Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Thoughts and Resolutions!


 Hmmm, Where do I begin? I could write a journal chatting about all that I am thankful for.  2013 was a pretty great year for me!

Here's what I discovered in 2013.......

I've learned wishing for the best, hard work, and attainable goals usually pan out!!
I've learned that the pain does subside..
I've learned sometimes things DO happen because something better was meant to be.
I've learned you don't climb mountains without taking risks!
I've learned dreams do come true.
I've learned stressing about small details doesn't change the outcome and in fact impacts clear decision making.
I've learned that bump in the night is usually NOTHING to worry about.
I've learned a warm, furry pet is a wonderful thing and when you lose that friend it's very sad!!
I've learned that life is full of unexpected surprises!
I've learned ending up with a person who makes you laugh is VERY important.


Here's what I plan to do more of in 2014......

Sharing, caring, loving
Read more!
Spend more time blogging and refining my business
Finish my home
Save more money and better organize my finances
Eat more fruits and veggies


Here is a toast to you, my friends + family and to a FABULOUS + HEALTHY 2014! xoxo


Friday, December 27, 2013

Feeling Festivius.....


Hello, Hello! I hope that you had a wonderful holiday. I had one of the best Christmases of my life. It's been a banner year..not only did I meet my 2013 goal of buying my own home (I'm going to take a few sneak peek progress shots to share with you). I have also found true love. I guess the sun does rise after every storm!
I've learned after overcoming my own personal adversity as long as you and your loved ones have your (their) health, everything else has a way of working out....(it usually turns out even better)

I'm taking a few much needed days off. I spent a little down time this a.m. scanning pinterest and came across these festive photographs of Dallas Shaw's home. I've also included a couple of inspirational decorative New Year's Eve photos below!


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas Cocktails..

Merry Christmas Eve! Sorry for the silence. I've been buttoning up work and all my holiday preparations. I'm in charge of devising and mixing a holiday cocktail to bring to my sister's house this year. I was torn. There were lots of minty and fun choices to choose from. I've settled on a more refreshing libation. Found via

Have a wonderful holiday all!! xoxoxo 
I'll return later this week.....Cheers!


Grape Nehi:
- 1.25 oz. Vodka - 3/4 oz. Chambord - 2 oz. Grape Juice, Cranberry Juice or Cran/Grape mixture (this is what I did!) - 2 oz. 7-up

Pour over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Holiday Cheer!

Holla! I'd love to steal a few minutes to revel in some holiday cheer this weekend! I hope to do a little baking with my kiddies. Here are a few recipes that recently caught my eye on Pinterest. I'll most likely go with the cookies...

Sorry, I've neglected to update you on my new home. It is coming along, I've been a bit too busy to focus on it! I'm thrilled with my kitchen choices so far though.
If I had won Mega Millions this week for the estimated 600 million, (I purchased five tickets and only hit 1 number) I'd definitely need to splurge on a gourmet kitchen. (see images below) but amazing things also come in little packages. (especially when you pay for them yourself - and with the handy help of your Dad)! 
pears
cookies
any chocolate cupcake recipe will do, along with some crafty decorating skills and tools!!


 Gourmet Kitch

And a little kitchen




Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Gift Guide - A few of my favorite things....



Hello, hello my blogger friends! I'm sharing my last gift guide with you today...I've chosen a few of my favorite things and each item on this list is under $175.00. Happy Shopping!

Are you excited for the holidays? We're getting a little snow storm here today in Boston. It is beginning to look like it's going to be a white Christmas!! (and an extra chilly winter)

1. I LOVE J. Crew necklaces. Nuff said!
2. How precious is this little girl crown? I came across this Etsy site today. Darling indeed.....
3. I live in scarves all winter! I wear them with all my sweaters...(pink is one of my favorite colors)
4. I need these!!
5. What pretty pink coasters! The perfect gift for the stylish someone on your list.
6. La Mer - I've always wanted to buy this face cream, even if I splurge on the little jar. I absolutely believe a great skin care regimen keeps you looking younger!!
7. I own this tote and love it!! I use it as my work bag. It perfectly fits my lap top and all the other trinkets designers carry around on a daily basis.
8. These Bass chukkas were stylish when I was growing up in the 80's and 90's. I think my boyfriend needs a pair! Every closet needs a few classics!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Cottage Love #10

I love the holiday season almost as much as I adore stylish cottage style homes. As you know I've been trying to pull my new home together on a realistic budget. It is getting there but I still have quite a long check list of items to purchase and design ideas to try! My goal is to create a chic but livable home for my family.

I picked up a copy of December's BHG to read on my flight to Chicago last week.  Welcoming, warm homes are right up my alley at this point in my life. I was drawn to this house, the holiday decorations and the easy going lifestyle featured.

all images via 12/13 BHG







Saturday, December 14, 2013

Shelter Loves

Happy Saturday!! I have the holidays on my mind this week. I was in Chicago yesterday working with Ace Hardware on 2014 holiday concepts - fun, fun!  Here is my Friday post and what I'm eyeing this week.

