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Welcome to November! – Senegalese Peanut Soup Recipe

 
Now that we are officially in November, it’s time to roll out all of your best hearty soup recipes. As a traveler at heart, I am always looking to try new globally inspired recipes.  I picked up my Senegalese Peanut Soup recipe in law school and have been enjoying it ever since.  
 
I’ve made this recipe with all fresh vegetables, all frozen and canned vegetables, and a combination of the two, and the soup is delicious every time, so feel free to use what you have available. This is one of those soups that is even more delicious in the days to come.  Refrigerator time allows the flavors to intensify.
 
 
Here’s the recipe!
 
Step 1: Boil 4-5 chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Shred chicken meat once cooked and sit to side.
 
Step 2: Dice one large onion and one large orange pepper, mince 5 cloves of garlic, and chop 3 jalapenos (or use a 4 oz can of diced green chilies like I have done this time around)
 
Step 3: Saute onion, garlic and fresh jalapenos/canned green chilies in 2 tablespoons oil in a large soup pot.  Add in diced orange pepper once the onion becomes translucent. Saute ingredients for 10 minutes total. 
 
Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons of curry powder and cayenne pepper to taste; saute for 1 minute
 
Step 5: Add 4 cups of chicken stock to pot and 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz). Stir and let mixture return to boil.
 
Step 6: Mix in 2/3 cup smooth peanut butter and 1 whole can of coconut milk. Stir until well incorporated.
 
Step 7. Add 4 ears of corn (off the cob) or 1 can of corn (15 oz) AND 8 oz of spinach (without stems) to the soup pot. Stir. 
 
Step 8: Last, add the shredded chicken to the soup. I have made this soup with both shredded chicken thighs and chicken breasts, and both ways will turn out well.  Return to boil and then reduce heat.
 
Step 9: Add salt and pepper to taste.  I like to use garlic salt. 
 
Step 10: Garnish each bowl of soup with fresh cilantro. 
 
ENJOY! Please share in the comments if you try this great recipe!
 

3 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Home Office

It’s always nice to have a space at home where you can get work done. And because it’s your home office, you can style it any way you want. Here are three tips for getting the most out of your home office. 
 
Photo via Everything Leb, Designed by Ansley Interiors
 
First, always remember that if you’re short on space, more than one person can share a home office.  These offices maximize space by including a place for two people to work independently.  Above we see one long desk, and below two smaller desks, depending on what your space allows. I wouldn’t feel crammed in either of these spaces. 
 

Image via Iconosquare, Office Headquarters of Kelly Wearstler

Image via Lonny

Second, add a touch of glamour to your home office!  Luckily adding glam isn’t hard at all, just add a hint of black.  Black equals instant glam as you can see in these office designs (above & below).  Très chic indeed.

Image via Pinterest, Hautkhuuture Blog
 
Third, if you don’t have a home office, create one.  If you can spare a small closet you can make for yourself an office in no time. Take a look at the sunny closet turned office below.  If this is the perfect DIY project for your office lacking space, then click over to House Beautiful’s suggestions for making the most out of a closet turned office.
 
Image via Apartment Therapy, Decorology

As a bonus, be sure to include color in your home office!  Bright colors are energizing and so can be perfect for a home office.  Below, the pink burst of color is the highlight of this feminine office.

Image via House Beautiful, Designed by Ashley Whittaker, Photography James Merrell
 
What are your plans for an office makeover? 

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A Little Neon to Brighten Your Day

 

Image via Desire to Inspire, Lucas Allen Photography
 
Since Neon is as bright as colors come, it seemed fitting to give you a dose of neon to brighten your day!  You’ll be suprised by how much neon decor can add to a room.  It may just be the most underutilized and fun color palette around.  Let’s see if I can convince you to give neon a try!

I'd love to upholster some walls and use nailheads like these or on some doors, it would look Cool!!!!! If you like it too, give me a Call & I'll come give you a Free Estimate!!!

Campbell Designs LLC, Image via Buttercup Bungalow
 
Isn’t the hot pink office chair above energizing? Neon colors can be the perfect pick-me-up for an office.  Trade your caffeine for color.

Comedores blancos con sillas de colores - Decoratrix | Blog de decoración, interiorismo y diseño

Image via Decoratrix, Style at Home 

Scandinavian design in pastels <3 Copper Lampshade | 101 Woonideeen

Image via 101Woonideeen

This highlighter yellow rocking chair (above) adds the perfect amount of charm to this pink sitting area.  The brass light fixture also adds a special feature to this room, but the neon is the highlight of this happy look. 

Maria Barros. Love the colors! So not functional with kids but maybe later in life.Designed by Brigida Graca, Image via Pinterest

 Last Image via DecoistItal Design Furniture

And for the grand neon finale, an awe inspiring neon green chandelier! Because sometime neon is just the unexpected punch you need.  So have these looks convinced you to give neon a try? 

