Weekend time!

Doesn't this look so cozy? It's from Southern Accents.


I'm off to my glamorous country home (my parents' house) for the weekend! Have a great weekend!


Alicia B.

Hanging vs. Leaning.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when you see a beautiful or even not so beautiful art propped up against a wall instead of hanging. To me, it takes away from the value of the art to have it casually sitting there rather than displayed up on the wall. I know it has been a big trend and I see it everywhere but finally yesterday I was validated on this sentiment by designer Keith Irvine! There was an article about him (he's 80 and still amazing!) in the New York Times yesterday and he said, "the modern habit of propping pictures against the wall. It's A, sort of pretentious and B, tentative." GOOD POINT Mr Irvine! I think the fact that it's "tentative" makes me feel unsettled and unfinished.

On the other side of this, people enjoy the temporary aspect of leaning the art. It can be seen as casual and you are able to move it about. Derek Larson says, "Leaning art feels effortless and casual. And it makes it easy to rotate pieces in your collection."

In Domino, the art is hanging and leaning. I do like the gallery style on the back wall though--look how low those pictures are!

Living etc. A framed poster (inexpensive art!) is propped on this mantle.

Adore this white washed brick but one of these pictures is being blocked!

Leaning art on the floor. I don't feel well.

Bravo on committing! From Domino.

Even if you're going for a less formal look, you can still hang the art! This is from a Robin Bell house in House Beautiful.

We all know how I feel. What are your thoughts?

Alicia B.

I got a restraining order last night.

Just kidding. But I should have. Between the pictures that were not really allowed, and the confession of my adoration for her...I wouldn't blame her. I went to the Martha Stewart Cooking School book signing last night! Anyway, the whole night was a really great experience. See the pics below for the play-by-play.

This is me racing as fast as my little legs can carry me to Williams Sonoma at Columbus Circle.

I got there 30 mins beforehand and saw this line and thought, "Wow! Not a long line! Yay!" But then was quickly ushered to the back of the line that was behind this line. Bummer.

Back of the line. In line, I met this really sweet Romanian girl, Anka who seemed to be just as excited as I was. We helped each other take pictures with Martha. Thanks Anka!

Here is Martha signing my book! Yeah, I pinked out my face. It has been described as "snotty," "scared," or "admiring." I think I was feeling all three--not snotty though.

I'm just so excited to try out this new cook book and make some great meals.


Alicia B.

Lets Talk About It: Ship Chandelier Edition.

Horchow Collection

I've been seeing these crystal ship chandeliers pretty much everywhere. At first they were a little bit too glitzy to me but I think they can add a little sweet delicacy to a room. They are nautical, which I love, but they have a little sparkle to them to add a whimsical feeling.

Carlos de la Puente Antiques.

Alessandra Branca put this vintage one over a dining table in a beach house. I think this adds a lighter feeling over this otherwise heavy table and chairs.

So what do we think? Am I jumping on this too fast? I can back out at any time...


Alicia B.

75 MILL? NO BIGGIE!

I'll just go get my check book...riiiight. This town house on the upper east side of Manhattan has been on the market since 2006 and NOW they're raising the price??!! A friend of mine alerted me to this price steal from www.curbed.com I do like the pattern on the sidewalk though! I guess Arader Gallery is currently in it, hence all the framed pictures. Here are some more pics of it below!

Got fish?

This is pretty stodgy but I do love those globes.

Gorgeous staircase.

wow. comfy.

You guys better get on this before I buy it!! OKAY I'm off to the Martha Book Signing!


Alicia B.

Martha Stewart's Cooking School

Today apres work, I'm going to a Martha Stewart Book Signing at Williams Sonoma. I KNOW. It's pretty clear by now that I just adore Martha Stewart. She's an entrepreneur, she's domestic, crafty, festive, and just all around admirable. She is coming out with her new book, Martha Stewart's Cooking School. I'm really looking forward to this cook book as I love to cook but I tend to get overwhelmed with ingredients, steps etc.

This is a recipe for Caesar Salad that is in the book. I love Caesar salad (I really like the croutons the best).

This book is meant to be geared towards novices (ME!) and also experienced cooks. I'll give you the run down of how it went later! She's visiting other locations too so get on that bandwagon. The book is $45 but the chance to meet Martha...Priceless.


Alicia B.