Love the fabrics and the ropes! Photo from This Old House

Just imagine. It’s a quiet, lazy afternoon at Lake Gaston. You are worn out from a busy work week and it’s time to relax. Grab your book and head to the porch or covered deck, climb into your porch swing bed and your week’s demands just fade away. Get the picture?

Remembering my grandmother’s front porch swing makes this new swing version so appealing to me. There are many different varieties and styles. I love the idea of mixing outdoor fabrics, colors and patterns to create your own outdoor look. Here are a few of my favorites.

Show your patriotic colors. Photo by PB

Double Swing Bed Duty Photo from Coastal Living

Modern Porch Swing

Porch bed swings are one of my favorite new trends. I am “dreaming” of where I may use one of these!
If you do not have the space or budget for the swing bed there are other options to help you relax in motion. The “front porch” swing styles have evolved with many choices of wood, wicker, metal or poly-wood. Add your cushions for comfort and color and you have created your own outdoor oasis.

Comfy swing chair for the garden by Magnolia Casuals

A smaller and comfortable swing option is the fabric swing chair.  It is available in a wide variety of colorful outdoor fabrics.

Once you have selected your way of “swinging into summer” here are a few tips to get a longer life out of your outdoor swing cushions or any outdoor fabric products:

1. Use outdoor fabrics made of 100% acrylic or 100% spun polyester fiber. There are several types of outdoor fabrics with Sunbrella solution dyed acrylic being the industry leader. Please note that outdoor fabrics are water repellant not water proof.
2. Never leave your outdoor cushions out when expecting excessive rain. Although outdoor fabrics are meant to stand up to all weather conditions, saturating the fabric with water will make the cushions harder to dry.
3. Outdoor cushions can be made with fast-draining marine foam if they will remain outside for long periods to decrease drying time and help prolong their life.
4. Most outdoor fabrics are mildew resistant; however, mildew will grow on dirt and oil. Keep your fabrics clean by using a solution of liquid dish detergent and warm water to clean away dirt and dust.
5. For stubborn stains on Sunbrella fabrics, add bleach to the soap and water solution, or use a fabric spot remover. Sunbrella acrylic fabrics are not damaged by bleach.
6. Stains on printed acrylic fabric can usually be removed with a mild soap-and-water solution. Do not use bleach on printed acrylic fabrics, as it will fade the printed pattern.
7. Keep suntan oil off the fabric. Suntan oil can stain outdoor fabrics. If stained with suntan oil, remove by using a commercial spot remover for grease stains. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
8. Try to put your patio cushion away when not in use. Storing your outdoor cushions will increase the time your fabric stays new and vibrant. Take your cushions in for winter, then let them back out again for summer.

Here are some helpful links for more different swing bed style and a DIY video about constructing your own outdoor bed!

http://www.livinglocurto.com/2009/07/hanging-porch-beds/

http://www.houzz.com/Porch-Swing-Bed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIbrgLQY48g

Happy swinging and outdoor “Lake Living”!

  ]]> http://marysherwoodlifestyles.com/swing-into-summer/feed/ 1 http://marysherwoodlifestyles.com/what-turns-you-on-how-about-your-closet/ http://marysherwoodlifestyles.com/what-turns-you-on-how-about-your-closet/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 16:00:55 +0000 Autumn http://marysherwoodlifestyles.com/?p=1674 Ever long for an amazing closet like Carrie’s from Sex and the City?  Although it is meticulously designed and organized, a “Big” part of the appeal is the use of lighting.

Carrie's Closet from "Sex and the City"

In the world of lighting, under cabinet lighting in kitchens have come a long way, baby!  Many different options have been introduced over the last 30 years. It started with cool, “grayish” fluorescent lighting which provided illumination but did not enhance the color of food.  Halogen and Zenon lighting became the next lighting of choice. These bright “white” lights make colors pop and culinary creations sparkle. One detriment to their use is the heat gain and the replacement cost of the bulbs.  Both problems have been solved with the innovation of LEDs, but why limit its use to the kitchen?  Here are some unique applications we found at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) this past week in Chicago.

