Our snack routine got stale, with all this time at home, WFH, cooking ALL the time. Who’s in charge of the pantry anyway?! Then we remembered Schermer Pecans, a treat from The Southern C summit a few years ago. Remember going to conferences? Someday…
Grown in Georgia, these deliciously fresh pecans will change how you look at snacks forever. Once you read about their legacy, history and their dedication to quality, you will feel even better about supporting this delectable regional and national treasure.
McKenzie Design duo Steve and Jill McKenzie x Schermer Pecans
A delicious array of snacks and treats from Schermer Pecans All photo credit: Angie Webb Photography |Floral arrangement by Steve McKenzie
Our first snacks were the Roasted and Salted Pecans and the Cinnamon Pecans (the Cocktail Collection) to accompany a Friday evening cocktail. There is a difference in pecans – Schermer Pecans are so fresh, nutty, just the right amount of salt and then cinnamon to tease the tastebuds.
The Cocktail Collection – beautifully packaged for a hostess gift
Snack set up with pretty buffalo check Dot and Army cocktail napkins
Elliott Natural Pecans with a robust sweet flavor in a favorite R Wood Pottery dipping bowl
Need we say more? You need to try these delicious pecans for yourself. Get a head start on your holiday shopping too. They are a welcome gift too, see all the options here.
Happy Monday! You still have time to visit this beauty of a showhouse this week through Sunday, June 28th. Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles magazine along with developer Benecki Homes, Linda MacArthur Architect and honorary chair, Melanie Turner and their talented team including over 15 of the top interior designers in the southeast, have outdone themselves with this year’s Villa Flora. We know how challenging a showhouse can be, then throw in the COVID shut down, and it could have easily gone awry. But this stalwart team kept calm and designed on.
Welcome to Villa Flora |Photo credit David ChristensenCustom corner by Melanie Turner Interiors
Here’s a quick tour to whet your appetite for more…starting with the stately and welcoming exterior. You’re then quickly drawn to the back yard view of the six acre property. This family room by Melanie Turner Interiors provides cozy, custom luxurious seating, inspiring art and a view of the sparkling pool.
Look closely for design details like this exquisitely simple trim in Phoebe Howard Decorator’s primary bedroomEthereal triptych by the late Todd Murphy defines the main hallwayRobert Brown Interior Design mixes lines and curves | Photo by David ChristensenBrittany Cason Interior Design mixes styles masterfully.Luxurious canopy bedroom by Pickering HouseDreamy canopy and bedroom by Jared Hughes Design
Which canopy bed is your favorite? Hint, there’s one more… Also the hand painted Gracie Studio wallpaper in Jared Hughes Design room is a stunner.
A quiet oasis by The Design Atelier | Photo by David Christensen
We’ll close with this soothing indoor lap pool, original to the home, updated by Melanie Millner of The Design Atelier with these handmade hammocks. Click the link to see ticket information. What a terrific way to kick of your summer!
I may have mentioned that our son and his wife are expecting their first child in June, a little girl. Right away, my daughters and I started planning a ladies-only celebration baby shower for March to celebrate this blessed event. Well, we all know that life came to a screeching, shelter in place halt in early March. The invitations were mailed, personalized cups and napkins and dreamy candles ordered but off course we cancelled it, keeping everyone safe and at home.
As the baby shower date approached, we decided to go ahead and set the table, making it special for the new mama-to-be via photos. For a refresher, here’s a quick party planning breakdown of what we used and why. First Creative Candles Barely Blush votives were the building block for the color scheme and celebration.
Barely Blush votive candles from Creative Candles – hand-dipped, dripless, smokeless, unscentedCelebration planning details Sequins and Lipstick personalized cups and napkins | Creative Candles votive and ball candles |Ikea votive holder | Blabla Kids Josephine the elephant |Wedgwood Edme dishes | Target bed cover as tablecloth
This soft pink and mossy green palette paired beautifully with our Wedgwood Edme dishes. This is pretty pink quilt made a perfect table cloth backdrop for the candle lit setting of sweet nibbles and drinks. Get creative next time you set the table. Is there a vibrant scarf or shawl you can use on the table? Fresh flowers always add to the table too.
So many napkin colors available with Sequins and Lipstick!Virtual celebration with McKenzie Design and family
It’s not the same, we know. But we are making the best of these days at home, finding ways to celebrate the big, and the little, things. Let us know what you are celebrating via email, tag us on Instagram and we’ll see you soon.
Our collection of over 40 vintage turkeys sets the mood for November
As November comes to a close, we’re grateful for being part of so many homes, near and far. Whether Steve has had the privilege of enhancing your home’s interior or exterior design, or perhaps you’ve added a piece of his art to your walls, or given a chair a facelift with his fabric, know we are truly grateful for your trust in us and our team at McKenzie Design.
McKenzie Design is now taking clients for early 2020. Contact us for a complimentary consultation. Photo credit: Gustav Wilde
Wherever you are, enjoy your time with family and friends this Thanksgiving.
Today we celebrate International Coffee Day, but isn’t every day a celebration of coffee? Having been a tea-only gal for years, coffee has grown on me, thanks to our three years of living in Colorado.
