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Target is celebrating 20 years of designer collaborations by bringing back some of the most favorite pieces from previous collections. Encompassing both home and fashion, these collabs with names such as Missoni, Marimekko and Michael Graves bring high end style at affordable prices. The collections launch in store and at Target.com on September 14 but we have a sneak peek at some of our favorites. Michael Graves  The innovative Spinning Whistle Tea Kettle led the way in inspiring the balance of form and function. As said by designer Bobby Berk, "It....reminds you to have a cup and slow down." Missoni  The iconic zig-zag pattern in bold colors speaks to us like few designs do. It was one of the most successful Target collabs and we can't wait to get our hands on these! 1. Stacking Espresso Set 2. Stacking Stoneware Bowls 3. Long Sleeve V Neck Cardigan 4. Zig Zag Silk Scarf Marimekko  Inspired by summers in Finland, which are so short, you have to make the most of them, the Marimekko and Target collab features bold, happy prints with a nod to nature. 1. Melamine Salad Plates 2. Melamine Dinner Plates 3. Reversible Cotton Table Runner 4. Melamine Tray Lilly Pulitzer  These "pieces of paradise" feature bright colors, joyful prints and whimsical details that celebrate the Palm Beach life. "Style isn't just about what you wear, it's about how you live." --Lilly Pulitzer
1. Cocktail Glass Set 2. Porcelain Bowl Set 3. Print Cotton Napkin Set 4. Giraffe Bottle Opener Check out all the design collabs here and be sure to "heart" your favorites for a quick and easy purchase on Sept 14. These definitely won't last long! This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links.
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We recruited the token male in the office once again to help us out with a post on that favorite fall past-time, tailgating. We are all big TCU fans here, but luckily this tailgate fare is Switzerland in its neutrality. Good enough for all fans. Mostly. Go Frogs.  Image credit: Hellman's Disappearing Buffalo Chicken Dip If there are two things we like more than anything, it’s dishes with “Buffalo” and “Dip” in the title. This super easy recipe screams “TAILGATE” and your friends will devour it!  Image credit: Sargento Stadium Meat and Cheese Tray We feel like your tailgate food needs to represent what a tailgate is all about…the stadium! Check out this super clever, and really tasty, edible stadium by Sargento. Yes, THAT Sargento.  Image credit: Cocktailpartyapp.com When it comes to tailgate drinks, we know that beer and wine are king and queen. Throw in an assorted case of White Claw for the Millenials and you're good to go. But, seeing as how we ARE Horned Frog Fans and all, how impressed would your fellow tailgaters be if you whipped up one of these "Purple Cocktails that Don't Suck" courtesy of our friends at Cocktailpartyapp.com. Some are easy, some, not so much but all impressive.  So, you’ve picked out food and drink for your tailgate party. How are you going to get from your kitchen to your tailgate? Might we suggest this little gem from Wayfair. It’s like your suitcase and your picnic basket had a baby.  We love these striped throws to throw down (ha!) on the table or tailgate as a place for all your yummy food. These classic rep stripe blankets from Wayfair make the perfect backdrop to your tailgate party. Or order several for your guests to wrap up in on that rare chilly football-weather day. Available in all the best game day colors.  If you’re going to really tailgate, your peeps are going to need somewhere to sit. Rather than pack up a ton of folding chairs, check out this contraption from Wayfair. It knocks out six birds with one stone. This foldable sports/camping bench will make your life and your friends and family think you’re a genius!  And for those awkward moments when there are too many party crashers that you don't know, a good ol' game of Cornhole is just the answer. Wayfair has a game with the school logo of pretty much any team you are cheering for so no one is getting left out of this party.
