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January 14, 2015

Framebridge

I have a confession to make. I’m a legitimate print hoarder.

I’d guess I own around forty pieces of varying shapes and sizes, but only about half are actually framed. As someone who likes to change up the art in her home frequently this presents a little bit of a problem, and if you visit you’ll often find pieces hung by metal clips/pants hanger/washi tape.

Because I’m such a portrasti-framer (Can that please be a thing?) I’ve become very excited about affordable online framing. And one in particular, Framebridge. Basically you visit their site, then input the size of your piece and choose a frame style and a mat if you’d like one. Framebridge calculates the cost and then gives you the option of receiving a tube or flat mailing supplies or using your own. They email you the free shipping label to print and affix and you’re set. You can also send them a file you wish to have printed and framed.

A few weeks later your art shows up back at your house and ready to hang! I’ve used a similar service in the past that I was not nearly as impressed with. Framebridge‘s attention to detail and protective packaging had me smiling from ear to ear. Each frame comes with a bracket and nail to assure an all-around quality experience (and eliminates the need to dig through your own things to track one down).

These are two screen printed posters by Jordan Grace Owens that I’ve owned for just over a year, previously victims of the aforementioned pant hanger treatment. I chose a simple thin natural wood frame – the Marin – for both pieces so as not to detract from the art, and I also opted for no mat. The end result is just what I envisioned, two pops of color to welcome guests into my home in the entryway.

Try Framebridge for yourself before January 29th and receive 15% off any order with the code DESIGNCRUSH!

This post is sponsored by Framebridge. I received product and compensation in exchange for my thoughts of the experience. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush going!

Posted In house and home, paper goods, prints, sponsored post, walls

January 6, 2015

Making the Entry Winter-Ready

I’m trying to live a slightly more minimal lifestyle these days, but winter with all of its layers is trying to throw a bit of a wrench in my best laid plans. Scarves, hats, gloves, boots – the necessities of cold weather are no fun to corral. My usual (bad) habit it to shove as much as possible into the pockets of the coat I just took off and hang it on the stairs’ bottom newel post.

My solution was to take those unfortunate habits and make them work to my advantage. By adding a wooden bench with woven accents I created a small storage area right out in the open. Boots can be tucked underneath while other cold weather gear can be stacked on the lower shelf. It will also make a great place to sit to lace up footwear, as well as a spot to put friends’ bags when they’re over for a visit.

The pastel blue seat of the bench will make transitioning to spring and summer easy with its breezy feel. And I’m also really feeling the combination of the woven pattern next to my tribal throw rug. Completely unexpected and slightly out of my comfort zone, but it seems to be working well.

I tucked a white sherpa throw into a vintage metal crate nearby for those extra cold Pennsylvania days that will be here soon enough. The idea being that you walk in the front door, take all of your outdoor gear off, and grab a blanket to cozy up with immediately. (It’s especially going to come in handy after I come inside after taking down those Christmas decorations!) So take that winter, because I’ve got you all figured out.

This post is sponsored by Target. Shop Home Décor for modern luxury made easy. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for continuing to support the brands that keep Design Crush going.

Posted In house and home, sponsored post

December 16, 2014

Creating a Holiday Candy Buffet

It’s holiday party season – are you organizing one this year? I’ve been having a few friends over here and there, which I much prefer to one grand shindig. More quality time to talk and just hang out at the speed I prefer. I wanted to pull together a little takeaway for each gathering and came up with this candy buffet in my dining room as a sweet treat to end the evening.

I used the metallic tones I tend to gravitate towards during the holidays as a starting point. Lots of glass jars of different sizes, small porcelain bowls, gem-cut mercury glass bowls, a metal hammered gold bowl, and a few pieces that I already had tucked away round out the spread nicely.

Layering different heights adds visual interest that pulls you right through the buffet as you gather your goodies on the go. I stuck to a palette of silver, blue, red, and green candy and was sure to include lots of different types – chocolate, fruit flavored, chewy, hard – lots of different textures and flavors to satisfy even the choosiest visitor!