Lighted Drawers turn on/off when opened/closed - Great to see all the way in the back

Lights behind doors turn on/off when opened/closed - Pick black, navy, or dark brown right the first time!

Lighting focused on each shelf highlights your fabulous shoe collection

Or LED lights within glass shelves illuminate your handbag collection from all angles

Want to shed some light on your own wardrobe?

We’d love to hear about it.

 Where, oh where do you bed down all these visitors?

 With the use of a Murphy convertible bed you can create a multifunctional space that helps to ease the sleeping predicament.  

Now you see it...instant guest sleeping space!

Now you don't...sleeping space hidden behind closed doors!

Now you see it! Hidden bed all ready for guests!

Now you don't...no one would ever know that behind these decorative shelves lies a bed in waiting!

Do you have a need for extra sleeping space?  Where would you like to incorporate a Murphy bed?

Let’ hear your comments!

Before photo of original countertop

Lake Gaston is a great place to live!  Living on the lake attracts lots of family and friends which provide lots of reasons to entertain.

In this project, to help our client entertain in style, we updated this wet bar.

We replaced the standard Formica countertop with this gorgeous piece of glass, then backlit the countertop with warm LED lighting.  We added a ceramic and glass mosaic tile backsplash to complete the look.  The results are stunning!

Glass countertop with LED lighting

Whether you’re looking for a conversation starter or it’s just time to update your wet bar, man cave, or even your counter down at the dock, this is a great way to transform a countertop into a unique component in your design.

How would you incorporate a backlit countertop into a  project?

Let’s hear your ideas!

Happy lake living!

Close up view of this gorgeous countertop

Watch this video as Autumn tells us all about Tile Dots!

How creative can you be?  How would you like to use Tile Dots?

We love your comments!

WOW-another fun event at MSLL. The food was fabulous, the CAbi fashion was great and fun was had by all.  Thanks Peggy Howard for the fashion and Autumn for the kitchen assistance.

I have been (willfully) coerced into publishing the recipes from tonight’s Fun, Food and Fashion event  ASAP.  One of the girls is dying to recreate the party appetizers for an upcoming event.  Here is the simple, throw together, easy party menu.

It all begins with one key ingredient…3 Pepper Blast Dip

Menu

Toasted Flatbread Wrap Chips with Magic Unicorn Salt

3 Pepper Blast Cheese Dip

Chicken and Cheese Roll-up Wraps

Puff Pastry Peach Cobbler Tarts with Vanilla Ice Cream  (recipe not included)

Recipes:

Toasted Flatbread Wrap Chips with Magic Unicorn Salt

Use the flatbread wrap of your choice (available in the deli section of our local FL).

Lightly coat one side of the wrap with seasoned vegetable spray or a light brushing of olive oil

Add a light sprinkle of the flavored Magic Unicorn salt (remember it’s magic!)

If you are out of “magic”,  any salt or seasoning of your choice will work

Cut into squares with a serrated knife or pizza cutter.  The squares do not have to be perfect.

Place on parchment paper covered baking sheet.

Bake 10 – 15 min at 350 degrees.  Ovens will vary so at 10 minutes check for crispness and light browning.  Do not let them get too brown. Let cool on baking sheet.

One flatbread wrap makes approx. 36 chips.

Serve with 3 Pepper Cheese Dip.

3 Pepper Cheese Dip

8 oz  Cream Cheese or Reduced Fat Cream Cheese

8 oz  White Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1  12 oz jar of 3 Pepper Blast Dip

Let cream cheese soften.

Grate white cheddar cheese.

Combine the cheeses and the 3 Pepper Blast Dip.

Serve with Toasted Flatbread Wrap Chips with Magic Unicorn Salt.

Ingredients can be cut in half to reduce quantity of dip.

Full recipe serves a crowd.

Chicken and Cheese Mini Roll-up Wraps

Flat bread wraps

3 Pepper Blast Cheese Dip (from recipe above)

4 Chicken tenders lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, sautéed and finely chopped

½ cup grated white cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese

Optional extras:  chopped cilantro, green onions, sliced avocados

Spread one side of a flat bread wrap with 3 Pepper Blast Cheese Dip, keeping dip within about 1” of the edge of the wrap.  Layer on top of dip about 2 tablespoons of chopped chicken, sprinkle with grated cheese.  Roll the wrap and secure with 4 mini skewers or bamboo knot picks.  Trim unfilled ends, if necessary.  Carefully cut remainder into four equal pieces.

