CoCo on the Radio

I recently had the super fun experience of being on Real Talk Portland with the always entertaining host, Aaron Coker. Just in case you've never heard of the show, it airs every Saturday from 12-1 on AM860. 

When Aaron asked me to come on the show and chat about CoCo Designs, I jumped at the chance. I mean, who doesn't want to go on the most  hip and fantastic radio show in Portland.

Be sure to tune in and catch Aaron every Saturday and get the scoop on all things real estate, finances and other goodies (like me and interior design). The guy really know what he's talking about.

 HEARTS

Ahoy Matey

It's Memorial Day Weekend and I thought it would be a perfect time to roll out a nice coastal design post. I mean, this is the start of summer (at least everywhere but this part of the country) and that makes me think of the beach and all of the fun summer stuff coming up in my future. 

At Home Sewing Seeds          West Elm

Company Store

Anthropologie          Ralph Lauren          Wallis Fashion

John Derian         Harbor Mercantile

Ralph Lauren Home

Anthropologie          Parbuckles

Rhapsody Attic          Epochco

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DoveLewis and 500 Faces

I'm an animal lover. Not sure if everyone knows that. In fact, maybe a crazy animal lover. Which is one huge reason I joined the DoveLewis Ambassador Board almost two years ago and haven't looked back.


For those of you that don't know what DoveLewis is, here's a little tidbit from their website...

"DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital was founded in 1973 by Mr. A.B. Lewis, in cooperation with the Portland Veterinary Medical Association, and in memory of Mr. Lewis’ late wife, Dove.

Dove Lewis’ legacy of loving all animals and promoting the human-animal bond lives on in the people who love and support our hospital and community programs. She is a true symbol of the human-animal bond, and the DoveLewis mission.

Originally, the clinic hours were limited to evenings, weekends, and holidays to serve people and their pets when daytime clinics were traditionally closed. In June of 1992, DoveLewis opened its doors around the clock to treat animals requiring emergency and critical care, 24 hours a day.

We are the only non-profit animal hospital in Portland devoted exclusively to emergency and critical care for animals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."

Because DoveLewis is a non-profit, we are always in need of cash from generous donors to help out with our essential programs. Until June 8th, we are running our 500 Faces Campaign to help the Velvet Assistance Fund and the Stray and Wildlife Fund. Any and all donations help, so open those wallets people and donate. With your help, we can save more animals and help more people with the costly bills that come from saving their animals.

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Guest Blog: Architectural Art Tile

Today's post is from my friends over at Architectural Art Tile. Lots of good info and some sweet tiles. Thanks guys!

HOW TO GIVE YOUR BACKSPLASH PERSONALITY

Updating or remodeling a kitchen is not finished until you complete the backsplash. This is an area of a wall that is directly behind a stove or counter that adds style to the room. One way to give your backsplash personality is to install tile. One option is to simply use a backsplash tile that can be found at any home improvement store. Another option is to install a glass tile backsplash.

CHOOSE THE MATERIAL
The first step to a kitchen backsplash tile project is to choose the material. This is an important step and requires examination of the options that you have available. To do this, you can research material to use for the project online or look at examples available at a home improvement store. The options available are similar to those for floor tiles. If you are going for a unique look for your kitchen, consider a type of glass tile that is easy to install. Weigh the advantages of one material over the other and then decide if a particular option is best.

DETERMINE THE COLOR
A variety of colors are available to use for a kitchen backsplash. However, the color that you choose for your kitchen needs to match the style of the room. This includes features of the room including fixtures and the countertop. The choice of color is crucial to your overall design. You can select from a range of colors from sand to bright red. Color can be an extension of emotion and various attributes. Use a color that will allow visitors to your home to relax and feel like they are in an inviting room. The color of the tile should also be stimulating to productivity.


CREATE THE PATTERN
The tile that you choose can have a predetermined pattern or you can create your own using a variety of pieces. The pattern needs to be engaging to draw interest to this feature. A custom pattern for these tiles allows you to be creative. Layers are one option that you can use to add personality. Tile can also be arranged in a combination to obtain a unique design.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Another option that you need to consider for your kitchen is the grout that is used. You can choose a grout in a variety of colors to complement the tile. However, you should determine the type of grout for your kitchen when selecting the tile.

