Thursday, May 27, 2010
Upscale Patio Furniture
Earlier in the week we told you all about outdoor kitchens and now you may be thinking “Where are my guests going to sit while they enjoy the fabulous food that I have prepared for them?”. Some brand new patio furniture could be just the answer to your problem. When most people think of patio furniture they think of folding lawn chairs and patio dining sets that only seem to last a year before they get rusted and moldy. Think again. Places like Exteriors Showroom in Austin ( http://www.exteriorsshowroom.com ) can help you to find outdoor furniture that keeps matches the upscale aesthetic that you have worked so hard to create in the rest of your home. They carry the latest trends and fashions and have the largest selection in the region. Exteriors Showroom only sells to the trade so ask your designer to take you there. If you are not already working with a designer, Robin Bond Interiors would love to work with you! Call us Monday through Friday between 10:00am and 5:00pm to schedule an appointment.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Outdoor Kitchens
Summer is in full swing and everyone loves a backyard barbeque. One trend that is taking off is dropping the lonely grill in the corner and having a full service outdoor kitchen. Outdoor Kitchens can run anywhere from $3000 all the way to upwards of $15,000 depending on how elaborate you want your to be. The higher end outdoor kitchens have all the appliances of an indoor kitchen. It is highly recommended that your space include spaces for preparation and storage. However, you do not necessarily need a refrigerator and sink outside, but if you do include them you may increase the value of your home by qualifying your outdoor space as a second kitchen. The downside of this is that your value increase may be the same as the cost of your project.
Deciding what to include in your outdoor kitchen is completely up to you, but you should ask yourself a few simple questions before you get started. How often do you entertain outdoors? How many people typically? How large of a grill would you like? What appliances do you want in your outdoor kitchen? Do you want a serving or bar area? Where in your yard would you like the area?
The placement of your grill is very important to your long term satisfaction with your space. The grill should be place in a spot where the smoke will not be blowing into the faces of your guests and making them uncomfortable. Also make sure that the grill is close to the edge of your shade structure so the smoke does not get trapped by the roof. Most outdoor kitchens are built around the grill, so finding the perfect place for it is imperative. If you are lucky enough to have an existing patio, they make great foundations for outdoor kitchen. Decks, on the other hand, need a lot of additional support be added to them.
When designing your outdoor kitchen, strive to make the layout functional. Think about how you cook and how you want traffic to flow. Try not to have the preparation area adjacent to the eating area. Be sure to include as much open counter space for food preparation as you can. It is recommended that you leave space for serving platters between each appliance, usually 16 inches. And last but not least, make the size of your outdoor kitchen appropriate to the size of your back yard. A large kitchen that looks over a very small garden might look a little silly.
Deciding what to include in your outdoor kitchen is completely up to you, but you should ask yourself a few simple questions before you get started. How often do you entertain outdoors? How many people typically? How large of a grill would you like? What appliances do you want in your outdoor kitchen? Do you want a serving or bar area? Where in your yard would you like the area?
The placement of your grill is very important to your long term satisfaction with your space. The grill should be place in a spot where the smoke will not be blowing into the faces of your guests and making them uncomfortable. Also make sure that the grill is close to the edge of your shade structure so the smoke does not get trapped by the roof. Most outdoor kitchens are built around the grill, so finding the perfect place for it is imperative. If you are lucky enough to have an existing patio, they make great foundations for outdoor kitchen. Decks, on the other hand, need a lot of additional support be added to them.
When designing your outdoor kitchen, strive to make the layout functional. Think about how you cook and how you want traffic to flow. Try not to have the preparation area adjacent to the eating area. Be sure to include as much open counter space for food preparation as you can. It is recommended that you leave space for serving platters between each appliance, usually 16 inches. And last but not least, make the size of your outdoor kitchen appropriate to the size of your back yard. A large kitchen that looks over a very small garden might look a little silly.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Silpada Jewelry
I attended a Silpada Jewelry party at the home of Diane Johnson’s of Bee Creek Realty (http://www.beecreekrealty.com/). The party was hosted by Dianne and Debby Jenson. I had the best time visiting with all of the wonderful ladies that reside in the Spicewood area. The community is fabulous!
