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Style

Hot Trend Alert: Tropical Leaf Pattern

Refreshing tropical leaf motifs have been popping up everywhere! If you haven’t seen this around yet, here’s a taste of some of the best designs featuring this fun, tropical pattern. I guarantee this trend will get you thinking about vacationing at a lovely tropical resort. I suppose that’s why so many people are bringing elements of tropical palm leaves and the like, into their homes. I’m totally on board with this trend. Bring on the leaf motifs!

Bedroom of TiffanyD of Makeup By TiffanyD
Image via Pinterest, Shop the Aestate
 Image via Stellar Interior Design, Oly Studio
Kips Bay Showhouse 2015, McMillan Interior Design, Rikki Snyder Photography
Image via Ish & Chi

 

Shop the Trend…

1. Jungle Leaves Wall Panel – Fabrics & Papers
2. Tahiti Indoor/Outdoor Floor Pillow – Callant & Jones
3. Beverly II Print – Fine Art Watercolor Print – The Aestate

Shop Hampden Clothing

Video Series

Get Crafty This Summer With “Beading Dreams”

Summer is finally upon us and I know we are all more than ready to leave our houses and start making memories! Today we are sharing a fun artistic activity for all the guys and gals out there just itching to let their creative juices flow, especially those with a weak spot for custom jewelry. 

Not too long ago I had the pleasure of meeting Allyson Giesen, owner and founder of Beading Dreams, a custom jewelry shop located in Dallas, TX. For this video interview, Allyson and I had a delightful chat about her business and transformed my grandmother’s old beaded necklace into 2 new beautiful original pieces. Watch the video feature to see how my own recent beading adventure turned out!

Allyson has been running Beading Dreams for 10 years and has a tremendous amount of experience creating a variety of dazzling pieces. Her store has a vast assortment of different style beads with exceptional quality. You’ll be able to make the perfect little gem no matter your taste. 

Beading crafts are a fantastic creative outlet and make for fabulous accessories. At Beading Dreams you can even receive one-on-one assistance from crafting professionals (if needed) to make a completely personalized piece, or pay to have your necklace assembled. To make new friends while crafting, you’ll love Beading Dream’s group classes held right at their store. They make it so easy! If you’re new to beading and creating your own jewelry, get out there and try your hand at it. You’ll find that beading is a rewarding expression of your own personal style!

Thank you to Allyson Giesen and the entire Beading Dreams staff for assisting me. I can’t wait to go back! 

For more video features, browse the Interiors by Jacquin “Video Series“. 

Luxury

5 Steps to Contemporary Style at Home with Modani!

If you’re new to Modani, allow me to introduce you to this fabulous brand specializing in modern and contemporary furniture. While this brand launched in Miami (a city known for its contemporary design), Modani has storefront locations in Dallas, Chicago, Houston, LA, San Francisco, and New York (in addition to Canada!). Whether you prefer a mid-century modern look or something more bold and contemporary, Modani will meet your needs. These 15 beautiful selections from Modani will add a feel of contemporary luxury to your home. Here are 5 home decor techniques to transform your home with contemporary style!

 

7. Arago Gold Console Table 8. Lucia Modern Coffee Table with Marble 9. Lazare Leather & Gold Bench 10. Makah Walnut Shelves with Gold 11. Dino Contemporary Book Shelf

 
 
Visit www.Modani.com for more modern and contemporary furniture inspiration.
 
This post is sponsored by Modani Furniture. 
 
 
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Home Tours

Traditional LA Home with Pops of Modern Decor: Publicist Molly Schoneveld

Photography by  Jessica Sample and Ragan Wallake 

Molly Schoneveld is a Los Angeles based publicist and founder of lifestyle blog This Yuppie Life. Molly’s lifestyle PR business focuses on tv, actors and interior designers which has truly been keeping her busy in a town filled with A-list actors and designers. Her home features traditional decor elements blended with pops of refreshing and colorful contemporary additions. You’ll really enjoy this home tour along with getting an insider perspective on the lifestyle PR industry in Los Angeles. Here we go 

Jacquin: What is one of the main differences you’ve noticed between working with your actor clients versus clients in interiors & design?

Molly: There’s a lot that is similar actually, but the main difference is the type of outlets you’re working with. Entertainment is such a small industry, so when you are an entertainment publicist, you have pretty much worked with all the same people for years. Depending on the actor’s project, you are usually pitching more mainstream media i.e talk shows, fashion magazines, major newspapers. You also have the support of the network or studio, so there is a lot of collaboration and you are trying to time press to the project’s release. There can be travel involved and a lot of coordinating schedules if the client is still in production. With actors, the job can be 24/7, it’s fast paced and really intense at times. There is usually a lot of filtering incoming requests too. 

