Lights, Camera – Oscars…at Home: Tips on How to Throw a Viewing Party!

Posted on February 25, 2017 by cortneybailey

Who’s attending one of the most glamorous nights in Hollywood, The Oscars … from your living room?!? Me!!! I am going to give you tips on “how to” throw a SIMPLE & EASY viewing party right from your home, but first let me rewind …

Cortney Bailey

For almost a decade I reported LIVE from the Red Carpet at one of the hottest Academy Award pre show parties and after show parties held at the famous Beverly Hills Hotel. It was exciting and I learned how to throw a stylish celebrity filled event! Guests, PR agents, Celebs and TV hosts, like myself, were dressed in gorgeous formal attire, sipped champagne and whispered “who” had their vote – off camera of course!

photo courtesy of rakuten

I don’t know about you but unless I am actually at the Dolby Theatre, the venue of the Academy Awards, or attending one of the parties I mentioned above I do NOT want to dress up in formal attire, especially in my own living room! I want to be comfy and I would imagine your friends and family do too … trust me the guys will thank you! To keep the evening festive but relaxed I would recommend everyone come dressed casual in black, white, silver or gold. Let’s be real, these colors will make your photos of the evening super cute as well. Personally, this means my trendy joggers will be making an appearance with a stylish off-the-shoulder gold or silver top.

Now what to sip and snack on? Since the celebrities have more-than-likely been cleansing weeks before the BIG NIGHT, why not start your guests off with shots of green juice? I have a juicer and love to juice fresh veggies and fruit but you can always buy green juice from your local grocery store and pre fill shot glasses or juice glasses with the concoction. Next, what is an Oscar party without bubbles? Champagne or prosecco will be perfect. To add a little glam, rim your champagne glasses with edible gold glitter before you fill the glasses with the bubbly liquid. Even though it’s not “movie night” – popcorn is a must! Set out a “popcorn bar” – it’s easy to make and your guests can help themselves. I would suggest buying red and white striped popcorn boxes that can easily be filled with the corn. Place the pre-popped corn in a large bowl and add a scoop so your guests can easily fill their boxes. Last, set out various spices, candies and sauces to be mixed into the corn. Some examples are: truffle zest (Oprah’s favorite), salt, pepper, onion powder, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, caramel, white chocolate and chocolate.

Oscar ballots are a fun way for you and your guests to keep track of the winners OR if you want to play a game by filling out a ballot before the show starts, Vanity Fair has made it easy by providing a printable version HERE. Many local bakeries will have Golden Oscar Statue cookies or cupcakes, which would make a great prize for the winner!

If you would like to spice up the festive décor in your home for Oscars night think white flower arrangements, balloons in the black, white, silver and gold color palette and for a pop of color add a “red carpet” table runner or red butcher paper under your popcorn bar and bubbles!

Who has YOUR Vote on Sunday? Do you have a creative idea for your Oscar’s party? Please DO SHARE as I’d LOVE to hear from you! I am always looking for new ideas!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Galentine’s Gift Ideas for your Gal Pal!

Posted on January 31, 2017 by cortneybailey

Pop & Suki

All my Single Ladies, Gal Pals, BFFs, Sisterhoods, and Dreamers of L-O-V-E raise your hands! (Mine are raised!!) Shout out to girlfriends who cheer each other on, lean over and fix each other’s crowns when they slip, cry with, pray for and lift each other up. No mater if you are a Carrie Bradshaw endlessly looking for your “Mr. Big” or a Southern debutante who was blessed to find your significant other at age 19, this post is for YOU! If you have the characteristics listed above then cheers, high-five and a BIG HUG to you. We are here to love our fellow females & encourage each other, not to gossip and tear one another down. I have been so blessed to surround myself with STRONG and LOVING women who thrive on each others success. With that said, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner I want to honor you ladies! Why, because YOU ARE LOVED! If you are spending V-Day with your gal pal(s), here are a few gift ideas to make your friend(s) feel special!

1: Pop & Suki Bag (You and your BFF can have “matching” bags!) | 2: Mackenzie-Childs Heart Bowl (Add a little glam to your gal pal’s kitchen!) | 3: Buxom Lip Gloss (I love these glosses – they give you a plumper pout!) | 4: Heart Bottle Stopper (This stopper would be perfectly paired with a bottle of bubbles!) | 5: Le Creuset Heart Casserole (Ideal for the foodie in your life!) | 6: Le Creuset Heart Ramekin (Another cute option for the cook’s kitchen!) | 7: Jumbo Heart Pool Float (Turn up the heat in the pool and take winter, February swim!) | 8: Faux-Fur Pom Sneaker (I have these in Pink!)

