Fireworks: Make Some For The 4th Of July

Next up, July 4th, and all the picnics, parties, parades and pools
that go with the holiday.

Here, inspiration, for creating your own fireworks with style.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Leave it to Martha to have the perfect DIY
Firework project.  This beverage station is
zhushed up with paper fireworks. The beverage
server is a smart idea for entertaining. I 
think you'll like this one at Kohl's. Find the
decor details at Martha Stewart.

Free People's Bonita Sunshine Dress.
Love the abstract stripes. Add a little red
in your bracelets.
Free People

(Image Via Pinterest)

Even burgers by the bay can be served
with style. Get the look ....
Red Outdoor Pillows at World Market
Rattan Chargers priced right at Fab.
Mason Jar Mug at Paper-Source
Checked Napkins in Red & Blue, 
Sur La Table

Oscar de la Renta's Ikat Bubble is chic
children's wear.
Bergdorf Goodman

(Image Via Martha Stewart)

Beach bound for The 4th? Set the scene
and show your true colors. Get the look:
Red Adirondack Chairs World Market
Corsica Outdoor Pillow Collection at
World Market and drape Ralph Lauren's
Cable Beach Towel over each chair. 

Love a man in a dress shirt with sleeves rolled
up. Pair this crisp Hugo Boss shirt with white
chinos or indigo denim pants. Find it at
Nordstroms

(Image Via HGTV)

Pack a patriotic picnic. Red, white and blue
can be chic, too! Get the look:
Red Outdoor Rug at Amazon
Indigo Herringbone Throw at Serena & Lily
Boatman Geller Blue Serving Tray, Layla Grayce
Navy Outdoor Throw Pillows at Overstock.
Complete Wicker Picnic Basket Set, C Wonder.

Hot Dogs are a given for some 4th of July
celebrations.  Elevate the look of your
basic dog with Claudia Pearson's Dog Plates at West Elm

Pair the Georgette Trim V-Neck Cardi with 
your fave shorts or pants. It's the right
color without screaming The 4th. See it at
C. Wonder

Geometry Lessons: Design Shapes Up

This season, more than ever, geometry is shaping our sense of style.  Designers have used all the right angles in fashion and at home.  Here are some of my favorite looks. It all adds up to fab!

(Via Architectural Digest)

Kelly Wearstler's Bel-Air Home.

This powder room is geometric from 

every angle.

Chrissie Morris Alana Aztec Heel

Blue and Cream

Geometrics don't always equal modern

design. Case in point, this nursery designed

by New Arrivals. See it at

Layla Grayce

Fendi 'Geometric 2Jours - Medium' Leather 

Decidedly modern with a classic shape.

Nordstrom's

(Image Via Lee Jofa)

Mixing metals and geometrics is Kelly

Wearstler's specialty. Pictured above

her new line of wallcoverings for Lee Jofa.

Suede Cube Bootie in Trico by 

PIERRE HARDY

Forward Forward

(Image Via Age Of Design)

A little bit Jetson, but a whole lot of fun!

(Image Via Vogue)

See his Spring collection at 

Neiman Marcus

(Image Via Elle Decor)

Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan's 

Florida home.  See a collection of 

Adler home goods at

Layla Grayce

Kotur Rene Minaudiere. Love this

cubist clutch! Fin it on sale at

Neiman Marcus

(Image Via Elle Decor)

Designer Muriel Brandolini went all

out with the geometric angle....cubes,

circles, and color blocking. What fun! 

I'd go back to Snail Mail with 

Blow Design Studio's paper line.

Write on!

Blow

Time's Ticking: The Best E-Gift Cards For Dads

What's better than a tie, a book
he doesn't have time to read, or 
more golf balls? An E-Gift Card
that promises not to be late.
Here: Ten ideas that will make
Dad happy this year.

I have told you about Cloud 9 before.  It is

all about giving Dad (or anyone) the time of

their life in the form of an experience. Read

all about it here. Since you can't actually

wrap up that Race Car he will get to drive,

sending an E-Gift Card makes sense.

Cloud 9 Living

Amazon is somewhere that even an Internet -phobe can understand. It's a no brainer, and it is guaranteed that Dad will find something

he likes.

Amazon

With designers life Belstaff, Lanvin, Tod's, Ferragamo...Barney's is THE place for the stylish man. Dad will be impressed with your own

sense of a style!

