Friday, January 30, 2015

Love the look - Superbowl Sunday

Happy Friday!! I'll be watching the Patriots play Seattle on Sunday!! Will you? I'm heading to a friend's with the kiddies in tow for a casual night and some yummy snacks..This is about what I'll wear. (links below) Sorry to say I don't own a game jersey....GO PATS!! I mean how can you not love Tom Brady??

shopping links:                                       1/2/3/4/5/6 (added the blue earrings for the Pats!)



I may also whip up one of these!! recipe via Martha Stewart


Touchdown tequila





INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups orange juice
  • 1 cup tequila (8 ounces)
  • 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
  • 1 1/2 ounces grenadine
  • Ice, for serving
  • 3 cups club soda
  • 8 strips lemon zest, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

  1. Pour orange juice, tequila, and lemon juice into a large pitcher. Tip pitcher at a slight angle, and carefully pour grenadine down side.
  2. Divide mixture among 8 ice-filled glasses, and top off each with club soda. Stir, garnish each with zest, and serve immediately.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

California love..(cue 2Pac beat)

If I didn't live near the beach on the East coast, I would absolutely live close to the beach on the West coast...two kids, my family and a divorce later. It looks like I am residing here for quite a while!! (I do love it here). I have however long been drawn to the more casual lifestyle of Southern California. This space is simple, yet chic and I am loving the clean freshness of it all on this frigid New England morning.

The kids are home from school again today but I am determined to get something accomplished around my house. I am definitely adding a bit of California love......



Images via

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Shelter loves.....


1. I have to give a loving shout out to my hometown of Marshfield, Ma. I love living in this seaside town...but living near the water has drawbacks during large storms. I am thankful my home and family were all safe during the blizzard this week, but much of my town was under water and a number of people lost their homes due to the storm surge. My thoughts are with them! xo

The picture of the beach above is about five minutes from my home. The second picture (below it) was taken yesterday during the high tide. The water literally took over much of the small village area of Brant Rock. I have never seen this area so flooded in my life, the waves were crashing over the seawall and into homes. ( I grew up in Marshfield and am back after leaving for 17 years).

2. Sometimes we all need to remind ourselves of this...
3. I love a feminine mix of floral and leopard print. This image is making me rethink my daughter's room rug choices.
4. Art is subjective, but these cheery watercolor prints by Sarah Martinez would add a beautiful pop of color to your home or office.
5. As you know Superbowl Sunday is this weekend! Go Pats! I am heading to a friend's house. I think I may bring these. They look somewhat healthy, right?? This entire site is filled with yummy recipes.
6. I love layering graphic tees under blazers and sweaters this time of year.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Take me away...Cottage Love #19

The sights and sounds outside as I pen this post are of five foot snow drifts and howling winds. My coastal town was hit pretty hard by the storm and the high tides. Many people had to be evacuated this morning. I am thankful that I live far enough from the tides and that I am still with power...

I have no plans to travel to a warm climate this winter. (We may try to sneak away to Florida for a long weekend but nothing is planned) I do however dream of tropical beaches and warm sunny days. I have never been to Harbour Island but you can bet it's on the top of my travel list.

This home designed by Allesandra Branca is a chic, colorful, cheery getaway. Just what we all could use by the end of January in New England!

 Images via Lonny Magazine. 

Monday, January 26, 2015

Hunker down....

As I'm sure you have heard, we are bracing for a blizzard over here in the Northeast!! I think we are pretty much prepared for the storm. School was just canceled for tomorrow..My fingers are crossed that we don't lose power! (cause that is never fun with two little kiddos)..Here's my essentials prep list! Stay safe and warm everyone! (and lucky you if you reside in a toasty climate!) xx

1. A cozy room!! Someday I would love to design or buy an over sized sectional with big ottomans. I would live on this sofa... This room looks well loved....
2. A flashlight - why not a pink one?? It is no secret that I love pink.
3. Games! Matty and I love scrabble - we are both competitive types. I'm sure my son would too.

