House and Life

House and Life

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Bar Hill

Hi everybody! I wanted to say hello and let you know work is quite busy these days which results in a neglected blog. But I thought I would share a recent completed project we did here in Scranton. I was commissioned by dear friends to design a wine bar for my Hill Section neighborhood! It was very exciting and daunting in the same token, lots of consideration went into the planning of this beautiful, petite space. I chose to go with a handsome custom built glossy black bar with unconventional butcher block tops. They are so beautiful! We did a food grade poly which keeps them looking fresh. The little brass lamps are Ralph Lauren and the french wine boards are from Pottery Barn. I also had a custom banquette bench built with hidden storage. This is my dear friend Jack who filled the walls with all the custom art. Isn't he cute??? We added a stripe on the brown grey walls to add some dimension. The lights are black barn lights and little cage ones were placed over the bar. Here we are with added tables and chairs (Eames inspired) Chalk board paint was added to back wall for easy menu changes and handsome leather stools paired nicely with the brass rails added to our bar. I hope you like and when you are in Scranton, come check it out! Bar Hill 1431 Ash Street Scranton PA 18510 Images courtesy of Tribal Media and Jack Puhl.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Keep rollin..rollin...rollin...

Howdy my friends! I know its been like forever. Last I reported we sold our fixer in Scranton and moved into our little nest. Its been lovely. Then my husband showed me the Sunday paper with a house for sale a street up. I wasn't really interested in taking a look, but I agreed. After one walk through, we put an offer in basically walking out the door. It's going to seem like de-ja-vu for you who went with me for the ride of the last renovation. Yes, its pretty much a mess. But the reason I wanted it was for all its lovely bones. Butler's pantry, working fireplace, leaded glass windows, large lobby with a great staircase. And we haven't given up our hunt for a country place, but we thought we would up the anty for our little city life. Here are a couple initial photos. I hope you'll come along for this journey too. xx Ali

Monday, April 9, 2012

Pears Bears and Hares.

I got a bunch of emails asking where I got the two outfits for the kids for Easter. They are from my favorite designer and friend Kayce Hughes of Pears and Bears. Have you seen her Spring Line? I'm in love. I want a tunic in green and the cuts on the little one's dresses and shorts are so old school. Did I mention she has seven(yes seven!)beautiful children and manages to run this incredible business. And girlfriend runs great sales!!!




Kayce actually emailed me to blog what is on TOP of my dining room table. I found this cage at a local floral shop and then filled it with golden straw, some Pier 1 eggs, and a ceramic rabbit. People have walked in and thought the bunny is real. Lol. The kids are constantly in and out of it, I love how much of a kick they get out of it.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Easter





I hope my dear readers you had a wonderful day.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Something to Digest








The new AD features the stunning New York Duplex of Writer Brad Goldfarb and Alfredo Paredes, a major creative force for Ralph Lauren. The contrast of warm browns, white, and black are so gorgeous. And is the terrace not to weep for? Really the whole April issue is definitely worth picking up at the newstand. I love the direction AD is taking under the helm of Margaret Russell. Perhaps a little more attainable design peppered in would really inspire me further.
To see the whole article go here

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Hello.

I do always have the best intentions to be a TERRRIFIC blogger.

Then work, two little ones, husband, houses, always seem to take a front seat.

I thought I would just share some random pretties from the files.

I did tell you we are on a second house hunt, right? We are circling around Upstate NY,Berkshires, and Litchfield County. I know its kind of a large circle.

I'm ready to plant a garden too. I have this little patch in our house now. I put in a pea gravel bed right before the end of the season last year. Can't wait to share.

I feel like Winter is never coming to an end even though it barely snowed. But you know what its like to be stuck inside? Unless you are reading this in Florida.

That's all for now.

Images from Elements of Style, Chic Coles, Emerson Made, Unknown, Lonny Magazine.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Amore









My babysitter asked me what I am doing for Valentine's Day. With James on my lap trying to garner my attention by pulling on my face and Gigi asking for a bowl of cereal, I replied, You are looking at it." Love takes on many different forms as we all know. I am grateful for the love of my two kiddos, a sweet husband, a job that inspires me, my dear readers of this blog, and oh a pair of leopard Louboutins could always go on the "love" list. I hope you have a terrific day. Wasn't my Gigi cute oh too many years ago in her red cape? Where does the time go. Love this day, it will go fast.

Photos Martha Stewart, Elements of Style, Tobi Farley, Myself, Unknown.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Nate Berkus and Onions.




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Katie Lee the famous ex of Mr. Joel was on her BFF Nate Berkus's show making French Onion Soup. She is so darn cute and said I could make it in a crock pot, so I did. I cut up 5 onions and added a half a stick of butter and water to the crock. I let it cook a few hrs to a golden carmel. Then added low sodium beef stock ( you could use vegetarian stock) and instead of Katie's fancy wine, I poured in za 1/4 of left over Pinot and cooked a few more hrs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then I sliced french bread, sprinkled a little parm cheese and toasted in the oven. When brown, I floated them in the soup. I gotta say, out of this world! Easy too, especially nice to come to after a long day.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Domino's Back!!!!!




Well sort of. Conde Nast has released a press statement that a "Quick Fixes" editions will be on stands in mid April. Does this mean it's coming back for good???? Domino fans (like myself)can only hope!

See here

Friday, February 3, 2012








Happy Friday!!!!! Off to an adventure today, wish me luck.

Images via Habitually Chic, Shelter, Elle Decor, James Taylor website,unknown