If you haven’t heard about the latest sensation hitting bookshelves, Fifty Shades of Grey, then let me give you a quick recap inside this widely popular fiction novel. Anastasia Steele, a newly college graduate falls in love with Christian Grey, a handsome, controlling, charming billionaire business man. Their new-found relationship begins to quickly evolve into a relationship that most of us aren’t so familiar with; Grey seeks out Ana to fulfill his deeply erotic needs. Women across the nation are proclaiming that E L James’ book is enhancing their own sex lives. But, I beg the question “is it the provocative scenes that are spicing up your marriage or is it the simple message I’ve been saying all along—pay attention to the one you love?”

I believe that getting back to the foundation of your home—you and your partner are key to making a space, a seductive home. There are so many colors out there, why would you limit yourself to just fifty shades of gray? I say, take out the whole crayon box and start filling in your world with the missing hues! When reading about Christian and Ana’s romance—the part that got me so excited was the beginning, the love story. The first flicker of intimacy, the teasing flirtation, and the joy of the endless possibilities their new relationship had to offer and yes the lovemaking that you and your spouse or partner create with each other. These pages triggered my memories of when I first met my husband. I found myself smiling and laughing out loud. It’s a sense memory that takes us back to our own personal love stories and gets us enthusiastic to relive those great and intimate moments. The idea is to be intoxicated with the one you love and sharing their company every day. We sometimes get lost in the hustle and bustle of kids and overwhelming schedules of real life—but that’s why I’ve written The Seductive Home™. To help you get back to what’s important: good, old fashion romance; seducing your partner back home and filling your space with ambiance. Isn’t that what we all really need? The atmosphere you create is the vibe you set and the vibe you’ll live in, so take a minute to really think about what you can do to change your home and life to get back to the core principal. Check out my book, The Seductive Home™, to gather a myriad of suggestions to helping you color outside the lines to set the stage for your own kind of romance.

What are you waiting for?

Start with designating exactly where you want to be: on your porch, in the yard, or wherever! If you have an umbrella, even if it’s not sunny out go ahead and use it—it will allow you to designate a specific frame of where you want your area to be. If it’s dark think about grabbing some white twinkle lights and drape them inside the umbrella, it will add a whimsical touch to the table. Then add in some seating. You can always repurpose furniture from inside your house and bring it outdoors to create a vibe. If you’re using a porch, grab your dining rooms chairs! However, I don’t recommend bringing them onto the grass in case the legs begin to sink into the earth. Having fun with this idea is the key to making it work! By not using any old plastic lawn chair, you’ll begin to set a romantic vibe.

If you are setting a table for a meal, use the same types of things you would as if you were indoors. Utilize your cloth napkins and real silverware instead of paper napkins and plastics. If you’re hesitant to bring nice plates and cups outside, head to your local home store where you can find gorgeous shatterproof acrylic or melamine wineglasses and plates that won’t break if someone were to trip and tumble.

Incorporate flowers from your yard or make a stop at your grocer or florist to pick up a bouquet of some big blooms. I think sunflowers are always a fabulous choice and they don’t get lost in the background of the outdoors. Use a candelabra or candle pillar from your home to give a little illuminating height to your tablescape.

Don’t underestimate the beautiful scene you can create in your very own backyard. Strategically placed candles and lamps are a great way to add soft warm lighting. Place little white lights in your bushes, flowers, potted plants, etc. Just make sure everything is safe! The unexpected effect of this sensual lighting will make an amazing difference. 

If you don’t have a built in system of sound, bring out your iPod and speakers to provide the music ambiance required to make this a successful outing! All your attention to the decadent details™ will bring the entire happening together. Throw on a breezy spring dress, invite your partner or friends and you’ll be throwing a seductive outdoor soiree in no time!

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What are you waiting for?

I’d say it’s time for a fiesta as Cinco de Mayo quickly approaches! Time flies by when you’re having fun so let’s break out our most festive dance shoes, throw on a sombrero and call it a party South of the Border! I’m going to give you a few tips to have a roaring good time this May 5^th.

1.)  Choosing a theme always makes for an easy place to start for throwing a bash. In this case, think fiesta, Mexican flag, margaritas, and bright festive colors. Whether you are planning for just two or an entire group of people—you’ll need to decide what vibe you’d like to set. Mexico’s flag could be used as your inspiration—think olive green linens, white roses, and a set of red plates, bowls, and cups!

2.)  Dress for the occasion. I want you to get into the spirit of the day and wear your most vibrant celebration outfit. Mexican style uses bold, infused color: deep reds, mustard yellows, royal blue, cactus greens and dessert browns are mainstays of their fashion and design. Their designs are also known for it’s use of “painted” tiles and patterns!

3.)  You needn’t spend hours preparing your scrumptious dishes for the day. I’m going to give you three recipes that are simple to prepare and are always crowd pleasers!

Corn and Black Bean Salsa

Yield: 3 cups  •  Time: <5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 16oz jar of your favorite salsa
• 1 cup canned black beans (drained & rinsed)
• 1 cup canned sweet corn (drained)
• ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until mixed evenly.  Serve with chips and enjoy!

Tip: You can serve this salsa as a perfect snack at any celebration, but it is also great on grilled chicken or fish!

