Learning to Simplify


Well, I am half way through this and I have been learning a lot. The biggest change I have been feeling is to simplify so that is what I have been trying to do, although it is taking a bit longer than I had hoped. I always keep my home free of clutter, but that does not mean my garage does not store home goods for my one day home. Well, I am getting rid of all the "things" I have stored up. If I have no use for it right now then its out. I also cleared out about half of my closet. If I have not worn it in the last 6 months then it is gone, even if I still loved it. I did the same with my kiddos clothes. I still have to go through the toys and the laundry room. All in all I am feeling if the Lord is telling me it is okay to have a nice home that looks good and its okay to dress nicely, but I don't need the excess in order to do so.

All this leads me to this great book that was recommended to me by a friend. I have not been able to put it down. Leah Richardson not only has a beautiful eye for design, but really focuses on making it God centered. It is definitely speaking to me right now.

A big thank you from Donna of Livi & B for the Beautiful Blogger Award. Her blog is fabulous, be sure to check it out.

Office Inspiration




As I mentioned last week I am trying to get our new bigger office area in our keeping room put together. I need it to be functional, organized, and look good since all can see it. These I find quite inspiring. Hope to get it together by the end of the week. I can't do disarray for very long.

{Domino rip}

Outfit to Room...

This week I was sent an outfit to make into a room. I was ecstatic with her choice and it also gave me a post for today, ha! A way more fabulous version of my uniform...

{via Anthropologie}

Outfit to home office {you know the one that also happens to share your living space}...

{via Anthropologie}

This desk with it's clean lines and rustic charm would make any space proud.

{via Pottery Barn}

A comfy yet stunning office chair.

{via Highstreet Market}

A perfect way to sort all those bills.
{via 1st Dibs}

An alabaster lamp to add some pretty.

{via Pottery barn}

A couple of mint julep cups to hold all your pencils and pens.

{via Crate and Barrel}

A few of these would make hiding and sorting paper work easy. You just have to remember to clean them out every week.

{via here, here, here, and here}

A few books to have on hand piled nicely on the desk. These appeal to all my loves.
{via Shim and Sons}

Some cute push pins would help make the bulletin board framed in gold look extra chic rather than too "officey".

Can you tell I am trying to make our new desk area in our keeping room fit in more? I think something like this would work nicely.

Two Ellie



Oh my, it seems my new blog look is showing up wrong (as in ugly) in different internet servers. What do you see? It should look like the first image not the second, eww. I would also love to know which internet browser you use... firefox, safari, etc. Thanks for the help.

It seems the problem has been fixed, thank you for your help! or maybe not. Not sure what's wrong still, ugh.

Flat Living












I am a huge fan of having a yard, but if we had the money to own a flat like this then I would be more than happy to call this place home. Besides I am sure the kiddos would love to play on the swings on this roof top terrace. Of course this isn't any old loft, this is a 2 story penthouse designed by the owner/designer. I really wish the listing said who the designer was. The wall of shelves and that kitchen oh my.

{listing found here}

A New Look

Sorry if you had to witness the mess of a blog I had last night. Thankfully my husband came to my rescue and worked out all the kinks. Anyway, this will be my new blog look, at least for awhile that is. It feels much simpler and represents more of my goal for this year. To pare down and live more simply. Well, that's my intent anyway. Thanks for visiting and hope you enjoy.

Fit for a Princess






As soon as I saw this room over on the Tracery Interiors blog I knew I would have to ask if I could repost it on my blog. Although this room is meant to be for a little girl I know if my little Ellie or I had it we would be equally as happy. Their children rooms air more on the sophisticated side and that is what I love. I personally love a room that can grow with a child and the only changes that need to be made is the toys of choice. The first two images are of a large hallway at the top of the stair's and is used as a playroom. I am so borrowing the peg idea to hang all of Ellie's little princess dresses. Doug and Paige did a fabulous job on this home to see the other daughter's bedroom and to get more information on this room be sure to go here.

Downtown Chic


I was so very excited to receive a copy of Downtown Chic in the mail. The book is a sort of memoir of the decorating and renovation process from Sixx Design, a New York based design and development firm. I took the weekend and scoured this book from cover to cover. Robert and Courtney Novogratz are the masterminds behind Sixx Design. A company named after their then six children now seven, impressed? I know I am. To be able to see the before...


and after...


of so many of their projects was quite impressive. What I found most appealing is their design although very beautifully put together is made to live in. Even with finds from all around the world it seems they always had their many children in mind. These are just a few that I find to be utterly engaging for me and my kiddos.





Can't you image the fun to be had in these rooms? To see more of their projects you can go here or buy the book here. Also if you happen to be on the Jersey shore and need a hotel then Bungalow 24 looks fabulous and yes it was designed by Sixx Design. Oh, and did I happen to mention they have a reality show coming soon to Bravo called Nine by Design and slated to begin in April I believe, although their site does say January so you will just have to keep a look out.

My Uniform


I love fashion although I find myself wearing basically the same thing day after day. I think it is safe to say this has become my uniform for the season. Sure I may mix it up once in a while with a dress, but this is me paired with boots or ballet flats. The tunic can be switched out with a long sweater though. Oh, did I happen to mention that I just found out my husband does not care for my leggings he is more of a blue jean guy, oops.

I am starting my day for the next 21 days doing this. Want to join me? You can hear it live every morning at 6am.

