You Should Totally: Get a Bar Cart + Make a Grapefruit Gin Sour

Bar-Cart-1-Design-Crush

 

A bar cart is something that I’ve wanted for a really long time. I’ve always had dreams of playing the hostess, guests walking in my front door and me smoothly offering them a signature drink. The Leon Iron and Mirror Bar Cart from Arteriors Home is a nice match for the mid-century decor I already have in my home. It’s also nice and narrow, really good for small spaces. And do you spy those antiqued mirror shelves? So good mixed with the industrial iron frame.

 

Bar-Cart-3-Design-Crush

 

So, what goes into putting together a great bar cart? Start with the basic liquors – vodka, whisky, rum, gin – as well as any you use regularly. For me those are tequila, Pimm’s, amaretto, and Cointreau. The middle shelf of this particular bar cart is extra tall and nice for bottles of unusual sizes. But since I don’t have any of those at the moment I had a piece of lumber cut to size, then stained and sealed it to make extra space for the hammered metal bowl I use for an ice bowl by laying it across the end bars. Now it’s easy to leverage the extra vertical space and easy to remove when needed!

 

Bar-Cart-4-Design-Crush

 

Next comes the essential pieces of barware. Most importantly a cocktail shaker, jigger, and some varied glassware. The types I use most are tumblers, collins glasses, and shot glasses. Again, it’s all about making the pieces you find yourself using most easy to access. I also like to keep some disposable coasters around for when there are more than four people and my every day ones are maxed out.

Now yes, I’m aware that not everyone drinks alcohol which is why I also like to add some sparkling waters to the mix. Add a few slices of citrus and it still feels special. Fun accessories like these short stubby paper straws and the (hidden) colored glass stirrers are also great to keep on hand.

 

Grapefruit-Gin-Sour-1-Design-Crush

 

You all know there’s absolutely no way I could talk all about bar carts and not give you a new cocktail to try! We’re heading into the last month of super cold weather, which means beating the winter blues and taking full advantage of the bounty of citrus are both of the utmost importance. This Grapefruit Gin Sour takes both things into account, which means you should make room in your weekend to try it out firsthand.

 

Grapefruit-Gin-Sour-2-Design-Crush

 

Grapefruit Gin Sour
serves 1

• 1 oz gin
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice (or go the easy route with bottled ruby red)
• .5 oz fresh lime juice
• .5 oz simple syrup

Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice, then add the rest of the ingredients. Shake away for about 30 seconds, then strain into glass. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or lime and enjoy! Sour, sweet, and full of vitamins which means it’s basically a health drink.

 

Disclaimer: My Leon Iron and Mirror Bar Cart from Arteriors Home was provided by Euro Style Lighting. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Design Crush going!

4

It’s Time to Party: Awards Season

Awards-Season-Party-Design-Crush

 

It’s here! Awards Season is once again upon us – did you catch the Grammys last Sunday? So many wardrobe hits/misses and unexpected wins and losses that it’s a shame to watch alone, don’t you think? Well, I do. So I’ve put together a little inspiration for my ideal Awards Season party including decor, appetizers, desserts, and cocktails. My goal was to create a bit of an old Hollywood-meets-cozy winter wonderland feel with a twist.

 

Awards-Season-Party-The-Look-Design-Crush

 

Awards-Season-Party-The-Apps-Design-Crush

 

Awards-Season-Party-The-Sweets-Design-Crush

 

Awards-Season-Party-The-Libations-2-Design-Crush

 

THE LOOK
DIY Mercury Glass Votive Holders – A Beautiful Mess
Brushstroke Dinnerware – Diane Von Furstenberg
Silvery Chevron Tray – BHLDN
Lockport Portable Fireplace – Holly & Martin
Eclectic Candles – Tom Dixon
Lighted Birch Forest – Terrain

THE APPS
Easy Salt & Vinegar Veggie Chips – eBakerie
Ricotta with Lemon, Basil + Honey Bruschetta – Martha Stewart
Fries with Lemon + Rosemary Salt – Alexandra Cooks
Crab Spring Rolls – Cajunlicious
Kale + Artichoke Dip – Spoon Fork Bacon
Garlic + Herb Stuffed Brussels Sprouts

THE SWEETS
Clementine Cake – A Tasty Love Story
Coffee Meringues – My Kitchen Affair
Chocolate Orange Bark – Cake Merchant

THE LIBATIONS
Baileys Over Ice
Baileys and Coffee
Baileys Hazelnut Martini

 

BaileysLOGO-Design Crush

Sponsored by Baileys Original. Join @BaileysOriginal on Twitter to celebrate #girlsnight and the women of the Red Carpet.