4. Hot chocolate with Baileys. Sorry but I can't get through a storm with a drink... ;)
5. A cozy sweatshirt..love this layered one. 
6. Slippers!! I worship them. Honestly, what is better than slippers around the house?
7. A big blanket for snuggling on the sofa. I think my entire family could fit under this one.
8. Plenty of candles.
9. Snacks!! Lots and lots of snacks!!
10. A good shovel, cause we do have to get out there and shovel at some point. 
11. Firewood!

Friday, January 23, 2015

Shelter Loves


Sorry for my silence yesterday. I threw my daughter's 5th birthday party!! It was a success and so much fun! I'm working this am and then heading up to Vermont to go skiing later today. Here's what's on my radar this week....Have a fabulous weekend. xx

1. An apres ski look. My Ray bans are my go to sunglasses. I have some others but for a classic look I always grab my aviators. I've been also wanting a pink hued pair like these!
2. Classic black and white homes....this is what I love. The second image on the bottom is perfect. (via Elle Decor - 2015) The scale, the full sized windows, the grounds..PERFECTION.
3. I need a fun dress like this!! Isn't it funny how your outfit can change your mood? I think I would feel exotic and special in this floral frock..;)
4. Charlotte Olympia now has her iconic kitty flats in leopard!!
5. Truth!!
6. Natural woods and a small cozy kitchen...I like it...David Netto's designs are so warm and cool...


Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Celebrate!

Today is my daughter's 5th birthday! I can't believe how quickly the time actually goes. She is still super snuggly, I just hope she stays that way!

I am throwing her a party for 14 of her little besties tomorrow (not sure how they are all going to fit in my house). It won't be nearly this eleborate but I thought this party was sweet without being too over the top! I adore pink and gold.

As I mentioned I am hosting a jewelry making- cupcake decorating celebration! Wish me luck..:)

Well, I'm off to read my daughter a story at pre-school now..Have a fabulous day! Images via 

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Snowbound...

I say: If you can't go south, head north! I would LOVE to be jetting of someplace toasty this winter, but I don't think it's happening..There's just too much going on at my home base. I am lucky enough however to have my parent's log cabin in Vermont to visit! (Top photo is of my brother in law, niece and nephew). Their home is 30 minutes from Killington Mountain. Matty and I are heading up there this weekend for some outdoor fun and a bit of apres ski of course!!

Other images from top to bottom: 

- This bathroom by designer Frank de biasi is pretty much what I would design if I had a ski chalet. 
- Aerin Lauder's ski house in Aspen is by far a favorite! Image via: Vogue
- I love cozy hats. I think I need to scoop up a Canada Goose one just like this!!
- Being outside on a mountain, under sunny skies with perfect conditions is fabulous!!
- Apres ski in front of a fire after skiing all day is even better!
















Frank de biasi

http://rstyle.me/n/v3yf2pwjn - hat

Friday, January 16, 2015

Love the look - getting fit!

I tend to eat pretty healthy and work out regularly but I definitely get off track around the holidays. I don't think I could do a full cleanse but I can sub out a meal or two with a smoothie. I need to do that more often! I'm off to the gym this afternoon to run. I've been trying to work out at least four days a week. Ideally I would love to work out five days but some days it's tricky to make it there with work and the kids.. I also want to take a few more classes to mix up my routine.

Here's a similar outfit that I would wear to the gym! I have also shared a yummy smoothie recipe I want to try. (I might minus the seeds) but I have been using coconut oil lately. It has a host of benefits and grapefruit is amazing for you! Cheers! Have a fabulous weekend. xx
1/2/3/4/5





  • 4 slices of pineapple
  • ¼ grapefruit, peeled and cut
  • 1 cup plain low-fat Yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin seeds
  • 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
Mix, blend and serve! 



Thursday, January 15, 2015

Shelter Loves...


Isn't it amazing how one "event" can throw off your entire week and thinking? Let's face it life gets kind of blah in the winter for most, right?? I've been trying to be positive this winter (I don't have any travel plans but skiing) and yesterday just kind of threw me off...ugh..onward and upward I guess.

I needed a bit of pretty today to lift my spirits. I hope you all are surviving the cold and having a good week!!

