S+S chow: bruschetta

Oh, bruschetta, how I love thee. With your toasted bread, garlic and tomatoes, how can one go wrong? Perfectly divine. Bruschetta has been a long time favorite of mine. There is nothing simpler to make and I love that it can be served as an appetizer, snack or even a meal.  I've rounded up two of the best bruschetta recipes I have found, for your viewing {and tasting!} pleasure. I will be whipping up some myself, tonight! 

A traditional bruschetta recipe that will make your mouth water! 

{The Pioneer Woman}

Annnnnnnddd for a twist on the traditional, guacamole bruschetta. Holy. Smokes. Is it lunchtime yet???

{Just a Taste}

We hope you all have a weekend filled with everything you love!! Love, L+L

S+S design: a bold basement

When we first spoke with our client about her large basement, we knew immediately what direction we wanted to take. A room filled with bold color and patterns! A family of five needs the perfect place to relax and play! We really made an effort to create a space that is warm, inviting and fun for all. We hope you all agree!

Our favorite piece in the room is the large black armoire with turquoise accented shelving. We have been eyeing that beauty for awhile now and couldn't wait to use it in a space! The room really began there. When we found the striped rug, we knew it was a winner! With all of the color going on in the accessories, we chose to ground the room with simple and timeless furniture pieces. As far as art work goes in this space, we found some gorgeous patterned wallpaper to frame. It is an easy way to add color and pattern and we think it will be super fun. This project was so much fun to design and we are so excited to see it come to life! Happy Thursday loves! Love, L+L

For any of you interested in our design services and are looking to get additional information, email us at sadieandstella@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!

Favorite Room Feature: Things That Sparkle

Happy middle of the week day, dear ones. Today we have a very special guest feature, Alex from Things That Sparkle. Now obviously every favorite room feature that is shared, is designed by the guest poster. What makes this one so special you ask? The room featured today is a clothing boutique that was designed and installed by Alex. Just you wait. It's amazeballs! Lots of sleek and modern elements while having an overall warm and inviting vibe. Gorg!

Hi all, I am Alex from Things That Sparkle and I am so excited to be here today to be sharing one of my favorite rooms. 

One of my close friends from childhood recently opened an incredible women's clothing store in Chicago. As she began to figure out the details of the store, she asked me to be a part of the decorating process. She has incredible taste on her own, so it was such an honor to work with her and her talented sister on this special project.

She wanted an eclectic and glamorous space, with lots of color and texture. I am absolutely in love with the end product. It reflects her taste but is also a space that people like to shop in.

The Edit

Chicago, IL

we have a winner...

We promised and we shall deliver. Someone's Valentine's day is about to get that much sweeter with a fabulous Devon Baer wrap top. And the winner is....


The lovely writer of Let the Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore. She said:

Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams AshoreFeb 7, 2012 11:52 AM

I am a new follower...love Devon Baer! xx

Congratulations darling! We are so, so jealous. Thank you to everyone who entered in the giveaway!

diy love

Happy Valentine's Day our little Valentine's! We hope Cupid came bearing gifts on this holiday for you. Well one of you, for certain, will be getting a gift from Cupid (Devon Baer) this morning. We will get to that later. We have been hanging out over at Pinterest lately, what a complete shocker, and have found some serious DIY's that have sent our hearts completely aflutter. These are in no particular order or organization. We just love. After all, it is Valentine's Day. 

Nailhead Ceiling

{simple details blog}

Reclaimed Mirror

{the marion housebook}
Painted Rug

{charm home}
Twinsie Bubble Chandeliers

{me oh my mama}
Drum Shade Chandeliers

{5 is the magic number}
DIY Painted Closet

DIY Pillows/Painting

{gorgeous shiny things}
DIY Lacquer Boxes

{centsational girl}
Ikea Hack

{design manifest}

Do you have a DIY that you are dying to share with us? If so, send it our way. We love unique, one of a kind projects. That is all we asked for on this Valentine's Day. 

Our little valentines. Please return shortly, as we will be choosing a winner for the Devon Baer giveaway. Stay. Tuned. Love, L+L

monday musings: animal prints + florals

O.M.G. Can someone puh-lease pinch me? How can it already be Monday? I just had a whirlwind trip back and forth to Chicago within less than 48 hours. Can we say exhausted? Yes we can! However, let's get excited about some mixing and matching of some serious contrasts of patterns: animal prints and florals. Let's just stop for a second and put some seriously incorrect misnomers to bed. Misnomer (aka dirty rumor) #1: Animal prints and florals do not go together. Answer: False. Misnomer 2: Ok, so I am too tired and uncreative to come up with Misnomer #2, but give me a few hours and a few cups of coffee to think on it. Anyhoo. We have chatted about majorly mixing patterns before, but this definitely takes it up a notch on the bravery scale. Mixing animal prints and floral patterns will give you that curated look you are so desperately searching for in your space. Just you wait and see...