The main focal point is a group of three paper trees I made a few years ago, a sweet white ceramic stag head, and several tea lights in small mason jars to add lots of sparkle and shine to the surface. A flocked wreath hanging in the overhead in the window added some extra holiday spirit.

Of course we couldn’t forget the most iconic Christmas classics – candy canes and peppermints. Miniature candy canes are perfect for adding to a cup of hot chocolate. Use one as a stir until it dissolves for a twist on the old standby.

The buffet is easy to replenish as things run out between get togethers and looks pretty enough when not in use. Hope your holiday season is stress-free and sweet!

Shop the buffet: Ceramic Stag Head // Small Gold Metal Hammered Serving Bowl // 18″ Flocked Wreath with Blue Ornaments // Assorted Porcelain Dip Bowls // Silver Mercury Glass Cereal Bowl // Small Frosted Gold Mason Jar // Medium Frosted Silver Mason Jar // Medium Frosted Gold Mason Jar

This post is sponsored by Target. Shop Home Décor for modern luxury made easy.

Posted In entertaining, food, sponsored post

November 26, 2014

Repaired + Reimagined: My Dad’s Coat Rack

This coat rack? It’s seen a lot. I’ve had it since graduating high school, before that it held robes and belts in my parents’ room, and before that who knows. It was my Dad’s and I have no idea how long he had it in his possession. The bottom line – it sorely needed an update if there was going to be any place for it in my home.

Case in point.

It had seen better days and was showing some serious wear and tear in the form of several deep nicks and a loss of stability. (I’d already repaired that part here with a bit of wood filler, toothpicks, and elbow grease.)

So when ScotchBlue™ Painters Tape and The Home Depot reached out about doing a project with Behr® and Wooster® I knew which piece was begging for my attention. I’d hoped to use the coat rack in the nook of my staircase which has white walls and light wood floors, so I also knew that I wanted it to be an interesting piece to look at with at least a little bit of color.

Supplies:
• drop cloth
• sanding block
• Behr® Marquee™ Dawn Gray #MQ5-28
• Behr® Marquee™ Manhattan Blue #MQ5-9
• Wooster® Pro 2″ Nylon Thin Angle Slash Brush
• ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape Multi-Surface with Advanced Edge-Lock™ Paint Line Protector 2093EL

I started out by deciding I wanted to leave the top ten inches or so naked before taping it off with ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape at that spot and sanding everything south of that mark. I made sure to smooth the edges of the tape really well to avoid any paint bleed.

Then I sort of eyeballed how large of an area I wanted the semi-gloss Dawn Gray to cover in my colorblocked scheme – about a foot. I left the bottom edge ragged knowing that I’d be taping it off for my second color.

After taping off, I painted the rest of the rack with semi-gloss Manhattan Blue. After it dried (the Behr® Marquee™ covered in one beautiful coat) I flipped it over and painted the underside as well.

See that clean straight line? That’s the stuff painting dreams are made of. It’s always best to remove painter’s tape when the paint itself isn’t completely dry, and to pull at an angle. This helps keep that line super straight.

I’m so happy with the end result! My once ragged hand-me-down coat rack has fresh life just in time for being hung full of winter coats, hats, and scarves.

I am proud to be a 3M, Behr®, and Wooster® – sponsored blogger, and, as part of my responsibilities, I get the opportunity to evaluate products. Opinions are my own and additional product used in the project were selected by me. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush going!

Home Depot Consumer Program // The Home Depot Twitter // The Home Depot Facebook // The Home Depot Pinterest // ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape Twitter // ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape Facebook // ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape Pinterest

Posted In make it, sponsored post

November 25, 2014

Nespresso VertuoLine + Seasonal Coffee Drinks

I’ve always been fascinated by single-serve coffee systems, but vastly underwhelmed by what’s on the market. The ability to cater to your family’s or guests’ preferences, especially during all of those holiday get togethers, can be such a lovely touch when entertaining. But when the coffee itself tastes unimpressive and the machine has a working life of maybe a year… well, what’s the point?