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CoCo DIY: TV Hideaway

FINALLY, here is the first peak into my recent design job in New York City. A little DIY for you CoCo readers. Need an idea for hiding those hideous wall mounted tv's? Your wish is my command.

Electronics... Not so pretty. Of course, this seems to be understood more so by women than men. We started with an empty brick wall and an idea. I have had this design idea for close to a year, just waiting for the right space and client to try it out on. Luckily, D was a willing participant.

The next logical thing to do... Hit the hardware store for supplies.
On our list: 1x2's, plywood, stain, rags, brush, steel wool, screws, chain, hooks, wood glue, protective gloves and sandpaper.
Be sure to take measurements prior to heading to the store. Measure the tv and height from ceiling. Remember, once the chain and wood have been cut, you can't make them longer if you measure incorrectly.

Next up... Sand. And when I say sand, I mean sand. Check out this quality craftsmanship on the corners. Nice and smooth.

Okay, all sanded and ready for the glue. Ahh wood glue, what a wonderful invention you were. Place all of the pieces of 1x2's in the place you would like them. Make sure you really work out the design because once it's glued, you have limited time to change it. Especially with the quick bond glue. Once all pieces have been glued to the plywood, place something super heavy on top to hold everything in place while it dries. FYI, a table top works wonders for this task. Once everything is completely dry, flip over and attach the braces with screws. Be sure you choose screws that are shorter than the pieces of wood. No one wants unsightly holes.

And now it's time for the stain. Don't you just love that word. Makes me think of my fingers after berry picking all day. Okay, back to the project. Flip over the hideaway and wipe down REALLY well. You don't want any fuzz, dust, dirt, anything hanging out when you put the stain on. Let the wood dry and then slap on your first layer. Feel free to put on as many coats as you like until you achieve the color you're looking for. Just follow the directions on the can.

 

To finish off this bad boy, attach the hooks and chain to the back and set in place to hang from the ceiling.

Your finished product...

 HEARTS 

Mother's Day is Sunday!

Just a friendly reminder to everyone out there that Mother's Day is this Sunday. Don't be an ungrateful child and forget dear old mom. The childbirth she went through alone is worth a day once a year that is all about her.

So, now what to get? Let's think outside of the box this year. Of course, anything is better than a cleaning item (i.e. iron, vacuum, mop) or household item (coffeemaker, fridge, shower curtain). Come on people. You can do better than that. Take a gander at some special goodies I think would blow Mom's socks off.

VERY STRIKING EARRINGS AT MODCLOTH

BEADED CLUTCH

BEAUTIFUL BAUBLES AT ANNE BOCCI 

BOUTIQUE AND GALLERY

MY LITTLE PONY-PRINCESS LEIA

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN FEATHERED 

HALTERNECK CHIFFON GOWN

JACK FROM NAKED DECOR

GEORGE THE TERRIER AT URBAN OUTFITTERS

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Run for the Roses 2012

They say it's the most exciting two minutes in sports. And this girl agrees 100%. My friends and I have been celebrating the wondrous day of The Kentucky Derby for years. As a matter of fact, when asked on Saturday about our annual trip to Rialto, I realized it was 10 years ago that I experienced my first Derby, courtesy of Greg Jones.

If you've never been to a Kentucky Derby celebration, you are missing out. There are different schools of thought on the best place to go on Derby Day, but me, I'm a loyal Rialto girl. I mean, where else can you get cheap, stiff drinks, gamble on the ponies, hear a Dixieland Band and mingle with what my friend Brock calls "the salt of the earth".

The boys looking dapper.

My favorite Joe in the whole wide world.

Can this girl be any cuter? No.

Sean blaming Nate for not telling him about "Boxing" the Trifecta.

Race time!

This lovely gentleman saved me in the betting process. Damn 

machine wouldn't take my $5 and he came to my rescue

five beautiful one dollar bills. Thank you, stranger.

The girls.

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