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7 Ways to Make Your Home More Inviting

 
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1. Friendly Door Mat – Nothing says “Welcome” more than a friendly first impression! If you like the idea of putting your last name or a custom design on your door mat, then check out this tutorial for a DIY door mat at Old Blue Silo blog.  It’s really easy!
 
2. Arrange Furniture for Conversation – Don’t feel like you have to have all of your furniture against the wall.  Pulling the furniture in creates a more intimate conversation space.  Also, having seating in the middle of a room like in the photo, allows every seat in the room to be a great seat for conversation!
 
3. Freshly Fluffed Sofa & Pillows – If you have a saggy sofa you’ll be glad to know there is a very easy DIY method for breathing fresh life into your saggy sofa cushions and the supplies are only $10. You can find an easy tutorial here on the Living Rich on Less blog.  Visit Decoist blog for tips on the art of pillow placement!
 
4. Welcoming Scent – Your guest won’t be disappointed with the scents I’ve suggested! The Henri Bendel “Fig” reed diffuser and the Circle E. Candles “Bird of Paradise” candle
 
5. Resort Feel – Having fruit infused water available or a fresh glass of lemonade is a wonderful way to welcome your guest.  Try this recipe for infused water and this recipe for strawberry lemonade the next time you have a visitor stop by.  Absolutely refreshing, just like at the resort!
 
6. Engage Your Guest – With interesting coffee table books and curiosities!  This will ensure that people stay comfortable and engaged even if you have to step away for a moment.  Here are two of my coffee table books: The Houses of Veranda and A Year of Festivals (A Lonely Planet Guide). 
 
7. Fresh Flowers & Plants – Fresh flowers & plants are the easiest and most classic way to give your home a more inviting feel.  If you want to make sure your home always has this fresh look, try a large faux potted plants like this one.  
 

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Stunning Hotel Lobbies

For the traveler, the design of a hotel’s lobby is a predictor of the experience to come, so it’s no question why hotels are packing such a punch in their lobby design.  

Langam Hotel Chicago, Image via New York Times 
 
The Langham Hotel in Chicago (above) is just stunning with its custom glass bauble installation art hanging in the lobby.  The lobby is both sophisticated and whimsical, a combination that is one of my favorites! The choice of neutral and cream colored furnishings really allows the accessories to shine, while creating a relaxing environment for the Langham Hotel traveler. Skillful design indeed. 
 
Take a look at their website and you’ll find that their rooms are just as stylish and upscale as the lobby.  I’d certainly book an extended stay here. If you’re ever in Chicago, I should note that The Langham Hotel features hand-crafted cocktails and live music every Friday and Saturday night (8:30-12, but call first to confirm the schedule hasn’t changed – more info here).  The city views are an added bonus!
Richly dyed furnishings and the crystal lighting of the hotel above exude luxury. This lobby says to the style maven, “You are just where you belong.”  What more could you want from a hotel? Well, perhaps a comfortable bed too, but something tells me that won’t be a problem here. 
 
Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, Image via World All & Details

The Hotel Bel-Air is California casual-luxury at its best!  I love the contrasting black accents on the armchairs and with the arrival of Fall’s crisp air, I especially appreciate the inclusion of a cozy fireplace.   The arched french windows add to this hotel’s luxurious charm.  This hotel also features a highly-recommended bar & restaurant with a menu crafted by Wolfgang Puck and nightly live music. Doesn’t this hotel space make you want to cozy-up and relax?– while dressed very stylishly of course.  

 

 

Stunning Lobby Room Hotels Residence with Modern Design Style Beige Sofa , Interior & Furniture, 667x500 pixels

Image via Stupic
Sofitel So Singapore Hotel, Designed by Karl Lagerfeld, Image via ButterBoom

How unique are the hexagonal wine racks at the Singapore Sofitel’s lobby bar? The designers achieve a contemporary and distinctly memorable look. This hotel is on my list of hotel designs I must see in person. Hopefully I’ll be sharing a photo with you of myself in this very lobby in the not too distant future.  Fingers crossed!

1. The Langham Chicago

Image via BizBash

What features make a hotel most memorable to you?
 

