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Posted by Andie on August 31, 2012

p Ever since I was a little girl I ve had a thing for pretty staircases. nbsp When I was about ten years old my family moved into a new house that had a beautiful winding staircase in the entry way. nbsp I used to practice walking down the stairs with my most graceful gait pretending I had a prom date at the bottom admiring my fancy dress. nbsp Years later when I actually did have a prom date standing at the bottom of the stairs I realized my little girl fantasy was totally over-rated. nbsp But a pretty staircase nbsp Definitely not over-rated p p nbsp p p I understand that a staircase is first and foremost an element of function in a home but I think the prettier the better. nbsp Right p p nbsp p p Here are some gorgeous staircases of varying design and architectural styles that I certainly wouldn t be opposed to having in my home.... p p nbsp p p nbsp p p style text-align center a href http www.designsponge.com 2012 08 sneak-peek-andreas-uebele.html img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 3uebele.jpeg alt width 420 height 513 a p p class legaltext style text-align center via design sponge p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.traditionalhome.com design decorating howwelive neo-georgian-renovation ss11.html img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 101490769 w lg.jpeg alt width 420 height 630 a p p class legaltext style text-align center via traditional home p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 ecc9f15a-eb9f-4e0d-a801-a48e978cdbd3.jpeg alt width 420 height 524 p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.apartmenttherapy.com amazing-sprial-staircase-with-111936 img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Antero-de-Quental-stairs-2 rect540.jpeg alt width 420 height 420 a p p class legaltext style text-align center via apartment therapy p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.apartmenttherapy.com amazing-sprial-staircase-with-111936 img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Antero-de-Quental-stairs-3 rect540.jpeg alt width 420 height 420 a p p class legaltext style text-align center via apartment therapy p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.apartmenttherapy.com trending-colors-blue-pinkmarie-146576 img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 BluePink 051211 2 rect540.jpeg alt width 420 height 637 a p p class legaltext style text-align center via apartment therapy p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.traditionalhome.com design decorating howwelive shade-of-pale 1.html img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 img shadepalelg 1.jpeg alt width 420 height 561 a p p class legaltext style text-align center via traditional home p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.traditionalhome.com design decorating howwelive bright-white-inviting-home ss2.html img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 p 101757046.jpeg alt width 420 height 695 a p p class legaltext style text-align center via traditional home p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.houzz.com photos staircase p 24 img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Screen Shot 2012-08-27 at 11.53.33 AM.png alt width 420 height 565 a p p class legaltext style text-align center Moon Bros Inc via Houzz p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.houzz.com photos staircase p 48 img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Screen Shot 2012-08-27 at 11.56.33 AM.png alt width 420 height 558 a p p class legaltext style text-align center NIMMO American Studio for Progressive Architecture via Houzz nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.apartmenttherapy.com design-inspiration-bookcase-st-154888 img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 rss8gelv rect540.jpeg alt width 558 height 418 a p p class legaltext style text-align center via apartment therapy p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http pinterest.com pin 187251296976924931 img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 W290j.jpeg alt width 420 height 545 a p p class legaltext style text-align center via pinterest p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http pinterest.com pin 84231455500995266 img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 unusual-curved-staircase.jpeg alt width 420 height 630 a p p class legaltext style text-align center via pinterest p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.houzz.com photos staircase img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Screen Shot 2012-08-27 at 11.47.24 AM.png alt width 420 height 562 a p p class legaltext style text-align center Alan Mascord Design via Houzz p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.houzz.com photos staircase p 24 img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Screen Shot 2012-08-27 at 11.51.26 AM.png alt width 420 height 557 a p p class legaltext style text-align center Sullivan Conrad Architects via Houzz p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center a href http www.houzz.com photos staircase p 72 img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Screen Shot 2012-08-27 at 12.01.56 PM.png alt width 420 height 561 a p p class legaltext style text-align center via houzz p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class bodytext style text-align center Which one is your favorite nbsp p p class bodytext style text-align center nbsp p p class bodytext style text-align center nbsp p p style clear both border-bottom-color 839abf border-bottom-style solid border-bottom-width 1px nbsp p p class bodytext style text-align center nbsp p p class bodytext style text-align center nbsp p p class bodytext style text-align left In other news span class headertext Congratulations span to our five a href blogs Room-To-Talk 34 2012 8 4017 I-m-Back-and-We-ve-Got-a-Giveaway-.jsp RC Willey 100 Gift Card winners a p p class bodytext style text-align left Tina Abby Dale Wursten Christina and Matt. p p class bodytext style text-align left Winners email me your information andie rcwilley.com so I can get your gift card in the mail p p class bodytext style text-align center nbsp p p class bodytext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Screen Shot 2012-08-31 at 1.14.41 PM-49231.png alt width 558 height 84 p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Screen Shot 2012-08-31 at 1.15.19 PM-68671.png alt width 558 height 58 p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Screen Shot 2012-08-31 at 1.15.39 PM-90005.png alt width 558 height 66 p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Screen Shot 2012-08-31 at 1.16.42 PM-11873.png alt width 558 height 124 p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center img style border 0px src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 4049 Screen Shot 2012-08-31 at 1.18.08 PM-31889.png alt width 558 height 128 p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align center nbsp p p class legaltext style text-align left nbsp p p class bodytext style text-align left Everyone thanks for entering and for your sweet comments about my baby boy p p class bodytext style text-align left nbsp p p class bodytext style text-align left Have a great weekend p p class bodytext style text-align left xoxo p p class bodytext style text-align left Andie p

