GIFT GUIDE {in the kitchen}

There are those people that love to be in the kitchen. Whether it's trying new recipes or setting up for a gathering of friends it just seems like a place where they are most at home. For me I am not the best cook, but I enjoy trying something new and if I happen to get to use something pretty well then I may just be more prone to enjoying myself more. Sad, but oh so true.

{1} Cheese Knives: These I would keep out with fancy or not so fancy cheese on a pretty board for guests to serve themselves. Perfect for those who like to keep entertaining easy and casual. You could even pair it with a gift card to a local grocer.

{2} Cutting Board: Really can one have too many especially when they are as pretty as this one.

{3} monogrammed glass ware:  If I had a brother he would surely be getting these, but this gift would be great for both females and males a like.

{4} An Apron: An apron that is perfect for a dad, husband, brother, but also good for the ladies to "borrow". This one I wouldn't mind leaving out either.

{5} Pie Dish: I know any friend or family member would be giddy to receive a pie in a handmade dish to keep. Would also be a fun project for the kids to help out with.

{6}  sea salts: sea slats are my favorite and make for quite a thoughtful gift. They easily could fit in a stocking too.

{7} Ina: Easy enough for those just learning and always yummy enough for the seasoned cook.

{8} Danielle: A favorite of mine and perfect for those who have diet restrictions. This one happens to be perfect for the paleo diet, but the recipes are good enough that even the gluten lovers will like it.

The Dining Room

The dining room is finally complete! Well as complete as it is going to get for the time being. I knew I wanted this space and the rest of the house to be a combination of modern and traditional styles. I wanted to keep true to the 1931 house, but at the same time give her new life. My starting point was this most amazing brass Park Studio LA Ames chandelier. it just may be my most favorite piece in the house.

The table came from our old house and JUST fits. Our old chairs were too large so we downsized those. The side chairs were from West Elm, however I can't seem to find them currently, but these are similar. The end chairs were a craigslist find and I could not be any more happy with them.

Here you can tell how the table can not be centered to the light fixture which is why I needed to go with something that didn't hang too low. Thankfully the ceilings are really high so I didn't have to go the flushmount route in here.

Is this chandelier not stunning?!?!? The ceiling medallion here is new although it did have one originally. Unfortunately the light fixture that once hung here was not done properly so it ended up badly warping the original. To be honest unless you have a trained eye you can't tell the difference. Replica's sure can be tricky these days.

The vase came in that I shared the other day and it was just what this room needed. The candle sticks I found at West Elm at the beginning of the summer. The DW Home candle in Tobacco and Suede is quite divine. They have had them at HomeGoods lately! The bread board I bought locally long ago, but this one is quite similar.

The final addition to this space were the curtains. It took me forever to decide exactly what I wanted. In the end I decided this room needed another layer and some softness. I really wanted pinch pleat curtains with rings, but they just were too far out of budget for this rental.  I did the old age trick of using ring clips and making faux pleats with West Elm curtains. The rods were a bed bath and beyond find. I bought them in matte brown which looks more cast iron to me that the black ones. The rings I bought in another brand that were smaller than what this brand carried. Gave me the look I wanted for much less. As you can see I can be cheap. HA.

My fiddle leaf is going strong for over two years now! I thought I was going to loose him in the move, but alas he hung on strong after some babying. I water it about once a week and besides that I try to leave him alone. It does need to be transplanted and I could not be more nervous to do it!

With the living room being open to this space I knew I needed something simple for this wall so it would not compete with the living room gallery wall. I had this convex mirror for quite sometime and it added just enough to the space. This one would be kind of amazing! The stools I have had forever and provide extra seating when needed. I think these could be fun and add a punch of color, but for now the free route wins out.

Oh Park Studio LA you just get me... {insert smiley face with heart eyes}

This is how the space looks from the living room. The gallery wall is behind the chair to right if you recall. This piece of art I did may have to move on. I can't seem to find a spot for it although the longer it sits here the longer I don't mind it there. The marble set is real life. For a split second I thought about moving it for a better picture, but I try to keep this blog true to my life and well I have kids and a lot of kid things around this house. HA.