Barney's New York

If Dad is a clothes horse, he can always 

find something at Nordstrom, no matter

how old or what size he is.  Not to mention,

they hare now having an half yearly big sale

right now.  Not to mention, Free Shipping, always. This is a very good choice.

Nordstrom's

Because your Dad is fabulous! 

This is a terrific Internet site for 

design minded individuals. Different 

sales pop up each day. He'll get a 

kick out of his own fab finds.

Fab

Perhaps Dad needs a little manscaping.  If so, this is the place for him. No pink powder puffs or flowery scents.....just products for real

men. I think it is a pretty cool idea.

Grooming Lounge

For the hipster Dad, who doesn't own a polo pony. A well edited  assortment of contemporary designers and independent labels from the U.S. and abroad. 

Need Supply

I think all Dads "get" Best Buy. And with

products at all price points, it's a good bet..or make that a Best Buy! Even if you don't want

to do a Gift Card, you could make it easy on

yourself by selecting a gift on line, then picking

it up on in the store....saving time!

Best Buy

If Dad likes unique things, he will love this

retailer. They definitely think outside of the

box with their innovated collection.

Uncommon Goods

If Dad is a budget shopper (and most of

the all) Target is his playground. He can

find things for his man cave, the garage,

his poker nights, and his closet. Make the

gift card $50 or more and his selections

ship for free. He'll love it!

                                  Target 

     If you would rather, click here 

  for gift ideas for the Hip Dad....

Foodie Friday: Recipes For A Hungry Man

Sure, go ahead and wrap that Hermes tie. And yes, he can't have
too many golf balls or pics of you.
But you know the saying:
Nothing says lov'n, like someth'n
from the oven.

Fresh Tomato Bloody Marys

Because Dad is not your typical garden variety......make his fresh with 
Andreas Viestad's fiery starter at
Delish

Spanish Tortilla with Chorizo 
and Peppers

Put a little ole in his day. Get the 
spicy recipe at
Delish

Skillet Huevos
A great brunch dish, especially when served
in mini iron skillets.  It's a fiesta for the eyes!
Feasting At Home

Tomato, Cheddar, and Bacon Pie
If your real man won't eat quiche, I bet 
he'll eat this hearty pie. How could he not
like sour cream, bacon, and cheese?
Get the recipe at
My Recipes

Sloppy Joes with Maui Onion Straws
Guy Fieri takes a classic to a new level. 
Get the recipe at Food Network

Stove-Top Clambake
All hands on deck for fun fish fiesta.
No need to dig a hole, it all can be 
done in the comfort of your kitchen.
Get the tasty directions at
Martha Stewart

Grilled Corn with Sour Cream 
and Cotija Cheese
Aren't these just the tastiest looking 
corn you ever saw? Dad is sure to be impressed.
Martha Stewart

Cocoa-and-Chile-Rubbed 
Pork Chops
I'll be right there with Dad and
this delicious looking dish.
Delish

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad With Black Beans and Chili Dressing
A potato salad of a different color.
Start with roasted sweet potatoes, and
then add black beans, lime juice and cilantro.
It doesn't stop there. I just wanted to get your
taste buds excited. Go see the how-to video at
The New York Times

Caprese Grilled Chicken
Almost anyone can grill a chicken breast.
This recipe elevates the standard into
something modern and fresh. The
Balsamic Reduction sounds fab!
See the recipe at 
Cooking Classy

Maple-Mustard-Glazed Balsamic Steaks With Blue Cheese
Pecan Confetti
Sounds divine! Find all of the ingredients
at My Recipes

Oven Fried Onion Rings
And a killer pickled garlic 
scape tartar sauce.
Not Without Salt

Microwave Mug Brownie
No need to bake all day. This chocolate
treat can be made in five minutes! Get
the little ones involved in this recipe.
Cooking Classy

Triple-Cheese Cheesecake 
with Amaretti Crust
I've yet to meet a man that didn't like
cheesecake. This one sounds especially
good. Give it a try. It looks killer.
Get the recipe at
Food and Wine

Devils Food Cake With Pinot Noir
Chocolate Frosting
Be the Devils's advocate just this once.
This cake is either a slice of heaven or
hell, depending how you look at it.
Get the naughty and unique recipe at
Pure Wow

Coconut-Custard Meringue Pie
If you only make Dad one dish, let it be 
this one. Recipe from
Food and Wine