0

A Feast For Your Eyes


This post is sponsored by Lean Cuisine. See what’s cooking at the Culinary Roundtable here.

When you’re a lover of design, finding the beauty in everyday things is second nature, and that includes your dining experience. Beautiful, warm textiles and vibrant table settings – and most important, fresh, colorful ingredients – can turn an otherwise regular meal into a pleasurable dining experience that pleases both the palate and the eye. That concept is on the menu at the Lean Cuisine Culinary Roundtable, featuring renowned chefs and restaurateurs coming together to identify the hottest culinary trends

Heading up the artistic kitchen creations are Chicago’s Paul Kahan, who introduces farm-to-table cuisine; Michelle Bernstein of Miami, who brings multicultural flavors to the table; and New York-based Lior Lev Sercarz, known as a spice guru.

Feast your eyes on some of the highlights of their collaboration, and get inspired to design your own dynamic dining experience:

 

 

From colors and textures to bold flavors, the newest Lean Cuisine varieties (including Ranchero Braised Beef and Chile Lime Chicken) answer the Roundtable’s call to culinary creativity.

Head to Twitter and follow the #culinarychic hashtag and @LeanCuisine to talk about the beauty in food, and more healthy lifestyle ideas. For more about the Roundtable, like Lean Cuisine on Facebook.

0

InstaThis

InstaThis-1-Design Crush

 

This past summer I shot one of my favorite Instagram photos ever, an overhead of a container full of Rainier cherries. Super simple, and not the least bit styled. Just a few weeks ago I heard of InstaThis, a shop that prints your Instgram photos on wood or acrylic. I’ve never had any of my Instagrams printed in any capacity so I was intrigued, and too tempted to have my photo on my wall to resist. So off went my photo and back came something that exceeded my expectations – a stunning, saturated wooden canvas with my image practically jumping off! You can even see the striations in the wood, as if the cherries were printed under the first layer of fibers. I can say without a doubt that I’ll be ordering more very soon, so many possibilities not only for my own home but personalized gifts too. Thanks, InstThis!

 

InstaThis-2-Design Crush

 

Disclaimer: InstaThis provided my print free of charge. However, all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Design Crush going!

7

Valentine’s Day + Uncommon Goods

Valentine’s Day is for friends, family, kids… and yes, couples. Hands down I think the best part of any holiday is the hunt to find the perfect gift – something that’s equal parts surprise and want, personal and sweet, useful yet slightly extravagant. Not everything has to be clichéd hearts, boxes of chocolates, and red roses you know. So it’s lucky for us that Uncommon Goods has helped everyone out by amassing a fantastic selection of Valentine’s Day gifts for you, your love, and the both of you to enjoy together! See all of their available gifts right here.

 

UnCommon-Goods-1-Design-Crush

FOR HIM: A technically drawn Dog Blueprint of his favorite pooch. // Custom Beach Cufflinks as reminder of that incredible beach vacation you two took together. // A Wood Bow Tie to dress things up for date night.

 

UnCommon-Goods-2-Design-Crush

FOR HER: Love Birch Cuff with a sweet heart cutout that will make her think of you. // A Gold Astrology Necklace of her sign to wear every day. // A Personalized Stump Ring with both of your initials.

 

UnCommon-Goods-3-Design-Crush

HIS + HERS: A Personalized Tree Trunk Glassware Duo for relaxing on the couch together. // A Scratch Map to track your adventures in life. // A framed Mates for Life print as a romantic reminder of your devotion to one another.

 

You can check out more gifts here!

 

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post, however all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the companies that keep Design Crush going!

0

What to Wear Everywhere This Season

December is here and with it the Season of Numerous Parties! Every modern lady knows it can be a daunting task, you don’t want to wear the same frock to every get together and you definitely don’t want to break the bank. And let’s not forget comfort, a big one on my list. I’ve put together three outfits from jewelry to dress to shoes that are sure to bring the wow factor this holiday season. And of course, no holiday party is complete with the perfect cocktail!

