Tag Archives: bedroom

Bedtime Stories: You Don’t Have to Wait for Halloween

Ghost of GraylockPost by Mark T. Locker.

The Ghost of Graylock by Dan Poblocki.

I know spring is not the time of year people think of creepy, haunted sanitariums. But sometimes, on a stormy spring evening, when the wind is throwing the rain and cherry blossoms everywhere, curling up under a light blanket and a spooky book is just the thing. I have had this ghost story sitting around for a while but finally picked it up. Neil and Bree are siblings in the midst of personal turmoil. Their dad has left for the west coast and their mom is struggling with a nervous breakdown. In order to give her space to recover, the kids are sent to their aunts’ house in a small town in upstate New York. Quickly, they discover that one of their neighbors in the vast and ghastly Graylock Hall, an abandoned sanitarium, supposedly home to the ghost of the wicked Nurse Janet, believed to have drowned more than one patient from the hospital. Naturally, they want to explore; what they don’t plan for is that something would follow them back.

Tormented with visions and feelings, the children begin trying to unravel the mystery of who is haunting them, and why. Is it the malevolent spirit of Nurse Janet, seeking new victims? Or is it one of her victims, seeking justice? Dan Poblocki continues to deliver spine-tingling fun for young teens and grown-up kids at heart alike. Fun book to pull out on a rainy night or a spooky campfire read.

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Bedroom Design: 5 Bedrooms with a Moroccan Feel

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Often characterized by mixing bold, busy patterns, lantern light fixtures, and ornamental surface details, Moroccan rooms aren’t as common as some other design styles. Still, when done well, Moroccan-themed spaces can be lovely, happy rooms, and even feel restful enough to capture a good sleep.

Take a peek at these five Moroccan-inspired bedrooms, each of which pushes the creative envelope in one sense or another.

You probably wouldn’t ever think that an all-white bedroom could be Moroccan in style, but the above photo proves otherwise. Stylish and sophisticated, this neutral space boasts a Mediterranean feel. The designer used pattern to create a modern, Moroccan escape that combines a sleeping area and sitting room.

A Moroccan-style wall covering sets the tone for this unique bedroom. Bold and busy, the bed wall becomes the focal point of this compact, cozy space and influences the rest of the design, which leans toward contemporary.

Going Moroccan in a nursery? Yes, indeed, and it works. From the baskets to the hot pink poufs to the unmatched pendants and artwork, this cheery room sports all the right touches for a newborn and parents to feel happy and relaxed. This room can easily transition into a child’s room or even an adult’s bedroom with just a few minor adjustments.

Tall headboards and simple bed skirts in a Moroccan-themed fabric, a tile floor, and the teal and marigold combine nicely to create a bright, twin bedroom. Notice how the teal paint on the lower half of the walls is the same shade that’s on the leading edge of the drapery. The color scheme ties all of the elements together.

Bright blue with gold, plenty of pattern, and the right amount of red give this space drama. A tub in the bedroom isn’t traditional, but lends a true Moroccan feel to this color-filled suite.

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Bedroom Design: Nantucket Style

Post by Tracy Kaler.

With warmer weather approaching, sun and sand time is right around the corner. When I dream of beach houses and coastal getaways, I can’t help but think of Nantucket, the charming seaport town off the coast of Cape Cod.

Nantucket has its own style and personality: nautical themes, muted blues, crisp whites, and natural materials are a few elements that characterize the island’s shingle-style houses.

In a coastal mood now? Take a peek at these five pretty bedrooms that will leave you fantasizing about a summer in Nantucket.

On the traditional side, this impeccably decorated blue and white bedroom sports a New England feel. No detail has been left out –– from the perfectly fluffed pillows to the throw on the ottoman and touch of greenery on the mantle, the room would be a pleasure to relax in for an afternoon or sleep in during an extended stay.

This spacious bedroom boasts a monochromatic scheme with a view of the sea. The space is relaxing and soothing. Who needs anything more?

I love the elegance in this bedroom. Notice the crisp Roman shade, Fortuny-esque pattern on the headboard, and the simple chandelier. Although the beach doesn’t immediately come to mind when I look at this room, I can easily imagine the space in an 18th century Nantucket cottage.

This modern Nantucket renovation still features classical elements. Notice the extra bed along the side of the room, which is pretty typical in beach houses.

