Kate Klein

Room Makeover Contest

I am extremely excited to partner with the wonderful people at Juice (Des Moines Register weekly publication) for our Room Makeover Contest.  Go to dmjuice.com and tell Juice and Kate Klein Design why a room in your home should be selected!  The winner receives a design consultation from Kate Klein Design and $1,000 towards new furnishings from Juice and Kate Klein Design.  That's right!  Juice and KKD will award one lucky winner $1,000 to use towards new furnishings and accessories for their "new" room!!  Entries will be accepted thru July 25th and the winning entry will be selected by July 27th.  The winner will be highlighted in an upcoming August edition of Juice.  I can't wait to select a winner.  A $1,000 can go a long way!

A HUGE thank you to Olivia Howe, Arturo Fernandez and Chris Snider at Juice.  I am so excited and fortunate for this opportunity.  Thank you!! You are all awesome!  A big thank you to Fab'rik for allowing Arturo and me to visit last week.

Many of you have asked what kind of room would qualify.  My answer...anything goes!  The room can be anything from plain with white walls and great potential to a dark basement with green shaggy carpet, wood paneling and a Miller High Life ceiling fixture.  If you think your room deserves to win, then by all means, submit your entry to Juice already!!

Picture by Littlepea2 on Flickr

Color Your World

I love color.  It must stem from the days I lived with stark white walls in my numerous apartment rentals.  I recall my first home purchase.  I walked inside to view the property and I couldn't believe my eyes. The walls were peach...or maybe orange sherbert...the jury is still out on that one.  (For the record, I am not putting down peach...it was sort of a decorating challenge for me at the time!!)  The color didn't dissuade me...it was my first home...and my first opportunity to PAINT!!  Every room was transformed into a different color.  I used navy in the kitchen, taupe in the great room, barn red in the guest bathroom, butter yellow in one bedroom and Wedgewood blue in the other bedroom.

I remember when the time came to sell. A few of the potential buyers were suprised by the array of colors that adorned my walls. The property sold and it sold quickly.  That is the beauty of paint.  Paint can completely transform the look of a room.  Your individual paint selections can change as your style evolves and paint can express you and your personality! I found a fun color tool from HGTV.com called Color Code.  Choose a shade on the color wheel and it will reveal your personality. 

Photo from Flickr by SFSteve

Birthday Blooms

My family is having a birthday party this evening to celebrate my younger sister and niece's birthdays.  I told my older sister, who is hosting the party, that I will bring flowers for the tables.

I wanted to do something fun for my niece, who will be turning two, but not too youthful for my sister, who is turning...???...today. I placed pink roses inside a rectangular vase.  For something fun and unexpected, the roses are sitting in water in a smaller-sized vase, inside the larger one. I filled the space in between the two vases with candy.  I like to take everyday objects and do something unexpected with them...fun, simple and inexpensive.

Another idea is to place citrus slices in a vase or glass bowl and fill with daisies.  In this case, you wouldn't need a second vase to keep the filler dry.  You can use flowers and fillers that are relevant to the theme of your party or special occasion.  A few more ideas.... Miniature clothes pins for a baby shower, white M & M's for a bridal shower, golf tees for an outdoor party...the possibilities are endless!!  Have a great weekend!

Eight Random Facts...

Chris, I apologize, it has been over a week since you tagged me.  Chris Punke, owner of Zeppelin Media tagged me and seven other businesses to respond to his challenge to list eight random facts about ourselves.  Chris was tagged himself and passed on the challenge.  Bloggers tend to tag (meme) other bloggers to create awareness for bloggers and their sites.  I finally understand the definition of meme.  Here are my eight random...maybe a little dorky...facts about me.

1. I absolutely love to cook.  A few years ago I made delicious stuff mushrooms.  The recipe called for three garlic cloves and I used three garlic bulbs.  Whooops!!  Come to think of it…my guests ate them anyway…what good friends.
2. I have seen the movie Tommy Boy at least three dozen times.  I know every one-liner in the movie.  Is that dorky?
3. I love college football, especially the Big Ten...love it!!
4. I am absolutely terrified of mice!  I found one in my house several months ago and jumped up on my kitchen table. I think I slept with one eye open for a week.
5. I love Iowa.  I lived in Minneapolis for a year after college.  I thought very seriously about moving back last fall but I am glad I am still here.
6. I am the middle child of three girls.  Oh! My poor Dad!!
7. I have run two marathons and want to do a third before my knees tell me I can’t do them anymore.
8. I have many wonderful memories of my childhood with my sisters. Sometimes when my parents were out for the evening, we would ride down our 2^nd floor stairs in sleeping bags.  Apparently the sleeping bags didn’t provide enough thrill, because we then took our little sister’s crib mattress, and rode it down the stairs.  Not a smart idea. 

