back to the basics

I live in a building built in the early 1900's, so it goes without saying that my apartment is filled with character. I adore the delightfully aged locks and hooks, and I'm enthralled with the delicately peeled paint on the windows, radiators and claw-foot tub.

Lately I have been inspired by the small quirks of my home in the designs I create. I may go head over heels dreaming about beautiful accessories to adorn the home, but I also am a strong believer in accentuating the unique elements that already exist there.

{well-loved lock on apartment door}

I have recently taken close-up photos of these elements: a lock, grate and window -- all artifacts of times past. They are even more exquisite up close. There is something about design of yesteryear that cannot be replicated. The scratches, wear and patinaed surfaces are all so much more beautiful through the eye of the camera lens. 

{antique floor grate}

So let these textures and elements unique to our homes be a reminder that design doesn't necessarily mean adding more; rather, successful design can often lie in simple elements right under our very eyes.

Rommegrot bars

As a native Minnesotan, I feel an obligation to master the art of bar-making. No, I am not talking about collecting stools and pint glasses; rather, I am referring to those tasty little treats housed in a 9x13" pan. This past weekend was my birthday, so I made a pan of my family's famed Rommegrot bars to share with friends.

I first  received this recipe from my aunt after she brought them to a family event. We all ranted and raved about them so much I had to make them myself. They are now my go-to recipe for something quick, yet tasty to share. Here's how I make them:


Ingredients

• 2 packages crescent roll pastry sheets
• 2 packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/3 cup sugar (divided use)
• 1 egg separated
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x13" baking pan. Press one package of crescenet rolls in bottom of greased pan.
2. Mix two packages cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg yolk and 1 tsp. vanilla.

{thick cream cheese mixture}




1. Spread mixture over crescent rolls; then cover this mixture with the remaining package of crescent rolls.
2. Beat egg white until foamy and baste over the top layer of crescent rolls. Mix together 1/3 cup sugar (I usually use a little less) and 1/2 tsp. cinnamont. Sprinkle over the top crescent roll layer.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool, cut and enjoy!

{finished product}

ways to say "olive you"

It's the week of love, as some might say. Hearts pollute each and every store window and I spend most of my morning commute toggling between Valentine's Day gift commercials on the radio. I am not a Valentine's day person, which you may have already guessed. But it's not because any lack of a valentine. I dislike Valentine's day for two reasons: (1) I am not a fan of hearts and (2) Valentine's Day grossly overshadows my birthday.

With that being said, I don't mind some of the decor and treats that accompany the holiday. Here are some of my favorites:

Have a Valentine that is a friend or a relative? Giving a hand-made valentine without all the mushy nonsense is the perfect way to say, "I care about you." Cake pops are the perfect way to make a decorative treat that makes a great presentation.

{cake pops via theKtchn} 

Brighten up your home with a bright bouquet of Valentine-inspired flowers. It's a quick and easy way as a gift for a friend or even yourself. Here's how:

1. Find two glass vases of differing sizes (the smaller of the two being shorter and at least one inch narrower than the largest vase). Place the smaller vase inside the larger vase and fill the smaller vase half way with water.
2. Fill the gap between the two vases with candy (red hots offer the most color).
3. Trim tulips to fit inside smaller vase and secure with rubber band.
4. Place tulips inside smaller vase.

{candy tulip bouquet via Martha Stewart}

a timely matter

The winter months usually find me dreaming up new ideas or designs for my apartment. I'm talking heavy emphasis on craft-oriented projects. Perhaps it's a lame effort in glorifying my state of hibernation. Or perhaps its me pining for the spring months.

Regardless, I need new decor like I need a hole in my head.

Lately, I've had the itch to find a statement piece for my hallway wall. I soon found inspiration in the multitude of possibilities in using decorative clocks. I realized I spend so much time checking the time on my cell phone that why not romance the idea of a clock.

Most forget that despite its utilitarian purpose, clocks can be art, too. Recycled, re-purposed – you name it, someone out there makes it.

{clock by 1byliz}

 

{clock by Atlas Signs}

{via favim}

 

{clock by halfpastclocks}