Hot Crop Tops

Hot Crop Tops from the ZerbyShop that are perfect for summer!  

Check them out and complete your wardrobe.

From giraffes to pineapples and elephants oh my!  The perfect tank is waiting.

Be Inspired. Be Bold.

peace&love

Rebecca

Beachin' Black and White

Beachin' Upclose

With a stormy morning the opportunity for some great pictures arises.

Be Inspired. Be Bold. 

peace&love

Rebecca

Summer Time Tiki Bar

For your next summertime get together it's almost crucial to have the perfect bar set up. Let's serve the best cocktails and the best garnishes.  A tiki bar set up is great for any party or get together.

This portable tiki bar, the porto-bar, was designed and hand crafted by my father.  It's light, compact and portable which allows for an easy set up in any location.  It is set up with all the amenities including bottle openers, shelves and a paper towel holder.  But more on this great creation later.

Every summertime bar needs the perfect selection of liquors, liqueurs, and bitters.  My bar always has gin, rum, Campari, sweet vermouth and bitters.

For this specific get together I chose my cocktails from the book "To Have and Have Another" by Philip Greene.  A compilation of all of Hemingways favorite cocktails.  They are all light, fruity and strong.  

Choosing the perfect glass for your cocktails is also important.  I've been using vintage depression glasses for my cocktails.  I love the rich colors and unique shapes.  This attention to detail will bring your cocktail to the next level.

Remember to always have an ample supply of fresh lemons and limes.

Now have a good time and drink responsibly.

Be Inspired. Be Bold.

peace&love

Rebecca

Picnic Time.. Rhubarb Pie

Picnic season has begun.  It starts with beautiful weather and delicious pies.  Rhubarb pie is one of my all time favorite pies that my great Aunt would make.  It was simple and to the point, rhubarb topped with meringue.  No need for strawberries in this pie.  I tried to find a recipe that embodied her dessert, and the crowd agreed, this recipe was a keeper.

Rhubarb is in full harvest in May.  Stock up and prepare yourself for many pies and other delicious rhubarb flavored sauces and drinks.  This variety of rhubarb stays greener.  Other varieties get beautiful shades of red.

This pie is simple.  It starts off with a tart pastry base.  Flour, margarine, and confectioners sugar mixed into a ball and pressed into the bottom of the pie pan.  Pop in the oven to get golden before filling.  It is much easier and faster than making a pie crust base, which could also be done. (But I haven't masters the art of the pie crust.. yet.)

Fresh rhubarb chopped up.

A custard base which includes sugar, flour, egg yolks, milk and the rhubarb.

Baked down until it thickens into a rhubarb-y deliciousness.

A meringue of egg whites and sugar all whipped up.

Assemble and pop in the oven again to golden up.

And voila! A delicious rhubarb pie good enough for any picnic.  Side note: if theres moisture in the air the meringue will bead up like this.  It adds a fun pattern without any effort!

There's no strawberry in this rhubarb pie.  But don't worry, a strawberry pie was also brought, each delicious on their own!

The recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup margarine

2 tablespoons confectioners sugar

1 1/2 cups white sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 egg yolks

1/3 cup milk

3 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb

3 egg whites

1/4 cup white sugar

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.  In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, margarine and the confectioners sugar.  Mix together until it forms a ball.  Press into the bottom and sides of a inch square pan (I used a circle pie pan).  Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

3.  In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tablespoon flour, yolks and milk.  Stir together, then add the chopped rhubarb.  Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.  Pour into hot crust.

4.  In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.  Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.  Spread meringue over rhubarb filling, covering completely.

5.  Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

enjoy and happy picnic season!

Be Inspired. Be Bold.

peace&love

Rebecca

Design 221.. Modern Eclectic Residence

For my final residential project I created a modern eclectic interior combining industrial, rustic and mid century modern elements.  Soft  hues of grey fill the house creating a warm and inviting interior.  Rustic wood is paired with dark irons and soft leathers.  Layering of textures and materials adds interest and luxury to the entire house.

The first floor, floor plan.  Wood floors mixed with stone floors create rich flooring through out the space.

 A perspective of the family room.  Dark trim is very industrial and modern at the same time and is a nice contrast against the light grey walls.  A painted brick fireplace blends in with warm grey hues.  Layered rugs of sisal and a wool shag rug (some of my great finds at High Point).  Leather and alpaca wool cover the surfaces of the furniture adding comfort and luxury to the family room.

The second floor, floor plan.  The same soft hues in greys and browns cover the floors.  

Elevations of the breakfast nook with reclaimed wood paneling covering the walls.  A grand chandelier created with sea glass hangs above a modern table.  The living room is lined with dark grey walls and a beautiful toucan artwork.

A great mixture of finishes and furniture create interest trough the house.  The look is clean and modern while still being comfy and unique.  I had a great time creating this space.

Be Inspired. Be Bold.

peace&love

Rebecca

Design 222.. Hotel

You are driving North from Phoenix up Rt 17, surrounded by the heat of the desert, sand and cacti for miles.  

The terrain turns mountainous and the earth turns red.  You are now in Sedona.  Red sandstone formations surround you.  The sun sets and the rocks burst into a vibrant red hue.  The sight is unforgettable.

The Agate Hotel & Resort, just like the red rocks, have depth and interest in every corner.  Mixing textures and materials was important to creating the perfect aura.  Soft hues of red sandstone surround and embrace you as you move from space to space.  I took the silhouette of the rock formations and repeated it through the space.  Walls, vertical panels of wood are seamed together, murals, and patterns in the stone all repeat this rocky line.   Visual interest and comfort were leading forces to creating the Agate Hotel & Resort.

The floor plan shows the varieties of floor materials from a terra cotta pattern in the main lobby to wood flooring in the restaurant and lobby lounge.  Sample images of the beautiful stones I have chosen to be placed throughout the hotel.

A perspective drawing showing the main lobby as you enter the building.  The large cacti sculptures are wrapped in rope.  Terra cotta tiles lead you to the registration desk.

The second board shows lighting, elevations and some furniture.  The lighting is industrial while the rest is very rustic and reminiscent of the South Western flare.

I created this brick wall covered with plaster, rustic and chipping away.  Layered with various cacti and tropical plants and some red leather chairs.

For the bar I started with a brick wall, layered it with steel shelving that reflects the red rock formations, and surrounded it with vertical wood paneling.  The restaurant and bar area are very warm and intimate.  Rustic meets industrial.

I had a great time with this project, didn't hold back any creativity.  I let the red rocks take over and designs flowed out.  Like I always say, "go big or go home."

Be Inspired.  Be Bold.

peace&love

Rebecca