Designer & Client: Mistakes to Avoid from AD

As anyone in the middle of decorating can attest, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes when making decisions. I for one, welcome advice from all channels, and especially advice from those who are known for being heavyweights in the industry.

Interesting article from Architectural Digest, with tips on how to avoid decorating mistakes.

I often read All the Best, a design blog know for her interviews with designers and other style-makers. Since I subscribe to her feed, I get all her posts and especially like her "Shopping on Saturday".

This post caught my eye, beautiful and simple handmade pewter wishbones, at Uncommon Goods. I love her idea about breaking up the set and adding a wishbone to a bottle of wine, or on a gift. $40 for a set of seven, quite economical if you break up the set, and what an unusual finishing touch for a gift.

The 20 Healthiest Foods for Under $1, 11 Foods You Should Eat, and The Minimalist!

So, in keeping with my January theme of things I want to do in the new year, here are more articles about healthy eating, and saving money as well.

20 Healthiest Foods Under $1 peaked my interest, so I went to Divine Caroline to read the article by Brie Cadman.

"Food prices are climbing, and some might be looking to fast foods and packaged foods for their cheap bites. But low cost doesn’t have to mean low quality. In fact, some of the most inexpensive things you can buy are the best things for you."

Then when skimming the NYT this morning, we have The 11 Best Foods You are Not Eating. All of these foods are readily available at grocery stores.

Of course, if you don't want to do this work of healthy eating yourself, you can always look into the Blueprint Cleanse. It sounds so very delicious, but does NOT fall under the category of saving money. $85 a day! However, you can choose a 2-day cleanse, so that does take the sting out of it a little, but we won't be doing this anytime soon. Maybe one of these days.

Then last, but certainly not least, Fresh Start for a New Year? Let's Begin in the Kitchen by The Minimalist, Mark Bittman. Always so inspiring!

Photo Credit: Evan Sung for The New York Times

Healthy One Pan Recipes

One of my favorite food blogs is 101 Cookbooks by Heidi Swanson. I have mentioned her before when I posted a link to the recipe for Niki's Healthy Cookie.

So I see today on her site that due to popular request, she has posted a compilation of Healthy One Pan Recipes. Yeah! The less clean-up to do, the better, in my book. Also, it being the new year, I am sure we all have a resolution to eat healthier. What could be better than a meal of grains and vegetables? And, if you are trying to stretch your grocery budget, meatless dishes are an excellent way to do it.

Let me know if you try any of them and your opinions.

Girls Night In - Spa Night

Happy New Year! As we embark on a new year, I was thinking of things that I want to do in 2009.

1. Blog more - however, since this is not a full-time gig, I can't promise anything. However, I love to share ideas, so hopefully I will be better.
2. Spend more time with friends and family - honestly, I am tired of going out. I am tired of eating out. I am going to be staying in more, and looking for fun things to do that are easy and enjoyable.

So, here is an idea that meets my criteria.

Girls' Night In: Spa Night at Home

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Rebecca Lang, Contributing Editor

from MyRecipes

Indulge your senses at home with friends–no appointments necessary. The peaceful solitude of a mini spa vacation is closer than you think when you turn your living room into a luxurious spa lounge.

Recreate the magical moment of a first step into spa at your own front door. Light some clean-scented candles, like white tea or jasmine. Play instrumental music in the background and offer lemon water to each guest as she arrives. For a touch of botanicals, place white flowers and fresh herbs around the house.

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