S+S chow: artichoke lasagna

Holy weekend. Thank you lord! As the weather is cooling down, (its going to be in the 50's here this weekend!) we are totally feeling savory dishes. Comfort food if you will, and we will. What better comfort food than lasagna? Ok maybe fried chicken and mashed potatoes, but lasagna is a close second. We have a recipe to share with you all today that is to die. It has a little twist to the traditional dish. Its artichoke lasagna! Just think of your spinach and artichoke dip marrying your lasagna. What a love affair. 

{Midwest Living}

Ingredients:

3  cups  water

1/4  cup  lemon juice

15    fresh baby artichokes

9    dried lasagna noodles

3  Tbsp.  olive oil

1/2  cup  pine nuts

4  cloves  garlic, minced

1  15-oz. carton  ricotta cheese

1  cup  finely shredded Parmesan cheese (4 oz.)

1  cup  snipped fresh basil

1    egg

3/4  tsp.  salt

1  cup  vegetable or chicken broth

1/4  cup  all-purpose flour

2  cups  half-and-half or light cream

1  cup  shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz.)

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the water and lemon juice; set aside. Cut off the base of each artichoke. Snap off outer leaves until you reach leaves that are yellow at the bottom. Cut off the top third of artichokes; quarter artichokes. Immediately place artichokes in water mixture to keep them from browning. Drain artichokes.


2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. Add artichokes, pine nuts, and half of the garlic. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until artichokes are tender, stirring frequently. Transfer to the large bowl. Stir in ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of the basil, the egg, and salt.


3. For sauce: In a small bowl or glass measure, combine broth and flour. In the large saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic; cook and stir until garlic is tender but not brown. Stir in flour mixture and half-and-half. Cook and stir until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup basil.


4. In a small bowl, combine mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.


5. To assemble, spread about 1 cup of the sauce over the bottom of an ungreased 3-quart shallow baking dish. Layer three of the cooked noodles in the dish. Spread with one-third of the artichoke mixture and one-third of the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the mozzarella mixture. Repeat layering noodles, artichoke mixture, sauce, and mozzarella mixture two more times.


6. Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes until edges are bubbly and top is lightly browned. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving. Makes 12 servings.

Seeing Scales.

No, no, no. We know what you are thinking. Not weight scales! Fish scales! During recent shopping adventures, we have spotted a few scaley products that have gotten us a bit obsessed. The texture is absolutely insane. While it somewhat resembles scallops, it is a little more graduated and unique. We. Adore. Let's get fishy. 

1. This tray from Haymarket Designs is practically perfect in every way. Yes, it's Mary Poppins good. 

2. This pendant would be the perfect accessory to a simple outfit. Like we said, the texture brings its A game to any place or space. 

3. Ob.sessed. This celeadon bowl needs to make an appearance in my kitchen stat. 

4. A gorgeous throw pillow such as this linen and citrine is a wonderfully subtle means of incorporating scales into your home. 

5. Pair with leggings and boots and you're good to go. Love the detail in this creamy blouse.

6. Hello color. This purple hued stunner provides another fab way to add a little scales to your life. 

7. Gorgy metallic scaley flats. You might resemble a mermaid, but do you care? Gorgeous. 

8. So unique. We would love to create a tablescape with these gold beauties starring in the show. 

Favorite Room Feature: ROOST

We have been reading Marissa's blog for quite some time now. She always has fresh and unique ideas. We love her style, which if we had to diagnose it we would label as "vintage traditional glam". We love. We know you will too!


Hello! I am Marissa from ROOST, here to share my favorite room with you! I am constantly doing and redoing things in my house. Right now I'm working on my bedroom--and I have a feeling it will be my new favorite because I am obsessed with my pretty pillows and DIY Draper Chests.

But my current favorite room is my office. It's where I keep all of my fabrics and bits and pieces of projects I'm working on, so how could I not love it?

Back in the Spring, I did a complete overhaul of the room for just $100 (it was pretty scary before). I organized my husband's giant book collection, moved in the desk and accessories, painted a $5 Goodwill chair in champagne gold, and hung the new-sew curtains from removable sticky hooks.

Everything on my desk was re-purposed from other places in my house. The Kokeshi doll was a gift from my dad, and I've kept my pens in the same vintage candy tin since I was in middle school! I love having my little personal mementos around me when I'm working.

Thank you to L + L for letting me share my little space with you!

Marissa

S+S Style Steals. What we are loving under $150.