Have fun. Be safe. Go Frogs. This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links. Our monthly Artist Spotlight series feature for September is Allison Castillo. We have been huge fans of Allison's work since Shauna started this whole adventure and well, we think she is definitely someone worth getting to know.  SGD: Can you briefly walk us through your story? How did you get started and how did you get to where you are today AC: I come from a long line of artists and grew up in Fort Worth, TX. After formal design and art education at Stephen F. Austin University and University of North Texas, I began a career as a graphic designer in the corporate world, transitioning to digital and mixed media as my family grew. I returned to painting again seriously about 4 years ago and haven’t slowed down! Large scale abstracts are my current fav and I love to work closely with families and designers who are looking for something to liven up their space. I also have a line of bold and colorful scarves that are sold all over the state of Texas (www.spiritsnob.com) SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? AC: Ha! Is it ever a smooth road? My marriage of 17 years ended almost 2 years ago and naturally has been a huge adjustment to my myself and our three children. Doors have opened up for me across the board that I never would’ve imagined and I have seen the Lord’s hand all over it. I fully believe he has not set me up for failure. SGD: What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from other artist? AC: Like most moms I am proudest of my children- and the fact that I have an orchid green thumb ;) I have a few that are a 4-5 years old. ( kids are 6, 8 and 15) I never imagined that I would be an entrepreneur single-mom at 44 ! I think the one thing that currently sets me apart is that I continue to explore many different styles, techniques and color combinations. Basically if I get an idea in my head it has to come out! I struggled at first because I don’t have a certain constant “look” like a lot of abstract artists, but I realize it’s ok because it keeps my motivation to create flowing and I have many repeat clients because they can have 3 of my pieces in their home and each one is unique. SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career? AC: Do something creative everyday. Find someone who has the job you want , take them to lunch and ask them what they did. Network and use social media to it’s full advantage. It’s hard to be vulnerable as an artist but it gets easier the more you do it. Surround yourself with other like minded people and pick their brains. It’s ok to not know what you are doing! I didn’t really start my current “career” until I was 40 but I am not afraid to ask for help - people respond to authenticity. SGD: What artists do YOU admire and why? AC: That’s such a hard question. Currently obsessed with Ashley Longshore out of New Orleans, she has a killer work ethic and is blazing a huge trail for women and artists alike. A lot of people can paint or draw incredible things, but to create a brand around yourself and sell your art - now THAT is the challenge. She’s the best. SGD: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be? AC: A spelunker. Or and an Egyptologist :)     You can find Allison online here:
Some of our favorite pieces that we've used in projects over the last year are at great Labor Day deals. If you've always wanted to get "that look", now you can for less! Click on the image to go right to the retailer page.
For more great deals, check out these weekend sales:
Anthropologie: Extra 50% off sale, plus up to 30% off select home decor. Even our Fall Trend picks! Pottery Barn: 15%-30% off with code SAVEMORE Pier 1 Imports: Extra 25% off Sale & Regular Price with code LABORDAY Wayfair: Extra 25% off Clearance with code GOFORIT West Elm: 15%-30% off with code SAVEMORE plus up to 40% off Labor Day Deals World Market: 30% off furniture with code FURNDEAL30 This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links. As if furniture and decor from Anthropologie was not already at the top of our "Most Coveted List", their fall collection has us all ready to max out our credit cards and go to town. Warm ochre and nubby textures have us feeling uber hygge and ready to nest in with a cuppa tea and a good book. Florals are not just for spring in rich colors and dark backgrounds. Add a dose of whimsy with an animal motif or two in everything from mugs to lamps. And the 70s boho vibe is alive and well with rattan and cane making a big decor statement. Check out more of our favorite fall trends here. OCHRE--Move over pumpkin, this earthy, rich hue pairs with everything from blush to navy to your favorite spicy hues. TEXTURES--Nubby textiles, ribbed glass, textured ceramics and embossed metals are tactile elements that add that one extra detail to make these pieces extra special. FLORALS--Not just for spring, the florals of fall include rich jewel tones as well as delicate inlay and glass floral motifs. ANIMALS--Leopards, snakes and birds, oh my! The animal kingdom is invading home decor in both decorative and functional ways. RATTAN & CANE--Natural elements that bring a boho vibe to any room, rattan and cane details are a light and airy contrast to heavy fall velvets and saturated colors. Shop the Anthropologie Decorating Event for 20% off furniture, decor and bedding. PLUS, for a limited time, save an extra 50% off sale items!