As ALWAYS, I’d LOVE to hear from you! Let me know how AMAZING your gal pals are. What are y’all doing for Galentine’s day? Do you have a fabulous gift idea … update me!!!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Go Green or Go Home: Greenery, Color of the Year!

Posted on January 24, 2017 by cortneybailey

Pantone’s COLOR OF THE YEAR, 2017: GREENERY

Viceroy Hotel / Santa Monica

Pantone states, “A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings … A life-affirming shade … the pursuit of personal passions and vitality.”

I LOVE the color green! It’s a calming color yet it’s powerful. As many of you know I like to bring a little of the outdoors inside and the color Green easily allows me to do so! The Viceroy Hotel Santa Monica‘s lobby has always made me ultra happy. Kelly Wearstler, the designer of the interior of the hotel, was able to capture the “Modern Colonialism” by using strong pops of color, especially – GREEN! Here are some additional examples of using Greenery in your home, office or boutique’s space, inspired by the Viceroy.

If you want to add pops of green to your home but do not want to commit to recovering chairs or retiling an entire bath consider adding throw pillows in a green print to your space. Here are two examples and I actually own the malachite pillows! Shop options HERE.

etsy

Greenery is an adorable option to add color or a theme to your kitchen! Le Creuset Cookware & Bakeware offer abundant color options including green or “palm”! Because the color is so vibrant, leaving a piece or two sitting out in your kitchen looks stylish and adds instant personality to your cooking space. Shop options HERE.

Le Creuset

Green is not just for the home, hit the streets or relax by the pool feeling powerful in a shade of green that best fits your skin tone and personality. Trina Turk never disappoints. Here are some beautiful green options she has designed. You can wear a bold green and stand out or wear a small sliver of green mixed with other colors but either way you can walk in confidence knowing your are classically on trend! Shop the looks here: Green Plaid Coat, Green Dress & One Piece Swim Suite with pops of Green.

Trina Turk / Amazon

I’d LOVE to hear from you! Let me know what ideas or styles you have found in green – I’m ALWAYS looking for new inspiration!!!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Dallas Real Estate Agent for Real Housewives: Cortney Bailey

Posted on June 26, 2016 by cortneybailey

As many of you know I am a licensed Real Estate agent. My clients Tiffany, cast member of Bravo TV‘s Real Housewives of Dallas, and Husband, Aaron Hendra wanted to document their Dallas home search for the show. I was thrilled when they asked me to be apart of the filming. We had so much fun during the process. Tiffany & Aaron are such kind and generous people – I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with them. If you missed the two episodes I was featured in watch the video below to catch me in action, doing what I do best: Making Dallas (DFW metroplex – including Plano!) a more beautiful place to live, one home at a time!

I’d love to hear from you! If you have a Real Estate question feel free to contact me at CortneyBailey.com or leave me a comment below. It would be my pleasure to help you Buy, Sell or Lease your next property!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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How To Style a Bar Cart 3 Ways: Bed, Bath & Bar + New Video!

Posted on February 23, 2016 by cortneybailey

I love to use home furniture in a nontraditional way aka “Thinking Outside the Box!” The Bar Cart is a piece of furniture that can be used a dozen ways besides in the bar. I am going to show you three ways to style a bar cart … two ways that are outside the box and the third is the traditional style. Watch my webisode, above, to get more details!

BED

The first nontraditional way to style a bar cart is in the bedroom as a bedside table. Your bedside table essentials may be different than mine so you will have to style your cart with what makes you most happy at night. Here are my must haves:

Beautiful lamp that is to scale with the cart
Bottle of water
Stack of books, journal & magazines
Framed photo
Candle for relaxing and ambience
Flowers (faux or real) to add that feel of nature + a pop of color
Cozy Blankets/Throws

BATH

The second nontraditional way to style a bar cart is in the bathroom. This is a creative way to add a spa-like feeling to your bathroom. Again, you will have to style your bathroom cart with what makes you feel luxurious. Here are the items that make me feel pampered!