1. Yes!! I needed to remember this yesterday. Composure is a hell of a lot chicer than craziness. I did vent to my boyfriend, mom and sister though. (thanks guys)
2. I own and love this vest. I've been trying to work out whenever I have a free moment. I need to lose the holiday 6 lbs I gained. This is a great casual layering vest to wear with jeans or yoga pants.
3. Paris has been on my mind..sending them my thoughts and prayers.
4. I am throwing a jewelry making and cupcake decorating birthday party for my daughter's 5th birthday next week. I am thinking pink frosting and white cupcakes. The girls can then decorate their own. I thought this was a clever way to organize the sprinkles.... (image below)

5. I'm going to start to buy fresh flowers for my home when I can. They instantly cheer me up.
6. I still adore this peony wallpaper and how it looks in a little girl's room.
7. Getting some tinsel tassels for my daughter's room!! I am going to hang it along with a gold glitter name sign above her bed! There are a bunch available on ETSY.

peace out.. xx


Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Design Crush...Sasha Adler

I'm constantly scanning homes, blogs, magazines and Pinterest. (link to my account here) I also love to travel for inspiration but don't have as much free time to do so with two small kiddies and this home to finish up.

Certain designer's aesthetic speak to me.. Today I thought I would share one with a style I worship - Sasha Adler. Her design and fashion sense are perfection. (For the record her design partner Lauren Buxbaum has equally fabulous taste) Sasha and Lauren work for Nate Berkus in Chicago.

I have leopard booties similar to these and love them!!! Buy similar booties here.

Sasha's home

Their office space

And miscellaneous projects:



Monday, January 12, 2015

Thoughts on home... process pictures + updates

Hello, hello...
I'm pushing to complete my home by the Spring! It has been a process and an expense. I'm sharing some of the before photos and some of the updates thus far. It was an outdated home and I have been completing the process in steps..as most of you know this single mama is working within a budget ( I need to leave some money in the bank for my mortgage ;)  ) Here it goes.....

This was the dining area off the kitchen. The house isn't too big. I didn't need a large home nor could I afford it. I was pretty much sold on the location. It is located across from the marsh on a side street five minutes from the beach. As you can see it needed a ton of work. I don't think it had been updated since 1972, the year it had been built. The good news is it was built for a family and they were the only ones who had ever lived in it, so the overall structure was in great shape.
This is the bar area in front of the windows now.
Original living room
Living room now. We painted the walls and the dark brick. I also had all the floors stained a deep brown color. I now just need a new sofa, a small bench upholstered and maybe a simple mirror above the mantel and this room will be done!!




I like both of these sofa options. I want to go with a tuxedo sofa. I'm either going with a pale grey velvet or linen. The top version is my preference and has great lines. It is from Serena and Lily, the bottom one is from Crate and Barrel. I'll probably end up with the second sofa, it's half the price!


Yikes! Here is the bathroom before. 
Here is the bathroom now. We added bead board over the old tile glue and painted it white. I also had the floor tiled and ripped out the old vanity and mirror. I'm wallpapering it in Thibaut's Tanzania. I just need art, the tub area tiled and it will be done!
Wall paper
My son's room is finished with the exception of a couple more items on the walls! He is using my old spool bed from when I was a kid. It's an antique. He has also requested more "sports and shark" art on the walls..so I'm working on that. Seven year old boys begin to have an opinion on their rooms!

My bedroom is pretty much finished! 
Here is the kitchen "before".  I saved the base of the cabinets and my Dad added a thick moulding above the cabinets where the hideous paneling is. I went with Carrara marble counter tops, white cabinets, brass hardware, a white beveled tile back splash and a dark slate looking 24" x 12" tiles on the floor. We also replaced the window with a larger new window above the sink area, that made a huge difference on the amount of light in the space. I'm loving the kitchen so far. My Dad is making the cabinet door fronts and I am replacing a number of the bottom cabinets with drawers. These are almost done but my Dad deserved a little break!! He has been a huge help!! I also added new recessed lighting throughout the house and have a few more fixtures to go!

I added a new play room in the basement too! I couldn't live without it. I have a television down stairs and 90% of my children's toys are stored in the room.

When the kitchen is finished, Matty and I are going to tackle the three season porch off of the kitchen. It's a great space in the warmer weather and if I stay here I may even turn it into a family/tv room with built in cabinets. My daughter's room is almost complete too..I'm looking forward to having the entire place photographed this Spring.

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