Inspired - Clam Bake!

WOW, it's amazing what you can get accomplished at midnight. I've been so busy lately that I decided to work through a good part of the wee hours of the morning and was then up at 5:15! It's actually amazing what you can accomplish without any mid-day interruptions!

From the looks of my blog posts lately you can see where the non-work related half of my brain is! I just LOVE the summer and all it's wonderfulness. When I find my cottage (hopefully getting close) I WILL absolutely restart the family tradition of a yearly Clambake! It doesn't get much better then fresh seafood, cold beer and great laughs with friends and family! That's what down time should be all about! Happy Summertime!

Happy Holiday Weekend!

Whoo hoo, we're finally kicking off the summer!! It's my favorite time of year and just perfect for bright, fun, saturated colors! I think I'll be whipping up this tasty concoction over the weekend, it's called the sunshine dazzler. How great is that?

Sunshine Dazzler

• 1 part vodka
• 1 part fresh OJ
• 1 part fresh mango juice
• 2 parts dry champagne
• lots of ice
• orange slices

Mix ingredients in a pitcher adding champagne last & give a quick stir. Immediately serve over ice. We think this one is straw worthy.

channelling

I draw inspiration everywhere, today it's from all things California Cool.

image of children on porch: Melanie Acevado

Just a thought

Just a thought on a busy Tuesday. Enjoy this gorgeous day! xx.

By the pool

I think the warm weather is on its way?? In any case, any of these "by the pool" moments will work for me this Summer! It feels like it should be Friday, does anyone agree? Check back tomorrow for a fabulous give-away on my site!! You won't be disappointed!

I love everything about this image, especially the colors!

 + CUTE SUITS! {I am not sure that I am ready for any of these!}

J. Crew

Net - A - Porter

Carrot Top

Images: Elle Decor, Martha Stewart, Lonny Magazine, pinterest bttm 3. 

Room of the week - Summer Love



I have an insane couple of days ahead of me! So when I saw this screened in porch with a colorful lounge vibe, I knew I had to post it. I can picture my friends and I sipping cocktails on that sofa! Someday Maybe. Open air and screened in porches are fabulous! I am looking forward to the weekend already!

Image: BHG

Inspired - Patricia Urquiola

I've been a long time fan of Spanish designer/architect's Patricia Urquiola's designs. They're unexpected and sculptural, a refreshing break from the norm. I have always wanted to use her Caboche pendant for Foscarini in a kitchen!

I love Barcelona or anything in Spain for that matter. Here is Patricia's design for the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona.

West Elm - Outdoor

I'm currently loving West Elm's new Montauk collection. It's so versatile, and inviting. Plus it would look great with a slew of colors and prints!! See the line here
I'll take the backyard too. It's gorgeous.

Dining AlFresco

When I dine outside, everything just tastes a little better. Wouldn't you agree? I hate to say the summer is winding down, but it is..before I kiss the next three weeks goodbye, I'll be taking full advantage of the short "native corn + tomato" season in Boston. {I think my southern friends have been enjoying them all summer!} Here's a bit of inspiration for on both fronts!

+ two recipes..although both are equally yummy alone with a hint of salt + pepper! {correction: salt, pepper + butter on the corn}

Images: Domino, via Trey and Laura, Krista Ewart, Food/recipes - Coastal Living, Domino, ?, Elle Decor, Melanie Acevedo, flickr, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful

Lavender + Lilac

Aren't these flowers gorgeous? {inspiring wedding colors}

I'm drawn to certain colors at different times..who knows why? When I was pregnant it was pink {i guess that's not hard to figure out}. I'm most likely subliminally seduced with fashion and shelter magazines..this month's obsession is with lavender + lilac..{I'm guessing I'm craving cooler colors because of the crazy heat} not necessarily by entire rooms swathed by these colors but small touches!

I discovered this week that my favorite Sister Parish fabric - Burma is now available in lavender! {they've added a number of colors}

{ these walls might be a bit much after a while, but I'm loving the pillow, romans' + headboard}

{an oldie but goodie}

images: Veranda - scanned by Shelter, My Ideal Home, book - I'm looking up the name, Harper's Bazaar - August 2010, Domino, Decor Pad