Butternut Squash Soup

To be honest, I don't have an exact recipe to share with you...but here is a delicious butternut squash soup I made for dinner tonight! I started by preparing the veggies to be roasted - butternut squash, potatoes, celery, carrots, shallots, and grated fresh ginger. I then tossed them with some olive oil and roasted them in the oven for about an hour. After the veggies were tender, I transferred them to a pot on the stove and added chicken broth, cumin, garlic, salt, cayenne and black pepper to taste. With a hand-held blender, I puréed the mixture to an almost smooth consistency and served it topped with shaved Parmesan cheese and chopped chives. I think I succeeded in making this ALMOST as good as my mom's version :)

Kohar & Raffi's Wedding!!

I think that I may actually have been equally if not more excited and impatient about seeing these pictures than the bride and groom themselves! When my friend Kohar started planning her wedding and was in search of a photographer, the first person that came to mind was my friend Jake who shoots for {Mike Larson}. We were classmates in college and I have been following his {blog} and always love seeing his beautiful photos so I knew he would be perfect for shooting Kohar and Raffi's wedding. Their {engagement photos} were just a glimpse of what was to come...these pictures from the wedding day are absolutely stunning! Not only were the bride and groom seriously one of the most gorgeous couples I have seen, but they made great models and the creative and technical skill level of Jake, Steven, and Necia is very impressive. As Jake called it in his blog, this was definitly a Big Fat Armenian Wedding - with its 400 guests and 3 day long celebration filled with lots of love, fun and tradition. I'm sure this was quite a challenge - it's not everyday they shoot weddings this big with a bunch of crazy people like us loud Armenians, but I think they did a fantastic job. I wish Kohar and Raffi a lifetime of health and happiness. Congrats to you both! <3

Handmade Fabric Napkin Rings

This weekend was all about (much overdue) resting, sleeping in, enjoying downtown, and best of all catching up on some therapeutic craft time. I did some serious damage to my wallet at {The Cotton Ball} in Morro Bay as I have done before...and here is what I came up with for my first project using my new fabrics! Stay tuned for more to come :) These will be for sale soon when I get my {Etsy} shop up and running!

Flameless Candle Chandelier

{Kevin Riley} is the originator of this design trend, creating customizable one-of-a-kind lighting pieces. His simple yet beautiful designs have inspired a lot of admirers. One of those admirers is {Restoration Hardware} who has made both the {rectangular} and {circular} version of these flameless candle chandeliers.

Corner Mirrors!

How cool are these!? I am loving the idea of multipurpose decorative pieces. These {corner mirrors} not only look awesome but are actually quite useful! They can be used as a tray to place things like your keys or glasses, or even for men to view below their chin while shaving! They have 8 holes on the rear of each mirror so they can be hung almost anywhere.

All White is Overrated :)

I have really been loving the idea of a bride not having to be in white head to toe. Shoes are one of the parts I think a woman can really go all out with and still remain traditional with the dress. It adds a splash of fun and color - it can also be the way to tie in the color of the bridesmaids dresses. Here is a collection of ones I have liked as I have come across them over time. Whether they are Louboutins or J.Crew - these are all super cute!

Abstract Paper Sculptures

Amazing handmade paper sculptures by {Charles Clary}

Pop + Shorty ~ Design the Pops!

As a designer spending many hours a day working with wonderful web producers - I got a kick out of {this} :)

Grace + Aaron's Wedding ~ Mrs. Design*Sponge :)

Those of you who are avid readers of {Design*Sponge} like me, we have been patiently awaiting the photos from Grace Bonney's wedding! Being that her wedding was being featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, she had to wait until the issue was officially on the stands. The wait is finally over! Here are just a few from the ones she {posted}, as well as some from {Martha Stewart Weddings} site. The photographer for her wedding was {Bethalée}.

Absolutely beautiful and just the style I like! Maybe that's why I love her blog :)

AND THE WINNER IS...

#4 - Lexsea Mann - CONGRATULATIONS!

The winner was selected using {Random.org}

Here is her selection and reason for picking it:
"I loved the {Alessi - Mediterraneo Kitchen Jar Collection} with the red coral pattern over the clear, crisp jars. I inherited my mom's sand collection (little jars filled with sand from all over the world) that I keep in the kitchen. I think these jars with the whole mediterranean, ocean-feel would look great next to these smaller glass sand-filled jars. Plus, I love keeping my kitchen looking neat and contained... and these would be perfect to keep something I use often in."