We are totally jonesing for some major style...and as all of you readers know, we are ALWAYS jonesing for a good deal. We present to you: S+S Style Steals. All for under $150, you can bring any of these high style items to your home. We like. We like. 

1. We are loving the use of driftwood in the home. It gives a space such an organic and earthy feel. If you do not want to over do the natural feel, this driftwood Hurricane from Anthro for $78 is a good gateway. It is the gateway driftwood. 
2. For those of you who are more daring with the natural accessories, this driftwood mirror is for you. It can be yours for only $50. Steal. Major. 
3. So obviously it is Fall, and what more obviously screams Fall than plaid? Seriously. We are crushing on plaid home accessories, as well as, plaid clothing. This plaid blanket is the perfect Fall addition to any space. It is not your average boring plaid. No siree!  At $119.99, you cannot go wrong.
4. If you are not into the tartan plaid look in the home, go for this non-traditional plaid throw. It comes in a variety of colors. You could choose one of each at the price of $99.50. Got to love Land's End.
5. Ok. So we need to be honest. Ever since we laid eyes on his Bijou Bright Antler Set, it has been love at first sight. Big style. Big color. We think this would be the perfect addition into any space. Furbish wins over our heart. Again and again. $105.00
6. So who is still into the tribal themes? We so are. For the abode and for the bod. Love these amazing tribal stackable bangles. Super unique and for $10.00 a pop, you can have an armful. 
7. We will always and forever love and be committed to uniquely shaped and colored furniture. Forever. It is a marriage. This piece is seriously one of a kind and the color?! Get out of here. You will not believe the price. No, we did not break the pricing rules here, folks. $150.00. I will leave you to ponder this.
8. We cannot get enough of gold and glitter. Glitter and gold. What better way to display that than these gold glitter teaspoons. I think I might use these as my everyday flatware. I will ignore the stares. They are just jealous. $36.00.
9. Again with gold accessories, we are DYING over these gold brushed nesting bowls. They are hand painted and provide a lot of style. They come in small ($22.00) and large ($28.00). Each one is hand painted, so obviously no bowls will be the same. Love. We are thinking of displaying this on a console or coffee table. Luxe.

monday musings: casing bookcases

Good morning lovelies! How was everyone's weekend? We hope it was fab! We are totally feeling the fall coming on. So...ok...maybe we are imagining it more than it actually is right now. But, so what? We are craving the slight chill in the air. You know the kind that makes you want to curl up in a warm blanket with a good book? You all know what we are talking about. Which leads us to our latest musing: bookcases. Obviously you need a place to put those fabulous novels that we are going to be reading while curled up on the couch. Duh. 

There is nothing more glamorous than a perfectly styled bookcase. Adorned with beautiful books (again, duh) one of a kind knick knacks, art, lighting, mirrors...you name it! We got it. We have compiled a series of extremely different looks, but all have one thing in common: Major style. Major. 

Love the darkness of this space. DRAMA! It makes the reading space sooooo cozy. Not to mention the scientific theme going on here. I spy an oversized and oddly shaped geo, various rock life and a turtle shell?! Oh yes. Talk about one of a kind knick knacks. I have a certain man in my life that would go nuts over this space. Styling at its best here. 

{small shop studio}

Lovely little reading nook here. We die over that overhead lighting. It brings such an official library feel to a cozy home. We also cannot get enough of using art on top of the shelving. It adds amazing layering to a flat piece. We will take that chair as well. Don't mind if we do. 

{lonny}

Holy. Mirror. Larve that convex mirror affixed to the shelving here. Fabulous coordination of color from the reading area to the bookcase. It looks unexpectedly planned. If that is possible? 

Viva Full House

Another dark bookcase situation. We love the exposed beams, blackcents, lighting, knick knacks, art, cow hide ottoman, couch. What don't we love? The pillows. We would switch those out. Other than that, we would adore curling up to this bookcase and reading its contents.

{pinterest}

This eclectic space is amazeballs. Complete blend of textures, colors and styles...and we LOVE IT! The bookcase is thoughtfully styled with fabulous vases and art while the rest of the room almost looks as if it was thrown together. Somehow...it works. I need those flowers in the middle of the coffee table. Need. 

{decorpad}

ROYGBV up in here! Look at this color coordinated bookcase!! We are in love. Such a cute library. With understated accessories in the room, this bookcase is able to stand out with its unique statement that it is making. 

Another example of how coordinating colors on the bookcase can make an enormous impact. This designer who dreamt this up was a genius. The gilded mirror?! Again, major. Only thing we could add to this bookcase is maybe a little Twilight to the black book section. I mean come on. So necessary. 

