Loft Life Magazine

If you like to read about sustainability, good design and a modern lifestyle, this magazine is for you. Reclaimed materials are used in many of the featured designs. For the naysayers that think modern is cold and boring, think again! Modern means form follows function in terms of design practicality and aesthetic. Using natural materials like reclaimed wood will add warmth to a space. Modern doesn't mean life devoid of nature. At this very moment, most households across the country are not buying random junk to fill their homes anymore and they are being choosy about what they will buy. Designing with a purpose is now a part of our culture. You can't turn on any lifestyle show on networks like HGTV or DIY without this concept being beaten into you head. If you are looking to re-design and get inspiration this magazine is for you. Sometimes changing your lifestyle means changing your space in order to feel differently.

I had a conversation with someone from Loft Life Magazine yesterday while on Facebook. Loft Life is trying to gain readership and they certainly deserve it. About a month ago I started noticing this magazine at the local bookstore, but like everyone, I'm counting my pennies and passed it up. After viewing their magazine online and seeing what the magazine is about, I will be an avid subscriber. In a week I look forward to receiving a copy in the mail. I will pass up my other design magazines for this one.

Recycled Chairs

After


Before


I was driving down a street near home where I spotted chairs that were the right size and shape for my kitchen being discarded on someones lawn in our neighborhood. I remembered that I had some fabric that I got at a fantastic discount at a local store a year ago and that is when it came to me to reupholster the chairs. I bought some almond colored paint from Lowes. I bought batting for quilting at a local craft store and I already had a staple gun that I use for building canvas stretchers for painting. With all that I was able go from shabby to chic in a week. The chairs took much longer than anticipated to paint. Plan to spend at least 5 hours in total on just painting. The chairs were from the 60's and in poor condition. Comments and questions welcome.

Environmental Studies and resources

On my last visit to Oberlin a few weeks ago, I discovered the environmental studies building on Elm Street at Oberlin College. On the same trip at the local bookstore I saw books by David Orr who teaches environmental studies. The students of Oberlin have the opportunity to work with local farmers and they eat what is locally grown. Sustainablity is the word.

Pictures from the week

Architectural Salvage

Architectural Salvage

Although this has been a trend for years it is now called upcycling.
If you want a piece of Cleveland, and I do mean that in the real sense of the word go to apieceofcleveland.com . They provide lumber taken from old sites to the public; why cut down trees if you don't have to?

from my garden

Pine Nut-White Bean Dip

I found this recipe in the June 2008 Issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.


1/4 cup soft bread crumbs
2 Tbsp. fat-free milk
1 15-oz. can cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup fat-free or light sour cream (light is better)
3 Tbsp. pine nuts, toasted
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt-free garlic and herb seasoning blend
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 tsp snipped fresh or oregano or basil
Pine Nuts toasted, (optional)
Assorted vegetable dippers
Fresh oregano leaves (optional)

1. In small bowl combine crumbs and milk; cover. Let stand 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a blender of food processor combine beans, sour cream, pine nuts, lemon juice, seasoning and pepper. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Add crumb mixture. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Stir in herbs. Cover; refrigerate 2 to 24 hours. To serve, sprinkle dip with pine nuts and oregano. Serve with vegetable dippers.