With designers, it is usually slower paced. I am typically hired in two different ways: to place a specific project or to try and raise the profile of the designer through profile pieces and giving expert opinion. If I’m placing a project, you really have to go to one outlet, wait for an answer, which can be weeks or even months, and then move on. If my job is the later, there can be a lot of homework on the client’s part and I’m obviously pitching design and lifestyle magazines more than mainstream media. 

 

Jacquin: How do you unwind at home from busy work life? What are your favorite hobbies?

Molly: Ha! The struggle is real. I work a lot on my blog in my spare time, so lately it does feel like I’m always working. I love massages and get them as often as possible. I love trying new restaurants and cooking, so my life heavily revolves around food. I love to travel, so having even a weekend getaway is huge for me in terms of recharging. And when I can’t get away, you will find me cozied in bed watching reruns of “Sex and the City.”

Jacquin: Tell us about your decorating style. What has been your favorite design purchase so far?

Molly: I would say I am more traditional mixed with modern eclectic. I love the contrast of black and white, which you will find throughout my home. One of my favorite design purchases are the green drip glaze lamps in the living room (shown above) because they were the first purchase we bought when we first started caring about design beyond Pottery Barn. This lamp is usually the first thing people compliment in my house (besides the kitchen).

Jacquin: What are your “go-to” selections for entertaining at home? 

Molly: My friend Ragan and I actually started a dinner party series where we invite other women business owners for cocktails, dinner and conversation. I learned so much about what works and doesn’t work. For instance, I think food looks best served on a solid colored plate—at home I use white. It’s also so much easier and cheaper to mix up your napkins and other décor rather than buying new plates every time. I did recently purchase black matte plates that I layered white salad plates over and they are inexpensive and stunning. One of the best things I served at a dinner party was a mini olive oil cake with Eucalyptus ice-cream that I recreated from Hotel Eden in Rome that was quite possibly the best dessert I’ve ever eaten. It went over very well! 

** See the recipe below for this crowd-pleasing Eucalyptus Ice Cream! **

Jacquin: What PR tips would you give to business owners like myself looking to plan their 1st launch event?

Molly: Relationships are everything. That’s also just true in life. If you can’t afford to hire a publicist, pick a couple of publications that you want to be in, and then try to find a way to reach the editor that covers your type of business. If you own a shop, invite publications to visit. If  you are a designer with a project, introduce yourself via email and (this is important) include a small paragraph about yourself and the project and ONE photo.
Nobody has time to read a 2-page email and editors hate getting tons of images via email that will clog their inbox. If you are going to work with a publicist, remember that they are an extension of your team. The more available you are to them and the more information you provide, the better your relationship will be and the better results you will get.

Jacquin: What are your favorite places in Los Angeles for home decor?

Molly: My client Hammer and Spear in Downtown LA is amazing. I rarely leave without buying something from their small goods section. I also love 45Three, which is a little bit of an insider’s secret—that’s where I got my green lamps! I also love Consort, which is really close to where I live. They have the coolest hand sculptures and accessories. 

Recipe for Homemade Eucalyptus Ice Cream
*Makes approximately 2 quarts*

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • Approximately 10 eucalyptus leaves – (I
    used Eucalyptus glaucescens which has round leaves and are easy to
    find in floral shops or Whole Foods. If you are using a larger leaf,
    like what we used for garnish, you won’t need as many.    )
Instructions: 
 
Step 1. Bring the milk, half and half and sugar to 165 degrees. Then, turn down the heat and add the eucalyptus leaves and steep for approximately 20 minutes, tasting every 5 minutes to make sure it isn’t too strong. 
 
Step 2. Add the milk mixture to the egg yokes in a separate bowl, whisking constantly. Let cool. Chill in the refrigerator over night (or until very cold). 
 
Step 3. Then, churn per the instructions in your ice cream maker manual.

 

ENJOY!

 

 
 

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Recipes

Eating healthy – The “Everything You Need Salad”

 

In an epic Pinterest search for healthy eating resources recently I came across the blog of Maria Koutsogiannis of FoodByMaria. I was drawn in by her passion for using healthy eating as a tool for living your best and healthiest life, all while still keeping a relaxed approach toward the whole thing. While I’m not vegetarian, Maria’s plant based recipes were just the kind of recipes I was in search for to inspire me. Today I chat with Maria about her mission in the realm of food education, and I share her simple, delicious, and healthy recipe for the Everything You Need Salad, which features filling vermicelli noodles. You’ll want to Pin this recipe for later.

