The Inspired Home

Not at all shy to admit that I find myself  cozied up to a little Jeff Lewis every Tuesday night for Bravo’s Flipping Out.  The sheer nuttiness of what has become of “the designer” intrigues me...amuses me...whether it is Jeff himself or more name brands like Martha Stewart, Jonathan Adler and Kelly Wearstler.  

Faced with these big personalities, their bold point of views, their definitive style, makes it all the more daunting for the homeowner hoping to create a well designed home.  

Or does it?  

What every designer has is inspiration...whether it be horse-country sophistication, 1950s Palm Springs modernity or Hollywood Glam...or, for Jeff, what seems to be California (over)simplicity...clean lines, dark wood and a potted orchid. How everyone can find inspiration and apply it easily to create a well-designed home of their own making?

First, find something that you consider “eye candy.”  A vacation spot...a restaurant...a painting...or, in my case, an outfit from J.Crew.  Yes, a great look from the J.Crew catalog can be turned into a room.  Here’s how: 

http://www.semplicehome.com/TheInspiredHomeVol1.htm

 

So, whether you are a caterer or a potter or a Hollywood darling, we all have a designer

within us.  Get inspired by your everyday world and then simply surround yourself

with it.  Share an inspiration photo with us and maybe we will use it in an upcoming

issue of The Inspired Home.

Kelly DelRosso is co-owner of semplice, a home furnishings shop in Montclair, NJ and founder of ShopLocalMontclair.

 

Mini Me

This one's all about me but it could be all about you!

Simply upload a photo and you'll get back a cartoon version of yourself.  Your personalized icon can be used as an e-mail signature, on your Facebook page, website, mobile phone or business card. Prices start at $39.

www.myfaceicons.com

Lo Fatt Chow

It’s hard to miss the Route 31 billboard for Lo Fatt Chow in the Ringoes/Flemington area-not for its design, but for its name. The menu is equally intriguing: healthy Chinese food made with “No Trans fat, No Grease, No MSG.” As a health conscious woman/mom/person, I was eager to take our small family out for a healthy meal. Lo Fatt Chow (www.lofattchow.com) is primarily a take-out/delivery eatery, but they do have some tables for dining in. The menu is similar to other Chinese restaurants, but what makes it unique is the owner’s commitment to offer healthy choices and alternatives as part of Hunterdon County’s healthy initiative called “Eat Out, Eat Smart.” Lo Fatt Chow is a perfect dining option for those with special dietary restrictions or needs. If you are expecting the flavor that normally comes with higher fat and salt, then Lo Fatt Chow may not be for you, but it’s hard to turn down a dish like their popular Chicken Curry (which I ordered) or Spicy Szechuan dinners.

Welcome To The Neighborhood

John Knoeppel of Best Buy Eatontown has been answering customer service questions for months without having an actual physical store. The Customer Solutions Manager launched the new store’s identity on Twitter and soon discovered a new way to do business that still addressed customer needs. “Social media has been an exciting journey. Our associates are using the web to answer tech question and solve customer issues and we aren't even open yet.” The electronics superstore (50 Rt 36, Eatontown) finally kicks off its Grand Opening celebration on Friday with a “Women in Technology” event to talk about the latest in gadgets, technology and electronics. Doors will open officially on the Saturday with a live performance at 2pm by Cartel—the band will also sign copies of their new album. The party continues with the gals from the Jersey Shore Roller Girls (http://jerseyshorerollergirls.net/) and a ShoreFlicks (http://www.shoreflicks.com/) 16ft inflatable screen showing Guitar Hero. This Best Buy is also already involved in community projects through its @15 program, said Knoeppel, and is running a food drive on the 24th and 25th to support the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. “Even though Best Buy is a large international company, we think locally on a store by store basis because every Best Buy community is different and we need to serve our local customers and cater to their unique needs.” Best Buy also brings 100 jobs to the area and they are still hiring. Here’s the link to the site: http://stores.bestbuy.com/1895. The Jersey shore area has a new store, and a great new neighbor. We think you should make them feel welcome!

Swish, Swizzle, and Stir

Turn off the lights and leave a bowl of candy at the front door -- its time for the adults to have a sweet time with out raiding the kids' trick or treat bag. You can have your favorite candy taste and drink it too -- Mmmmm....how about a Caramel Apple Martini, an Almond Joy Martini, a PepperMint Pattini or a Snickertini? Find the recipes below from Van Gogh Vodka. Caramel Apple Martini
1-1/2 oz Apple juice or cider
1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Wild Appel Vodka
1/2 oz Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka
1/2 oz Apple Schnapps

Glaze the inside of a chilled martini glass with caramel syrup and place glass in the refrigerator until ready to use. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into chilled glass glazed with caramel syrup. Float a thinly sliced apple round (seeds removed) on top.

Almond Joy Martini
1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka
1 oz Coconut Rum
1/2 oz Hazelnut Liqueur
1/2 oz Chocolate Liqueur

Dip the rim of a chilled martini glass into chocolate syrup and roll in shaved coconut. Place glass into the refrigerator until ready to serve the cocktail. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into chilled martini glass with chocolate-coconut rim.

PepperMint Pattini
1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka
1/2 oz Crème de menthe
1/2 oz Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 oz Cream

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a Peppermint Pattie candy wedge.

Snickertini
1/2 oz Baileys
1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka
1/2 oz Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 oz Amaretto
Splash of cream

Drizzle a thin line of both caramel and chocolate sauce on the inside of a rocks glass and place in refrigerator to chill. Combine all ingredients into a shaker and shake over ice. Pour entire contents of shaker into glass and add straw.

Candles, Lanterns and Bonfires...Oh My!

BLAZING SHADOWS!!!!

Oct. 10-12, 16-18, 22-25, 28-Nov. 1 For the fifth year in a row, visitors can meander through a woodsy, darkened, riverside landscape and discover an artistic display of carved pumpkins! Enhanced by professional lighting and steeped in spooky music and sound effects, this must-see event is a delight for all senses!

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on Hudson, NY

You Creep Me Out...in A Good Way

Bleeding candles($8) and screaming glasses ($16 for 4) set the scene for spooky fun, both from designideas.net