You may have met our JulRe Designs Lifestyle CFO (Chief Fun Officer), the indomitable, narcissistic and sarcastically comedic tuxedo feline, Sparky on some of my social media pages. He is a Maine Coon mix that we adopted from the wonderful Atlantic County Animal Shelter in my hometown of Pleasantville, NJ and we are smitten.

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links and I participate in the Amazon Associate program, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

He has an incredibly complex personality (moody changes to feisty within seconds) and is keenly aware of the power of his cuteness. He uses it with an unrelenting abandon to get whatever it is that he desires. From his very specific food preferences to his predilection for toys that are noiseless and contain abundant amounts of catnip, @SparkyBooBoo is our resident cartoon character. If you are a pet lover, follow his colorful adventures on Instagram.

 

If loving pet parents are being honest, we will admit that from time to time  we've succumbed to the adorable and perceived whims of our animal-children. I raise my hand as a guilty party. I have spoiled Sparky and I no longer run my own house but he brings so much joy to my family that his unwitting narcissism, created in large part by my actions, is something that has become an acceptable price to pay for the happiness of our dear kitty.

 

 

So with his fondness for a very fixed list of daily use items, I thought I'd share what it takes to keep our furry friend healthy, happy and purring while also helping us maintain his care with ease. Here are a few of Sparky's favorite things:

 

 

1.  Yeowww Catnip Toys  (see the video above for Sparky's real-time review)

2.  KeBuLe Cat Laser Toy (keeps your cat excited and engaged!)

3.  Bergan Turbo Cat Scratcher (see the love below!)

 

 

4.  WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder (great for feeding kitty on a schedule)

5.  Petmate Eco-Friendly Breakaway Cat Collar (safety first!)

6.  Spot Sponge Soccer Balls (for a game of toss that doesn't destroy the house!)

7.  Hertzko Self Cleaning Grooming Brush (oh, the feel-good the purrrrrs....)

8.  PetSafe SlimCat Meal-Dispensing Toy (perfect for snacks!)

9.  Burt's Bees For Cats Natural Dander Reducing Wipes (sulfate and paraben free! Smells wonderful!)

10. Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler (cat cushiness!)

 

Pets can bring joy and happiness to our lives yet there are so many animals who aren't as fortunate as Sparky is to have a loving, caring family. Too many don't have homes, are being treated with cruelty and indecency and need warmth and kindness. There are wonderful organizations that were founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans and must be protected. If you can find it in your heart, please adopt a pet from a reputable shelter. If taking care of a pet in your home is not possible, please consider donating to our favorite, the ASCPA through Sparky's fundraising page or to any of the other organizations that believe in the humanity of animals.

Until next time, may your life be filled with happiness and COLOR!

 

 

 

 

My new Colorful Mocktail is....(drumroll)....this healthy take on a traditional Lemonade. The addition of Turmeric, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, makes it good FOR you. It's my salute to Summertime and it's just the right drink for picnics and cookouts. Every time I've served it, I run out, no matter how much I prepare. I've been asked for the recipe more times than I can count so I'm taking that as a sign that I should share it with everyone!  Watch my how-to video or follow the complete recipe below for all you need to add my Spiked Turmeric Lemonade to your at-home mocktail list!

 

 

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

 

 

 

JULIET'S SPIKED TURMERIC LEMONADE

makes 1 drink 

Thinking of redecorating for the New Year or just love home decor? You'll enjoy this list dedicated to colorful living at home!

• Superstar singer/songwriter, Alicia Keys' home in California is a wildly dreamy 'marvel'. (Architectural Digest)

• These water-based interior paints are formulated without the toxic carbon-based solvents. The company was founded by an interior designer that has a unique try-before-you-buy process plus color palettes that are dreamy. (CLARE)

• I believe a stunning, strategically placed floor covering can change the dynamic of a room faster than any other design element. (The Color Lab Blog)

• You may not immediately think of your kitchen as one of the first rooms in your home that needs an uplift but some of these kitchen ideas may have you rethinking color as vibe changer. (Real Homes)

• This glass as fine art gives the everyday flower vase new and luxurious meaning.

• Get ready for Spring lunches and brunches with these tableware accessories that will make your place settings warm, light and airy. (The MET Store)

• This super functional couch comes in more than 10 colors which makes it almost impossible to not find a shade you love. (Macy's)

• It's not lost on me that this talented 9-year old wallpaper designer and I share a first name, albeit spelled a little differently. (House Beautiful)

• Sconces have never been a home decor/design element that I felt particularly moved by until I saw these bejeweled beauties. (Jonathan Adler)

• This is a magical house. (The Melrose Gallery)

BONUS: The remarkable story of how the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monument came to be. (Architectural Digest)

 

 

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links and I participate in the Amazon Associate program, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

 

 

Cocktail or beverage? I'll let you decide. My Blood Orange Ginger Iced Tea is my last ditch effort to hold onto Summer for as long as possible.

However there really is no reason why this drink can't work for Fall as well. Just substitute cold tea for hot. The flavors will still be refreshing and delicious!

The flavor of Blood Orange is similar to the orange fruit we know and love. But there's a layer of berry-ness that gives it a richness that is almost wine-like.

Ginger is a fragrant spice with a slightly peppery undertones and a sweetness that is warm and zesty.

I love citruses all year long and the richness of blood orange is smooth and satisfying, not at all tart and biting like some can be. The addition of ginger makes this drink extra special!

This beverage is great for lunch, brunch or partytime. Or just when you need a liquid pick-me-up. 

And with only 3 ingredients, you can whip up a pitcher in no time! 

Watch my how-to video or follow the complete recipe below for all you need to add my Blood Orange Ginger Iced Tea to your home bar drink list!

 

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juliet's Blood Orange Ginger Iced Tea

makes 1 drink

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 oz. Monin Blood Orange Syrup
• 1 pump(s) Monin Ginger Concentrated Flavor
• 7 oz. fresh brewed tea (here's the infuser pitcher used in video)

Glass: Tall/Pint

Garnish: orange slice, mint sprig

Glass Size: 16 oz.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill serving glass full of ice.
2. Pour ingredients into serving glass in order listed.
3. Pour mixture into cocktail shaker and back into serving glass to mix.
4. Add garnish and serve.

 
Until next time, let's raise a glass to living a life filled with COLOR!