Here are some of the other items selected by readers:

Thanks for entering and thanks so much to {AllModern.com} for this opportunity!

AllModern.com GIVEAWAY!!!

Hello all - I am happy to announce Traditionally Modern Design's first opportunity for a GIVEAWAY! The gracious people over at {AllModern.com} would like to give my readers(US and Canada residents only)an opportunity to win something from their site that is worth up to $70.

Here is what you need to do to enter the random drawing:
1. Check out {AllModern.com} and pick one item you would like that costs no more that $70.
2. Comment on this post with a link to the item you chose with a good explanation as to why
you chose it.
3. Post a link to this blog or specifically about the giveaway on any social networking sites you may be a part of and then comment here that you did so
4. Subscribe to the RSS fee of this blog and/or become a follower
5. Be sure to leave a valid email address with your comment or email me with your contact information - info.tmdesigns@gmail.com - so I can let you know if you win :) If you choose to email me with your contact information, please include the username that you left a comment with.

All those that I feel have a well thought out reason for choosing the item you chose will be entered into a random drawing which will be held in 10 days - October 5, 2009 and the winner will be announced that evening.

{AllModern.com} has a wide range of {contemporary furniture} and decor by hundreds of designers and well known brands,for any room of your house. Take a look around and I look forward to seeing what you all find!

Miss Ruby Sue

Lori, a 35 year old mother of 4, is the designer for {Miss Ruby Sue}. Her company first launched in 2008 and has immediately become a recognized national label - Small Magazine, Good Morning America, The View, and the Today Show have already featured her work, as well as celebrity clients like Tory Johnson, author of "Women For Hire", Courtney Love (no description needed), Joy Baher, co-host of 'The View', Letitia, CEO of Dujior Magazine, Kevin Laur from Etsy Administration, Elizabeth Kartchner, Sarah Miller, editor from the well know "The Knot" Magazine.

You can now find her "Angles Song' and 'Anthropology' necklaces (the first two designs above) in select Anthropologie stores in the United States.

Miss Ruby Sue creates beautifully charming designs in bold colors and artistic patterns, giving any woman who wears it a free spirit and making them stand out among a crowd. For those getting married, she creates high impact jewelry - which is currently making its way into the "wedding world". These pieces are specially made without striking colors if that is not your desire. She will work with you to create something that will help make your special day unforgettable.

Canditto ~ Capture Every Moment :)

I came across {Canditto} and thought this was a great idea! Yes, professional photographers should still be hired to capture moments from your special day (if that is in your budget, of course), but there are also so many great candid photos that are taken by your friends and family with their digital cameras that you probably will end up seeing very few of. Here is a solution. Have the Canditto set up somewhere your guests will pass by as they leave and this great invention allows your guests to insert their memory cards and it will upload any picture taken in the past 8 hours (so don't worry about photos still on your memory cards from before...) This is not only a way to collect all the great shots from the night and save the hastle of emailing pictures, putting together a CD of them, or passing around the memory cards, but it also allows the couple to see fun photos from their wedding right away!

Baby Shower! Cupcakes! Decorations! Sewing!

So, last weekend was my friend's baby shower - it was amazing! This was also my friend {Natalie} and my first attempt at doing a dessert spread - A few different kinds of beautifully decorated cupcakes, brownie pops, and fruit skewers. Many props go to our friend Tabitha, for her amazing decorating skills - it looked wonderful down to every little detail: the hanging onesies, the cute drink buckets, the appetizer table, the chalkboard, the small vases wrapped with beautiful ribbon, the stylish paper chains, the adorable "about to hatch" egg timer favors for everyone, and much, much more! Check out the handmade elephant stuffed animal and handmade flannel burp clothes made by our friend {Tricia}.

Below is the gift I sewed for the guest of honor ~ a nursing cover!

Rustic Wall Art

This is absolutely beautiful - handmade {rustic wall art}. Great idea for something to do with scrap wood (besides using it for a bonfire).

