LINTELS + LALLIES BLOG

Whew, so what’s with that heavy subject title, eh?!   J   Well, for those of you who know me, know I’m a ridiculous dreamer.   I believe anything can happen.   I’m one of those annoying *positive* people.   I’ve always felt something *big/great* would happen to me one day.   I grew up watching “Star Search” and dreaming of what it would be like to be one of those people.   I used to watch movies & would quickly memorize lines and became fascinated by the *world of television*.   So, having my own show on HGTV…um, are ya kiddin’ me?!…*design + TV*….SIGN ME UP!   At first I just toyed with the idea…then you all encouraged me and I realized, I’ve got nothing to lose, let’s do it!   So, I checked everything out…there was a very long (I’m guessing around 15 pages) questionnaire to fill out, portfolio pics, headshot pics, and then there was the actual audition video submission.   As some of   you may know, we kinda lik...

(If you've already read this post, scroll down to the bottom for the updated images!) One of the things that make my design process unique is the way I use art.   Many people think of art as an afterthought, or just an accessory.     When I can, I try to use it as inspiration to build a room from.    That is exactly what I did when designing my kitchen.   About 12 years ago, I purchased my first pieces of art, which included these two great vintage magazine covers.   I love their personality, history, and humor.   My goal was to evoke that *feeling* in our kitchen.   I also used a literal translation, by mimicking the colors in the art.   You’ll see the same colors in my barstool fabric, my cabinets, and even the cream background of the art is what I used in selecting my countertops. Here are the vintage magazine covers I used.   Being a picky eater growing up, I could totally relate to wanting to feed the dog under t...

I’m thrilled to introduce my latest passion, a new service of Lintels & Lallies, called “WORDS”. After many requests, now you can purchase original hand painted works of art created to uplift you & your family. There are pieces available in all price ranges & I have also been taking custom orders. Please read below to learn more about this exciting line. With a distraction of 5,000 advertisements per day, WORDS , is designed for you and your family; to silently speak encouragement by bringing the focus back on the core values each family finds important. Maybe it is the lyrics of your first dance as husband & wife, to help remind you of your commitment. Maybe it is a saying your grandmother taught you that you’d like to carry on. Maybe it is scripture or poetry. Whatever you value to help you keep focus and feel inspired throughout the day. Please check back regularly - I will be adding more paintings in between orders. If you have something you...

The Versatility of Vintage Rugs   Vintage can be a vague term often referring to an elusive time in the past.   When it comes to rugs, vintage has a distinct meaning. Rugs produced between the 1920s - 1970s are classified as vintage.   This time period in the arts was an explosion of style, color, and experimentation.   The results were an eclectic mix of beauty, sophistication, and playfulness which reflected the influence of major art movements throughout the world including modernism, minimalism, and surrealism. Rugs and textiles were a part of this shift in artistry and, in turn, a broad range of styles is conveyed by vintage rugs.   Their versatility in interior design is outstanding. From sleek, subtle designs to complex patterns and bright colors, the expanse of vintage rugs complements many home and office styles. Whether your space is minimalist modern or boldly traditional, there is a vintage rug that would be a great fit.   Let’s ...

When I watch a movie the first time, I tend to notice only the major design elements but try hard not to let my mind stray so that I can follow the storyline.   It isn’t until my second preview, that I really become consumed by the design details. This weekend we re-watched the “Hunger Games”.   Really great storyline, however even the first time I watched it I found the styles/design to be so jarring!   By the second viewing, it drove me nuts.   My husband had read the book, so I asked him if there was great description of what people wore and the settings…naturally he didn’t remember, but I’m willing to bet it was Hollywood that just didn’t “knock this one outta the ball park”.   With the movie’s success, I’m hoping the subsequent movies will be better. In case you haven’t watched it, here is a quick synopsis: It takes place in the future.   After an apocalyptic event poor districts are formed around a wealthy capitol.   As puni...

Most of you know how much I love to cook. Many of my friends & family have asked for some recipes…so I thought I’d put them all in one place. Feel free to leave a comment on the ones you’ve tried & let me know what you think about them. And sorry folks…but if ya want our family “Eggrolls” or my special “Sunday Sauce”…you’ll just have to get together with me sometime so I can cook for ya! ;) I cook a lot with fresh onion & garlic. If you don’t know how to easily cut them, ask me sometime! Some recipes are basic, some require a little more time. Some are from my family,  some original, some from the Internet.  I’m always trying new recipes, so check back often as I will be updating this particular blog with our family favorites. MEXICAN TACOS I never use the envelope stuff 1-2lbs of Ground Beef 1 16oz Can of Tomato Sauce (I use hunts) 1/2 Large Onion Chopped Finely Garlic Salt Chili Powder Cumin Salt & Pepper Couple light dashes...

I've never really considered myself 'crafy'.  Creative and artistic, sure, but crafty...not so much.  I don't really have the patience to sit and scrapbook, cut & glue things with precision...just not my thing.  However, I do always have scrapbook paper on hand.  It seems I always find a different purpose for it.  I've used them for place mats at parties, as gift card holders, and now the most recent repurpose I learned....is using decorative papers for a finishing touch on gift wrapping! Below are images of two gifts I just wrapped.  Want to learn how to make the paper roses? (Gosh, that sounds crafty doesn't it!) Just scroll down.  They are easy, anyone can do it! Rose Instructions: First, draw a spiral.  Doesn't have to be perfect...just give yourself a rough guide...(draw on the back of the decorative paper) Next, use your drawing as a guide & cut following the lines.  You can even cut jagge...