So I have a secret passion for interior design. Now you know! I spend most days flipping through magazines (I absolutely love MACO) for design tips, looking at colour combinations (i’ve got a chart from the hardware) and redesigning at home (I love my ‘new’ red accent wall). I think my fiance doesn’t recognise the rooms most days.

My latest obsession is browsing decor stores and imagining concepts and colour schemes, emphasis on browsing; if i’m to keep up with my design ideas we need an affordable furnishings store on the island! The fun part is that every single piece I choose has a unique meaning. I like fusions of Caribbean, African and Indian design so I look for pieces with these accents.

For  a fresh look in the new year, grab a striking piece that means something to you, put it in a central place in the room and accentuate your space with this simple tip. I chose an elephant with the trunk up for the center table. Some say that the origins of the elephant’s symbolism  can be found in the Hindu religion of India, but it’s meaning is often exaggerated by American consumerism, but you’ll know what speaks to you. Be sure to tell us, what’s your signature piece?

Tangerine: A brighter lifestyle!

I just finished baking pork, potatoes and plantain for Sunday lunch and “i’m thinking what would make an easy snack?” Now the shop around the corner has the oh so delicious Cheetos, but i’ve found something a little healthier.

Try it if you’d like. Toss together some sliced mango and apple, salt and a couple cashew nuts. If you got any ginger or cinnamon add it for a little extra flair. Now if you’ve only got mangoes add some salt and that’s pretty good too or take a trip to the beach with peeled mangoes.

Be comfy and fab! Summer time is hot enough without added discomfort. Whoever said looking great was painful clearly hasn’t worn a pair of flats. You can have colour and comfort at an affordable price. Let the shape and colour accentuate casual to more dressy outfits. Since it’s all about making a personal statement, choose a pattern that says YOU!

Living in the Caribbean, it’s summer all year round so colourful flats are a great accessory. Even if your seasons change, a little colour is great to add a little flair. You don’t need designer label flats, just look for a durable, comfortable and stylish pair that can easily go from day to night.

A fabulous pair of flats and smile can brighten your day.

I’m busy working with my fiance to renovate our space. I love love design but working to balance the style of two completely different personalities is a challenge, now add the shoe string budget and you’ve got drama. But we’ve found some interesting and affordable ideas to spruce up the space, although he’d probably say that I had the ideas and he did the lifiting and painting and just went along with anything that didn’t include flowers!

Anyhow, I think it looks totally fab! We’ve added colour with a new deep red accent wall, an abstract painting (looking for some old black and white print to add), a matching rug and my favourite accent, the throw pillows. (all for under US $100.00) Throw pillows are affordable, vibrant and easy to change. You can create a new look by adding two pillows in a solid color and one in a wacky contrast for instant life. Don’t worry about matching pillows perfectly, just pick pillows that tie in other colors or patterns in the room. I love to fuse Asian and African style! Choose colours and patterns that say something about, it’s a cool way to start conversation with visitors.

A great way to save on redesigning is to check out hotel, business or ‘owner leaving island’ sales. With great prices and a little DIY (do it yourself), you can have a look that is FABULOUS and still have some money for those end of the month bills!

Tangerine! A brighter lifestyle

Sweet Pepper Poppers. They are healthy, fun and easy. Just pop them in the oven and enjoy!

Prep 25 minutes, Bake 20 minutes
Makes about 50 poppers

Ingredients:
Olive oil no-stick cooking spray, Pam®
2 pints baby red, yellow, and orange bell peppers and/or jalapeño chile peppers
1 package (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened,Philadelphia®
1 cup shredded pepper-Jack cheese (4 ounces), Tillamook®
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 cup fresh chunky salsa

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside.
with your fingers. Let stand for 30 minutes.

2. Cut each pepper lengthwise through stem. Using a spoon, scrape out seeds and veins. Set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, shredded cheese, and green onions. Fill hollowed-out peppers with cheese mixture. Place peppers on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.

3. Top each pepper with a spoonful of the fresh salsa.

Excerpted from the book, Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cocktail Time, by Sandra Lee
Copyright © 2009 SLSH Enterprises, Inc. www.sandralee.com