The Etsy Eight: Awesome Etsy Finds of the Week

 
 
 
1. Abstract oil painting – Now that it’s Fall, add some warmth to your home with this sunny painting. (Siiso)
 
2. Monique Leshman Signature Tunic in batik cream – Perfect tunic to pair with jeans this fall.  Available in several colors. (Monique Leshman)
 
3. Cobalt feather lace earrings – Many styles and colors available (White Owl Jewelry)
 
4. Fall monogram grapevine wreath – Just in time for Fall! (Wreath Dreams)
 
5. Gatsby Collection monogram lucite mini-trays – You can customize these mini trays with your monogram!  They are perfect for storing keys, jewelry, office supplies and the like. (Sara Moore Shoppe)
 
6. Color-block pillow –  As seen in HGTV magazine (Jillian Rene Decor)
 
7. Floral bridal headband –  More colors available for you brides out there! So pretty and unique! (Boutique de Bandeaux)
 
8. “You got this” calligraphy coffee mug – Always encourage yourself! (Printable Wisdom)
 
 

Be Unique

A Closet You Can Live In

Katy Interior Designer 
Image via LovelyClusters Blog
 
Everyone enjoys the luxurious expanse of a walk-in closet.  Add a dash of chic accessories, equally attractive clothing, the perfect storage system, and voila!  You have the perfect walk-in closet.  The addition of a stunning chandelier and stylish arm chair, as in the closet above, certainly helps convey the feel of luxury!
 
Photography by Jacob Hand, Anthony Michael Interior Design, Photo via Houzz
Katy Interior Designer Closet of Gisele Bündchen, Image via Architectural Digest
 
Want to know how the inside of a super model’s closet looks? Well, above the closet of Gisele Bündchen is just as pretty and expansive as expected, and complete with beautiful fresh flowers.  Why not add fresh floral accents to your dressing space?  It’s a fresh touch of the outdoors and the perfect way to introduce your favorite color! 
 
Don’t forget to add accessories to your dressing space that feature your unique style and personality.  The whimsical, pink closet below does just that.  
 
Walk-in-closets (13)
Image via FreshHome
 
Walk-in-closets (18)
Image via FreshHome
 
Above, the large glass sliding doors allow fantastic shopping finds to be on full display.  This is the perfect style for those who like a more clean, minimalist style.  
 
And let’s not forget about all of the guys out there.  Just like every man wants a mancave, he wants a debounair walk-in closet too! The men’s closet below is the epitomy of luxury for the well-dressed man. 
 
 
Hotelier Steve Wynn’s Las Vegas Villa, designed by Roger Thomas, Image via Architectural Digest
Designed by Darryl Carter, Image via Cococozy 
 
Closet of Mariah Carey
 
Mariah Carey’s lovely white closet is an excellent lesson in why you should use your own clothing as decor in your dressing space. Here colorful silk dresses pop against the white and gold backdrop.  I’m sure you have a favorite dress in your closet that is dying to be highlighted!  Hang one single dress on an attractive hook on the wall or even several stylish pieces on a small clothing rack.  
 
Another fun idea is to display some of your favorite designers on the wall. Below, Erica Cook of Moth Design displayed bags from her favorite shopping trips in classic white ikea frames.  Take a look at how she styled her closet here.
Closet of Interior Design blogger Erica Cook, Image via Moth Design
 
I hope you’re feeling inspired to spruce up your closets and dressing spaces! What changes or additions do you think you’ll make to your closet next?
 

A Sculptural Expression

12 Rooms that Showcase Sculpture in main interior design Category

Photo by Jamie Beck, Design by Elizabeth Martin
 
Art is inseparable from design.  So, it’s high time I let you know just how much I love art!  The stunning rooms featured here all reach a new depth by including artistic sculptures.  Above we see the earthy “O” sculpture in the background, and the distinct walking sculpture in the foreground. These sculptures become a part of the space and give life to the room even when completely unoccupied. 

This blog will feature a variety of art forms both within and beyond the realm of interior design.  So, let’s explore together the unlimited possibilities of art in design and the art of life.  

How impactful is the tiny nook above! It has three sculptures, hanging artwork, and a bold animal print chair and it all comes together just masterfully.  

Below, I am delighted by the eclectic nature of the sculptures featured. This room features a large monk statute created by Xiao Li and a whimsical red mobile created by Alexander Calder.  The living space feels global, airy, and most notably zen.  This is definitely a space I’d love to call my own.  

 

Designed by Nancy Heller, Photo via Architectural Digest 
Photo by Danny Piassick, via Houzz, Tatum Brown Custom Homes
 
There are men on the wall!  How unexpected is that? I’d certainly say this is a fresh perspective on including sculptures in the home! That’s one of the very best things about art, it provides unlimited potential to the design of your home.  
 

12 Rooms that Showcase Sculpture in main interior design Category

Photo by Manolo Yllera
 
There’s no shortage of visual interest in the eclectic home shown above. You’ll be surprised by just how many sculptures you’ll count in this space.  As you can see, the more artwork you add, the merrier. 

The London home below is equally interesting.  Just take a look at the avant-garde sculpture featuring chic lampshades for the figure’s head.  Unexpected yet again!  So when it comes to adding a special sculpture to your space, just go for it. It really adds depth and personality to your home.  Select a sculpture that makes you feel happy and you’ll be well on your way!

Designed by Francis Sultana Ltd., Photographer Luke White, Photo via Architectural Digest
 
Which design is your favorite?