What an adorable attic bedroom with a nautical theme. The ladder goes to a boat hatch and leads to a widow’s walk roof deck. The clever, uncluttered room sleeps multiple people and appears to get plenty of natural light.

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Breakfast in Bed – Parsleyed Eggs – Seventies Style

Parsleyed Eggs 9

Post Alison Hein.

We invited our good friends Michael and Luis for dinner shortly before Easter. When Luis offered to come a little early and help me prepare, I agreed whole-heartedly. Little did he know I intended to trick him into making tie-dyed Easter eggs! (You can now buy these kits in your local grocery store.) Anyway, they turned out beautifully. Luis’ artistry made for an impressive display, and I even let him take a couple home.

Parsleyed Eggs 2

After the holiday, a handful of these beautiful eggs still remained, and I longed to use them purposefully. My first inclination was for some type of deviled eggs, but then I remembered an old favorite from Anna Thomas – parsleyed eggs on the half-shell. Eggs, hard-boiled and scooped out, their innards mixed with parsley and butter, then returned to their shells and cooked to a crisp, golden finish. What inspiration! Now I could showcase my lovely tie-dyed eggshells, and pay homage to Anna Thomas, famed for her 1972 book The Vegetarian Epicure, sometimes called “the vegetarian Bible of the 1970s.”

Slicing through the shells and removing the cooked egg is difficult work, so take your time. Don’t worry if the first couple don’t work out so well – you’ll soon get the hang of it. And, even if you don’t feel like tie-dying your parsleyed eggs, I’m sure you will still enjoy the artistry of Anna’s recipe, and a beautiful vegetarian, epicurean breakfast in bed.

Parsleyed Eggs 4

Ingredients

4 eggs
2 tablespoons butter, softened, plus additional for cooking
½ cup fresh parsley, washed
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Preparation

Place eggs in a small heavy saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil on high heat and continue to cook eggs for 10 minutes, until hard-boiled. Cool.

Using a sharp, serrated knife, carefully tap and score the eggshell in half lengthwise, then cut entire egg in half. Gently scoop out cooked yolks and white, retaining shell halves. Repeat with remaining eggs. Place cooked egg whites and yolks in blender or food processor. Add softened butter and parsley and blend to a smooth, thick paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Trim off any jagged edges, and fill shells with egg mixture, smoothing to a flat top.

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When ready to serve, heat butter in heavy pan over medium low heat. Place egg halves in pan, stuffing side down, and cook over low heat until light brown and crisp on top and heated through, about ten minutes. Serve warm.

Makes 2 to 4 servings.

Parsleyed Eggs 11

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Bedroom Design: Classic Mission Style

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Mission might not be the most popular design style, but Arts and Crafts aficionados adore the vertical and horizontal straight lines, simple aesthetic, rich wood tones, and Frank Lloyd Wright influence.Furnishings are most often seen in quartersawn oak, and said to be derived from the Spanish missions in California, but there’s no formal proof of this. Stickley was an original pioneer in the movement and was highly influenced by William Morris and John Ruskin. Mission style became increasingly popular during the turn of the 20th century, and was a welcome change from its ornate Victorian predecessor.

With little to no decoration on Mission pieces, many are characterized by exposed joinery, which could be stained a different color from the rest of the piece, simple yet sturdy fabrics and leathers on upholstered items, and a heavier feel than other transitional styles. Stained glass was a popular detail both in architecture and home furnishings.

Take a look at these five lovely Mission-inspired bedrooms, which might encourage you to consider using Mission elements in your room.

This Mission headboard is almost hidden with the chartreuse shams. This bedroom has taken on more of a feminine feel, unlike most Mission-style rooms.The patterned pillows and various textures add interest and flair to what would otherwise be a dull space.

This bedroom is straightforward and the stained glass adds a touch of elegance. I’d love to see some pattern on the floor. The lamps are perfectly proportioned.

The architecture of this space is undoubtedly Mission. The pair of lounge chairs is ideal for reading or sipping coffee. The fireplace warms the space, as does the large area rug.

This Ontario bedroom boasts Mission-themed woodwork and a classic Arts and Crafts light fixture. The fireplace and view can’t be beat. What a comfy space!

The exposed brick completes this Mission-styled room with a chunky wooden bed and crisp white linens. Keep in mind that a large bedroom is needed to accommodate this oversized bed.

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