Not Your Average Veggie Platter

The 4th of July brings back some fond...and funny memories of my childhood.  Our old neighborhood had a parade every 4th of July morning.  Big wheels, trikes, bikes, strollers...you name it.  I remember one year I attempted to wrap as much red, white and blue crepe paper around my big wheel as humanly possible.  It was really awesome when I graduated to a bike (with trainers) so I could weave the crepe paper between the spokes...cool!!  After the parade, the neigborhood would get together and have a giant picnic.  The 4th is such a great holiday to gather with family and friends outdoors. 

Are you having guests over or been assigned to bring an appetizer to a party or picnic on Wednesday?  Read on, I have an easy one for you, but first, one quick question. Have you ever been to a party that didn't have the veggie platter??  No?  I had the same answer.  The veggie platter is a staple to any party. It is all about the presentation sometimes. I believe some of the simplest appetizers can look more more exciting when served in unexpected ways. 

I photographed veggies in terra cotta flower pots.  Serve the vegetables or crudite, (should be an accent above the last letter...pretend) in terra cotta flower pots for an unexpected twist on this party basic.  Crudites are raw vegetables often served with dip and eaten as an appetizer.  I found un-glazed terra cotta flower pots, available at any discounter retailer or craft store, for well under a dollar a piece.  Please do not use glazed terra cotta pots. Most glazes are not food safe and you will risk lead poisoning. 

Wash and thoroughly dry pots before use. Wash and prepare a variety of veggies.  Make your favorite dip or buy a store bought dip, like a dill dip, but jazz it up by adding fresh parsley and green onion.

Terra cotta pots have so many uses.  Fill one to hold silverware for your guests to grab untensils.  When the party is over, reuse the pots and bake bread in them.  Elena Ho, a blogger on the subject of baking, shares a delicious recipe for banana bread baked in terra cotta pots. 

A few more ideas...terra cotta pots make great centerpieces on tables or lined up along the perimeter of a deck or patio.  Place flags in the pots and anchor them by filling with sand or dry beans.

Share your ideas for additional uses with me.  Time to go, I need to make some dip to go with all these vegetables!! 

Kate Klein Design

Many of you have asked me how and when I started Kate Klein Design.  I created KKD in 2003 when I launched a boutique baby clothing label.  My line received the 2004 Best of Chicago Award at the Chicago Merchandise Mart trade show in the summer of '04.  The designs are simple and clean with catchy phrases.  My best selling design is called, "I'm a Little Crabby."  Several women at the trade show asked me if printed the design in adult sizes for their husbands!!  It may have been an interesting avenue to pursue but I thought I better stick to infant and toddler sizes only!

My designs are printed on ultra-soft baby garments including hats, leggings, onesies, bibs and receiving blankets.  I gave my sister several blankets when her daughter was born and she is now almost two, and still insists on sleeping with all her blankies.  Here is a small sampling of my designs.  I apologize if the phrases may be difficult to read due to size.

                     

Hot Tubs

The 4th of July holiday is right around the corner.  I am sure I do not need to remind many of you because the date is probably circled in every color of highlighter from your office desk drawer!!  I am going to share some ideas for outdoor entertaining over the next week to celebrate the 4th!

Entertaining a crowd?  Check out these galvanized steel tubs.  Steel tubs are a fun way to chill and serve beverages on a hot summer day.  Steel tubs are practically available at any discount retailer, hardware or specialty store.  Enameled tubs are fun because they usually have coordinating pieces like serving trays or even dinnerware. 

Are you throwing a party and do not want to worry about restocking every 30 minutes? Consider a kiddie pool.  I know you have all seen them or had one as a child.  I am not talking about the inflatable kind but the good 'ol blue plastic pools that usually decorate the entrance to Wal-Mart!!  Fill the pool with ice and keep all of your party beverages cold!  A kiddie pool is a casual and unexpected way to offer drinks to your guests!

