Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014....

I rang in 2014 with change! I purchased my little house and moved in last December. I spent a good part of this year renovating it......I'm so close to being finished!! Eek. I've done it on a budget and am pretty happy with the results! 2015 will bring the finished product photos (I got a new camera for Christmas!!) and a slew of other goodies! Thanks for your patience. 

In the past I've posted a "what I have learned" segment on New Year's Eve. Tonight I will do the same but I am keeping it short and sweet..Before I share my list, I want to thank each and every one of you for the support, comments, and emails this year! Wishing you a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year!! xoxoxo


I've had some pretty crazy things going on in my life over the past five years. There was a question on Family Feud (yes, I watch it!) the other night: 1 being not so much, 10 being YES : Would your life make a good reality series? My life the past five years? Yes! an 8 for sure...In any case I have learned a ton about myself and here's what I've been thinking about lately.


1. NEVER take your health for granted, emotional or physical. I've had a few scares this year. Though they ended up being minor (thank goodness). I did have three surgeries and a biopsy. My advice here: Wear sunscreen religiously and visit your doctor once a year for a check-up! Don't mess with your health....Also, never be afraid to seek help if you're feeling crummy.

2. Count your blessings! It really is the small things that bring happiness.

3. Think positive. Negative energy not only brings you down, it brings everyone else around you down.

4. Make time for activities like exercise, blogging, cooking and reading. These things keep me grounded. Sometimes I feel like I am losing or could lose my mind. I think most of you can relate.

5. No-one is perfect but if you can find someone to love you and all your quirks unconditionally, it's a wonderful thing!

6. Anger is a waste of time..Letting go and forgiving is freeing!! (Do let your self get angry, I'm just saying try not to hold onto it for a long time!)

That's my list...short this year compared to past years...but it perfectly sums up what I learned in 2014. Happy New Year!!



Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Love the look - New Year's Eve

Big plans for New Year's Eve?? I'm going to lay low this year with my kids, Matty and hopefully a few others! I won't dress up too much but I'll wear something a bit festive. Here is a great outfit for a night in with friends, a toast of bubbly and yummy food! All links below...
1/2/3/4/5


I may also take the time to make a seafood or clam chowder for either New Year's Eve or for this weekend when we head up to Vermont!
This seafood chowder looks delicious. via this site.




seafood chowder 2.0




seafood chowder 2.0 | movita beaucoup
. . .

Seafood Chowder 2.0

recipe: inspired by Rose Dyer and Jackie Huskins

This chowder is very much like Beaucoup Seafood Chowder, but better, because I added a little of 2.0 and his family. (Not to be taken literally.)
  • 3/4 cup butter, divided (divide into: 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup)
  • 2 medium onions, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks of celery, diced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 cups (approximately) sodium reduced chicken broth
  • 1 lb. cooked lobster, chopped into bite sized pieces – fresh or frozen
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon celery salt
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • three dashes Tabasco sauce
  • 1/2 lb. haddock*
  • 1/2 lb. cod*
  • 1/2 lb. scallops – fresh or frozen, no need to defrost
  • 1 litre light cream (5% milk fat)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (35% milk fat)
* you could use just haddock or cod if you don’t want to use both – use a pound of whichever you choose
In a large Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup butter and then saut̩ the onions, carrots and celery over medium heat Рallowing them to soften a little Рabout 5 minutes. Add the potato and add only enough chicken broth to barely cover (about 3 cups). Stir to combine and then cook until the potato is just barely tender (8-10 minutes).
As the potato is cooking, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter in a skillet over medium heat and then add the lobster pieces to the skillet. Cook the lobster until the butter has taken on an orangey-red colour from the lobster, and the lobster has heated through. About 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Add the basil, oregano, celery salt, paprika, pepper and Tabasco sauce to the vegetables in the Dutch oven and stir to combine. It will seem like a lot of spices, don’t worry. Layer the haddock, cod and scallops on top. Gently press the fish down so it is just covered with liquid. Cook only until fish barely flakes (4-5 minutes).
Add the lobster and every last drop of butter from the skillet to the Dutch oven. Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and the light cream. If you think you’re going to run out of room in the pot, skimp on the light cream, not the heavy.
Allow the chowder to warm through. Keep on low heat until serving or refrigerate and slowly heat up before serving. Don’t allow to boil.
Notes: I find chowder is best on the second day, so when entertaining, make it the day before – it will save you time and stress on the day as well.
After refrigeration, I put the pot on low and allow 30 minutes it to heat through. Do not allow the chowder to boil – low heat is key.
You will notice that the spices seem to sit on top of the chowder, like an oil slick. Don’t worry – when you serve, give a little stir and then scoop – just the right amount of spice will come up with the ladle.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas Eve + a few of my favorite things!