I had never been exposed to Silpada Jewelry, but must say that I spent more than intended due to the fact the jewelry designs are beautiful and a great price point for the quality. To find out more about Silpada click here http://www.mysilpada.com/staecy.becker
I had never been exposed to Silpada Jewelry, but must say that I spent more than intended due to the fact the jewelry designs are beautiful and a great price point for the quality. To find out more about Silpada click here http://www.mysilpada.com/staecy.becker
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Fiesta Chicken Recipe
I made this recipe for my mom’s birthday a couple of weeks ago and my mom and dad loved it. It can be served in a casual or formal setting and is wonderful. Serve with a nice Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Enjoy!
Fiesta Chicken
3 TB Olive Oil
1 Whole Chicken Cut Up or Chicken Pieces of Choice (About 8 to 10 Pieces)
Lemon Pepper Seasoning, to taste
Celery Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 Cup Long Grain White Rice, Uncooked
2 – 10 Once Cans Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, Undrained
1 – 8 Once Can Hunt’s Tomato Sauce
½ Cup Water
¼ Cup Sliced Green Onions, Divided
½ Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
¼ Cup finely chopped Serrano Peppers
Cut up the chicken and season to taste with Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Celery Salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken; cook until golden brown on all sides, turning occasionally. Remove chicken from the skillet; keep warm.
Add rice to the drippings in the pan, stir to coat. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until rice browns a bit. Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, water and about half of the onions; blend well. Bring to a boil. Top with chicken; cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear (180 F).
Sprinkle chicken with cheese and remaining onions. Cover and cook an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted, liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Dish out the rice and chicken on to plates and garnish the top of each with the finely chopped Serrano Pepper. Makes 8 servings.
Enjoy!
Fiesta Chicken
3 TB Olive Oil
1 Whole Chicken Cut Up or Chicken Pieces of Choice (About 8 to 10 Pieces)
Lemon Pepper Seasoning, to taste
Celery Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 Cup Long Grain White Rice, Uncooked
2 – 10 Once Cans Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, Undrained
1 – 8 Once Can Hunt’s Tomato Sauce
½ Cup Water
¼ Cup Sliced Green Onions, Divided
½ Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
¼ Cup finely chopped Serrano Peppers
Cut up the chicken and season to taste with Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Celery Salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken; cook until golden brown on all sides, turning occasionally. Remove chicken from the skillet; keep warm.
Add rice to the drippings in the pan, stir to coat. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until rice browns a bit. Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, water and about half of the onions; blend well. Bring to a boil. Top with chicken; cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear (180 F).
Sprinkle chicken with cheese and remaining onions. Cover and cook an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted, liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Dish out the rice and chicken on to plates and garnish the top of each with the finely chopped Serrano Pepper. Makes 8 servings.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Outdoor Party Lights
A great way to decorate for an outdoor party is to string lights around the area. The right string lights can add the last bit of ambiance that you are striving for. String lights are not just for Christmas anymore. They are available in countless different colors and styles to suite any occasion. String lights can be anything from whimsical to elegant. You can just as easily find some for a children‘s theme party as you can for an outdoor wedding. Just pick your favorite and hang them around your deck, gazebo or tent area, and trees. Some great places to look for string lights are Target and Bed Bath & Beyond. Many party stores will have some lights in stock, but your best selection is going to be found online. Ooga Lights is a great online resource for party lights of all kinds. Here are some great lights that we found:
Natural Rattan Barrel Latern Party String Light Set $16.95 at http://www.oogalights.com/
Brass Star Shade Party String Lights $18.95 at http://www.oogalights.com/
Solar Dragonfly String Lights $24.99 at http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/
Lotus Flower 10-Light String Lights $14.99 at http://www.lampsplus.com/
Red Rose Lighting Vine $24.95 at http://oriental-decor.com/
Natural Rattan Barrel Latern Party String Light Set $16.95 at http://www.oogalights.com/
Brass Star Shade Party String Lights $18.95 at http://www.oogalights.com/
Solar Dragonfly String Lights $24.99 at http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/
Lotus Flower 10-Light String Lights $14.99 at http://www.lampsplus.com/
Red Rose Lighting Vine $24.95 at http://oriental-decor.com/
Thursday, May 6, 2010
How to make yours the coolest kid in town
When decorating the house one of your toughest rooms will probably be that of your child or children. Here at Robin Bond Interiors we have done some research (and learned a little through experience) about some ways to make the experience of decorating your child’s room slightly less painful. The first step in this process should be you listening to your child and finding out what they want. After all, they are the ones that are going to be spending large amounts of time in the room. Of course you will have the final say, but your child will be happier if they feel they have some input.
