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!

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

Bungalow Love

I've long had a "thing" for bungalow style homes..I'm not sure if it's their approachability of design, or their creative potential..but I'm always keeping my eyes open for that chic bungalow by the sea..I love the graphic use of charcoal, white + yellow on this home above. It's by Tamara from "House of Honey" {love the name btw}. for more of her "sweet" design click her site here. She also has a shop! {would love small store front someday}

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another fabulous bungalow style home: Anna Spiro's new getaway..for more images see her blog here. {i continually admire Anna's colorful approach}

Lulu's haven

I blogged about her book last Friday, now here's a peek at Lulu Power's home. Lulu's abode is full of personal, colorful flourishes and bohemian style.

I would love to have this feel on my patio {which we're intending to complete this summer}. A little glamour, a little country, a bit bungalow but most importantly inviting! Her home is surrounded by gardens, I love this concept and have been gardening colorfully myself this summer

images: Better Homes and Gardens via LuLu Powers.

TILE ME PRETTY!

Penny Rounds - Savoy

When I pop into Ann Sacks, at the Boston Design Center, I feel like a kid in a candy shop!! They are always coming out with dynamic, new creations!! Enjoy!

Their latest design. Love this covering an outdoor seating area.

Erin Adams

Michael Smith

Images: Ann Sacks website + Literature