When Nespresso reached out about trying out their new VertuoLine I was hesitant, but what changed my mind was that Nespresso works in coffee. They aren’t just some brand who’s decided to create a new machine and outsource the main ingredient. VertuoLine is an intuitive system that uses Centrifusion technology and barcode reading (cup size, rotation, temperature, flow rate, and brew time) to brew 8 oz cups of coffee and 1.35 oz espressos.

The VertuoLine’s hallmark is the incredible crema – the foam formed on each espresso top – it creates with every cup. And honestly it really is impressive. Once I got my hands on the machine itself I couldn’t believe that this was a cup of coffee that I’d made in around a minute in my own kitchen.

I also got to play around with an automatic milk frother, the Aeroccino+. With the push of a button I had perfect hot milk and froth (it can also warm milk without the froth or froth cold milk). It’s basically my favorite new kitchen gadget of 2014.

The VertuoLine comes with a sample box of their eight coffee and four espresso blends. And after trying nearly all of them I decided to create a few coffee drinks and put it all to the test.

Ingredients:
• Melozio capsule
• 2 oz skim milk
• 1 Tbsp honey, plus more for drizzling

Place Melozio capsule into the VertuoLine and brew into mug. While brewing, pour 2 oz skim milk into Aeroccino+ along with one tablespoon of honey. Press button to froth. When finished, gently pour milk into coffee, then spoon froth on top. Drizzle with honey. Drink up.

Ingredients:
• Odacio capsule
• 2 oz eggnog

Place Odacio capsule into the VertuoLine and brew into mug or heat-safe glass. While brewing, pour 2 oz eggnog into Aeroccino+. Press button to froth. Pour eggnog slowly into coffee to achieve that great separation. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I received product and compensation for this collaboration with Nespresso. As always all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for continuing to support the brands that help keep Design Crush going!

Posted In house and home, kitchen, recipes, sponsored post

November 14, 2014

For Love of Cats

This girl right here is my 15-year-old, essentially a high school freshman. She came into my life during an especially tough time, my sophomore year of college when I was going through difficult bouts of anxiety and depression. Roxy was like liquid Xanax for my life, she was six weeks old and weighed 1.1 lbs when I adopted her and we’ve been through so much. (Right down to a big surgery she had two Decembers ago for a chronic issue called megacolon.) She’s feisty to the core and loves me unconditionally as only a pet can.

Just over a year later this big love muffin came along. Peanut had been found abandoned, trapped inside a covered litter box with the opening taped shut and no hope for escape. When I heard that my vet was looking for a home for him I signed on, sight unseen. He had the biggest pink nose, the tip of his tail was broken, and patches of fur were missing from his fight to escape the litter box he’d been trapped in. And it was love at first sight! Peanut is the biggest teddybear (20 lbs at one point, now down to 15 lbs) and the guy I cuddle with every night before bed. As I always whisper in his ear, we were meant to be!

After the May 2013 tornadoes in Oklahoma I signed up to foster eight 2-month old kittens. (One of the two litters was actually discovered in a collapsed elementary school under piles of debris.) It took a few months to get them all healthy and adopted, and this girl – Rainey – was the last in my home. She was nearly feral when we began our journey and still prefers lots of alone time, but has also learned the joys of a good cuddle session. And after all she’d been through, and how comfortable she eventually became in my home, I knew there was no way she was going anywhere anytime soon.

I’m a believer in spoiling my pets, but when the holidays roll around there’s all the more reason to spread the love. Fancy Feast likes to refer to this time of year as Feastivities and this year they’re teaming up with Refinery29 to curate their 2014 Gift Guide, a collection of wow-worthy items to dazzles cats and their owners alike. The star item is the 31st annual Fancy Feast ornament, each one is crafted by hand from the folks at JJ Potts and all proceeds go directly to AdoptAPet.com. I can’t wait to order one for myself and all of the other cat lovers in my life!