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Get Color Blocked

Posted by Andie on August 28, 2012

From the Olympic athletes' painted nails, to high end designs walking down the runway, color blocking is the rage this summer! What is color blocking, you might ask? It's simply pairing two or three totally different, strategically placed, colors together to create a bright, bold, and unique look. Here are some outfit examples of color blocking:

via josimarie

And now, like most trends that start in the fashion world, color blocking has made its way into interior design. John Call, a New York based interior designer, is incredibly excited about this new up and coming design movement. "It's an accessible theme. We can all get red pillows or re-cover a chair in a bold color."

This trend also emphasizes the fact that we are moving away from patterns and turning to a fresh, youthful look by using straight color. What do you think?

via pinterest

via apartment therapy

via rue magazine

via pinterest

via rue magazine

via bear hill interiors

Now, go get color blocked!

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Raspberry Freezer Jam Recipe

Posted by Andie on August 24, 2012

Confession: I'm a total jam snob. Really though, I kind of can't help it. Every summer as a child I grew up helping my mother make enough of her delicious homemade raspberry and strawberry jams to get us by until the next year. The thing is, when you get accustomed to eating the homemade stuff, the processed jam from the store just doesn't quite measure up.

And so, every summer for the rest of my life, I will continue to make jam. Haven't ever made jam before? Hesitant to try? Don't be. It's the easiest thing in the world to make. Seriously. It takes almost less effort than getting in your car and going to the store to buy gross jelly.

This past week, as tradition would have it, my mom and I got together and made raspberry jam. 42 bottles to be exact. Oh my heavens it's only been a week, but my husband and I alone have almost devoured an entire bottle. So, if you're smart you'll hurry and make your own 42 bottles of jam (or maybe not that many) before you can't find berries anymore. You'll thank me later!

Here's how we do it:

Raspberry Jam

Raspberries

Sugar

Packets of Sure Jell or Pectin (Refer to the recipe listed on the piece of paper in the box for detailed measurements).

Mason Jars

Start with a flat of raspberries (one flat made about 14 bottles of jam).

1. Put the raspberries in a strainer and rinse them off in the sink. Make sure you clean them off well; you don't want flecks of dirt in your jam!

2. Once the raspberries are clean, dump them into a large bowl and mash them with a potato masher for several minutes until all of the berries are completely mashed.

3. Now you'll divide the mashed berries into bowls. Measure out three cups of berries and put them in a bowl. Continue to measure out three cups of berries and put them in their own bowl until the remaining berries are separated. (For one flat you should get about 3.5 bowls of berries).

4. Next, add 5 cups of sugar to every bowl, and mix well, until the sugar dissolves. (Each bowl will have 3 cups of berries and 5 cups of sugar).

5. Set the berry/sugar mixture aside and let it sit for 10 minutes. While the berries are sitting, boil 3/4 cup of water. Once the water is boiling, add one packet of Sure Jell (or any other fruit pectin you prefer to use). Mix the Sure Jell on the stove with the boiling water for about one minute.

6. Pour the entire Sure Jell mixture into one of your bowls of berries. Quickly stir everything together. The Sure Jell mixture will help thicken up the jam, so this step is extremely important. (Repeat steps

5 and 6 for each of the bowls of berries you have).

7. Get a measuring cup and funnel (optional, yet helpful) and pour the jam into mason jars. Don't fill the jars up all of the way (leave about an inch) because once you put the bottles in the freezer the jam will expand. You should get about 4 bottles of jam from each bowl.

And there you have it.

Leave the bottles on the counter for 24 hours, and then you can put them in the fridge or freezer!

Enjoy!!!

Let me know if you have any questions!

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I'm Back, and We've Got a Giveaway!

Posted by Andie on August 22, 2012

I'm back from maternity leave. Hope you've all had a wonderful summer! I've got to say, hanging out with my little buddy for the past three months has been pretty awesome. My husband and I are convinced that being parents to this cute boy is the best thing ever.

my sweet baby boy- can you tell I'm a proud mama?

Anyway, I'm really excited to be back to blogging! I have lots of things to share with you guys, and have some exciting posts planned for the next few months. Just for fun, I'm going to kick things off again with a giveaway! I'm going to give five of you lucky readers $100 RC Willey Gift Cards! (Because personally, I think gift cards are the best!)

Simply leave a comment telling me what you did on your summer vacation (think first day of school show and tell) and become a follower of the blog if you aren't already for a chance to win! I'll pick 5 random winners next Friday, August 31st at 3:00PM MST.

