Cool Dishes

I came across these super cool dishes on the Tracy Porter web site. This dinner setting is the Vivre set. For some reason I am very drawn to the pattern. If I could I would have about 10 different sets of dishes...

Housemartin Floral Design

Came across this blog of a store in Portland called Ink & Peat that does florals and home furnishings. I just love these Sunshine + Grey arrangements they did. They have cheveria succulents, Little Scottie pom-pom dahlias, billy buttons, Limoncello spray roses, yellow kangaroo paws, and dusty miller all accented with grey grosgrain ribbon. Check out their blog here.

Zucchini Slice of goodness.

This year was my first attempt at a garden. My second zucchini got really large. I was contemplating what to do with it so I created a few recipes. I concocted this and Chocolate Zucchini bread as well. This works well with big slices from a 3” to 4” diameter zucchini.
Cut the slices about ½” thick.

4” diameter zucchini cut in ½ pieces.
2 eggs beaten lightly
salt & pepper
½ cup corn meal
½ cup flour
1 teaspoon dry oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ of a tomato
¼ cup fresh basil chopped
¼ of a red onion
½ cup feta cheese
3 tablespoons butter.
¼ cup balsamic vinegar

First put the eggs in a small bowl add the salt & pepper
Mix together the flour, corn meal and dry spices.

Put 2 tablespoon butter on skillet and melt
Dip zucchini slices in egg batter both slices, then dip in flour, cornmeal spice mixture both sides.
Cook on buttered skillet flipping once golden brown crisp layer is achieved.
Remove Zucchini and place on serving platter, cover to keep warm.

Add 1 tsp butter to pan and added chopped red onion, caramelize.
While onions are cooking. Chop basil and tomato.
Sprinkle onions on zucchini
Then top with feta
Finish with basil and tomato.
Drizzle balsamic vinegar over entire dish.

Alicia & Ginger's Chocolate Zucchini Bread

2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
3 eggs
2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups grated zucchini
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon cardamon
½ teaspoon allspice
1 tablespoon Ghirardelli sweet cocoa powder


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
In a double boiler melt chocolate or In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate until melted.
Stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth.
In Kitchen Aid mixer bowl, combine eggs, sugar, oil, grated zucchini, vanilla and chocolate; beat well.
Stir in the flour baking soda, salt, allspice, cardamon and cinnamon.
Fold in the chocolate cocoa.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pans.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean.

Modern Fabrics

Today I came across this ultra cool fabric. I love this print with the scooters and retro cars. I found the print on the web site of Birch Fabrics. The fabrics are 100% organic cottons that are dyed using water based, acid free inks.

Has your lighting gone to the birds?

These fun lighting choices are both from Anthropologie's web site.

The first piece is the Magpie Chandelier. Magpie's are know for their abilities to collect and scavenge. The light is made in South Africa.

The second piece is titled Songbird Chandelier, it retails for $798.00. I love all the faux birds. I really want to do a take on creating my own version of this fun piece.

Trendspotting Tuesdays

So I am not sure about you but I have seen so many things peacock lately, I would have to say it is the biggest fall trend I have seen so far. Here are a few examples of what I have seen out an about in my journeys.


This wonderful Plumage lampshade by Antropologie I saw in the store I was not able to find it online.



Peacock feather decor balls available at Michaels.



These Jonathon Adler melamine dishes that are available at Target.



Peacock dinnerware at Anthropologie.

And how about a peacock necklace or peacock tights.

Anthropologie - display

Anthropologie - display
Originally uploaded by aliciadesign

I love this Sputnik display that Anthropolgie created using gourds, bamboo skewers and a styrofoam ball. I also love the look of the faux fieplace. This looks like it was created using strips of of 1" x 2"'s..

Thrift store scores part 1

Thrift store scores part 1
Originally uploaded by aliciadesign

Friday's thrift scores...
Asian painting I bought for the bamboo frame. Something about the junk boat is making it hard for me to take it out the the gold frame..
The rattan shelf I bought to put our in our covered lanai. I also thought about mounting it on the wall and displaying our tiki mugs on it too.
This fun bird cage and some really cool vintage bedding an accenting asian pillowcase to go with the bedding.

Up Cycled Skirt and Purse

Up Cycled Skirt and Purse
Originally uploaded by aliciadesign

This past weekend I purchased this red ruffle slip, that was inspired by the fabulous Becktress' wardrobe. And I took and old t-shirt that I had been saving that I picked up at thirtstore for another project, where I had cut the sleeves off and attached them to a tee. The shirt portion made a perfect skirt. I use to make these in high school. And the talented Lorimarsha re-inspired me. The purse is constructed from an OBI that I picked up in Ocean Beach. I turned it into a 3 pocket purse with a recycled belt for a strap...

Ultra Suede Skirts with a Vintage Swedish look.

vintage wool dress
Originally uploaded by robot•jumping•rope

I think it would be so fun to make some suede skirts like this out of ultra-suede and do my take on this vintage swedish pattern.... I need to get on this idea.

Trailer Stores - Curbside shopping

I just love this concept. I really want to find a old airstream, silverstreak or canned ham type trailer and turn it into a traveling store. The first place I saw something like this a feature on one of my favorite blogs, Cafe Cartolina. Fiona featured a store with this concept called The Very Hush Hush Gallery. Then today Design*Sponge did a feature on Adelante Austin's Curb Service. They have a super cool 30' - 1976 Airstream that they retro fit with ultrahip decor, and made it into a mobile store. They travel with the trailer around Austin, Tx hosting private trunk show parties for designers. Calling it Curbside Service. I just love this concept. I really want to do my take on this concept and create a mobile HiOctane Trailer. So if you know anyone looking to get rid of an old trailer, I am looking.

Cool Tool Boxes

I just love these toolboxes by Alice Supply Co. Maria & Raili thought it would be great to take typically mudane household tools and give them a dose of color and pattern. The two started the company that is based out of Chino, CA and decided to give the name a nostalgic nod to the Brady's Bunch's witty housekeeper, Alice. How could one not want to clean with these fabulous looking tools.

Amy Butler Rugs

How gorgeous are these new rugs by Amy Butler. I just love her style. She has 19 new designs. The rugs are made from 100% New Zealand Wool, they are hand made and semi-sustainable using no harsh chemical washes, the industries safest chrome dyes and natural latex adhesive. You can purchase them online through her web site.

Oh Deer!

Since I have a deer theme going how interesting is this needlepoint deer head by Frédérique Morrel. You can see her other unique creations on her web site. Made from polyurethane taxidermy molds, covered in vintage needlework and finished with real antlers, each piece is unique and made by hand. Morrel came up with the idea to work with vintage needlework after her grandmother died and her grandmother's needlework was unceremoniously tossed out.

Truely wonderful.