Monday Musings: If you like pina coladas...

So it is a balmy 29 degrees here in NC, and all we can think about is a tropical escape. Our first instinct would be to drop everything and hop aboard a plane going anywhere toward the equator, no matter the price or prior obligations. Ahem, Lindsay? But since we are responsible adults, we will satisfy the urge with tropical inspired home decor and fashion. Why is that I have 'if you like pina coladas and gettin caught in the rain,' playing on a loop through my head? I think they call that delusional. I have escaped to a more tropical place.

Whether it be plates, trays, pillows, bowls, clothing oh my! We are loving it all, especially in these bright prints.

{uzbek}

{design public}

{anthropologie}

{asos}

Calling all Gingers: Red Furniture and Accents

So...Elle Decor gets it. Clearly. Red is totally in. We get it.

{Elle Decor}

To continue on with the red theme, here are some accents, as well as, furniture to satiate your cravings for scarlet hues...

{west elm}

A few months ago, my boyfriend and I spent a good 10 months trying to find the perfect red piece of furniture to compliment our living room. We finally happened upon this amazing piece by Stanley below. Pictures to come of our complete living room.

{Stanley Furniture}

A cheaper alternative from Pier 1

{Pier 1}

{Urban Outfitters}

{Furbish Studio}

Happy Wednesday...or my Thursday this week.

How to: Gift Baskets

Gift baskets have long been a tradition of mine to give to family members for the holidays. There is nothing more exciting than homemade goodies with a decorative and personalized touch. This Christmas, I gave custom made melamine plates, monogrammed paperweights and other homemade eats to all of my loved ones. Here are the pictures and descriptions of each gift basket.

Melamine Plate: {La Plates}

Paperweight: {Two's Company}

Tea Towels: {World Market)

Ornament: {World Market}

Votive Holder: {Marshalls}

Basket: {Marshalls}

Homemade Peppermint Bark, Sweet and Saltines Bark, Hand-dipped pretzels, no bake cracker mix. Let me know if you would like the recipes to any of the treats!

Happy New Year all!

Monday Musings: Decoupage

Happy New Year!! Sorry we have been MIA as of late. Between the holidays and miles and miles of traveling, we found it difficult to stay in touch.

We are totally loving decoupage. In all shapes and sizes...

Trays

{west elm}

{Paris Hotel Boutique}

Paperweight

{marye-kelley}

Plates

{marye-kelley}

{john derian}

A how to over at Parlour, for a one of a kind decoupage table.

{Parlour}

Happy Monday. Its good to be back!

idea board: an office occasion

As mentioned before, we are currently designing an office for a client. The space needs to be organized and purposeful as the owner meets with her own clients in the office. That being said, we want to mix it up a little with some fun and funky pieces. We've decided on a color palette consisting of grey, rust and hints of plum.

We will be sure to post pictures of the space once completed! Stay tuned...
*Again, If anyone is in the process of decorating a room or thinking about doing so, S+S is available for e-decorating projects. Email us at sadieandstella@gmail.com if you are interested! 

S+S chow: holiday cocktails

The holidays are a wonderful time to eat, drink and be merry! Here are a few delicious beverages to enjoy over the holidays.

Oatmeal Cookie Cocktail {this drink is so creamy and divine it's like drinking a dessert!}
Equal parts:
Baileys
Butter Shots
Cinnamon Schnapps
Half and Half

Shake with ice and pour into glasses. Top with cinnamon. This drink will not disappoint.

Egg Nog {traditional goodness}
4 egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
1 pint whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 ounces bourbon
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
4 egg whites

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and nutmeg and stir to combine.

Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.

Cook's Note: For cooked eggnog, follow procedure below.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, over high heat, combine the milk, heavy cream and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and gradually temper the hot mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Then return everything to the pot and cook until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from the heat, stir in the bourbon, pour into a medium mixing bowl, and set in the refrigerator to chill.

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. With the mixer running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Whisk the egg whites into the chilled mixture.

{via alton brown}

monday musings: upholstered headboards

We love the look of a beautifully upholstered headboard. It can add the perfect amount elegance and drama to a room. We are yearning to make one of our own here at S+S! Below are a few of our inspirations...

so simple and beautiful.

{ decorpad }

love, love love the look of the bold-print fabric against the neutral palette!

{ lonny mag }

The velvet and tufts are so luxurious! 

{decorpad }

A lovely way to add some drama to your room..

{ That Lovely Shop }

Here are a few of our favorite tutorials:

freckles chick

That Lovely Shop

Be Jane

If you are not in the mood to make one yourself, here are some gorgeous options:

{target }

 { crate and barrel }

{ Williams Sonoma home }

{ Z gallerie }

S+S chow: creamy tomato basil soup and mozzarella grilled cheese

So here in NC, and what seems like the rest of the country, its freezing and all we can think about is a hearty soup and a good old fashioned grilled cheese sandwich. There is an amazing restaurant called La Madeleine that has a national presence, but is mostly seen in Texas. They have easily the best tomato basil soup that we have ever laid eyes on. Today we are giving you their recipe, and you will not be disappointed.

La Madeleine's Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
4 cups tomatoes, peeled, cored and chopped, or canned whole tomatoes, crushed
4 cups tomato juice OR part tomato juice and part vegetable or chicken stock
14 washed fresh basil leaves
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 pound sweet, unsalted butter
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Directions:

Combine tomatoes, juice/and or stock in saucepan. Simmer 30 minutes. Puree, along with the basil leaves, in small batches, in blender, food processor (or better yet, one of those handy hand-held food blenders, right in the cooking pan). Return to saucepan and add cream and butter, while stirring, over low heat. Garnish with basil leaves and serve with your favorite bread.

Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich

8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced

10 to 12 basil leaves, torn

4 slices bread, fresh artisan or a whole grain loaf

Pinch salt

Pinch cracked black pepper

2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon Parsley

1 teaspoon Garlic Salt

Directions:
Preheat a grill over medium-high heat.
Assemble the sandwiches by arranging some sliced mozzarella and basil, sprinkled with salt and pepper, between 2 slices of bread. Repeat for the remaining 2 slices of bread. Brush both sides of the sandwiches with olive oil, parsley and garlic Salt mixture. Put on hot grill and cook until the sandwich is evenly melted, about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to serving plates and serve hot.

Mirra, Mirra on the wall...

who is the fairest of them all? Today we are on the hunt for a client. We are looking for a large mirror to fill a large cathedral wall. The wall is set on a staircase, for a dramatic entrance to their home. We think an impressive, decorative mirror will fill the space well and also add dimension. We are loving the industrial chic look, especially the arched panes. Here are some options.

{Restoration Hardware}

{Restoration Hardware}

{Ballard Designs}

{Ballard Designs}

{CSN}

{Z Gallerie}

And last, but not least. The Honeycomb mirror that I am dying to use from Pier 1. It doesnt exactly fit the theme, and may not be large enough for the space...but I need someone to buy this. Maybe an entire wall covered in them? Overkill much?

{Pier 1}

If anyone is in the process of decorating a room or thinking about doing so, s+s is available for e-decorating projects. Let us know if you are interested.

Happy 9 days of shopping until Christmas readers!

We're Talking...Holiday Tablescapes

So, lately we have been gushing over glam tablescapes for the upcoming holidays. When planning your table setting, be sure no matter what theme you decide on, stick with it. There is nothing more dramatic than a color themed table. Here are some looks that are inspiring us...

{belle vivir}

{Chron}

{decorpad}

{hostess with the mostess}

{lonny mag}

{martha stewart}

{rue magazine}

{that home site}