Shelter Loves

There is lots going on here at Shelter and on the home front!!! I've been cranking on a number of projects at home and for my fabulous clients! A big thank you to Matty for being my own personal landscaper. (Dad thank you for your hard work too) We've been making some big changes around here. I've been working on the inside of the house while he's been working on the outside. I do love to plant so that's my domain. Matty ripped out the walkway he made last year (It was bothering him) and I've been devising my garden ideas. We're going with a sea side cottage feel but with a fun twist (of course). ( I am focusing on one section of the yard this summer)

On a work note, I've been as busy as can be. I'm at various stages within each project but I do plan on wrapping up a couple this summer! I'm hoping to finally get them photographed along with my own home!! (beyond excited for that). Our office furniture etc. should be arriving soon too. Yay!

Here is what I have been inspired by lately:

1. Aging can be a strange journey. I feel great about what I've accomplished and thankful for another year but am seeing a few more life lines and seem to need to run harder to stay as fit lately! (more to come on my new beauty regime) I think when it comes down to it, we all need to embrace the here and now and follow Brigitte's advice.

2. I'm working with one client who is pretty sure she wants to use black painted frames and panes in her home. I've been pulling all sorts of images and inspiration for her. If you follow my Pinterest boards you can usually get a sense as to what we are working on here at Shelter. #Pickwick project

3. I've been loving refined but interesting jewelry lately. 

4. Lemon yellow and navy have been on my radar this Spring.

5. I find it hard to find cute sundresses but I live in them when the weather gets hot here. When I find a cute one, I scoop it up.

6. I am all about stripes during the summer! I never regret purchasing classics.

Hope your week is off to a great start!! xx

Love the look - the white button down

If you bump into me on the street chances are I will have my hair tied back in a pony or bun and (when I had children my hair prep time flew out the window) I'll be wearing a layered outfit with a dash of color. This classic white button down is a wardrobe must have. It will mix with virtually anything. I love it this example but white button downs look equally as cool with white jeans or black pants. Stay tuned for my "french dressing" post part deux - summer staples. See part une here. I think in today's hectic world women are looking to simplify their lives now more than ever, why not start with refining your wardrobe? It makes getting ready in the am a snap!

This outfit is a no brainer but still chic as ever.

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Cottage Love #27

Have I mentioned my love affair with the Island of Nantucket? Located roughly 26 miles off the coast of Hyannis, Ma., I try to escape to this summer paradise when I can! This weekend is the annual wine festival. I'm missing it this year but a number of my friends are going! Cheers girls, I will miss you! xx

This adorable cottage has been flawlessly decorated by Jeffery Alan Marks. It has a bit of a masculine vibe to it but that could be easily adjusted...none the less, it's as pretty as a picture. 

Book of the Month - Windsor Smith - HOMEFRONT, Design for Modern Living

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Windsor Smith's latest publication, Homefront, Design for Modern Living (Rizzoli, New York). Let me just begin by saying that I have long been an admirer of Windsor's work.  I took some much needed down time this morning to read through her book and as expected it is a favorite new addition to my design book library.  Windsor's designs are refined and glamourous but livable! She effortlessly blends old and new elements to create timeless, fresh and insightful rooms. I've always been especially inspired by her attention to detail. Every facet is considered; the result? Page after page of rich, soulful environments. Here is a peek inside... Purchase HOMEFRONT through Amazon.

Gwyneth wrote the thoughtful foreward.

Cottage Love #26 - Casa Guava + Playa Grande

Celerie Kemble and her husband Boykin, over the course of ten years, developed and designed Playa Grande. Playa Grande an exclusive and beautifully executed hotel, golf and beach club is located in the Dominican Republic. Stretching over 2,000 acres, this gorgeous property exudes tropical perfection. Today I'm featuring Celerie's perfectly - imperfect "cottage" aptly named: "Casa Guava". Wow, would I love to visit this slice of heaven!

"I wanted the whole place to feel saturated with sun and salty air." Celerie Kemble

Images: AD + Indagare

Here's a peek at Casa Grande:

 Casa Guava:

Cinco de Mayo

We are going to have our own little Cinco de Mayo celebration tonight. While spanish music plays in the background my kids and I will make tacos. I may even whip up a couple anejo tequila margaritas. Although I am not Mexican; the cultural traditions, food and drinks are some of my absolute favorite!! My boyfriend is actually adopted and found out in his early twenties that his birth mother is of Mexican descent. Must be fate.


My top five Mexican inspired favorites:

1. The music. My musical tastes are all over the place but I've always enjoyed Spanish guitar music. To get a feel for the sound, check out this fun video!

2. I adore the colors of the embroidery and woven textiles of Mexico. Otomi embroidered items? Yes Please!
Dress via.
3. Tequila is hands down my favorite hard alcohol. I prefer the better quality brands and the smoothness of anejo. (aged for at least one year)
4. Mexican food!! Grilled fish tacos are one of my top three favorite foods to eat on planet Earth!
This recipe sounds yum! In fact, I have a number of Mexican recipes on my Pinterest page.
5. The idea of a Mexican inspired beach wedding sounds like perfection! This one combines all of the above and more!!

** Margarita's made with fresh ingredients are by far the best!! Try this recipe next time you make yourself a batch, you won't be disappointed. Via.

INGREDIENTS:

1 to 1 1/2 shots lime juice (1 shot glass equals 1/4 cup liquid)
2 shots water
1 to 2 shots tequila
1/2 to 1 shot agave nectar, or to taste
ice

DIRECTIONS:

1. Over a large cup, squeeze limes, about 2 medium/large, ripe limes. Tip - Paler green limes and those with yellow spots, and those with thin skin are juicier than darker-skinned limes or those with thicker skin. Medium/large limes seem to release their juice easier than small limes.
2. Add the water, tequila, agave, and stir. Taste and see if you need to make tweaks.
3. If desired, strain mixture to remove any lime pulp, although I don't bother.
4. Add ice generously, and stir or shake (by putting another cup over the top).
5. Serve immediately. Recipe is intended for those whom alcohol use is legal, done responsibly, and is appropriate..

Shelter Loves...

Hello May, so glad you arrived!! I pushed Friday's Shelter Loves post to today. I just couldn't squeeze it in on Friday. Here is what I was checking out last week!!

1.  I buy myself a couple new pairs of sandals every summer. These are on my hit list but I better scoop them up soon....they are selling out.
2. My daughter's room is coming along! I am creating a design board for her, much like I do for my clients! I have two paintings (someplace in one of my ten unopened moving boxes) and I need to get one more piece. I thought this site had some fun, colorful art at a reasonable price.
3. Krista Ewart is one of my favorite designers. Her home is in this month's House Beautiful. Every one of my client's usually has a vision and adjectives that describe what feeling they would like to create in their homes. I would say two of my personal descriptive words for my home would be: happy + chic! Krista's designs are just that. Bright and cheerful but still sophisticated!!
4.  I need more yoga in my life!! I run but need more time to stretch and relax too. I am going to try this routine a few mornings a week.
5.  Matty and I had a blast at the Derby party on Saturday. I'll share a photo of us on my happenings post this week! I came across this image in my Derby image search.. I am adoring this summertime look for a guy.
6.  I have to remind myself of this every now and again. From afar some people's lives, jobs, relationships etc. appear flawless. It feels as though they have the big picture and all the details very figured out...