 

First up is your best friend’s dinner party! You want casual with that little something extra. And you also want to be able to kick off your shoes and curl up on the couch when everyone else has left for some gossipy girl talk.

Edwardian Hand Necklace – Catbird // Mini Half Moon Earrings – by boe // Stackable Rings – Winifred Grace // Pendleton Warm Springs Knit Dress // Bucket Bag– Toast // Ginnifer St. Jude – milk & honey // Baileys Chai Swizzle

 

The obligatory work party, it’s either three hours of hell or a night of trying to catch the eye of your office crush. (Sometimes both.) In either case, you want to be dressed to impress.

Shapedrop Earrings – Madewell // DRUID Necklace – Nikki Montoya // Leatherette Shift Dress by Parc Boutique // Weve Snap Clutch – Nutsa Modebadze // Lily Wedge Booties – Loeffler Randall // Baileys Coquito

 

The ultra glam get together is where you really need to bring your A-game, but you already knew that. Sparkles? Check. Strappy heels? Check. Blingy hair accessory? Check. Maybe it’s a holiday gala, maybe a New Year’s Eve party, whatever the case go all out! It’s not every day a girl gets to wear head-to-toe sparkle.

Drinking the Stars Comb – ban.do // Two Tone Engraved Starburst Stud Earrings – House of Harlow // Sequin Shimmy Dress – Free People // Harlow Embossed Envelope Clutch // Kacy Heels – Pelle Moda // Baileys Martini

 

This post is sponsored by Baileys Irish Cream. Join us at creamwithspirit.com and help us celebrate women that live their lives #withspirit!

2

iMM Living + a Giveaway

I’m pleased as punch to be part of Imm Living’s Choo Choo Chooses Thanksgiving Edition! About a month ago they asked me to choose a handful of things to style around my home, and since Imm has the most amazing white ceramic accessories it really couldn’t have been any easier. Take a look…

 

The bear Hunter’s Den Decorative Tray makes the perfect spot for my discarded tea bag, especially since I like to try and use each one twice!

 

The large Pedigree Collection Container fits in perfectly with my white vases. So far it’s made everyone take a second look!

 

Some of the only plants I’m able to grow are herbs, and they tend to run rampant in my kitchen. My blue mouflon Watering Hole Cruet is living next to the out-of-control basil and acting as a watering can!

 

This Totem Cup Set is one of my favorites! How can you not love their mischievous faces? They’re currently residing next to my dry goods to show off their tall and narrow look when stacked. Can’t wait to use them for hot chocolate this winter.

 

The deer Royal Tine Jewelry Holder is perfect for organizing the pieces I wear most, and I keep it close at hand on one of my bedside tables.

 

A business gal has got to have her office in order, and this pretty little Feather Card Holder is the perfect thing to keep my cards close at hand.

 

Oh, and that little mention of a giveaway? Well. One of you has the chance to win EVERYTHING I just mentioned. Yup, all six pieces.

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to #140 Kirsten!

To Enter:
1. Leave a comment telling me which piece is your favorite.
2. Make sure the email address you leave is valid.
3. Do it all before Monday, November 19th at midnight CST.
(You can read the full rules + disclosures right here.)

And one last little surprise, Burke Decor is offering you all 15% off storewide (including Imm Living) through December 15th. Just enter the code DESIGNCRUSHIMM during checkout. Time to get shopping!

179

Autumn Brights + Neutrals

Oh hey, Autumn. Did you know you’re my favorite? Your moderately warm days and chilly nights are the perfect combination. And your colors? Don’t even get me started. You make me miss the northeast like mad and count your numbered days from the start. You also make me a layering fool who’s obsessed with creating her own autumnal palette, this year I’m seeing a brilliant mix of brights and neutrals all playing together like a bunch of falling leaves.

 

Clockwise from top left: Love Quotes Italian Linen Scarf in Coral Reef, Gorjana Taner Shimmer Double Necklace, Nikki Montoya DRUID Necklace, Tucker Blouse in green, Religion SEJ18 Popper Jew Black Coat, Joie Clutch in beige, Essie polish in A List, Current/Elliott Ankle Skinny Jean in mustard, Bonny Boot in tan and black, Brook&Lyn Circle Cuff, Gold Women’s Nixon Watch, Dark Geode Earrings from LEIF

 

This post is sponsored by eBay. From the new to the hard to find, when it’s on your mind, it’s on eBay.