Place on parchment covered baking sheet.  Drizzle each mini roll up with 1 teaspoon salsa and a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 -15 minutes.

Garnish with more salsa, if desired.

Each wrap makes 4 mini roll-ups.  Repeat as needed.

Have a blast at your 3 Pepper Blast Party!

Mini Pot Man

As we collect all our parts for the “build your own” mini pot man party I have been contemplating  whether  to “dress” my pot man with some type of attire.  Perhaps he needs some color with painted stripes or a collage of glued on fabric scraps.

What do you think?

Join us Saturday March 24 at 10 AM to create your own pot man, clothed or naked!!!

E-mail or call to register:

autumn@marysherwood.com

252-586-2437

Being in the retail and design business we are often very busy at this time of year.  As our business and children were growing up and time was at a premium, Aaron and Jake began to question “if” and what kind of tree we would have.  Traditionally it was always a live tree, sometimes collected from a local tree farm or the local Jaycee’s lot.  In 2002, having waited until the last minute, I rushed to Wildwood Nursery in search of a live tree.  They were too large, too tall or too expensive, so I had to re-group.  Wondering through the nursery I spotted a Pom Pom Topiary Juniper.   It was not very big but had a very interesting shape.  Could I make this work as a Christmas tree?  I am always up for a challenge!  My youngest son, Jake, at that time, always arrived home for Christmas late in the night from NJ.  I had promised him a real tree!  So, he first laid eyes on this tree while everyone else was sleeping.  In the morning he said, “Mom, what have you done?  You decorated a “broccoli” tree for Christmas! Thus the saga of the potted Christmas trees began.  Here is the pictorial version of the saga from 2002 to today, http://bit.ly/vFOmDz.

2002 "Broccoli" Tree

So this past weekend once again we set out on the quest for a tree.  Again Wildwood Nursery was able to oblige.    We found a beautiful potted ‘Carolina Sapphire’ Cypress tree about 5’ tall.  This type of Cypress is a very airy looking tree with aromatic, pale blue-grey foliage.  Because the foliage is so wispy, developing a decorating scheme took some thought.

The beginnings of the 2011 Sherwood Christmas tree, a 'Carolina Sapphire' Cypress

I began with the lights placed close to the trunk.  Tulle mesh ribbon in three colors, white, red and turquoise, and lime stretchy ribbon was added for the garland.  Last but certainly not least, an assortment of light weight glass ornaments created the finishing touch!

Added sparkle and shine with light weight glass ornaments to the 2011 tree.

Carolina Cypress 2011 Christmas Tree

Glass baubles and lights for the mantel!

Added a touch of turquoise this year.

An art glass lamp even gets some Christmas adornment

Yes, we do have a tree and a few other Christmas baubles and bangles.

Thank you for reading this story!  It helped me remember how precious these holiday memories will always be in our lives with the people we love.

Enjoy your holidays wherever you may be.  Make some memories!

The Sherwoods visiting the LA Museum of Modern Art, Christmas, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Here are a few facts about this ministry and the items they particularly need.

The Bethlehem Food Pantry

Traci, Autumn and Mary will be busy painting pink pumpkins. Ribbon, paint, and markers will be available for you to decorate your own pumpkin if you like. The small pre-painted pink pumpkins or the pumpkins you decorate will be sold for a $10 donation to Susan G Komen for the Cure.  We will even have a special pink pumpkin filled with lots of MSLL goodies to be raffled off to raise more contributions.

One other item we’ll have available is Say I Won’t Beat Cancer t-shirts. This company is owned by Brett Walker, Joyce Walker’s son. (Yes, our Lake Gaston Weight Watchers lady) His company routinely supports good causes like this. We will have a very limited supply on hand. If you would like to pre-order a t-shirts or tank for $15.00 in your size please contact us.

Don’t miss the fun!

Saturday, October 15, 11 am – 3 pm.

You might take home the special pink pumpkin!