Jacquin: I love that FoodByMaria encourages healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle! How do you manage to eat healthy on a daily basis? Do you do any meal-planning before you begin each week?

Maria: This can be a tough one because I do need to make many meals in a week in order to keep up with my Instagram feed and blog. At the beginning of my journey I did a lot of meal planning, but as I became more comfortable with my eating and insane appetite I realized that it was completely ok to eat the foods I made for later in the week, all in a day if my body required it. 

With eating lighter, healthier foods you’ll find that you’re hungry more frequently. I simply stick to eating whenever I need to, satisfying my belly and ensuring that I am happy with myself and my health choices. The foods I eat fuel me throughout my day, help raise my body confidence and keep me strong for the gym! 

 

Jacquin: What is your favorite dessert recipe you’ve featured on your healthy eating website?

Maria: Hands down my Cashew Cake! It is delicious, nutritious and extremely easy to make! I would recommend this cake to anyone, even people who claim they are horrible in the kitchen! Yum!!! 

Jacquin: What does FoodByMaria have planned to promote food education awareness? What does food education mean to you? 

Maria: Oh, well where do I begin here! I have a lot planned. I work very closely with my community and plan to create programs around the city helping young children gain confidence to believe in themselves and become more comfortable with food in and out of the kitchen.

Food Education, to me, means spreading a positive, unbiased opinion to the general public about food, its benefits and how, if consumed responsibly, it can change your life, heal you and help you live the amazing life you deserve. 

Jacquin: What is your go to snack when wanting a healthy, energy boost and tasty snack all-in-one?

Maria: I have quite a few go to options. I would have to say my favourite is a simple ol’ Avocado on Toast with sundried tomatoes, cashew cream cheese and chillies. I also love Kimchi. Just straight up, it really helps me with my belly!

Now back to our recipe… Here’s the recipe for the Everything You Need Veggie Bowl! This bowl of goodness can be enjoyed for lunch or as a fresh, light dinner. This salad serves 2 so double this recipe for a family or group, or if you’re looking to have left overs. 

This recipe is:
-Super easy to follow.
-Simple to make. 
-Uses healthy and local ingredients.
-High in healthy fats.
-Filled with antioxidants from leafy greens
and lastly, it is DELICIOUS!

Everything You Need Veggie Bowl

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cups of mixed greens
  • 2 cups of cooked vermicelli noodles 
  • Soy sauce
  • Sriracha hot sauce
  • 3 baby cucumbers, chopped
  • 1 avocado, cut length wise – this adds so much creaminess
  • 1 cup freshly chopped cilantro
  • 1 celery stick, chopped
  • 5 english radishes, roughly chopped – adds some heat
  • 5 regular radishes, roughly chopped – for colour and freshness
  • 10 snap peas, I cut them down the middle after removing the spine, and end bits!

Salad dressing:

  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • Juice from half a lime
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
  • 1½ tbsp water
  • dash of salt, and fresh cracked pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1. First prepare the salad dressing. Add all of the ingredients listed for the salad dressing into a small bowl, and stir well with a spoon. If you do not like the consistency just add a bit more water, to lighten things up! (OPTIONAL: Pour the finished dressing into a squeeze bottle so you can drizzle it evenly over the salad at the end. This makes for a nice presentation.)

Step 2. For the noodles: Use half a bag of vermicelli noodles or more. Boil your vermicelli noodles in a pot of water according to the instructions on your specific brand (generally 4-5 minutes). Then strain your noodles. 

Step 3. Add 1 tsp soy sauce and 1 tsp of Sriracha to your cooked vermicelli noodles. Stir the noodles around gently with a fork them set them aside. (snap peas, english radishes, regular radishes, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, and one celery stick)

Step 4. Add your greens to a deep bowl then arrange your chopped vegetables around the edge of the bowl. 

Step 5. Lastly place your noodles in the center of your bowl, or arrange the salad any creative way you like.

Step 6. Finish off this bad boy by adding the dressing to the top of the salad. I used a drizzling motion, and definitely over did it – but I totally expect you guys to do the same! This dressing is FABULOUS.

Visit FoodByMaria for more healthy recipes!
 

Summer Color Combo - Poolside & Pink Lemonade

Decorating

Mirror, Mirror on the wall…

Traditionally, selecting a mirror for your home may not be the most exciting purchase you make, but that’s likely because you’ve been looking at boring mirrors lacking originality and design flair. Hansen Wholesale has changed all of this by offering a selection of well over 1,000 mirrors in unique, cutting-edge designs. Here is a collection of the BOLDEST mirrors found on the Hansen Wholesale website.

