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Design Du Jour:

Day 3: Kathryn Greeley’s Caramel Cake

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Tobi

How do you spell delicious? In my book it’s c-a-r-a-m-e-l!! Caramel cake to be specific. If you follow the blog, you know my good friend Kathryn Greeley was in town for a visit a few weeks back. While she was here, I had a chance to sample some of her favorite recipes, including her caramel cake.

Why I love it: This cake is truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious. When I first tasted it, I thought for certain the recipe was a longtime family secret that Kathryn just might not be willing to share. (Yes, it’s that good!!)

I was right about one thing, it is a family recipe from her paternal grandmother, Janie Crisp. Fortunately, she was willing to share the recipe. In fact she shares it with all her gracious readers in her book, The Collected Tabletop.

Where to find it: Today Kathryn is sharing this yummy recipe on her blog. Be sure to check it out and get your own taste of heaven!

Oh, and while we’re on the subject of delicious recipes don’t miss the Ham Puffs she shared with Good Morning Arkansas viewers. They’re a Superbowl party must-have!!

Enjoy!

xoxo

-Tobi

P.S. Don’t forget today is the last day to turn in your Designer Mailbag submissions. If you have a space that could use some ideas for a refresh, send a picture and brief description to info@tobifairley.com.  Good Luck!

 

 

 

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Day 2: Pandora

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Tobi

It’s Day 2, so I thought I would tell you about two things I love…no, these posts will not be growing exponentially for the rest of the month!

Whenever someone asks if I’m a fan of Pandora, I say “yes,” without ever stopping to ask if they’re talking about the radio service or the bracelet! Why? Because I’m a big-time fan of both!

Why I love them: I’m a huge believer that music inspires creativity, so I am constantly listening to Pandora.

Whether it’s direct through my laptop or on my iPhone through their amazing app. What’s not to love about a personalized radio station? From Melody Gardot to Today’s Hits, there’s something for everyone on this Fab music site.

Speaking of personalization, that’s also the reason I love today’s second item, Pandora bracelets.

Yes, some of the ads on TV are a bit cheesy for this add-a-charm bracelet.  But there is nothing cheesy about the fact that my mom started one of these for me a few years back and my sweet 6-year-old has selected every charm since to remind me of her.  It is one of my most cherished treasures.

From a soccer ball to school books to a sweet little “honey bunny”, at every glance of my wrist, I am reminded of my most precious gift, my daughter. And just in case I were to forget that I turned the Big 4-0 last week, she selected these number charms as a reminder…so funny!

Want something a bit more hip but still sentimental, I also really love their braided bracelets too. They’re such a fun alternative to the regular charm ones.

Where to find them:

Pandora Radio Service, Pandora.com

Pandora Bracelets, Pandora.net

xoxo

-Tobi

P.S. Remember to vote for Tobi’s Blog as “Best Overall Design Blog” in the Design Bloggers Conference Hall of Fame. I am so honored to be included on this list!! Thanks to those of you who have already voted!

 

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Day 1: Pinterest

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Tobi

 

For day one of our 29 Days of Love, I can’t think of anything more appropriate to feature than Pinterest. Are you as obsessed as I am?

Why I love it: For starters, I no longer have random jpegs on my desktop, in folders or saved in my bookmarks. I now have a place to organize all the great ideas I see on the Web!

Secondly, I am SO inspired by the collaboration. At any time during the day, all I have to do is pull up my feed and I see ideas for everything from kitchens to earrings, inspirational quotes to ab workouts! And they’re all coming from trusted sources — my friends and followers!

It’s even become a family affair around our house. My daughter has a board under my account called “Ellison’s Picks,” where we find ideas and pin them together.

Finally, how much fun is it to be your own curator? Not only do you get to search your favorite sites and pick out what you love, but you can visit and revisit your finds any time you like. Now that’s something to love!

Where to find it: Pinterest.com

Find my boards specifically at Pinterest.com/tobifairley

Hope your ‘Month of Love’ is off to a great start!

xoxo

-Tobi

 

 

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Goodbye January, Hello 29 Days of Love!

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Tobi

They say time flies when you’re having fun, and January has definitely proved that to be true!

We’ve been working away on new presentations and client projects, getting our Mastermind 2012 series underway and hosting this year’s first Design Camp!

Oh yes, and I celebrated my birthday!!

I truly love my job and with that in mind, I’ll be sharing 29 other things I love in the next month.

Starting tomorrow we’re excited to begin our special February Month of Love blog series. Thanks to Leap Year, we’ll have one extra or “bonus” day of love this year to make it 29!

I hope you’ll be inspired by the things I love and that you’ll also share some of your favorite products and ideas by leaving a comment here.

Can’t wait to hear from you!

xoxo

-Tobi

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Design Resource: Swank Lighting

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Tobi

Adding colorful lamps to a room is always a bright idea in my book! I have several go-to sources when it comes to lighting, but today I want to share a few of my favorite finds from Swank Lighting.

If you saw the bedroom, I designed for the Hampton Designer Showhouse, you know how fabulously unique their rock and mineral creations are.

While perusing their site, I spotted this dreamy blue coral one. I’m pretty sure there’s a beach house somewhere out there that is dying for this lamp.

 

This white coral one could be great against a brightly painted wall.

And, as much as I love their mineral and rock pieces, I must say I am equally obsessed with the beautiful colored Murano glass options they have to offer, like this robin’s- egg-blue pair with gold accents.

And this vintage red-and-white striped set. Just seeing these makes me think of an uptown apartment in the city.

Oh yes, and this orange pair! Wouldn’t these be fun for bedside tables?

They have so many new and vintage options, it’s easy to get carried away! I hope these gorgeous lamps were a fun start to your Monday. Have a great week!

xoxo

-Tobi

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