The most important thing to remember about your kids is that their tastes will change every few years if no more. If you don’t want to redecorate his or her room each year try to follow a few rules of thumb. First, don’t go too trendy with paint colors. Just because your daughter loves pink today doesn’t mean in a couple years she won’t think that it’s too girly. If she insists on pink or another trendy color, try using it as a trim or border color so it is not as intense. Also do not go overboard with a theme. Use the main colors of the theme for things like bedding and curtains, and then work the actual theme in with accessories. When your child has outgrown the theme you can change the accessories to something else with the same color scheme quite easily. This technique works especially well with cartoon characters.
What all children require in their rooms is plenty of space. Finding ways of organizing your child’s room to make utilitarian space is important. Storage units and bookshelves to organize your child’s belongings are available to match almost any theme that you choose. Put toys and games that your child uses on lower shelves in order to make it easier to get them out (and put them away!). The higher shelves should be reserved for things like out of season clothes and toys that need supervision. If siblings are sharing a room, try to provide them with defined spaces where they can work on projects or school work in their own space.
The following are some great sites to look at for inspiration and/or shopping:
Caroti: Nautical and Pirate theme furniture http://www.caroti.it/
Stemik Living: Modern Styles for Kids and Teens http://www.stemik-living.co.uk/
Posh Tots: Designs for nurseries and small children http://www.poshtots.com/
Rocket : Music theme furniture and accessories http://www.rocketdesign.it/
The most important thing to remember about your kids is that their tastes will change every few years if no more. If you don’t want to redecorate his or her room each year try to follow a few rules of thumb. First, don’t go too trendy with paint colors. Just because your daughter loves pink today doesn’t mean in a couple years she won’t think that it’s too girly. If she insists on pink or another trendy color, try using it as a trim or border color so it is not as intense. Also do not go overboard with a theme. Use the main colors of the theme for things like bedding and curtains, and then work the actual theme in with accessories. When your child has outgrown the theme you can change the accessories to something else with the same color scheme quite easily. This technique works especially well with cartoon characters.
What all children require in their rooms is plenty of space. Finding ways of organizing your child’s room to make utilitarian space is important. Storage units and bookshelves to organize your child’s belongings are available to match almost any theme that you choose. Put toys and games that your child uses on lower shelves in order to make it easier to get them out (and put them away!). The higher shelves should be reserved for things like out of season clothes and toys that need supervision. If siblings are sharing a room, try to provide them with defined spaces where they can work on projects or school work in their own space.
The following are some great sites to look at for inspiration and/or shopping:
Caroti: Nautical and Pirate theme furniture http://www.caroti.it/
Stemik Living: Modern Styles for Kids and Teens http://www.stemik-living.co.uk/
Posh Tots: Designs for nurseries and small children http://www.poshtots.com/
Rocket : Music theme furniture and accessories http://www.rocketdesign.it/
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Purple Color Pointers
What’s this season’s new and upcoming color? Purple. The color purple has been all the buzz in the interior decorating world. Although we are not seeing many fabrics yet, purple paints seem to be everywhere. They can be very soothing and look elegant if used properly. Some people think of purple as being feminine, but a dark purple can come off quite masculine. Muted tones are great for bedrooms and bathrooms as they have a relaxing effect. It is also common to put purple in the kitchen because of its association with fruit, flowers, and wine.
Purple has the unique quality of being either a cool or warm color depending on what it is paired with. Popular complimentary colors that go with purple are yellow and green. The following are some other suggested color combinations.
Purple has the unique quality of being either a cool or warm color depending on what it is paired with. Popular complimentary colors that go with purple are yellow and green. The following are some other suggested color combinations.
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