2012 Emmy's Top Picks

 I may not have been thrilled with the awards results (no Emmy's for Mad Men?!), but The Emmy's red carpet was filled with gorgeous sparkle, structure, and color, color, color!

Here are my picks for best dressed:

1. Ginnifer Goodwin in Monique Lhuillier
2. Clare Danes in Lanvin
3. Cat Deeley in Tadashi Shoji
4. Allison Williams in Oscar De La Renta
5. Julie Bowen in Monique Lhuillier

images via justjared and instyle

Chocolate and PB

This was not the first time GC and I attempted to chocolate-coat bananas, but we switched it up this time and added some peanut butter into the mix.  Don't call us pros just yet, hilarity ensued (as always). 

NY Fashion Week-nesses

Last week, fashion's finest hit NYC for fashion week. After shamelessly looking through album upon album of runway looks, I chose my five favorites.  I couldn't take my eyes off of these graphic prints and sparkly stunners. I have to say, Jenny Packham's show was my absolute favorite.

From Left: Jenny Packham, Oscar De La Renta, Alice + Olivia, Jenny Packham, Erin Fetherson

It's in the Details

I consider myself to be very detail-oriented when it comes to certain aspects of my life. Anything school-related? Details matter. Anything art related? Details really matter. Anything work related? Details matter the most. Anything food related? Well, details aren't that important. I'm not one to strictly follow a recipe.  

When it comes to home decor, or in my case, duplex decor, I knew details were required to make my space unique.

Transform an old piece

Boring glass vase no more.  By painting white Martha Stewart acrylic craft paint on the INSIDE of this old glass vase, I was able to give it a whole new look.  I debated on color for so long before deciding on white, and I also washed my hands for so long before getting all of the paint I slopped off of them.  

 Stack, Stack, Stack

 

I love playing with height by adding books, boxes, or in this case, a box that looks like a book, under frames  or even cupcakes (see above). I found this union-jack gem at Tjmaxx in Christiansburg. 

Color Craze

There is no such thing as too much color. These Vera Bradley magazine holders keep my school work organized and add personality to my work space!

As a tribute to my favorite art exhibit of all time, Rivane Neuenschwander's "I Wish Your Wish" (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/22/arts/design/22neuen.html?pagewanted=all), I tied one of the ribbons from the exhibit onto my desk lamp. 

I am really into ombre lately.  I love seeing a color transform before my eyes and imagining the possibilities...

Color in the Kitchen

Yes, we love coffee! How could you tell?!?

 Blair made the coolest glass ever! Right now we're using it as a silverware holder but it could also double as a candle holder.  Oh the possibilities...

My Nunny would be proud! I love showing off her colorful biscotti jar in our kitchen.  The pop of yellow is perfect.

Monogram-Loving

Yes, I am that girl who decorates her planner...no shame. 

.

Kayak Pittsburgh!

One of my favorite summer adventures was definitely kayaking with GC.  We rented a tandem kayak through Kayak Pittsburgh (located under the Roberto Clemente Bridge) and rowed down to the point and back. Well, to be honest, I did very little rowing, more sight-seeing and picture-taking. 

Counselor Crafting

As the Programs and Activities Coordinator for the Iceoplex at Southpointe's Summer Activities Camp, I did a lot of behind the scenes work on scheduling and social media.  My greatest focus was on the camp's Pinterest page.  Yes, I love Pinterest for my own personal enjoyment, but I genuinely think Pinterest is the best social media outlet for the camp.  I found tons of creative crafts and snacks on the site and we were able to incorporate some of them every day at camp.  I also discovered that Pinterest is a great way to build brand identity.  Not only did a lot of ideas come from the site, but boards were also arranged by week so parents could easily find recipes and crafts from camp!

Here are some of my favorite ideas from the camp's Pinterest Page (https://pinterest.com/iceoplexsac/)
    
     

Chihuly Collection

While vacationing in Orlando, we took a day trip to St.Petersburg, FL to visit the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center. I have been fascinated with Dale Chihuly's work since studying his pieces in my high school ceramics class and jumped at the opportunity to see more of his work.

Designed by Albert Alfonso, the 10,000 square foot Chihuly Collection was the first exhibit space designed to specifically showcase Chihuly's glass work. The permanent collection even features stunning large-scale pieces that have been previously showcased all over the world, from the canals of Venice to the galleries of London. Throughout the gallery, thoughtful and intentional architecture perfectly complements each glass masterpiece. The collection is an absolute must see, even for those who may be unfamiliar Chihuly's work. After all, it's easy for anyone to get lost in a sea of vibrant colors twisted into seemingly impossible arrangements. But I guess that's all just part of Chihuly's magic.

Cameras were not permitted inside of the actual exhibit, so I was only able to photograph the exterior and pieces that were available for purchase in the gift shop. I was, however, able to locate some outside photos of the gallery interior.

Photos of the actual exhibit via other websites:

Float Boat - the most mesmerizing aspect of the collection -image via pommie travels

 images via designboom