Large Container of Bath Salts (I love to use Epsom Salt!)
Luxury Soaps or Bath Gel
Body Butter or Lotion
Your Favorite Perfume or Scent
Whimsical Item (I love my giant faux gold perfume bottle!)
Crisp & Fluffy White Towels
Book or magazines
Relaxing Candle
Body Loofah
Flowers (faux or real) to add that feel of nature + a pop of color

BAR

The third way to style the bar cart is what the cart was designed for … The Bar! When styling your bar car you will need to keep in mind who you are entertaining. The bar cart in the photo above and in my wedisode was styled for a “Girls Night Out.” However, if you are having a guys night, mixed company or a themed party you will want to add the appropriate alcohol, glassware and non-alcoholic drinks. Here are the items I used to make my “Girls Night Out” evening a hit! (Again my webisode will give you additional ideas!)

Alcohol: Vodka, Wine, Champagne/Sparkling Wine & Tequila (other ideas: Beer, Whiskey & Scotch)
Various Mixers
Glamorous Decanter
Paper Straws (these adorable accessories come in all colors & patterns)
Glassware: Martini glasses, Champagne flutes, Wine glasses (Tumblers will need to be used for additional alcoholic drinks + cocktails.)
Flowers (faux or real) to add that feel of nature + a pop of color
Non-alcohol: Sparkling water, Still water, Soda, Fizzy juice etc…
Beautiful Ice Bucket
Shaker & Jigger
Bottle Opener
Bowl of Limes (or Lemons)
Cocktail Book
Wooden wine box to give height
Cocktail napkins

Shop a few ideas here:

Bar Cart: Click HERE

Spa-like White Towels: Click HERE

Cozy Throw/Blanket: Click HERE

Champagne Stemless Flutes: Click HERE

I’d LOVE to hear from YOU! How do you like to style your bar cart? I’m always looking for new ideas! Leave me a note below or send me a photo (see social media below)!!!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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New Year, New Trends: TOP 5 HOME DESIGN TRENDS 2016 + New Video!

Posted on January 25, 2016 by cortneybailey

Besides being excited about setting new goals for 2016 I am in LOVE with the home design trends this year! Seriously, they are amazing and I am happy to share the TOP FIVE with you! You can incorporate all five trends into your home décor as they will work beautifully together or you can choose one or two trends to add to your current home design.

Watch my new Webisode now to visually see tips & ideas for the Top 5 Trends >>>

Every year Pantone creates a new color palette. Everyone from the Fashion Houses to the Car Industry and Interior Designers plan their color choices according to what Pantone has predicted. Here are Pantone’s choices for 2016:

Top 5 Home Design Trends for 2016: (watch my webisode above for more details & visuals on ALL TOP 5 Trends!)

Snorkel Blue – This blue comes from the navy family. I personally think this color is here to stay. Some of the other Pantone colors for 2016 are striking but may be “out” in a few years. As Heidi Klum says, “One day you’re In & the next day you’re Out!” Snorkel Blue is a color that can be used for years to come no matter how you choose to style it! Pantone says Snorkel Blue “implies a relaxing vacation and encourages escape.” Hello – I’ll sign up for that!
Bold Geometrics – Add modern dimension to a room with bold geometrics. No matter if your style is very traditional or ultra modern, geometrics shapes will quickly bring your space into 2016!
Mixed Metallics – Gone are the days of using all gold, all silver, or all bronze! Just like we see mixed metals in jewelry, the same goes for your home! Now let’s go break the old fashion rules & Mix It Up!
Bring the Outdoors Inside – Bring a touch of the outdoors inside by using graphic prints, plants & flowers (real or not) or anything that reflects nature. If you live in an area of the country that is overflowing with beautiful natural elements like leaves, drift wood or pinecones – bring those natural beauties inside and display them!

Sustainable Materials – We can all live a more sustainable life! Taking small steps by investing in products that save and generate energy, use less water and reduce waste during their production will make a difference in our planet! For example: all the products in the photos below are from Ikea. They are 100% cotton, can be tossed in the washer and were produced in a more sustainable way.

I’d LOVE to hear from YOU! How have you added these top home design trends into your home? I’m always looking for new ideas! Leave me a note below or send me a photo (see social media below)!!!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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New Year: Time to Celebrate & “How to & DIY” Party with an Announcement!

