7 Ceiling Lamps: Which is your favorite?

While researching lighting options for a client, I couldn't help selecting a few of MY favorites.  Some are more extravagant than others in style and price but a girl can dream, can't she?  Take a look at 7 of my most recent light obsessions:

When considering ceiling lights, whether they be pendants or chandeliers it's important to take into account the shadows they may cast in your space.  In some cases you may want to opt for a smaller fixture knowing that its presence will expand when turned on, adding both light and a dose of dramatic shadow play.

To see more of my favorite lights click here and share your favorite with me.

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Before And After: Book Shelves (Part 2)

We recently added onto an existing built-in cabinet, gaining more room for our book collection and a more balanced space.  By recreating a mirrored image of the right side shelving on the left, our  unit now feels complete and so does the room.  Take a look:

In order for the built- in to look cohesive we painted the entire unit.  I used the same color but in a full gloss finish.  In this "before" the boys are helping us remove the books and enjoying them as well.

The Chinese chest that belonged to my mother-in-law sat above our living room bar.  Now, in its new home, it can be truly appreciated it.

Have you added any recent updates to your home?  If so, please share them.

Botanical Inspiration: The Spring Garden

Spring is revealing many botanical treasures in our garden, and since we moved into our home in July, we're seeing them for the first time.  I enjoy exploring the garden's newness and have began to prepare areas of the garden for more 'current' plantings.  Take a look at a few of  last week's garden images:

'Til Monday: 5 Friday Favorites

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Off The Counter: Empanadas

Once a year Alex and I take on the [somewhat] difficult task of preparing empanadas.  It inevitably turns out to be an all day affair, but one well worth the time and effort.    Using a dough recipe found in the book The Useful Pig and a filling from a 1999 issue of Food And Wine we've perfected this Argentine delight and made it our own.  Take a look:

If you're up for trying these yummy meat pies, but would like a short cut, Goya makes Empanada dough shells.  Be sure to prepare a lot, these tasty pockets are great for freezing!

The Useful Pig Sour Cream Dough recipe:

2 cups sifted flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 stick of butter cut into small pieces and 1/2 cup of sour cream.

Combine the flour, salt and butter in a food processor or by hand.  Cut the butter into the flour mix until texture resembles coarse meal, then add the sour cream and mix until the dough is smooth and blended.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until ready to use.

Filling can be found here. 

Buen provecho!