This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links. To be honest, it was a group effort, so let's all celebrate! Champagne and cake for everyone! Last week, we hit an Instagram Milestone, 100,000 followers. I swear it felt like the last 300 took us FOREVER to reach. But, we made it and celebrated with lunch from Dutch's Hamburgers and then promtly all went home to take a nap.  Speaking of Instagram, one of the things we love about it now is the ability to follow hashtags. If you are looking for design inspiration (other than from us, of course), these are some of our favorites.  #jungalowstyle--Created by blogger and designer Justina Blakeney, the Jungalow brand is boho chic meets bold color and a touch of jungle fever. If you have a love of plants, this was made for you.  #finditstyleit--Treasures can be found anywhere; flea markets, grandma's house, your closet. Get great inspo on how to style these found treasures in new and different ways.  #ihavethisthingwithcolor-- This is pretty self explanatory. Posts include not only home but fashion, travel, food, anything and everything colorful!  #bohoismyjam-- Lots of macrame, natural elements, and plants in addition to pattern mixing and global textiles. A complete boho smorgasbord.  #houseenvy-- A great combo of interiors, architecture, exteriors, finishings, design and decor. Plus some innovative upcycling and repurposing ideas.  #eclectichome-- Lots of British design inspo with this hashtag. A combination of flea market finds, global textiles and bold pattern mixing.  #myinteriorstyle-- More curated, styled photos that focus on design vignettes, before and after images, and weirdly a bunch of photos of dogs.
Raise your hand if you are at the brink of pulling your hair out getting kids ready to go back to school? Just what I thought! Hopefully you are among those whose kids go to a school where UNIFORMS are required and that is one less thing you have to worry about. I used to think that uniforms "stifled a child's ability to express themselves". HA! That lasted a hot minute after a disasterous first day of school "what am I going to wear?!" moment from my 9 year old. Uniforms are most definitely a mom's best friend. And there are plenty of ways for your kid to express themselves with these "too cool for school" accessories we found at Nordstrom.
For the boys; hip sneakers, rad backpacks and lunch bags and don't even get me started on these fab socks. And for the girls; sneakers in all the hot trends including colorblock, floral and animal print, cute and whimsical backpacks and lunch bags, and fun accessories because you know, more is more.
Shop Nordstrom's Back to School Shop for all of this plus uniform tops and bottoms, outerwear and more.
Happy First Day of School! This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated when purchases are made via these links. So, we are starting a new blog series spotlighting all of the amazing artists we have discovered along our design journey. Today we’d like to introduce you to Captain Casual, a graffiti artist based in the DFW area.  SGD: So, should I call you Captain Casual? Just Captain? CC: Captain Casual is good! SGD: OK, Captain Casual. Can you briefly walk us through your story? How you started and how you got to where you are today? CC: My story is an interesting one. I haven’t always been an artist. I actually was a stock and options trader for quite a while. And of course we’ll get into it in a second; but after dying and coming back to life, I completely changed my life around. I actually like to think I just woke up as Captain Casual. People know me for my bright colors and happiness, but what they don’t know is that it’s rooted deep in an appreciation for life and the desire to spread joy. I didn’t study art in college, and I’ve never taken any lessons. But I do know a lot about happiness and the colors just seem to flow, truth be told I’m completely winging it. But I think that’s something we find out as we grow older, that everyone is winging it. SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? CC: Being an artist is never a smooth ride. I don’t think it’s supposed to be. That’s one of the ways I got the name casual. Because no matter how crazy life gets, I stay casual. I mean, other than dying, of course. My road has been a bumpy one but I like to think I’m paving it for others. My whole mission of color and happiness is meant to smooth the ride for others. A warm feeling on a cold day. Struggles come in all shapes and sizes, last month I sprained my thumb, couldn’t paint with a brush all month so I just spray painted everything. Haha just adapting and trying to stay casual. SGD: It's obvious that we are impressed by you and your talent. Tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others? CC: I think one of the things that sets me apart from other artists is my understanding of colors and how they all work together. When used correctly they can elicit emotions, excite you, or even motivate you. You see, motivating people to be happier and kinder to one another is top priority for me. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m on my second life right now! Not everyone gets a second chance and I try to take full advantage of it. When time is approached as a scarce asset rather than something to pass, you realize the beauty in even the smallest of everyday occurrences. My wife also helps me out so much, she does virtually everything that isn’t painting, true team player and trooper, because believe it or not, I wake up with this amount of energy and I know it has to be exhausting. SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career? CC: Advice for other artists, hmm... to stay true to yourself, do it for fun, appreciate your own work and only compare yourself that. Oh, and of course, and most importantly, just be casual.    Check out Captain Casual and his work here:
Instagram: @captaincasual Website: Captain Casual Art We are always on the hunt for new and colorful artists to work with. Email us if you are an artist or know one that would be a good fit for SGD! 