Layered Tortilla Tart

Yield: 1 9-inch pie  •  Time: 30 minutes

 Ingredients:

• 4 flour tortillas (9 inch)
• 1 T olive oil
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ cooked chicken (from grocery deli)
• 1/3 cup taco sauce + 2 T for topping
• 1/8 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• 8 oz bag cooked Spanish rice
• 2 cups frozen pepper onion blend veggies
• 1 can refried black beans
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend)

Directions:

Heat convection oven on bake to 350 degrees.  On work surface, lay out tortillas and brush ¼ T of oil on one side of each tortilla & sprinkle with cayenne pepper.  Place un-oiled sides of two tortillas together, repeat with the other two.  Place the tortillas, one pair on each rack of the oven and bake for 5 minutes, turning tortillas and rotating oven rack after 2 ½ minutes.  In the meantime, pull meat from chicken and shred.  Place in medium mixing bowl adding 1/3 cup taco sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder–stir to combine and set aside.

Place frozen veggies in microwave safe bowl with 1 T water and cover with plastic wrap (cut a few slits for steam to escape).  Microwave on high for 3 minutes.  Carefully remove from microwave and set aside.  Then, place bag of Spanish rice in microwave and cook according to package directions.  Once cooked, combine rice and veggies in one bowl.

Spray a 9-inch pie dish with non-stick cooking spray.  Place one baked tortilla in the bottom and spread ¼ cup refried beans on top, followed by a large handful of chicken mix, then sprinkle with cheese (about ¼ cup).  Place another tortilla on top, spread ¼ cup refried beans, top with rice and veggie mixture, and sprinkle with another ¼ cup cheese.  Follow with a final layer of refried beans, another handful of chicken, and shredded cheese.  Add the last tortilla, cover with 2 T of taco sauce spread evenly, and top with remaining shredded cheese.

Cover tart loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tart is heated throughout.  Let cool slightly.  Cut into pie wedges and serve with you favorite Mexican toppings! ¡La vida es buena!

Tip: Pulled pork or shredded beef found in the prepared food section of your grocery deli can easily be substituted for the chicken!

What are you waiting for?

I’VE DESIGNED MANY HOMES IN MY LIFE—ADDED the perfect touches for warmth, lit candles to exude invitation and filled my space with seductive luxury through paint choices, sensual fabrics and beautiful furniture. But the most amazing addition I have ever made to my space was bringing Sophie home. She immediately brought a new energy and vibrancy that was completely life-changing. Becoming a pet parent altered my thought process and even led me to adapt my interior design projects, always keeping in mind a “Fido friendly” lifestyle.

Read on!

Eating and dining are two entirely different things; dining is an art. And I can think of no better way to paint the picture than with a table-for-two. Think seductive food-to-go for a no-stress night!

You can create a table-for-two simply by calling into your favorite restaurant. Let them prepare the food and all you need to accomplish is the tablescape. The best place to start is by finding a small table. Go on a scavenger hunt around your home; I found a side table (about 42 inches round) from my formal living area and carried it into the great room front and center.

Moving the table was the best design decision I’ve ever made because it carved out a space for just my husband and me. The idea is quality time alone enjoying conversation and a fabulous meal. In my Santa Fe house, I used this fabulous hexagon table and Southwest china. Even in small spaces, creating a table- for-two works perfectly!

photo by John Hall Photography

You can even set the table beforehand, maybe when you are home on your lunch break or whenever you have free time in your day. When you get home that evening, all you need to do is transfer dinner from the take-out boxes and throw on a gorgeous dress you’ve been dying to wear. Putting on that new outfit or trusted cocktail dress will make you feel beautiful for your seductive affair.

Break out that china you’ve been saving for a “special occasion” and use it for your seductive night at home. Don’t forget to light some candles and turn up the music. Stop by the grocery or your local florist and grab some flowers—they are the most sensual element in pulling together a table-for-two.

Think outside the take-out box and have fun with your seductive evening! Remember that your table doesn’t have to be over the top, just do the best with what you have.

For fabulous suggestions on what to wear for your seductive night in, grab a subscription to InStyle at Magazines.com.

What are you waiting for?

-Moll

If you feel like your space isn’t quite what you would like it to be, then today is the day to make a change! I say, start with the energy. You’ll be amazed at how beginning to remove clutter and reorganize can inspire a domino effect to exciting changes, not only in your home but also in your life. Think small—maybe even start in the closet! One easy suggestion is to color organize your clothes, shoes, handbags and even accessories! Putting the items in your closet that go together will create easy inspiration and make getting ready less of a chore and more of a fun activity.

You’ll find that once you get going, the new energy will begin to flourish. Removing the clutter makes new space for positive energy to stir. It’s taught in the art of Feng shui that moving 13 items enhances the chi. The ultimate goal of Feng shui is to enhance your spiritual energy and create a space of harmony. Consider creating vignettes in your space to use your accessories as art!

Sensory-scaping™ vignettes by color and style can easily help you pull your wardrobe together! It also allows for CPU—cost per use. When you’re not wearing your accessories, your room is!

If you have space, think about taking an old china cabinet and transforming it into your very own special boutique. Add flowers into the mix for a bit of glamour. Taking the time to make these simple changes will make all the difference in your once chaotic closet.

Spring is here, so get to spring-cleaning!

What are you waiting for?