{Gap | Anthropologie | J.Crew}

Caramel Pudding


I always have the best time going over all my favorite food blogs. I admire their work and sometimes even drool, but knowing my lack of cooking skills the recipes are just not attainable, well that is until yesterday. Since one of my resolutions is to learn how to cook I decided to tackle a new recipe from a food blog. This one came from the Smitten Kitchen and I already had all the ingredients on hand. Even to a novice most of her recipes seem attainable and she writes out the recipes in an easy to understand way. I knew I should at least try especially after seeing her kitchen. If she can cook brilliantly in a small space like that then I at least had somewhat of a chance. I must say I was a bit nervous, but the it turned out exactly as she said it would. I am completely giddy with my accomplishment.

A Cottage: Before & After












I grew up in Massachusetts and as a little girl visiting Nantucket gave me such fond memories. This 1920's Nantucket cottage was returned to what it once was by Jeffrey Bilhuber. Although the outside of this cottage looks quite idyllic the inside was worse for ware. Mr. Bilhuber bought the property without first taking a look inside, well can you say buyers remorse, but of course being the great designer he is he was able to make this place into a show stopper. Of course I could dissect every picture into what I enjoy, but I think I will just let you all enjoy.

{via Architectural Digest}

Dufner Heighes



I came across a new to me blog, Flourish Design and Style. Her taste is just wonderful and I know she will become a daily read for me. Anyway I came across these two images on her blog. The room was done by Dufner Heighes and I think it is brilliant. What I love is the dark trim against the light walls, the island that looks like a piece of furniture, the none use up upper cabinets, the huge basket filled with wood, that leather chair, the simple mantel decor, so I could go on and on. What grabs your eye at first glance?

Oh, and I received a blog comment from anonymous stating...

"Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as
newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!"

Um, thank you I think. You gave me a good laugh this morning and yes it is true I do feel as if the blog has gotten my creative juices flowing again.

Dear Husband

Yesterday I mentioned wanting to tile my back splash this year, well I also want to paint my maple cabinets to fit in with the rest of our home. My dear husband is still not on board with the idea, but maybe one day soon. This would be my inspiration...

{via Elements of Style}

This color looks similar to my trim color, I would probably go a shade lighter though for my cabinets. I also love the brass, but I am not sure how long it will last in the design world. If I were to go for it, even though I probably wouldn't, then these would work nicely...



{via Rejuvenation}

I am thinking a simple white subway tile with a darker grout. Currently we have Silestone counter tops in this urban cream I believe...

{via Silestone}

A little more on the antique brass rather than shiny brass side would make me happy...

{via Arteriors}

So dear husband if you happen to be reading then what do you think about painting the cabinets? You would not have to lift a finger, I promise.

A New Lamp for the New Year


Before we left the beach I took one more look in Tracery to make sure there was not something I so desperately needed/wanted. Well, I came across the Edison Lamp that I have admired for some time. I bought it with no where to actually put it. Officially my lamp addiction has gone completely out of control. I still love it though and I will find a place for it surely. Anyway this leads me to my New Year resolutions of some sorts...

- This year I am going to learn how to cook. I hope well, at least for my husbands sake.
- I am going to put to good use our new spin bike after I get the full go ahead to work out again and no we did not spend that much of ours in case you are wondering.
- I will not buy a new lamp for a whole year, okay maybe 6 months. I must be realistic.
- I will finally do our backsplash in the kitchen.
- To be more cheerful when doing house work. I am hoping my new toy will help.
- As a couple we are going to try to grow our savings account which in turns means less spending. This lady inspires me greatly in this area.
- More one on one dates with the kiddos.
- To live more simply, which I started last year and flopped miserably towards the end of the year. {Which means I may be having sale sometime soon: home goods, children's clothing, my clothing, etc.}

I am sure this list will be added to, but for now this one works.

Tracery Interiors, the Shop

Tracery Interiors Shop and 30A Funn hosted a fun-filled afternoon. We got to decorate party hats for the New Years which made for a perfect afternoon date for Ellie and I.




I had the pleasure of visiting with Bess, the Tracery Interiors blogger, once again. She is absolutely adorable and was gracious enough to allow me to take some photos of the shop. Let me just say that I would be more than happy to have the whole store move into my home.




Recognize this coffee table? It's just as gorgeous in person...


I really wish I learned how to do these from Bess, aren't they fabulous...


Of course I could not walk out of there empty handed so Ellie helped me pick these out...


This very well may be my longest post ever, but there was too much goodness not to share. I hope you all have a wonderful New Years. See you Monday in 2010, so crazy right?

For Sale










I love to browse real estate especially real estate that I can not afford, maybe it's the dreamer in me. Anyway I came across this home in Rosemary Beach real estate. It is owned by the woman of South of the Market and it was featured in Coastal Living some time last year. I love getting to see more of this gorgeous beach home and if any of you have an extra 5 million lying around then yes I would love to visit anytime. Oh, and it does come furnished which makes me giddy.

A Day at the Beach


Our first day at the beach could not have been any better. The kiddos rode their new bikes. Ellie is a champ KJ can use some more practice. The weather is cool, but perfect. We took strolls on the board walk and truly just relaxed.



Even though we never actually plan it Kellen and I always seem to match our children. I really don't mind dressing like my daughter, she already has more fashion sense than I.



That evening we headed out to Seaside and went to my favorite cupcake stand. There is a row of air-streamers serving up what your heart desires and mine always desires a cupcake. This time around I went for the special and got a salted caramel cupcake. I am not a huge frosting person, but this one I could eat a tub of.

As for the rest of the week, well not sure, but I do know I will be attending this.