Darlings. How fabulous is this room? Truly. Loving the layered animal print and geometric love. Very collected and fab. Are we seeing the florals mixed in about here? From the pillows to the couch cushions...it is bringing a very feminine touch to the space. Does this room not resemble some sort of museum to you? We love. 

{desire to inspire}

A more modern take on the jungle meets floral craze. We adore the floral window treatments paired with the zebra upholstered fretwork seating happening here. See folks, you can even stay in the same color family. It twerks. Twerking it. 

{lonny mag}

Larvely. Truly. We have drooled over this image for a long, long time. I know. We are so elegant. Zebra walls and ceilings coupled with floral linens. Should we even mention the headboard?! Maybe a little too much sensory overload on Monday a.m. To. die. 

{lonny}

So many patterns happening in this little office. Layering of contrasting rugs, floral wallpaper, ikat seating and more. We sound like we are selling a car on all of its features. This room also has power windows and power seating. There is Misnomer #2. Back to the subject at hand. Love the space. 

{chinoiserie chic}

This space is so lovely we can hardly stand it. Although two patterns are used in the space essentially, they are carried well throughout. The zebra, tufted, skirted ottoman is the most. Ever. So dreamy. 

{quadrille fabrics}

What a charming breakfast nook we have here. Such beautiful elements used all in one little area. The zebra print chairs and pillows add just the perfect amount of edge to an otherwise overly girlie dining space. See?!?!?! Contrast works. 

{pretty stuff}

This room has had us up on our heads since it first hit Lonny Magazine. Over the top walls and ceiling. OVER THE TOP. We die for it. This little girl is beyond lucky. Beyond. Loving that zebra rug centering the room. Who is with us? Black accents used here are the perfect contrasting element to the space. 

{lonny}

Ok so enough of zebra prints, I guess. On to other animals in the animal kingdom. Our girl crush, Jamie Meares, showing off her animal print and floral skills in her guest room of her home. The dalmatian print is the perfect way to dip your toe into the animal print pool, if you will. And we will. 

{isuwanee}

Leopard print carpet, of course. What a lovely bedroom seen below. All of the elements that we have been speaking of today, darlings. Major floral walls paired with an over the top leopard floor. Its amazing how such opposing elements work in a cohesive manner. Beautimous. 

{pinterest}

And an example in everyday style. I have been obsessed with this image for like a week now. I don't know where that dress is from, but I do know I need to get it. Goal for this week. Aspirations, people. Aspirations. 

{pinterest}

Do not forget to enter into the Devon Baer giveaway! It ends tonight. You will be forever kicking yourself if you miss out on a chance to win a fabulous piece from her collection. Trust. Have a fabulous day lovers. Love, L+L

We heart... and a giveaway reminder!

Head on over to A Newfound Treasure to see what we are currently hearting! While you are there, say hello to Anna for us! She's such a doll! 

Also, don't forget to enter the Devon Baer giveaway, it ends tomorrow, February 13th at midnight!! We will announce the winner on Valentine's day. One lucky lady will win this gorgy Addison Wrap Blouse! Go, enter now, right HERE

S+S chow: a valentine's affair

It's Friday, Friday!! And it is the weekend before Valentine's! What do you all have planned? The hubs and I prefer a low key Valentine's day. There is nothing better than making a meal together! Last year our menu consisted of a chopped salad, filet mignon with herb and cheese potatoes and Ghirardelli chocolate lava cakes for dessert.  Here are a few of our options for this year. 

Crab and Prawn Lasagna

Pan-seared Scallops with White Wine and Lemon

 Or... Pepper-Crusted Filet Mignon

And to top the meal off, White Cake with Champagne Sabayon!

Which would you choose? I am leaning towards the scallops, but all three look divine! Enjoy your Valentine's weekend, darlings! Love, L+L 

DIY: hydrangea wreath

Well, well, well. We meet again, lovelies. Let's talk wreaths this morning. We do love a good wreath around here. After all, they are like jewelry for your door. Who doesn't adore a beautiful statement piece? Once the gold, glammy pinecone wreath came down, I knew another stunner was in order. Enter Pinterest inspiration. Totally swoon worthy. It was love at first sight. 

Seriously, how gorgeous is that wreath? And that door? I die. Makes me want to paint my door black right this instant! Anyhow, after falling head over heels, I was determined to recreate a similar look for my own front door! 