Posted on December 28, 2015 by cortneybailey

I am so excited to announce that I have already started accomplishing one of my goals for the New Year by filming my very first Dream Design Dwell video for my YouTube channel!!! Since it is my first video, I decided to throw a party to celebrate the New Year and also my video! Learn how to make easy “1-2-3” Margaritas, healthy Baja Tacos and a simple DIY gift for friends! I hope you all enjoy my tips & ideas for ringing in the NEW YEAR in your home and will join with me in celebration!

Supplies for the “1-2-3” Margaritas:

Silver Tequila, Cointreau or Triple Sec, Fresh squeezed limes, Salt, Lime Wedges, Shaker & Jigger

Details for making Baja Fish Tacos:

2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, 1 pound mahimahi or other firm whitefish filets, cute into bite-sized pieces, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cups pre-chopped green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped green onions, 1/2 cup light sour cream, 8 corn tortillas, Lime wedges

Combine first 2 ingredients in a bowl. Add fish & toss to coat.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish & saute 5 minutes or until fish is done.

Combine cabbage, onions and sour cream in a bowl.

Warm tortillas according to package directions, spoon about 1/4 cup cabbage mixture down the center of each tortilla, divide fish evenly among tortillas, fold in half & serve with a lime wedge.

Supplies for DIY Gift:

Small Rosemary Tree, Flower/Plant Pot, Twine, Craft store supplies to make your card (Add your personality to your card!)

Shop ideas here for your next party!

Margarita 7-piece glassware set: CLICK HERE

Cocktail Shaker: CLICK HERE

Jigger: CLICK HERE

Mixing Bowls: CLICK HERE & CLICK HERE

Flower/Plant Ceramic Pot: CLICK HERE

I’d LOVE to hear from YOU! What are your tips & ideas celebrate the New Year at home? I’m always looking for new ideas!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Gobble, Gobble: Top Five MUST HAVES for Thanksgiving Day!

Posted on November 19, 2015 by cortneybailey

ONE: Crate & Barrel’s Pie Box is my number one must have for Thanksgiving Day. Oh my goodness this box is adorable! Not only does it make a great presentation, it also adds an “old fashion” vibe to your table. This pie box is also the ideal hostess gift if you are having your Thanksgiving dinner at family or a friend’s home! Photo via Crate & Barrel

TWO: My second must have is the STAR of the day! Yes, the Turkey. Besides having a clever URL that I love: gobble gobble dot com, this Texas based company, Greenburg Smoked Turkey, Inc. will ship anywhere in the United States, is affordable and has been recognized by media outlets such as Oprah Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Texas Monthly to name a few. Photo via Greenburg Smoked TurkeyTHREE: Add a little fancy to your kitchen with these Raised Bloom Whisks. Anthropologie’s whisks are available in three sweet colors and will help you make your side dishes and desserts a little more fun! Photo via Anthropologie

FOUR: When you wake up to a house full of family you may not have as much time in the bath as you would like and if it’s early morning you probably have growling tummies to feed. With Target’s endless PJ selection you can climb out of bed with ease, brush your teeth and shuffle to the kitchen for breakfast in your cozy and playful pajamas, without looking schleppy until you have time to dress for the day! Photo via Target

FIVE: Thanksgiving Day is notorious for not only being thankful but also for filling your belly! If your Thanksgiving meal is served promptly at noon then a light breakfast should be suffice. However, if you are not serving your meal until late afternoon or evening then a selection of snacks should be set out for your family & friends to enjoy. In 2013 I wrote a blog about winter snacks: CLICK HERE for a few ideas! Photo via my blog: Dream Design Dwell

I’d LOVE to hear from YOU! What are your top MUST HAVES for Thanksgiving Day – I’m always looking for new ideas!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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This Fall – Let’s Layer it Up! Tips on How to Layer Rugs.

Posted on September 24, 2015 by cortneybailey

Photo Credit: At Home in Love

In honor of the first week of Fall lets talk about layering, rugs that is! In the cooler months we love to layer our clothes, leather jackets tossed over cashmere sweaters on top of tweed and over-the-knee boots, cardigans on top of sassy dresses paired over tights with booties and skinny jeans mixed with turtlenecks under fur vests – the layering options are endless when it comes to fashion so why should it not be endless inside the home?