I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a wonderful holiday!! Thanks for stopping by my little old blog when you can. I truly appreciate it! It feels good to know that my time spent inspires someone! (even for an instant).

Here's a recap of what is on my mind and what I am loving. (crazy day so this is the non photo-shopped version).

Images in order:

1. Full wreaths and big bows!! We're fans of those around here. My wreath looks very similar to this one but I added a cool looking bird I found to it!

2. Here is a snap shot of my daughter helping me make sugar cookies yesterday. My sis, Mom and our children spent the day baking and decorating. I won't lie it was much calmer when my daughter was there alone but we had a great time and made over 150 cookies! Yum! P.S. Bakers usually roll dough on marble counter tops. I'm not sure if it was the dough or the marble but the cookies rolled out beautifully.

3. These are NOT our cookies but I would love to decorate some like this. (maybe next year).. This entire photo shoot is beautiful and much worth a peek.

4.  I love a pretty holiday outfit and a signature cocktail! Looking forward to both later today!

5. Shoes with bows? Love them when they are done right like these!!

6. Hoping for some peace and calm over the next couple days.

Enjoy your holiday, wishing you a very Merry Christmas...xoxo
I am signing off for a few days..


Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Classic Christmas, Aerin Lauder style...

There are some wealthy taste makers out there who continually get it right..I've always admired Aerin Lauder's style. It's mostly classic with a twist (except for her fabulous ski house). I remembered she had done a number of holiday inspired photo shoots, so I thought it may be fun to round them up....

Monday, December 22, 2014

Holiday Traditions..

I can't believe it is actually Christmas week...I still have quite a bit to do to get ready but I also want to make time for holiday traditions and a bit of down time! One of our family's traditions has always been to receive a new pair of Christmas pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve. My mom always gave us an adorable new pair to kick off the gift giving..She has now carried on this tradition for her grandchildren.

I can't help but want to continue this tradition for my self and boyfriend. (not sure he will even wear pajama bottoms but it's worth a shot). There is something nice about waking up in a new pair of pajamas on Christmas morning. They are also great to take along for your winter get aways and ski trips. I don't know about you but when traveling with friends and family I would much rather look cute and coordinated.  The above pair shown is #4. image via.
1/2/3/4/5/6



Saturday, December 20, 2014

wishing you a merry weekend!

Hope you're doing something fun this weekend! I hope to finish up my shopping and decorating!! I'm also going to sneak in a little holiday cookie baking before Tuesday! Enjoy!! xoxox 
Here are the diy directions for the Merry sign!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Love the look - holiday sparkle

I've been thinking about my holiday outfits and what I am going to put together. My look for Christmas and New Year's eve just wouldn't be complete without a bit of sparkle..Here's a selection of some of my favorites this year!! Jenna has such an effortless look. (top right)

1. The Lulu Frost designs are some of my favorites. Her prices are a bit higher but the pieces have a one of a kind look and the quality is beautiful.
2. There is something so sweet about bows..Bow ring
3. By Lauren Hope: I am buying this to layer with my other bracelets. It looks great!!
4. So pretty...
5. I don't wear much red but a ruby ring is perfect this time of year!
6. I seem to collect J. Crew necklaces. They look fabulous!
7. Multi glitter earring, nuff said.
8. I love emerald stones and these statement earrings from Kate Spade.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Shelter Loves....

Happy Wednesday!! Here is what caught my eye this week..There are lots of beautiful things out there to admire this time of the year!!

1. + 2. I couldn't find the exact shoes Grasie Mercedes is wearing but I am LOVING the navy satin for this time of year! These are similar. I'm liking Grasie's off beat style too. Read her blog here.
3. My New Year's resolution..I am working on this!! My friends and I literally have "bitch" sessions..hehe..We consider it free therapy.
4. A simple holiday table. This idea would be fun for a brunch table!
5. Okay, so I need to settle on something sparkly for the holidays. This one is on sale today!!
6. I cannot lie, I love a girlie bedroom!! I am especially loving the drapes..


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Deck the Mantel!

Holla! I'm running a bit behind with my holiday decorating this year.....I hope to finish up my mantel tonight or maybe tomorrow night. I'm trying not to drink wine on Monday and Tuesdays..There is something about the holiday season that makes you feel slightly like a glutinous lush, no?? I am thinking I will need a glass of wine in hand to take on the project with two kids under foot!

