Love the look

I'm heading to The Cape today for a little sun and fun this week!! It's a mini-vaca...Our first stop? The beach! Here's what is in my beach bag!!

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

We are going to the tip of the Cape - to P-town and Truro!

Shelter Loves...

Wow, how is it Friday already!? I could have used a clone this week. Here is what caught my eye, along with my thoughts. Have a fabulous weekend my sweets!!

1. Have I mentioned I want a pool someday?...Yes, a pool along with five of these flamingos for all my guests! How fun would these look floating around.
2.  I am almost finished with my front yard gardening!!! Next up? The side yard. I love this classic look along with the white house!
3. Ines de La Fressagne is hands down one of my favorite fashion icons. I am buying this Lacoste polo for the summer! I'll wear it with so many different looks!
4. Pineapples, pineapples. Pineapples seem to be everywhere lately! Good thing I love them. I'll be mixing myself up a pineapple smoothie this weekend.
5. This is a classic summer espadrille with a splash of color. As you may know, I adore pink.
6.  I TRY!!
7. I signed up for tennis lessons this summer. YAY! I really am excited to learn how to play well. I need a racquet.
8. Switch out your pillows for a quick summer update!

Home Love #2

In keeping with my cottage love posts, I will also be sharing larger homes that catch my eye. I am aptly titling these "home love". Here's another beauty this month. Luckily for us, Sue De Chiara of the fabulous retail store and blog Zhush has her home featured on the My Domaine website. Sue worked closely with designer Lauren from Muse Interiors to complete the project. It is a wonderfully chic mix of sandy greys and blues. Two of my favorite shades. Enjoy all the goodness and see more here. 

This bar and color are fabulous!!

Love the look

There's something about being on the water that puts me at ease..My parents have a little whaler and I was lucky enough to head out on a friend's boat a couple of weeks ago. Someday, I'll buy my own little boat. We live so close to so many beautiful places accessible by the water. Here's my boating gear check list! (this is basically my beach check list too)

Cheers to an amazing summer!!

** clearly a bathing suit is on this list too!! J.Crew is having a 40% off select swim styles sale today only!

1. Star fish earrings. I keep my jewelry minimal. Salt water and babbles don't mix.
2. Large sunglasses that don't cost a fortune. I have lost sunglasses in the water before, it's a real bummer when they are pricey ones. 
3. A cute cover up
4. Sun block of course. This is my favorite new brand!
5. A hat
6. Flip flops
7. A boat tote with my monogram. Find a similar one here. 
8. Lots of yummy snacks, a cozy sweat shirt and beach towels are also in my tote bag!

Curb appeal

My focus has been on the outside of my house this week. I shared my Palm Beach inspiration.  On that note and and keeping with a popular Palm Beach color scheme, I thought I'd share this gem. I always love aqua, mint, white and grey together. A classic and soothing mix for sure. This house is so pretty and inviting. I especially love this welcoming dutch door. This entire home featured in Luxe Magazine is lovely. Be sure to check out the kitchen color combo....beautiful.. 

Happy Friday and weekend. Wishing all the Dad's and men who act as a Dad and share their love..Have a wonderful Father's Day. Enjoy. xo

A bit of Palm Beach up north!

Sorry for the re-post of Krista's porch. I just ADORE this look.

Sooooo as I have mentioned we have been cranking on the yard. Next up? A seating area outdoors. I don't have a porch or a patio yet but I think we are going to install a patio at some point. In the meantime, I plan to set up a seating area and want it inspired by Palm Beach style. Think Chippendale details, scalloped umbrellas, stripes and lots of pretty colors!!! In fact, the prettier the better. (P.S. My bedroom is almost done. I am having bedside tables sprayed a very similar color to these blue chair cushions...eek!! I'm so excited!)

Find floor cushions here.

** Side note**

Be sure to hop over to Ace Hardware's Instagram  page as I take over their page a bit today sharing images of a day in the life of a Design Expert and Interior Designer!!
This is an image of my inspiration board.

