Friday, July 29, 2011

S+S chow: strawberry scones with meyer lemon glaze

Weekend brunches are quite possibly the best thing ever. When we stumbled upon this recipe we were sold! I have a carton of strawberries fresh from the farmers market just waiting to be used for these scones. Definitely adding this to the brunch menu this weekend. yum.
Ingredients:
For the scones:
4 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
2/3 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
Zest of 3 meyer lemons
1 cup cold butter
2 large eggs
1/3 cup meyer lemon juice - about 3 lemons
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon meyer lemon juice
1 teaspoon milk

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Zest the lemons and combine with the sugar in a small bowl. Using your fingers, rub the sugar and zest together to combine. This will help release the oils and aroma of the meyer lemons.
Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar (combined with zest), and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, lemon juice, buttermilk, and vanilla together.
Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture until the dough is moist, but do not over mix. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a couple of times until the texture is more uniform and the dry bits have been incorporated.
Roll the dough out into a large circle (or approximate) that is half an inch thick. Sprinkle the chopped strawberries on top, then roll the circle up. Fold the rolled tube into thirds. Then, roll out again into a half inch thick round.
Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out scones that are about 2-3 inches in diameter. Place cut scones on the prepared baking sheets. Continue cutting, re-rolling scraps as needed, until all the dough has been used.
Alternatively, you may divide dough into two equal balls. Pat each ball into an 8 inch circle. Place each ball onto a parchment paper lined or greased cookie sheet. Score each circle with a knife into 6 wedges.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 15-20 (for cut scones) or 30-40 minutes (for the 8 inch circle), or until done and lightly golden. Allow the scones to cool completely.
Meanwhile, stir powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice together. Drizzle over cooled scones.
Scones may be frozen for up to a month (un-glazed) in a ziploc freezer bag.


Happy weekend loves! Don't forget to enter in our e-design giveaway... the winner will be announced one week from today!! 

Thursday, July 28, 2011

E-Design Giveaway!

Good morning S+S readers! We have been super busy with e-design projects and decided it was high time for us to do a little giveaway of our own!! We LOVE working with clients to create beautiful spaces. To find out more about what we do click the services tab above. Here are a few examples of our design boards to wet your appetite.


One lucky winner will receive an e-design service, to include:
  • A preliminary consult to gauge the direction the client is looking to go in the space and also to classify the client's particular style.
  • A design board with complete sourcing of items required for the look. 
  • For you DIY lovers out there, a thorough sweep of your local Craig's List to hunt for great pieces that need a little love to achieve the look for less.
  • Complete assistance with placement to accomplish the finished product. 



To enter:


Follow S+S {if you already do, hooray!}, please comment and let us know that you would like to enter in the giveaway!

For additional entries you can:
  • Like Sadie + Stella on Facebook
  • Follow Sadie + Stella on Twitter
  • Tell your Facebook friends about the giveaway and link to this post
  • Blog about the giveaway and link back to this post 
  • You can also tweet about the giveaway, mentioning @sadieandstella and link to this post in your tweet!


 *Be sure to leave a comment each time you do one of the above! 

This giveaway ends Thursday, August 4th.

This would be a fantastic gift for anyone, or a nice treat for yourself! Good luck ladies and gentlemen!! 

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Favorite Room Feature: 6th Street Design School

We've been a big fan of Kirsten over at 6th Street Design for awhile! We love her home and her bold use of colors. She is here today to share her favorite room, her office. Enjoy!


My favorite room in my house is definitely my office. I just love it. 


I love how colorful and cozy it is. 


It's nice to have a place that is organized (most of the time). I run my Interior Design business from this room and it's important that everything has a place. 












This room is teeny tiny. I mean seriously it's like as big as some people's closets. So I chose small scale pieces like my eames rocker. And the ghost chair is perfect because it doesn't take up any visual space. The parsons style desk is simple and also good for a small space. 

I hope you enjoyed this room as much as I do! 