Italian Espresso Set

I LOVE this mid 20th century Italian stainless steel and ceramic {espresso set}. I have been missing the delicious cappuccinos and espresso from my trip to Italy last summer - so I found this at the perfect time :)

Wall Decals!

Looking as though they were painted onto the wall, these decals are becoming a more and more popular form of decorating! They last for at least 5 years on the wall and peel of easily - perfect for renters like myself :) Here are a few I found looking through different stores on {Etsy}. These are perfect for any room in the house from a baby's nursery to a fun living room!

Creative Concepts and Clever Packaging

Here are some pretty creative concepts and packaging found on {Packaging | UQAM}. I am unable to translate the descriptions, or else I would have included them - but I think they are pretty self explanatory.

Beautiful Engagement Photos :)

Natalie and Garret are getting married! I seriously can't wait :) These are some of the photos from their engagement session with {Jake}, one of {Mike Larson's} photographers. Check out Natalie's blog, {In the Kitchen with Kristie} for some great recipes!

Felt good to sew again!

It had been far too long since I had last done a sewing project, so what better time than a baby's first birthday!? Here they are, the blanket and dressed I sewed for baby Tveen :) Check back soon for a picture of her wearing the dress!

The pattern for the dress is my own take on one from {Mani-Mina} on Etsy. The pattern for the flower was found on {Sew Ritzy Titzy}.

I was gonna just wrap it in a usual gift box, but I felt like using a plain brown bag instead and dressing it up with some paper and ribbon I picked up at {Paper Sky} here in {San Luis Obispo}.

Sydney International Food Festival

I love food and love it even more when people do creative things like this with it! Check out these international flags made of food - advertisement for the {Sydney International Food Festival} this year. Jason, even you have to say this is pretty cool!

Thanks to {Steven} for finding this!

Beautiful Attic Conversion

This kid-friendly and kid-inspired attic conversion is simply amazing. There is a full, furnished playhouse - with the most awesome play kitchen, full of light, various play areas (pool table for the adults), a built-in window seat with a trundle bed, and an overall great atmosphere. I absolutely love EVERYTHING about this. From the layout, the creative ideas for kids, and the overall design/decor style. I am in love :) A great find from {Apartment Therapy}, of course.

Why didn't I have a playroom like this?

This is probably one of the coolest playrooms I have ever seen. Even though this is not realistic for the average home, there are a lot of great design and storage elements that cant be used. With the high windows and support beams, this is assumed to be a converted basement space.

Some great elements are:
• Storage In The Floor
• Wrap Around Painting/Mural
• Built In Work and Play Areas
• Rope Wrapped Ladder
• Tree Wrapped Support Beams

This space was designed by {DorNob Design}. I recommend visiting there site and seeing more about this room as well as {other} great design projects they feature.

It doesn't have to have ducks and bunnies...

Expecting parents of a baby boy have designed this beautiful nursery by mixing old and new - baby's grandfather's display cabinet next to a modern crib - with warm vintage colors and decor that is gender-neutral. This {nursery tour} was found on Apartment Therapy's {OhDeedoh}. They gave themselves a challenge by staying away from typical light blues and greens associated with boys, even though they knew early on that they were having a boy. The bedding is from the {Litto Kids} line. The Sasquatch poster was bought from {Invisible Creature} in Seattle.
They say their biggest indulgence was the {Monte Luca Glider}, of course. Their best advice to anyone else who is looking to decorate a nursery: A baby’s room doesn’t have to have ducks and bunnies if you don’t want it to! I couldn't agree more.

DIY Cinder Block Planter!

I love coming across DIY projects that are pretty simple but look so nice! This modern cinder block planter idea is perfect, with supplies that are easy to come by and putting it together is just as simple. They are filled with easy to grow beautiful succulents - the inspiration comes from Annette at {Pot-ted}, a nursery and patioscaping company. Here's how she did it:

- The wall was built with 12" cinder blocks
- Liquid nails were used to hold them together so there wouldn't be grout lines and would also allow for flexibility.
- The planting is new and as it fills in and starts trailing, it is going to look even better.
- The use of cinder blocks allows for many different iterations you could make depending on how much space you have.
- They are also really cheap and can be painted if you want to match them to your decor.

The coolest part is that they have a chair in their patio like the one I {found} at {The Gardener} in Berkeley!