Interior Decorating: My Two Favourite Books

Hello Lovelies!

I love interior design and everything that has to do with colour, fabric, furniture, etc., so I thought I would share with you two of my favourite interior decorating and design books! I am always looking for ways to imporve and re-deocrate my living space and these books are just what I needed!

I got these books from my aunt and she knows me too well! I fell inlove with each of these books and they have great tips and tricks for your interiror decor needs!

1) How to Deocrate by: Shannon Fricke (Photography: Prue Ruscoe)

This book is perfect for people who have always wanted to decorate or re-decorate their dream space but have no idea where to begin! This book gives you all the tools and advice you will need to decorate your ideal space, wether that be a bedroom, a living room, or even your kitchen! I absolutely love how this book is broken up into layers, so you can easily follow each layer to acheive your decorating concepts and creations.

• Layer One:  all about discovering your decorating story
• Layer Two: Creating Your Concept
• Layer Three: Working With Space
• Layer Four: Shaping your Backdrop
• Layer Five: Becoming Friends with Colour
• Layer Six: Bringing in the Furniture
• Layer Seven: Choosing Fabrics 
• Layer Eight: Light Exactly Where you Need it
• Layer Nine: Accessorizing - the Key to Individuality (a.k.a, my favourtie part!)
• Layer Ten: Styling it All Together 

There is something for every decorator in this book and you won't be dissapointed! 

2) Shabby Chic by: Rachel Ashwell with Glynis Costin  (Photography: Art Streiber)

This book is perfect for the decorator who wants to put the Chic in Antique! I love the look of vintage inspired pieces, and colour palettes and this book has just that! Sometimes, you may not know how to tastefully incorporate vintage pieces into a chic room, but with the help of Rachel Ashwell, you can take your flea market finds, and turn them into stunning staple, and accent pieces for your home! "Shabby Chic" is devided up into 7 sections and is very easy to follow! 

• Section 1: Diverse Styles
• Section 2: Rooms
• Section 3: Hidden Treasures & Inspirations
• Section 4: Fabrics
• Section 5: Seating
• Section 6: Lights & Lighting 
• Section 7: Flowers

You will definetly find your inner shabby chic with this amazing book! 

I highly suggest you pick up these books if you are interested in decorating! They are two of my faves, and I hope you enjoy them! 

<3

Food for Thought: Vegetable Rigatoni in a light pesto sauce

Hello lovelies!

I am coming at you with a new recipe! I love cooking and I had a chance to cook a healthy dinner with my dad the other night!

I am always looking for healthy alternatives, and this recipe is so delicious and simple. All I can say is YUM!

Ingredients:
1) Cremini Mushrooms        7) Light, or low-fat Butter or low-fat Becel
2) Green Onions                  8) Crushed Garlic
3) Cherry Tomatoes             9) Fresh Lemon
4) Broccoli                          10) Pesto Sauce (make this by hand or use a store bought sauce)
5) Carrots                           11) Roasted Garlic Olive Oil (could use virgin olive oil, sunflower oil)
6) Asparagus                       12) Mediterranean Salt mix

Steps: 

1) Start by cutting up all your veggies using a cutting board. I cut the carrots in small circles, and cut then cut the mushrooms into slices (not too thin). Then I cut off the stem off the broccoli head, and proceeded to chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Finally, I chopped up 3 green onions (scallions). While you are doing this, you can start to heat up your burner for the pan.

2) Next, make sure your burner is at medium heat. I used a stir-fry pan for this recipe. Then throw the carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, and green onions into the pan. Let them cook until they are still a bit crunchy, and not too mushy. You are also going to want to add a table spoon of butter, a table spoon of garlic, and a splash of lemon. This takes about 7 minutes.

3) While your veggies are cooking away, you can put on your pot of boiling water for your pasta. I chose Rigatoni, but you can choose whatever floats your boat! Once the water comes to a boil, let it cook for about 7 minutes. This will time perfectly with your veggies!

4) Next, while you are boiling the pasta, and cooking your veggies, you can start on your asparagus. First, you are going to pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees Celsius. (You might want to do this before you start any of your cooking, depending on how long it takes for your oven to pre-heat!)

Then you will want to cut the ends off your asparagus. Next you want to find a casserole dish of some sort to put your asparagus in. You give them a little drizzle of olive oil, a nice crack of pepper and I used a Mediterranean salt mix (but normal salt works just as well). Make sure all of the asparagus are covered in your olive oil, and salt mix. Then place them in the oven for 15-20 min. This is the part that probably takes the longest! If you are in a hurry, you could always cut out the asparagus. They should be tender, but still have a bite to them!

5) Next you are going to want to bring your veggies to a simmer, and add your pesto sauce. Lightly toss and stir the veggies so they get covered in your sauce. Once the veggies are coated in the pesto sauce, let them simmer for 1-2 minutes. Then you are ready to add your pasta to the pan!

6) Mix the veggies and the pasta together until there is a good balance. Once you are happy with your pasta and veggies, it is ready to plate.

7) I like to finish off this pasta recipe with a few sliced cherry tomatoes, and asparagus on top! They make for some great flavours, and compliment the dish.

8) Finally, enjoy your Vegetable Rigatoni in a light Pesto Sauce!! Trust me, it tastes delicious and is fairly healthy. Be adventurous! You can always sub in other ingredients, or pastas to make this dish!


I hope you enjoy this recipe!

<3

Stacy London's: Love Lust or Run

Hello lovelies!

I am so sorry for my long period of absence from the blogging world, but I have been sick with Strep Throat. I am slowly getting better and I had a lot of time to recover and watch some television!

I thought it would share with you one of my new favourite upcoming shows that is making its debut on TLC: Stacy London's, Love Lust or Run! Stacy London is back and better than ever!

The commericals for this look amazing and I'm a sucker for any show that involves fashion and makeovers! Stacy London is one of my all time fashion idols, and I admire her confidence and trendy style! And incase you didn't realise, Stacy London made her mark on TLC's What Not to Wear. This has been one of my favourite shows and I teared up a little when it ended. But like I say, when one door closes another door opens!

This show focuses on helping women with their over the top wardrobes and making them trendy and cute, while still maintaing their personality! The interesting concept is the how she incorporates the general public. They have a say in how her original wardrobe makes her look and how first impressions make a difference.

I cannot wait for the premiere on Friday January 23rd at 9/10pm! Tune in for some fashion filled fun!

Let me know what  you think of the show!

<3