If you’re in New York City you can visit Fancy Feast at Refinery29’s Tinseltown holiday bazaar December 13th and 14th and see the gift guide come to life. From the real ingredients in Fancy Feast Broth, to the carefully-crafted holiday ornament and the hand-picked items in this year’s Feastivities Gift Guide, Feastivities is the perfect way to wow cats and cat lovers alike this holiday season!

Disclaimer: I received compensation for this post, however all words and opinions are my own as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush’s content fresh!

Posted In christmas, holidays, pets, sponsored post

November 13, 2014

Making Dessert Count: Dense Bittersweet Chocolate Cake

Dessert is a big part of the holidays, in fact I think it’s a big part of any successful get together. It’s the time when it’s okay to indulge a little and let the conversation flow. Some of my favorite times have been spent gathered around a table – dining or coffee – with friends and family at the end of a delicious meal. So when Target asked me to share just what makes holiday entertaining special – that sweet finish worth lingering over – I couldn’t resist.

To me dessert isn’t just about what’s on the plates, it’s just as much about the ambiance. You want to create a relaxed atmosphere that makes your guests feel comfortable and happy. In my home that means lowered lights, candles, and quiet music in the background that doesn’t overshadow the conversation.

This is one of my favorite holiday desserts that’s a year round classic doesn’t say “holiday” at all. (But no fear, it can easily be dressed up with some whipped cream and red berries to make it so!) I prefer to serve this Dense Bittersweet Chocolate Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar and coffee. A thin slice is all that’s needed, and it isn’t the sort of sweet that can’t be eaten quickly, it’s meant to be savored – inviting the conversation that makes the holidays so wonderful. . These mercury glass plates spotlight the not too sweet slices quite nicely, while a gold charger easily doubles as a serving plate for the cake itself. My favorite mood lighting continues to be tea lights, they’re so easy and sparkly set in a few small frosted gold mason jars. Hours of talking and memories await!

Dense Bittersweet Chocolate Cake
serves 10

Ingredients
• 12 oz fine bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped
• 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 C) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 C sugar
• 5 large eggs, separated and brought to room temperature
• 3/4 C flour

Place oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line bottom with a round of parchment or wax paper, then butter paper.

Melt chocolate and butter in a large (microwave-safe) bowl in the microwave set at 50% power for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring once every 60 seconds. Cool completely. Whisk in vanilla, salt, and 6 tablespoons sugar. Add yolks 1 at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in flour.

Beat whites with a pinch of salt in a bowl using an electric mixer at medium-high speed until they hold soft peaks, then add remaining 6 tablespoons sugar a tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat until whites hold stiff glossy peaks.

Whisk one fourth of whites into chocolate mixture, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly. Pour batter into springform pan and spread evenly.

Bake until a toothpick or skewer inserted into cake center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 35 to 40 minutes.

Cool cake in pan on a rack for 10 minutes, then remove side of pan and cool cake completely. Invert cake onto rack and remove bottom of pan, discarding paper, then invert cake onto a plate. Enjoy!

This post is sponsored by Target. Shop Home Décor for modern luxury made easy.

Disclaimer: This post sponsored by Target. All words and opinions are my own as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep our content fresh!

Posted In entertaining, recipes, sponsored post

November 10, 2014

Win It: Lulu & Georgia

Today I’m finally sharing a small part of my new home with you! I’ve been eagerly awaiting this day for a few months. Today it’s just a tiny slice, but starting in a few weeks we’ll be moving on to the entire first floor (I hope you’re half as ready to see it as I am to share.)

So yes, this is clearly the kitchen. Well, about half of it really. I’m going to save the what I love I love/what I hate/what I’ve done/what’s left do rant for the full post on the room, but one of my very favorite parts is this incredible set of Edith bar chairs. They’re easy on the eyes as well as the rear with a generous seat and slim cushion. I’ve never had an island or breakfast bar in any previous kitchen, so I was really excited to find these guys over on Lula & Georgia. They’re perfect for the mid-century vibe that I love and aim for in most of my decor and I know they’ll be a part of my kitchen for years to come.