1. Uttermost Acacius Arched Mirror
2. Soraya Modern Gold Mirror
3. Zina Gold Mirror
4. Uttermost Agustin Light Walnut Mirror
5. Art Deco Capiz Shell & Glass Mosaic Mirror
6. Elegant Furniture & Lighting Co. Mirror
7. Jarah Honeycomb Mirror
8. Brayden Frameless Arched Mirror
9. Uttermost Devoll Antique Gold Mirror

I am especially impressed by the range of mirror silhouettes offered on the Hansen Wholesale website. You are no longer stuck with the basic rectangular mirror options! I recently added mirror #8 to my own bedroom and the quality is excellent… not to mention the compliments it receives. Hansen Wholesale also specializes in lighting and ceiling fans with an equally large selection, making Hansen Wholesale a fantastic go-to resource for your home decor needs! 

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Art

Top 5 Artists to Watch from Society6

Society6 is an fantastic resource for finding unique artwork on a budget and they feature many up and coming artists that you likely wouldn’t find otherwise. They offer custom framing services and even print these amazing works of art on other items like coffee mugs, wall tapestries, and computer cases. You will definitely want to pop over to their website! Here are the top artists from Society6 to keep your eye on this year. 
 

1. Isabelle Feliu

Isabelle Feliu’s art is fun and playful, with fluid figures and bold colors. Many of her designs on Society6 are whimsical in the way they flatten space with beautiful patterns. Feliu describes herself as illustrating with a focus on fashion, and her art certainly is stylish. In the lush world she creates, figures interact with nature and wildlife in a haze of color and detail. Feliu’s illustrations are so engaging in their color and design.

Chica, Patricia Vargas

2. Patricia Vargas

Art and design lovers will appreciate Patricia Vargas’ vibrant abstract prints. Never one to shy away from color, Vargas’ work utilizes interesting color combinations that are pleasing to the eye and always dynamic. Her prints are joyful and full of life and would make a beautiful addition to any living space.

Rowing to you, Henn Kim

3. Henn Kim

Henn Kim’s surreal art is thoughtful and evocative in its simplicity. Metaphors and illusions are explored in Kim’s black and white dreamscapes. Kim’s designs are graphic and straightforward, yet still visually surprising due to their fantastical subject matter. It is easy to immediately be drawn into Kim’s work and enjoy a fanciful break from reality.

4. Choerte

Choerte‘s digital artwork is both surrealist and imaginative, but with photo-like quality. His “Gold” collection captures everyday items and creates 3-D visualizations of what those items would like like if made of solid gold. Choerte’s artwork has a contemporary feel that would pop in creative and contemporary spaces.

Stella, Kid Rose

5. Kid Rose

Kid Rose wears many hats as an artist, DJ, and designer. Rose’s prints have a graphic feel that are eye-catching and bold. Portraits feature prominently in his designs, as well as references to pop-culture and celebrities. Kid Rose’s portraits convey the essence of their subjects while making a stylish statement.

So, which of these artist would you add to your personal art collection?

Decorating

5 Steps to Contemporary Style with Modani!

If you’re new to Modani, allow me to introduce you to this fabulous brand specializing in modern and contemporary furniture. While this brand launched in Miami (a city known for its contemporary design), Modani has storefront locations in Dallas, Chicago, Houston, LA, San Francisco, and New York (in addition to Canada!). Whether you prefer a mid-century modern look or something more bold and contemporary, Modani will meet your needs. These 15 beautiful selections from Modani will add a feel of contemporary luxury to your home. Here are 5 home decor techniques to transform your home with contemporary style!

1. Liam Mid-Century Modern TV Stand in Walnut 2. Kuadro Contemporary Desk Walnut 3. Milena Contemporary Library Walnut 4. Hoggar Modern Ceiling Lamp 5. Kone Black Floor Lamp 6. Ponza Modern Table Lamp

7. Arago Gold Console Table 8. Lucia Modern Coffee Table with Marble 9. Lazare Leather & Gold Bench 10. Makah Walnut Shelves with Gold 11. Dino Contemporary Book Shelf

Visit www.Modani.com for more modern and contemporary furniture inspiration.
 

Decorating

Modern Sofa Guide

Finding the perfect modern sofa for your style can take time and patience with there being so many options out there. Here are some of the more unique sofas I have my eye on right now. These chic sofas have contemporary lines and major appeal for the design lover! 

 
4. Saturn Sofa in Mustard – $1,328
5. Rylan Tufted Sofa in Taranto Dove – $2,239
6. Bournemouth Sofa – $708
7. Vivian Sofa – $795