Good luck, and thanks for reading:)

xoxo,

Andie

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Brass Animals

Posted by Andie on August 17, 2012

The animal kingdom has certainly proved to be a major inspiration to the fashion and design world this past year. While leopard, cheetah, and zebra prints have been super popular for a while now, decorating with brass animals has become one of the hottest new design trends this summer. I'm seeing them everywhere! Elephants, birds, camels, deer, rhinos, dogs- you name it! A great way to add uniqueness and a little vintage charm to your home, and they are perfect for glamming up any coffee table or book shelf. Aren't they cute?

via rue magazine

via lonny mag

via rue magazine

via pinterest

via design sponge

via lonny mag

caitlin wilson via desire to decorate

What do you think about this new trend? Cool? Or weird?

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Design Your Way: Laurie's Photo Walls

Posted by Andie on August 14, 2012

Today's Design Your Way guest Post is by Laurie Waite. Laurie is one of the craftiest women I know. Whether she's designing her own jewelry, sewing halloween costumes for her nieces and nephews, or decorating her house- she's always got a project, and you can bet that it'll turn out fabulous. Thanks Laurie!

What makes your home, your way?

For me, design should be simple and comfortable. (My home is small, so this philosophy works out perfectly!) I have tried to buy furniture that is relatively versatile, so when I feel like I need an update, I can repaint a few walls and switch out a few pillows.

Obviously I am a big fan of the gallery black frame and white mat. I have several in nearly every room in my house. I love knowing the art on my walls is something I captured with my own camera - even my old film camera!

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Our Newest Furniture Line

Posted by Andie on August 10, 2012

A couple of months ago we picked up a new vendor called Skyline Furniture and started selling their beautiful beds, chairs, and benches on our website. Ever since then I've been trying to figure out which pieces I want to buy for my own home! I love all of their furniture because every design is unique, modern, and fresh. The simple clean lines and fun fabric patterns are a huge selling point for me as well.

Here are some of my favorites:

Isn't this Houndstooth patterned chair fabulous?

This Grey Armless Loveseat would be the perfect entry room piece!

This Parchment Nail Button Queen Bed is absolutely gorgeous and so feminine.

Don't you love the fun yellow pattern on this Maize Armless Chair?

Hello. Come to mama! This Black and White Tufted Chaise Lounge is amazing.

This Marigold Armless Chair makes me feel like I'm in a jungle!

I really like the simplicity of this White Storage Bench.

The lines on this Honey Swoop Arm Chair are incredible.

I could definitely sleep in this Grey Tufted King Bed. It's so pretty!

Check out the rest of our Skyline Furniture! Everything is handmade in the USA and is of excellent quality! At such a great price point, you'll definitely want to snag a few pieces for your home too!

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The Coolest Sinks I've Ever Seen

Posted by Andie on August 8, 2012

Recently, the ever so talented designer Jonathan Adler collaborated with Kohler to create a new limited edition collection of kitchen and bathroom sinks. There is nothing ordinary about these sinks though. Jonathan Adler isn't afraid to take risks, and he's known for his ability to work with vibrant colors. This new collection brings a major pop of color to the kitchen unlike anything I've ever seen before!

The sinks come in four different colors- Piccadilly Yellow, Greenwich Green, Palermo Blue, and Annapolis Navy. These zippy hues can transform an ordinary white kitchen or bathroom into something worth talking about.

via apartment therapy

via bobvilla

via kohler

What do you think?

Would you dare go with such a bold and trendy sink in your home?

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Design Your Way: Stacie's Newlywed Apartment on a Budget

Posted by Andie on August 2, 2012

Today our Design Your Way Guest Post is by Stacie Rasmussen. Stacie is the queen of cleanliness and organization, and is a new elementary school teacher to a class of lucky 5th graders. Stacie also happens to be my little sister, so naturally she's one of my favorite people in the whole world. Thanks Stace!

What makes your home, your way?

As a newlywed of just under a year, we are pinching pennies in whatever areas we can find. In addition to being poor college students, we are renting a modest apartment for the time being.

Because of the penny pinching and temporary home that we are essentially borrowing with a fee, I don’t have the liberty to make “my home, my way” by imitating the great pictures found on this and other design blogs and websites. Instead, I’ve had to make my home, my way by being resourceful.

I first realized that our cream colored couch cover was melting into our cream colored walls. We desperately needed to add a splash of color. I headed over to the local fabric store and $80 and 3 hours later, ten drab pillows had been transformed into a bright and inviting look.

We also wanted some artwork to put above our couch. We bought three 2x2 wood planks, some fun turquoise paint and drew our own design onto the wood by tracing cans and connecting the dots with basic lines.

Our simple apartment that isn’t really ours, is now our home, our way.

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Step Right Up PLUS Gift Card Winners Announced!

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Get Color Blocked

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Raspberry Freezer Jam Recipe

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Brass Animals

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Design Your Way: Laurie's Photo Walls

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Our Newest Furniture Line

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The Coolest Sinks I've Ever Seen

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