I've rounded up some inspiration today...I've included ideas for the traditionalist, the modernist and everyone in between. Did you happen to see Jenny's mantel on the Domino website? Loved it... (where does this lady find the time??) I actually had the privilege of working with Jenny on a design challenge once. Our ideas meshed well, she's great!

Jenny's mantel and a slew of others...


For the young at heart
For the naturalist

For the modernist

For the traditionalist

For the purist

For the glamrous

For the hipster

For the country lover

For the diy-er

For the transitionalist

Monday, December 15, 2014

Gift Guide - For the home...

Happy Monday! Today I'm sharing one of my favorite gift guides! Ideas for the 
Decorista in your life... There is still plenty of time to place orders and receive your gifts before Christmas. Here is my round up.

1. Nate Berkus for Target...Love me a little Nate.
2. Baskets to organize the toys and other things in life.
3. Nice candles are worth the money. They smell pretty (not too sweet) and burn forever.
4. Monogrammed plates. I love almost anything with a monogram.
5. A gorgeous pillow makes a nice gift! (or a gift to yourself)
6. Beautify someones front door.
7. The iconic Zebra design is now available in a glass! Love! 
8. Holla!
10. This lamp would add a touch of glamour to any home!

Friday, December 12, 2014

Kitchen love....

I'll be back later today with a "gift guide" post but I just HAD to share this fabulous shot with you. How amazing is this stove and hood? Very European! This image is just a glimpse of Dianna Argon's beautiful home and backyard. Via "Justin Coit for Domaine Home"- see the rest of the story here!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Shelter Loves

Happy Thursday!! I am loving glitter and prettiness galore this week! Sparkly details beat the cold, winter like blues! 
1.+ 2.  I adore layered necklaces like Liz's. Purchase similar versions here and here. J. Crew is still hosting 30% off and free shipping.

3. Simple greens and red berries make such a pretty statement. They have also used magnolia leaves here. I am decorating my tree with the kids tonight...I'll be decorating my mantel and front door this week. Where is this month going??
4. To complete the layered necklace look just add a white sweater!! This is also on sale!!
5. So True!!!
6. These earrings would be the perfect accent with a simple holiday outfit.
7. Do you dream of building a house someday? I would love to have the ability to customize an entire home. It would definitely house a desk area to organize the tons of paper work that comes home every week!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

My Thanksgiving table

Today I am thrilled to share my Thanksgiving table with you all! As most of you know I hosted in my little house. I don't have a large family, so it wasn't an issue. I had a fire lit (thanks to Matty) and served all of my favorite dishes.  Along with turkey we had candied sweet potatoes, whipped mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade stuffing and apple pie.
The table setting mixed both vintage and new elements, including dessert dishes that have been in my family for years. The small dogs on the bar table were also my Grandmothers.

My children and I gilded the pumpkins together to prep for the day and my assistant, Meg and my Mom helped me set the table. A great event isn't complete without a stocked bar! I included the bar area photos too. You can also get a glimpse of my message center area. You have to make great use of every inch of space in a small home! 

Cheers, I hope you enjoyed seeing a bit of my home. I also wanted to thank the photographer Ann-Marie Rollo for her wonderful eye and patience! This shoot took place on the darkest and rainiest of days but we pulled it off. Meg, Ann-Marie and I happily sipped wine by the fire afterwards! A big thanks to my Dad for lighting the fire that day!

The gilded paint is available at most Ace Hardware stores.. The wall color I used is from the Clark+Kensington and OPI nail lacquer collaboration. It is one of my favorite white shades called: Don't Touch My Tutu. It is a beautiful white color with the perfect amount of warmth.   

Product info:
Vintage gold glasses from: High Street Market
Bees wax candles: Creative Candles ** these candles did not drip, they burned beautifully.





Tuesday, December 9, 2014

'Tis the season

As I mentioned Friday I headed up to Vermont for the weekend. We selected and cut down our tree on Bunny Farm. I plan to finish up my holiday decorating this week!! I will also be sharing the final shots of my Thanksgiving table and bar with you later today!! A huge thank you to my photographer Ann-Marie Rollo for finishing those up.
I came across Jessica Biel's home (images via Domaine Home) and some of her Christmas decorations.  I am loving the natural mix of elements and love the mix of mercury glass and green details on the table closeup. I also included a photo from Domino magazine of a fun table top. I purchased boxwood and will mix other greens in too. I am thinking of incorporating reindeer, trees and faux snow into my design!!


I am loving this black and white art wall!





I'd like to incorporate deer and trees into my Christmas mantel design. via Domino Magazine

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