Saturday, January 21, 2012

Things I Love... a 'Pop of Color' for your home!

I just love finding inspiration to spruce up my home decor. The website I stumbled upon today (while websurfing on this very snowy Saturday) is called Bouf.com, an incredibly fun, modern & whimsical site out of the UK. Here are my picks for funky, cool accessories that give your home that much-needed 'pop of color' for your bedroom, living room or kid's room!


Left to right: All available on Bouf.com

Colorful TWIG hangers ($52)

Glo-chandelier on canvas with electric bulbs ($303)

Birch forest Wall Stickers in pink & brown ($150)

Mini-TERAPY bean bag in bright green - 15 colors available ($160)

Fullham Road peacock feather lampshade ($54)

Moroccan leather pouffe - various colors ($163).

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Recipes: Hearty, Winter Casseroles


I remember when I was little, I would always see my mom looking through her favorite magazines, Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle and Women's Day. Who would have thought, nearly 30+ years later, these classic women's mags would still be going strong today...and for a new generation of moms!  Now it's my turn as a mom, and I always look forward to receiving my monthly edition of Better Homes and Gardens packed full of home decor ideas, recipes & great lifestyle tips. I can always count on BHG.com 's weekly recipe e-blast for terrific recipes to jazz up my weekly rotation of spaghetti & meatballs, grilled chicken and turkey chili.

As any busy mom (or individual) will tell you, hearty, quick & easy casseroles are a life-savor! They are my go-to meals for feeding my family when it's cold outside...and usually good for 2 or 3 meals! Click this link for all of the recipes...but here are a few of my faves.

It's hard to go wrong with this crowd pleaser -- it's as delicious as the dish grandma used to make. Here, buttery pastry tops a creamy blend of veggies, mushrooms, butter, and chicken.

Deep-Dish Chicken Pot Pie


For enchilada flavor -- without all the frying, filling, and rolling -- try this mouthwatering dish. Cut fat by making it with ground turkey, reduced fat cheese, and fat-free sour cream.


Bean-and-Beef Enchilada Casserole


(Source: BHG.com)

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Things I Love... from my daughter's room

Here is a new feature I'm working on called "Things I Love..." I'll put just a few things that are inspiring me right now, either at home, or out in the marketplace, for adults or kids...anything that makes me smile! My first list is "Things I Love...from my daughter's room." Enjoy! :)


Left to right:
Adorable & durable Marimekko bibs I found for $7 each (50% off!) at the amazing Marimekko store in Huron Village in Cambridge, MA!  Go now, they are having a big clearance sale!

My daughter loves Dreamland by Putumayo CD that her grandparents from Florida sent for her B'day! She loves dancing to the tribal beats and international lullabies almost every day! Listen to the clips online, you'll love it!

We love playing with her musical instruments! Especially the tambourine & maracas, given to her by relatives and friends for gifts! She has a great sense of rhythm!

Carter's fleece footie pajamas! We have about 5 of these...ideal for keeping baby snuggly & warm this winter!

My daughter loves Sesame Street...and who doesn't??! And now she has Ernie, Bert, Elmo & Big Bird dolls to snuggle with and play with while watching them on TV. I love the 'old skool' episodes we found from the '70s on DVD even better than the newer ones. She's especially fond of Bert...a girl after my own heart!

Cute & girly fashions from Target! I love the bright patterns, stripes & polkadots for girls... she looks so adorable marching around in her new stylish outfits!

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Stella & Dot's 2012 Spring Collection here Jan 9th!

Stella & Dot's Spring 2012 line arrives January 9th!! Visit my site to purchase online! Contact me to host a spring collection trunk show in January! www.stelladot.com/melissarush