all photos taken by Jessica Kettle Photography

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

S+S E-Design: A Botanical Mud Room

One of our clients, via e-design, is probably at the top of our list of craftiest people we know. Yes, we have a list if you are asking. She and her husband actually built an addition off of their home to serve as a mudroom. Katie first contacted us about helping her decorate her mudroom, as well as, her living room. We will show you her mudroom first as she is looking to start on this soon. Katie's space consists of tall angular ceilings and LOTS of light. They installed two sets of french doors on opposite sides of the room and this brings in major sunlight. They made our job so easy! Katie wanted to lighten up the space as they have slate floors and also brown leather chairs that are staying in the mud room. Have no fear all, S+S is here! We both have dark leather chairs in our homes and nothing that a little light colored throw and punchy patterned pillows can't fix. On to the board...
Let us begin with the floor furnishings, or as we like to call it, floor art. For some reason when we first saw this room, we immediately were drawn to a shade of coral and lots of florals. Maybe it is because Katie has great taste and told us that she loved some art that we had posted before hand and we just went with it. Who can know. That Katie is a genius though. Anyway, we loved the idea of incorporating multiple patterns on the floor and to achieve that look, we went with a large coral striped rug layered with a punchy floral rug. Absolute bliss, we think. Also for the floor, they have some stairs that go up into the rest of the house that needed a little love. We decided on a coral color to paint the stairs and then to adorn them with a neutral khaki runner.

On to the furniture. As you all know, we are staying with the brown leather chairs, but to offset the masculinity of those, we went with a glammy mirrored side table. Also on the list, a fabulous shade of green cabinet to store all their necessities. We love the pairing of the coral and the green together. Currently, they have a little empty space by the door that is just dying to be used. We decided since our clients are super craftsmen, that they should build a fabulous cubby with a bench for that space. Of course it will be equipped with green glammy hooks and a patterned bench cover.

Accessories galore. We were thinking organic texture when we were thinking accessories. We could not do without a hand woven basket from Senegal. We love the color and impact it brings to carrying such mundane items such as magazines or newspapers. The pillows were picked to bring a feminine touch to the chairs. We love the fun fabrics and patterns. As Katie had mentioned she loved some floral prints we have posted in the past, we HAD to include some botanical prints in the space. We love the idea of matting them with a light green shade and then framing them with our go to mirrored frames. We wanted a tall lamp in the space to bring some height into the seating area. We think we have accomplished this with the green lamp adorned with an earthy linen shade. For the fabulous french doors, none other than roman shades. Since we have a lot of pattern going on in the room we loved the idea of using a neutral color shade and creating a border of coral fabric on the edges. We think it adds just the perfect amount of zhush to the doors without stealing any of their thunder.

It was so much fun working with you Katie! We cannot wait to see the room come together. On to the living room!

Monday, July 25, 2011

monday musings: cabin fever

I, (Stella and Billie's mom), am headed to Idaho for the week to stay in our family cabin. I am looking forward to the serenity and peace that the outdoors bring. So clearly, I have cabin chic on the brain. Cabin's don't have to be kitschy and these images prove that very point. I love the natural and organic feel that cabins bring. Lots of knotty wooden textures coupled with soft light fabrics. 

This. Room. Is. Incredible. Hello cathedral ceilings. Hello bookcase. Hello chandelier. Lots of greetings going on in this image. This room is absolutely stunning and if I had the pleasure of vacationing to this cabin, I am afraid I might make it a permanent vacation. Gorg.
We love the unexpected chrome tub in this rustic space. It is just the perfect amount of modern pizazz to glam this bathroom up. The simplicity of the room is so luxe and relaxing.
How fun are these multi colored paper lanterns in this rustic cabin??! We love the shabby chic feel to the bedding and how it is offset with a bright color palette. That is one lucky girl who lays her head here at night.
Umm so all you S+S readers know we love us some antlers. Especially on a paneled white wall. The stark white walls make this room so bright and airy you can barely tell it is a cabin! Fabulous modern furnishings in a rustic space totally livens up the room.
Again with the white walls. Love the modern feel it brings. This is a true log cabin. Kudos to the designer of this room and all of the competing elements they brought in to make a unified space. Who doesn't love that moose head?! So thoughtfully placed.
Gorgeous office with industrial AND rustic furnishings. This room is a perfect example of two styles being married into one living space. The lighting and furniture are ultra industrial and the amazing reclaimed wood table is obviously very rustic. LOVE.
This room screams cabin! Completely adorned in wood and balanced with crisp white chairs. We are totally loving the tufted ottoman. Great addition to a woodsy space.
That. Chandelier. OMG. Serious? Antlers in a chandelier?! Our dream come true. I wonder how long it will take them to run out of firewood??! A long time, my friends. 