2

Day to Dinner to Party!

While we were in the final throes of the HP Designer Matchup last week, I started thinking about other important stuff. Namely how best not to embarrass myself at New York Fashion Week. I’m a graphic designer and blogger who works out of a home office. Sure I like to think I can clean up well enough when out in public, but how could I make it better? And more important still – easier.

That’s when I got in touch with Engage OKC and they put me in cahoots with The Makeup Bar. I was familiar with the boutique and its owner, Alex Mendez-Kelley, but hadn’t ever used any services. After talking a little about what I was looking for we decided on a three part look than can be built upon in stages. Brilliant!

 

During the day I’m drawn towards a natural look, and I wanted to keep it that way. So what we worked on was a polished look that could be used as a base-builder for something more dramatic later on.

First, Shelly primed my face and my eyelids. The Makeup Bar has their own line called MUB Beauty, and one of their best products is Sha-liner. A one-step base/eye shadow/eye liner that’s crease-proof, smudge-proof, and tear-proof. For the Day look No Brainer was used, it’s a flat nude color. My top lids were then lined with the Sha-liner in Mindless and a nice little wing was added to the outside corners. Alex also engineered a brilliant dual-ended brush, one for using the Sha-liner as shadow the other for liner. (Even this clumsy girl can use it! The key is short strokes.) My eyes were topped off with a few coats of mascara and done.

Next, any and all blemishes were concealed and foundation evened out my skin. (I normally do these steps first thing, but the ladies swear by this order saying it’s easier to correct any mistakes.) A shade lighter than my skin was used under my eyes to lighten and brighten. A bronzer was used to contour my cheeks and introduce some warm tones, then blush was added for a pop of color and to cool things down. (Fun fact, our skin is comprised of both warm and cool tones, so you need to wear a little of both to appear neutral.)

To finish up, Shelly lined my lips in MUB Beauty‘s Heather which a neutral mauve-ish lip tone and glossed me over with a similar color.

 

Now it’s time to kick things up a notch from where we were to head off for dinner! Most seasons makeup trends are focused on either a bold eye or bold lip. This year, for the first time in ages, both looks being worn at once are showing up on the runways.

Adding to the Day look, Shelly added another Sha-liner called Moondance (a pretty beigey-grey) to the middle of my eyelids and followed up with some powder shadow in the crease for some depth. A little bit of cream blush was added to my cheeks for more color and my lips were darkened with Berrylicious gloss from MUB Beauty that I instantly fell in love with.

 

Now it’s on to party time! Sparkles and color are where it’s at.

Shelly used Sha-liner in Shalicious to highlight my brow bone and the inner corners of my eyes. She then used a super-secret MUB Beauty highlighting product that’s not available to the public yet, so I don’t even have any information to share on it! Another pop of cream blush on just the apples of my cheeks was added and the underside of my top lashes were lined for extra oomph. My bottom lids were lined with Sha-liner in Spring Break, a killer teal that I can’t get enough of. A dusting of sparkles on my bowline and I’m ready to hit the NYFW party scene!

 

This Thursday, September 6th is the annual event Fashion’s Night Out. If you’re in the OKC area and interested in seeing what The Makeup Bar can do for you that’s the night! Why, you ask? Because Alex has gathered the best of the best makeup artists to do FREE makeovers! That’s right, people who I could never ever afford to do my makeup are going to do yours for nada. Head over to have them gussy you up send you out for a fabulous evening!

 

All photos © Caroline Cohenour

9

Harabu House

Harabu House – a name derived from Sanskrit – was launched in 2010. Since then they’ve been full of globally chic offerings that are stylish and eco-friendly solutions to everyday living. Where possible they strive to find sustainable products, which provide economic, social and environmental benefits to the artisans who create them. I love a company that does good! Harabu House’s range of finds are innovative, beautiful, modern and perfect for your home. And with the holidays literally just around the corner they just might be a perfect fit for your gift list!

Check out a few of my favorites above: Reclaimed Wood Salt + Pepper Shakers, Gold Finish Coffee Spoon, Mar Y Sol Opal Clutch, and the Swedish Breadboard.

This is a sponsored post, however all opinions and editorial content are my own.

1