Photo Credit: Pop Sugar

Photo Credit: Fresh American Style

Photo Credit: Zelda & Medeline

We layer our beds with accent pillows and blankets. Toss cozy throws across our sofas. Stack layers of coffee table books in bookcases. But what about the floor?! Layering rugs is a trend that is here to stay! It adds instant interest to any room.

Photo Credit: Simon Design Blog

There are dozens of ways to layer rugs. The most popular trend in layering starts with a large natural fiber rug such as a jute, seagrass or sisal rug layered with a smaller rug to ground it. To add a pop of interest it is best to layer with a rug that is not the same color, but rather a bold design with bright color or an animal hide like zebra.

Photo Credit: A Bit of Sass

When layering rugs you can literally center one rectangle rug on top of another, but always make sure the base rug is significantly larger than the rug sitting on top. You can also angle one of the rugs – the larger rug on the bottom can be angled with the top rug centered or vice versa. Angling rugs can place emphasis on a focal point like an amazing view and it gives a room movement.

Photo Credit: Reckless Glamour

If you have a rug that you love but it is too small in scale for a room this is the perfect opportunity to place a larger neutral rug under it to ground it. Rugs can be very expensive, if you are redecorating and are not able to part with a rug that is an investment piece consider layering it with a more modern rug to give it an instant update! Animal hides add an automatic punch of “modern” to any room and are easy to layer. If your budget is endless layering multiple rugs, three or more, gives a room a very dramatic and
lush feel.

Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy

Photo Credit: Tumbler

I would love to hear from you! What are your Tips & Tricks when layering rugs? Do you have any ideas to share? Let me see your pics on social media & don’t for get to tag me so I do not miss it!

Need help shopping for a rug? Here are some great ideas:

Jute Rug: Click Here!

Seagrass Rug: Click Here!

Sisal Rug: Click Here!

Zebra Cowhide Rug: Click Here!

Zebra GOLD Metallic Cowhide Rug: Click Here!

Tricolor Cowhide Rug: Click Here!

Sheep Skin Rug: Click Here!

Folex Carpet Spot Remover: Click Here!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Bravo Bethenny – an Inside Look at The Skinny Girl’s NYC Apartment!

Posted on August 27, 2015 by cortneybailey

Bethenny’s Lush Living Space

Bethenny Frankel & Skinny Girl Products

Being the starlet of Bravo TV’s hit The Real Housewives of New York City, building her multi-million dollar brand “Skinny Girl” from the ground up, writing four books, hosting her own talk show and being a super mom makes Bethenny Frankel one of Hollywood’s leading entrepreneurs. It is no wonder that Bethenny designed her home environment to be her own creative wonderland where she can relax and retreat from the concrete jungle just steps away!

Bethenny’s Master Bedroom – Sweet Dreams

Bethenny’s Walk-in Closet – Swoon!

Bethenny’s Walk-in Closet Angle #2

Bethenny’s Daughter’s Pretty in Pink Room!

Bathed in lush whites and neutrals, there is nothing “Skinny” about Bethenny Frankel’s remodeled monochromatic New York City apartment and I’ll gladly say cheers to that! Mixing textures in basically the same palette adds warmth to her space. Art and coffee table books infuse Bethenny’s space to give her home pops of color but also inspirational personal touches.

Bethenny’s Kitchen – Now if we can just persuade Miss Frankel to whip up one of her famous dishes!

Bethenny’s Kitchen Angle #2

No one’s home, especially Bethenny’s, would be complete without keeping entertaining essentials, like a bar cart, close by for ease! Stocking her perfectly scaled bar, located in her living space, with none other than Skinny Girl products allows her to entertain her friends without having to leave the room to refresh their cocktails.

Bethenny’s Skinny Girl Bar – Cheers!

Skinny Girl Products

TIP: When designing a space with monochromatic colors layer various textures and fabrics to achieve a luxurious space.

(All photos are courtesy of Bravo TV, Skinny Girl & Bethenny.)

I would love to hear from you! Update me on your ideas to make a space soothing by using monocramatic colors! Do you like using light colors like Bethenny or dark colors?

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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photo courtesy of rakuten

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Pop & Suki

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Pantone’s COLOR OF THE YEAR, 2017: GREENERY

Viceroy Hotel / Santa Monica

etsy

Le Creuset

Trina Turk / Amazon

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