These days our favorite at-home method is Cafe Bustelo cold brew. How do you drink your coffee? Does it vary throughout the day?
Big swig of caffeine at The Southern C Summit in Charleston.
Actually, the orange Illy espresso machine was our first love, and still is for a satisfying espresso or special cappuccino with steamed milk. It still holds a place of honor in our kitchen as you can see in this photo. Next time you visit our design office or Steve’s art studio, let’s sit down and enjoy an espresso together.
Pops of orange in the McKenzie kitchen. Photo credit: Anthony Masterson
International Coffee Day takes into account all methods from drip brew, espresso, instant, iced and cold brew, our favorite method. If there are several coffee lovers at home, you may want to try making a batch of this smooth-tasting liquid black gold. Here’s the link to our inspiration from the Pioneer Woman blog. Be prepared as it does take some time (overnight) to brew and some time to strain it into your pitchers. But it’s so worth it! Mix with your milk of choice, add ice and maybe a swig of vanilla syrup for a special treat.
Deliciously rich aroma fills the kitchen as the cold brew steeps.
Steve McKenzie designs a soothing bed for Peacock Alley
Atlanta interior designer, Steve McKenzie had the wonderful opportunity to design the bedroom of his dreams in Peacock Alley’s Designer Bed Series, a soothing retreat. Drawing from his experience in channeling clients’ needs and wants and his own, he created a calm cocoon, a get-away from the daily grind.
Cozy cocoon from the daily grind
Using his iconic loop fabric in a custom warm cafe au lait color, Steve created a cozy headboard to frame the setting. His fabrics are digitally printed, so easily customizable to work in any decor. The addition of framed artwork elevates the space and makes it personal. Remember it’s easy to change out seasonally too.
Steve created a soothing oasis for a restful sleep. Original art by Steve McKenzie
Peacock Alley offers so many choices of luxurious bedding styles, colors and fabrics. Steve had so much fun with their vast repertoire of sheets, blankets, duvets and more. White pique shams grounded the warm tones of the pillow shams, duvet cover and dust ruffle. As a special touch, a regal single monogram was added to the outside corner of the Grand Euro pique shams.
Steve created the outer corner monogram for the Grand Euro shams.
Steve and his signature monogram
A layered bed with a mix of comfort, calm and sophistication
Many thanks to Peacock Alley (our go-to for quality bedding) for the Designer Bed Series collaboration. Give it some thought. What’s the bed of your dreams?
Today is National Dog Day. Another made-up holiday? Perhaps, but let’s take minute to love on our furry friends, and our family favorite dogs is the English Springer Spaniel, a cheerful, intelligent, attentive dog. Read on about our three ESS loves…
Oreo, guardian of the youngest or the oldest person in the room
When we moved from the Chicago area to Atlanta in 1990, we added our first Springer, Oreo to the family, and soon thereafter our son, Carter. That sweet dog let Carter and then baby sister, Mimi learn to walk by holding onto her fur and toddling along with them. When Oreo was done, she gave them a lick, making them squeal with giggles and let go, and then tucked herself into her kennel, her safe place. I can’t say enough about our Atlanta award-winning breeder, Karen Foster. She interviewed us, giving us the pup best suited for our lifestyle, and she was spot on with Oreo. Tip – Ask you breeder lots of questions about their processes as it could save you lots of time and heartache.
Guard dogs? Not quite, but they sure were sweet shop dogs.
As Oreo aged, we got another puppy to bridge the gap, Biscotti or Bisi. And was she every busy! She could find a tennis ball in anyone’s yard. This cute girl was a star in our Traditional Home story too. See her peeking in the front door?
Bisi looking for her kids Photo credit: Sarah Dorio
After Oreo’s passing, it was just Bisi and our three kids. So… 8th grade daughter, Mimi, sat Steve and I down for a powerpoint presentation on why we should adopt another English Springer Spaniel from Springer Rescue America. Guess what the answer was? You guessed it. Duke joined us one month later.
English Springer Rescue America has chapters all over the United States.Bisi hanging out in Traditional Home spread. Photo credit: Sarah DorioBisi + Duke hanging out upstairs. Photo credit: Sarah DorioAdventure Duke at Atlanta Memorial Park
Why do we love our dogs? They comfort us just by being there. We look forward to coming home to that wagging tail. My dog teaches me to be more patient. My dog teaches me to find joy in the little things. Dogs lift our spirits, they are natural mood elevators. They keep us socially connected at the dog park, running into a neighbor on a walk around the block. Whether you take your dog to a “yappy” hour at a local dog-friendly spot, or just give your pooch some extra love, celebrate time with your furry friend!
A month in Italy to create art – a dreamy opportunity! How did this come about, you may ask. Here’s a quick art recap of how Steve’s Artist in Residence at La Fortezza came about and the fabulous results.
You may remember last fall, Steve taught a painting workshop at Annette Joseph’s 9th century villa, La Fortezza. It was full of creativity, laughs and exploration. That lead to this offer from Annette, be the first Artist in Residence, creating work inspired by the region. And he said YES! So, this past July, he did just that, creating a body of work that reflects the history, geography and beauty of the Lunigiana region. Truly a gift to focus on art for a full month.