1. My house is almost done!! I can't wait to layer on the details!
2. Holla - check out the hunted interior home tour!
3. I may attempt to make these peppermint patties. What is better than mint and chocolate?
4. Take a chance!
5. I often use holly on my gift packages.
6. I love holiday earrings.
7.  Limed walls and pretty stair greens! Love!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Classic Christmas



Modernists and Traditionalist alike can appreciate a classic gift! Here are a few of my favorites! J. Crew is still having 30% off of everything on their site right now! I've been eyeing those earrings for weeks!

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8


Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Gift Guide - Home

My gift guides wouldn't be complete without a few selections for the home! (I mean this is a shelter blog isn't it?). Here are the home - gift picks!  I'll be sharing a couple more guides this week. Are there really only about two weeks left until Christmas?? Say Wha???

1/2/3/4/5 + 5/6/7/8/9


Monday, December 9, 2013

loving this...

This top looks adorable on Tory. Purchase it here.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Happy Friday!

My apologies for the late post, I've been in meetings! I'm off to get my tree tonight. I love holiday decorating...here's what's on my mind tonight besides this yummy glass of red wine I'm sipping.

Orchid is Pantone's color of 2014! What do you think?? I think as an accent it could be pretty.
I'm doing some holiday decorating and picking up my tree tonight! Speaking of J.Crew  (they always have cute catalog covers). I'm eyeing this sweater below. It would mix well with dress pants and jeans alike. I'm sorting wanting a bright red pair of fitted pants this year!



Thursday, December 5, 2013

Thoughts on home: the television


Above: A before shot of the dated, sad living room. This is going to be the art wall. (left) The walls in the living room are now painted a deep shade of grey and the floor have been stained a warm, walnut color. I'll share the after shots in a few weeks!!

This is my favorite art wall!
So I posted a while back about my living room television dilemma. I'm eventually turning an enclosed three season porch into family room but for now I need to house the tv in the living room. I'm heading over today to rearrange the furniture and set up the tv. I've decided to scratch mounting it permanently, instead I'm going to display it on a simple dresser and create an art wall around it.
I'd like to bring some of the art down lower towards the floor. 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Gift Guide - for little ones

I thoroughly enjoy shopping for the little ones in my life! I find I discover more unique items on-line or in boutiques then at the mall. Here is a selection of my favorite finds this year!

1. Every child needs a set of blocks. I love watching their little creative minds in action. I prefer wooden toys over plastic ones for a slew of reasons....
2. How sweet are these booties?
3. I like to keep a few hats on hand for each of my children. I'm liking this simple pink one from Crewcuts. It looks as if it will actually stay on!
4. Books! I never tire of "new" children's books. When my life feels chaotic I try to remind myself that someday my young children won't want to snuggle up with me and read a story.
5. My daughter loves her "stuffies", as she calls them. I can't resist buying her a new one each year.
6. I like to give my children (my mom started the tradition) a new pair of pj's on Christmas Eve. I always splurge on better quality ones....
7. I love vests (I've posted about this in the past) - therefore my children also own them! ;)
8. What young child doesn't love to push "stuff" around in "things" with wheels. This cart may be under the tree for my daughter this year. This is plastic but it would work well outdoors and for the beach.
9. One word: adorable!!
10. As a designer I have a weakness for wall art. Visit this Etsy shop for an array of colorful prints.


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Shelter Loves


Here is what I am eyeing this week!

1. Would love to layer this long feather pendant necklace with my other charm necklaces.
2. I only decorate with natural greens around my home. I may try a box wood wreath this year. These look unexpected paired with this gold sunburst mirror.
3. Yes please, to these brass bar stools in this Kelly Wearstler designed space! LOVE! I despise most bar stools I come across.
4. I could use a new pair of Uggs. I've just added these slippers to my holiday wish list.
5. Beauty has no age!


Monday, December 2, 2013

Gift Guide - For her


Good Morning! I hope you can steal some time today to take advantage of all the cyber-Monday deals..I hope to purchase these for my daughter's bedroom. Serena and Lily is taking 20% off everything on their site today.

Here are the deets on my gift guide for her:

1. These fun cocktail glasses are perfect for the holiday season.
2. Classic trimmed placemats are a great starting point for a beautifully set table.
3. You can't go wrong giving a bit of bling bling. Bauble bar is having a sale today!
4. I adore this necklace from J.Crew.
5. Classic totes are a wonderful gift. They are a staple in my world.
6. I think I need to add this cashmere scarf to my wish list.
7. Gloves via one of my favorite shops.
8. This glamorous Kelly Wearstler designed bottle opener could become an heirloom treasure.
9. Diptyque candles burn forever and aren't too strong scented.

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