Shelter Loves....

I haven't vanished from planet earth, but between end of year school celebrations, field trips, my wonderful clients, numerous camp applications and gardening... I have not had a minute to blog. If I don't blog, it means I most likely don't have time to eat, do laundry or much else for that matter...so never take it personally. Love y'all...;)

My summer mode is a more casual one. In fact, much like a couple of my pregnant clients, I prefer to nest during June. (no I am not preggers). We have been busy in the yard and with my house, that makes me so happy. Here is what is happening in life all around!! ( I am also breaking my no wine on Tuesday rule right now - sorry bikini belly)

Shoes:  Comfy shoes. Sorry, heels are chic as hell but don't make much sense for designers. I tend to wear flats unless I am heading out at night. (then heels are my friend)

Nail Polish:  Second Honeymoon is one of my favorite nail shades! It looks great with a hint of a tan.

Clam Bake: I want to have a clam bake this summer! We have been growing a new lawn and much to my surprise, it is coming in nicely!!

Plates:  I love entertaining during the summer. What is better than dining al fresco with good food and friends? Not much. These small plates from Anthro are adorable and would be so useful.I

Short Wellies: The kids, Matty and I have been gardening. We actually planted a small veggie and herb garden over the weekend. I am hoping it does well. I love planting flowers but haven't planted too many veggies in the past. To make a salad from my garden would be a dream. I wore my wellies to garden and think I may even buy a short pair to use all the time in the yard. The best part is they hose off beautifully when done. Planting can get messy but there is something therapeutic about getting your hands and feet in the mud! Boot here.

Herb Garden: Loving this. Mine is right outside my kitchen window and we boxed it in.

Sangria: I love a fresh sangria, this recipe doesn't use sugar, which is my preference! (see recipe and source below)

Quote: Think about this....  (quote from one of my favorite books)

Sangria:

1. 1 bottle of sweet white wine
2. 1 bottle of champagne
3. 1 orange
4. 1/2 lemon
5. 1 cup raspberries
6. 1 cup blueberries
7. 12 strawberries
8. 1 cup 100% pineapple juice
9. 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
10. 1/4 cup honey (optional to sweeten the sangria if needed)

Instructions

1. Pour the white wine and pineapple juice into a large pitcher.
2. Wash and cut the fruit and add to the pitcher.
3. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but up to 1 day.
4. Just before serving, pour in champagne and brandy and stir well.
5. Garnish with fruit and enjoy!

Love the look - flying must haves!

Follow me on Instagram here!! I try to share sneak peeks and clips of my life daily.

Hola! How's your week? Mine? Busy, but great. I took a quick day trip on Tuesday to film a short segment for Ace Hardware! I've got this travel thing pretty down. At times, I am gone at least once a month. Today as a part of my Love the look series I wanted to share my travel essentials. I don't leave home without these! Above is a quick peek of the items I brought on flight Tuesday.

1. A fabulous sturdy bag. This amazing Chloe one is on my "wish list". 
2. I need to start to read more. Pre kids I read a ton. I like the feel of a book in my hand. I don't down load them (yet)..Rumor is this one's a great thriller.
3. Hand cream!
4. I always bring a snack. Almonds are my go to. They are healthy and hold you over. Who knows when you'll be stuck on a run way?
5. I ALWAYS bring a scarf. I find planes either to be too cold or sweltering! Either way, scarves make me feel secure when it's chilly and if I am exhausted from traveling.
6. An ipad. If I can avoid bringing my computer, I do. I have learned to travel light. It makes life much easier!!
7. If I am staying over night, I usually bring a light bag. I've learned to pack well! Brics bags are great and this particular one can attach onto a suitcase if needed. (see images)
8.  Lip balm. I am addicted!
9. Headphones. it is nice to block out the world sometimes. 
10. Comfy slip on shoes..I like to wear something stylish but also something that is easy to get on and off for obvious reasons!! I also had to sprint on Tuesday, so it helps to have a good shoe on. 
11. And finally WATER!!! Flying is sooo dehydrating.