Plein Air Painting with Steve
Apertivo, yes please!
If you haven’t been to this part of Italy, add it to your travel bucket list. Lunigiana is a historic region between Tuscany and Liguria, drenched in history, unique foods and breathtaking views.
Being familiar with the town and nearby art store, Steve knew what supplies he needed to take and what he could purchase there. So, with brushes and paint in hand, he spread out in the spacious studio, working on many canvases and paper pieces at once, as the inspiration moved him.
Soldata Romano II
One of the benefits of being in one place for a longer period of time is you make friends with the locals. This was especially helpful as Steve wanted to make copies of historic rare books and ephemera at the local rare books archives, to incorporate into his paintings. With some patience and help with translating, he got more than he needed, including the Roman soldier seen above, an atlas of the region from 1785, and a lawyer’s goat skin bound book of contracts from 1635, all incorporated into various works of art.
It wasn’t all painting, there was cooking to be done, in Annette’s fabulous kitchen, plus visiting local museums, sites and an artists’ co-op. Check out Annette’s many workshops here.
A new favorite, Mutti tomatoes mixed with simple garden produce were the base for many suppers.
One of the artists shared some scrap chunks of Carrara marble with Steve. What an amazing new conduit for his art, another blessing from travels and learning from new friends.
Sculpture by Steve McKenzie – Carrara marble
How does one end such a wonderful month of painting? With a show of course! A downpour didn’t dampen our spirits either. The food truck brought the food inside the studio where our friends, local and from afar, ate, drank and danced into the night.
The next day, we packed up the art, said ciao to La Fortezza, and headed to the iconic beach town, Forte Dei Marmi, the perfect way to cap off a jubilant July.
As promised, here is Steve’s family recipe for this easy sour cream cake. It’s a family recipe from his Aunt Judy, awarded with the coveted placement in several church cookbooks. Beloved for its versatility too, Steve added this drizzle Jackson Morgan Salted Caramel icing, or you can take advantage of fresh fruit like strawberries and peaches, finished off with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Sour Cream Cake
3 cups cake flour (we really did sift the flour per the instructions) 3 cups sugar 1 c. sour cream 1 c. butter, softened 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. vanilla 6 eggs, separated (You will beat the egg whites into stiff peaks)
Sift flour; add soda and sift again. Cream butter and sugar thoroughly, and add egg yolks, one at a time. Add flour and sour cream alternately. Add stiffly beaten egg whites. Bake in a greased and well-floured angel food cake pan or bundt pan. Bake at 300 degrees F for 1.5 hours. Let cool 10 minutes, then flip on a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Finished product!
When Paige Minear suggested this delicious collaboration, Steve knew exactly what cake he wanted to pair with the Jackson Morgan Southern Cream Salted Caramel deliciousness. So he called Aunt Judy in Kentucky, she texted the recipe, and now we get to share it with you. We baked it in a bundt pan like this one. Individual bundt cakes would be a fun at everyone’s place setting for a special celebration, or just because it’s Monday. Then you could set out separate toppings (think sprinkles, fruit, chocolate chips) and let everyone dress their own cake.
With a little planning, you can whip up this simple cake first thing in the morning, before the kitchen gets too hot, and then you’re done. Voilà you have dessert and you’re a hero!
Yes, please!
How do you showcase your desserts? I love to bring out one of our cake stands, either my grandmother’s pressed glass cake stand or a colorful Deruta Italian cake stand, a souvenir from our travels. As they say in show business, it’s all about the presentation.
Summer Dessert table
If you do bake this Sour Cream Cake, please share a photo of your cake with us on Facebook or Instagram, using the hashtag #InspiredTailoredAuthentic #stevemckenzies. Happy baking!
Happy Summer! What better way to kick off summer entertaining than a simple dessert soiree? Paige Minear of The Pink Clutch Blog joined us for a homemade Sour Cream Cake, complemented with some of her favorite things, including her gorgeous collection from Creative Candles, Mottahadeh china and classic monogrammed cocktail napkins from The Preppy Stitch.
Whipping up a simple icing with Jackson Morgan Southern Cream
Everyone enjoys a little dessert. For a simple icing, Steve whipped up confectioners sugar, vanilla, fresh mint and added Jackson Morgan Southern Cream in Salted Caramel for a little something special. Perfect!
Steve adding the final touch to his cakePaige making ice cream with Jackson Morgan Whipped Orange CreamRefreshing dessertIce cream all dressed upEasy entertaining with a twist, and aren’t those candles perfect with the flowers?
Wait until you try Creative candles! Honestly, we’ve used their Paris Gray candles for every occasion for years. After seeing these in person, we may change to Paige’s summer collection as it’s so cool, soothing yet vibrant.
Paige lighting the candles, such a lovely touch~Sour Cream Cake with Jackson Morgan Salted Caramel icing, served on Mottahadeh platesSummer Dessert table
Keep cool in the kitchen and enjoy a summer dessert with your family and friends. We’re happy to share our recipes and tips with you. Just send us a message!