{Habitually Chic}

O.M.G. We are drooling over this space. The design has such a warm feel to it. Obviously this person is an equestrian of some sort. I am telling you what, we are not, but this room is inspiring us to be. The addition of color from the prized ribbons is just divine. Dipped legs on the desk? Get out of here. Home. Run.

party in a post: a glam affair

Our friend is in the midst of planning a get together for all of our closest friends. She asked for our help and we could not be more thrilled to assist with the theme and execution. She wanted the soiree to be very glam and also include bold colors. Luckily, we are ALWAYS down for glam. Always. Things that instantly came to our mind: turquoise, red, black lacquer, crystals, pattern and elephants. Elephants?! Yes. Elephants.  

The inspiration for this soiree came from this divine bedroom. The colors and bold lines {is that headboard for real?? Incredible!!} are to die for and I knew it was the perfect vision to follow. Not to mention all of the fabulous blackcents we've been feeling lately!

{inspire bohemia}

And here is what we dreamed up for our party's design board.... 

1. A green milk glass cake stand?! Seriously! This would be perfect to hold a sweet treat.

2. These Raja napkins bring so much to the party theme, we couldn't resist!

3. Obsessed with this chandelier. Glam.our. 

4. For the table linens we decided to go with this damask in black and white. A deep aqua runner is a must. 

5. We see the centerpieces consisting of this gorgeous candelabra and some glammy hurricanes. We also love the idea of balls of fluffy red and pink flowers adorning the table. 

6.  Every soiree calls for champagne in our book! 

7. Kate Spade strikes again. Love the detail on these plates. Lovely. 

8. For the bar: these monogrammed linen cocktail napkins are pure perfection.

S+S chow: caramel apple cake

We had our first taste of fall weather here in North Carolina and it was glorious! One of my all time favorite things about fall are caramel apples, nothing beats 'em! This cake brings that fabulous flavor into a moist, rich cake. I made it this past weekend and it is definitely a keeper. YUM-O.

INGREDIENTS:

Apple Cake:
▪   2 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
▪   2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
▪   1 teaspoon baking soda
▪   1/2 teaspoon salt
▪   2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
▪   1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
▪   3 large eggs, lightly beaten
▪   4 cups grated apples, about 4 large
▪   1 cup chopped pecans
▪   2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Caramel Pecan Glaze:
▪   1/4 cup butter
▪   1/2 cup pecan halves
▪   3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
▪   1/4 cup heavy cream
▪   1/4 cup corn syrup

DIRECTIONS:

For the Apple Cake:

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 10-inch fluted tube pan with no-stick cooking spray.

2. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat the brown sugar, oil and eggs in a large bowl. Gradually add the flour mixture. Stir in the apples, pecans and vanilla. Pour into the prepared pan, no more than 3/4 full.

3. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes on a wire rack before removing from the pan. Finish cooling on a wire rack.

For the Caramel Pecan Glaze:

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Toast the pecans in the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Mix in the brown sugar, cream and corn syrup. Bring to a rolling boil. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Cool the glaze until thickened. Drizzle over the cake.

Favorite Room Feature: Parlour

We first discovered Nichole at Parlour when we came across her AH-mazing diy  decoupage table. Nichole is and unbelievably talented designer. We love how thoughtfully stylish she is and we know you will too! Nichole is going to share a clients space that she recently designed with us today. Take it away Nichole!

Hi there.  It's Nichole from Parlour here, and I am so grateful for the invite to come and share my favorite room with you today.  I'm sure like you, my favorite room constantly changes.  Right now, it happens to be a Master bedroom I did for a client in Connecticut.  She is a young professional with a keen sense of style.  She had just bought her first house and wanted help in making it feel like home.   She wanted it to be feminine but, not obnoxiously so.  This was the end product...

Cozy, comfortable, and full of texture.  There was virtually no light in the room to begin with (not even overhead,) so lamps were a must.  The ones we chose were lovely green vintage numbers. 

She wanted a cushy and luxe bed, but without the fuss.  I wanted it to be interesting and full of texture, hence, the Mongolian fur pillows, and super chunky knit throw.  The second pair of throw pillows were to temper the softness, and add a graphic punch.  The mirrors, were also a fabulous vintage find that the client wasn't so sure about til she saw them in the space.  They are really special and give the room a touch of glamour.  