Katie Lee's home (not a cottage but I home I loved)

Not so much a small cottage but I did enjoy coming across the colorful retreat of Katie Lee's vacation home in Domino Magazine. With the help from friend and designer Nate Berkus the pair transformed this shingle style home, located in South Hampton, into a welcoming retreat with lots of color and feminine details. As most of you know, I also love to cook. Katie's new cookbook, Endless Summer, is available here. See Katie's website here. 

I am always on the look out for gorgeous cottage style homes to share with you all!

Purchase Katie's cookbook here.

See the entire article and more images via Domino Magazine. 

Shelter Loves...

Hello, hello! A huge TGIF to you! I don't know if I was coming or going this week. It seemed like I was only home to sleep! I've been doing lots of client shopping lately. Here is a run down of what's on my radar....Have a goodie! xo.

1. I LOVE a layered table, anemones and Aerin Lauder for that matter. Isn't this table beautiful?? (by Aerin)

2. I seriously envy women who not only have gorgeous hair (I am not complaining but some seem to have the shiniest of locks) but the time to style them beautifully. Honestly, I only wash my hair about three times a week. (my hair dresser says this is better for it) My go-to style is a bouncy pony tail. It's easy, stays out of my way but still looks pulled together. I will however take the time at some point to try one of these on my hair!! Do you have a favorite brand??

3. I learned this a long time ago!

4. There are ups and downs to my job. One of the "ups" are my favorite clients. Ones who not only let you help them design their home but become friends along the way. I have one client I have been working with for well over a year. She's wonderful and it has been a pleasure working with her. I stopped by her house this week and everything is looking really good. The paint colors looked perfect! She has a lovely home and great taste! I cannot wait to have this one photographed.  We were chatting about cleaning out your closet. I tend to buy great quality staples and layer in with colorful trends. This outfit is a perfect early summer mix of neutral staples. One of my favorite colors to wear is white/cream Find a similar sweater here.

5. Pink pampas grass...How fun is this?

6. My new best friend! They say after thirty if you use one product, it should be eye cream! I have been using this cream by Beauty Counter and I love it! My dear and talented friend Sarah is one of their beauty consultants. She can give you any extra information about all of their amazing and safe products. Be sure to read Sarah's blog, it's a favorite.

7. Capri, I desperately want to meet you!

8. I LOVE frozen yogurt. In fact, I probably stop by Sweet Frogs too often. This is a recipe to make you own. Mint chocolate chip is one of my favorite flavors.

** One last note, I popped into Anthropologie this week to shop for a client. I of course did not make it out of there without a couple goodies for myself. Loving these gladiators. 

patio love

My apologies for the radio silence....I have been in meetings or client shopping all week. I will however, leave you with this gorgeous image today. I love this time of year. This entire home was pretty cool but I especially loved the hidden patio and black windows frames. Cheers! I will be working from the office tomorrow, so you will be hearing from me. xx

Image via

summer essentials...love the look

Between for myself (and house) and client orders my poor amex has been getting some serious use lately! Here is a round up of items I've either purchased or am going to purchase to finish off my summer wardrobe!

** I ended up buying this dress too. It looks cute on!

1.  I need this lem lem scarf. Around here the temps can drop quickly. It's the price you pay for living near the ocean. I usually bring a jacket and scarf with me when I head out at night.
2.  Classic rope knot earrings.
3. New shades.
4. Another straw hat...I always bring a hat to the beach!!
5. I love the flare jean trend and want a lighter denim pair for the summer. This brand fits me well.
6. I've been looking for a non wedge or non narrow heel pair of sandals. I'm thinking of getting these. Cork heels are comfy.
7. This adorable blanket can be monogrammed too!
8. Colorful tassels are inexpensive and a great way to add some dimension to simple outfit.
9. I live in flats when I am not going out at night. I rotate between thong sandals and flip flops (for the beach and around town)
10. I'll stock up on short sleeve tees. They are so versatile. I like J.Crew and James Perse brands.