                         

Left to right: Galvanized steel tub, target.com; stainless steel tub, lillianvernon.com; steel tub with enamel finish, potterybarn.com

Oops...how did this one get in here?   Galvanized steel tub with UI Hawkeye logo, cbssportsstore.com   (Okay...they have other teams too!)

            

Flag photo on Flickr by John Baird 

Twinkies

I was in the middle of writing a post on summer fashion for men and women when my sister called and asked me to meet her at Target.  My sister has a hectic schedule and has not had time to find an outfit for a party this Saturday.  So, a bit of a fashion emergency!! Of course, I obliged...because I LOVE Target and I am truly convinced one can put together a fabulous outfit from the T.

Her call was timely because I have my class reunion this Saturday.  I ordered a dress on-line last week for the event.  The dress is absolutely gorgeous and I justified my big purchase when I promised myself to wear it again at my cousin's wedding in July. Okay...back to Target, sorry for the side note, needed to set the stage...

My sister spots a dress and asked my opinion.  Wow!  I loved it, kelly green and white, one of my favorite color combos. We grabbed our sizes and two dresses, two pairs of shoes and matching jewelry later, we are both set for Saturday.  The damage?  No damage!  We spent $55 for the entire ensemble.  My other dress?  I am going to call my friend who has been eyeing it herself, and make her an offer! My point of this post?  No need to spend a fortune.  The dress I purchased looks just as great as the expensive one.  I love fashion on a shoestring.  Oh, I told my sister she can't wear her outfit at the wedding next month because I do not want to look like twinkies! Sorry sis!!!

Photo on flickr by ashleyv

Mad About Madras

Nothing says summer like madras.  Madras originated from India, but it was Brooks Brothers who introduced the textured cotton cloth to the United States in the 1920's.  Madras is a bit preppy, a bit nautical, yet comfortable and stylish...even a little funky! Check out the Converse Madras sneakers at likeWise, fashion blog of like.com. 

From bermuda shorts to shoes, madras is the look this summer!  It may be tempting to pile on all the madras you can, but let's not look like a placemat!!  Choose accessories in the popular plaid or pair one piece with a solid.  I put together a few ideas that will leave some change in your pocket.

Guys...you can't go wrong with this look...trust me.

 

Navy polo, Gap.com $9.99; Madras shorts, goodysonline.com $14.99; Mossimmo nubuck flip-flops, Target $9.99

Ladies...super cute bermuda shorts paired with comfy canvas flats.  Hopefully your guy will not be wearing his madras shorts at the same time.

  Women's madras shorts, goodysonline.com $14.99;

Cotton nautical tee, jcrew.com $32.50; Cherokee Elle canvas skimmers, target.com $14.99

If you haven't had enough...more madras.

Southhampton rope tote, jcrew.com $59.50; Xhilaration Sable ballerina flats, target.com $12.99; Madras trousers, josabank.com $39.00; Madras flip-flop, jcrew.com $24.50

Fun-ctional Accessories

If you have read any of my earlier posts, you will know that I like to find multiple uses for everyday objects.  A few weeks ago I suggested an idea for pictures frames in a post called Accents Made Easy.  Here is another segment to this topic.  I love trays.  They are great to use on a coffee table or ottoman.  I have a tray in my living room to hold magazines, pictures, candles and the t.v. remote.  Or, sometimes it serves as a giant coaster!!

Instead of purchasing a tray...make your own! Here are two ideas for different uses.  The larger frame is perfect for a table, ottoman or counter top.  I chose the rectangular frame for use on a bathroom vanity.  To make a tray for a coffee table you will need:

1 frame, 11in x 14in or 16in x 20in for larger surfaces

Scrapbook paper or wrapping paper

Scissors

4 Self-stick felt circles

Needle nose plier (for any hardware that may need to be removed)

Insert paper into frame.  Place self-stick felt circles on the four corners of the back side to protect the surface.  Some frames might need to have the key hole hanger or sawtooth hanger removed.  If you choose scrapbook paper, you may have to use two pieces of paper depending on frame size.  If so, be sure to line up the pattern.  I simply taped the back of the two pieces together.

The most time consuming part of this project was the fact that I couldn't decide on what paper to use!!  It was hard for me to choose just one! Scrapbook stores carry such a huge variety of paper to suite anyone's style.