She also wanted a space to apply her makeup and prepare herself for the day.  I found a vintage vanity, painted it high gloss black, and used hot pink to give the interior an element of surprise.  She loved it!  That stool was also a fabulous vintage find.  It was recovered in white faux-croc.  Swanky.  Right?


Hope you enjoyed a quick tour of my favorite room (right now.)  And, big thanks to L & L for the invite!  It was fun to break down such a fun space.  Come on over  and visit sometime for more fun and details!

mirror, mirror

So, gallery walls comprised of mirrors have been an unhealthy obsession of ours for quite sometime. We are in the process of mapping one out for our e-design clients. Whether you decide to go shapely with your mirrors or just to keep the lines clean and simple, we swoon for it all! We are especially loving the use of multiple antiqued mirrors in a space. Shall we? Yes, we shall.


Hello Kelly Wearstler! O. M. G. Seriously. We also cannot get enough of the giant cameo or the milk glass in the space. We will also take those green chairs. 

{kelly wearstler}

We love the usage of the shelves for this gallery wall of mirrors. Such understated mirrors yet such a major statement. Major. This collection of mirrors looks as if it has been compiled over multiple flea market trips and other little finds over the years. A total old world feel. 

Simple squared mirrors with such an elegant touch. The combination of the the varying gilt finishes is a major winner in our book. We are also dying over that antiqued mirror at the top of the group. Dying. 

{decorista}

Gorgeous frameless mirrors. Such a simple assortment. It gives the space a shabby chic touch, which we absolutely adore. 

{style files}

Ummm and last but not least...who can help themselves with an antiqued gallery wall of mirrors on a brick wall?? Not us. Addicts. Leave it to Anthropologie. They are after our hearts. The close grouping of the mirrors gives the illusion of one piece. LOVE. 

{anthropologie}

To get the look for your own gallery wall of mirrors:

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

S+S featured: SavorNC Magazine

We are SOOO excited to announce we are featured in the September/October issue of SavorNC Magazine! SavorNC is a lifestyle magazine that focuses on decor, travel, food and wine. Ummm all of our favorite things. Clearly. 

SavorNC was so gracious to spotlight all of our design services. We are thrilled to be a part of this fabulous magazine. They offer their publication in the state of NC and also by subscription, but you lovely readers can also view it via the web! Head on over and check us out at SavorNC!

Monday Musings: Blackcents

Blackcents-[blak-sents] Origin - Sadie + Stella Design 1. A decorative accessory that is a shade of black. 2. A dramatic piece that transforms a space that is a hue of black. 


Just call us Webster's Dictionary, folks. Today we are lusting over blackcents. You got it. We love the striking feel that these accessories give to a room. Especially the unexpected touches! Lately we have had our eye on black lampshades, black walls and black doors. Black is chic, and black is timeless. It is time to blackcent. 


Allow us to begin with gorgy black lamp shades. There is something about these little touches lately that are just getting to us! No matter the shape or size, it just screams drama and elegance. This room is no exception. 

{pinterest}

LOTS of blackcents here. We are dying over the coupling of the industrial elements with the over the top glam pieces. We need not even mention the chandelier. 

{stylebyemilyhenderson}

Black lampshades with a twist. On a chandelier! Divine. Also blackcented in this picture, the gorg library wall including a sliding black ladder. I attempted to combine black ladder to make bladder, but I thought that would add confusion to the segment. Resist. 

{pinterest}

Holy moly. We need this office. Immediately, if not sooner. This out of hand. The trim, the crown molding, the black walls, the black doors, the blackcents all around. This room deserves a standing ovation. Standing. 

{windsor smith home}

Flossy black walls here, folks. It is Domino Mag...what is not to love? The matching adorned black mirrors and picture frames are to die. 

{domino}

Loving the black walls in this space but also loving that unbelievable chair. Can we say one of a kind? This room is definitely high fashion.

{atlanta homes mag}

On to the black doors. Painting the interior of your door can add so much va va voom to a room. Even with simple accessories and white walls, this addition makes a huge impact on the space. Example seen below. 

{pinterest}

This space could be seen as such a mundane and uninteresting space, until that black door enters. Talk about zhushing up the joint. Gorg!

{dominomag}

And the winner of the Pretty Smitten Giveaway is...

Drumroll please... Kristi!!

k said...

I told my fb friends about the give away!

Kristi, we are insanely jealous and can't wait to hear which case you chose! To everyone else, be sure to visit Elizabeth over at Pretty Smitten and snag some of her fabulous products! Thanks for entering!