Blog Du Jour: Luxe + Lillies

Happy Monday! Very, very excited about this week's Blog Du Jour! Keely's blog always inspires me and definitely challenges me to go a little bolder than I'm normally comfortable with in decorating. She's managed to accomplish a lot in a little time (umm.. Apartment Therapy, hello??) and has a few services that might be of interest to all of us bloggers. I apologize in advance for a few formatting issues, Blogger fought me tooth and nail all weekend (grrrr...). As always, if you're new here, please feel free to become a new follower and leave a comment! I love your comments, they help me start the week off right! :)

Who: Keely

What: Luxe + Lillies

Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota

What made you start blogging?

***be sure to vote for Keely's Room on Apartment Therapy***

I started blogging because I have always loved interior design,  creative design in general really. A year ago, I barely knew what a blog was, when I started getting into it [ or rather fell down into the design blog abyss ] I thought, " I can do this!" and the rest is history!

How did I come across luxe + lillies?

I honestly don't have some great or defined story - I knew I wanted something catchy but not super "cute". I have always adored the name Lilly, it means something to both myself and my boyfriend. Luxe, is because who doesn't love a little luxury, a little glamour. I wanted my blog name to reflect the aesthetic I wanted to portray... clean and beautiful which I also feel like lilies are. Somehow, its just what has stuck!

If I could trade with someone for a day, who would it be?

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. I have an unhealthy obsession with Paris and Versailles. The woman is not only beautiful, but lives in a gorgeous home that backs up to the east garden of Versailles. She has her pick from the most beautiful clothes, and travels to some truly exquisite places (this is about the extent to which I know about her, hehe!) Importantly, she also has a career she adores for herself!

What is the last thing you ate?

Panzanella! It's my new favorite thing! I am a true Italian foodie. I eat an almost strictly Mediterranean diet (just because I love it). This is super, super easy to make too!

To feed 3-4 people 

2 french baguettes, olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, 1 lemon, 4 tomatoes, baby arugula, salt and pepper.

cut the baguettes into 1/2-3/4 inch wide pieces, place the pieces on a pan ( doesn't matter if they are close together) pour some olive oil over each piece, then brush the olive oil sitting on the top piece of the bread. 

Put the bread in the over on 350 degrees F for 7-10 minutes.  

While the bread is in the oven, cut the tomatoes into semi-thin slices and cut each slice in half.

 In a small bowl mix 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/8 cup balsamic vinaigrette, 1 squeezed lemon, and salt and pepper. 

Whisk quickly with a fork until mixed well. Add in enough baby arugula to well cover all the pieces of bread. 

Take the bread out of the over, place all the bread on a platter. 

Put one half slice of tomato on each piece of bread, and cover with the mixed arugula.

Enjoy!

What is something most people don't know about me?

I'm a pretty open person, but one thing my blog friends don't know is that I can speak some German and am learning more everyday! I also can cook several authentic Swiss dishes. My boyfriend is Swiss, I'm doing my part to embrace that culture [ however, most people would never know he's not American ] 

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I have yet to get to Capri which is at the top of my list - but,  the south of France it is. I especially adore St. Tropez. Its an amazing little town set right on the water, the food is so super delicious, the architecture is a dream, the surroundings of vineyards and olive groves... its so delightful.

What 5 People would be in my circle for spin the bottle?

 

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People are always surprised that there isn't one celebrity that I would just adore meeting, but,  I'm not really someone who is intrigued by celebrities. That, and as sappy as it is, I really love my boyfriend!

What is your must have today?

[via] we heart it, home decorators

SOOO many. But I am gaga for faux fur and cheetah right now! Love it, any of it! 

What is the Tiny Bit of Sparkle in your life?

 

Definitely my little puppy Trinket. She's just so filled with love and happiness. A beautifully styled home, or tablescape. Blogs. I adore the blog world, the friends I have met, the opportunities I have been afforded.