I’m also eyeballing the Henry Vase, Taman Lamp, Rizzo Bench, Ombre Moroccan Rug, and Monica Minimalist Side Table for my home as I figure out what I still need to complete a few of the other rooms.

So I’m about to get to the good part here… which is that you have the chance to win $100 to spend at Lulu & Georgia! Maybe you’re looking for a new throw to keep warm this winter or want to put it towards something larger like a piece of furniture. Whatever you the case, good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted In furniture, house and home, my house, sponsored post, win it

November 3, 2014

Hassle-Free Cocktails with VitaFrute + a Giveaway

It’s been a few months since I’ve shared any recipes, so I’m here to make up for it four-fold with a fantastic quartet of cocktails. I promise you every last one is delicious and the most complicated of the bunch includes only three ingredients. (Seriously!) The star of each recipe is one of VitaFrute‘s four organic ready-to-drink cocktails that allow you to step away from the bar cart and enjoy a hassle-free get together this holiday season!

Lemonade + Prosecco

Serves 2

• 5 oz VitaFrute Lemonade
• 5 oz prosecco
• lemon

Pour 2.5 oz VitaFrute Lemonade and 2.5 oz prosecco into each of two coupes. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon and enjoy!

Pear Nectar Margarita

Serves 2

• 10 oz VitaFrute Margarita
• 2 oz pear nectar
• pear
Pour 5 oz VitaFrute Margarita and 1 oz pear nectar into each of two cocktail glasses. Garnish with a slice of pear and a dash of ground ginger if you’re feeling adventurous.

Apple Cider Cosmopolitan

Serves 2

• 6 oz VitaFrute Cosmopolitan
• 4 oz fresh apple cider
• orange

Pour 3 oz VitaFrute Cosmopolitan and 2 oz apple cider into each of two rocks glasses. Garnish with a slice of juicy orange.

Coconut Colada Float

Serves 2

• 6 oz VitaFrute Coconut Colada
• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• coconut flakes

Scoop vanilla ice cream into two parfait glasses, then pour 3 oz Vitafrute Coconut Colada over each. Top with a sprinkle of coconut flakes, then add a spoon and straw to enjoy.

VitaFrute is teaming up with Kitchensurfing to give away a $1,000 and $500 towards a Kitchensurfing feast to make this a hassle-free holiday season! Imagine hosting that perfect holiday party without raising a finger or someone else preparing Christmas dinner for your family while you all focus on spending time together. You have until December 12th to pop over and enter for a chance to make this your best holiday season yet!

Disclaimer: I received product and compensation from VEEV Spirits. All words, opinions, and recipes are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush going!

Posted In cocktails, entertaining, recipes, sponsored post, win it

October 9, 2014

David Kind

In the past two years I’ve swapped out my contacts for glasses nearly every day of the week. My eyes feel so much better, look less bloodshot, and of course it doesn’t hurt that they’re on trend. As are mail order try-on and buy eyeglass services, like David Kind. The difference between them and other similar companies are that A. you are paired with a stylist who chooses six frames based on a photo you submit and your style preferences. And B. their Trivex/High Index HD Digital Lenses which offer crystal clear optics in the thinnest form.

A few days later your at home try-ons arrive in this slick cork covered box that has a mirror inside. You have six days to make your decision, or David Kind will continue to work with you until you’re happy. Then once you place your order your new prescription shows up within a week. Nice, right?

So you know where I’m going with this from the bevy of ridiculous faces and windswept hair above, yes? I had to try out David Kind for myself. My current frames aren’t quite the right prescription and I’m starting to notice. I went for my annual eye exam about two months ago, but held off on purchasing new frames at that time. My expert stylist, Laura, selected the Ace, Otto, Roman, Mia, Clover, and Richmond frames for me to try out. I’m torn between two, but I want to know what you all think – vote away below!

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Disclaimer: I received product from David Kind in exchange for this post. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating great content!

Posted In accessories, sponsored post, wear it