 4 minutes total. Remove from heat.

FOR THE GLAZE AND TO ROAST THE PORK

While the pork is browning, stir together brown sugar, garlic and hot sauce. Once you remove pork from heat, spread glaze onto top of each tenderloin. Roast in oven until thermometer inserted in center of  tenderloin registers 140 degrees, about 20 minutes. Tent with foil and let pork stand in skillet at room temperature 10 minutes. (Temperature will rise to about 150-155 while standing.) Slice and serve.

Yield: 2 servings

* image and recipe courtesy of Bakin and Eggs, as adapted from The Gourmet Cookbook

BIG on BOWS

I've been enjoying a lazy Saturday, watching movies, playing on Pinterest, and admiring all the pretty ways to use a bow...

Of course, this one is my favorite...

Yep, that's my little nugget :)  Hope you are having a lovely weekend, as well!

* all images courtesy of Pinterest