If you saw Shauna's Instagram story yesterday, you read that she has joined Weight Watchers to try to get back on track with her weight. For those of us with zero will power, it can be such a struggle to eat right and exercise. Having a system where you are held accountable AND where it is easy to count the calories (or, points) makes it so much easier. At the end of the day, we all just want food that tastes good and is good for you. Healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or tasteless, and when fresh produce is in abundance, there is so much to work with.
In a moment of "I have nothing to make for dinner", Shauna pulled ingredients out of the fridge and made something that not only tasted amazing, but added up to only 2 points on Weight Watchers. We're firm believers that you can add pretty much anything to eggs or pasta and come up with an amazing meal. Considering eggs have ZERO WW points, well, eggs for the win all day. Spinach Tomato Frittata 6 eggs beaten 1 shallot, diced 1 large tomato, sliced 1/2 cup shredded cheese (we used gouda and swiss because that's what was in the fridge, but use whatever you love) 1 cup baby spinach (can also use kale) salt and pepper cayenne pepper (optional) olive oil Preheat oven to 400. In a cast iron skillet, saute shallots in olive oil until soft, 4-5 minutes. Beat eggs in bowl and season with salt, pepper and cayenne. Set aside. Add spinach to skillet and saute until just wilted. Add eggs and cheese to skillet. Top egg mixture with sliced tomatoes. Put skillet in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until center is just firm. Remove from oven and let sit 1-2 minutes before cutting. 2 POINTS PER SLICE!!
Have a great Weight Watchers friendly recipe you'd like to share with our audience? Email us at info@shaunaglenndesign.com for the chance to have your recipe featured on a special blog post.
This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated when purchases are made through these links
We are big fans of travel here at SGD. We love discovering new places, immersing ourselves in new cultures, trying out traditional food and drinks and drinking in all the sights and sounds the world has to offer. Portugal has been on Shauna's list for a while, and she is even more inspired now that Kalen has just returned from there gushing about how amazing this country is. We spent most of the time in Lisbon and Porto with a side trip to Tomar to see the 12th century convent built by the Knights Templar. Put Portugal on your travel bucket list. You won't regret it. Lisbon After being mostly demolished by an earthquake in 1755, rebuilt Lisbon is characterized by the glazed tiles that adorn building facades all over the city. Food is reasonable and amazing pretty much everywhere you go. The traditional cocktail is a Port and Tonic; port wine, tonic, lime and mint served over ice. Trust me, you'll love it.       Tomar A sleepy village that reaps the benefits of tourists visiting the nearby 12th century convent built by the Knights Templar.       Porto With Porto on one side of the river and Gaia on the other, there is plenty of exploring to do in this town. Nicknamed the Portugese San Francisco because of the hilly terrain and their own version of the Golden Gate Bridge, Porto is the Austin to Lisbon's Dallas. Port wine bodegas are on the Gaia side of the river and worth the hike for tastings and a killer view.        |
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