Here is how you can make one for yourself! Be forewarned, it's difficult y'all. There are 3 whole steps! Think you can manage? 

Supplies:

Styrofoam wreath form (18 in.)

15 Large silk hydrangeas (removed from the stem)

Grosgrain ribbon

Glue gun

Step 1:

After removing the hydrangeas from the stems, begin hot gluing them around the wreath form. I used 10 hydrangeas in all for the front side of the wreath. 

 Step 2:

After the front side of the wreath was complete I noticed the sides were a bit bare. I found the best way to solve this issue was to cut the remaining 5 hydrangeas in half and glue. Viola! Problem solved. 

 Step 3:

Attach the grosgrain ribbon to the back of your wreath, hang on your door and enjoy! It doesn't get much easier than that, folks!  

So, what do you think of the new door bling? We sure hope you all take a swing at it and send pictures our way! We love seeing what you all are up to! Have a fabulous day dears! Love, L+L

Favorite Room Feature: My Little Happy Place

Halfway there. Halfway there loves. To get us started to the finish of line of this week, we have Alison from My Little Happy Place sharing her favorite room with us this week. Ooooohhhhh (sounds of wonder and amazement). Alison adores color and pattern which makes us adore her. Her house is an absolute designers masterpiece and dream. We cannot wait for her to showcase her favorite space, her living room. Alison, you are up!


Thank you to the Lindsay's for having me!  For any of you whom I haven't met, I am Alison from My Little Happy Place and I am a Native Texan living in Brazil with my husband and two daughters.  Living outside the US creates many challenges AND opportunities for design, since I can't run to my nearest antique or resale shop, much less a HomeGoods or Target!


Needless to say, it has given me a great appreciation for the idea of making the most of what you have, but being fearless in creating what you want! I chose our more formal living room as my favorite space.  I recently switched out the khaki slipcovers to white on our ikea sofas, and "hacked" an old media cabinet with high-gloss paint and new hardware.  A blogger friend sent me a sample of Hague Blue so I could have it matched.  See, where there's a will (and a willing compadre!) there's a way!


I love the way the sunlight streams into this room in the morning, and that it reflects our colorful and casual life down here in Brazil!

Miles Redd: Get the Look

Are we in the Valentine's spirit or what? Yes, yes we are. And so is Miles Redd. Doesn't this room just scream Valentine's Day? Maybe it was unintended but I sure do see a lot of romance and a red and pink color combination happening here. We die over anything tufted, especially a redd, (yes Miles Redd) velvet, tufted sofa. Ahhhh!! It's like getting that Valentine from the boy you are crushing hard on in the 3rd grade. Ok maybe not that cool, but it's damn close. 

 And again! This room is similar to the extreme. Love the mixed gallery wall art and of course the va-va-voom zebra nailhead doors. Duh. 

Miles Redd

We have combined the fabulous elements from each Miles Redd room and have created a way you get can this romantic, stylized look in your home. Do it. Play Cupid. 

Sofa/Tables/Paint/Sconce Lighting/Mirror/Silhouette/Dragon Pillow/Blotched Art/Ikat Pillows/Dorothy Draper Chest/Ballet Sketch/Rug/Abstract Art/Silhouette Art/Peacock Art

S+S Giveaway: Devon Baer Designs

So we meet again, dolls! Honestly we cannot think of anything better than seeing you all multiple times in one day! How lucky we feel. We are about to return the favor. Well Devon Baer Designs is going to return the favor. Who loves color, pattern, embellishment and duponi silk? Oh we do and so does Devon Baer. We DIE over her stuff. Die. It is beyond major. She has decided to give away a fabulous top to one of you lucky ducks. Allow us to first get acquainted with her work, shall we? Yes. Yes we shall.

Daphne Tunic Top

Sunshine Tunic

Brooke Tunic-Silver

Whitney Pant

Caroline Ruffle Dress

Charlotte Tunic Dress

And to the gem of all gems, this beyond gorgy cobalt blue wrap blouse. Bananas! Oh it could be yours...if you wish really, really hard. 

Addison Wrap Blouse

How to win this swoon worthy top:

You must be a follower of S+S {if you already are, thanks! If not, just click the little follow button over near the top right column} Visit Devon Baer Designs and come back here to comment and let us know what your favorite style in Devon's shop is!

For additional entries you can:

• Like Devon Baer Designs on Facebook
• Like Sadie + Stella on Facebook
• Follow Sadie + Stella on Twitter

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

This giveaway ends Monday, February 13th at midnight.