Kathy Banak

July 11, 2010

Summer Fresh

Now that we are in the glorious summer days, I get inspired by the cool fresh colors the season brings to mind.  Growing up I spent my summers at our lake house in New Hampshire.  The cool dark blue water, the fresh greens of the trees and bright oranges, yellows and reds of the sails on the sailboats filled my soul.  During my twenties while living in Philadelphia, I spent my summers in Avalon on the Jersey Shore.  Yes the Shore!  It was and is a beautiful beach filled with all the sites and sounds of most beaches in the country.  The begie sand color, the crystal blue sky, the white of the waves and the seafoam green water relaxed me instantly. 

Today I live in beautiful Seattle and visit Puget Sound every day for my morning meditation.  Later this month I am heading to Cannon Beach Oregon which is one of my favorite places on earth!  I often say that Cannon Beach is a combination of my summers spent in New Hampshire on our lake and in Avalon on the Jersey Shore.  It also has a hit of the Maine coast line feel to it.  Yet Cannon Beach has a magical feel for me which pulls me to visit every year.

When I am surrounded by or wear cool crisp whites, aqua, orange or blue colors, I am feel light, fresh and ready for a perfect summer day!

Enjoy your summer freshness and surround yourself with your favorite summer colors.

April 24, 2010

Refresh Your Outdoor Living Room

It is the time year to get ready for all your outdoor entertaining. Sprucing up the graden, cleaning the deck or patio and bringing out all of your outdoor furniture certainly gets you in the mood for entertaining.

Are you tired of you dull, boring furniture cushions? A new look on your seat cushions can change your entire outdoor living space. There are so many options available for sun protected outdoor fabrics and they range from bright contemporary fabrics and colors to more soft and muted tones. Any upholester can transform your look today. And yes you can even reupholester your umbrella!

April 2, 2010

Easter Desserts

Cindy Sullivan, owner of Haley’s Cottage, inspired me to share with you a few Easter desserts that are easy and fun.  As small business owners we are always thinking of unique ideas for our blogs. And since it is Easter weekend, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite dessert receipes.

Lemon Bars are the first part of this receipe that my friend Gini gave me years ago.  Gini is one of the best cooks I know and she loves to experiment with receipes and this one is her own creation!

Start with home made or store bought lemon bars.  Add 1 scope of Vanilla ice cream on top of the bar.  Drizzle a tablespoon or so of Cointeau liquor and then top with either fresh raspberries or strawberries.  Your guests will be licking their bowls!

 

 

I am venturing this year to make these adorable chicken cupcakes.  I found the receipe on the Food Network website and it seems very easy. Time to be creative and to start the holiday weekend off in the kitchen.  Enjoy this wonderful time of year of new beginnings!

March 28, 2010

Haley’s Cottage

Haley’s Cottage’s is our exclusive retailer of the Authentic Home Fabric line as well as the Authentic Home COLOR Paint line.  I will be available to answer all of your paint and design questions at their Spring Color Event on Saturday April 24th from 1pm – 4pm.  Hope to see you then!

 This beautifully merchandised store provides an escape from the day to day and allows you to be visually stimulated from all of the updated “shabby chic” home decor items.  Cindy Sullivan, founder and interior designer, has created a sanctuary for all your senses. 

Located in the heart of the downtown Kirkland shopping district, make it your first stop when shopping for a new home accessory or a gift for a special friend.  Or visit Haley’s website at www.haleyscottage.com to get inspired. You are sure to find something unique to make you smile.  Enjoy!!

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