Friday, July 22, 2011

S+S chow: seared ahi tuna with arugula salad

On a day like today where the heat index is through the roof and you can barely breathe outside because the humidity feels like you are living in a Bikram Yoga class, we can only stomach the thought of light fare. Something green and something good. This seared ahi tuna salad is absolutely to die for and will not put you over the top with heaviness. Mission. Accomplished. Enjoy and enjoy your weekend loves!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds tuna steaks
sea salt & fresh ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive or sesame oil
1 1-inch hunk of ginger
4 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon wasabi or 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup mayonnaise
4-5 cups baby arugula
1 cup edamame
3-4 clementines, peeled and sectioned
3-4 cups sticky rice

Directions:
Sprinkle both sides of the tuna with coarse sea salt and pepper. Heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat, drizzle the pan with a bit of olive or sesame oil. Place the tuna steaks on the hot griddle and brown them for 1-2 minutes per side to give the meat a nice cooked edge. Remove the pan from heat and allow it to sit for a few minutes before slicing with a very sharp knife.
In a blender or food processor, combine the ginger, garlic, wasabi or mustard, honey, soy sauce, and mayonnaise until very pureed. Drizzle over everything.
Toss together the arugula, edamame, and clementines. Serve with sticky rice and sliced seared tuna.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Crushing color palette: lavender and yellow

Ever since we laid eyes on this picture we have been OBSESSED with the color combo of lavender and yellow. OBSESSED. Whether it be featured in interior design or fashion, we cannot seem to shake it. Something about the creamy pastel shade paired with a loud bright is so appealing. Literally, the day after I saw this room, I put together my outfit for the next day to include a yellow cardigan and a lavender shell. I had to finish it off with some leopard flats...and let me tell ya, I got a lot of compliments that day. It is just an unexpected pairing of hues and it works! 
So we decided to feature some images for you all to get a taste of what we are talking about. 


And this beauty from the 2011 Oscars...how could anyone say no to this color combo?!?! Get out of here! 

We have compiled a grouping of items for your viewing pleasure that would easily achieve the feel of this fabulous color combo, whether it be home decor or fashion. If you REALLY wanted to get all yellow and lavender on us, you could wear the fashion in the room! Yeah. That is right. That just happened. 
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Favorite Room Feature: Kiki's List

Hellooooo S + S readers!  I was so honored when the ladies asked me to do a Favorite Room Feature.  Our entire house is in a constant state of progress, and the kitchen is the ONE room that is almost complete.  It was a labor of love and I couldn't be happier with the results.  We spend most of our time in the kitchen.  Updating the most popular room truly turned our house into our home.  I absolutely love to cook and makes me to happy to be in my new kitchen.  It is such a representation of our style.  I hope that you like what you see and are inspired to make your space your own.


Here is the kitchen today.  You can see some before shots here.


We added two bookshelf extensions onto the cabinets.  Since we painted the cabinetry, it was easy to blend.  I now have so much more storage.


Not to mention counter space.  And surprisingly enough, our kitchen actually feels bigger now.


I debated on some of the more expensive details like the planks on the ceiling and apron sink, but I said yes to both, and I am so glad that I did. 


They give our builder's home such a custom feel!


We went with a honed Carrara marble for the counters.  There are certainly some marks that upset me at first, but now that it's been almost two years, they have formed a patina that I love.


We raised one set of cabinets and installed a cafe shelf underneath.  


It makes my cooking staples easily accessible.


We also chose a white subway tile.  Simple, classic, timeless.


The only appliance that we have replaced (so far) is our cooktop.  We went with a Thermador 5-Star Burner.  It heats up so much faster than our old range.


 We try to eat at the table as a family almost every night of the week.  I lost the battle with my husband to move the TV on the yellow wall.  


My girls love to do art, so our farmhouse table has been destroyed by my two little Picassos, but I wouldn't have it any other way.



I place pops of green throughout the house.  It brings so much life to any space.


This is the view from our table.  Our family room wall is covered in 40 sheets of this hand-painted wallpaper.  We are in the process of replacing our fireplace surround and getting rid of those hideous doors.


I chose to hang two chandeliers above our table.... Go big or stay home!



Here is the view from our family room.  Most people think that black will darken a space, but as you can see there is no lack of light in my kitchen.




The cabinet hardware is from Restoration Hardware.  I just love how it shines.


The knobs are perfect to hang some of that artwork!


As is our sorry old fridge.


All of our friends' kids call me the "Candy Lady" because I keep jars full of candy on the counter.  I may need a Swedish Fish intervention.


After two years, I FINALLY got my Imperial Trellis roman shades hung.  I feel like they really pull everything together.  I hung this wreath for Lou's Birthday Party, but loved it so much, I kept it up!


I love candles and if I am home, you will smell one burning.  This is my favorite candle for Summer. 

..And there you have it..  I hope you've enjoyed our kitchen.  Stop over at Kiki's List anytime to see what else is going on around here.
Thanks again Lindsay and Lindsay. I had a great time pulling this together!